As most free agency periods do, this MLB offseason will all center on one key player. This year, it's Juan Soto. Soto, acquired by the New York Yankees in a trade last offseason, helped bring New York to its first World Series in 15 years. Only 26, Soto is expected to get a lengthy contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars this offseason.
Plenty of teams are thought to be in the running, but there are likely only a few who can actually shell out the money he'll be looking for. Among them is the New York Mets, owned by Steve Cohen who has a propensity to spend big.
New York is interested, and reportedly has infield All-Star Francisco Lindor involved in their recruitment campaign according to Jeff Passan.
Lindor and Soto, though never teammates, are notably close. An old clip of Soto and Lindor in-game re-emerged this week on social media:
It shows Soto, then a member of the Washington Nationals, taking a vested interest in his opponent Lindor, who was hit by a pitch during the game. Soto asks if he's OK in Spanish and encourages a Mets staffer to get him some water.
It remains to be seen what factors Soto truly values most in his free agency decision. But an All-Star he has a friendship with can't hurt.
Birmingham City have “reached an agreement” with the club of a player once hailed as “world-class”, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Attackers top of Birmingham's summer agenda
The Blues now know the full fixtures for next season, following their promotion from League One to the Championship, opening the campaign with a home clash with Ipswich Town, which will be a big early test.
Excitement is building ahead of Birmingham’s return to the second tier of English football, but Chris Davies will know that new signings are badly needed, in order for his side to compete near the top of the table, rather than at the bottom of it.
Attackers appear to be a priority currently, with former Celtic ace Kyogo Furuhashi linked with a move to St Andrew’s, having departed the Scottish Premiership giants to join Ligue 1 side Rennes back in January.
Holstein Kiel attacker Shuto Machino is also seen as a strong option for Birmingham, as they look to provide healthy competition for star striker Jay Stansfield next season. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals in 23 Bundesliga starts in 2024/25, highlighting what an exciting signing he could be.
Birmingham reach agreement with star winger
Now, according to Jacobs on X, Birmingham have “reached an agreement” with Al-Ettifaq over the signing of Demarai Gray from the Saudi Pro League club on a free transfer.
This feels like such a positive signing for Birmingham, assuming the move goes through, not least because they are Gray’s boyhood club, with the 28-year-old making 78 appearances there at the start of his senior career.
Since then, the winger has gone on to enjoy an excellent career, appearing 200 times in the Premier League and even winning the title with Leicester City in 2015/16, in what remains one of the greatest achievements in English football history.
At 28, this isn’t the Blues signing a player who is past his best either, with the Jamaica international still having lots to offer in his career, and he will surely be desperate to prove his worth at his former club.
Gray has so much natural ability out wide, with Ian Wright once even lauding him as “world-class” during his Everton days, following a memorable goal against Nottingham Forest back in 2022.
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It will be fascinating to see how he fares back in English football, following a two-year stint in Saudi Arabia, and if he hits top gear, he will be a potent weapon for Birmingham next season.
Chelsea’s activity within the transfer market has been there for all to see over the last couple of seasons, spending over £1.3b since the takeover in May 2022.
The Blues have wasted no time in already bolstering Enzo Maresca’s side this summer, landing Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr to provide depth in key areas of the pitch.
After securing Champions League football and winning the Conference League, the club are heading in the right direction, needing to build on the impressive work conducted in 2024/25.
If they want to go to the latter stages and Europe and mount a serious push for the Premier League, quality and depth are desperately needed, as seen by the business already conducted in recent weeks.
However, such moves don’t appear to be slowing down, with the manager and board already working hard to land more additions when the window reopens on the 16th of June.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new additions this summer
Jamie Gittens has been the name on the lips of all Chelsea fans over the last couple of weeks, with the Blues having two separate bids rejected for the Borussia Dortmund star.
Maresca desperately wanted to sign the 20-year-old winger ahead of the Club World Cup, but no doubt will return after the competition to secure a deal for the Englishman.
However, he could be joined at Stamford Bridge by Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, after the England player emerged on their shortlist, according to Football Insider.
They claim that the Blues have been monitoring a deal for the 25-year-old in recent weeks, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature.
It also states that he wants to play Champions League football next season, something he could do in West London after Maresca’s side beat the Reds 1-0 at the City Ground on the final day.
Why Gibbs-White could be Maresca’s own Wirtz
Over recent weeks, Florian Wirtz has been a name almost every English football fan has become familiar with after Liverpool’s attempts to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.
The German attacking midfielder has caught the eye in recent times, registering 30 combined goals and assists across all competitions, making him one of the hottest prospects in European football.
It’s been reported that he’s agreed a €150m (£127m) deal with Arne Slot’s side to move to Anfield this summer, massively increasing their chances of retaining their Premier League title.
However, Maresca could land his own version of the superstar this window by pursuing a move to sign Gibbs-White, with the Forest sensation having the tools to thrive at the Bridge.
When comparing his stats with those of the German international this season, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of an impressive addition he would be for the Blues.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
Gibbs-White, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one journalist, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to register more goals per shot on target – showcasing his excellent ability in front of goal.
He’s also managed to match him for passes completed, with the Forest star registering more passes into the final third per 90, handing the attackers ahead of him the chance to thrive in the final third.
Games played
34
31
Goals & assists
15
22
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.2
Pass accuracy
78%
78%
Passes into final third
4.1
3.6
Aerials won
42%
20%
Tackles won
1.4
1.2
Key passes made
2.6
2.1
The Englishman’s talents don’t stop there, winning more aerials and more tackles, handing Maresca another excellent option without possession in West London.
While £100m may appear a ludicrous figure for the 25-year-old, he has the talents to take his game to the next level, especially if he’s operating around elite-level stars.
Given how he’s managed to outperform Wirtz in some key areas, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club into a Premier League title battle in 2025/26.
A bigger talent than Gittens: Chelsea still looking at "special" £50m star
Speaking during Tottenham Hotspur’s parade of the Europa League trophy, Ange Postecoglou issued another defiant call.
Earlier in the season, there was the suggestion that he always won something in his second season. Well, that box has been emphatically ticked.
Now, he’s hinted that season two is always better than season three. Steady on, Ange, your job isn’t even safe, mate.
Despite winning a first major trophy in 17 years, the craggy-faced Australian could still be given his marching orders by Daniel Levy and Co.
Considering they finished 17th on 38 points, that’s hardly a surprise.
The latest on Ange Postecoglou's future at Spurs
What a wacky old season that was. Postecoglou referenced in his final post-match press conference a week ago that it had been an “outstanding season”.
Outstandingly bizarre, certainly. That Europa League crown is there but their league form was a mess and the Spurs boss could pay the price.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who report this weekend that the former Celtic manager’s future in north London is set to be decided this week, with his position ‘under extreme risk’.
Over the last few days, Levy has not been in the UK while Postecoglou is also away on holiday. As a result, a decision regarding the Aussie’s future is still undecided.
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Should they give him the boot, then Spurs seemingly have a shortlist of four candidates that includes Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner.
The report notes that Iraola is set to stay at Bournemouth while after his FA Cup success, prising Glasner away from Crystal Palace will also be difficult.
Thus, the two frontrunners for the job are Silva and Frank, with the Brentford manager specifically said to be ‘in the frame’.
How Frank could replicate Pochettino at Spurs
While Ange may have been the one to end Spurs’ trophy drought, it’s Mauricio Pochettino who is the most legendary figure in these parts of north London.
After all, it was Pochettino who engineered that remarkable run to the Champions League final, only beaten by Liverpool in Madrid.
How did that occur? Well, as far as English football is concerned, it started with Southampton for the Argentine and it went rather similarly to Frank’s experience of top-flight football.
Indeed, the Dane has become a legend himself with the Bees finishing 13th in his first Premier League season before steering them to a top-half ninth-placed finish, an unparalleled campaign for Brentford.
He did so by playing entertaining counter-attacking football, while also developing players into some of the finest in the Premier League. Take the duo of Bryan Mbeumo (20 goals) and Yoanne Wissa (19 goals) as examples.
This certainly echoes Pochettino, who after finishing 14th having taken over mid-season in 2012/13, then guided the Saints to their best-ever Premier League finish of eighth in 2013/14. Like Frank, he turned his side from relegation candidates to a top-half club.
Also like Frank, he developed young players brilliantly with the likes of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana really becoming household names at St Mary’s. It was then under Poch that Dele Alli enjoyed the finest years of his career.
1. Christian Eriksen
255
58
2. Hugo Lloris
229
0
3. Harry Kane
242
169
4. Jan Vertonghen
212
4
5. Eric Dier
216
11
Similarly to Frank, he also deployed a high and strong press with Southampton. In 2013/14, the Argentine’s side had the best pressing metrics in the Premier League.
Brentford are similar in that regard, with their head coach admitting when they got promoted: “We knew it was a big target for us going into the Premier League for us to defend well. I said that we try to do as much as possible to play our style in the Premier League, which is the high pressing going forward.”
Well, it’s safe to say that’s certainly worked with the west Londoners now a firmly established top-flight side.
Perhaps this could just be the appointment to get Spurs back on the right track domestically. He’s been described as “one of the best managers in the world” for a reason.
Their new Dele Alli: Spurs could sign "one of the best 10s in the world"
Hoping to bounce back from Liam Delap’s rejection, Everton are reportedly alert in the race to sign a Serie A striker who David Moyes “likes” ahead of the summer transfer window.
Everton may need to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin
As improved as Beto has been under Moyes, there’s no escaping that Everton still need to sign another striker this summer if they are to push beyond relegation concerns at the start of a new era. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin on course to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract next month too, welcoming a player to replace the academy graduate could be the key to success for the Toffees this summer.
Moyes spoke to reporters about Calvert-Lewin’s future at the beginning of May, revealing that the forward had not been offered a new deal at that point. The Everton boss said: “There has not been a contract offer on the table since I’ve been here. I think the contract offer was here under a different regime.
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“We want everybody to fight for what they’re doing, show what they’re worth, so there’s a lot of that. We’re taking a little bit of time – we’ve not had loads of time since January but we’ve had some – and unfortunately Dom has been injured for a big part of it, but Dom’s history has been very good so we’ll obviously be taking all of that into consideration.”
Still in need of a replacement, it looked for a moment as though Everton could have pulled off a shock move to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with talks held, only for the £30m forward to since choose Chelsea over the chasing pack.
The talented striker would have transformed Moyes’ attack and the manager would have been well aware of that when pitching the move to Delap’s representatives. Ultimately, however, Everton were rejected and have reportedly been forced to turn their attention towards a Serie A forward.
Everton now alert in Tammy Abraham race
According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Everton are now alert in the race to sign Tammy Abraham from AS Roma this summer. The former Chelsea striker spent the season on loan at AC Milan, but struggled to make his mark. Now, he could be heading back to English football for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2021.
AC Milan'sTammyAbrahamreacts after the match
Bailey told Everton News: “Everton are one of the clubs aware of Tammy Abraham’s situation. I am told he is one David Moyes likes, and at 27 he is a very good age. An England international – he has a lot left to offer.
“Obviously if Everton want him, then the fact he is already employed by the Friedkin Group – is a bonus, but that only takes you so far – the player will decide his next move.”
Appearances
112
Goals
29
Assists
14
A player who already had Premier League experience under his belt when heading to Italy, but one who now has experience in another top European league, Abraham could prove to be invaluable for a side like Everton. Dubbed “amazing” by Jose Mourinho during his time at Roma, the ex-Chelsea man is one to watch this summer.
Even though this season is not yet over, with Celtic featuring in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden, attention has already turned towards what will be a crucial summer in Glasgow’s East End.
Brendan Rodgers is demanding a busy transfer window, looking to bolster his squad, and he will want all business to be done quickly, with a crucial Champions League qualifier in the diary for the end of August.
Given that the Hoops’ potential opponents in that two-legged tie include Bodø/Glimt, Basel, Dinamo Zagreb, Dynamo Kyiv, København, Crvena zvezda, Malmö, Qarabağ, Ferencváros and others, with their seeding still to be determined, it’s unlikely to be straightforward.
So, could Celtic land their next Scott Brown in a bid to help?
Scott Brown's Celtic legacy
The word legend is often bandied around with great frequency in football, but Scott Brown is unquestionably a bona fide Celtic legend.
The table below underlines his astonishing career in hoops.
Career span
2007-2021
Appearances
615
Starts
585
Goals
46
European appearances
127
Premiership titles
10
Scottish Cups
6
League Cups
6
Brown’s tally of 615 appearances means he ranks seventh on the club’s all-time list, behind only Billy McNeill, Alec McNair, Paul McStay, Roy Aitken, Danny McGrain and Pat Bonner, all greats in their own right, making the most appearances for the club in European competition, surpassing Kenny Dalglish’s record back in 2017.
Brown joined Celtic from Hibernian for a reported fee of £4.4m back in 2007, a then-record between two Scottish clubs, so could the Premiership champions secure a similar deal 18 years on?
Celtic targeting Scott Brown 2.0
Scott Burns of the Daily Record reported last month that Celtic will attempt to sign Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller this summer, describing the Hoops as ‘long-term admirers’, claiming that the 18-year-old is valued at £4m by the Steelmen.
The teenager has been named Young Player of the Year by the Scottish Football Writers Association, following a breakout season at Fir Park, with Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer admitting this week that his star man is likely to leave the club this summer.
Both Rangers and Celtic are perennially linked with a move for Miller, while Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Udinese and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise are amongst those listed as ‘interested’.
So what is all the hype about? Well, there’s certainly some comparisons to be made with the aforementioned Brown, not least because he’d be arriving from another SPFL club, but because they’re both sensational midfielder talents.
Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson believes Miller has the potential to become a “world-class midfielder”, while Samuel Hutchinson of Total Football Analysis describes him as ‘one of Europe’s most promising talents’, praising his ‘physical strength’ but also his technical ability.
As for a further indication of his potential, Scottish football reporter Kai Watson has outlines how the 18-year-old is able to ‘control games from the midfield’ as both a deep lying playmaker or as a number ten, noting that he is never ‘bullied off of the ball’ making him ‘press resistant’ and the complete all-rounder. In his ability to never be bullied, there are certainly echoes of Brown right there.
As the numbers below outline, Miller ranks highly for pretty much every metric included, which is very impressive for a teenager.
Appearances
32
56th
Starts
32
16th
Minutes
2,798
20th
Goals
2
95th
Assists
8
5th
Big chances created
12
7th
Shots
46
31st
Accurate passes per 90
27.5
38th
Key passes per 90
1.6
13th
Was fouled
71
1st
Crosses
129
15th
Interceptions
39
19th
Average SofaScore rating
7.26
11th
Most notably, he was the most fouled player in the Premiership this season, while his assists and big chances created numbers are also worth highlighting.
What is clear is that Miller is a generational Scottish talent, just as Brown was almost two decades ago, so Celtic should do everything in their power to convince him to stay in Scotland and move to Parkhead.
Rodgers has struck gold with Celtic star who's worth more than Kvistgaarden
Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is worth more than reported target Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Celtic are basking in the glory of becoming Scottish Premiership champions and could now have eyes on a bright starlet who has admitted he is dreaming of a move to Parkhead, per reports.
Celtic set to enjoy another productive transfer window
Brendan Rodgers leads his side into battle against Rangers this weekend and will hope they can lay down a marker after claiming their fourth successive league title against Dundee United.
The Irishman will also hope to become the first Celtic manager to deliver three trebles during his tenure in charge if the Bhoys can navigate past Aberdeen in next month’s Scottish Cup final, though it is reasonable to assume he will already have one eye on the summer window.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
There is an expectation at Parkhead that some form of squad refresh could take place. New blood is expected, and James Wilson could be on his way to the Hoops after a breakout campaign at Heart of Midlothian.
Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Celtic on a free transfer once his contract at Arsenal comes to an end. AC Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano could join the Scotland international to bolster Rodgers’ options across the final third.
Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed for the reigning Scottish champions next campaign, meaning they will need to adopt a laser-focused approach to recruitment amid a swift turnaround between the end of this term and 2025/26.
Worth more than Tierney: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "brilliant" star
Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth more than Kieran Tierney.
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However, there is also time for Celtic to look to the future with long-term additions who can develop into stars of the future, and they may now have their next candidate after a surprise transfer admission.
Dylan Leonard admits his dream is to play for Celtic
Speaking to A Leagues, Western United youngster Dylan Leonard has admitted he wants to join Celtic in the future, claiming signing for the Scottish Premiership champions is his ‘ultimate dream’ in football.
He stated: “That’s probably one thing I want to achieve in football is play for Celtic. Win something with Celtic obviously, but that’s definitely the one thing I want to do, the one club I want to play for.”
Enjoying an impressive campaign in his homeland, the 17-year-old has registered a goal and an assist across 24 appearances in the Australian top-flight. Primarily a central defender, Leonard has also come out in 100 duels and made 28 tackles on league duty, illustrating his potential to grow into a solid presence at the back.
Celtic are always on the lookout for talent and the Carlton-born starlet definitely appears to be someone that would fit the bill, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck between all parties.
At this moment in time, Aston Villa have some catching up to do if they want to secure a top five spot in the Premier League.
Securing Champions League football for another campaign would be huge at Villa Park, but Unai Emery’s men are just short of those coveted spots by three points currently, with a victory away at AFC Bournemouth this weekend crucial to try and bridge this gap.
Aston Villa manager UnaiEmery
The complexion of Villa’s summer business will also be dependent on whether they go on to gain a seat around Europe’s elite table again or not, with a number of departures perhaps on the menu if the Villans depressingly fall short.
One thing on the agenda could well be their attacking midfield spots.
Aston Villa's situation in attacking midfield
One area of the pitch that looks particularly worrying for Emery’s men is in the no.10 position, considering one of Villa’s brightest sparks here in Morgan Rogers is being linked with a move away to Chelsea.
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Moreover, reports seem to indicate that Marco Asensio won’t be kept around for the long term in England despite starring in the West Midlands ever since his loan arrival from Real Madrid, with financial concerns making the deal potentially tricky.
The Spaniard has certainly caught the eye, having scored eight goals in 18 outings for Villa.
Emery and Co have been targeting reinforcements here, unsurprisingly, seen in further reports that breakout Rosenborg sensation Sverre Nypan is reportedly in talks over completing a switch to Villa Park.
But, away from having to potentially splash any cash on the Norwegian’s services, Villa might be prepared to promote their very own homegrown version of Nypan shortly, with the exit of Asensio hurting even less if the teenager was a success in the senior side.
Marco Asensio & Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa
Aston Villa's homegrown version of Nypan
Of course, there are a lot of risks attached with Villa moving the 17-year-old in question straight up to the senior ranks, with Nypan now exposed to lots of action at first-team level in his native Norway.
Indeed, the dynamic 18-year-old has managed to amass a promising haul of 14 goals and 11 assists from 66 appearances for Rosenborg. On the contrary, homegrown attacking midfielder Bradley Burrowes has zero experience in this regard.
But, everyone has to start somewhere when spreading their wings, with Jack Grealish once an unknown figure at his boyhood employers, before exploding into life to win himself a £100m switch to Manchester City.
Obviously, Burrowes might not follow in these esteemed footsteps immediately, but his promising numbers as an attack-minded midfielder in the U18 and U21 structures for Villa means he is worth a punt by Emery in the first-team picture soon, especially if there is a void in the number ten spot to address.
U18s
22
9
3
U21s
13
3
5
UEFA U19s
8
2
0
Senior
0
0
0
The teenage starlet will hope the table above is soon full to the brim with senior appearances, considering he has tallied up a mightily impressive 22 goals and assists playing in a whole host of youth teams in the West Midlands.
Nypan can only boast three more goal contributions next to his name, albeit lining up for Rosenborg at a professional level. But, of course, there may be a worry that the 18-year-old might not be able to adjust to the bright lights of the Premier League.
Likewise, losing a figure such as Asensio won’t hurt as much in the long term if Burrowes is gifted chances and shines in the senior set-up, particularly if he has the opportunity to be mentored by Rogers if he doesn’t up and leave for pastures new at Chelsea.
There is an awful lot up in the air at Villa Park moving into the summer, but Emery and Co could save themselves a lot of hassle and money if they decided to give some of their very own talents an opportunity to shine, with Burrowes perhaps moulding into an even brighter star than Nypan down the line.
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Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, so the champagne remained corked in Liverpool’s internal quarters, with the Reds squad convened to celebrate if their closest rivals tripped up.
But they didn’t, and now Anfield has the chance to erupt into a frenzy when Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, with three points enough to seal Arne Slot the Premier League title in his first season at the helm.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Having only swallowed two defeats in the top flight this season, Liverpool will be deserving, dominant winners. Much has been made of the purportedly low quality pervading across the division this year, but this is nonsense, with the Reds in need of 11 points from 15 remaining to cross the 90-point threshold.
Liverpool have been great, but now they must begin preparations for the 2025/26 campaign, defending their expected title while challenging across tournamental fronts too.
With Darwin Nunez set to leave, a centre-forward will be needed. However, Liverpool also need defenders, with Dean Huijsen identified as the perfect player to reinforce a title-bound rearguard.
Liverpool's interest in Dean Huijsen
Huijsen joined Bournemouth last summer in a deal which could reach £15m, leaving Juventus after graduating from the Serie A giants’ academy.
The centre-half has been immense, one of the standout players in Andoni Iraola’s high-flying team, sitting eighth in the Premier League, which will secure a European spot next year if Crystal Palace fail to win the FA Cup.
With a £50m release clause, the 20-year-old Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world” right now, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.
Liverpool are very much in the mix for the defender, as per Fabrizio Romano, with sporting director Richard Hughes looking to secure his signature and add to Slot’s rich backline.
However, it does seem that Chelsea lead the race at this current stage.
If Stamford Bridge adds the Spain international to their mix, Liverpool will endure, turn their attention to another central defender.
Huijsen, indeed, isn’t the only defender from the Vitality on FSG’s mind.
Liverpool leading race for PL sensation
As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool do have the lead in the race for another Bournemouth talent, with FSG preparing to intensify efforts to sign left-back Milos Kerkez.
In with a shout for a place in the Premier League Team of the Season after a stellar year, Kerkez, 21, would be available for around £40m this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all interested too.
However, Liverpool’s groundwork and the Hungarian’s friendship with Dominik Szoboszlai could hold sway in negotiations.
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Liverpool would love both Cherries defenders, but getting the Kerkez deal over the line will prove the more important piece to shift toward Merseyside.
Why Liverpool should prioritise Kerkez
Kerkez has started every Premier League fixture for Bournemouth this season, with performances leading talent scout Antonio Mango to describe him as “one of the best young full-backs in football.”
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
Born in Serbia, Kerkez brings a fascinating blend of athleticism and power, capable of driving upfield and making things happen in the final third while adding security and width to the backline during defensive phases, with his ball-playing ability also allowing his side to calmly play their way out of danger.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher has even hailed him as a “revelation for Bournemouth,” so important for one of the division’s most exciting, attack-tailored outfits.
It’s clear that he’s got what it takes to star for Liverpool, potentially even swiping Andy Robertson’s usual place in Slot’s starting line-up from the get-go.
Matches (starts)
33 (33)
30 (26)
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
0
Touches*
59.1
63.9
Pass completion
80%
89%
Big chances created
6
6
Key passes*
0.9
1.3
Succ. dribbles
0.6 (56%)
0.2 (41%)
Ball recoveries*
4.5
3.0
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
2.0
Clearances*
2.8
1.3
Ground duels (won)*
3.4 (60%
1.7 (53%)
Liverpool may covet Huijsen, but Robertson’s declining output and solidity in defence suggest that Kerkez would be the more vital piece to add to the machine. The Bournemouth man is more active, mobile and confident in the duel, albeit not so crisp in possession, though this is in large part down to the players’ respective assigned roles.
Not only this, but Kerkez also ranks among the top 18% of full-backs in the Premier League this season, as per FBref, for assists, the top 11% for successful crosses and the top 13% for both progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.
He’s got a natural potency, one which has deserted Robertson after so many years of service on Merseyside. This new spark of creativity could prove to be so important for a Liverpool side braced for the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his contract, with Real Madrid confident they will secure his signature.
No doubt, FSG would love to sign both Kerkez and Huijsen this summer, but Kerkez’s signature carries with it the more pressing urgency for those of a Liverpool persuasion.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates scoring their first goal with AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Christie and AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez
If Liverpool have the means, which in this case some might consider a synonymical word for ‘ambition’, then they will move to sign both of Bournemouth’s left-sided defenders this summer.
It would be a statement of intent, all right, and one which might leave a lasting imprint on Slot’s legacy at Anfield. However, given the need for balance and impetus down the left flank, Kerkez should be the priority.
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Arne Slot could reshape Liverpool’s creative structure by completing this statement signing.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could reportedly choose to axe some big names at Parkhead at the end of this season, following some recent criticism of his squad.
Rodgers criticises Celtic squad
The Hoops may have thumped Kilmarnock 5-1 at home in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon, but that’s not to say that Rodgers is entirely happy about what he is seeing from his players currently.
The 52-year-old was hugely unimpressed with Celtic’s performance in the 1-0 defeat away to St Johnstone last week, making his feeling clear after the game: “Bitterly disappointing. It’s a huge credit to St Johnstone and congratulations to them. For us, poor start to the game, but not the first time and this is something for me that we will look at, certainly in the summer.”
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Rodgers clearly hated what he saw in that game, and while some may look at the league table and feel it was an overreaction, with title glory still inevitable this season, it highlights the standards that the Irishman sets.
It could be argued that his strong words after the defeat played a big part in Celtic’s aforementioned thumping of Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Saturday, with his players knowing that a response was required. Now, a new update has emerged regarding the manager’s approach this summer.
Rodgers could axe big Celtic names
According to Football Insider, Rodgers “won’t hesitate to swing the axe” and get rid of some high-profile Celtic players in the summer transfer window.
The individuals in question are said to have had a “sharp decline in form” recently and the Hoops boss could decide that enough is enough once the current campaign reaches its conclusion. Greg Taylor is used as an example in the report, with the left-back linked with an exit earlier this month.
This is undoubtedly a ruthless stance from Rodgers, but arguably one that needs to be taken, given some of the complacency that has been on show of late.
Prior to the win over Kilmarnock, the Hoops had lost three of their previous six Scottish Premiership matches, including a 3-2 defeat at home to Rangers, doing their best efforts to let their rivals back into the title race.
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While wholesale changes aren’t needed at Celtic this summer, freshening up the squad has to be a priority for Rodgers, as he brings in new faces and gets rid of those he believes have reached the end of their time at Parkhead.
Greg Taylor
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Jeffrey Schlupp (loan)
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James McCarthy
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Kasper Schmeichel
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James Forrest
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Johnny Kenny
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Scott Bain
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Taylor is out of contract at the end of the season, as is James McCarthy, while a decision needs to be made about whether Jeffrey Schupp’s loan move will become permanent or not.