Sheffield Wednesday are in a state of constant change, but their internal situation hasn’t slowed the Owls’ mission to bring in new blood as they now have a potential recruit on trial.
Danny Rohl leaves Sheffield Wednesday
Following a summer of turbulence, David Ornstein has confirmed that Danny Rohl has left his post at Sheffield Wednesday after informing his players and staff this morning of his intention to depart Hillsborough.
“Danny Rohl exits position as Sheffield Wednesday head coach. Agreement finalised for 36yo to depart SWFC – players + staff being informed this morning. German boss free to pursue next steps; expected to take some time to consider options.”
Financially, Sheffield Wednesday are in a frail position and have been unable to pay players on time in recent months. Rohl opting to leave is just the latest in a long line of exits, including Josh Windass and Michael Smith.
Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement of club affairs has left fans irate. On the same token, uncertainty over whether club captain Barry Bannan will commit to the Owls is another frustrating element of the current state of play.
With no imminent takeover in sight, it is hard to envisage when things will start to take a turn in the other direction. Sheffield Wednesday are in a dark period, but supporters will cling on to the hope that light exists at the end of the tunnel.
Derby battle Sheffield Wednesday to sign defender with over 300 EFL games
He could be a strong addition to the back-line.
ByHenry Jackson May 16, 2025
Finding a manager to steer the club through difficult moments will be a stern task, though there is one small nugget of positivity for the Owls to cling on to amid recent developments.
Sheffield Wednesday take Reece Clairmont on trial
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Arsenal winger Reece Clairmont for a trial after he left the Gunners on a free transfer at the end of last season.
The 18-year-old winger is reported to have started for an Under-21 Owls side in a 2-0 defeat to Derby County over the weekend. Whether or not he earns a contract remains to be seen, though the academy pathway is set to be heavily utilised this term in light of off-field problems.
Reece Clairmont in 2024/25 – Under-18 Premier League
Appearances
6
Goals
0
Assists
0
Alexander Asaba has also been at Sheffield Wednesday on a trial basis and started the clash, and it remains to be seen if either are set to be involved in Friday night’s clash against Scarborough Athletic.
Cost-effective solutions on the pitch will need to come into effect this season. Ultimately, budget restrictions and the threat of a Championship points deduction don’t help matters whatsoever.
Nevertheless, there is still talent in the building at Hillsborough and allowing youth a chance to flourish under new management may unearth some prodigious talent that can be sold later down the line, potentially easing the financial situation while Chansiri attempts to find a buyer.
After a poor season in 2024/25 for Manchester City, they have made huge strides in improving their squad ahead of the new campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side have been busy in the 2025 summer transfer window, already signing six new players in a bid to improve their fortunes next season.
Two of those are goalkeepers, with James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli signing to provide competition for Ederson. Rayan Ait-Nouri has so far been the only defensive signing, joining from Wolves, and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders moved to the Etihad Stadium from Italian giants Milan, as did young talent Sverre Nypan. In forward areas, Rayan Cherki signed from Lyon.
England'sJamesTraffordduring the warm up before the match
Now, City seem to be lining up another reinforcement at the back.
Man City’s next transfer target
There has been no messing around this season from Guardiola and his side, who seem to be getting set for a much better season, despite the poor performances in the Club World Cup. They have signed players across the pitch, with another defensive addition up next.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
At least, that could be the case if they can pull off a move for Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento. According to a report from Dean Jones on the Transfers from Paradise podcast, via Manchester City News, they are ‘persisting with their interest’ in the England under-21 international.
This could be a tough deal to do. Jones explained that ‘Newcastle don’t want to sell the player’, although that won’t stop City from trying, and they ‘still think it might’ be possible to pull a deal off.
Newcastle's Tino Livramento
As for the price for Livramento, City might need to pay as much as £50m this summer.
Why Livramento would be a good signing
It has been a rapid rise to the top for London-born full-back Livramento. The 22-year-old, once described as a “sensational” player by former Magpies superstar Alan Shearer, offers an attacking threat and the ability to play on both sides of defence.
In 80 games for the club across his time in the North East, Livramento has bagged one goal and registered two assists. His versatility has been clear to see, too. He has played 42 times as a right-back and 19 times on the opposite side, offering excellent tactical flexibility.
Throughout Livramento’s time with the Magpies in the Premier League, there are some standout stats courtesy of Squawka. For example, he has created an average of 0.9 chances each game in each of the last two seasons. On top of that, he averaged 5.9 ball recoveries in 2023/24 and 6 the following season, per 90 minutes.
Chances created
0.9
0.9
Crossing accuracy
19.23%
21.15%
Forward passes
15.8
16.8
Duels won
5.6
4.5
Clearances
2.6
3
Interceptions
1.8
0.8
Ball recoveries
5.9
6
Over the summer, Livramento was a key member of England’s successful under-21 European Championship-winning squad. He made five appearances and played every minute, even grabbing an assist in the Three Lions’ first game.
Tino Livramento against Arsenal.
If City do bring the 22-year-old to the Etihad Stadium, he will be the second under-21 Euros winner they have signed. Trafford has also lifted the trophy, back in 2023, where he made a historic late double save to win England the trophy.
There is certainly a case to be made that Guardiola’s side would be signing an even bigger English talent than Trafford in Livramento, if they bring him to the club. Notably, the former Burnley goalkeeper cost £27m, almost half of what City would need to pay for the Newcastle star.
He is also far more experienced in the top flight. The Cobham academy graduate has almost 100 Premier League appearances under his belt, making 93 already. That is far more than the number of games Trafford has played, with just 28 to his name so far.
Described as ‘an England right-back’ in the future by Newcastle star Kieran Trippier, Livramento is a player with huge potential. He could certainly be viewed as a bigger talent than City’s new number one, given the experience he has and the far costlier fee.
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
This could be a fantastic addition for City to help strengthen their side for now and in the future.
Pep's answer to Isak: Man City offer £170m to sign the PL's "best player"
With Alexander Isak potentially on his way to Liverpool, have Manchester City just offered £170m to sign the “best player in the Premier League”?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is about to welcome another new player to his squad, with sporting director Andrea Berta also poised to build upon his impressive portfolio of Gunners signings this summer.
More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"
The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2025
Their deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera have done wonders to reinforce multiple areas of Arteta’s side in their bid to finally win a long-coveted Premier League title.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£140m
Kepa’s top-level experience is a real asset to Arteta, and the Spaniard’s impressive performances on loan at Bournemouth last term seriously suggest that he’ll keep number one David Raya firmly on his toes.
Zubimendi comes in as a world-class replacement for Jorginho after years of convincing La Liga displays at boyhood club Real Sociedad, while Norgaard’s Premier League know-how and reliability helps to shore up Arteta’s midfield further.
Arsenal supporters will have to wait before seeing Madueke don the red and white jersey, though, as he’ll play no part in their pre-season tour of Asia. The Englishman is resting after competing in the Club World Cup with Chelsea, but the same cannot be said for Mosquera, who’s flown out to Singapore and joined up with his new teammates (The Athletic).
However, the name on everybody’s lips in the past few weeks has been Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign him midway through July for a potential £64 million, including add-ons (The Athletic), and after a lengthy wait, the striker is now expected to complete his move to north London after a breakthrough earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano).
Gyokeres’ eagerness to join Arteta’s side has been well documented, and his agent even reduced any commission fees due to help facilitate the transfer.
Viktor Gyokeres set for Arsenal medical in next 24 hours
In terms of when fans can expect to see the Sweden international on the field, they won’t have to wait long at all.
According to Fabrizio Romano, sharing his latest update on the saga, Gyokeres is set to have a medical at Arsenal in the next 24 hours. The 27-year-old has been given the formal green-light to travel with all necessary paperwork exchanged, with Romano adding that the centre-forward is “coming soon”.
Gyokeres’ arrival has been cried out for, especially after Arsenal’s struggles breaking down teams in the low block across 2024/2025. Indeed, the signing of a prolific striker was a long time coming, and Arteta can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Arsenal drew more Premier League games than any other side in the top 10 last campaign, scoring just 69 goals, but Gyokeres’ potency in the final third will come as a serious antidote to their scoring woes.
“The news on Arsenal signing Gyokores is massive; Arsenal have signed well, but signing a No9 in Gyokores can be the missing piece of the jigsaw to get Arsenal over the line for the title,” said club legend Ray Parlour, via GB News.
“He still has to prove himself in the Premier League as the Portuguese League is different, but this will give the whole club and fanbase a huge lift, and excitement will build ahead of the new season.
“We’ve been missing and out-an-out No9 and now they signed one, it can be the missing link that Arsenal have been waiting for.”
Still searching for a new No.9 even if it’s not Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have now reportedly initiated contact to sign a 17-goal striker who once terrorised Virgil van Dijk.
After a quiet first summer in charge, Richard Hughes has silenced all doubters at Liverpool this summer. He emerged victorious in the race to sign Florian Wirtz in a British transfer record, swooped in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and even returned to former club Bournemouth to sign Milos Kerkez. But he’s not done there.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now made their first approach to sign Isak from Newcastle United and have told the Magpies that they’re willing to break their transfer record for the second time this summer to welcome the Swede.
Signing Wirtz was a statement of intent from Liverpool, but signing Isak would arguably blow that out of the water. The one weakness in Arne Slot’s side last season came in the No.9 role and the Newcastle star stood out as the Reds’ dream target to solve that problem. Now, in the mood to spend, he could arrive.
He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative
Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.
ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025
That said, it almost goes without saying that it will be a complicated deal and Newcastle’s stance remains a difficult one to change. So it comes as no surprise that Isak isn’t the only name on Liverpool’s radar, with an approach also made towards Frankfurt star Ekitike, who is wanted by Newcastle themselves.
Alongside the widely reported two targets, Liverpool have also set their sights on a Premier League rival who previously dominated Van Dijk.
Liverpool make contact to sign Watkins
As reported by The Daily Mail, Liverpool have now initiated contact to sign Ollie Watkins. Those at Anfield reportedly contacted the Villans to discover details over how much a deal for the forward would cost this summer amid their PSR problems in the Midlands. Whether that means a cut-price deal can be formed remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that Watkins would be an excellent addition.
Appearances
10
Goals
6
Assists
2
With six goals in 10 appearances against Liverpool, including a hat-trick against Van Dijk and his teammates in a stunning 7-2 thrashing in 2020/21, the Reds know more about Watkins’ quality than they’ll care to admit. Alas, five years on from that thrashing and he could at last become a teammate rather than a thorn in their side.
Villa boss Unai Emery won’t be keen to lose his star striker, and those around Villa Park will likely share that stance. The Spaniard, full of praise for Watkins during his 17-goal haul last season, told reporters: “He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey
“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team.”
Watkins’ 16 top flight goals last season was actually one more than Ekitike’s 15 in the Bundesliga, and given the difference in quality between the two leagues he could provide more guaranteed end product.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca isn’t resting on his laurels in the transfer market as he attempts to get several deals done swiftly.
Jamie Gittens looks to be closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge. Borussia Dortmund accepted a bid of around £55m for the English talent, and he is set to have his medical soon.
Jamie Gittens in action for Borussia Dortmund.
The move for the 20-year-old is certainly a statement of intent by Maresca, but the Blues are also closing in on another attacking player.
Indeed, Joao Pedro looks set to make the move from Brighton and Hove Albion to Chelsea, as the Blues have agreed a deal worth up to £60m for the versatile forward.
Why Chelsea are signing Joao Pedro
Maresca will be looking to move on both Christoper Nkunku and João Felix during the summer transfer window.
As such, bringing in a versatile forward like Pedro makes perfect sense. He may have scored just ten goals in the top flight last season, but his attributes stretch to more than just finding the back of the net.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
Indeed, he demonstrated his creative side by registering 11 big chances in the top flight, along with averaging 1.1 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game for Brighton. This certainly proves he’s a particularly dangerous player in the final third.
This is the sort of forward that can thrive in Maresca’s system, no doubt about that. Add someone like Gittens on the wing, and it is a recipe for success.
Goals
10
Assists
6
Big chances created
11
Key passes per game
1.1
Successful dribbles per game
1.1
Shots per game
1.7
The Blues may be paying a premium price for the Brazilian, but they’ve had success when signing a similar player before…
The Chelsea star who's worth more than Pedro
When Chelsea spent £40m to sign Palmer from Manchester City in 2023, plenty of eyebrows were raised.
Not because of the fee, but because Pep Guardiola decided to let a player of such potential leave for so cheap. The Spaniard even lauded the player as having a “special quality” in front of goal after he scored his first Champions League goal for City, aged just 18.
The Stamford Bridge side have witnessed Palmer’s maturation over the previous two seasons, going from a winger to an attacking midfielder and even a false 9, starring in similar positions on the pitch to the incoming Pedro.
Across 94 games in all competitions, the 23-year-old has registered an enormous 68 goal contributions – 40 goals and 28 assists – in just 94 matches.
These statistics have more than repaid the £40m spent on him two years ago, but Palmer shines across other areas also.
When compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the former City starlet ranks in the top 12% for progressive passes (6.04) per 90, while also ranking in the top 10% for total shots (3.41) and in the top 5% for shot-creating actions (5.7) per 90.
This set of figures proves that Palmer is one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent, which is evidenced by his market value.
According to Transfermarkt, the youngster is now valued at a whopping €120m (£102m), which is an incredible rise from the £40m they paid in 2023.
Not only that, but he is worth way more than Pedro, suggesting the Blues have struck gold by bringing Palmer to London.
He'd be unplayable with Pedro: Chelsea also trying to sign £85m PL star
Chelsea are looking to sign a Premier League winger
Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League next season and riding high off their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month, with new head coach Thomas Frank now preparing to build upon their fantastic end to 2024/2025.
The Dane is tasked with picking up where Ange Postecoglou left off, and he stands to inherit an awkward dressing room atmosphere considering just how popular his predecessor was with the Spurs squad.
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1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2025
James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were among the players who spoke out in support of Postecoglou, but that wasn’t enough to convince chairman Daniel Levy not to part ways with the 59-year-old who ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The Lilywhites cited their torrid domestic form as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dismissal, and it is hard to argue with a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats which handed them a lowly 17th-placed finish in the table.
Frank must now win over the members of his new team in quick fashion, and it is very likely that the former Brentford favourite will bring in new players of his own.
Right now, Spurs are being repeatedly linked with a vast array of wingers, including the likes of West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo places his penalty.
However, while the signing of another wide forward could be imperative, especially given Son Heung-min’s potential exit to Saudi Arabia, it is also believed that the north Londoners are keen to strengthen at centre-half again.
Tottenham were seriously hamstrung by repeated injuries to their backline last term, with Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero all sidelined for extended periods, which even required teenage midfielder Gray to provide cover at one point.
The 19-year-old filled in excellently, and you’d think the arrival of Danso in January would negate the need for another body in that area. However, Romero could well leave Spurs for Atletico Madrid, so Frank would need a replacement for the Argentine.
Tottenham preparing bid for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni
As per CaughtOffside, towering Parma defender Giovanni Leoni is now on their radar as a possible new defensive addition.
Napoli's Romelu Lukaku in action with Parma's GiovanniLeoni
The Italian has been called a “rising star” by sources within the industry, as quoted by this report, and the young 6-foot-5 colossus is a man in demand. Antonio Conte’s Serie A champions Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all expressing Serie A interest, while Bournemouth and Wolves are believed to be keen on tempting Leoni with a move to England.
Tottenham are even understood to be preparing a £21m bid for Leoni, but this won’t be enough as Parma demand closer to £30 million at least. The teenager was a regular in the top flight last season, and Parma are aware that they have a real talent on their hands, even if the right offer could put them under some pressure to sell.
Serie A has been a fruitful pool of talent for Levy in recent years, so this could be one to watch over the coming weeks, if Spurs decide to go in with a bigger bid.
Manchester United might have fallen by the wayside under Ruben Amorim’s leadership last season, but INEOS are acting with intent in the transfer market to get Old Trafford back on course.
While Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last October was the right decision, a belated decision, a wholly different tactical plan issued by Amorim sank United further into their troubles, leading to a 15th-place Premier League finish and defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
But the Red Devils are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and their peerless pull is still intact. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha has already been signed, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo wants the move despite rival interest carrying the promise of Champions League football.
And once again, another Premier League star with their feet higher placed up the league ladder wants to move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
Man Utd in talks for PL star
As per Football Insider, Man United are engaged in daily talks with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who is anticipated to be switching clubs this summer.
Aston Villa'sEmilianoMartinezreacts after Paris St Germain's Nuno Mendes scores
The 32-year-old bid an emotional and cryptic farewell to Villa Park in May and is valued at £40m. This is a sizeable figure for a goalkeeper, but the need to replace the beleaguered Andre Onana is clear for Amorim, and it must happen.
Atletico Madrid are also keen, as are numerous clubs over in the Saudi Pro League. Still, United are working tooth and nail to get this one over the line.
Why Man Utd must sign Emi Martinez
Described as being “genuinely world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell, Martinez would be exactly the type of upgrade Man United need to spark their desperately needed resurgence.
An Arsenal career largely on the backbenches and out on loan in lower divisions ended when Aston Villa paid the Gunners £17m for the shot-stopper in 2020. The rest, as some say, is history.
Aston Villa
212
256
70
Argentina
53
23
37
Arsenal
38
41
16
Arsenal U21
37
41
11
Reading
18
23
5
Wolves
15
19
5
Sheff Wed
15
19
2
Rotherham
8
10
2
Getafe
6
9
2
Oxford United
1
3
0
United have already raided England’s Midlands for one of the region’s most talented footballers, signing Cunha for £62.5m, and now they can repeat the trick between the sticks, upgrading on Onana in the same way that the Brazilian forward has replaced Marcus Rashford and soon-to-be-sold Alejandro Garnacho.
Clearly, these are different players indeed, but both stand as pillars in their respective Premier League positions, instrumental for their respective ‘non-big-six’ outfits.
Underscoring his credentials on the biggest stage, Martinez was only beaten seven times in the Champions League last term, finishing Villa’s European campaign with an 83% save percentage. By contrast, Onana finished the season with a 63% save rate in the Europa League, leaving a trail littered with errors.
Martinez is a proven Premier League and Champions League goalkeeper who just so happens to have won the World Cup too, coming up trumps against Randal Kolo Muani in extra time before crucially saving from Kingsley Coman during the shootout.
He’s exactly what Amorim needs, blessed with good distribution and elite shot-stopping skills.
United have already raided the Midlands this summer for one of the Premier League’s biggest stars; it’s time to do it again.
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Leeds United will be doing plenty of deals in the next couple of months in an attempt to build a squad that can avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League.
The Whites have already made one new signing to bolster Daniel Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, as Lukas Nmecha has agreed a deal to join the club on a free transfer from Wolfsburg at the start of next month.
He only scored three goals in 19 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2024/25 campaign, and has only scored eight league goals in the last three seasons combined.
This does not suggest that Nmecha is likely to be the go-to centre-forward option from the start for the West Yorkshire outfit, but the former Germany international could provide experienced back-up to the other number nines in the squad.
The 26-year-old star will not be the last striker to arrive at Elland Road this summer, though, as reporter Graham Smyth claimed that the club are still looking for another addition in that position.
This could spell bad news for 21-year-old marksman Mateo Joseph’s future in West Yorkshire, amid speculation that he could move on ahead of next season.
Why Mateo Joseph could leave Leeds
The Spain U21 international is reportedly being eyed up by several clubs, as GIVEMESPORT recently claimed that Birmingham, Strasbourg, and Real Betis are all keen on securing his signature.
This suggests that there will be no shortage of suitors for the Whites academy graduate if Farke decides that he will not be a part of his plans for the Premier League season, which will kick off with a clash against Everton on the first Monday Night Football of the campaign.
Joseph has now had a taste of first-team football, with 61 Championship outings and four goals in the last two seasons, and should be wanting to play regular minutes next term to continue his development.
The Spanish youngster only scored three goals in 39 matches for Leeds in the second tier during the 2024/25 campaign, but did put up some promising underlying numbers.
Non-penalty xG
0.36
Top 29%
Shots total
2.73
Top 11%
Shots on target
1.05
Top 17%
Non-penalty goals
0.21
Bottom 34%
xAG
0.13
Top 20%
Assists
0.21
Top 6%
Shot-creating actions
2.31
Top 20%
Touches in the opposition’s box
5.25
Top 10%
As you can see in the table above, Joseph ranked highly among his positional peers when it came to getting into high-quality shooting positions and creating chances for others, but his finishing let him down.
A loan move away from Leeds to play regularly and hone his skills next term could be the ideal next step for him, whilst Leeds are eyeing up a striker who could be an upgrade on him in the short term.
Leeds plotting move for new striker
According to TEAMtalk, the Championship champions are eyeing up further forward additions after the signing of Nmecha, and Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy is one of the players they are plotting a move for.
The Turkish attacker and Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz are both said to be targets for the West Yorkshire outfit, as they look to improve Farke’s options in the final third.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
TEAMtalk adds that Leeds are moving forward in deals to sign Muniz, Kilicsoy, and USG’s Noah Sadiki, with the Besiktas whiz said to be available for a fee of £18m.
The outlet claims that the Whites have extensively scouted the Turkey U21 international and view him as a versatile star with potential who would come in as a long-term signing for Farke.
If Leeds can get an £18m deal over the line to sign the 19-year-old forward during the summer transfer window then they could have an immediate upgrade on both Nmecha and Joseph for next season.
Why Leeds should sign Semih Kilicsoy
There are many reasons why signing the teenage marksman from Besiktas makes a lot of sense for Leeds, including his age profile. At 19, he has many years left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which means that the striker could grow in value over time.
Semih Kilicsoy for Besiktas.
It also means that he may not demand to be the first-choice number nine week-in-week-out in the Premier League straight away, and be happy to be a versatile bench option at first, which would allow the Whites to also sign a more experienced striker, such as Muniz.
Kilicsoy’s performances for Besiktas in the last two seasons also suggest that he would offer more quality in front of goal than both Nmecha and Joseph in the top-flight.
The Turkish attacker, who was once hailed as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons combined for his club side.
Joseph managed seven goals and four assists for Leeds in all competitions, and Nmecha racked up five goals and zero assists in that same time, which immediately suggests that the teenage star has more to offer the team at the top end of the pitch.
Goals
0.21
0.21
xG on target
0.35
0.35
xA
0.13
0.10
Assists
0.14
0.21
Dribbles completed
2.49
0.78
Dribble success rate
57%
42%
Fouls won
2.00
1.29
As you can see in the table above, Kilicsoy offered more quality at the top end of the pitch than Joseph this season, with more goals and xA combined per 90, along with far more success in dribbling past opposition players.
Impressively, the teenage attacker managed 0.59 goals and 0.21 assists per 90 in the Super Lig in the previous campaign, when he managed 11 goals and four assists in the division, whilst Joseph scored one goal in 22 league games for Leeds that term.
Therefore, Kilicsoy could be a very exciting signing for Leeds as a young forward who has shown that he has the potential to make a big impact as both a scorer and a creator of goals, even more so than Joseph and Nmecha have in recent years.
Better than Aaronson: Leeds submit bid to sign £21m Sadiki alternative
Leeds are looking at signing a new midfielder this summer
ByJoe Nuttall Jun 17, 2025
This is why Leeds must press ahead with a deal to sign the £18m-rated centre-forward before the start of the Premier League season to bolster their attacking options.
Newcastle United will play football with Alexander Isak at the front next season. It’s a wonderful thought, and it’s very much set to happen, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein stating there’s “no chance” the Sweden striker leaves St. James’ Park this summer.
That’s because the Carabao Cup champions sealed their place in next year’s Champions League on the final game of the Premier League season, clinching fifth place.
However, the future of Callum Wilson is less clear, out of contract at the end of the month, but offered fresh, reduced terms.
Perhaps Newcastle should move to sign a new centre-forward instead, with talks being held for an exciting Premier League star.
Newcastle meet with Premier League striker
As per NUFC Blog, Newcastle met with Rodrigo Muniz’s camp last month to ascertain whether the Fulham forward would be interested in a move to Tyneside this summer.
He would, with the player’s representatives exploring different avenues ahead of a potential summer transfer, heading into the final year of his Cottagers deal (albeit the club have the option to extend terms by an additional 12 months).
It’s thought the prolific Brazilian could cost as much as £50m.
What Rodrigo Muniz would bring to Newcastle
Muniz signed for Fulham from Brazilian club Flamengo, aged 20, in 2021, making remarkable progress across the past two seasons in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s side, having previously completed a difficult loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough, scoring twice across 17 fixtures.
But having found his shooting sense with Fulham over the past two years, Silva has hailed him as a “proper quality striker”, with pundit Alan Shearer backing such effusions up by calling him “horrible to play against.”
His potential was perfectly illustrated by a rich burst of form last season in the Premier League, scoring seven goals from as many matches across spring.
This year, Muniz hasn’t been provided the same regularity of minutes, but he’s still managed to bag himself a goal when afforded a chance.
This innate clinical quality is actually something that could see him replace Wilson at St. James’ Park, with his scoring leading FBref to draw him against the Newcastle man during the 2023/24 season, given both retain their attacking fluency even if not featuring week in, week out.
Wilson, reduced to scraps this season due to injury problems, is typically an invariably deadly finisher, scoring 27 goals across 30 Premier League starts over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.
Matches (starts)
26 (18)
31 (8)
Goals
9
8
Assists
1
1
Shots (on target)*
2.8 (1.0)
1.3 (0.6)
Big chances missed
4
5
Pass completion
62%
66%
Key passes*
0.7
0.2
Dribbles*
0.2
0.2
Tackles + interceptions*
0.5
0.5
Duels (won)*
4.6 (39%)
3.7 (52%)
He’s a target man, and no mistake. It’s interesting, though, that Muniz has enjoyed such clinical shooting success across the past two years in the English top flight, also demonstrating a tenacious attitude in the duel, if not through his passing, his creativity.
As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 3% of Premier League forwards this term for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (0.75), so prolific and fluent when afforded the chance to impress.
His failure to earn regular starts at Craven Cottage likely came from his overall game, which may not be kitted out with the completeness of other strikers. But that’s okay; in that way, he can be Howe’s next version of Wilson.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
Muniz doesn’t need to bring a protean attacking arsenal to the fold when Isak’s staying put, but his keen-edged shooting could certainly add the perfect dimension to ensure attacking success across the whole campaign, across a variety of fronts.
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Second season syndrome. It’s sure to be a phrase bandied about online when rival fans discuss Liverpool’s chances under Arne Slot’s management for the 2025/26 campaign.
Liverpool must ensure they put paid to such notions by bolstering effectively in the summer transfer market and adding the depth that has been somewhat lacking this term.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Slot has worked wonders since replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer and it’s difficult to find faults to pick at, but a resistence to rotation is definitely one area the Dutch tactician has drawn criticism, with some intimating that Liverpool’s recent drop in fluency and sparkle is a by-product of certain players being overplayed.
But this is a minor blemish on a man whose arrival at Anfield has left the city aglitter, with the Premier League title a stone’s throw away and promises already being made of significant summer investment.
However, out with the old and all that. Some players have failed to win their boss over this season and simply have to be sold to make room for fresh faces.
Who Liverpool need to sell this summer
First and foremost, Darwin Nunez needs to be sold this summer. The misfiring striker didn’t even make the bench on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool beat West Ham United at Anfield. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool expect to sell him this summer.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota have also endured differing problems this year and either could be deemed expendable if the right bid were to come in, especially now that Mohamed Salah has extended his contract and the likes of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak are being eyed.
It might be a tad harsh to suggest Liverpool need to sell Andy Robertson after his struggles at left-back this term, but with concrete interest confirmed in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, either the Scotsman or his deputy, Kostas Tsimikas, will need to leave.
Several others – Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott – may be sold if the right circumstances present themselves. However, there’s another Liverpool star riding the crest of a wave right now who may also need to go.
Luis Diaz is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, and FSG should cash in for maximum value while they can.
The latest on Luis Diaz's future
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now willing to accept offers for Diaz this summer in spite of his recent form, should bids reach the ballpark of €80m (about £68m).
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
The Colombian is one of the best forwards in the Premier League and has rediscovered his touch in the final third over the past few weeks, but aged 28 and approaching the penultimate year of his £55k-per-week contract, it might be the right time for Liverpool to cash in.
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in the player, while Spanish reports suggest Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League are preparing a bid ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure at the end of his contract this summer.
Diaz has been one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s anticipated Premier League triumph, but he’s not irreplaceable and some difficult decisions will need to be made soon.
Across all competitions this season, the 28-year-old has scored 15 goals and supplied eight assists for his teammates, having registered goal involvements in each of his past five Premier League appearances.
Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool vs Wolves
An electric-paced forward with an energy that’s charged not by pace but tenacity, Diaz is the real deal, coveted by the likes of Manchester City last year and heading toward the championship having been outscored only by Salah in Liverpool’s squad, which is nothing to be ashamed about.
Ranking among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref, he’s got the technical capacity to thrive too. Klopp even hailed him once for his “world-class” passing.
Diaz has been indispensable this season for his tactical flexibility, able to skip around the frontline and fill in as a make-do centre-forward, owing to his gifted ability but highlighting the need for a recognised, hard-to-handle number nine.
Left winger
29
6
6
Centre-forward
11
6
0
Right winger
2
1
0
While he’s at his most clinical when placed as the focal frontman, he might find his opportunities limited in that area next term, given Liverpool are headset on signing an out-and-out striker, one who will likely cost quite the figure to bring over to Anfield.
They’ll need to get it right, but the same thing happened when Nunez was brought in from Benfica in the summer of 2022 as Sadio Mane took his leave.
Mane joined Bayern Munich in a deal worth £35m that summer, draping the curtain on an illustrious career at Liverpool. Given that he had turned 30 years old and was a year away from his contract’s conclusion, FSG’s decision was understandable.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Mane still had mileage in the tank but renewing his deal at that point of his career could have knocked the club’s wage hierarchy askew, with Salah being an exception to the rule.
And so history is shaping up to repeat itself. Diaz has been a more than able replacement for his Senegalese counterpart and now faces a similar fate, but given that he is set to consider a departure from the English Champions Elect, it could be a move that benefits all parties.
Back to the present, Cody Gakpo has nailed down the starting berth on the attacking left flank this year, scoring 16 times from 35 matches in the position.
The Netherlands international might have stepped away from the limelight over recent weeks due to injury, but he ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz
There may well be a conflict of positional interest if these players remain at Liverpool and fight for a place alongside Isak or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, for example.
The same, curiously, occurred when Mane, Salah and Diaz all played together for five short but sweet months in 2021/22, with Klopp’s new recruit making waves, notching seven goal involvements across 11 Premier League fixtures while winning 5.3 duels per game.
Liverpool wouldn’t grumble if Diaz was still in their mix next season, for sure, but if clubs present bids north of £60m for a player who is entering the later stage of their contract and is not that far away from their 30th birthday, it feels like it could be a no-brainer for sporting director Richard Hughes.
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