All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea once agreed a £200m+ deal to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona, however, a former Blues star stopped the Argentine icon moving to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s best signings under Abramovich

After Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003, he turned the Blues into a force to be reckoned with, especially in the transfer market, smashing the club’s record signing on numerous occasions. In total, the Russian spent more than £2bn on player signings while also splashing £90m when it came to hiring and firing managers.

Chelsea's most expensive signings of all time

Todd Boehly has spent big in recent years.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

Major trophies would be a regular occurrence for Abramovich during his time at Stamford Bridge, but he would eventually sell up in 2022.

Abramovich’s top Chelsea signings in pictures

Abramovich employed numerous managers for Chelsea, and one of the most successful bosses he hired was Jose Mourinho.

Across two spells as Chelsea manager, Mourinho won eight major honours, including lifting the Premier League on three occasions.

Premier League

2005, 2006, 2015

FA Cup

2007

League Cup

2005, 2007, 2015

Community Shield

2005

He managed some top-quality attackers in London, including Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard, however, Mourinho so nearly worked with Messi at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea agreed £200m+ deal to sign Messi under Abramovich

Back in 2014, Chelsea attempted to sign Messi from Barcelona, with Mourinho holding a face-to-face video call with the legendary attacker.

The manager looked to have persuaded Messi to depart the Nou Camp for Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea agreeing to trigger Messi’s €250m (£210.9m) release clause and hand him a huge wage packet in England worth around £50m per season plus 70 per cent of image rights. Mourinho reportedly told Messi he couldn’t wait to work with him, as per Gianluca Di Marzio.

Messi was also quoted admitting he actually wanted to move to Chelsea.

However, former Chelsea midfielder Deco was alerted of a deal by Cesc Fabregas and made Messi’s father and agent Jorge, aware of the talks, which led to a deal ultimately falling through.

As we know, Messi has continued to show why he is one of the greatest players of all time and would eventually leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

The attacker then headed to the MLS with Inter Miami and has never played in the Premier League, so Chelsea fans may think differently of Deco knowing he helped stopped a transfer.

It’s safe to say that Liverpool fans will have very little care for the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States of America. In fact, not many football fans in general have tuned in for proceedings just yet.

Chelsea’s opening game with LAFC was played in front of a minuscule crowd considering how big the stadium actually was.

Despite that, there are some talking points on the pitch, none more so than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid got their campaign underway against Saudi side Al Hilal on Wednesday and could only manage a 1-1 draw. Perhaps the gap to Saudi’s top sides isn’t as big as we may think.

How the media world reacted to Trent’s debut

It doesn’t feel like long ago now that Alexander-Arnold announced to the fanbase that he’d be leaving his boyhood club behind in favour of the Spanish capital, Madrid.

After he let it be know that he’d be departing; the right-back was understandably greeted with a chorus of boos. For one of the club’s most infamous academy graduates, this was surprising.

Chalkboard

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

Yet, once all was said and done, the right-back didn’t actually end up leaving on a free transfer.

Before the aforementioned Club World Cup got underway, there was a frenzy in the transfer market as a plethora of teams tried to get early deals over the line.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

At Chelsea, it was striker Liam Delap arriving while Manchester City confirmed the additions of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki. Not bad at all.

As far as Madrid were concerned, they ended up parting ways with around £8m in order to bring Alexander-Arnold to the club in time for the beginning of this summer’s tournament in the USA.

Well, after his debut on Wednesday evening, Florentino Perez and Co may well be wishing he hadn’t officially signed yet.

This clearly wasn’t Madrid at full strength but it was a horrible afternoon for the Merseyside defender.

He was slapped with a 5/10 match rating from one Real-based outlet, who noted the full-back had ‘some problems’ in the first half and was rather ‘discreet’ throughout.

Another Spanish publication, Football Espana, weren’t too kind either, also giving Trent a rating of 5/10. They were also damning of his abilities, writing that it was an ‘underwhelming’ debut where he was ‘not at his best defensively’. Now, isn’t that a surprise?

Closer to home, 90min gave the new signing a 4/10 rating, making note of how he ‘sometimes forgot’ his marking duties.

How Trent compares to Huijsen on debut

Also making his debut for Madrid in the game with Al Hilal was Dean Huijsen.

The Spaniard was the subject of interest from a plethora of Premier League clubs before the window got underway with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in particular chasing their signature.

The Reds were reportedly one of the favourites to prise him away from Bournemouth but like Alexander-Arnold, Madrid was an offer he could not refuse.

As it happens, the centre-back enjoyed a far better maiden game in Real colours, handed a 7/10 rating by Football Espana.

They wrote that, ‘in contrast to Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen looked assured in his debut. He helped a lot in build-up, which would have pleased Alonso.’

65

Mins played

90

2

Clearances

3

1

Interceptions

1

0

Tackles

3

57

Touches

80

89%

Accurate passes

87%

1

Key passes

1

1/4

Ground duels won

6/6

0/1

Aerial duels won

2/4

Despite the setbacks of not signing Huijsen and losing Trent, Liverpool appear to be in a good place, having confirmed the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong and reportedly on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz in a British record deal and Milos Kerkez.

Therefore, it’s unlikely they’ll be losing too much sleep over the Alexander-Arnold situation now.

Dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £50m Van Dijk heir

With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but signed, Liverpool are considering a swoop for a centre-back.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 11, 2025

Looking to get their summer business underway, Leeds United have now reportedly made a lucrative offer to sign an impressive Championship gem who’s yet to sign a new deal at his current club.

Leeds aiming for busy summer

Back in the Premier League in style after hitting 100 points and securing the Championship title, Leeds will be desperate to get things right this summer. None of the last six promoted sides have survived at the first time of asking in England’s top flight and that’s a trend that Daniel Farke’s side will be keen to end at long last. If rumours are anything to go by too, those at Elland Road are in for a big summer in pursuit of breaking that trend.

Club chairman Paraag Marathe also reiterated that the 49ers will spend at Leeds this summer, telling reporters at the start of May: “Whatever they will let us spend, we’ll spend. I can comfortably say that we are going to spend the very last penny that we can.

49ers now preparing £15m+ bid to sign "playmaker" who Farke wants at Leeds

The Whites are plotting some intelligent moves under Daniel Farke…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025

“I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy. There’s an argument to be made that there’s a widening gap. With all due to respect to the other clubs, I think we’re different. We have an opportunity we have scale that nobody else has.”

Just who Leeds spend that money on is the big question. Names such as Emi Buendia and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson have already threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks, and it’s clear that Farke is looking to boost his attacking options.

Ferguson could be a particularly interesting arrival, given his untapped potential following a difficult loan spell at West Ham United. With his place at Brighton in doubt, Leeds could yet come calling in a bid to help him rediscover his best form. Signing young players could be the way forward this summer too, with a Championship talent now also reportedly among Leeds’ targets.

Leeds make lucrative Tezgel offer

According to TeamTalk, Leeds are among the sides who have made a lucrative offer to sign Emre Tezgel, who is proving to be quite the contract rebel at Stoke City with just one month left on his current deal and an agreement over fresh terms yet to be reached.

Opening the door for those in Yorkshire, the 49ers could beat clubs in both Turkey and Scotland to the 19-year-old’s signature.

A player who was dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig when playing for England’s U17 side at just 15 years old, Tezgel, who has now represented England’s U20s, could now leave Stoke.

It should come as no surprise that a number of clubs are interested in his signature, either. The young forward scored a stunning 11 goals in just five games in the Premier League 2 for Stoke’s youth side throughout the campaign, and also broke into their senior side – making 12 Championship appearances.

Whether Tezgel would receive the same opportunities in the Premier League is the question that he must ask if he completes a move to Elland Road this summer, but there’s no denying his clear potential.

There might be another 90 minutes to play, but for most Arsenal fans, the season is now done.

Instead of looking forward to what is now a pretty meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, supporters are beginning to dream about what the club might do in the summer transfer window.

After all, after last year, new Sporting Director Andrea Berta has a big job on his hands convincing them that the board are prepared to go all in to finally get the club over the line next season.

Fortunately, recent reports have now touted an international superstar for a move to the Gunners, someone who is just the sort of signing fans have been crying out for and someone who’d be a dream addition for Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal transfer news

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked to a plethora of incredibly talented footballers, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could end up costing the club as little as £55m if reports are to be believed, which may well be one of the deals of the summer, as in just 51 games this term, he has scored 53 goals and provided 13 assists.

Eze, on the other hand, will cost around £68m due to a release clause in his current deal, although again, thanks to his ability to play in multiple positions and the fact he’s racked up 25 goal involvements in 42 games this season, makes that fee seem more than reasonable.

However, to really help take the team to another level and across the finishing line next season, Arteta and Co may want to sign a bonafide superstar, someone like Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are “now seriously considering” moving for the Real Madrid star.

The journalist has revealed that talks have already “begun behind the scenes” and that the deal is “on.”

The report does not mention a price, but according to other stories from earlier this month, the Brazilian winger could be available for around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Rodrygo’s stature and ability, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as it would seriously help Saka as well.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka

So, if Arsenal are able to get the deal done and bring Rodryo to the Emirates this summer, just why would his signing be such a good thing for Saka?

Well, the first thing is that he’d finally be able to take some of the burden off his shoulders, as not only is he a natural left-winger, but he’s one who knows just where the goal is.

Said to be among the “best players in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, in 52 appearances last season, he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 52 games, which worked out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games.

Then this season, even though Los Blancos have struggled more, he’s still managed to put up impressive numbers of 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games.

For context, Gabriel Martinelli has scored ten goals and provided six assists in as many games, and Leandro Trossard has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 55 games.

Appearances

50

50

55

Minutes

3290′

3493′

3428′

Goals

13

10

10

Assists

10

6

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.32

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

143.04′

218.31′

180.42′

So, with someone as effective as the Brazilian off the left, the Gunners mercurial number seven wouldn’t have to do quite as much himself, which could help him perform better.

The next significant benefit to signing the Real ace is that he’s more than comfortable playing off the right as well, so Arteta could more easily rest the Hale End superstar and help prevent him from suffering any more serious injuries.

Finally, during his time in Madrid, the Osasco-born dynamo has won everything there is to win in the club game, from league titles to the Champions League, so his know-how in those tense must-win games could finally help the North Londoners get over the line next season, and in turn, help Saka achieve his dreams of leading the team to glory.

Ultimately, while he’ll cost them a pretty penny, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as not only would he help elevate the whole team, but he could also be the perfect teammate for Saka.

Arteta has struck gold on Arsenal star worth millions more than Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 21, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the market for a new striker this summer. According to recent reports from Italy, the Old Gold are keen on signing Lazio centre-forward Taty Castellanos.

Any move could cost the Molineux side a fee of around £29m. Unless Vitor Pereira sells a few players to raise funds, this might prove problematic.

It isn’t just a centre-forward that they need ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Another midfielder would go a long way to seeing them finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

Wolves eye move for Premier League midfielder

The Old Gold have shown interest in Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of late, but they are also keen on bringing Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott to the Midlands this summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Wolves are set to accelerate talks over securing the services of £50m-rated Elliott. The £40k-per-week midfielder has two years left on his current contract at Anfield, but having failed to establish himself in the starting XI this season, the door is ajar for Wolves.

He has plenty of experience in the top flight and would certainly give Pereira’s side something extra in the final third, as he could either operate on the right wing or as a number ten.

With the Portuguese manager eyeing a swoop for Castellanos to bolster his attacking department, the pair could form a dream duo next season.

Why Wolves must sign Harvey Elliott this summer

The Englishman made his debut for Liverpool during the 2019/20 season, just months after joining from Fulham.

Since then, he has amassed nearly 150 competitive appearances for the Reds, scoring 14 times and registering 19 assists.

This season, however, he has struggled for gametime. He has started only five times for the club, but has scored against PSG and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

In the Premier League last season, he showcased his attacking qualities, creating five big chances, averaging 1.1 key passes, and averaging 1.4 shots per game.

Goals

3

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Shots per game

0.8

Goal conversion percentage

75%

Balls recovered per game

2.6

Via Sofascore

Adept at either finding the back of the net or generating chances, deploying him on the wing could see him shine with Castellanos.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Elliott ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes (9.41), in the top 9% for shot-creating actions (5.3), and in the top 12% for assists (0.34) over the previous 365 days.

These statistics indicate just how much of a threat he could be in the final third. Castellanos has netted 14 goals and grabbed eight assists for Lazio this term.

Should he move to England, Pereira will need players behind him who are capable of providing plenty of opportunities for the Argentinian striker.

By signing someone like Elliott, the club would be getting a solid, homegrown midfielder who can operate across several positions.

Much will depend on the sort of fee Liverpool are after, but if it is within their budget, Wolves must do all they can to bring him to the Midlands.

Ideal for Dewsbury-Hall: Wolves chasing move for "extraordinary" gem

Wolves look keen on signing a striker from Serie A.

1 ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Liverpool boss Arne Slot could oversee some significant squad changes this summer and his side could now have taken a step forward in their hunt to sign a new striker, per reports.

Liverpool could now kick transfer activity into gear

Other Monday mornings pass by with little in the way of incident, but Liverpool fans will have been rocked by confirmation that Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Fabrizio Romano has delivered the news that will undoubtedly have Reds fans talking for weeks to come, meaning Arne Slot will need to dip into the market for a replacement.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could arrive at Anfield to provide competition for Andy Robertson on the left of the backline, though the other side will now likely demand more attention due to Alexander-Arnold’s bitter departure. Barcelona’s Jules Kounde is on the list to replace the Reds’ academy graduate. However, he will cost in the region of £68 million to prize away from the La Liga giants.

Arne Slot is now a Premier League winner and won’t be keen on hanging around as his side look to establish themselves as England’s dominant force over a number of years.

Statement arrivals will be needed to fend off a new challenge from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal next term, while there may also be transfer battles between the traditional ‘Big Six’ to land talented assets.

Now, Liverpool are said to be positioning themselves for a clinical striker who is commanding the attention of several elite clubs this summer.

Liverpool embark on Benjamin Sesko scouting mission

Per TBR, Liverpool sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko in action against Bayern Munich last weekend alongside representatives from Arsenal and Chelsea. The Slovenia international’s entourage are in regular talks with the clubs mentioned and England appears to be the striker’s likeliest destination this summer.

Benjamin Sesko’s record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

21

Assists

6

Manchester United and Newcastle United may also be worth watching out for in the race for his signature. No final decision has been made on Sesko’s future, though his camp are comfortable with the way things are shaping up.

Labelled as someone with “incredible potential” by Jurgen Klopp, the 21-year-old scored in front of scouts before Bayern Munich were confirmed champions on Sunday due to Bayer Leverkusen dropping points. Showing his clinical nature, Sesko has directed 31 of his 67 shots in the Bundesliga on target alongside completing an impressive 38 dribbles this term.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota could be at risk of moving on this summer, and Sesko would definitely be an ideal alternative that could cement his place as number one striker at Anfield for years to come.

Arsenal could hijack a Man United deal for one of their “special” transfer targets, according to reports, as his representatives schedule talks with the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta looks ahead to summer after trophyless Arsenal season

With the 2024/2025 season yielding little in the way of honours, after Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals by PSG earlier this week, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta will now be looking ahead to the summer window.

Arsenal hold talks to sign £21m star who prefers Gunners over Man United

Mikel Arteta’s side are more appealing than Old Trafford.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

It is set to open in a matter of weeks, specifically from June 1 to June 10, before reopening again from June 16 to September 1.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Luckily for Arteta, much of the groundwork has already been laid in regard to some key transfer targets, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi reliably expected to be joining Arsenal (BBC).

Alongside Zubimendi, some media outlets are reporting that Arsenal are making very significant progress on a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with all parties aligned on the contract package he’d get in north London (Football Transfers).

Unfortunately for the Gunners, news emerged that Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who was widely believed to be a target as well, appears more likely to make the move to Old Trafford instead.

The Brazilian, who has a £62.5 million release clause in his contract, boasts 17 goals and six assists from 33 appearances, and he can also play in a variety of attacking positions.

However, while United are the standout favourites for his signature, Arsenal haven’t entirely lost hope yet.

Matheus Cunha schedules talks over joining Arsenal

That is according to talkSPORT and their reporter, Alex Crook, who claim that Cunha’s representatives have scheduled talks over joining Arsenal, with Newcastle United also keen, as the former Atlético Madrid star keeps his options open.

New sporting director Andrea Berta actually signed Cunha for Atlético during his time at the La Liga club, so perhaps the Italian could still have a say here.

TalkSPORT adds that United are fearful of a potential late hijack, so the Red Devils intend to move quickly as the summer window opens soon.

“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” said Wolves boss Vitor Pereira about Cunha, summarising why clubs are so keen on the 25-year-old.

“We try his corner because we want the swing inside to explore this. But you can work a lot and in the end nothing happens. With this kind of player, this can happen. I think it is not about work, it is about quality, his individual quality.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Liverpool’s attack has caught the eye throughout 2024/25, leading them to the success they’ve endured in the Premier League throughout Arne Slot’s debut campaign.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the Reds’ shining light within the final third, registering 33 goals and 23 assists in his 48 appearances across all competitions.

The Egyptian has catapulted the side to the summit of the division, with his contract extension a huge boost to their ambitions of replicating such success next campaign.

However, if they are to reach such levels once again, Slot will undoubtedly want to bolster his ranks to provide key depth in forward areas of the pitch.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in laying the foundations for an overhaul, with incomings and outgoings expected.

An update on Liverpool’s attacking department this summer

Darwin Núñez has ultimately failed to deliver in the final third for Liverpool this season, registering just seven goals in his 42 appearances across all competitions.

Such form has led to doubts over his future at Anfield, with the Reds willing to offload him for £35m this summer as Atlético Madrid ponder a move for his signature.

A sale would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, but such a void could be filled by West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen if reports in Spain are to be believed.

The 28-year-old has been made a priority signing this summer, with the report stating that the Reds are readying themselves for an offer amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

His record of 10 goals and seven assists in 2024/25 has led to huge interest from the Merseyside outfit, but they would have to fork out £50m should they want to secure his signature.

The report concludes by suggesting the Reds have actually ‘already taken the first step toward securing.’

Why Liverpool’s £50m target is the dream Isak alternative

Given their hunt for a new talisman this summer, it’s no surprise that Newcastle United’s star man, Alexander Isak being linked with a move to Anfield after his own exploits in the final third throughout the ongoing season.

The Swede has notched 22 league goals to date, with only Salah scoring more in the division, but given his goalscoring record, any deal would set the hierarchy back a pretty penny.

It has previously been reported that the Magpies would demand a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with the 25-year-old this summer – a figure that may be out of Slot’s range.

Such a valuation could see other targets considered within the coming months, leading to a potential move for Hammers star Bowen, who could provide the goods on a consistent basis.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, Bowen has managed to match or outperform the Magpies star in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be the perfect alternative should they be priced out of a move for Isak.

The 28-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the best signings in West Ham’s modern history” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

The former Hull City ace has also managed more progressive carries and progressive passes, offering Slot a much better all-round option in forward areas than Isak.

Games played

30

31

Goals & assists

16

28

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

42%

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

Progressive passes

2.9

2.6

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

Take-ons attempted

3.9

3.1

Fouls won

1.6

0.4

His talents don’t stop there, with the “unplayable” winger – in the words of Thomas Frank – attempting more take-ons along with more fouls won, with his nimble and energetic playstyle a real danger for opposition defenders.

Whilst the Swede will undoubtedly remain the supporters’ number one option, a deal for Bowen would be a sensational one, allowing for other investment throughout the squad.

£50m for a player of his quality in today’s market is a bargain, allowing the side to forget about Nunez and Isak, subsequently allowing them to make another stride for Premier League glory in 2025/26.

Slot's answer to Coutinho: Liverpool frontrunners to sign £50m "magician"

Liverpool are planning to make a sweep of exciting signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 29, 2025

Aston Villa are now in a three-way race to sign an “incredible” midfielder who is ready to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.

Villa stepping up midfielder pursuit

As we approach the summer transfer window, Villa seem to be particularly keen on adding a midfielder to their ranks, having submitted an offer for Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan last week, and Fabrizio Romano has recently dropped a further update.

A deal for Nypan appears to be edging closer, but given that the Norwegian is just 18-years-old, Unai Emery may be keen on bringing in a central midfielder with a little more experience at the top level, and contact has been made over FC Barcelona’s Marc Casado.

Back in October, it was revealed that Emery had personally requested the signing of Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet, with the manager being left “captivated” by the midfielder’s performances, which indicates the Spaniard is a big fan.

Now, there has been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Sancet, with a report from Spain revealing they are now in a three-way race for the 24-year-old, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

The Villans are said to be closely monitoring the Spanish midfielder’s development, and their presence in the Champions League should give them a good chance of winning the race for his signature.

The Pamplona-born maestro is ready to leave Athletic Club this summer, but a deal will not be cheap, with the La Liga side set to hold out for his release clause of €80m (£69m).

Aston Villa ready to spend £75m to sign star who has scored at Villa Park

He’s been in stellar form this season.

1 ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025 "Incredible" Sancet could be fantastic signing for Villa

The attacking midfielder has previously been lauded as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he has been one of his side’s top performers in La Liga this season, having averaged a 6.97 match rating.

The Spain international has been particularly impressive in front of goal, having scored 16 goals in all competitions, including 15 in 23 La Liga games, which is a phenomenal record for a midfielder.

As a result, the Athletic star ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while also ranking very highly on some other key metrics for midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.64 (98th percentile)

Pass completion %

82.3% (86th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.78 (86th percentile)

Sancet could be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa this summer, and they should be well-placed to compete for his signature, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League once again.

With The Friedkin Group looking to make their mark at the beginning of a new era at Everton, the new owners have now reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign an in-demand defensive target.

New era approaching at Everton

Preparing to bid farewell to the historic Goodison Park in the coming weeks, it’s all change at Everton and they’ll be desperate to commence a new era in fine fashion this summer. Attempting to add the signings to match an impressive new stadium, the Toffees have already reportedly set their sights on the likes of Liam Delap and Vangelis Pavlidis.

The former will reportedly be available at the bargain price of just £30m if Ipswich Town are relegated back down to the Championship this season, which is beginning to look like an inevitability. If Friedkin are looking for a statement of intent, then winning the race to sign the impressive forward would certainly provide exactly that this summer.

It’s not just attacking reinforcements that David Moyes will need if he is to take Everton away from the misery of relegation battles once and for all, however. The former West Ham United manager will also need some fresh faces within his backline, especially in the face of Michael Keane’s likely exit as a free agent this summer.

Friedkin not messing around: Everton join £80m race to sign 24-goal striker

He’d be an instant upgrade.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

Just what Friedkin’s budget will be ahead of the summer window remains to be seen, but it looks set to be a busy one for Everton, who have already reportedly submitted an opening bid for one star.

Everton submit opening bid to sign "perfect" Hancko

Looking to commence their summer transfer window with a bang, those in Merseyside have reportedly made their first move. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Friedkin have now submitted an opening offer worth €25m (£21m) to sign David Hancko this summer, only for Feyenoord to reject that opening bid in pursuit of around €30m (£26m) for their defender.

Whether Friedkin will be keen to up their offer will certainly be interesting to see, especially given how close they already are to Hancko’s reported valuation and amid competition from Bayer Leverkusen.

A player who has the “perfect profile” to act as the modern-day hybrid between a centre-back and full-back according to analyst Ben Mattinson, all signs are pointing towards a move away from Feyenoord for Hancko this summer whether it’s to Everton, Leverkusen or elsewhere.