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Glasgow Rangers’ next managerial appointment at Ibrox is the most important decision in the club’s recent history.

Since Rangers won league title number 55 in the 2020/21 season, the Gers have gone from coach to coach with no real identity, winning just two trophies in the process.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover reportedly edging closer to completion, whoever comes in to manage at Ibrox next must be the man who can end years of their Old Firm rivals’ dominance.

Of course, this is easier said than done, especially considering the magnitude of the challenge faced by the next manager. Can a team be built over the course of a single summer that could change the future of the Light Blues?

It will be difficult, but there is no doubt that it can be done. Martin O’Neil signed players such as Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon and Alan Thompson upon arriving at the club in the summer of 2000.

A year later, he led the club to a treble success, reinvigorating the Parkhead side within a single transfer window.

Fast-forward 20 years and Ange Postecoglou did a similar sort of thing when he took the reins ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Rangers must bring in their own Postecoglou this summer

During the summer of 2021, Steven Gerrard was looking to kick on from the club’s Premiership title success and turn them into the dominant force in Scotland.

A lack of backing by the board – which ultimately culminated in his departure that November – meant the Light Blues didn’t make much progress on the field, domestically anyway.

Postecoglou was deemed a risky appointment by Celtic, despite enjoying success in Japan during his previous role. Signings such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Jota provided the springboard for the Parkhead side to eventually overtake their rivals, although it did take a few months for things to gel.

The following year, they won another treble, and it was evident that the Australian manager had built something special in the space of just two years.

His style of play ensured Celtic had an identity, and they regularly got the best of the Gers during this period, losing to the Ibrox side just three times under the current Spurs manager.

Perhaps this is the direction that Rangers should be heading in this summer? Bringing in someone with a distinctive style of play that will appease the supporters and, in turn, achieve positive results.

As such, a shortlist has reportedly been chosen by the club for whom the next manager could be.

Rangers search for a new manager

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has reported recently that a quartet of names are being considered for the vacant managerial role. Gerrard is being ‘considered’ for the job, despite the board wanting to go in a new direction. Elsewhere, Rob Edwards, Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin are the other three names which are mentioned in the report.

McGrath states that there is ‘no clear favourite’ and there are several foreign coaches also on the current longlist.

With news that Athletic Club were knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage, Rangers now enter the second round of Champions League qualifying, with the first leg either on July 22 or 23.

This indicates that the club need to make a decision on a new manager as soon as possible, especially with competitive fixtures starting so soon after pre-season.

With so many names being linked or on a shortlist, could the club bring in their own Ange by appointing Martin to the role of first-team manager?

Why Rangers must hire Russell Martin

Martin’s name may not stand out with regard to several other of the potential candidates, including the likes of Marco Rose or even Gerrard, but his attacking style of play could be key in getting him the role.

Indeed, respected analyst John Walker has regularly lobbied for Martin to secure the job ahead of next season and has praised him on numerous occasions of late.

Goals

87

Goals per game

1.9

Ball possession

66%

Big chances per game

2.8

Clean sheets

12

Goals conceded per game

1.4

Walker said that Martin “improves younger players” while promoting “exciting attacking football” that could see Rangers begin to thrive in domestic competition once again.

Even greater praise has come from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who said earlier this season: “He’s proven that his philosophy is extremely successful, what he did with Southampton and last year they were 25 games unbeaten. It was a joy to watch that team play, they deserve much more than what they have already.”

Indeed, Southampton may have struggled in the Premier League under the Scot, but in the second tier, they were incredible.

The Saints ranked in the top three out of all Championship clubs for chances created, shots at goal and big chances missed, while also completing the second-fewest long passes in the division.

This last statistic is particularly important. His teams love building up the play and focus on weak spots in the opposition defence. At times, under Philippe Clement, the back four regularly punted long balls up the pitch for the likes of Cyriel Dessers to chase, a tactic which did the coach no favours at all.

Judging by this, Martin has an approach which would fit with the direction Rangers wish to go in, especially with some of the players he will have at his disposal next season.

Operating with a 4-3-3 system, this could work wonders for the likes of Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Hamza Igamane going forwards.

Although he hasn’t won anything during his coaching career thus far, his style of play has been evident across spells with Southampton, Swansea and MK Dons. That much is certain.

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Will the board and new owners wish to appoint him, however? Especially given his lack of success. Or will they take a gamble this summer?

With the way things have gone recently, perhaps a gamble wouldn’t be a bad idea. He might just turn out to the club’s very own Ange.

Forget about Cerny: Rangers could land the "next Sadio Mane" for just £1.7m

Rangers will need to sign a winger or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

Liverpool are revelling in their Premier League triumph at the moment, but those behind the scenes have no doubt commenced preparations for next season’s title defence.

Frankly, the Anfield side won the title at a canter this term, going 26 matches undefeated before losing to Fulham at Craven Cottage last month with all said and done.

To be sure, Arsenal and Manchester City will be back, stronger and hungrier than ever after respective disappointments in the top flight this season.

But they are bound to reinforce their ranks and Liverpool must do the same. While the mere thought of Alexander Isak continues to tantalise fans, craving a new number nine, FSG appear to be focusing on the rear end of the pitch at the moment, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen right at the top of the summer shopping list.

The latest on Dean Huijsen to Liverpool

Bournemouth’s rising star is perhaps the most touted potential target of the summer, and we’re not even there yet. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that he’s “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” after all.

The 20-year-old arrived at the Vitality Stadium on a £15m deal last summer after Juventus decided they were better off cashing in on the young prospect, who featured on loan for AS Roma last season.

As per Sofascore, he’s started 23 Premier League matches this season and has kept seven clean sheets, averaging six clearances per game and winning 61% of his aerial battles.

How foolish the Old Lady must feel, especially given rumours surfaced in March that Real Madrid have made him one of their priorities. Such claims mentioned that Juventus regretted their decision.

Liverpool are also keen, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg even revealing last week that FSG have presented an offer to the Spain international.

With an attractive £50m release clause, Arsenal and Chelsea are also working overtime to secure his services, as per Fabrizio Romano, with the race very much open at this stage.

For such a young player with relatively minimal experience at the highest level, this is quite the glowing endorsement of Huijsen’s potential.

He might be the talk of the town, but Liverpool actually boast an up-and-comer with the same stock as Huijsen, and that’s despite a frustrating campaign in which he hasn’t earned the playing time he would have hoped for.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot with £4m signing

He might be a wholly different type of player, but Harvey Elliott is at the same career stage as Huijsen and will no doubt feel aggrieved that he hasn’t been given the chance to showcase his skills in a similar fashion.

Of course, Bournemouth are at a different level to Liverpool, and there’s little question that Elliott would feature front and centre for Andoni Iraola’s team, having been praised as a “special” player by journalist Bence Bocsak.

He hasn’t seen all that much action this year, true, but Elliott has still popped up with some big moments, notching six goal involvements across all competitions. Liverpool might have crashed out of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, but the England U21 international scored the winning goal in the first leg, defying the odds after the Reds spent 90 minutes under the cosh.

He might not have featured with the regularity he desires this term, but Elliott has still demonstrated his elite-class qualities as an up-and-coming attacking midfielder, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, assists placed and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, also ranking highly for progressive passes and carries.

The young playmaker was admirable, taking a strong stance regarding his future in January, rejecting any notion of a departure and claiming: “Liverpool is my club, Liverpool is my team.”

Having joined the club as a 16-year-old after leaving Fulham’s academy, signing for a tribunal fee of £4m, he’s already played a shedload of football under Jurgen Klopp but is now struggling for minutes in Slot’s system.

That’s all well and good, but he’s a gifted young footballer with suitors beginning to get a sense that Liverpool might be keen on selling.

According to Football Insider, there are a number of Premier League clubs lining up to make their move this summer, with Newcastle United thought to be at the forefront.

Elliott, who, like Huijsen, is valued at £50m, might come to jump at the chance of playing at St. James’ Park, having failed to start just one of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures this season.

24/25

14 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

It would be great to see the 21-year-old’s services retained for several years yet to come (or more). Elliott is already showing elite-level signs, and Slot could turn him into a world-beater with the right series of tweaks.

However, things will need to change for that to happen. In any case, the £50m-rated talent has already made 143 appearances and played his part across a trophy-laden spell in the club’s modern history.

Given that he signed for a tribunal fee of just £4m, there’s no way to look it other than through the lens of Liverpool hitting the jackpot with his signing.

Isak 2.0: Liverpool line up move for Nunez upgrade who's the "next Mbappe"

Liverpool may have to cede early defeat in their bid to sign Newcastle’s star striker.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 29, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side dropped two vital points in their 2-2 draw against Ipswich. However, it could have been far worse, having gone into the half time interval 2-0 down courtesy of goals from Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson.

In the first half, the Blues had 76% possession, generating 1.03 xG, creating two big chances and taking 15 shots, but didn’t manage to find the breakthrough.

This saw Chelsea come out far more aggressive in the second half, adjusting to Maresca’s attacking 2-2-5-1 shape at times and looking to take the game to Ipswich even more.

In the second half, the Blues had 72% possession, generated another 1.11 xG, created two more big chances and took a further 19 shots, this time managing to score two goals for their efforts, making it 2-2 courtesy of an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe and Jadon Sancho, taking a point from the game.

But, one point will be seen as a huge failure for Chelsea, as they now drop to sixth in the Premier League, sitting one point off Manchester City in fifth, two points off of Newcastle in fourth and three points off of Nottingham Forest in third.

Cole Palmer's woes continue

Cole Palmer has long been the star man for Chelsea, scoring 14 times this season, providing nine assists and totaling 2,962 minutes played.

However, despite adding another assist to his tally against Ipswich, the 22-year-old has been in disappointing form for some time.

Against Kieran McKenna’s side, Palmer had 77 touches, made four key passes and took six shots (only one on target), but the England international has looked off the pace in recent weeks.

He’s lacked confidence and conviction in his actions, having four of his shots easily blocked and losing his duels (seven of his nine in total).

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Whether Palmer can find some confidence and form during this last stretch of the season could be what stands between their Champions League chances, but he isn’t the only one struggling right now.

In fact, the Blues have a far bigger problem at the other end of the pitch, who continues to cost them points this campaign.

Chelsea's 5/10 flop must be axed

Chelsea continue to have struggles between the sticks, as Robert Sanchez put in another sub-par performance, being awarded a 5/10 match rating from GOAL, who wrote of his display that ‘the goalkeeper set a sour tone with incredibly poor distribution and looked a bag of nerves throughout.’

The 27-year-old has made as many as 28 appearances for the Blues this season, already conceding 33 goals, keeping seven clean sheets in 2,520 minutes played.

Sanchez often put Maresca’s side under pressure against Ipswich, looking to play out from the back, but only completing one of his nine long ball attempts in the game and having a 64% passing accuracy, losing possession and allowing Ipswich to attack the Blues when out of shape.

Minutes

90

Touches

35

Accurate Passes

16/25

Long Balls

1/9

Saves

2

High Claims

1

Errors lead to shot

1

These mistakes have been occurring all season. On certain occasions, the Spaniard has made some big saves to offset the criticism for his blunders, but that was not the case against Ipswich, as Sanchez only managed two saves, conceding two of the four shots on his goal.

Chelsea’s chances of playing Champions League football next season could fall flat due to their issues in this department, and whether they make it or not, big changes will be needed in the goalkeeping department next season, either from internal solutions or the transfer market. Sanchez must be axed, not just for their next game, but for next season.

He's like Estevao & Vini Jr: Chelsea plot £103m bid to sign Madrid star

Chelsea are looking for another new winger

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 10, 2025

Manchester City have now hatched a plan to sign a “deadly” Paris Saint-Germain striker, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to a report.

City set to pursue striker this summer

A new striker may be viewed as an unnecessary signing for Man City, given that any addition is unlikely to displace Erling Haaland in the starting XI, but Pep Guardiola has set his sights on a new forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

Lille marksman Jonathan David is the latest striker to be linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, with the Canadian expected to leave the French club on a free transfer, amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

David’s availability on a free transfer could make him an attractive option, but there may also be an opportunity to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who has reportedly made it clear he would favour a move to City this summer, despite widespread interest in his signature.

That said, it is difficult to see where another top striker would fit into Guardiola’s team, given that Haaland is surely unlikely to be dropped, so it could make sense for City to pursue an up-and-coming forward this summer, rather than a top striker.

According to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), Man City have now hatched a plan to sign PSG striker Mahamadou Sangaré, who is set to leave the French champions upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

The Sky Blues plan to sign Sangaré for free, before potentially loaning him out to sister club Troyes, although there could be competition for his signature, with some unnamed German clubs also in the picture.

The 18-year-old is attracting widespread attention, having impressed in the UEFA Youth League this season, picking up hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid.

Move over Nunes: Man City begin work on signing the new Joao Cancelo

Manchester City could land their next Joao Cancelo in this attack-oriented defender.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 2, 2025 "Deadly" Sangare could be perfect signing for City

The idea of signing Gyokeres or David sounds good on paper, but it could ultimately do more harm than good, should Haaland become unsettled by a potential lack of game time.

As such, signing a young striker who could spend a couple of seasons out on loan could be ideal for City, and there are plenty of indications the PSG starlet could be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has been impressed by the teenager’s performances at youth level this season, praising the partnership he has struck up with fellow forward Ibrahim Mbaye.

Having picked up nine goals and two assists in 11 UEFA Youth League games this season, Sangaré is clearly one for the future, and it is exciting news that City could snap him up this summer.

Newcastle United have already ensured that they will play European football in some form in the 2025/26 campaign after they won the League Cup before the international break.

The Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley in the final last month and that victory secured them a place in the Conference League, as well as their first piece of silverware in 70 years.

Eddie Howe’s side can move up in the European pecking order before the end of the current campaign, though, as they compete for a place in the Europa League or the Champions League by finishing higher up in their domestic division.

The Magpies are currently sixth in the Premier League table and sit two points behind Chelsea in fourth place, with ten matches left to be played and one game in hand over the two teams above them.

Newcastle can take another step towards a top four finish in the division this evening when they welcome Brentford to St. James’ Park, with the chance to move above Chelsea – who do not play until Thursday – with a win.

Despite flying down to South America to play for Brazil during the international break and racking up plenty of miles, Bruno Guimaraes should be one of the first names on the teammsheet against the Bees.

Why Bruno Guimaraes is a guaranteed starter for Newcastle

The Brazil international, who played one game for his country – against Colombia – at the end of last month, has started all 28 of his appearances in the Premier League for the Magpies this season.

In fact, Guimaraes has started all 97 of his Premier League games for the club since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, having started 11 of his 17 outings in the second half of the 2021/22 season after joining from Lyon.

This shows that the Brazilian maestro, ignoring the very early stage of his career in England, starts whenever he is available and that is why the midfielder should be in the starting line-up this evening.

Assists

0.22

Top 11%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.19

Top 18%

Passes into final third

5.05

Top 19%

Passes into penalty area

1.97

Top 8%

Progressive passes

7.32

Top 8%

Key passes

1.32

Top 32%

Shot-creating actions

3.38

Top 34%

As you can see in the table above, Guimaraes has been among the best passers in the Premier League as a midfielder this term, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and creative metrics.

One Magpies player who does not rank as favourably in those metrics, however, is Italy international Sandro Tonali, who has had an up-and-down time at St. James’ Park.

Why Sandro Tonali can be a liability in possession

The former AC Milan star is, essentially, in his first full season on Tyneside after returning from his ban and has started 18 of his 26 appearances in the Premier League this term.

Tonali offers plenty of grit and hard work in the middle of the park, winning 53% of his duels and making 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, but his use of the ball has left a bit to be desired.

The Italian ace ranks within the bottom 49% or lower of midfielders in the Premier League for pass accuracy (83%), progressive passes per 90 (4.11), Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.03), and shot-creating actions per 90 (2.19).

This suggests that Tonali has struggled with the ball at his feet in the top-flight this season, by failing to find his teammates at an efficient rate without creating much for the team.

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The 24-year-old battler played the full 90 minutes against Liverpool in the League Cup final and lost six of his seven duels, whilst completing just 67% of his attempted passes.

In front of their home support this evening, Newcastle may want more quality in possession to put themselves on the front foot against Brentford and that is why Tonali should be ruthlessly axed from the starting line-up by Howe, who should replace him by finally unleashing Lewis Miley from the start.

Why Lewis Miley should finally be unleashed

The 18-year-old dynamo has had an injury-disrupted campaign, missing nine matches with a foot injury, and has only started one of his eight appearances in the Premier League this term.

Miley did, however, start 14 of his 17 outings in the division last season, in what was his breakthrough year at senior level, and that showed that he does have the capability to play week-in-week-out as a starter in the top-flight.

The teenage sensation’s only start in the Premier League so far this term came in a 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest back in February, as he started alongside Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

Minutes

90

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

81%

Key passes

1

Duels won

6/11

Tackles + interceptions

4

Dribbled past

0x

As you can see in the table above, the England U19 international made the most of his chance to impress, by scoring a goal and catching the eye with his defensive work.

Miley, as shown in the highlights above, scored Newcastle’s first goal in the match with a terrific touch and finish inside the box to make it 1-1, as he showcased his quality and composure in the opposition’s third.

The Magpies academy graduate has not played enough minutes to qualify for ranking this season, but he did rank within the top 15% of midfielders in the Premier League last term for assists (0.22) per 90 – with three assists in 14 starts.

Miley, who was described as “very special” by journalist Mark Carruthers, is a midfield player with the potential to offer a threat at the top end of the pitch with his goalscoring touch, as shown in his only start this season in the league, as well as his creative ability, as evidenced by his form last term.

This means that the 18-year-old ace could be the perfect player to come in and partner Guimaraes in midfield, as they both have on-ball qualities that Tonali has failed to show consistently during his time on the pitch this season.

Newcastle now in race for "world-class" £38m striker who may replace Isak

The Magpies could make a move for a big-name striker this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 2, 2025

It is now down to Howe to ruthlessly ditch the Italy international from the starting line-up in order to finally unleash Miley alongside Guimaraes, as the pair could be fun to watch with their respective qualities in possession.

Those of a Liverpool persuasion will feel battered and bruised after Arne Slot’s side’s staggering drop-off this season.

The slew of defeats have forced a retreat from their position at the top of the Premier League ladder, and as Alexis Mac Allister said after arresting the losing run at West Ham United on Sunday, the title is not on anyone’s mind; rather, finding a measure of consistency and fluency on the pitch is the incentive right now.

Liverpool might have spent a bucketload this summer, but they also parted with key players, with writer Eddie Gibbs saying, “Liverpool right now look like a side caught between three different ideas of themselves, with none taking root.”

A few tweaks are needed, to be sure. And Liverpool are considering a new wide forward to restore balance across the frontline.

Why Liverpool want a forward

When Liverpool capped off their summer spending spree with the British-record addition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, the Premier League was in concert: Liverpool had signed a host of elite players.

And while Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club on Saturday, it’s been a testing start to the season, with injuries and a lack of fluency a by-product of Liverpool’s wider struggles.

Florian Wirtz, too, looks like he is starting to click into gear, but the Reds have been imbalanced in the final third, and adding width would open up a new dimension from which Slot could rebuild his side’s form.

Well, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are frontrunners in the race for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has been among the standout forwards in the Premier League this season.

The Ghana international, 25, has a £65m release clause which becomes active in January, and so Liverpool are not alone in their interest, with Manchester City and Tottenham also ready to lodge bids if the right opportunity presents itself.

In fact, Pep Guardiola’s side have initiated contact, so it’s time for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to roll up his sleeves.

Why Semenyo would be a better signing than Isak

Semenyo has only gone from strength to strength since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in the Championship in January 2023. Andoni Iraola has taken that promising skillset and sculpted it into something special.

Now, Semenyo is considered to be “one of the best players in the league” by BBC writer Umir Irfan and it’s a sentiment many would agree with after a prolific start to the campaign, six goals and three assists posted in the Premier League already.

Two-footed and effortlessly dynamic, Semenyo has proved too tricky to handle for many Premier League defenders in recent memory, something of a monster in the duel and a fearsome, rip-roaring asset down the wing. He is a big-game player besides.

The thing is, Semenyo is conservative in his athletic application; he does not prance about with the force of an uncoiled spring. In this he echoes Luis Diaz, who brought a different flavour to Slot’s title-winning team and has not been directly replaced.

Perhaps Semenyo could be the signing that Liverpool need, one which would prove even more impactful than Isak, who has yet to prove he is worth the record sum, even when banked by such illustrious heights in black and white over the past several years.

Matches (starts)

13 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

43.5

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.5)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

19.1 (79%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

1.9

1.3

Dribbles*

1.2

1.8

Recoveries*

2.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

5.2

6.3

Gakpo has enjoyed a quietly effective season on the left so far for Liverpool, even against the current of their crisis. However, he is far less mobile than Semenyo, and he lacks the clarity and sparkle on the ball that Semenyo imbues the Cherries flanks with.

It really cannot be understated how unique Semenyo is. This is a winger who is making incremental gains, a winger who could now bloom into a true superstar not only in the Premier League but in Europe’s elite club competition too.

Liverpool have been imbalanced this season, and this is the profile that Liverpool need. It has the potential to be the best signing of the season for the Reds, albeit one which should have been completed back at the start of the campaign.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool and FSG are considering a host of positions ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2025

The January transfer window is on the horizon and Celtic may be in the market to do some deals once they have Wilfried Nancy in place as their new head coach.

Whilst the Hoops may look to bolster their squad with incoming signings, due to the centre-forward situation and the long-term injury to central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, there may also be an eye on outgoings.

Kyogo Furuhashi was sold to Rennes for £10m in January at the start of this year, and the Scottish Premiership giants may lose another impressive Japan international in the upcoming window.

The latest on Daizen Maeda's future at Celtic

Earlier this month, the Daily Record reported that Daizen Maeda is ‘poised’ to complete a move away from Parkhead when the January transfer window officially opens for business.

The outlet revealed that sources close to the player have confirmed that there is still plenty of interest in the Japanese star after he failed to land a transfer in the summer.

Celtic were unable to allow him to leave in the summer window because they did not get a replacement, amid interest from Brentford and teams in Germany.

Losing Maeda in January would be a blow for Celtic, because he has scored 37 goals in all competitions for the club since the start of last season, per Transfermarkt, including four this term.

However, the Hoops did sign a player in the most recent summer window who has shown that he can carry the goalscoring burden for the next manager, Benjamin Nygren.

How much Benjamin Nygren's value has grown at Celtic

Celtic signed the attacking midfielder for a reported fee of £1.3m from Nordsjælland to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ options out wide and in the middle of the park.

Despite being a frustrating player at times, there is no questioning that he has made an immediate impact in his first few months at the club.

Nygren scored his seventh goal of the season in the 3-1 win over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night, which now means that he has scored at least two more goals than any other player in the squad, per Transfermarkt.

This is why there is no denying his usefulness to the Hoops. Goals win games and, at the moment, no one is better at scoring goals for Celtic than the Sweden international, who was once dubbed “fearless” by teammate Alexander Isak.

1

Benjamin Nygren

2

Kieran Tierney

3

Sebastian Tounekti

4

Marcelo Saracchi

5

Kelechi Iheanacho

6

Callum Osmand

7

Michel-Ange Balikwisha

8

Shin Yamada

9

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

10

Hayato Inamura

11

Ross Doohan

We, as shown in the table above, have ranked Nygren at the top of the club’s summer signings both for his goal output this season, as well as for his soaring market value.

Per CIES, the left-footed star is valued at between £12m and £14m. That is a staggering increase on the £1.3m that they signed him for in the summer, and is more than they paid for club-record signing Arne Engels.

Celtic paid £11m to sign Engels from Bundesliga side Augsburg in the summer of 2024, and Nygren’s impressive form this season means that he is now valued at even more than that.

The Belgium international has only scored two non-penalty goals, with 11 goals in total, whilst the Swedish ace has soared to seven goals for the Scottish giants in his first few months in Glasgow.

Nygren has been incredibly effective in front of goal, particularly in comparison to his teammates, and that has played a part in his CIES valuation soaring through the roof, from the £1.3m that the Hoops paid for him.

This shows that Celtic hit the jackpot with the 24-year-old star because it suggests that they would be able to cash in on him for a substantial profit if they were to decide to part ways with the attacker.

Celtic man was finished under Rodgers, now he can be undroppable for Nancy

Celtic’s wait for a European away win is over, beating Feyenoord 3-1, with a star Brendan Rodgers once labelled “sloppy” playing like an £100m man.

ByBen Gray Nov 28, 2025

For now, though, it does not look like he will be going anywhere any time soon, and Celtic’s new boss may need him more than ever to carry the goalscoring load if Maeda leaves in January.

Fulham are now planning to make a move for Brendan Rodgers, amid a new update on Marco Silva’s future at Craven Cottage.

Silva is going through a tricky period in the Premier League, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton prior to the international break, which leaves his side in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

With the 48-year-old’s contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been speculation about his future, but it seems as though the club hierarchy is keen to keep hold of him, having recently tabled a new contract offer.

However, with the former Everton boss still yet to put pen to paper, there could still be a twist in the tale, and it has now been revealed that an ex-Premier League manager is set to be approached, having recently resigned from his previous role.

Fulham set to sound out Brendan Rodgers amid Marco Silva uncertainty

According to a report from Football Insider, Silva’s future in west London is still in major doubt, which means Fulham are now set to sound out Rodgers over a move to Craven Cottage, with the Northern Irishman still out of work after leaving Celtic last month.

The Cottagers are planning to hold talks with the 52-year-old, who is vastly experienced in the top flight, having managed Swansea City, Leicester City and Liverpool in the past.

Having offered Silva a new deal, there is still a chance he remains in west London, but there are some issues to iron out, with the manager eager to be backed in the transfer window, following a quiet summer, during which Kevin was the only major addition.

It would be a shame to see the Portuguese manager move on, given the fantastic job he has done at Craven Cottage, stabilising Fulham as a top-flight club after guiding them to promotion from the Championship.

Games

198

Wins

90

Draws

37

Losses

71

Points per game

1.55

That said, should Silva decide to leave, Rodgers could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “unbelievable” manager by Jamie O’Hara as a result of the work he did during his time at Leicester.

The ex-Foxes boss won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the King Power Stadium, two of 13 trophies he has lifted as a manager, having also been extremely successful at Celtic.

However, while the Cottagers’ current league position is concerning, their current manager has proven time and time again that he is capable of keeping them in the top flight, so it would be a risk to replace him.

Every manager currently working in the Premier League has been ranked Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

One of the big issues Ruben Amorim has faced at Manchester United during a tough first season in charge at the club is the number of goals his side have conceded.

United have let in 100 goals in just 53 matches, only five more than they’ve scored.

This is certainly a huge concern for their boss, who, as a result, doesn’t have the strongest record despite going unbeaten in their last four games. Amorim has won 22 games and lost 21 during his year-long tenure so far, with a big reason for that such a shaky defensive record.

That is in spite of the strong performance of Matthijs de Ligt this season.

Why De Ligt has been so important for Man Utd

Despite their unbeaten run of four Premier League games, United’s defence have left a lot to be desired once again this term. The 16 top-flight goals they have conceded is better than just five teams.

However, De Ligt’s performances as the central centre-back in Amorim’s infamous back three have been excellent. The 26-year-old has been a key member of Amoirm’s backline with United’s number 4 having racked up 90 minutes in all ten of their Premier League games.

H, football analyst and host of The Overlap: The Breakdown, has been full of praise for the Dutchman. He described him as a “great box defender” and said he “steps up in the press so well.”

In some instances, he has put up better numbers than one of the best centre-backs in world football, Arsenal star Gabriel.

The Brazilian, described as the Premier League’s “number one” centre-back by pundit Paul Merson, averages 2.1 tackles and interceptions and wins 3.3 aerial duels per 90 minutes. In comparison, De Ligt has made 2.7 tackles and interceptions and won 3.7 aerial duels each game.

Both defensive warriors for their teams, the similarities between the two are clear to see, but there is a United player who has been even more similar to Gabriel this term.

Man United's own Gabriel

One of the big upsides to Gabriel’s game is not just his defending, but his set-piece threat. The Brazilian has “been the main exponent” from set pieces for the Gunners, with his side bagging 12 this season already.

Whilst that is double the number United have managed, they do rank joint-fourth in the top flight for set-piece goals with six.

Casemiro has been one of the biggest threats from those situations, with football content creator Lyes describing him as “one of the best setpiece threats we’ve [United] had in years.”

Indeed, the Brazilian’s most recent strike came from a set-piece. He headed home a Bruno Fernandes corner against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, the third goal he has scored this season. His first strike of the campaign against Chelsea was not directly from a set piece, but was a header from the phase after.

Standing at 6 foot 1 and with a powerful leap on him, it is easy to see why Casemiro dominates from set pieces. His 2.31 aerial duels won per 90 minutes rank him in the top 5% of Premier League midfielders.

However, is not just from deadball scenarios that the vastly experienced 33-year-old has shone for United.

The former Real Madrid star has been excellent in the pivot alongside Fernandes, with his 5.03 tackles and interceptions each game placing him in the 98th percentile for English top-flight midfielders.

Passes into penalty area

1.08

80th

Blocks

2.34

99th

Tackles and interceptions

5.03

98th

Clearances

2.46

89th

Aerial duels won

2.31

95th

As important as De Ligt has been for United this season, their number 18 has been equally as vital. With his set piece threat, you can easily draw comparisons to Brazil teammate Gabriel, and his work off the ball in the pivot has been second to none.

Football statistician Statman Dave described him as a “monster” for the Red Devils this season. It is fair to say Casemiro is living up to that praise, with some superb showings.

Man Utd have a "beast" in the academy who's another Casemiro in the making

Manchester United would benefit from the emergence of the next Carrington superstar this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 5, 2025