Lennart Karl is the crown jewel of Bayern Munich, having broken through the Bundesliga heavyweights' youth academy. The 17-year-old has been enjoying a purple patch with the Bavarians, with head coach Vincent Kompany offering regular minutes to the talented youngster. Now, recent reports from Germany reveal that the club already has plans in place to secure Karl's long-term future.
Karl becomes Bayern's big bet for the future
Karl joined the Bayern youth academy as a prodigious 14-year-old in 2022. The talented youngster had a colossal impact for Bayern's Under-17 and U19 outfits in the 2024-25 season, scoring 32 goals and delivering 10 assists in a combined total of 26 games. His dramatic rise through the ranks saw him earn his first-team debut in the 10-0 win over Auckland City at the Club World Cup during the summer.
Ahead of the season, Karl was promoted to the first team. Now, according to a report from , the future looks bright for both the talented teenager and the Bavarian giants. The report claims that Bayern already have a foolproof plan in place to secure Karl's long-term future. The news comes after Karl's stunning breakthrough in the first team in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign, where he has featured in 10 of the 13 games Bayern have played in all competitions.
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Karl to receive automatic extension gift on his 18th birthday
"I want to assert myself at Bayern Munich and one day play for the club in the Champions League," Karl told Bayern's official website in an interview earlier this year. He has already started proving himself in Europe's greatest club competition. Last week, he scored his first-ever professional goal in a 4-0 rout of Belgian side Club Brugge, surpassing Jamal Musiala to become Bayern's youngest ever goal scorer in the competition at the age of 17 years and 242 days.
Karl is currently tied to the club until June 30, 2028. Per , the diminutive winger's contract will be extended automatically until 2029 on February 28, 2026, when he turns 18. With the renewal, his current contract will be converted into a professional contract, accompanied by an increase in the young prodigy's salary. There will not be an exit clause inserted, as both the club and the player want to prolong this association into the foreseeable future.
Patience the key to Karl's development at Bayern
Aided by his mentor and agent Michael Ballack – among Germany's all-time greats – Karl has shown an eagerness to learn and improve in the first few months of his life as Bayern's senior side member. His minutes have been managed carefully by head coach Kompany, handing him three starts already. Karl has clocked 291 minutes of action so far, and is on course to breach the 1,000-minute milestone if he remains injury-free.
Kompany, however, has urged for patience with the versatile left-footed teenager. "I'm not a fan of hype, and now he will be getting some of that," the Belgian boss told reporters after the 4-0 win over Brugge last week. "I'm a fan of training and calm… Everyone knows he can score goals and if he keeps going like this, he'll get a chance and maybe at the right time he'll need a bit of calm.
"As a young player, you don't have pressure. I want Lennart to feel that too. He has to enjoy what he's doing. If he makes mistakes, we'll discuss it. Hopefully, at some point, the pressure will be on his shoulders. But for now he should enjoy these moments without any pressure."
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Premier League giants scouting Karl
Karl's gradual progression into the first-team has attracted attention from some of Premier League's biggest sides. Indeed, a report from earlier this week claimed that the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City reportedly sent scouts to monitor the teenage sensation. Adding intrigue to this report is his agent Ballack's past affiliations with Chelsea, whom he played for between 2006 and 2010.
The focus for the rest of the reason will be to ensure that Karl continues his development with regular playing time off the bench along with occasional opportunities to feature in the starting XI. His versatility allows Kompany the luxury to hand rest to undisputed stars like Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, and even Harry Kane.
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.
David de Gea will go down as one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever goalkeepers in their history – undoubtedly exceeding all the expectations placed on him after joining in the summer of 2011.
The Spaniard racked up 545 appearances for the Red Devils over a 12-year period, subsequently keeping 190 clean sheets – the most by any player in their history.
He also won five major trophies, including a Premier League title in his second year at the club, with Ruben Amorim wishing he was able to rely on such a talent in 2025.
Former boss Erik ten Hag decided in the summer of 2023 that the player was no longer part of his plans, subsequently releasing him at the end of his contract at Old Trafford.
Such a decision was an unpopular one with the fanbase, even more so a couple of years on, after the performances of the player who was brought into the club to replace him.
Andre Onana’s time at Manchester United
In the summer of 2023, United forked out a fee in the region of £47m to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan, with the Cameroonian seen as the player to take the club up a level.
However, his spell in Manchester has been nothing short of a disaster, contributing to nine errors leading to goals – the most of any player in England’s top-flight since his arrival.
He’s not been used in any of the Red Devils’ Premier League outings so far this campaign, with his only outing coming in the Carabao Cup second round defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
The Cameroonian was arguably at fault for both of the Mariners’ goals, before being unable to prevent the hosts from claiming a shock victory in the penalty shootout.
Senne Lammens has been brought in to provide added competition between the sticks, but the hierarchy have already sanctioned the departure of their Onana upgrade.
The former United star who is an upgrade on Onana
Alongside Onana, Altay Bayindir is also another option on the books for United, subsequently filling the void left by the Cameroonian since the start of the new campaign.
The Turkish shot-stopper has made three league appearances to date, conceding four times, only achieving a 55% save percentage, leading to their recent addition of Lammens.
However, despite the three options currently at Amorim’s disposal, he certainly would’ve benefitted had the hierarchy kept hold of Dean Henderson a couple of years ago.
After climbing through the ranks at Old Trafford, the ‘keeper was sent on various loan spells – with his latest being at Nottingham Forest during the 2022/23 campaign.
Whilst he kept six clean sheets at the City Ground, it wasn’t enough to catapult himself into the first-team setup – subsequently joining Crystal Palace in a £20m transfer in the summer of 2023.
Such a transfer has come back to bite the Red Devils, with the Englishman taking his career to the next level at Selhurst Park with regular game time in the last few seasons.
When comparing his stats to those of Onana from last season, he massively outperformed the United flop in key areas – not to mention winning double the amount of trophies too.
How Henderson & Onana compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Henderson
Onana
Games played
38
24
Saves made
2.7
2.5
Clean sheet percentage
29%
26%
Save percentage
70%
66%
Short pass accuracy
99%
98%
Errors leading to goals
0
6
Defensive actions (outside box)
1.1
0.6
Trophies won
2
0
Stats via FBref
Henderson, who’s been described as “incredible” by one analyst, made more saves per 90, whilst also producing a better clean sheet percentage rate – subsequently offering a more consistent option between the sticks.
His dominance is further reflected in his higher pass completion rate, whilst also registering fewer errors leading to goals – numbers which could provide a more reliable option for the Red Devils.
To rub salt into the wounds, his price has soared since his departure, with FootballTransfers now valuing the former academy graduate at £25m – a figure higher than the one they sold him for two years ago.
Given his form away from Old Trafford in recent times, it’s safe to say the club made a mistake in allowing the shot-stopper to depart the club – with their loss now Palace’s gain.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The Red Devils have spent a whole heap of cash trying to replace De Gea in recent years, but it’s evident that they would’ve been better off keeping hold of Henderson.
Sold for £5m: Man Utd must rue selling £43m star who'd get Sesko firing
Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford in recent times.
Mesmo com a recente eliminação na Libertadores, flertando com a zona do rebaixamento no Campeonato Brasileiro e com o baixo aproveitamento à frente do Corinthians, Vanderlei Luxemburgo segue sendo o profissional de confiança da diretoria para comandar a equipe. O departamento de futebol do clube alvinegro acredita que os próximos 11 dias de pausa no calendário, por conta da data Fifa, serão importantes para que Luxa ajuste o time em busca de melhores ares.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansLuxemburgo admite que Corinthians não possui elenco para disputar três competições e acredita em evolução após a data FifaCorinthians10/06/2023Fora de CampoRizek analisa mudanças de Luxemburgo no Corinthians: ‘Não parece suficiente’Fora de Campo10/06/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Ruan Oliveira entra no segundo tempo e evita derrota do Corinthians contra o CuiabáCorinthians10/06/2023
– Claro que confiamos (no Luxemburgo), só faltava não confiar no treinador. A gente precisa oportunizar um tempo a mais. Esse tempo de dez dias é um tempo oportuno, porque até então ele vinha só trabalhando muito rapidamente para os jogos. Agora tem uma semana inteira, um pouco mais até, para a gente se reerguer no Brasileiro e se manter firme na Copa do Brasil – disse o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes em zona mista após o empate em 1 a 1 do Timão com o Cuiabá, neste sábado (10).
+ Ruan Oliveira entra no segundo tempo e evita derrota do Corinthians contra o Cuiabá
No entanto, a direção corintiana não trabalha com prazos para o trabalho de Vanderlei. Após a queda do clube na Liberta, que aconteceu após a derrota por 3 a 0 para o Independiente del Valle, em Quito, na última quarta-feira (7), o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves falou sobre a importância de melhores resultados após a data Fifa, mas também sobre os possíveis reforços que chegarão na janela de transferências do meio deste ano, que se inicia no dia 3 de julho. Porém, entre as duas situações há um intervalo superior a um mês.
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– Não podemos estabelecer um prazo para um treinador, ou confiamos no treinador ou não confiamos. Não dá para prever um, dois ou três jogos, um prazo de 15 ou 20 dias, isso não existe no futebol. Existe o resultado e a avaliação do que está acontecendo – pontuou Alessandro.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!
O gerente admitiu a insatisfação com o momento atual do Corinthians, mas mostrou confiança na evolução. Ele destacou que Luxa ainda não teve um tempo de trabalho, já que literalmente foi contratado tendo que trabalhar no dia seguinte.
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– O momento é muito ruim, não temos dúvida. Precisamos encontrar os resultados, e além disso temos que buscar o equilíbrio. Tivemos alguns bons jogos e outros que foram distantes do nível que o Corinthians precisa. Vem este período importante agora, de trabalho. Ele (Luxemburgo) chegou em um dia, e no outro já comandou a equipe. E até hoje foram dias de recuperação e uma simples organização já cuidando para o jogo seguinte, então este é um período importante para trabalhar as partes tática, técnica e física para podermos encontrar um momento melhor, bons resultados. Precisamos disso, de sair dessa zona desconfortável para nós. Precisamos de resultados e performance melhores para o Corinthians sair desta posição – disse o dirigente corintiano.
Quando retornar da pausa por conta da data Fifa, o Corinthians terá pela frente o clássico contra o Santos, na Vila Belmiro, pelo Brasileirão, depois enfrenta o Athletico-PR, em Curitiba, também pela competição nacional, e, por fim em junho, terá compromisso importante contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, na Neo Química Arena, onde ainda pode beliscar uma vaga nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana por ser terceiro colocado da sua chave.
يلتقي منتخب السودان مع نظيره الكونغو الديمقراطية، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، في مباراة قوية ومرتقبة خاصة لمنتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية في تصفيات كأس العالم.
ويلعب منتخب السودان ضد الكونغو الديمقراطية، في إطار الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة من مواجهات المجموعة الثانية لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
منتخب السودان تلاشت حظوظه في التأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم، يعدما تلقى خسارتين أمام السنغال وتوجو وتعادل سلبيًا مع موريتانيا في آخر 3 جولات من التصفيات.
بينما على الجانب الآخر، منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية، يسعى ويأمل في خطف بطاقة التأهل المباشر إلى نهائيات كأس العالم، حيث ينافس بقوة مع منتخب السنغال المتصدر للمجموعة حاليًا.
ويتصدر منتخب السنغال، ترتيب المجموعة، برصيد 21 نقطة، ويأتي منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية في المركز الثاني بـ 19 نقطة، بينما يتواجد منتخب السودان في المركز الثالث برصيد 13 نقطة.
طالع | ترتيب مجموعة السودان في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 موعد مباراة السودان والكونغو الديمقراطية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم
تقام مباراة السودان والكونغو الديمقراطية، اليوم الثلاثاء، 14 أكتوبر، في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، 9 بتوقيت السودان. القناة الناقلة لمباراة السودان والكونغو الديمقراطية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم
تنقل مباراة السودان والكونغو الديمقراطية، اليوم، على منصة شاهد.
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
Arsenal play their final game of pre-season against Athletic Bilbao this afternoon, and it’d be fair to say the mood around the team is mixed.
On the one hand, Andrea Berta and Co have made several impressive signings to improve Mikel Arteta’s squad, like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.
However, on the other hand, the team have lost their last two games and the attack, especially on the left, has not looked great.
Fortunately, the transfer window is open for a few more weeks, and, unsurprisingly, the Gunners continue to be linked with players who could help level up the attack, such as Rodrygo.
However, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now looking at an alternative to the Brazilian, someone who’d be an even better signing, and no, it’s not Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal target Rodrygo upgrade
Arsenal have been linked with Rodrygo for what feels like months now, with some of the first reports emerging as far back as April and May before then quieting down again last month.
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However, the Real Madrid star was once again touted for a move to the Emirates earlier this week, with some reports claiming that he might be available on a loan with an obligation to buy, while others repeated the £86m price tag from earlier this summer.
Regardless of the structure of the potential deal, there is no doubt that Rodrygo would be a massively exciting transfer, although it now looks like the Gunners are looking at another international, someone who’d be an even better signing.
At least that is according to a recent report from the Sun, which claims Arsenal have maintained their interest in Ademola Lookman.
The report has revealed that the Nigerian star is still on the North Londoners’ list of targets, and that, so far, Inter Milan have not been successful in their pursuit of the player.
In better, even better news, the report claims that an offer of £45m would be enough to tempt Atalanta into selling, which for a player of Lookman’s quality would be a brilliant deal.
Why Lookman would be a better signing than Rodrygo
It should go without saying that Rodrygo is a supremely gifted player and would be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but even so, there are a few reasons that mean Lookman would be an even better one this summer.
Atalanta's Davide Zappacosta celebrates scoring their fifth goal with AdemolaLookman
The first, and undoubtedly the most crucial, is the simple fact that, over the last three seasons, the Nigerian “superstar,” as dubbed by 90min’s Sean Walsh, has been the more effective attacker.
For example, since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, he has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.
That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent, which is frankly outstanding.
In contrast, the Real star has scored 50 goals and provided 31 assists in 162 appearances, totalling 11012 minutes, across the same period, which comes out to a great, but still less impressive average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 135.95 minutes.
Lookman vs Rodrygo since 22/23
22/23
Lookman
Rodrygo
Appearances
33
57
Minutes
1858′
3853′
Goals
15
19
Assists
8
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.69
0.52
Minutes per Goal Involvement
80.78′
128.43′
23/24
Lookman
Rodrygo
Appearances
45
51
Minutes
2809′
3707′
Goals
17
17
Assists
10
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.60
0.50
Minutes per Goal Involvement
104.03′
142.57′
24/25
Lookman
Rodrygo
Appearances
40
54
Minutes
2871′
3452′
Goals
20
14
Assists
7
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.67
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
106.33
138.08′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
The following reason is quite difficult to quantify, and may even be outright refuted by some fans.
Still, as the Atalanta star would be moving up to a Champions League side and the Los Blancos ace leaving arguably the biggest club in world football, there is always the possibility that the former will have far more drive to push the Gunners forward than the latter.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their second goal with Atalanta's GiorgioScalviniand Atalanta's Matteo Ruggeri
Finally, there is the overall cost of the two deals.
If the reports are accurate, then there is a chance the former Santos gem could cost up to £43m more than the former RB Leipzig star, and then when it comes to wages, the 24-year-old supposedly makes £349k-per-week including bonuses, while the 27-year-old makes just £38k-per-week.
Ultimately, Rodrygo would be an excellent signing, but from output, to the motivation and the potential cost of the deals, it seems clear to us that Lookman would be a better signing for Arsenal.
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The incredible talent would be an unreal signing for Arsenal and the Swede.
Hugo Ekitike has become the latest big-money Liverpool signing this summer, as Arne Slot prepares his Reds side for a Premier League title defence.
Joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £79m, £69m guaranteed and £10m in add-ons, Ekitike was the subject of interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United but chose to head to Anfield.
The Frenchman, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, enjoyed his best season in front of goal in 2024/25, netting 22 times in all competitions for his former employers.
Games
64
Goals
26
Assists
14
Minutes played
4,416
Liverpool are also getting a striker who has also been compared to Kylian Mbappe and Neymar by former Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Grok, the AI tool on X, has now predicted how Ekitike will perform in his first Premier League season for Liverpool.
AI predicts how many goals Hugo Ekitike will score for Liverpool in 2025/26
Some may be wondering how Ekitike will fit in under Slot and his style of play. Well, Grok states that ‘Ekitike is a versatile, modern No. 9 who can drop deep like Roberto Firmino, run channels like Alexander Isak, or play in a strike partnership’.
It is added that Ekitike’s ‘ability to create and lead pressing suits Slot’s system, which balances possession and counter-attacking transitions’. In front of goal, Ekitike has been backed to record a similar amount of league goals for the Reds as he did for Frankfurt.
Grok feels the forward will score ’14 goals in the 2025/26 Premier League season for Liverpool, which accounts for his high shot volume, Liverpool’s chance creation, and an expected improvement under Slot’s guidance’.
There is the ‘potential for up to 20 goals if he adapts quickly and improves his conversion rate’, which would surely be seen as a big success if he manages to hit that feat.
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It is not only goals that Ekitike will bring. Last season, the forward registered eight assists for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. Grok says that Ekitike is projected to register 10 assists for his Reds teammates, ‘enhancing his overall impact’ on Merseyside.
And so, a new era is here at Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou’s turbulent tenure coming to a close despite overseeing Europa League glory back in May.
That success in Bilbao has handed his successor, Thomas Frank, the chance to experience life in the Champions League, with the Danish coach seeking to prove himself at the truly elite level after years of stability at Brentford.
For the former Bees boss to truly flourish in north London, however, he will need to be handed the appropriate tools, with the Lilywhites having thus far only recruited Japanese starlet, Koto Takai – excluding the permanent captures of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Luka Vuskovic.
As noted by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the major priority appears to have the signing of a new, high-profile attacker to freshen up Frank’s forward line, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa having been touted as potential targets of late, alongside Mohammed Kudus.
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With that mind, we have taken a stab at predicting – with the help of AI tool, ChatGPT – how that trio would perform at N17 next season…
Mohammed Kudus – 8-10 Premier League goals
The leading target to join Spurs ahead of next season appears to be Kudus, with recent reports indicating that Daniel Levy and co have struck a £55m agreement with West Ham United, having already had a £50m bid rejected.
The Ghanaian has enjoyed a respectable two-year stint at the London Stadium, following his £38m switch from Ajax in 2023, having chalked up 32 goals and assists in 80 games in all competitions.
That did include a disappointing return of just eight goals and assists in the Premier League last term, although that came amid real upheaval for the Irons, with Graham Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui midway through the campaign.
Under the guidance of Frank, and with a position finally nailed down for the versatile speedster, he could be revived next season. Indeed, ChatGPT certainly thinks so, suggesting that “a more central role and better service could boost his output”.
Their prediction is that the 24-year-old could manage to chalk up eight to ten league goals, alongside chipping in with a further six to eight assists.
Yoane Wissa – 15-18 Premier League goals
Much like the man we’ll come onto below, it would appear that Frank has his eye on some familiar faces this summer, with recent reports suggesting that a move could be in the works for Brentford goal machine, Wissa.
While somewhat in the shadow of Mbeumo and Ivan Toney before that, the 28-year-old’s stock has soared of late, following his return of 19 Premier League goals last season.
Previously a target for Nottingham Forest in January, with a £22m bid having been rebuffed by the Bees, now could be the time for the Congolese marksman to finally jump ship from the Gtech.
With that in mind, there would be no better place, arguably, than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a reunion with Frank, with ChatGPT predicting that he could notch between 15 and 18 top-flight goals, provided he “adapts quickly and starts regularly”.
Bryan Mbeumo – 18-22 Premier League goals
While Kudus – and perhaps Wissa – look more likely to end up at Spurs this summer, there remains a glimmer of hope that Mbeumo could reunite with his former boss, amid prior claims that Levy was ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for the Cameroon international.
The 25-year-old’s preference appears to be to move to Old Trafford, although a deal has yet to be struck with the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim’s side already seeing two bids rejected for the winger.
Kudus vs Mbeumo – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (per 90)
Kudus
Mbeumo
Non-penalty goals
0.17
0.40
Shots
2.61
2.08
Assists
0.10
0.18
Shot-creating actions
3.72
3.80
Pass completion
83.6%
66.1%
Progressive passes
2.75
3.72
Progressive carries
3.41
3.43
Successful take-ons
3.20
1.37
Touches in attacking box
4.41
4.43
Progressive passes received
7.51
9.25
Stats via FBref
If Spurs can re-enter the race, it could certainly prove fruitful, with Mbeumo having dazzled for the Bees in 2024/25, after scoring 20 goals in the top flight, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts.
With 121 goals and assists to his name in 242 games under Frank to date, the left-footer would surely be able to slot in smoothly next term, with ChatGPT suggesting that “Mbeumo could immediately hit 20 league goals”, while representing “an upgrade in Spurs’ front line”.
In all, ChatGPT reckons he could get between 18-20 Premier League goals in 2025/26, alongside registering a further eight to ten assists.
The dream squad Spurs could build: £283m stars sign alongside Kudus
Here’s what Spurs’ squad could look like after a dream summer.
Lucy Higham and Ella Claridge staged a superb unbroken match-winning partnership of 105 in 22.3 overs to guide The Blaze to a five-wicket success over Western Storm in a hard-fought Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy contest at Cheltenham.Pursuing a modest victory target of 218, the visitors made a great start to their chase, courtesy of a hard-hitting 61 in 54 balls from opener Sarah Bryce. But the outcome was in doubt when The Blaze slipped to 115 for 5, and they were ultimately indebted to their sixth-wicket pair, Higham and Claridge raising unbeaten knocks of 62 and 43 respectively to seal the win with 7.3 overs remaining.Fran Wilson had earlier top-scored with 67 and added 62 for the third wicket with Sophie Luff after Storm had been inserted on a flat pitch. But Luff’s dismissal, run out by Kathryn Bryce for 31, sparked a collapse in which the home side went from 133 for 2 to 217 all out in 16.2 overs, their last eight wickets realising just 84 runs. Bryce finished with 4 for 20 from 8.5 overs as Storm were dismissed inside 47 overs.Rooted to the foot of the table, Storm have now lost their last five matches in the 50-over format and face testing fixtures away to Central Sparks and leaders Southern Vipers in the space of the next week. The Blaze remain in fifth place after registering their fourth win of the season and will approach Sunday’s away game against title-chasing Northern Diamonds in confident mood.Storm may have lost the toss and had to bat beneath low cloud cover, but they nevertheless made a decent start, Corney and Smale growing in confidence and fluency in an opening stand of 57 that afforded the innings solid foundations.Kirstie Gordon ended the partnership, bowling Corney in the act of slog-sweeping for 23, while legspinner Josie Groves held a catch off her own bowling to send back Smale for 32 as Storm slipped to 71 for 2.Wilson and Luff then forged an alliance characterised by quick running and aggressive intent, raising 50 for the third wicket in 13.2 overs as the sun came out and conditions for batting improved. But their burgeoning stand was ultimately undermined by confusion, Luff guiding a ball from Gordon to backward point and setting off on a run, only to be sent back by Wilson and run out for a 41-ball 31 by Bryce’s throw. A partnership that had promised a good deal was terminated on 62 with the score on 133.Determined to make amends, Wilson went to her second 50 in as many games at the Festival via 53 balls, adding 35 in five overs with Nat Wraith to afford the innings renewed impetus. Cassidy McCarthy’s express pace accounted for Wraith, caught and bowled for a 21-ball 20, as The Blaze fought back once more.Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson combined well for the third wicket•Getty Images
Wilson had scored 67 off 68 balls when, pursuing a ninth boundary, she drove at a length ball from Heather Graham and found long-on, while Amanda-Jade Wellington was bowled by Grace Ballinger without scoring as the innings began to unravel. Kathryn Bryce then single-handedly wiped out the tail, removing Alex Griffiths, Issy Wong, Niamh Holland and Ellie Anderson in the space of seven balls from the Chapel End.Needing a good start with the ball, Storm made early in-roads, England star Tammy Beaumont falling to Wong for six. But Sarah Bryce seized the initiative thereafter, adding 47 for the second wicket with her elder sibling as The Blaze reached 75 for 2 at the end of the 10-over powerplay. Ultra-positive from the outset, the 24-year-old Scot raced to a 36-ball 50, which included seven fours and a six and served to force Storm onto the back foot.Undeterred, the home side weathered the storm and Griffiths bowled Marie Kelly to at least stem the flow of runs. Skelton then removed Heather Graham before claiming the crucial wicket of Bryce, who played back to a full delivery and was bowled as the visitors lurched to 115 for 5.With a further 103 runs required, Claridge and Higham sought to stabilise the innings, the sixth wicket pair initially adopting a low-risk approach to see off the threat posed by Wong’s pace and Wellington’s legbreaks. As their partnership grew in stature, so their willingness to pursue boundaries increased, Higham in particular playing with fluency as the finish line came within sight.Higham brought up a 60-ball 50 in the 39th over, sweeping Smale for her sixth boundary to attain that landmark and put the outcome beyond doubt.
Chelsea are looking to build on the momentum they gathered at the back end of the 2024/25 campaign.
They won five of their final six Premier League games, qualifying for the Champions League in the process, and, of course, won the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, to end the season on a high note.
Now, with the new look FIFA Club World Cup right around the corner, Chelsea could do something really special at the end of the campaign under Enzo Maresca. Their first game of the competition is on the 16th of June, against LAFC.
The transfer window is open for ten days, and the Blues are actively looking to do transfer deals in multiple positions.
Here is a look at what their dream lineup could look like if some of those transfer rumours come to fruition.
1
GK – Mike Maignan
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Starting off this dream Chelsea lineup is a new signing, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge by Fabrizio Romano, who says the Blues are ‘aware of the situation’ regarding his contract, which is currently up in the air.
At 29 years of age, he is very much in his prime, and despite a tough campaign in 2024/25 for the Rossoneri, Maignan played well. In 37 Serie A games, he conceded just 41 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.
Chelsea have pounced on this market opportunity early, and the Frenchman could be a perfect upgrade on Robert Sanchez. The former Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper struggled last term, and Gary Neville said the club “are going to have to look at it”, implying they need a new shotstopper; perhaps Maignan is that guy.
2
RB – Reece James
Chelsea captain Reece James
Club captain Reece James will, if fit, start every game for Chelsea. He only managed 19 appearances in the Premier League last campaign, but Maresca was careful to manage his minutes and ensure they got the best out of their captain.
A prime example of just how important James is to this Chelsea side came in their 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United at the end of the season. The piece of skill he used to beat Alejandro Garnacho, before crossing for Marc Cucurella, was exceptional. A healthy James is pivotal for the Blues.
3
CB – Jarrad Branthwaite
The second new addition in this hypothetical Chelsea side would see Jarrad Branthwaite move to Stamford Bridge. He has been linked with a move to the club by TEAMtalk this week, who say they are ‘seriously considering a move’ for the England international.
The 22-year-old Everton defender was a really important member of the Toffees side, as they once again avoided relegation and finished mid-table. After suffering an injury which kept him out at the start of the campaign, he featured in 30 Premier League games.
The Everton centre-back played 90 minutes in 27 of the 30 games he featured in, contributing to nine clean sheets in that time. The £75m price tag suggested in the report is expensive, but could be an excellent investment for Chelsea to strengthen at the back.
4
CB – Levi Colwill
Chelsea'sLeviColwillcelebrates after the match
Pairing Branthwaite at the heart of the Chelsea defence would be another England international centre-back, Levi Colwill. He was a staple of the team under Maresca last season, playing a huge role in their Champions League qualification.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender played 35 times in the Premier League last term, as well as making three appearances in the Conference League when called upon.
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Having two defenders with the availability and quality of Branthwaite and Colwill would be a strong foundation for the Blues to build on.
5
LB – Marc Cucurella
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella
Rounding out the defence is Spain international Cucurella. Since winning Euro 2024 last summer, the 26-year-old has improved leaps and bounds, to the point where he is a key man for Maresca. Last season, Cucurella played 48 games in all competitions.
Another ex-Brighton defender, the left-back has some impressive stats via FBref after his efforts in 2024/25. Some of the standout numbers include 3.64 final third passes and 87.7% pass accuracy per game, for which he ranks in the top 6% of full-backs in Europe for the latter.
6
CM – Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea
The first half of the midfield pivot is a player whom Maresca leaned upon last season, his namesake Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea manager said at one stage last season that his number 8 has “taken a step forward” in his game.
Well, he was certainly important to his manager. The 2022 World Cup winner played 36 Premier League games, scoring six goals and seven assists from midfield. He also got on the score sheet in the Conference League final.
7
CM – Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo celebrates for Chelsea
To absolutely no one’s surprise, Moises Caicedo is the second midfielder in this dream Chelsea side. Described as “the outstanding player” by Neville last season, he played all 38 games in the Premier League and was sensational in midfield.
Well, that is what the stats suggest, anyway. The Ecuador international ranked highly amongst his Premier League peers for several key metrics via FBRef, including ball recoveries, where he made 229, more than any other player by 16.
Caicedo key stats vs. PL players 2024/25
Stat
Number
Rank
Ball recoveries
229
1st
Aerial duel win rate
68.6%
8th
Tackles and interceptions
163
3rd
Passes completed
1967
7th
Progressive passes
215
9th
Stats from FBref
8
RW – Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke for Chelsea
It was an interesting campaign for Noni Madueke in the 2024/25 season. He was, at one stage of the season, criticised openly by Maresca for his performances in training and was even dropped from the squad. The Chelsea boss confirmed it was because he didn’t “like the way he trained”.
However, the former PSV Eindhoven star was able to put that behind him and worked his way back into the manager’s favour. He made 41 appearances across all competitions, ending with 11 goals and five assists to his name.
9
AM – Cole Palmer
Another guarantee in this dream Chelsea side was always going to be Cole Palmer. The Blues talisman was once again sensational in 2024/25, despite suffering from a dip in form. He still ended the season with 15 goals and 12 assists in 46 games.
Two of those assists came in the Conference League final. After setting up Fernandez with a magical cross, he did the same again for Nicolas Jackson, showing off some sensational footwork before delivering a perfect ball in to help steer Chelsea ahead. Exactly what Palmer can offer, he is a crucial player for this Blues side.
10
LW – Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
The next new signing in this Chelsea dream lineup comes on the left wing, and it is “unstoppable” Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers. It was Jamie Carragher who described him like that, and it is easy to see why.
The former Middlesbrough attacker has taken the Premier League by storm, and last season was no different. He contributed to 19 top-flight goals in 2024/25, featuring 37 times for the Villans.
Reports suggest that the West London side are “prepared to bid for him” and could offer Jackson or Joao Felix to Villa in return, to sweeten the deal. Either way, there is no doubt he would add goals and creativity to an already exciting attack. It’s just a pity he may cost around £100m.