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Rio Ferdinand may not have been teammates with Manchester United players who were knocked out of the first round of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby, but he did still share a dressing room with some frustrating figures.

Of course, when compared to Ruben Amorim’s current squad, some may say that the likes of Anderson and Bebe wouldn’t be bad options to turn to these days – that’s how bad things have become. But the reality is that, under Sir Alex Ferguson, both players were not up to the incredibly high standards set by Ferdinand and others in that Old Trafford dressing room.

Man Utd record	Bebe	Anderson
Appearances	7	181
Goals	2	9
Assists	0	20

Whilst Bebe was swiftly moved on at Manchester United, Anderson’s slow burn from one of the world’s best young players into a forgotten star is one that often frustrated Ferdinand.

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The former centre-back said, when speaking on FIVE: “Anderson was a player that used to frustrate me sometimes. This kid won the Golden Boy, that everyone goes mad about now, he won it when he was at Porto, best young player in Europe.

“The kid was unreal talent-wise but we have a WhatsApp group we always talk about, where he gets hammered. We always appreciate his ability but we’re all frustrated that he didn’t probably apply himself like he could have, because if he did, he might not have got injured as much as he got.”

It also goes without saying that there were plenty more to forget alongside Anderson and Bebe. In the middle of a dressing room full of success, Diego Forlan also failed to live up to the hype – scoring just 17 goals in 98 appearances.

However, as disappointing as Forlan and Anderson were, and as poor as Bebe was, Ferdinand decided to name-drop an unexpected Manchester United legend as his “worse teammate”.

Ferdinand names Rooney as "worst teammate"

Out of all the transfer flops that came and went, it’s Wayne Rooney who’s taken the crown as Ferdinand’s worst teammate. Somehow, some way, the man with the most goals in Manchester United history has found himself with an unwanted title. But Ferdinand has his reasons, as the defender revealed to the Seven Meets Podcast in 2023.

The Manchester United dressing room were never shy when it came to airing their grievances. Perhaps that’s why they proved to be so successful. Although David Beckham and a certain football boot may have something to say about that.

Newcastle United have splashed the cash under PIF in recent years, welcoming a number of European stars to St James’ Park. The spending spree has also worked, with the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League back in 2023 and again in 2025, while also winning the EFL Cup.

Football FanCast takes a look at the most expensive transfers of all time for Newcastle.

1

Nick Woltemade

£69m

Stuttgart

2025

2

Alexander Isak

£60m

Real Sociedad

2022

=3

Sandro Tonali

£55m

AC Milan

2023

=3

Anthony Elanga

£55m

Nottingham Forest

2025

=3

Yoane Wissa

£55m

Brentford

2025

6

Anthony Gordon

£45m

Everton

2023

7

Jacob Ramsey

£43m

Aston Villa

2025

=8

Joelinton

£40m

Hoffenheim

2019

=8

Bruno Guimaraes

£40m

Lyon

2022

10

Harvey Barnes

£38m

Leicester City

2023

=11

Sven Botman

£32m

Lille

2022

=11

Tino Livramento

£32m

Southampton

2023

13

Malick Thiaw

£30m

AC Milan

2025

14

Lewis Hall

£28m

Chelsea

2024

=15

Chris Wood

£25m

Burnley

2022

=15

Joe Willock

£25m

Arsenal

2022

17

Miguel Almiron

£21m

Atlanta United

2019

=18

Callum Wilson

£20m

Bournemouth

2020

=18

Odysseas Vlachodimos

£20m

Nottingham Forest

2024

20

Michael Owen

£17m

Real Madrid

2005

Detailed look at Newcastle's 10 most expensive signings… 10 Harvey Barnes £38m from Leicester City

Winger Harvey Barnes was a long-term target for the Magpies, who eventually signed him from Leicester City for £38m after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League in 2023.

Barnes had a brilliant individual campaign but couldn’t keep the club in the top-flight, instead signing a five-year St James’ Park deal. The Englishman arrived at the club with plenty of Premier League experience during his time with Leicester and has gone on to star in black and white.

9 Bruno Guimaraes £40m from Lyon

What a signing. Sky Sports has Bruno Guimaraes’ fee at £40m in January 2022, and he was so good in his initial six month-spell that Newcastle could have sold him for double that last summer, with reports suggesting champions Manchester City could have been plotting a player-plus-cash deal to bring the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.

Instead, they held onto the Brazilian, and that was certainly the right move. Bruno looks like one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now and Newcastle will do well to find a better signing anytime soon.

8 Joelinton £40m from Hoffenheim

Joelinton arrived for a club-record fee from Hoffenheim as the answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring woes in the summer of 2019. The £40m they paid, per The Guardian, always looked strange as the Brazilian had only scored seven times the previous season, while the most he’d ever managed was eight.

Thus, many joked about Joelinton during his early days on Tyneside, and it appeared Newcastle had made the wrong transfer as he finished his first campaign with two goals. However, it turned out they were just using him in the wrong position. After switching to a midfield role, the player looked transformed and now that £40m fee looks like a very good deal.

7 Jacob Ramsey £43m from Aston Villa

Jacob Ramsey

6 Anthony Gordon £45m from Everton

Sky Sports say Newcastle paid £45m for Anthony Gordon, which sounded like a lot at the time. However, the winger has now justified that fee and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

In fact, Gordon’s displays during his first full season with the Magpies resulted in him being linked with a move away from the club. Instead of leaving, though, the Englishman signed a fresh long-term Newcastle deal towards the end of 2024.

5 Yoane Wissa £55m from Brentford

On what was a dramatic deadline day in the summer of 2025, Yoane Wissa signed for Newcastle with 30 seconds to spare before the window slammed shut.

A long-term Newcastle target, Wissa pushed for a move to the Magpies from Brentford, costing £55m and taking the number 9 shirt at St James’ Park.

4 Anthony Elanga £55m from Nottingham Forest

Newcastle’s early summer signing in 2025 was Anthony Elanga, who cost £55m after an impressive few years at Nottingham Forest.

The pacey right-winger contributed to four goals in five games against the Magpies for Nottingham Forest, which may have caught PIF’s eye.

3 Sandro Tonali £55m from AC Milan

Sandro Tonali arrived in a high-profile transfer from AC Milan in 2023, however, months after Newcastle splashed the cash, the Italy international was suspended for ten months following illegal betting charges.

The midfielder returned in 2024, and since then, Magpies supporters have seen why the club were willing to spend £55m on his signature, with Tonali a regular in the starting lineup.

2 Alexander Isak £60m from Real Soceidad

The arrival of Alexander Isak was a coup for Newcastle and a true statement that they wanted to sit at the top table. The Swedish striker was one of the top young strikers on the planet and few questioned the £60m fee in 2022, as reported by the BBC.

However, the summer of 2025 changed everything between Isak and Newcastle, with the forward going on strike, looking to sign for Liverpool. He got his wish, with the Magpies recieveing a British record £125m fee for Isak from Liverpool.

1 Nick Woltemade £69m from Stuttgart

Prior to Isak’s departure, Newcastle broke their transfer record by signing young German forward Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

After starring at the U21 European Championships, Woltemade was linked with the likes of Bayern Munich but instead moved to St James’ Park in a deal worth £69m.

Tottenham Hotspur have their eyes on two rising Welsh stars from the same club and could sign both of them this summer, according to a new report.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank is widely seen as a ‘project manager’ and famed for his expertise in developing younger players.

You could make a case that the Dane is literally perfect for chairman Daniel Levy, and the Lilywhites have already moved to ensure that Frank will have a wide range of promising young talents to nurture during his time in N17.

Outstanding young winger Mikey Moore, who impressed during Spurs’ Europa League campaign last season, was awarded a brand-new long-term contract earlier this week, following his season-long loan move to Rangers, with Alfie Devine also signing an extension last Friday.

The north Londoners are also always on the lookout for world football’s brightest gems, as evident by their transfer activity in recent years.

Highly-rated young Croatian defender, Luka Vuskovic, finally linked up with the squad this summer after Spurs agreed a deal for him in 2023, and he’s expected to potentially go out on loan to further his development.

Meanwhile, Tottenham also signed Japanese sensation Kota Takai earlier in the window for a J-League record £5 million, but unlike Vuskovic, the 20-year-old is poised to be in and around Frank’s first-team squad.

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Spurs believe South Korean starlet Yang Min-hyeok, who’s out on loan at Portsmouth following another temporary stint at QPR last term, is highly-rated behind-the-scenes at Hotspur Way and could also be one to watch out for in the coming years.

“If Yang Min-hyuk can be described in two words, it’s power and pace. Add adaptability, and he becomes a versatile asset for Tottenham’s attacking football,” said Korean football expert, Joel Kim, last year.

“Yang brings incredible speed to the attack, running with youthful vigour. His surprising physical strength allows him to dominate veteran defenders in the K-League 1, Asia’s most physical league.

“His greatest asset might be his adaptability; like Son Heung-min, Yang is two-footed and can play on either the left or right wing. Comparisons to Anthony Gordon and Federico Chiesa highlight his potential.”

The future appears bright at Tottenham, but Levy and technical director Johan Lange have their eyes on “two rising Swansea stars”.

Tottenham serious contenders to sign Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham

That is according to TEAMtalk, with Swansea duo Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham attracting real attention from N17.

They’re seen as “two of the most sought-after teenagers in British football”, according to this report, and they’ve apparently blown scouts away across the UK.

Man United and Man City have both held preliminary talks with their representatives, but it is now believed that Tottenham have emerged as the ‘most serious contenders’ to sign Popham and Perry alongside Watford.

Perry, a dynamic midfielder, and Popham, a towering centre-back, haven’t committed to professional deals at Swansea, so Alan Sheehan’s side are apparently very exposed to losing both of their biggest talents.

The 17-year-olds, who’ve both represented Wales at youth international level, appear more than likely to leave the Swansea.com Stadium – and they could well be off to Tottenham.

تتزايد مشاكل نادي برشلونة فيما يتعلق بالإصابات، ويبدو أن أحد نجوم الفريق الأول قد تعرض لإصابة جديدة خلال مشاركته مع منتخب بلاده.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “الماركا” الإسبانية فقد اضطر داني أولمو لاعب خط وسط برشلونة للانسحاب من التدريبات صباح اليوم بعد تعرضه لضربة في ربلة الساق.

وهذا الأمر لم يكن بمثابة صدمة للمدرب لويس دي لا فوينتي مدرب منتخب إسبانيا، فقط بل مصدر قلق أيضًا لـ برشلونة.

أقرأ أيضاً.. برشلونة يحسم موقفه من ضم صفقات جديدة في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية

ومن المستبعد أن يشارك لاعب خط وسط برشلونة صاحب الـ27 عاماً في مباراة تصفيات كأس العالم ضد جورجيا مساء غد السبت بشكل شبه كامل.

وسيمثل غياب لاعب خط وسط برشلونة انتكاسة جديدة لإسبانيا ولا يزال أولمو لاعبا أساسيا في تشكيل دي لا فوينتي وكان من المتوقع أن يبدأ بشكل أساسي ضد جورجيا.

جدير بالذكر أن داني اولمو كان لاعباً اعتمد عليه هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة بشكل أساسي في الكثير من المباريات منذ بداية الموسم لكنه لم يصل لأفضل فورمة فنية بعد.

Nottingham Forest supporters will now be clamouring for the start of the Premier League season, safe in the knowledge that Morgan Gibbs-White will line up in the famous Garibaldi Red for the Tricky Trees’ opener against Brentford next month.

It really looked as if Gibbs-White would leave Nuno Espirito Santo’s side behind for a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, in a move that would have banked Forest £60m.

However, this controversial move would never get off the ground in the end, culminating in the 25-year-old penning a new, unexpected deal at the City Ground instead.

Forest will be on the hunt for some exciting signings now to further boost spirits in the Midlands, as a £30m attacker appears on the Premier League side’s shopping list, away from Nuno’s men also being close on a deal for Bologna forward Dan Ndoye.

Forest explore move for £30m attacker

Indeed, it looks as if Ndoye will be lining up next to the much-talked-about Gibbs-White very shortly.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the deal is done, as a £35m agreement has been reached between Bologna and Forest, following on from Evangelos Marinakis’ desire to land a standout replacement for Anthony Elanga.

Ndoye isn’t the only addition Forest might be anticipating in the forward areas, however, with a report by the Telegraph now revealing that the top-flight side have ‘discussed’ a potential move for Liverpool hotshot Ben Doak.

The up-and-coming Scotsman would dent the Marinakis bank account even more, with the Reds winger allegedly available for around the £30m mark.

However, this could be a price worth paying if he develops into even more of a blistering performer at the City Ground, with the potential here for Doak to become the club’s next iteration of Gibbs-White in the process.

How Doak can become Forest's next Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White is now a household name in the Premier League, having even been speculated to be on the radar of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this summer, away from Thomas Franks’ Spurs sniffing about.

However, the 25-year-old hasn’t always been viewed in this glowing light, having struggled to ever get going at former side Wolverhampton Wanderers before embarking on a transformative adventure with Forest.

When plying his trade at Molineux, Gibbs-White would only collect a paltry one goal and one assist in Premier League action. At Forest, though, he is a beast that cannot be tamed, as seen in his ever-growing tally of 45 goals and assists at the difficult level.

Doak will hope, if he leaves Anfield behind shortly, that he can also go on to be as key as the four-time England international is at the City Ground, having been utilised sparingly at Liverpool to date, but he has still managed to show off flashes of his immense quality.

Doak’s career numbers
Club played for	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
Middlesbrough	24	3	7
Liverpool U21s	16	5	2
Liverpool	10	0	0
Liverpool Youth League	8	4	4
Liverpool U18s	5	2	2
Celtic	2	0	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite failing to break his goal or assist duck in the senior picture on Merseyside, Doak does have a healthy 11 goals and eight assists next to his name in the youth picture at Anfield. If given more minutes in Nottingham, he could go on to be a star in the first-team scene, away from settling for limited chances under Arne Slot’s wing.

After all, last season also saw the “special” forward – as he’s been glowingly labelled by Jurgen Klopp previously – set the EFL light on loan with Middlesbrough, as seen in his hefty ten goal contributions from 24 Boro clashes.

Coincidentally, before gaining more opportunities at Molineux, Gibbs-White was also viewed as a rising star out on loan with Sheffield United, with a mammoth ten goals and 12 assists coming his way at Bramall Lane.

At the time, he was even hailed as having “the world at his feet” by Blades teammate David McGoldrick, with similarly glowing praise heading Doak’s way too last season from Boro-based commentator Mark Drury, who stated that the Scotsman “looks like a natural” under pressure.

Doak might well finally get his big break in the Premier League with Forest, as excitement levels continue to grow and grow at the City Ground about what next season has in store.

As noted by Football scout Antonio Mango, he truly is a “menace” of a player…

Gibbs-White will love him: Nottingham Forest set to finalise "top signing"

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أكد جوزيه مورينيو المدير الفني لنادي بنفيكا، أن شخصيته قد تغيرت كثيرًا على مدار السنوات الخمس الأخيرة، موضحًا أنه أصبح أقل أنانية وغطرسة.

وعين مورينيو كمدير فني جديد لنادي بنفيكا، وذلك في عقد مدته عامين وفي ولاية ثانية، بعدما كان السبيشال وان قد درب النادي البرتغال في بداية الألفينيات من القرن الحالي.

ويسعى مورينيو إلى كتابة تاريخ شخصي جديد له في مسيرته كمدرب، بعد الاخفاقات خلال السنوات الأخيرة والتي كان آخرها الإقالة من تدريب نادي فناربخشة.

طالع .. رسميًا.. جوزيه مورينيو مديرًا فنيًا لـ ناد أوروبي كبير حتى 2027

وقال مورينيو خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بتقديمه كمدرب جديد في بنفيكا، والذي نقلته صحيفة توتو ميركاتو ويب: ”لدي مشاعر كثيرة لكنني أعتقد أن الخبرة تساعدني على التحكم بها، أنا مدرب أحد أكبر الأندية في العالم، مرت 25 عامًا على رحيلي عن بنفيكا في ولايتي الأولى لكنني لست هنا للاحتفال بمسيرتي المهنية، هذه الـ 25 عامًا حظيت فيها بفرصة العمل مع أكبر الأندية في العالم”.

وأضاف مورينيو في حديثه: ”في ختام هذا الخطاب بصفتي ممثلًا لهذا النادي، أود أن أقول إنه لم يشعرني أيٌ من الأندية الكبيرة الأخرى التي أتيحت لي فرصة تدريبها بشرف أو مسؤولية أو تحفيز أكبر من كوني مدربًا لبنفيكا، أحيانًا ما تجرفني الأقوال مع الرياح لكن الأفعال لا تجرفني والوعد واضح وضوح الشمس، سأعيش من أجل بنفيكا خلال الفترة المقبلة”.

وأوضح: ”يقول البعض إن لدي سيرتين ذاتيتين: إحداهما استمرت لفترة معينة والأخرى تمثل مرحلة أقل حظًا من مسيرتي، الجزء السلبي والجزء المثير قادني إلى المشاركة في نهائيين أوروبيين في السنوات الخمس الماضية”.

وأردف: ”وصلت إلى بنفيكا في مرحلة مختلفة من مسيرتي وكشخص أيضًا، نحن نتغير للأفضل وأصبحت أكثر إيثارًا وأقل أنانية وأقل غطرسة وأقل تفكيرًا في نفسي وفي الخير الذي يمكنني تقديمه للآخرين، وفي الفرح الذي يمكنني إسعادهم به”.

وتابع: ”كانت أول تجربة لي مع بنفيكا في بدايات مسيرتي، واليوم بلغت مرحلة نضجٍ كبيرة ويمكنني القول بموضوعية إن من يتوقع مني إنهاء مسيرتي الكروية خلال أربع أو خمس سنوات فهو مخطئ، أنا من سيقرر متى سأنهيها وسأنهيها عندما أشعر أنني لم أعد أمتلك نفس الشغف، الرئيس يعلم ذلك جيدًا وما تغير هو أنني اليوم أكثر تعطشًا للنجاح مما كنت عليه قبل 25 عامًا في مرحلة مختلفة تمامًا من وجهة نظر إنسانية”.

وواصل: ”ما لم يتغير إطلاقًا هو شغفي بالفوز في المباراة التالية، هذا هو جوهر شخصيتي، أصبحت أكثر نضجًا وكل شيء تقريبًا في كرة القدم أصبح أشبه بأشياء رأيتها من قبل، من الصعب جدًا أن يحدث شيء لم أجربه من قبل”.

واعترف مورينيو بأنه ندم على تجربته في فناربخشة، حيث قال: “أخطأت بالانتقال إلى فناربخشة، لم يكن هذا النادي مناسبا لمستواي الثقافي ولا مستواي الكروي، لم يكن كذلك ومن الواضح أنني بذلت قصارى جهدي معهم حتى اليوم الأخير، تدريب بنفيكا هو العودة إلى مستواي، ومستواي هو تدريب أكبر أندية العالم”.

وعن مسيرته أوضح مورينيو: ”بالنظر إلى مسار مسيرتي المهنية أعتقد أنني أحسنت صنعًا، من الواضح أنني لم أحسن صنعًا، لقد ارتكبت الكثير من الأخطاء واتخذت الكثير من القرارات الخاطئة، لكنني أعتقد أن الأمور سارت على ما يرام معي”.

وعن مواجهته لفريقه السابق بورتو اختتم مورينيو: ”أعود الآن كمنافس عظيم لبورتو مع علمي أن الهدف ليس الاستمتاع بمباراة خارج أرضي بل الفوز بها، أتوقع استقبالًا مختلفًا، احترامي لهم واحترامهم لي لن يتغيرا، لكنني أعود كمدرب لمنافس عظيم، ومن الواضح أنني لا أستطيع فعل الكثير حيال ذلك لكن لا مشكلة لدي في ذلك”.

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi from August 30 to September 3 will be played without the presence of spectators because of ongoing construction work at the National StadiumThe development is part of an upgrade as the PCB renovates its venues ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy in February-March. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing an upgrade ahead of Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996, when they co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, which rules it out as a venue until February 2025.ESPNcricinfo understands a decision was taken to keep the Test in Karachi because the PCB was keen on spreading their seven home Tests, ODIs and domestic cricket across three venues in Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi. Multan, which was the only other option, is slated to host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7. And with various payments having already been made, for hotels, flights and security arrangements, moving to another venue at late notice would’ve incurred losses on a series that is already not expected to be a lucrative one.There is no change in plans for the England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15, with spectators expected to be in attendance.Related

• Pakistan set to play all-pace attack in a home Test for the second time in 28 years

• Naseem back in Test squad, Shakeel named vice-captain for Bangladesh series

• Mushfiqur, Taskin back in Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series

• Masood, Gillespie want more Test cricket for Pakistan

Calling it a “difficult decision”, the PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi with immediate effect. The board had advertised sales for tickets to the Karachi Test as recently as two days ago.”The health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority,” the board said in a statement. “After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.”The Bangladesh squad landed in Lahore four days earlier than planned to begin training after the players’ preparation had been disrupted due to the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train for three days at Gaddafi Stadium before travelling to Rawalpindi for the first Test that begins on August 21.The departure ahead of schedule was possible after an invitation from the PCB to the BCB to ensure the Bangladesh players had “adequate and fair training opportunities” ahead of the Tests.Bangladesh previous bilateral tour of Pakistan was in 2020, but that trip was cut short because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of an ambitious overhaul which has received the green light from those upstairs at Craven Cottage, Fulham are now reportedly ready to open talks to sign a Champions League midfielder this summer.

Fulham working on fresh Marco Silva deal

When Tottenham Hotspur sacked Ange Postecoglou, there may have been some nerves around West London regarding Marco Silva’s Fulham future. Those nerves have since been eased courtesy of Thomas Frank, however, who is reportedly set to swap Brentford for the Lilywhites. Now, the Cottagers are reportedly keen to agree a fresh deal with their manager.

As things stand, the former Everton manager has just one year remaining on his Fulham contract, which will leave those in West London with a major problem this time next year unless anything changes.

Whilst concerns continue to grow over his contract situation, Silva has remained as calm as ever. When asked about whether he had rejected a new deal or whether negotiations were even underway, the Fulham boss told reporters: “No, not at all. We didn’t even start. I know there are some rumours around that I refused something but from my side, it’s not true at all.

“Our connection is very, very strong and it’s clear there are so many things for the club to be careful about with players’ contract situations, there are many important decisions ahead with the summer coming up after a great season where we improved like all the other years before.

Fulham now enter race to sign "strong" Premier League-winning midfielder

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“We managed to reach some great numbers again, the best Premier League points tally in our history and if you want to improve, you have to focus on the most important things. I’m not saying the manager’s situation is not important but I’m under contract with the club, I just wanted to clarify that the conversations didn’t start and that’s not for professional reasons but it was just not the moment.”

Whilst the Portuguese manager remains in charge too, Fulham could be well positioned to seal a shock deal to welcome back an impressive midfielder this summer.

Fulham ready to make Palhinha move

According to GiveMeSport, Fulham are now ready to open talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich if the Bundesliga champions are willing to show their midfielder the door in the coming months. His arrival would be part of an ambitious plot to overhaul Silva’s side with as many as five fresh faces this summer.

The Portugal international is, of course, a name well-known around Craven Cottage given that he swapped West London for Bayern just one year ago. After making just six Bundesliga starts, however, the 29-year-old could be on his way back to the Premier League already.

Silva is certainly likely to welcome Palhinha back with open arms too, having praised the midfielder during his time at the club. The Fulham boss told reporters in Palhinha’s final season at the club: “His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.”

There’s no doubt that the midfielder’s return would suit all parties, but that’s not to say negotiations would be easy. Palhinha currently reportedly earns around £162,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, which is unlikely to be matched by Fulham.

Chelsea are not afraid to spend big money to acquire some of the best up-and-coming talents. Two examples of that are currently playing in their midfield, namely Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. They joined the club within several months of each other in 2023.

World Cup winner Fernandez was a British record signing in February of that year. Just months after lifting the prestigious prize with Argentina, he moved from Benfica to Chelsea for £107m. However, that record was smashed by Caicedo in mid-August, who cost the Blues £115m including add-ons from Brighton and Hove Albion.

So, their midfield has been constructed having spent plenty of money, and perhaps they will do the same to their attack this season, given they have been linked to several expensive strikers.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker

The West London outfit clearly have one target in mind for the summer transfer window, and that is to sign a new striker. In a recent report, BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella linked them with some of Europe’s most sought-after talent, including Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko.

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Kinsella has also said that the Blues are also considering a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. He is one of the strikers that the club have not ‘ruled out’ signing over the next few months in the summer transfer window.

The Frenchman, along with some of the other names above, are ‘considered quality options’ by Chelsea. However, they will not be the only Premier League giant making a move for Ekitike.

In recent days, GIVEMESPORT have claimed that Liverpool could also look to sign him, with a reported £84m his price tag should either side make a move.

Why Ekitike would be a good signing

It has been an excellent season for France U21 international Ekitike. The striker, who was born in Reims and came through their academy, was described as “inevitable” by football scout Antonio Mango, which shows how well his season has gone.

In 47 games so far this term, Ekitike has managed to find the back of the net 22 times, grabbing 11 assists along the way, too. Of those, he has registered 22 goal involvements in 32 games in the Bundesliga, showing excellent consistency throughout the campaign.

The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker is a man for the big occasion, having scored some crucial goals this season. He has bagged against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, whilst scoring in the Europa League knockout rounds against Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur.

Should the Blues agree on a deal to bring Ekitike to Stamford Bridge this summer, he could prove to be an excellent alternative to another reported target, Brighton star Joao Pedro.

According to a report from Telegraph reporter Sam Dean, Chelsea are one of three sides ‘showing interest’ in the Brazilian, alongside Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 23-year-old has had an impressive season down on the South Coast. In 27 Premier League games this term, he has managed ten goals and six assists, which included one of each against Manchester City in a 2-1 win back in November.

As the goal involvement numbers show, both Ekitike and Pedro are well-rounded centre forwards. However, the stats via FBref suggest the Frenchman is slightly better. For example, he averages 3.64 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to 3.32 each game for Pedro.

Goals and assists

0.80

0.74

Goals per shot on target

0.34

0.33

Key passes

1,56

1.39

Shot-creating actions

3.64

3.32

Successful take-ons

1.89

1.34

Progressive carries

3.31

3.06

Ball recoveries

3.05

2.73

While both players are strikers who can score and create goals, which will certainly add a new potency to Chelsea’s attack, it does seem that Ekitike is the better option. The ability to carry the ball more efficiently should also be of great appeal to the decision makers at Stamford Bridge.

£84m is a big investment for the 22-year-old, but considering sections of the media believe he “could be the next Mbappe” and that he’s better than Pedro, it seems like a deal they cannot miss out on.

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Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, and Brendan Rodgers may have found the answer in his search to populate the forward areas with healthy competition, per a report.

Celtic look to finish season strong before summer recruitment drive

While the other side of the city end the season trophyless, Celtic are on the brink of another domestic treble heading into their final six matches of the campaign. This weekend, the Bhoys can wrap up the Scottish Premiership title by claiming a point against Dundee United at Tannadice.

On the same token, Aberdeen await in the Scottish Cup final next month as the chance to record another clean sweep lays a gripping backdrop for Brendan Rodgers.

Undoubtedly, the Irishman’s first port of call will be competing for the two remaining trophies on offer to Celtic, but he will also have one eye on what is set to be a busy summer at Parkhead. Per reports, the Hoops remain interested in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef, even if his £10 million price tag threatens to put a dampner on their pursuit.

Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is also a target for Celtic after refusing to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come.

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With the Bhoys set to enter the Champions League at the final qualifying stage next year, targets will become public knowledge before too long due to the time constraints on their scope for business.

Bolstering the forward line is a key mission for Rodgers to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, so it won’t be a surprise to hear that Celtic are now circling for a talented young striker.

Celtic position themselves to sign Moussa Soumano

According to Africa Foot, Celtic are in the mix to sign AC Ajaccio striker Moussa Soumano and have recently monitored the Saint-Denis-born man in action for the Ligue 2 outfit. However, Brentford are believed to be in the lead for his signature after putting forward a £2.5 million bid, though it is unclear whether his club have chosen to accept their proposal.

Moussa Soumano’s record in 2024/25 – Ligue 2
Appearances	27
Goals	4
Assists	2

Leeds United, Leicester City and Serie A clubs have also run checks on the 19-year-old, who will enter the final year of his deal come the end of the season. Primarily a centre-forward, Soumano can also play on the left flank and has completed 25 dribbles on league duty as AC Ajaccio veer towards the end of the campaign in mid-table.

Versatility is always a trait that can be put to good use at Celtic, especially considering the volume of matches Rodgers’ men need to encounter due to their involvement in multiple competitions.

However, they may have their work cut out for them in the chase for Soumano as Thomas Frank’s Brentford appear to be the primary contender to sign the prodigious talent.