Steven Gerrard’s picks as his two most underrated teammates at Liverpool may make sense, but Jurgen Klopp might not love one of his selections.
Gerrard's eclectic mix of teammates at Liverpool
Gerrard has a strong argument for being the Reds’ greatest player of all time, having enjoyed an extraordinary career at Anfield between 1998 and 2015.
The legendary former midfielder captained Liverpool to an unforgettable Champions League win in 2005, as well as winning multiple FA Cups and League Cups, and he is among the complete midfielders to have played the game.
Gerrard had some world-class teammates at Liverpool down the years, whether it be Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres or Xabi Alonso, to name just a few.
On the flip side, there were times when it felt as though the Reds icon was carrying too many average footballers, with his world-class talent deserving of winning many Premier League titles. Instead, that trophy forever eluded him.
Gerrard reveals two most underrated colleagues
Speaking in an interview with GQ magazine back in 2015, not long before he left Liverpool, Gerrard said that Didi Hamann and Dirk Kuyt are his two most underrated teammates from his Reds career.
“Good question. Er… Didi Hamman, although everyone knows he is class, a lot of his work was for the team and not stand-out work. Dirk Kuyt was also someone who was very selfless, so probably Dirk and Didi, two quality footballers who put the importance of the team first.”
It is hard to have too many qualms about Gerrard’s choices, with Hamann and Kuyt two players who often went under the radar while others made the headlines, including the former skipper himself.
Hamann was a great shield in front of the defence, possessing expert positional sense that didn’t allow his lack of pace to be exposed, as well as quality on the ball. The way in which his half-time substitution in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan turned the game on its head sums up his influence.
Klopp may not be too overjoyed about Gerrard picking the German, however, with Liverpool’s former manager having issues with his compatriot, once reacting angrily to criticism of him.
“Who said that? Didi Hamann? Oh great. A fantastic source, well respected everywhere. That (being a former Liverpool player) does not give you the right to say what you want, especially when you have no idea. I actually think Didi Hamann does not deserve that you use his phrase to ask a question. Do me a favour and ask your own question. Try to ask without using the word spark.”
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As for Kuyt, he was so often the ultimate big-game player for Liverpool, scoring huge goals against the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League, as well as netting in the 2007 Champions League final defeat to Milan.
Though Liverpool have strengthened well in the summer transfer window, Arne Slot likely needs more parts if he’s to lead his side to glory once again next season.
The Anfield side won the Premier League last season after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his iconic post. No one thought this relatively unknown coach from Feyenoord could carry the weight of a legend’s departure, but Slot has proved himself the perfect man to lead this club, championing the virtues that are rooted so deep in the Merseyside soil.
And he’s been rewarded in the transfer market. FSG have smashed Liverpool’s transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m figure, which could rise to a British-record £116m.
Slot also has a new full-back pairing to work with, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez both impressing during Liverpool’s emotional pre-season outing against Preston North End.
Jeremy Frimpong and Arne Slot
However, Liverpool’s head coach may well feel that there’s still something missing in his rearguard, with the Merseysiders’ interest in a new centre-back well documented.
The latest on Liverpool's search for a defender
Back in May, Liverpool’s chiefs were working on a deal to sign Dean Huijsen, 20, after his spectacular breakout year with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The problem was, most high-profile clubs across the continent wanted the Spain international, and that’s a list which included Real Madrid, who indeed won the race after activating his £50m release clause.
This in itself isn’t detrimental to the Liverpool cause, but now that Jarell Quansah has completed a £35m transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, it feels important that the Reds push ahead and sign a replacement.
Well, FSG have got one in mind all right.
According to reports relayed by The Mirror, Liverpool are preparing to launch a £40m bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, looking to take advantage of the player’s contract situation, entering the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park.
Guehi is understood to favour a move to Anfield over Arsenal and Newcastle, though he wants assurances over his playing time.
Given that the England international, 25, is willing to run his contract down if push comes to shove, this could prove to be a delicate situation, with Slot no doubt wary about entering the forthcoming campaign with limited options in defence.
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Guehi is a robust and reliable defender who has built himself up over a number of years at Crystal Palace, joining from Chelsea in a £18m deal four years ago.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi against Man City's Omar Marmoush in the FA Cup final.
His rounded technical qualities and deceptive aggression suggest he would be perfect for this high-flying Liverpool side, and given his two-footedness and leadership skills, he might even be the man to succeed Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk is one of the greatest defenders of his generation, instrumental in building Klopp’s dynasty at Liverpool. To replace him would be a daunting thought for any positional peer, but Guehi has what it takes, having been hailed as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Guehi has spent several years honing his skills in the Premier League, and now he’s ready to take the leap to the highest level. Van Dijk did something similar.
However, one could actually say that Guehi is more accomplished than the Liverpool skipper was during his Southampton days. After all, Guehi captained the Eagles to their incredible FA Cup triumph, defeating Manchester City in the May final at Wembley.
But looking at their respective performances across the past term in the Premier League, it’s clear that Guehi still has a level or two to scale before he can claim to be in the same ballpark as Van Dijk.
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
37 (37)
Goals
3
3
Assists
2
1
Clean sheets
11
14
Touches*
64.9
90.4
Pass completion
84%
92%
Key passes*
0.5
0.3
Dribbles*
0.4
0.1
Ball recoveries*
4.3
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.5
Clearances*
4.6
5.1
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
4.7 (69%)
Errors made
2
4
But, no doubt, the seeds are there, and two seasons alongside the legend could prove to sharpen his tools to the keenest edge, allowing him to become a superstar on Merseyside.
The Palace man is technically sound and creative besides. Moreover, he would emulate Van Dijk in arriving from a divisional rival lower down the ladder, with the Netherlands captain joining Klopp’s cause from Southampton way back in January 2018 for a £75m fee – a world record for a defender at the time.
Guehi’s ball-playing game, actually, is almost underrated, for he is not jsut assured but remarkable in his passing and movement, making things happen as he coolly collects and picks out forward-running teammates, be that with a swept pass or by dribbling upfield and playing a tidy layoff.
As per FBref, the one-time Chelsea prospect ranked among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for through balls, illustrating that Van Dijk-esque quality that would prove so useful for Slot.
But pedantry matters for a mind as analytical as Michael Edwards’. Guehi has been described as “one of those versatile centre-backs who can play both sides equally as comfortably” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and his propensity for the left side only fuels the argument that he could be Slot’s new version of Van Dijk.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is irreplaceable, but in Guehi, Liverpool might just sign the closest thing to a successor possible. He’s dynamic, combative and commanding, embodying the qualities required of a superstar centre-half at Anfield.
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Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.
As Newcastle United continue to close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, manager Eddie Howe is reportedly setting his sights on the next “smart” signing that the Magpies could make.
Newcastle closing in on Elanga
Whilst Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest, their second bid worth around £55m has reportedly been submitted and negotiations are underway. Pushing to get the deal done, a deal to sign the Swede could be on the horizon to finally hand those at St James’ Park one of their top targets this summer.
The Nottingham Forest star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and may well get the chance to form one of the quickest frontlines that the Premier League has to offer next to Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. On paper, it is an attack that most defences should be wary of as Newcastle aim to retain their Champions League place next season.
With Champions League football part of a packed calendar in the coming campaign, however, Newcastle will need more than just Elanga through the door this summer. Having learned the hard way the last time they were among Europe’s elite, the Magpies must add a depth of quality to Howe’s side this time around.
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Unlike last time too, PIF should be in a position to spend and finally free from PSR concerns. Just who arrives as a result of that spending power is the big question. Whilst names such as Giorgio Scalvini have threatened to steal the headlines, Howe has reportedly set his sights on yet another attacking addition for his side this summer.
Howe now personally eyeing "smart" Bakayoko deal
Even with talks underway to welcome Elanga, another winger could yet arrive at St James’ Park before the end of the window. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Howe is now personally eyeing a “smart” deal to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is reportedly open to a move from PSV Eindhoven this summer.
PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action
O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Bakayoko I’m sure would probably be interested in a move if it was the right offer. He wants to be playing at the highest level, which Newcastle can offer to him with Champions League football.
“With his contract going into the final year, it could be a lot cheaper than potentially some of those other players, so he could be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.”
Starts
18
31
Goals
9
6
Assists
1
11
Successful Take-ons
47
25
Based on his output, Bakayoko would be well worth his £40m asking price, which could even turn into an instant bargain. When compared with Elanga, it’s clear that Newcastle would suddenly have two very dangerous wingers at their disposal. If Howe wants quality in depth then signing both would certainly be one way to welcome exactly that.
Everton only went from strength to strength to strength when the Friedkin Group ended Farhad Moshiri’s dysfunctional reign toward the end of 2024, moving swiftly to replace Sean Dyche with David Moyes in the dugout.
Relegation candidates in the bleak of winter, Everton played to Moyes’ tune across the second half of the campaign, finished comfortably in 13th place in the Premier League.
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
The Scotsman has overseen a slow start to the transfer window, albeit with chief executive Angus Kinnear settling in and dealing with an overload of potential departures. Albeit, Charly Alcaraz’s loan spell has been made permanent for a £13m fee.
Much has been made of the need for forwards, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin going and the Toffees closing in on his replacement in Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, 22, who has a £34.5m release clause.
But Everton may yet need to package their midfield with one or two impactful additions.
The latest on Everton's midfield situation
Everton always knew this was going to be a significant summer, with so many comings and goings taking place. Midfield is indeed more settled than other areas of the field, but the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure have departed, and with Alcaraz now a permanent feature, Everton might want to invest in a deeper-lying replacement.
There is, however, hope on Merseyside that 35-year-old star Idrissa Gana Gueye might renew his Everton vows to spend a year at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Gueye is still an effective player, but he’s a veteran, and it might be good to seek a replacement, one who could contest for that starting spot next season. That man might prove to be Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, who has emerged as a top target for Everton.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That’s what Football Insider believe, having detailed Everton’s desire to rival Manchester United for the Nigeria international by making a formal offer for the player.
Suitors are lining up as he is entering the penultimate year of his contract at the King Power, Leicester having been relegated from the Premier League last season.
GIVEMESPORT have also chimed in, stating that the Foxes recognise that clubs might not fancy paying the full release clause and might instead settle on a more agreeable £5m figure.
Part of this is due to Ndidi’s high £75k-per-week salary.
What Wilfred Ndidi would bring to Everton
Leicester signed Ndidi from Belgian side Genk way back in January 2017, when he was only 20 years old. Arriving in a deal worth £15m, he always had a huge task in replacing N’Golo Kante, but he’s done himself justice over his years on English soil.
Everton's Dwight McNeil in action with Leicester City's WilfredNdidi
Still only 28 years old, Ndidi has featured 303 times for his current club, notching 40 goal involvements and playing a tackle-heavy defensive role that has since bloomed into something more dynamic and modern, the anchor raised.
In this way, he could prove to be a fantastic replacement for Gueye but also an upgrade on the older man, bringing to Everton a fitting combative style but also a slick passing game that can help the evolution of Moyes’ system.
1.
Idrissa Gueye
Everton
123
2.
Daniel Munoz
Palace
109
3.
Noussair Mazraoui
Man Utd
102
4.
Moises Caicedo
Chelsea
100
5.
Joao Gomes
Wolves
99
Remarkably, no Premier League player won more tackles than Gueye in 2024/25, the veteran belying his age to play a priceless part in the stabilisation of a side that stared down the barrel of a smoking gun.
Everton need someone to step into his boots and emulate such qualities. Ndidi could be that man. Indeed, as per FBref, the 6 foot 2 star ranked among the top 5% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for tackles, the top 7% for blocks, the top 3% for clearances and the top 4% for aerial battles won per 90.
Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
He also averaged assists at a rate of 0.19 per 90, which underscores a ball-playing side to Ndidi’s game that could prove invaluable as Everton look to break free from the pragmaticism which has defined so much of their football in recent years, and instead become a force to be reckoned with in England’s top flight.
Gueye, by contrast, averaged 0.09 assists across all competitions in 2024/25. This was hardly to the detriment of Everton’s fluency and success; it wasn’t within the ball-winner’s jurisdiction. However, it illustrates the presence they would sign by reeling in Ndidi, for sure.
Last season, Ndidi served in a collapsing Leicester system, but he still plied his trade dutifully. As per Sofascore, across his 28 appearances in the league (all starts), the African midfielder racked up five assists, created five big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game.
Moreover, he won three tackles, 6.3 duels and made 4.5 ball recoveries on average each Premier League outing. Thus, his ability to slot right in and claim the torch from Gueye is highlighted.
Leicester were abject last year, but Ndidi has long been a pillar of strength in the Midlands. One FIFA expert even named him “the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League” back in 2020, while ESPN’s Colin Udoh described him as an “absolute monster”.
Of course, there’s hope that Gueye will be staying put over the coming year, but he will indeed turn 36 around the start of the campaign, and Everton will need to cover him – especially as the versatile midfielder Doucoure has left.
Moyes has succeeded in stabilising the club, and Kinnear will know, of course, that the wage bill has been slashed by the recent exodus, thus putting the high-salary Ndidi in an attainable bracket.
With Barry potentially shoring up the frontline for a hefty £34.5m fee, Everton could hit the jackpot in shrewdly signing Ndidi, for he could absorb some tricks of the trade from his older positional peer before emphatically replacing him down the line.
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If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to their squad ahead of next season, it’s goals.
Despite coming second in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than third-placed Manchester City.
Fortunately, the club appear keen to address the problem this summer, as over the last few weeks, and particularly the last seven days, the Gunners have been linked with a host of incredible attacking talents.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
One of those who has been heavily touted for a move to the Emirates for some time now is Benjamin Sesko, and while he would be a great addition to the team, another, potentially better signing has now been linked with the North Londoners.
Arsenal target attacking superstar
With the Gunners clearly lacking something in attacking areas compared to their competitors, it’s not been much of a surprise to see the club being linked with several brilliant goalscoring players in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and the aforementioned Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has a release clause worth around £68m in his current deal, and while that’s no small fee, it feels about right for a 27-year-old Premier League-proven England international, who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.
The latter could end up costing the North Londoners around £70m this summer, and like the Crystal Palace star, he enjoyed a strong campaign this season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig.
However, while the Slovenian international would be a good signing for Arteta and Co, another, even more exciting player has now been linked with the club: Morgan Rogers.
Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal remain interested in the Aston Villa star and are currently ‘exploring’ a deal for him.
A potential price for the England international is not mentioned in the story, but according to stories from late last week, he could be available for around £70m this summer.
It might be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but Rogers has shown he’d be worth the effort, and we even think he’d be a more exciting signing than Sesko.
Why Rogers would be a better signing than Sesko
The first reason why Rogers could end up being a better signing for Arsenal than Sesko is that, although he’s also just 22 years old, he has already proven himself in the Premier League.
Morgan Rogers
If the Gunners were fighting for a top-four finish, or even heading into their first title race, then perhaps signing a young and relatively unproven striker wouldn’t be such a concern.
However, that’s not the situation they find themselves in; instead, they need someone who can help them win something as soon as possible, which might not be possible if the Leipzig star needs half a year to settle in.
Moreover, while the Slovenian poacher could help solve Arteta’s centre-forward problem, that’s all he could help with.
In contrast, the “superb” Villa star, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is more than comfortable playing off either wing and in attacking midfield, which could provide the manager with so many tactical options.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
Finally, when we take a look under the hood at the pair’s underlying numbers from this past season, it becomes even clearer that the former Manchester City youth product is the far more complete player.
For example, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, comes out on top in purely offensive metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and key passes, as well as some defensive ones, including tackles won and blocks, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.42
0.40
Progressive Passes
3.55
1.74
Progressive Passes Received
5.43
5.34
Progressive Carries
3.29
1.78
Expected Assists
0.15
0.06
Key Passes
1.47
0.72
Passes into the Final Third
2.11
0.95
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.62
0.34
Shot-Creating Actions
3.04
1.93
Goal-Creating Actions
0.46
0.34
Tackles Won
0.64
0.11
Blocks
0.75
0.57
Interceptions
0.17
0.19
Carries into the Final Third
1.97
1.10
Carries into the Penalty Area
0.95
0.53
This demonstrates that, across the board, the Englishman could and almost certainly would contribute far more to the Gunners next season.
Therefore, while Arsenal should be looking to sign both Rogers and Sesko this summer, the former would undoubtedly be the better buy.
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The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.
Leeds United have held talks to sign a £5m Premier League defender who shares the same representation as current goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Meslier’s Leeds future up in the air after promotion
The Whites enjoyed a brilliant Championship campaign in 2024/25, winning the title in stoppage time on the final day at Plymouth Argyle.
Daniel Farke’s side reached 100 points from their 46 games, but that tally could have been so much more without errors from Meslier. His injury-time blunder away at Sunderland, shaky display against Hull City and mistakes against Swansea City cost Leeds six points.
Farke dropped the Frenchman for the final seven games, with Karl Darlow coming in as Leeds won six of their last seven, keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Meslier’s future at Elland Road is thought to be in doubt, with Leeds on the search for a new first-choice keeper and will offer the Frenchman to other clubs during the summer transfer window.
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The likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone have been linked with moves to Leeds to replace Meslier, but by the looks of things, Leeds are talking to the goalkeeper’s Gol International agency about another client – Alex Moreno.
Leeds open talks for Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno
According to Football Insider, Leeds have opened preliminary talks to sign Aston Villa left-back Moreno this summer.
The Whites have made contact over a transfer, with Villa ready to move the 32-year-old on following his loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 24/25.
The Spaniard made 19 appearances for Forest last season, and a new left-back is among the top priorities at Elland Road with Junior Firpo on course to re-join Real Betis following the expiration of his Leeds contract.
Moreno has been valued at £5m by Villa, and clubs in Spain are also working to land the left-back ahead of Leeds.
He actually made his Villa debut under Unai Emery against Leeds back in 2023, and the Villa manager has described the full-back’s speed as his best attribute.
Regular game time at left-back appears to be on the cards at Leeds with Firpo on course to leave, so that could be something that appeals to Moreno.
Officially kicking off a new era, Rangers are now reportedly set to secure their first signing of Russell Martin’s tenure, with one of Scotland’s hottest prospects undergoing a medical.
Rangers commence new era
It’s not just the start of a new era in the technical area at Ibrox this summer. It’s also a new chapter for Rangers away from the pitch following the news that the 49ers have officially completed their takeover of the club. A long time coming, the American owners will be well aware of the task at hand and must use this summer to bridge the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic.
After completing the takeover, Andrew Cavenagh told the official Rangers website: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.
“We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”
Since then, the 49ers have completed their first priority by appointing a new manager in Martin. The former Southampton boss arrives in the face of plenty of pressure and will be desperate to prove any doubters wrong at long last.
All pulling in the same direction, it looks as though the 49ers are ready to back their man to take the Gers back to the top of the Scottish Premiership. Whilst recent links have emerged to the likes of Flynn Downes, however, a young Scottish gem looks set to become the first signing of the Martine era at Ibrox.
Rangers set to sign Josh Mulligan
According to Ibrox Noise, Rangers are set to sign Josh Mulligan from Dundee with the midfielder undergoing a medical at the club. The 22-year-old’s arrival seems imminent and he looks destined to take his place in his history as the 49ers’ first signing and the first arrival under Martin. One of Scotland’s hottest prospects, Rangers’ pursuit should come as no surprise.
Described as an “aggressive” wing-back and central midfielder by journalist and football consultant Kai Watson, Mulligan has looked destined for a big move for some time. Now, at 22 years old, he is set to get exactly that courtesy of Rangers.
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Having started 24 games for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership last season, the right-midfielder is more than ready to step up at Ibrox and represents the direction that the 49ers could take Rangers towards this summer. Starting with Mulligan, the Gers could be in for a hectic transfer window.
Football is built on gossamer-fine margins, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will know that his side came within a whisker of failing to restore their place in the Champions League.
The Toon might have lost to Everton at St. James’ Park on the final day of the Premier League season, but Aston Villa also lost at Old Trafford, thus securing Newcastle’s place among Europe’s elite once again, having also won the Carabao Cup in March.
United won’t be losing Alexander Isak to a rival this summer, but with Callum Wilson at the end of his contract, a new striker is among the biggest priorities for the Tynesiders.
Newcastle leading race for new striker
Howe reportedly wanted his striker addition to be Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but he’s now set to join Chelsea for £30m.
However, PIF have found an alternative, and have even established the lead in the race.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean may be on the move this summer, and Newcastle are said to be ‘very interested’ in signing him.
Fiorentina'sMoiseKeancelebrates after the match
Kean, 25, has also been the subject of enquiries from Serie A champions Napoli, who are deliberating over whether to meet his €52m (about £44m) release clause, which will be active across the first two weeks of July.
Why Newcastle want Moise Kean
Kean flopped like a fish when last trying his skills on Premier League soil, only scoring twice across 32 games for Everton in England’s top flight.
However, he was young and Everton were turbulent. The Italy international re-joined Juventus from Goodison Park in a deal worth £25m (the same ballpark Everton initially paid). Now he is regarded as “the king of kings” for La Viola by those like reporter Mina Rzouki.
His rise has truly been something to behold, and if Kean can translate his sustained form over to Newcastle, he could become a force to be reckoned with, one who could even apply pressure on Isak.
24/25 – Fiorentina
32
19
3
23/24 – Juventus
19
–
–
22/23 – Juventus
28
6
–
21/22 – Juventus
32
5
3
20/21 – PSG
26
13
–
20/21 – Everton
1
–
–
His stratospheric leap into rich form since moving to Florence has been a remarkable thing to witness, scoring 19 league goals last term, but it’s not Kean’s only weapon. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Serie A forwards this year for successful take-ons per 90.
There’s a power and purpose to his football that echoes Delap’s qualities, the English striker captivating so many suitors this season with his strength and confidence, hailed by Alan Shearer for being a “nuisance to play against.”
Kean, meanwhile, has been praised for his “scary” physical presence by reporter Carlo Garganese.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Newcastle must push hard to get this one done; across all competitions this season, Kean has posted 25 goals, even outscoring supposedly Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, who has indeed opted to sign for the Red Devils, rejecting Newcastle and more in the process.
Brentford’s Mbeumo, while not a striker, has been one of English football’s finest goalscorers this year, bagging 20 goals from 42 matches.
It’s clear: Newcastle must secure Kean’s signature. After all, they are already in the lead and were willing to spend on Delap. Here is the perfect alternative.
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Leeds United are now “one to watch” in the race for an “outstanding” Premier League midfielder, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
Leeds need rebuild to avoid the drop next season
Ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson has made it clear his former club will need to overhaul their squad this summer if they are to avoid an instant return to the Championship next season, saying: “Leeds are going to have to replace players.
“They came out of the Premier League with a similar squad, and players in that squad weren’t good enough. To mention two: Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo weren’t good enough for the Premier League.”
Firpo could now be heading for the exit door, with Kostas Tsimikas being identified as a potential replacement for the left-back, while the Whites are also looking at upgrades on Aaronson in attacking midfield, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia of interest.
Not only is Daniel Farke keen to bring in a new playmaker, the manager is also keen to strengthen in defensive midfield, as revealed by Jacobs in an interview with GiveMeSport, with the reporter stating Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma is now a target.
It is unclear what sort of fee Tottenham would be looking to receive for Bissouma, who they signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £25m back in 2022, but he has been on the north Londoners’ discard list for quite some time, indicating that a deal could be possible.
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The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou, often appearing as a substitute in the latter stages of the season, but his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate that he could be a solid signing for Leeds.
During his time with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Malian was lauded as “outstanding” by Statman Dave, and he has continued to impress defensively in more recent times, with the tough-tackling midfielder outperforming his positional peers across some key metrics over the past year.
Bissouma – last 365 days
Average per 90
Tackles
3.09 (91st percentile)
Interceptions
1.39 (83rd percentile)
Clearances
2.65 (92nd percentile)
Ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League, it may also be wise for Farke to bring in players who are proven in the top flight over a sustained period of time, and the Ivory Coast-born midfielder certainly ticks that box, having made 191 Premier League appearances.
It remains to be seen whether Bissouma would be willing to move to a newly-promoted side, fresh off the back of winning the Europa League with Spurs, but the prospect of receiving more game time could be appealing to the central midfielder.
Setting their sights on a crucial summer transfer window fresh from Championship promotion, the 49ers are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign an attacking reinforcement for Leeds United this summer.
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After securing the Championship title with 100 points and a better goal difference than Burnley, Leeds have already commenced their summer plan. Names such as Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been mentioned on the 49ers’ radar as they look to make a statement ahead of the Whites’ return to the top flight next season.
Vardy would be a particularly interesting signing. At 38 years old, it’s easy to assume that his days as a Premier League striker are behind him. Those assumptions have been proved wrong throughout the current campaign, however. In a struggling Leicester City side, the veteran forward managed nine goals in all competitions, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.
Set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current Leicester deal next month, Leeds could do a lot worse than boosting their squad with the addition of a Premier League-winning striker.
Those at Elland Road aren’t shying away from just how difficult the Premier League will be next season, either. Club chairman Paraag Marathe told fans in a club statement after promotion was sealed: “The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment.
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“The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”
Leeds ready to launch Geubbels move
If it’s not Vardy, then it seems as though those in Yorkshire still want to sign an attacking addition this summer. According to Berliner Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now ready to launch a fresh bid to sign Willem Geubbels from St. Galen this summer, handing Leeds and Daniel Farke an instant boost.
The Frenchman was reportedly on Leeds’ radar in January before a deal never took place. This time around, however, the Whites have Premier League football to offer and the forward, himself, is open to leaving St. Gallen.
Once tipped for great things, injury problems have often prevented Guebbels from reaching his top potential. After scoring 16 goals in all competitions this season, though, Leeds could offer him a route back to where he belongs at the top level.
It would be quite the story if the 23-year-old managed to fight his way back from obscurity surrounded by injuries all the way to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds can win the race for his signature.