Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness) have brought a fresh update regarding Liverpool and the pursuit of highly sought after AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The lowdown: Rife speculation
With the summer transfer window fast approaching it appears that the interest in the 22-year-old Frenchman is intensifying.
The Reds have been extensively linked with Tchouameni in recent weeks despite the main focus being on the upcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals, as it becomes apparent a future away from the Ligue 1 outfit awaits at the end of the ongoing campaign for the powerful youngster.
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Now as the speculation rumbles on, it’s been suggested that the Anfield club will have to pay big money to fend off Real Madrid and PSG…
The latest: ‘Very close’
The Spanish press believe the Reds have already made their first offer, and now according AS, translated by SW, sources close to the player have indicated a major move is expected this summer – the player has decided to leave Monaco.
It’s claimed that Liverpool are the ‘main rivals’ to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of the eight-cap France star, who is ‘very close’ to resolving his future and currently prefers a move to the Spanish capital.
The report also states that the Reds will need to spend between €70-80million (£60-68million) in order to sign the ace hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Robin Bairner following a recent match-winning brace against LOSC Lille.
The verdict: Much-needed signing
Given the cruel setback suffered to Fabinho ahead of a crucial month for Jurgen Klopp’s side, the timing of the links to Tchouameni couldn’t be more salient.
Predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, with very strong tackling and aerial ability (WhoScored), the Frenchman would be the perfect candidate to bolster the Anfield ranks as currently there is no natural understudy for Fabinho.
This season, Tchouameni has added goal contributions to an ever-developing game with seven in 48 appearances across all competitions whilst also boasting an average Sofascore rating of 7.33, the eighth-highest in Ligue 1, just behind the likes of PSG trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
At just 22 and already an accomplished top-level operator, Liverpool should be pulling out all the stops to make this deal happen.
In other news, French outlet drops Liverpool claim involving ‘unstoppable’ superstar. Read more here.
Liverpool must seal a move for Benfica striker Henrique Araújo this summer, as he could be manager Jurgen Klopp’s next Diogo Jota.
According to a recent report from Mexican outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are interested in signing the player but face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City and Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
The 20-year old has produced some impressive performances in Benfica’s youth set-up this season and as a result, has admirers across Europe. He has appeared 34 times this season scoring 17 goals including one for the senior team.
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It includes an impressive hat-trick in Benfica’s victory over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Youth League final, which were his first goals in the competition. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that he’s been described as a “poacher” by scout Jacek Kulig, who also hailed his finishing, instinct and movement.
Despite the interest he has received from abroad, Benfica are reluctant to let him go. At such a young age he could have more of an impact on the team and eventually fetch a higher fee if he stays longer. He’s contracted until 2024 so it would take a big offer to get hold of him now.
He is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes which may be one of the reasons he has been linked to some of Europe’s biggest sides. Liverpool are no stranger to dealing with Mendes, having negotiated a £41m move for Diogo Jota, who is also represented by him, back in 2020.
They could repeat this move by signing Araújo who could learn from his compatriot and work with one of the best managers in the world in Klopp who could transform him into a world star.
Liverpool also require a replacement for Divock Origi who is likely to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
The Reds seem to have an advantage over their rivals when it comes to signing him, Barcelona are ‘not in the mood’ to make a big investment, and it’s likely any move for the Portuguese U21 international would require that.
Man City also have their sights set elsewhere after they have reportedly agreed terms with Erling Haaland. With others distracted it may be the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to swoop in and secure the deal. Whilst they might have to pay more, they will face stronger competition in the future.
IN other news: Liverpool plot bid to sign “unplayable” £31.5m-rated gem, he could be another Diaz…
Paul Heckingbottom has delivered a Sheffield United injury update before the clash with Fulham, revealing that a return for Rhian Brewster could be on the cards sooner than expected.
The Lowdown: Out of action
The 22-year-old first joined the Blades from Liverpool back in 2020, for a club-record fee of £23.5m, penning a five-year deal with the club.
The England U21 international sustained a serious hamstring injury during United’s 2-0 victory over Peterborough in January, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
The Yorkshire outfit also have a couple of other key first-team players, including the likes of David McGoldrick and most recently Oli McBurnie, facing spells on the sidelines, but it seems as though the most positive news to come out of Bramall Lane is surrounding Brewster.
The Latest: Promising signs
During a pre-Fulham interview with Yorkshire Live, the Blades boss admitted that out of all of the squad members on the injury list, it’s the former Liverpool starlet who has the best chance of staging a return in time for the start of pre-season.
He said: “Probably Rhian has the best chance. He has been on the grass for the first time.
“Others are touch and go and it will be a case of seeing how they go, but Rhian is the furthest down the line.”
The Verdict: One for the future
Despite only having made 16 appearances across all competitions for the Blades due to injury this season, the 5 foot 9 attacker has proven that he can be prolific in the final third, having made a total of 23 goal contributions in just 28 outings for Liverpool’s U23s side.
Given the fact that Heckingbottom’s side currently find themselves in the play-off places with one game left to play, there’s a strong chance that Brewster could be coming up against some of his former teammates next season, so the fact he will be able to ramp up his form and sharpness in the summer is great news.
Brewster has previously been dubbed a “magnificent” player by Reds legend Steven Gerrard, and for someone still at such a young age, there’s no doubt that he will prove to be a key player for United in years to come.
In other news… the Blades have pulled out of a move to sign a new shot-stopper.
Eddie Howe hasn’t minced his words when quizzed on Newcastle United’s interest in their former schoolboy Elliot Anderson, who was sold to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest for about £35m in 2024.
Now regarded as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, Anderson is indeed becoming a star, and Newcastle want him back, forced into cashing in to comply with PSR regulations.
But Manchester United are also known suitors, and Forest are set to demand in excess of £100m for their prized player.
Newcastle need a centre-midfielder, though, and technical director Ross Wilson is centring on a shrewd alternative.
Newcastle pursuing new midfielder
Though Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are among the finest midfielders in the game, Joelinton is becoming a weak link, with Toon writer Thomas Hammond claiming this is “the start of the end” for the Brazilian.
The 29-year-old surely doesn’t have much more mileage left in the tank, having run many laps around the St. James’ Park grass across the years.
The interest in Anderson is suggestive of Howe’s stance on the mainstay’s future, but there is an alternative option in the pipeline for the PIF-backed side.
Indeed, Italian outlet Tuttomercato, Newcastle are pursuing a January move for Roma midfielder Manu Kone, who has been instrumental in the club’s blooming Serie A title charge this term.
Reports from the summer claim that the Italians have placed a €50m (£44m) price tag on the 24-year-old, but United and PIF would surely strike gold, should they bring him over.
What Manu Kone would bring to Newcastle
Kone has been at Roma since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, joining the club from Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. He was a loanee last season but has since become a permanent member of Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
A powerhouse of a midfielder, the 6 foot 1 Frenchman is limber but endowed with natural strength that allows him to perform robustly in the engine room.
As well as being a crisp passer, Kone is also skilled as a carrier, looking to break lines.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of Serie A midfielders this season for pass completion and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90. He regularly draws fouls from lunging opponents.
That aside, Kone has also been hailed as a “one-man army” in midfield by talent scout Jacek Kulig, owing to that strength and physicality in the middle of the park.
In this, he could be the perfect player to succeed Joelinton in Howe’s midfield, striking a balance between the different facets of a successful box-to-box role.
Matches (starts)
10 (10)
12 (12)
Goals
0
0
Assists
0
1
Touches*
39.5
62.2
Accurate passes*
22.2 (82%)
43.8 (92%)
Chances created*
0.5
1.0
Dribble (success)*
0.2 (50%)
1.2 (67%)
Recoveries*
3.4
4.7
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
2.0
Clearances*
1.7
1.0
Duels won*
4.6
5.4
Errors made
2x
1x
Joelinton has had a good run in Howe’s midfield, but it’s time for ruthlessness to take precedence: the club have threatened to stagnate this term, and a breath of fresh air in the engine room could elevate the squad, reinforcing the backline and giving new support to the forwards.
His ball-carrying metrics have decreased significantly, and while he remains a combative and dangerous force in the middle, there’s no question that the Brazil international lacks the same full-throttle energy as once before.
Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
Kone was considered a top talent during his early-career days in the German Bundesliga, and while he has endured some ebb-tide moments in his career, no one can deny that he is now blooming into a complete midfielder tailor-made for the Premier League.
PIF have signed an "explosive" talent who can end Gordon's Newcastle career
Newcastle United already have an exciting attacker up their sleeve who can end Anthony Gordon’s stalling Magpies career.
Manchester United have now reportedly received a boost in their potential efforts to sign an England international at the end of the season.
Rooney discusses Man Utd's decline
The Red Devils have made a disappointing start to the season, although victory away to Brentford on Saturday lunchtime would be a big step in the right direction, having won at home to Chelsea last weekend.
Ruben Amorim is trying to mastermind United’s return to the top of English football, and opening up to former teammate Rio Ferdinand, attacking legend Wayne Rooney has discussed when he felt the club was declining after decades of glory.
“I think that question I asked then, in 2010, it still hasn’t been answered, been addressed, from 2010. And I think fans have seen… I don’t think, if fans look back, they’d be like, you know what, he actually seen what was coming a little bit. And I don’t think it’s been fixed since 2010.
“We obviously won the league in 2013, but lots changed, obviously. Commercially, social media, everything changed. But I still think when we lost Ronaldo and Tevez, from that moment, we got Robin in, obviously, for a couple years, but from that moment the club has never had a group of forwards like that.”
Top-quality new signings will aid United in their quest to bring back the glory days, and a positive update has emerged regarding one transfer target.
Man Utd boosted in pursuit of England international
Speaking to The United Stand [via The Peoples Person], journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Manchester United target Adam Wharton has a “gentlemen’s agreement” to leave Crystal Palace next season.
“My understanding with Wharton is there’s kind of a gentleman’s agreement in place allowing him to leave Crystal Palace next summer, so that’s clearly going to be one to watch.
“At this stage it is simply wait and see; you’re not going to get the answers to January this early, but there is concrete possibility that if the right name becomes available, Manchester United will add a senior midfielder this season, and as I said before, it could be two midfielders.
“There’s other names that could be available mid-season if Manchester United have the funds from potentially a Kobbie Mainoo exit; we’ll have to wait and see what transpires.”
The £100m-rated Wharton is exactly the type of player United used to sign with relative ease, in terms of being a highly-rated young homegrown player with a massive future.
The 21-year-old is a fantastic prospect, playing with so much maturity in front of the defence, possessing technical quality, but also a strong defensive brain.
Man Utd now expected to make £60m offer for "physical beast" in January
The Red Devils are showing the strongest interest in a defender, with a bid planned for the upcoming transfer window.
ByDominic Lund Sep 25, 2025
Former Palace teammate Eberechi Eze has hailed Wharton as an “incredible” player and United should be viewing him as the perfect long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe splashed the cash in the 2025 summer transfer window, but who are the club’s current most expensive signings of all time?
Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Man Utd’s most expensive additions in their famous history, as per Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.
1
Paul Pogba
£89m
Juventus
2016
2
Antony
£81.3m
Ajax
2022
3
Harry Maguire
£80m
Leicester City
2019
4
Romelu Lukaku
£75m
Everton
2017
5
Jadon Sancho
£73m
Borussia Dortmund
2021
6
Bryan Mbeumo
£71m
Brentford
2025
7
Benjamin Sesko
£66.4m
RB Leipzig
2025
8
Rasmus Hojlund
£64m
Atalanta
2022
9
Matheus Cunha
£62.5m
Wolves
2025
=10
Angel Di Maria
£60m
Real Madrid
2014
=10
Casemiro
£60m
Real Madrid
2022
12
Bruno Fernandes
£56m
Sporting CP
2020
13
Mason Mount
£55m
Chelsea
2023
=14
Anthony Martial
£52m
AS Monaco
2015
=14
Leny Yoro
£52m
Lille
2024
16
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
£50m
Crystal Palace
2019
17
Lisandro Martinez
£48.3m
Ajax
2022
18
Fred
£47m
Shakhtar Donetsk
2018
19
Andre Onana
£43.5m
Inter Milan
2023
20
Manuel Ugarte
£42m
PSG
2024
Here's a detailed look at Man Utd's 10 most expensive signings: 10 Angel Di Maria £60m from Real Madrid
Back in 2014, Angel Di Maria put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Man Utd in what was at the time, a club and British transfer record.
The Argentine signed from Real Madrid under Louis van Gaal, but after just one season and 32 appearances, was sold to Paris Saint-Germain.
9 Matheus Cunha £62.5m from Wolves
One of three big-money signings in 2025, Matheus Cunha was the first addition ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
Man Utd triggered the £62.5m release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract, with the Brazilian forward set to play in behind the striker.
8 Rasmus Hojlund £64m from Atalanta
Rasmus Hojlund
The Red Devils won the race to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023. The Denmark forward was just 20 years of age when he signed for the club and netted 10 Premier League goals during his debut campaign.
However, in 2025, Hojlund was allowed to join Napoli on loan with an obligtion to buy for £38m in 2026.
7 Benjamin Sesko £66.4m from RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko was brought in before Hojlund’s exit as the new main centre-forward for the Red Devils.
The towering Slovenia striker starred for RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig before heading to Manchester in an initial deal worth more than £66m.
6 Bryan Mbeumo £71m from Brentford
After starring in the Premier League with Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo swapped London for Manchester in a transfer worth £71m.
The versatile forward signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford which, providing he stays until 2030, will see him earn £39m in wages during his time with the Red Devils.
5 Jadon Sancho £73m from Borussia Dortmund
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho failed to make the desired impact at Old Trafford after being brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
Sancho has also had a frosty relationship with Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman publicly saying the winger wasn’t being included in matchday squads due to his performances in training. In 2024/25, he headed on loan to Chelsea, and in 2025/26, joined Aston Villa for the season.
4 Romelu Lukaku £75m from Everton
Another big-money signing that didn’t work out for Man Utd was Romelu Lukaku, who signed from Everton in 2017.
The Belgian arrived at Old Trafford shortly after Wayne Rooney went the other way, however, Lukaku was on the move again just two years later, joining Inter Milan.
3 Harry Maguire £80m from Leicester City
Man Utd pipped Man City to the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. The centre-back has since been a hot topic of conversation at Old Trafford but has remained a regular for the majority of the time.
He’s worked under a number of managers and even captained the Red Devils for a number of years before Erik ten Hag handed that responsibility to Fernandes in 2023.
2 Antony £81.3m from Ajax
Antony
The club splashed the cash on winger Antony to quickly reunite him with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian starred under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, however, after moving to England, Antony struggled to make the same impact, not exactly living up to the huge fee, and signed for Real Betis for just over £20m in 2025.
1 Paul Pogba £89m from Juventus
Top of the list is Paul Pogba, who actually came through the academy at Carrington. The French midfielder eventually left for Juventus in 2012, but four years later, returned to Old Trafford in a huge £89m deal.
Pogba’s second stint in Manchester had plenty of ups and downs, and in 2022, he left when his contract expired.
Things are moving apace. Liverpool have already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and are advancing with deals for Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
Talk about a show of intent. Talk about ambition. FSG have faced their criticisms across their time at the head of the Liverpool table, but the American owners are backing Arne Slot to the hilt this summer after the Dutch coach secured a Premier League title in his first term at the helm.
With a much-anticipated move for Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m, set to be finalised in the coming days, hopes are morphing into expectations that the Reds will be right there in the title battle next season, throwing the heaviest punches and swerving the blows from Arsenal, Manchester City and the like.
What, then, should be Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes’ next move in the transfer market? Well, for all Anfield’s impressive dealings, the glaring point of contention still hasn’t been addressed: Liverpool need to part with Darwin Nunez and bring in a new number nine.
Why Liverpool need to sell Darwin Nunez
As far as statement signings go, Liverpool usually hit the nail on the head. However, Nunez has proven to be a blot on the copybook, never living up to the fixed £64m fee and actually regressing under Slot’s jurisdiction.
24/25
47
7
7
23/24
54
18
15
22/23
42
15
4
Back in February, Slot stated he “can’t accept” Nunez’s work rate following a slew of games which had turned little personal reward for the Uruguayan. Previous versions of the 25-year-old invariably provided a tenacious
A maverick, Nunez is powerful and instinctive, but consistent finishing has always eluded him throughout his time on Merseyside, and if it were not for Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary 2024/25 campaign, the striker’s woes might have been hung under a brighter, more blinding light.
Salah scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more across all competitions last season. Extraordinary. The Egyptian King turned 33 this month, though, and needs a more reliable frontman to keep him performing at his peak.
Well, Liverpool are acting with ambition, hoping to sign a star who might just prove to elevate the legend. Who knows, he may even surpass Salah’s greatness.
Liverpool line up new striker
According to Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are ready to place a record-breaking bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak this summer.
Liverpool’s current interest in the Sweden striker can be traced back to the start of March, when The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed the Reds had him at the top of their shopping list.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
The Magpies, who won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last term, would want north of £150m for Isak, but GMS claim FSG would be willing to offer £100m plus add-ons, which would eclipse the fee agreed for Wirtz.
How Isak could surpass Salah at Liverpool
Liverpool need a striker, all right, and Isak is their dream target. If sporting director Richard Hughes could pick any number nine across the globe, this is the man he’d move for.
Coming off the back of a 27-goal campaign with Newcastle, Isak, who has been hailed as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, could be the most incredible addition to a Liverpool side already jam-packed with attacking quality.
Isak’s prowess, always improving, could even see him become a goalscoring machine under Slot’s wing above that of Salah, whose 34-goal season was frankly ridiculous.
24/25 – Newcastle
42
27
6
23/24 – Newcastle
40
25
2
22/23 – Newcastle
29
11
3
21/22 – Sociedad
41
10
3
20/21 – Sociedad
44
17
2
Moreover, his unique approach to the attacking game could see him reach that pedestal on which Salah perches, surmounted above the rest of the Premier League’s attacking talent.
As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of strikers last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.
This protean attacking quality could see him join the likes of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres as one of the most complete and electric number nines the Premier League has ever seen.
Would this make him a more dangerous forward than Salah? Who knows, but Isak definitely has the perfect style to dovetail into Slot’s system and bring a new level of direct goalscoring threat.
And it must be said, Liverpool have certainly felt the force of the Sweden striker’s skills, Isak having scored a stunning goal against them at St. James’ Park last year before bagging in the Carabao Cup final, a strike which proved definitive.
But it’s not just his goalscoring. Isak has the capacity to outstrip even Salah’s ridiculous goal per game rate at Liverpool (0.61), with his Newcastle average currently at 0.57.
As he continues to go from strength to strength, Isak could hit a truly staggering flow, especially given that he would be playing among some of the best in the business (including Salah, whose playmaking has hit another level over the past couple of years).
Whether Isak would finish a potential Liverpool career with a greater legacy than Salah is tantamount to splitting hairs. In all likelihood, he’d fail on that front, for Salah has transcended pure quality on the field to immortalise himself in Liverpool lore.
However, Isak’s ability to score is a special thing – pundit Alan Shearer has described him as a “world-class assassin” – and if signed to the Liverpool cause and allowed to foster relationships with Salah and Wirtz, his goalscoring record could form something not witnessed on Merseyside.
Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.
Liverpool are not willing to rest on their laurels after they won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Reds have already swooped to make their first signing of the summer transfer window by bringing Jeremie Frimpong to the club from Bayer Leverkusen.
Jeremie Frimpong
He has come in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has signed for Real Madrid on a permanent basis, and will compete with Conor Bradley for a spot at right-back next term.
The Netherlands international delivered five goals and nine assists in all competitions for Leverkusen this season, which suggests that the full-back could provide plenty of quality in the final third for the Reds.
Frimpong, however, may not be the only attacking dynamo to make the switch from Germany, and Leverkusen specifically, as Liverpool are continuing to work on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz in the coming weeks.
Why Florian Wirtz could be a big signing for Liverpool
Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the club are ‘advancing’ to sign the Germany international, with a medical already being planned for the attacking midfielder.
Journalist Paul Joyce also recently claimed that the Reds have made an offer worth up to £113m for the 22-year-old sensation, which illustrates the kind of money Liverpool will need to spend to get this deal over the line.
It is not a surprise to see that price tag over the Leverkusen star’s head, though, because he has been in fantastic form for the German side over the past two seasons.
Wirtz scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, which shows that he can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.
His form in the German top-flight this season suggests that he could be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad for Slot, due to his form at the top end of the pitch.
Appearances
31
xG
9.40
Goals
10
Big chances created
17
Key passes per game
1.8
xA
9.44
Assists
12
As you can see in the table above, Wirtz hit double figures for both goals and assists in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen, overperforming against his xG.
Meanwhile, none of Liverpool’s central or attacking midfielders managed more than six goals or six assists in the Premier League, which suggests that the German star would be a big upgrade on what Slot currently has at his disposal.
The Premier League champions, however, are now reportedly lining up a move to bring in a star who would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz.
Liverpool set to bid for Premier League star
According to a report in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing up a move to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Reds are set to make a bid worth up to £101m for the Sweden international. £84m would be up front and the rest would come in performance-based add-ons.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also reveals that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Newcastle’s attempts to pin Isak down to a new contract, and that they are ready to pounce if the striker does not commit his future to St. James’ Park.
The outlet adds that the Reds want to move swiftly with a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund attacker, hence why they are planning to make a mega bid for his services.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
However, it remains to be seen whether or not an offer of £101m would be enough to tempt Newcastle into cashing in on their star striker, or if the player would be open to ditching his team in favour of a move to Anfield.
Why Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz
Isak would be a bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool for a number of reasons, despite potentially costing less than the German star if they can wrap up a transfer at a fee of £101m.
Firstly, it would be a move that would see the club take away one of their Premier League rivals’ top players, weakening their direct competition, rather than going abroad to snap up a talent like Wirtz. This would make him a statement signing for the Reds, because it would illustrate their pull by being able to sign such a player from a rival.
Secondly, and this ties in with the first point, Isak is a proven Premier League performer who would be able to come in and hit the ground running as a player who does not need any time to adapt to the division.
Whereas Wirtz has never played domestic football outside of Germany and, therefore, there are still some doubts over how his game will translate to the Premier League, simply because he has yet to prove himself at that level.
Isak, as shown in the clip above, has also already proven his quality against Liverpool with a terrific goal in the League Cup final at Wembley back in March, leading to Slot describing him as an “unbelievable threat”.
Appearances
34
xG
20.42
Goals
23
Conversion rate
23%
Big chances created
11
Assists
6
As you can see in the table above, the Swedish marksman enjoyed a sensational season with the Magpies in the Premier League, as he was directly involved in 29 goals, nine more than Wirtz was involved in for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Luis Diaz was Liverpool’s top-scoring striker option in the top-flight for Slot with a return of 13 goals, which suggests that Isak would come in as a huge upgrade for the club in the number nine position.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Overall, Isak would be an even bigger signing than Wirtz for Liverpool because of the statement it would send out, signing him from a Premier League rival, the proven quality that he would provide, and the upgrade that he would be for the team.
It now remains to be seen, though, whether or not they can convince Newcastle to part ways with the 25-year-old centre-forward after they wrap up a move for the Leverkusen star.
Better than Huijsen: Liverpool target £50m Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid"
Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back this summer.
There will be plenty of change at Ibrox this summer after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that several players will be moving on from the club ahead of next season.
A new head coach will also be in the dugout when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, as the Light Blues have confirmed that Barry Ferguson will not be getting the job on a full-time basis after his interim spell.
As well as the Scottish interim boss, Rangers have revealed that three first-team players will be leaving Glasgow as free agents at the end of this month.
The Rangers players being released this summer
Rangers have announced that Tom Lawrence, Leon Balogun, and Ianis Hagi will not have their contracts renewed, making them free agents ahead of the summer transfer window.
They are three experienced operators who will be moving on from Ibrox, and two of them – Balogun and Hagi – were part of the 2020/21 title-winning campaign under Steven Gerrard.
Hagi, in particular, played a big role on the pitch this season with four goals and five assists in 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership after coming in from the cold.
These three stars are not the only experienced players who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers, once the takeover is completed, and Kevin Thelwell this summer, however, as Robin Propper should also be on the chopping block.
Why Robin Propper should be sold this summer
The Gers swooped to sign the Dutch defender from FC Twente to bolster their backline in the summer transfer window last year after Connor Goldson moved on from Ibrox.
Robin Propper
Unfortunately, the 31-year-old centre-back does not seem particularly suited to the physical nature of the Scottish Premiership, as opposition forwards have found it too easy against him at times.
Rangers only conceded nine goals in the 11 matches that he did not feature in and 32 in the 27 that he did play, which suggests that they were better defensively without him.
Appearances
30
27
Goals conceded
22
32
Dribbled past per game
0.2x
0.4x
Ground duel success rate
73%
62%
Aerial duel success rate
67%
64%
Fouls per game
0.7
0.9
As you can see in the table above, the Light Blues made their team worse by replacing Goldson with Propper, who has failed to offer more quality in the centre-back position, as shown by the stark contrast in goals conceded.
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Back in December, pundit Neil McCann outlined how concerning Propper’s performances were in the Premiership. He said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”
This is why the 49ers must ruthlessly axe the central defender from the squad in the summer transfer window, if there are any clubs interested in snapping him up, because he has not adjusted well to Scottish football.
Whilst he is not the only player in the defence, it is worrying that there has been a huge drop off in defensive form since he was signed to replace Goldson, and that the team has a better defensive record without Propper in the side.
Therefore, Rangers must move on from Propper in the summer transfer window after they have already made the ruthless decisions to release Balogun, Hagi, and Lawrence.
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Celtic made a bold decision in the January transfer window at the start of this year when they opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes for a reported fee of £10m.
The Japan international scored 85 goals in 165 matches in all competitions for the Scottish giants during his time at Parkhead, including 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite losing the prolific goalscorer midway through the campaign, the Hoops opted against dipping into the market to sign a replacement for him, although they were linked with an interest in Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden.
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The Scottish Premiership champions reportedly made an approach to sign the Brondby striker in January, but failed to get a deal over the line for him, and are reportedly looking at him once again ahead of the summer.
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If the Hoops do decide to go through with a swoop for him ahead of next season, Kvistgaarden could be an exciting addition to the squad, considering his impressive record in Denmark.
The 23-year-old striker has scored 16 goals, and missed 14 ‘big chances’, in 24 starts in the Danish Superliga, and scored 22 goals in all competitions for Brondby, which suggests that he could arrive as a big goalscoring threat at an age where he still has time left to develop and improve.
His form has led to Transfermarkt valuing the forward at £6.7m at the time of writing (20/05/2025), which is even lower than the player Celtic essentially replaced Kyogo with, Daizen Maeda.
Rodgers has hit the jackpot with Daizen Maeda
The Japan international has played on the wing for the majority of his Celtic career, but Kyogo’s move to Rennes in January provided him with an opportunity to play more games as a striker.
Celtic star Daizen Maeda.
He had only played two matches as a centre-forward in all competitions before the turn of the year, and has since played eight times in that role, splitting number nine duties with Adam Idah.
Left wing
35
16
8
Centre-forward
10
14
4
Right wing
1
2
0
As you can see in the table above, that change in position has been a masterstroke by Brendan Rodgers, who has hit the jackpot with the forward, because he has been directly involved in 18 goals in just ten games as a striker.
His market value has also soared as a result of that change. Maeda was valued at £6.7m, as much as Kvistgaarden, in December 2024, and is now valued at £9.3m by Transfermarkt at the time of writing, which shows that the versatile star is now worth even more than the Celtic transfer target.
The Japanese whiz, who was described as “unbelievable” by Rodgers, has thrived due to the positional change that the manager opted to make after Kyogo left, and has proven himself to be more than capable of being a starting centre-forward for Celtic.
Therefore, the Hoops have hit the jackpot with the 27-year-old star, who may have just alleviated the need to splash the cash on Kvistgaarden this summer, as the club now have him and Idah available to lead the line heading into next season.
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