As big a blow as Trent: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk confirmed that the Premier League leaders will meet up to watch Arsenal’s home fixture against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, knowing that a surprise defeat for the Gunners would seal the title for the Reds.

Should Mikel Arteta’s side avoid an upset, Liverpool can finish the job themselves on Sunday, against Tottenham Hotspur and surrounded by four sheets of Anfield support, roaring and bellowing and cheering with such volume as has rarely been heard anywhere across the vast footballing landscape.

Mohamed Salah celebrates with Luis Diaz and Curtis Jones for Liverpool.

Surely the more favourable of the two scenarios, the one which will indelibly mark the occasion in the minds of the myriad supporters.

Arne Slot, truly, has worked wonders this season, a shining light to guide Liverpool through the beginnings of a post-Jurgen Klopp world. He will receive his crown, taking a seat at an exclusive table of managers to have won the Premier League on their first attempt.

Managers Who Won Premier League in 1st Season

Season

Manager

Club

2004/05

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea

2009/10

Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea

2013/14

Manuel Pellegrini

Man City

2016/17

Antonio Conte

Chelsea

Sourced via GIVEMESPORT

Liverpool were supposed to be rudderless, but they have gone from strength to strength with a new head coach and minimal help on the transfer front.

The point is this is to underline that Liverpool are capable of absorbing a big punch and responding with a flurry of their own to prove the doubters wrong.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot

It’s a quality that may well be called into play again this summer, with some rather big names touted with a summer exit.

Who could be leaving Liverpool this summer

After scoring the winner against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, Trent Alexander-Arnold did little to allay fears that he will join Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer, refusing to comment on speculation when interviewed post-match.

Though Liverpool are set for a summer of spending, while cutting out some of the deadwood, there’s no question that all of a Liverpool persuasion want the homegrown vice-captain to sign a new deal.

However, that’s not the same for all of Slot’s first-teamers, with Darwin Nunez, for example, confirmed to have been transfer-listed ahead of the market by Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts

Nunez needs to go, but parting with too many members of the frontline might rock the boat too hard. Indeed, it might be a mistake if FSG were to act on rumours and part with Luis Diaz this summer.

Why Liverpool may regret selling Luis Diaz

Slot won’t want to spark too much upheaval this summer, especially after keeping such a close-knit group together to charge through the many obstacles of the season and move into the final stages of winning the Premier League title.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz

With Nunez set to be sold and potentially Chiesa too, it might be something of a risk to part with any further members of the frontline, and it’s for that reason that FSG may want to resist any offers for Diaz.

The 28-year-old winger has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League and from Barcelona in the past and is about to enter the penultimate year of his £55k-per-week contract.

However, discussions for a renewal do not appear advanced.

Saying that, Football Insider have recently reported that sporting director Richard Hughes is preparing to dig deeper into contract talks with the Colombian’s representatives.

He might ebb and flow in front of goal but the left-sided forward is dynamic and direct, such a slippery customer for Premier League and European opponents to deal with.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 24/25 (all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

47

32

23

Cody Gakpo

44

16

6

Luis Diaz

46

15

8

Diogo Jota

33

9

4

Darwin Nunez

42

7

7

Federico Chiesa

12

2

2

Data via Transfermarkt

Diaz’s output had lulled in recent months, but he’s not put in a bad shift in front of goal, all told. Indeed, with Mohamed Salah blanking across his past six matches in all competitions, Diaz has stepped up big time in the Premier League, steering Liverpool toward the title.

He’s bagged either a goal or an assist in five of his past six league outings, in fact, with Liverpool winning all but one of such fixtures. That loss, by the way, was against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a game in which Diaz scored off the bench.

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz

He’s also much more than just a goalscorer. As per FBref, Diaz ranks among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for pass completion as well as the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Of course, the patchiness of his goalscoring form can be deceiving: Lucho also ranks among the top 8% for non-penalty goals scored per 90. Is there any wonder he’s been hailed for his “world-class performances” this year by journalist Adam Brown?

It may well be that parting with Diaz carries every bit the negative impact that Trent’s inevitably will. Liverpool cannot afford to lose the wider nucleus of their title-winning group.

If Liverpool sign a centre-forward who can actually produce significant hauls across multiple seasons, there’s every chance that Diaz could take his game to the next level in 2025/26.

Moreover, Alexander-Arnold’s departure calls for a new playmaking outlet, which will most likely come in the centre of the park.

Plenty to chew on. Whatever happens, Liverpool might want to think twice about parting with their electric South American winger.

Nunez upgrade: Liverpool likely to see £50m bid accepted for "mini-Salah"

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 20, 2025

Pereira must axe Munetsi to unleash "technically gifted" Wolves dynamo

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.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira and his players celebrate after the match

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

Worth more than Tierney: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "brilliant" star

Celtic have the chance to win the domestic treble for the second time in the last three seasons when they face Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup.

Brendan Rodgers clinched his second Scottish Premiership title in as many seasons last weekend when his side swept Dundee United away with a 5-0 win.

The Hoops will want to continue their dominance for seasons to come, and have already swooped to make one high-profile signing in the form of Kieran Tierney.

Why Kieran Tierney is an impressive signing

The Scotland international will officially join Celtic on a free transfer when his contract at Arsenal expires at the end of June, returning to the club after six years in England.

As you can see in the graphic above, the academy graduate enjoyed a phenomenal first spell in Glasgow, winning five league titles and making 170 first-team appearances.

At the time of writing (01/05/2025), Transfermarkt currently values Tierney at £8.5m, which is a drop from the £25m he was sold for, but that still means that the club are signing an £8.5m-rated asset for £0. He is an impressive addition for the Hoops because he is a proven Premiership star and a valuable asset.

Celtic do, however, have numerous valuable assets at the club, in what is a very talented squad, and one of those who is worth even more than Tierney is Daizen Maeda.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Daizen Maeda

The Hoops swooped to sign the Japan international, who was described as a “snip” by pundit Chris Sutton, for a fee of just £1.6m, in the summer of 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos.

Maeda, who was recently hailed as “brilliant” by Rodgers, has soared in value over the past three years in Glasgow, and is currently enjoying his best season at the club.

The 27-year-old forward has plundered 33 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions, which is a tally of 44 goal contributions that beats his return of 14 and 18 in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, respectively.

March 2025-present

£9.3m

December 2024

£6.8m

October 2024

£6.3m

May 2024

£5.9m

December 2023

£5.5m

June 2023

£5.1m

December 2022

£4.2m

June 2022

£2.9m

As you can see in the table above, Maeda’s value has skyrocketed as a result of his improved output at the top end of the pitch in the current season, going from £5.9m last summer to £9.3m at the time of writing.

His current market valuation of £9.3m also means that his value has soared by 481% from the £1.6m that Celtic paid for his services back in 2022, and that he is now worth even more than Tierney, who was once sold for £25m.

Daizen Maeda

This shows that the Scottish giants have hit the jackpot with Maeda because he has provided sensational performances on the pitch this term, and the Japan international is now an incredibly valuable asset who is worth even more than a big summer signing.

Worth less than Nawrocki: Celtic must axe flop who "wants to be at the club"

Celtic must ruthlessly bin this player who is now worth even less than Maik Nawrocki.

ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025

Nottingham Forest now ready to offer Jota Silva in exchange for £58m star

Nottingham Forest are now willing to offer attacker Jota Silva in exchange for an “incredible” star who has become a top transfer target for Evangelos Marinakis and Edu Gaspar, according to a recent report.

Nottingham Forest join transfer race to sign goalkeeper and striker

The Reds’ Champions League hopes suffered a slight blow over the weekend as they were beaten by Aston Villa, but Manchester City failing to win means they still have a five-point gap in the race to secure a top-four finish.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 7, 2025

There are seven games remaining to go in the league and the dream is becoming a real possibility for Nuno Santo’s side, so fans can be forgiven for looking ahead to the summer, as it could be a busy time if European football is secured.

Indeed, Nuno has his eyes on improving a couple of positions in this Forest team, as they’ve already been linked with several new defenders and attackers, but he is also planning on strengthening his goalkeeper department.

According to the Boot Room, Forest are the latest team to join the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton. The Saints’ relegation to the Championship has now been confirmed, and Ramsdale is said to have a £25 million release clause in his contract, which has alerted Forest, and they have now joined several Premier League teams in looking to secure his transfer.

Southampton's AaronRamsdalelooks dejected after the match

As well as looking at Ramsdale, Forest have also made contact with Jean-Philippe Mateta over a potential move to the City Ground. The centre-forward has impressed once again for the Eagles this season and has put himself on Forest’s radar, but they face competition from Manchester United, who are also keen on a deal.

Forest ready to offer Jota Silva in exchange for Gyokeres

Mateta is not the only striker the Reds are looking at to help Chris Wood next season, as according to Correio da Manha, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest are prepared to offer winger Jota Silva to Sporting CP in exchange for Viktor Gyokeres.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres

The report states that the Premier League side and Marinakis have come up with a plan to offer Silva, as he’s highly rated by Sporting boss Rui Borges, and he’s struggled with game time at Forest this season. The Forest owner wants to do everything he can to bring Gyokeres to the City Ground this summer, and offering Silva may help them when it comes to negotiating a transfer.

The report does go on to add that despite the Reds being willing to offer Silva plus presumably a hefty chunk of cash, the deal will come down to the wishes of Gyokeres, who is not short of options heading into this summer. The Sweden star, who has been dubbed “incredible” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, is valued between £50-58 million.

Viktor Gyokeres’ 24/25 Liga Portugal stats

Apps

26

Goals

30

xG

24.63

Shots per game

4.2

Goals per game

1.2

Goal conversion

28%

Big chances missed

18

Assists

6

xAG

6.14

Big chances created

11

Silva, who is on a weekly wage of £25,000 at Forest, has played 26 times in the Premier League this season, but he has only started four games, and while he’s made an impact with some important goals and assists, he obviously hasn’t done enough to be a certain part of Nuno’s plans for next season and beyond.

Bad to worse for Farke: Injured Leeds star could miss 4 games with Struijk

Leeds United have been dealt a number of injury concerns ahead of the Championship run-in, with one star potentially out for four of the last six games.

Pascal Struijk injury update ahead of Leeds’ trip to Middlesbrough

The Whites are currently involved in a tight three-way battle for two automatic promotion spots in the Championship and have gone through one of their worst periods of form at the worst possible time.

Daniel Farke’s side have won just once in their last six second-tier games, which has allowed both Burnley and Sheffield United to take full advantage.

Leeds (82 pts)

Sheffield United (83 pts)

Burnley (84 pts)

Middlesbrough (a)

Millwall (h)

Derby County (a)

Preston North End (h)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Norwich City (h)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

Leeds now sit third with six games to go, and they were dealt another concern when defender Pascal Struijk limped off late on against Luton Town last time out.

An injury update has since been shared on Struijk, with the centre-back set to sit out the trip to Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening and then the home clash with Preston North End on Saturday lunchtime at the very least.

Farke has the option to use Ethan Ampadu at centre-back or the returning Max Wober, however, the manager’s midfield options are limited due to the injured Joe Rothwell.

Joe Rothwell could miss next 4 Leeds games with calf injury

As revealed by Farke, Rothwell “will be out this week and probably also for the Easter weekend” with a calf problem. The central midfielder was absent for the draw with Luton and looks set to miss Middlesbrough and Preston with Struijk.

However, worryingly, Rothwell could also be out for the trip to Oxford United on Good Friday and the Elland Road clash with Stoke City on Easter Monday.

The 30-year-old has been a regular in the matchday squad this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions. He’s produced some key moments in recent months, including providing two assists for Struijk in the 2-1 win over Sunderland.

West Brom star is hoping Leeds try to sign him, but he'd also join Wolves

Leeds already have their eye on a player who will cost them nothing this summer.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 7, 2025

Talking about Rothwell earlier this year, Farke was full of praise for the midfielder. “We don’t have to speak about his quality, he’s a pure baller – with the ball probably one of the best in this country. What he does in terms of passing, his technique and tidy touches is outstanding. Sometimes in this position, you need a few different skills or you would win Premier League title after title and have 150 caps for England.

“But when it comes down to dominate the game and be there with tidy touches, to drive the game forward, if you enjoy football you enjoy him playing. It’s great we have him as a really good option.”

Now, Leeds will have Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Josuha Guilavogui as central midfield options with Rothwell sidelined.

Top 2% for dribbling: Chelsea race to sign £87m forward from bitter rivals

Chelsea are now racing to sign an “incredible” forward from one of their bitter Premier League rivals, who are now willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new forward

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to do the business in front of goal, the Blues have now set their sights on signing a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they have a number of top-level targets in mind.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who has been extremely impressive in the Champions League this season, is one of the latest strikers to be targeted, with the 29-year-old joining the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres on the shortlist.

Not only are the west Londoners looking to bring in an out-and-out striker, but there have also been suggestions they could look to bolster their wide options, with fellow Dortmund star Jamie Gittens well-liked, alongside Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

Chelsea eager to sign £40k-p/w full-back who's "one of the best" in Europe

The Blues are set to battle it out for a defender, who has been in very impressive form this season.

ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025

However, according to a report from Caught Offside, there may be an option from much closer to home, with Chelsea now keen on signing winger Mohammed Kudus, who currently plays for bitter rivals West Ham United.

The Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Kudus, however, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race, alongside Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who have reportedly already submitted a £87m bid for the Ghanaian.

Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to make any moves to sign the forward, but there are some indications they could be successful if they choose to formalise their interest, as West Ham are now willing to cash-in to fund their own summer transfer business.

"Incredible" Kudus impressing at West Ham

The 24-year-old’s debut campaign at the London Stadium last season certainly caught the eye, picking up 14 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a key player under former manager David Moyes.

In light of his impressive performances, the Ghana international received high praise from journalist Raj Chohan, who believes the right-winger would be able to make the step-up to a top club.

The Accra-born attacker has been less impressive this season, failing to score and picking up just one assist in his last 15 Premier League games, but it is difficult to stand out in a very poor West Ham side, who sit in 17th place.

Kudus, who ranks in the top 2% of all wingers for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, as per FBref, could be an exciting signing for Chelsea, but given his goal and assist return this season, it would be unwise to match Al-Nassr’s £87m offer.

He could be better than Iraola: 4-2-3-1 "genius" being eyed for Spurs job

There is just a month left of the season, and as such, transfer rumours have started swirling around clubs in the Premier League, although for Tottenham Hotspur, those rumours concern the manager’s position.

Ange Postecoglou might be two games away from a Europa League final, but as things stand, he’s overseen 18 league defeats and has a real chance of leading the North Londoners to a 17th-place finish.

So it’s not surprising that the last week or so has seen a number of top coaches in England and abroad linked with taking over his job in the summer.

One of the most prominent candidates at the moment seems to be Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, although based on recent reports, the club might have just identified an even better option.

Tottenham's manager search

Before we get to the manager in question, it is worth looking at some of the other potential candidates who have been linked with the jobs over the last week or so, such as Marco Silva.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

The Fulham boss has done an incredible job in West London since being appointed in 2021, leading the Cottagers to promotion and turning them into a solid mid-table side who have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United this season.

Another impressive coach linked with the job in recent days has been Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

Brentford managerThomasFrankbefore the matc

According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, Lilywhites technical director Johan Lange is a big fan of the 51-year-old, and it’s not hard to see why, as, like Silva, he’s led his side up to the top-flight and turned them into a solid team that can give anyone a game, despite losing star striker Ivan Toney in the summer.

However, another name has also popped up as a potential replacement for Postecoglou, a manager who could also be a better option than Iraola: Roberto De Zerbi.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is a ‘name that some at Tottenham appreciate.’

Known for being something of a passionate character, it could be the perfect match to get Spurs firing again in the summer and a better hire than the Bournemouth man.

How De Zerbi compares to Iraola

So, if Spurs are looking at De Zerbi and Iraola as potential replacements for Postecoglou, how do they compare to one another?

Well, from a basic stylistic point, both managers prefer to use a 4-2-3-1 formation when possible, which may be ideal for the North Londoners, as that could see the backline receive more protection and allow James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski to flourish as the most attacking midfielder with pacey widemen on either side and Dominic Solanke leading the line.

Moreover, while the Italian likes to play a high line, he prefers to play two holding midfielders, per the football analyst, which could help stop said line from being exploited as often as it has under Ange.

Roberto De Zerbi celebrates Brighton & Hove Albion's victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.

With that said, how do the manager’s recent records look when compared?

Well, during his time with Brighton, the “genius” tactician, as dubbed by analyst Statman Dave, won 38 games, drew 20 and lost 31, which resulted in him averaging 1.51 points per game, whereas the Cherries boss has won 33 games, drawn 19 and lost 30 on the south coast, resulting in an average of 1.44 points per game.

Games (All Comps)

89

82

Wins

38

33

Draws

20

19

Losses

31

30

Points per Game

1.51

1.44

However, something to consider is that on top of securing the Seagulls European football in the 22/23 season, the Brescia-born boss is now managing one of the two biggest clubs in France, Olympique de Marseille.

He’s averaging 1.81 points per game on the French Riviera, so, unlike the former Rayo Vallecano man, he knows what it is like to take charge of a massive institution and all the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with it.

Ultimately, De Zerbi and Iraola would almost certainly improve the football and results at Spurs next season, but the former has the experience of leading a ‘big club’, which might just make him the better candidate for the North Londoners.

Their answer to Yamal: Spurs are brewing "one of England’s best talents"

The incredible youngster looks destined for greatness with Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 24, 2025

As bad as Shaw: Amorim must axe Man Utd dud after 4/10 Brentford display

Not since the 1989/90 season had Manchester United lost 16 games in a single league season. That was until this campaign, one that’s seen the Red Devils plummet towards the relegation places.

Ruben Amorim’s side are perhaps fortunate that the three relegated sides, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, were all so poor.

Indeed, after a bruising 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford on Sunday afternoon, United now sit 15th in the league on 39 points, one point above Tottenham Hotspur who have been equally as bad.

It’s strange, therefore, that they could both meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao if all goes well on Thursday night when Amorim’s men face Athletic Club in their semi-final second leg.

It’s safe to say, despite their first-leg aggregate lead, they will need to be a lot better than they were this weekend when a certain Luke Shaw hardly covered himself in glory.

How Luke Shaw let Man United down vs Brentford

Signed as one of the most promising young players in English football back in June 2014 for £27m, it’s safe to say Shaw has been a brilliant signing.

Despite that horrific leg break and his recent injury troubles, by and large, Shaw has lived up to the hype of one of England’s best left-backs of his generation.

The trouble is, it looks as though his days at United are now coming to a sorry end courtesy of those fitness issues.

The fact of the matter is that the defender has endured a nightmare few years on the treatment table, missing 48 games for club and country through injury last season and sitting out 62 games for club and country this term.

He has only played eight times this term and his second start of 2024/25, which was against the Bees this weekend, may well have been his final one in United colours.

After all, the 29-year-old struggled big time as the left-sided centre-back, hauled off after 45 minutes having nearly scored two own goals in that first period. Shaw did, sadly, find the back of the net at the wrong end of the pitch, and it was a moment that rather typified his struggles during the Erik ten Hag and Amorim eras.

Luke Shaw vs Brentford

Minutes played

45

Touches

30

Accurate passes

19/24 (79%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0

Clearances

2

Tackles

1

Interceptions

0

Duels won

1/3

Stats via Sofascore.

Evidently struggling with a lack of fitness, perhaps the current incumbent of the manager’s position at Old Trafford should not have started him.

The same could be said for Patrick Dorgu.

Patrick Dorgu's performance in numbers against Brentford

What a puzzling, topsy-turvy first few months to Dorgu’s career in the north west this has been.

Amorim’s first signing, brought in from Lecce in Serie A, as a flying wing-back he looked tailor-made for the manager’s new system at United.

Chalkboard

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

While the 20-year-old still has plenty of time to come good, in the short term, it’s certainly not looking good for the young Dane.

He’s been riddled with inconsistency, something that has been typified by a red card against Ipswich back in February, a lack of goal involvements – he has just one – and his withdrawal at half-time on Sunday.

Amorim admitted after the 3-0 win last Thursday that Dorgu was feeling fatigued and thus, it was perhaps strange to see him selected on the right-hand side of United’s attack a few days later.

Clearly still lacking a bit of fitness, just as Shaw was, it was no surprise that he only lasted 45 minutes against the Bees.

Manchester Evening news reporter, Samuel Luckhurst, was one to criticise his display, dishing out a 4/10 match rating and writing: ‘Defended dozily at the far post for Schade’s headed goal. Only started in the absence of a senior right winger.’

Dorgu vs Brentford

Minutes played

45

Touches

28

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

1/3

Aerial duels won

1/2

Clearances

2

Interceptions

0

Tackles

0

Stats via Sofascore.

Defending dozily just about sums up United’s day as they were left to bemoan their tendency to hand over straightforward chances to Brentford.

Unsurprisingly, Dorgu left the field having had fewer touches (28) than goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (57) and Shaw (30), but more alarmingly, considering he was playing as a wing-back, he didn’t have a single shot, didn’t make a key pass and lost two of his five duels. He didn’t score an own goal like one of his teammates but it was a similarly haphazard and timid display.

With Amad now back and scoring, giving him a runout at the expense of the Denmark international on Thursday certainly seems like a viable solution here.

He'd be amazing with Amad: Man Utd battling to sign £63m "animal"

Man Utd could be targeting a perfect partner to Amad Diallo this summer

ByRobbie Walls May 4, 2025

Arsenal now willing to match £30m price-tag to sign yet another full-back

Wasting no time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to jump ahead of their rivals and match the price-tag to sign one particular gem.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

Arriving with plenty to do, there’s no doubt that new sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to make quite the statement at Arsenal this summer. Whilst injury issues have far from helped Mikel Arteta’s side this season, there is no denying that their squad simply hasn’t been strong enough – especially going forward. And that must change next season.

Bukayo Saka

1,454

6

10

Gabriel Martinelli

1,956

7

4

Kai Havertz

1,839

9

3

Leandro Trossard

2,264

8

5

Involved in 52 Premier League goals between the four of them this season, Arsenal’s struggles have far from been helped by a frontline which has been hit with injuries and disappointing form – making Berta’s first task in the job clearer than ever.

On that front the transfer rumours have already been coming thick and fast too, with names such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins just two options who have found themselves among the headlines in recent weeks.

Their own Bruno Fernandes: Arsenal holding talks over "exciting" £66.5m ace

The creative maverick could be Arsenal’s missing piece.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Of course, Watkins is not a new name on Arsenal’s radar either. The Aston Villa striker found himself at the centre of their interest in the January transfer window, only for the Gunners to opt out of a move worth £60m.

Now, months on, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Berta decides to perform an Arsenal U-turn as his first act as sporting director. Watkins undoubtedly has the ability to transform Arteta’s frontline and may yet be the first of a number of new names arriving at The Emirates in the coming months.

Arsenal ready to match Wesley's price-tag

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to match Wesley’s €35m (£30m) price-tag in order to jump the queue ahead of the likes of Chelsea and secure the right-back’s signature. Having already reportedly made contact with the Flamengo gem, the Gunners must now make their official move when the transfer window swings open.

Dubbed “immense” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Wesley is certainly one to watch. At just 21 years old, he’s impressed enough for Flamengo’s senior team to earn the attention of the Premier League.

With a decision to make, the defender must assess his options and pick his next club. The big question will be whether he’d receive much-needed game time at Arsenal amid competition from Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Both players have the experience that Wesley lacks, as the youngster would become Arteta’s fifth full-back signing as Gunners boss.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the Flamengo gem looks likely to steal more and more headlines in the coming months.

Moyes personally pushing to sign "phenomenal" £30k-a-week star for Everton

Everton manager David Moyes is believed to be personally attempting to strike a deal for a “phenomenal” Premier League player this summer.

Everton need a new striker this summer

The Blues have once again avoided relegation to the Championship, pulling comfortably clear in the end after a worrying spell under Sean Dyche.

Moyes has come in and done an excellent job, and while Everton’s fortunes have improved with him in charge, he will be well aware that significant additions are needed to his squad this summer. A new striker needs to be at the top of the agenda, especially if Dominic Calvert-Lewin ends up leaving the club, as has been mooted for a while now.

Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has been linked with a move to the Blues ahead of next season, with the 20-year-old currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton. He hasn’t kicked on much for a while, but is still a player with so much promise.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town ace Liam Delap has been mentioned as an option for Everton, too, following an impressive season on a personal level. The Tractors Boys may be on their way back to the Championship, but the former Manchester City youngster has scored 12 goals in the Premier League.

Moyes pushing for Everton to sign "phenomenal" Ferguson

According to a new report from Football Insider, Moyes “really backs himself” to seal the signing of Brighton marksman Ferguson for Everton this summer.

The £30,000-a-week Republic of Ireland international’s stock has fallen of late, having burst on the scene for the Seagulls, but the Blues boss thinks he can “help him rediscover his early-career form”.

Ferguson jumps out as an eye-catching target for Everton, and while he isn’t as highly-rated as he was a couple of years ago, he still has so much time on his side to get back on track. Young players are always likely to lack consistency, so his current dip shouldn’t be overblown.

At just 20, the Brighton ace has already scored 13 goals in the Premier League, coming in 67 appearances, and he has netted five times in 20 caps for Ireland.

Seagulls teammate James Milner knows a thing or two about what makes a top player and he has lauded his colleague in the past.

Not just DCL: Everton's £55k-p/w "warrior" is finished & won't start again

Everton are set to undergo a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 21, 2025

If Moyes believes he can get Ferguson back to his very best, he needs to be trusted, and if he manages to, Everton could have a superstar on their hands in no time at all.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus