Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a strong end to the 2024/25 campaign. Although they have lost the two most recent outings, Vitor Pereira’s side have managed to get themselves up to 14th in the Premier League, after they were certain relegation candidates at one stage in the season.

Even though they were mathematically safe a while ago, they have now reached the magical 40-point tally, which is usually enough to guarantee a spot in the top flight for another year. It certainly gives the Midlands club something to build on for next season.

The upcoming summer transfer window will be key for the Old Gold, and they have been linked with one player who could enhance the quality of their midfield.

Wolves could sign new midfielder

One of the areas in their squad where Wolves are strongest is in midfield. The West Midlands outfit have plenty of options in the middle of the park, but could look to add to that this summer, if recent reports are true.

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Journalist Graeme Bailey alluded to the fact that Wolves could reignite their old interest in Chelsea midfielder Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall. He claimed that the Chelsea star, who has struggled for regular game-time this term, is someone who ‘quite possibly’ fits the profile Pereira is looking to add to his midfield.

Indeed, Bailey referenced that there is ‘historic interest’ in the player from Wolves, meaning a deal to bring him to Molineux could be on this summer. The price isn’t clear at this stage, but he cost the Blues £30m last summer from Leicester City.

Where Dewsbury-Hall would fit into Wolves' midfield

It has not really been the debut season at Stamford Bridge that Dewsbury-Hall may have hoped for. He has struggled to break into the team in the Premier League after following former Foxes manager Enzo Maresca to West London.

The 26-year-old has featured in just 29 games for the Blues across all competitions, with only 12 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. Incredibly, he has played 254 top-flight minutes, the equivalent of 2.8 full 90-minute games.

However, in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League run, Dewsbury-Hall has had a more substantial role to play. He’s played 12 games in their run to the final, scoring four times and grabbing two assists. He bagged the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 home win over FC Copenhagen in the last 16 second leg.

Despite his struggles in 2024/25, Dewsbury-Hall is a “top talent” in the words of data analyst Statman Dave. He really showed just how good he is in 2023/24, the season Leicester won the Championship. That season, he managed 12 goals and 14 assists in 44 games from midfield.

The 26-year-old has impressive underlying stats from that campaign, too, courtesy of FBref. For example, he averaged 2.7 key passes and 0.77 goal-creating actions per game, which ranked him in the top 2% and 1% of Championship midfielders that season.

Goals and assists

0.64

98th

Key passes

2.7

98th

Progressive passes

6.73

92nd

Shot-creating actions

5

96th

Goal-creating actions

0.77

99th

Given the attacking impact he could have on this Wolves side, it could mean Dewsbury-Hall partners well with Joao Gomes. The Brazil international has been a key player for the Old Gold this season, featuring in all but two of their Premier League games so far.

A superb ball-winner, he could be someone who sits behind the potential new Wolves midfielder and does the dirty work off the ball while allowing Dewsbury-Hall to thrive further forward.

Indeed, as per FBref, he averages 4.12 tackles and interceptions per game and 130 in total this season, which is the most in their squad.

It seems like a match made in heaven. Gomes can just sit at the base of the Old Gold midfield and look to break up play. With his excellent defensive output, it certainly takes the responsibility off Dewsbury-Hall somewhat.

A price is not confirmed yet, but this seems like the dream deal for the Old Gold. He could form an excellent partnership in midfield with Gomes, and add to the quality in attacking areas that Wolves have. This could be the perfect way to kick-start their summer.

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Despite missing out on automatic promotion, Sheffield United have reportedly joined the race to sign an experienced midfielder who knows all about Premier League football.

Wilder issues rally cry as Sheffield United prepare for play-offs

For the majority of the campaign, Sheffield United found themselves in a three-way battle to earn automatic promotion and had plenty of hope that they wouldn’t be the side to miss out in the Championship. One slip too many quickly allowed Burnley and Leeds United to end the race, however – leaving the Blades to fight for a place in the Premier League through the play-offs.

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Speaking about his side’s disappointment, manager Chris Wilder rallied his troops, telling reporters: “We can’t start feeling sorry for ourselves, I don’t think people expect me to and the coaches and players.

“We’ve got to raise ourselves, dust ourselves down and go again. We haven’t disgraced ourselves, we haven’t let ourselves down. Hopefully the majority of the supporters will see that and back us in the play-off games and if we get the better of four 45-minute halves, we have a trip to Wembley.”

Just who the Blades square off against in the play-offs is the big unanswered question. As things stand, they will be joined by Sunderland – who have their place confirmed – Bristol City and Coventry City, who must both win on the final day to secure their spot once and for all. Should they fail to do so, then Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and even Middlesbrough could all take advantage.

Given how strong Wilder’s side have been this season, to now miss out on promotion entirely would be a major blow on and off the pitch, especially as they look to sign one particular midfielder.

Sheffield United join Wilfred Ndidi race

According to The Boot Room, Sheffield United have now joined the race to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer in a deal that will cost just £9m thanks to the Nigerian’s relegation release clause. The Blades aren’t alone in their interest though, with Everton and Burnley also among the clubs chasing the midfielder’s signature this summer.

A veteran in the Premier League these days, Ndidi would be an important arrival for the likes of Burnley and quite possibly Sheffield United if they earn promotion through the playoffs. Without victory at Wembley, however, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to attract the Leicester star.

Earning plenty of praise throughout his time with the Foxes, former Leicester boss Mike Stowell took time to speak about Ndidi’s qualities on the BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘When You’re Smiling’ podcast earlier this season, saying: “I have always known (Wilfred Ndidi) as a number six because of his defensive attributes.

“But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line. He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range.”

Manchester United are enjoying a climactic end to the campaign and may already have made progress in pursuit of one high-profile summer target, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Manchester United put one foot in Europa League final

In what has been a strange campaign for the Red Devils, they have little to play for in the Premier League bar pride as their domestic season slowly peters out under Ruben Amorim. However, United appear nailed on to feature in the Europa League final later this month after a heroic 3-0 victory away to Athletic Club on Thursday evening.

Despite facing the wrath of a raucous home crowd, Casemiro’s header and a double from Bruno Fernandes kept the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a backdoor route to the Champions League alive, which is bound to be advantageous in soliciting summer transfer business.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is a legitimate Manchester United target despite the fact it may cost upwards of £85 million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha could join the Europa League semi-finalists from Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Still, Viktor Gyokeres is another target firmly in the sights of Amorim.

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Truthfully, the outcome of Manchester United’s exploits in Europe will determine their scope of doing business. If they fail to claim silverware on the continent, there will be a scaled-back approach to dealings in light of the financial reality at the global giants.

Nevertheless, not every signing needs to cost millions, which is a philosophy Amorim seems to have taken into account after his side initiated talks with a defender who would strengthen their experienced backline.

Manchester United hold talks over move for Jonathan Tah

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have held talks over a free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen nears expiration.

Discussions with his management have occurred, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain in pursuit of the 35-cap Germany international.

Enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, the central defender has registered three goals and a solitary assist in 30 appearances across all competitions.

Dominant at the back, Tah has won 91 duels and made 146 recoveries on Bundesliga duty as his side look to secure a runners-up spot behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Inexpensive deals that can provide high pedigree could be the way forward for Manchester United, who are still yet to determine whether they will have a sizeable amount to invest in their squad this summer.

Heading into their away tie with Newcastle United on Sunday, Chelsea were deep in some pretty impressive form in the Premier League.

The Blues were five league games unbeaten heading into his one – which included a stunning 3-1 victory being picked up against Arne Slot’s title-winning Liverpool – but all that positive energy came crashing down at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s Magpies ran out comfortable 2-0 victors.

Chelsea’s task on the day was made a lot harder by a clueless first-half red card, but there would have still been a lot to moan about from Enzo Maresca’s perspective at the full-time whistle, irrespective of his side having to play all of the second 45 minutes a man light.

Chelsea's biggest underperformers at St James' Park

Before touching on the rash red card, the likes of Noni Madueke struggled to ever get going in attack for the visitors.

Whilst Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak busted a gut for the Toon cause up top, Madueke was timid and limp in approach, seen in the 23-year-old failing to a register a single effort on Nick Pope’s goal during his forgettable 45-minute stint, as well as losing all four of his contested duels.

Romeo Lavia would last far longer on the St James’ turf, but he wouldn’t be deserving of any praise himself come full-time either, with his lackadaisical approach early on gifting the ball to Newcastle to take the lead via Sandro Tonali.

Moreover, the usually electric Cole Palmer once again failed to spark into life with possession squandered a hefty 14 times, but the elephant in the room that remains is Nicolas Jackson’s hot-headed dismissal.

Jackson would brainlessly connect with Newcastle defender Sven Botman using his elbow, meaning the ex-Villarreal centre-forward will now be suspended for the rest of the season.

This could be the last time Chelsea fans see the 23-year-old lead the line for the Blues in the Premier League, therefore, with the pantomime villain very much turning into Stamford Bridge’s next Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's next Havertz

Much like Jackson now, Chelsea fans would regularly lament the amount of missed chances Havertz would spurn for their team when he was still on the books of the West London outfit.

That is the case despite the German popping up with 32 strikes overall – which included the now Arsenal man scoring a winner in a Champions League final.

Despite that, he would still infuriate the Stamford Bridge masses with his consistent wastefulness, seen in him missing a colossal 14 big chances in Premier League action during his final Blues season.

Jackson’s Premier League numbers by season for Chelsea

Stat

Jackson (24/25)

Jackson (23/24)

Games played

30

35

Goals scored

10

14

Assists

5

5

Big chances missed

19

24

Goal conversion %

13%

18%

Big chances created

6

8

Stats by Sofascore

Jackson has actually bagged a promising 29 strikes in total for Maresca’s men over two seasons, yet – much like Havertz – he gets regularly under the skin of the restless Chelsea fanbase with his off performances, seen in him missing a mammoth 19 big chances during the 2024/25 campaign.

Therefore, his hot-headedness away at Newcastle could be the final straw that sees Jackson – the club’s new Havertz-like scapegoat – moved on.

London Evening Standard journalist Dom Smith suggested that the £32m signing ‘ruined’ his side’s chances of a big win, handing him a dismal 2/10 post-match rating.

But, it shouldn’t be completely ruled out that the 23-year-old goes on to be a success elsewhere, with Havertz showing in flashes for Arsenal – as per his 29-goal haul from 85 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s men – that a damaging experience for the Blues isn’t the be-all-and-end-all.

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Liverpool could be crowned champions of England, once again, if they manage to avoid defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

Arne Slot is aiming to win a title in his first year in the country, having replaced Jurgen Klopp last summer, and only needs one more point to confirm it.

The Reds beat Leicester City 1-0 last time out at the King Power, consigning them to relegation to the Championship, and they now have the chance to win the Premier League title in front of a packed-out Anfield.

Whereas, when they won their first Premier League title, under Klopp, the players were forced to celebrate inside an empty arena due to restrictions.

Despite Liverpool being on course to win the division, the club are looking at ways to improve the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, in order to give Slot the best possible chance of following up on his terrific debut season with more trophies next term.

The latest on Liverpool's interest in Premier League forward

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have a firm interest in West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that the Ghana international is ‘firmly’ on their radar heading into the summer transfer window, because of several factors. Liverpool are believed to be interested in his Premier League experience and his versatility to play in any of the positions across the attack.

Football Insider adds that the former Ajax star has a release clause in his contract that would allow teams from England to sign him for £80m, but that the Hammers are prepared to go lower than that and would be open to doing business for a fee of £70m.

The outlet adds that Slot wants to add a top-class attacker to his squad in the summer transfer window, with Kudus emerging as one of the club’s targets.

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West Ham’s star winger is not at the top of Liverpool’s list of targets, however, and this suggests that they may have to miss out on others before they decide to go ahead with a move for the dynamo.

Football Insider also claims that a £70m deal would be difficult for the Reds to get over the line if they do press ahead with a swoop for his services, and that they could have to sell some of their current talent in order to facilitate a move.

What Mohammed Kudus could bring to Liverpool

As aforementioned, Liverpool would be signing a player with Premier League experience, having played 60 times in the division, and this suggests that he could hit the ground running.

Rather than taking a risk on a player from abroad who may not be able to adjust to the English top-flight, the Reds could snap up a proven performer in the league, making it less of a gamble.

Kudus would also provide impressive versatility across the frontline. He has played 46 or more matches in each position as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, centre-forward, and right-winger in his career, which shows that the gem can adapt to playing in a multitude of roles across the pitch.

This means that Slot could play him out wide, through the middle as a striker, or as part of the midfield three, depending on the opposition and what suits the game, rather than being limited by the player only being effective in one particular role, for example.

Kudus, once described as a “game-changer” by analyst Ben Mattinson, can also provide quality at the top end of the pitch, as evidenced by his return of 18 goals and 12 assists in 75 matches for the Hammers to date, including 12 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old ace has scored 11 goals from 12.02 xG, which means that the forward is performing around on par as a finisher, but he still has plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player at the age of 24.

The West Ham star, as you can see in the clip above, is an exciting player to watch who could get supporters off their feet with his ability on the ball, coupled with the goals and assists that he could provide.

This latest report about Liverpool’s interest in Kudus may not be exciting for everyone connected with the club, however, as it could be bad news for someone like Luis Diaz.

Why this is bad news for Luis Diaz

Football Insider’s report named the Colombia international as one of the players who could be sold in order to raise funds to afford a swoop for the West Ham attacker.

Diaz turned 28 in January and may now be at the peak of his market value, which could make it the best possible time for the club to cash in on him in the upcoming summer window.

It was reported earlier this month that there are teams in Saudi Arabia that are eyeing Diaz up as a potential target, and it was claimed in March that Barcelona are preparing to push for the ex-Porto star.

This suggests that Liverpool could have enough interest from other clubs to realistically cash in on the winger ahead of next season, which would provide them with more money to splash on new additions.

Luis Diaz (Premier League)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	37	32
xG	11.88	9.23
Big chances missed	13	9
Goals	8	11
Big chances created	5	8
Assists	5	5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Diaz’s finishing quality has fluctuated between the last two seasons and Liverpool may wonder if his current form is a flash in the pan or a sign of things to come.

The Reds could decide that the interest in his services makes it the perfect time cash in on him whilst his stock is high, given his return at the top end of the pitch this season, and to use the cash to sign a younger replacement like Kudus.

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Therefore, the news that Liverpool are interested in signing Kudus, who is four years younger than Diaz, could be bad news for the Colombian’s future at Anfield heading into next season.

Going in pursuit of even greater success next season, Liverpool are now reportedly prioritising a move to sign an impressive La Liga midfielder in this summer’s transfer window.

Salah reiterates desire for even more success

Mohamed Salah may be a two-time Premier League winner and undeniably one of the greatest players to ever grace English football, but he is not slowing down. At 32 years old, the Egyptian has just broken the record for most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season, with 28 goals and 18 assists, and was recently crowned the Football Writers’ Player of the Season.

He still wants more, however. That new contract wasn’t signed with the intention of slowing down in the final stages of his Liverpool career. Instead, Salah reiterated that he still wants to win at least one more Premier League and one more Champions League at Anfield.

The winger recently told Gary Neville: “This year I won the Premier League and I think I never felt happier in the club for eight years like this moment in the Spurs game. I really wish we win the Champions League game. I know the Premier League is always nice for the club and that’s how it should be but I would love to win the Champions League and Premier League again.”

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To achieve exactly that though, Liverpool will need to back Arne Slot in this summer’s transfer window. As successful as the Dutchman’s first season has been at Anfield, there remains question marks about whether the Reds were simply in the right place at the right time. And those questions must be answered in emphatic fashion next season.

Well aware of that, FSG are already acting to replace the departing Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong in the coming months and have now reportedly identified another target who could help them to match Salah’s clear ambitions.

Liverpool prioritising Jauregizar move

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now prioritising a move to sign Mikel Jauregizar from Athletic Club this summer. Slot reportedly rates the midfielder and could finally land the type of reinforcement that he has wanted since targeting Martin Zubimendi last summer. Given that the Reds are set to miss out on Zubimendi to rivals Arsenal, welcoming Jauregizar would arguably make perfect sense this summer.

Starts

24

32

Progressive Carries

0.59

1.14

Progressive Passes

4.73

5.96

Ball Recoveries

5.78

4.32

The numbers highlight the similarities between the two midfielders, but also one key difference. Although Jauregizar has struggled to match Zubimendi’s ability to progress play, he has worked better out of possession – a trait that Slot has come to appreciate in Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool this season.

Labelled “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Jauregizar could be next in line to undergo the same transformation that Ryan Gravenberch has undergone in the last 12 months. From struggling star, the Dutchman is now a nominee for the Premier League Player of the Year award under Slot.

As for matching Salah’s ambitions, an added controller in the middle of the park in Jauregizar could go a long way towards Slot’s Liverpool side becoming far more dominant this summer and winning the top honours once again.

Liverpool are making some shrewd moves in the market as they look to build on winning the Premier League title and could now strike for a world-renowned star with talks having already taken place, per a report.

Jeremie Frimpong set for Liverpool medical

Arne Slot and his squad are still basking in the glory of becoming top-flight champions, but there has already been significant movement on the transfer front at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has pivoted focus to who could potentially replace the academy graduate’s phenomenal attacking output at right-back.

Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong is the answer and is set to undergo a Liverpool medical on Monday before he completes his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Commenting on the Reds’ transfer plans this summer, Slot stated: “So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.

“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.”

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The Dutchman may have a point. However, it would be naive not to expect Liverpool not to try and capitalise on their status as Premier League champions.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has become a known target at Anfield, giving an inkling towards the type of smart recruitment that is expected to occur at Anfield this summer.

Typically, Liverpool have a distinctive style of adding to their squad that is more in line with squad synchronisation as opposed to star appeal.

However, there can be room for both if the Reds’ latest pursuit under is anything to go by.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz hold discussions

According to The Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has held talks with Liverpool boss Slot to discuss his summer transfer plans as interest begins to mount in the Germany international.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also touched base to find out more about where he envisages landing and the Citizens are said to be plotting a double swoop for the 22-year-old and Tijjani Reijnders before the Club World Cup.

Florian Wirtz’ Bayer Leverkusen campaign – Bundesliga

Chances created

57

Shots on target

39

Completed dribbles

82

Touches in opposition box

162

Successful crosses

14

Accurate long balls

34

Labelled “world-class” by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season, which may go some way to explaining why his valuation sits at a figure in excess of £100 million.

Becoming one of the most talked about stars in Europe, he has excelled as the foil for the main attacker and could now emerge as a source of creative inspiration for the likes of Mohamed Salah should he move to Anfield.

Having said that, Manchester City’s hunt to replace Kevin De Bruyne could be a roadblock as he deliberates before deciding on his next desitination.

They’ve done it. Liverpool are Premier League champions once again. Arne Slot has won the title in his first season at the helm.

Words can do no justice to the sheer scale of Liverpool’s triumph, so simply drink it in, lap it up, for this brilliant bunch of Reds have achieved something incredible, levelling with Manchester United as the most successful club in the history of England’s highest division.

1.

Liverpool

20

1=

Man United

20

3.

Arsenal

13

4.

Man City

10

5.

Everton

9

At the start of the campaign, BBC Sport released their pundits’ pre-season predictions at the head of the table, and none of the 30 analysts forecast the title to end up at Anfield.

But the ribbons run red nonetheless, Liverpool having gone from strength to strength since Slot replaced Klopp and put his own style on a formidable team of immense quality.

This feat has been several years in the making, more, but it was sealed this afternoon as Liverpool thrashed a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side 5-1, swamped by a sea of screaming red.

Here’s how they did it…

How Liverpool won the Premier League on Sunday

Tottenham, 16th, have been more than a little fragile in the Premier League this season and entered the lion’s den on Sunday with the knowledge that they would likely be swallowed by Merseyside’s deafening red sea.

With the Europa League semi-final merely days away, Ange Postecoglou fielded eight changes and no doubt had one eye on FK Bodø/Glimt. Such variables didn’t matter though; Liverpool would not be stopped in front of their fans.

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Dominic Solanke actually threatened to spoil the party when rising highest to power home a header after just ten minutes. Liverpool had started on strong footing but the stadium was silenced by their former prospect.

However, Liverpool would not be stopped, remember, and moments later, Luis Diaz finished off a slick combination starring Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah to level the score.

Any doubts were exhumed by this point, with the Slot machine working overtime to give Anfield the occasion it has so coveted for the past three-and-a-half decades. Strikes from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Salah and Djed Spence (into his own net) followed.

So many standout performances, but none were finer than that of Liverpool’s midfield general. Mac Allister has been immense for the Merseysiders since joining from Brighton for an eye-catching £35m fee in July 2023.

He’s now starting to show he has shades of one of the club’s greatest, Steven Gerrard.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Liverpool's new Steven Gerrard

Gerrard’s force of completeness has left him recognised globally as one of the best midfielders of all time and revered in Liverpool for his peerless quality and leadership over 17 years of senior service.

Salah may well be Liverpool’s definitive talisman of the modern era, but he’s not cut from the same cloth as Gerrard, instead firing his way toward unquestionable status as one of the greatest forwards in the history of the Premier League.

Instead, Mac Allister is shaping into a fitting successor, with his sweeping gamut of skills leading Liverpool reporter Asim Mahmood to hail him as a “monster of a player” after the title-clinching victory over Tottenham.

Stunning strikes have become an anticipated part of Mac Allister’s repertoire over the past several years, and his weak-footed piledriver against the Lilywhites will be up there with his most memorable, given the occasion, given the significance of putting Liverpool ahead after an early setback and pushing the team toward gold.

His ball-striking ability seemingly on par with the club legend, but Mac Allister brings so much more to the table, having dominated Tottenham for 83 minutes, picking up the Man of the Match award after winning seven duels, making six tackles, completing 88% of his passes and creating two chances, as per Sofascore.

The 25-year-old has achieved such roundedness throughout the campaign, ranking among the top 16% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for tackles won and the top 3% for blocks, as per FBref.

This perfectly illustrates his creativity and combative blend. It’s quite clear that Mac Allister brings something unique to Liverpool’s midfield and they would not be crowned at this moment without him.

The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle could offer nothing less than a 9/10 match rating for Liverpool’s star player on a momentous occasion, the South American stepping up and driving his squad toward a thumping win to properly commemorate a special day with a fitting result.

The correspondent summed it up nicely: ‘Brought composure to Liverpool’s midfield passing, always looked to move forward, thundered in some crunching tackles and smashed home a fantastic strike for the second. What a player.’

It’s the one trophy that alluded Gerrard throughout his distinguished Liverpool career, but he still hung up the boots as an immortal being on Merseyside.

The retired England international truly was “the complete midfielder,” as said in this instance by pundit Jermaine Pennant when discussing English football’s finest, and Slot has now fashioned a new version in the form of Mac Allister.

He doesn’t quite bring the same firebrand intensity that Gerrard oozed when serving as Liverpool’s captain, but Mac Allister is unquestionably a player of striking talent, so influential across defensive and forward-focused zones.

He’s Liverpool’s new version of Stevie G, all right, and he’s just been crowned a Premier League champion to solidify his status as one of the city’s greatest midfielders.

Of course, the story isn’t finished yet…

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With Leeds United looking to solve their biggest problem this summer, one transfer target is now reportedly ready to quit his current Premier League club in favour of a move to Elland Road.

Leeds' goalkeeper problem

After winning the Championship title and sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds still have one major problem to address this summer. And that comes courtesy of Ilian Meslier. The shot-stopper is at the centre of Leeds’ greatest weakness and very nearly derailed his side’s promotion until Daniel Farke ruthlessly replaced him with second-choice Karl Darlow.

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However, the current No 2 is far from a permanent solution ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and the 49ers seem to be well aware of that.

Already, a number of Meslier replacements have been mentioned as the summer transfer window approaches, and Leeds will have to narrow their shortlist down if they are to finally solve their goalkeeper problem.

Two names mentioned have been Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic in recent reports. Both goalkeepers have endured excellent seasons, with Kelleher often called in to replace an injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool as they secured the Premier League title, and Chelsea loanee Petrovic providing some standout numbers on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Both would be instant upgrades on Meslier, whose mistakes came around more and more often at Leeds throughout the campaign. They were mistakes that went unpunished eventually, but mistakes that could ultimately cost the Yorkshire side their Premier League place if repeated next season.

After dropping his goalkeeper for Darlow in April, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Leeds receive Sam Johnstone boost

Meanwhile, if it’s not to be Petrovic or Kelleher this summer, then those at Elland Road could reportedly turn towards another Premier League option.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Sam Johnstone is now ready to quit Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Leeds this summer.

The experienced shot-stopper has often found himself behind Jose Sa in the pecking order in the Midlands and could now leave the club just one summer after arriving. Wolves’ No 2 could quickly become Leeds’ No 1 as a result, with the 49ers already thought to be plotting a move to sign the former West Bromwich Albion man.

Previously praised for a “sensational” save by Gary Lineker, Johnstone will be desperate to regain a starting place away from Wolves this summer and replacing Meslier would hand him the chance to do exactly that.

At 32 years old, however, there may be some concerns around Elland Road over the goalkeeper’s ability to become a long-term solution to their biggest problem ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.

With Steven Gerrard potentially on his way back to the club, Rangers could now reportedly bring an experienced star to Ibrox this summer in a surprising new role at the club.

Rangers' manager update

With the season now over, the Gers have instantly turned their attention towards finding their next permanent manager. It’s a decision that those at Ibrox must get right as the 49ers look to make an instant statement in Scotland. Just who will take to the hot seat next is the unanswered question. So far, a range of names have been linked with the role with Davide Ancelotti and Gerrard particularly standing out.

According to recent reports, Gerrard could return to Ibrox for the first time since leaving them for the chance to take charge of Aston Villa in 2021 in what may receive a mixed reaction. The Liverpool legend would certainly need to get off to a strong start back in Scotland in an attempt to get any frustrated fans back onside four years on from his departure.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti is also an interesting candidate. The assistant manager to his father, the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, for much of his career, he could now choose to break away and commence his own managerial spell.

Igniting reports, his father has chosen not to take Ancelotti to the Brazil national team with him, claiming that his son is in talks with a European club. The former Real Madrid manager told reporters: “Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team. I don’t think it’s right for him to come with me. If he goes to a club, I wish him the best. And if not, he can come back to us at any time.”

Whether that European club is Rangers remains to be seen, but Ancelotti is certainly one to watch alongside Gerrard.

Gerrard could bring Henderson with him to Rangers

If it is to be Gerrard, then he could bring a Premier League-winning captain with him to Ibrox. According to reports from the Netherlands, as relayed by The Daily Record, Rangers and Gerrard are now interested in signing Jordan Henderson from Ajax this summer in an unexpected coaching role, with the former Liverpool midfielder reportedly open to a new adventure.

It’s been a tough few years for Henderson on the pitch. His decision to leave Liverpool to join Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq side in 2023 was ultimately one that he came to regret. Meanwhile, his time at Ajax has since been mixed and he could be on his way out of the Dutch giants just 18 months after arriving. From being a Premier League-winning captain at Anfield, Henderson is at a major career crossroads.

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If anyone knows about the midfielder’s quality too, it is Gerrard. The Anfield hero played together with Henderson, currently on a base salary of £75,000-a-week, at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield for a number of years and shared high praise for his former teammate back in 2019 – telling reporters: “Some people don’t see the stuff behind the scenes, the gym work, the way he eats, but he is an incredible role model.

“He is selfless. He puts himself at the back of the queue because he looks after everyone else first. He puts Jordan Henderson last.”