Russell Martin has had a mixed set of opening results as the new Glasgow Rangers boss. In Europe they have knocked out Panathinaikos and, bar a complete capitulation, look set to do the same to Viktoria Plzeň.
Qualification for, and progression in, the Champions League would go along way for the club financially and may allow them to further reinforce the squad in January.
Domestically however, they already find themselves four points adrift of rivals Celtic and have set themselves up for a challenge if they want to push for the Scottish Premiership title.
Martin has already brought in a number of players from England this summer including EFL veteran Joe Rothwell, but he’s now turned his attention to a new target between the sticks.
Rangers learn price tag to sign Pierce Charles
Pierce Charles for Sheffield Wednesday.
Alan Nixon, via Glasgow World, has confirmed that Martin wants to bring Sheffield Wednesday’s 20-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles to Ibrox, but he won’t come cheap.
This would not only make him the most expensive keeper Rangers have ever signed, but their third most expensive player ever. From Wednesday’s perspective, £8 million would make Charles their most expensive ever departure, a testament to how much they value him.
Rangers aren’t the only club interested in signing Charles, and it looked like they would face Premier League opposition from West Ham. However, Graham Potter’s side have announced the signing of Mads Hermansen from Leicester City for £20 million. Based on this, it would be surprising if the Hammers went for another keeper this window.
Charles is superior to Butland
Bringing in Charles as the 3rd most expensive player in the club’s history won’t be a decision that is taken lightly, but there are a few key reasons why it might actually be a sensible move.
2024/25 League Performances
Butland
Charles
Games Played
28
10
Xg Faced
28.79
12.91
Goals Conceded
31
10
Goals Prevented vs Xg Faced
-2.21
+2.91
Total Pass Accuracy
77.4%
76.3%
Long Ball Accuracy
39.4%
52.5%
Data via FotMob
While Butland played more games last season, Charles played his games in a higher level league with a report from May ranking the Championship as the 10th best league in the world, whereas the SPL didn’t crack the top 20. With that in mind, the data can be split into two main categories: shot stopping and ball-playing ability.
In shot-stopping terms, Charles clearly leads Butland. Based on Xg, Butland is conceding more goals than he should be and Charles is doing the exact opposite. This isn’t an outlier for Butland either, as, since 2020 he has conceded more league goals than his Xg suggests he should have in each campaign.
In terms of ball-playing ability, Butland slightly edges Charles in overall passing accuracy, but Charles is 13.1% more accurate with long balls. Martin’s style of play is possession-based, and he often likes to play short passes out from the back and in this department there is a near negligible difference. However, in those scenarios where the keeper has to go long, then Rangers would likely be successful more often with Charles in goal.
However, the biggest factor between the two is age. Butland, at 32, is unlikely to get better, whereas Charles, at 20, will be able to develop. £8 million may seem like a lot for now, but when invested with his future talent in mind it could be a steal.
Gary Lineker has been best known for his presenter roles over the last 25 years, however, in his playing days, he was one of England’s greatest strikers.
At club level, Lineker starred for Leicester City, Everton and Tottenham, while also heading to Barcelona in 1986, the same year he won the Golden Boot at the World Cup for the Three Lions.
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The ex-forward, who almost signed for Manchester United before heading to Spurs in 1989, never received a yellow or red card during his career.
But who does Lineker see as his greatest of all time? He answered that question and, despite honourable mentions for Johan Cruyff and Zinedine Zidane, Lineker named his four-player Mount Rushmore of all-time greats, with no room for Cristiano Ronaldo.
4 Pele Brazil
An attacking icon for more than 20 years from 1956, Pele actually holds the record for most goals scored with 1,279 in 1,363 games.
He won three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and at club level, spent 18 years with Santos. Pele was the first player on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore, and following his passing in 2022, Lineker said:
“Pele’s hugely significant in not only the development of football, but also in football itself and the enjoyment of football – which is the most important thing. It’s an entertainment business, and he was one of the great entertainers – through his pure skill, talent and ability. He was also a proven goalscorer.
“Pele was an out-and-out goalscorer, and he’s played a huge part in football. The name Pele is just synonymous with football.”
3 Diego Maradona Argentina
Next on Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is someone who broke his and England’s hearts at the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona.
His famous Hand of God goal against England on the biggest stage has gone down in history, but he also scored one of the best individual goals in the same game to help Argentina win 2-1.
Maradona took his country to a World Cup triumph that year, and at club level, he starred for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell’s Old Boys.
Following Maradona’s passing, Lineker said: “By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God.”
2 Ronaldo Brazil
Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, nicknamed O Fenomeno and R9, also makes Lineker’s list, with the powerful striker winning two World Cups for Brazil.
As Lineker states, Ronaldo missed large parts of his career through injury, but when he was fully fit or close to 100%, he was unstoppable on his day.
1 Lionel Messi Argentina
Rounding off Lineker’s Mount Rushmore is Lionel Messi, who tops the charts as his “favourite player of all time”.
With his ties to Barcelona, the Englishman has been vocal in his thoughts about Messi all throughout the Argentine’s career, calling him “a gift from the footballing Gods”.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, with Lineker calling the magician “the best player of all time”.
Manchester United have now made contact with the agent of an “unbelievable” attacker, who could be in line to join alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to a report.
Man Utd identify Sesko as major target with striker pursuit heating up
With the Premier League season set to get underway in just over two weeks, it is becoming increasingly important for Man United to get a deal for a new striker over the line, and they have now identified two major targets.
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is one of the names on the shortlist, with the 29-year-old being joined by Sesko, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed United have now presented an offer to the Slovenian’s entourage.
Ruben Amorim has been particularly keen to bolster his attacking options this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha already arriving at Old Trafford, and contact has now been made over a new attacking midfielder.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Man United have now approached the agents of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but there could be fierce competition for the attacker’s signature.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Manchester City have also made contact over a potential deal, and Bayern Munich are seriously considering a move, however, Arsenal are currently thought to be leading the race for his signature.
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United will need to spend big if they are to stand any chance of securing Eze’s signature, given that he is protected by a £68m release clause, which Arsenal are willing to pay in installments.
"Unbelievable" Eze would be statement signing for Man Utd
Signing Cunha and Mbeumo without European football on offer is a testament to United’s pulling power, but it would be a major coup if they were able to sign the Palace star, considering he is wanted by a number of top clubs.
A deal seems unlikely, but if United were to win the race, there is every sign the England international would be a fantastic addition to Amorim’s squad, having picked up eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League last term.
That said, Man United are well-known to have PSR concerns, and a deal for Eze would break the bank, meaning they should prioritise the addition of a new striker instead.
Sesko and Watkins could both be exciting signings, but the Villa star is already Premier League proven, which is a bonus, and he outscored the RB Leipzig striker in the league last season, while also providing more assists.
One cannot often learn much from pre-season results, but Everton’s need for reinforcements has certainly been crystallised.
On Saturday, the Toffees were demolished 3-0 by Bournemouth at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, outplayed and outclassed throughout.
Before travelling to the US, the Blues had also lost 1-0 to Blackburn Rovers and been held to a 1-1 draw by Accrington Stanley, which isn’t really generating excitement ahead of the grand opening of their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Speaking to the Men in Blazers Podcast, manager David Moyes asserted that he needs “nine or ten” new players before the season begins, so are Everton about to secure the signature of a “magnificent prospect”?
Everton's search for attacking quality
So far this summer, there’s been a bit of a clear-out at Everton.
Goodison stalwarts Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré are the most high-profile players to have departed, but Ashley Young, Mason Holgate, Asmir Begović, and João Virgínia have all also been released.
In their place, Mark Travers will be the new back-up goalkeeper, while centre-forward Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal for £27m, and is the service the 6 foot 5 in (196cm) striker will receive about to exponentially increase in quality?
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
Well, according to a report by Patrick Boyland and Matt Woosnam of the Athletic, Everton are “in talks” with Lyon as they seek to sign winger Malick Fofana.
Despite having been spared relegation to Ligue 2 following an appeal, Olympique Lyonnais are still in a huge amount of debt, so are currently in the midst of a fire sale; Rayan Cherki, Lucas Perri, Alexandre Lacazette and Thiago Almada are amongst those who’ve departed already.
With that in mind, Alan Myers claims that les Gones value Fofana, who has three years remaining on his contract, at around £43m including add-ons, amid talk that there is “strong interest” from the Toffees in the player.
So, could the 20-year-old soon swap Décines-Charpieu for Merseyside?
How Malick Fofana will improve Everton
Fofana began his career at Gent, scoring just five goals in 64 senior appearances for the Buffalos, but doing enough to capture the attention of Lyon, who signed him for around £15m as recently as January 2024.
Since making the move to France, his career has really taken off, bagging 15 goals and seven assists for les Gones, earning widespread praise.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “magnificent winger prospect”, while Astorre S. Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines believes he has ‘huge potential’, impressed by his ‘technical qualities’ and ‘directness’.
Elsewhere, Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis agrees, highlighting his ‘strong attacking contributions’, concluding that, given Lyon’s financial turmoil, he would represent a massive bargain in the transfer market.
In terms of Everton, Iliman Ndiaye was their top-scorer last season with nine goals, while Beto was the only other player to bag more than four.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye
Like Fofana, the Senegalese international arrived from Ligue 1 just 12 months ago, joining from Olympique de Marseille for a reported fee of £16.9m.
If Fofana is equally as productive and impactful as Ndiaye, Evertonians would almost certainly be satisfied, so let’s assess how the two wide players compare to one another.
Appearances
41
46
Minutes
2,280
2,476
Goals
11
4
Assists
6
5
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:
Shots
1.5
1.6
Shots on target
1.3
0.6
Shots on target %
84.09%
37.98%
Chances created
1.5
0.8
Take-on success %
42.28%
57.94%
% of touches in the box
14%
10%
Average Sofascore rating
7.24
6.82
As the table outlines, in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, Fofana comes out on top for pretty much every metric included; Ndiaye boasted better figures in terms of shots per 90 as well as successful take-ons.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Nevertheless, Fofana’s numbers in terms of shots on target ratio, chances created and pure goals and assists are very eye-catching, underlining that his signing would represent a massive coup for Everton, one that they badly need with the start of the season fast approaching.
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It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to describe the last few years as being incredibly hectic for Chelsea.
The Blues have seen new ownership come, have spent an enormous amount of money in a relatively short space of time, and have been through their fair share of managers.
However, even though there have been more than a few bumpy moments in terms of performances and results, it looks like the team are finally on the right track.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates
Enzo Maresca led his side to a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, and on top of securing Champions League football, led them to Conference League glory.
Following the Argentine’s impressive first campaign, the board have already backed him in a big way this summer, with the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens all making their way to the King’s Road.
The wheeling and dealing looks far from finished there, though, so here’s what Chelsea’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.
The Goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez takes the gloves
While Robert Sanchez improved towards the end of last season, it would be fair to say that many fans would still like to see an upgrade signed this summer.
That seems to be the opinion of the board as well, with reports linking them with Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning shot-stopper Emiliano Martínez.
The Argentine, who won last year’s Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper, is reportedly also a target for Manchester United and could end up costing around £40m.
That would see Sanchez become the number two, and with Đorđe Petrović looking set to join Bournemouth for around £25m, Filip Jorgensen could be third choice.
Full list of goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen.
The Defence Chelsea add promising depth
Chelsea managed to produce the third-best defence in the Premier League last season, conceding just two more goals than Liverpool and nine more than Arsenal.
So, instead of wholesale change, they would be wise to trim the fat and add a couple of exciting prospects to the group.
Funnily enough, that seems to be the approach the Blues are taking, with Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga looking likely to leave, while Jorrel Hato could make his way to West London from the Netherlands.
Alongside the West Londoners, the “exceptional” Ajax gem, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been linked with a host of clubs and could be available for around £40m.
Appearances
111
Starts
102
Minutes
9121′
Goals
4
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.11
Minutes per Goal Involvement
701.61′
Points per Game
1.86
It might sound like a lot to spend on a 19-year-old, but he’s already made 111 first-team appearances for the Amsterdam side, has six caps for the national team and can play as either a left-back or centre-back.
The young Dutchman probably wouldn’t start many games, at least not right away, but he’d be brilliant depth and help ensure Marc Cucurella isn’t played into the ground.
Full list of centre-backs: Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile.
Full list of right-backs: Reece James, Malo Gusto.
Full list of left-backs: Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato.
The Midfielders Chelsea add an exciting talent
Arguably, Chelsea’s most stacked area of the squad is the midfield, and there isn’t a whole lot that needs to be done there this summer.
So long as they remain fit, the incredible Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will remain the first choice for the middle of the park.
At the same time, Andrey Santos and Roméo Lavia are excellent rotation options.
Moving up into attacking midfield and to the man who has to be the first name on the team sheet: Cole Palmer.
Appearances
96
Minutes
7770′
Goals
41
Assists
28
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
Minutes per Goal Involvement
112.60′
While he is capable of playing out wide and on the wing, he can have a far greater impact on proceedings as the most advanced midfielder, and with a tally of 41 goals and 28 assists in 96 games for the Blues, Maresca will want him where he can have the most significant impact.
However, the club appear to be after someone who can cover for the sensational talent, and based on reports, that player could be Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho for Manchester United
The Argentine ace had a very public falling out with Manchester United and was told he would be sold this summer, and one of the clubs interested in the £60m ace is Chelsea.
While it might not be a move that excites the fanbase, the Madrid-born international wasn’t too bad last season, racking up 11 goals and ten assists in 3568 minutes, and spending most of the campaign in attacking midfield.
In all, Chelsea have an incredible array of midfield talent, and the United star could be great depth.
Full list of midfielders: Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garncaho, Moises Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernández, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The Attackers Chelsea go huge on the frontline
Chelsea have already gone big when it comes to attacking signings this summer.
Delap cost them £30m from Ipswich Town, Pedro cost a cool £60m from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Jamie Gittens cost around £48m from Borussia Dortmund.
With all of that business in mind, plus the likes of Pedro Neto and Estavão looking ready for the new season, it makes sense for the club to be looking to sell a few players.
The most notable departure is undoubtedly Noni Madueke, who is set to join Arsenal for around £52m, but it also looks like João Felix could be on his way for close to £17m.
If the board can then get rid of Raheem Sterling as well, that would leave them with plenty of room in the wage budget to further bolster the attack, which seems to be the plan.
One of the names linked with the team this summer has been Malick Fofana, who has a price tag of around £50m.
The young Frenchman would be another signing for the future, but with a tally of 17 goal involvements in 41 games last season, he could still make an impact from the bench.
Finally, if Chelsea are able to amass their dream squad this summer, then they’ll surely get their hands on Hugo Ekitiké.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with a £85m move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and while that is a lot of money, it would be money well spent.
In 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the 23-year-old marksman scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.
Appearances
48
Minutes
3644′
Goals
22
Assists
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
Minutes per Goal Involvement
107.17
In other words, the Reims-born dynamo whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.
Just imagine how dangerous he’d be playing in the same team as Palmer; that duo could be enough to fire the Blues into a title charge.
Full list of wingers: Pedro Neto, Estavo, Jamie Gittens, Malick Fofana.
Full list of strikers: Hugo Ekitiké, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson.
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Real Madrid’s superiority was challenged in the early 2000s as Valencia disrupted La Liga’s natural order, and Galácticos legend Zinedine Zidane has revealed he requested the signing of an England legend to put Madrid back on their perch.
Zidane and Real’s path to the 2001/02 Champions League final was one of the great knockout runs in club football history, beating Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and arch-rivals Barcelona in the last four, before besting an elite Bayer Leverkusen team led by Michael Ballack in the final.
The French football legend scored perhaps his most famous goal in that final, volleying home Roberto Carlos’ looped cross from the edge of the box to win the match 2-1.
However, that triumph was the start of somewhat of a trophy drought by Madrid’s own lofty standards. They won the La Liga title the following year, but did not win another top flight title until 2007 and had to wait until 2011 before their next cup win, which was the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona accompanied English and Italian sides in dominating Europe’s elite competition, as Real president Florentino Perez adopted a policy of superstar signings to regain their status as Kings of the continent.
Luis Figo
2000
€60m
Barcelona
Zinedine Zidane
2001
€73.5m
Juventus
Ronaldo Nazario
2002
€45m
Inter
David Beckham
2003
€37.5m
Man Utd
Michael Owen
2004
€9m
Liverpool
Robinho
2005
€24m
Santos
Sergio Ramos
2005
€27m
Sevilla
Fabio Cannavaro
2006
€10m
Juventus
Ruud van Nistelrooy
2006
€14m
Man Utd
Kaka
2009
€67m
Milan
Karim Benzema
2009
€30m
Lyon
Cristiano Ronaldo
2009
€94m
Man Utd
Xabi Alonso
2009
€35.5m
Liverpool
Perez made a habit of luring the Premier League’s top talents to the Spanish capital, with Xabi Alonso revealing how Real tempted him: “I was really happy with the team (Liverpool) and my team-mates and felt that we could do great things.
“I was happy on that side but within a club you have to see the big picture and another season would have been too much for me. It was very difficult to take that decision (to leave) but it was probably for the best for me because if I had stayed another season it would have been uncomfortable for me.”
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However, not everyone caved to the temptation, with Zidane revealing he specifically asked Perez to sign Steven Gerrard, only for the Liverpool captain to refuse the move.
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Indeed, Real Madrid tried to sign Gerrard once in 2005 and again in 2009, potentially making him one of their biggest signings of the Galácticos era, and Zidane claims it was him who pushed Perez to make the move, as he believed the Reds star was the number one player in world football.
Gerrard is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history despite never winning a league title with Liverpool, while his best finish on the Ballon d’Or podium was third in 2005, placing behind Ronaldinho and Frank Lampard.
There’s no doubt the Liverpool superstar was let down by his teammates in the quest to add team trophies to his individual accolades, and one has to wonder how his status in the game would be viewed if he had joined Madrid at Zidane’s request.
Newcastle United have now identified their next target after a move for Anthony Elanga is completed, according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
Newcastle agree deal for Elanga
The start of the new Premier League season is edging closer all the time, with Eddie Howe and his players hoping to kick on again in 2025/26, aided by sparkly new signings. Anthony Elanga has been the leading target to come in and make the Magpies even more of an attacking force, arriving as an upgrade on the departed Miguel Almiron, and a deal has now been agreed for aorund £55m.
It also feels like a matter of time until Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is a Newcastle player, with the young Englishman seen as the perfect long-term replacement for Nick Pope. It would be a shock if he didn’t complete a move in the near future.
A centre-back appears to be near the top of Newcastle’s list of priorities, with interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi refusing to go away, and the likes of Giorgio Scalvini and Leonardo Balerdi also linked with summer moves to St James’ Park.
However, Newcastle’s focus after Elanga will be further up the pitch, with Downie revealing on Tuesday morning what’s coming next.
Newcastle set to target new striker in coming days
Now, according to Downie on X, Newcastle ‘will turn their attention to bringing in a striker’ once they wrap up a deal with Forest.
Elanga has the potential to be a real favourite at St James’ Park, possessing blistering pace and end product, bagging six goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season for a Forest side who set up more defensively than the Magpies.
Still only 23 years of age, there is so much more to come from the Sweden international, who has even earned praise from the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the past.
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A new winger is essential for Newcastle and Elanga fits the bill perfectly, but another number nine to support Isak is perhaps even more important.
The Magpies’ main man has missed games through injury in each of his campaigns with the club, and while his durability certainly improved last season, the presence of four competitions again next term is simply too much for the Swede, with only young talent William Osula available to lighten the load in the current squad.
Hoping to get one over on Chelsea, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive Ligue 1 midfielder in a deal worth £25m this summer.
Nottingham Forest face encouraging Premier League start
It was Nottingham Forest’s stunning start that saw them rise to as high as third in the Premier League last season, before dropping off to finish seventh. And one year on, they could enjoy a similarly fast start with the fixtures officially announced.
The Midlands club will open their campaign against Brentford at the City Ground before travelling to Crystal Palace and playing host to West Ham United to end August. Things don’t get much tougher from there, either. In fact, Arsenal aside, games against Sunderland and Burnley to follow should hand Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at least five very winnable games to get their season off to a flying start.
Those at the City Ground will also have European football to be excited about next season. Just which competition they’ll be in remains an important question, however.
With UEFA still deliberating whether to give Crystal Palace the boot after the Eagles breached multi-club ownership rules, Evangelos Marinakis has reportedly written to the governing body perhaps in the hope of helping to sway a decision which would see Forest move up to the Europa League.
It’s a letter which won’t win the Greek owner many friends in the Premier League, but it could help to ensure that Forest receive an unexpected boost out of the Europa Conference League.
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Whether it’s the Europa Conference League or Europa League, however, Forest will need some much-needed depth if they are to compete on all fronts. The pending arrival of Brazilian trio Igo Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha should hand them that in part, but a move to sign one particular Ligue 1 star would provide Nuno with his biggest boost this summer.
Nottingham Forest join Habib Diarra race
According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg this summer. They’re far from the only club interested in the midfielder though. Joining the Tricky Trees, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Everton, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all reportedly eyeing the talented 21-year-old.
Habib Diarra in action for Strasbourg
The amount of interest in Diarra should come as little shock following the season that he and the rest of his Strasbourg teammates enjoyed to take the club into the top-half of Ligue 1. What has likely also helped increase that interest are the reports that the midfielder could be available for as little as €30m (£25m) in the coming months.
Minutes
2,352
2,728
Goals
4
2
Progressive Passes
116
143
Assists
5
6
Described as a “complete midfielder” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Diarra kept up with Elliot Anderson’s excellent debut season last time out and would instantly offer Forest the quality in depth they need to navigate European football.
What a big summer it is going to be for Leeds United.
Daniel Farke’s side are hoping to defy the odds and avoid relegation in the Premier League, something that has become notoriously more difficult over the past few seasons. In the last couple of campaigns, all six previously promoted sides were relegated.
So, it will have to be an odds-defying campaign for the Whites, who were the team to beat in the second tier last season. They won the Championship, picking up 100 points and losing just four games. Farke will be hoping to count on his players to step up even more in 2025/26.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
However, they will be active in the transfer market too. In fact, they are stepping up their hunt for a midfielder to help upgrade their options in the middle of the park.
Leeds' hunt for a midfielder
Farke already has some talented midfielders at his disposal, including Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. So, to strengthen in that area, and potentially upgrade on the likes of Brenden Aaronson, would be a huge statement of intent.
According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites have ‘included’ Noah Sadiki on their shortlist to beef up the midfield this summer.
However, he’s not the only one. Indeed, they are said to have ‘identified’ Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra ‘as a potential midfield addition’. The Senegal international is a player ‘they believe will be Premier League quality’ ahead of next season.
It would appear that this a move firmly in the works now with Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett further revealing on Tuesday that the Elland Road outfit have lodged a bid of £21m to sign Diarra.
Why Diarra would be a good signing
If Leeds were to sign Diarra this summer, they would be adding a “complete midfielder” to the squad. At least, that is how football analyst Ben Mattinson described the Senegal international, implying he can play all over midfield.
Habib Diarra for Strasbourg against PSG.
That “Swiss Army Knife” type profile would surely work well in Farke’s midfield, and give him plenty of tactical flexibility. Diarra is both a goalscorer and creator, finding the back of the net four times and registering five assists for Strasbourg last season.
Impressively, the 21-year-old, who is already the Strasbourg captain after coming through their academy, scored on the international stage for Senegal against England one week ago. He showed good intelligence to curve his run behind the Three Lions defence, carrying the ball into the six-yard box and slotting home from a narrow angle.
Diarra could be the perfect upgrade in the Leeds midfield for Aaronson. The USA international has previously struggled in the Premier League.
He has made 36 appearances in the top flight of England, mainly operating as a number 10 and a right-winger, but has just four goals and assists to his name.
Despite scoring nine times and registering two assists in 46 Championship games last season, there have been doubts about Aaronson’s scalability to the top flight. The Whites’ former goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, told Football Insider he is “nowhere near Premier League level”.
So, if they do bring Diarra in as his replacement, the numbers on FBref suggest it’d be a good move. Not only did he average more goals and assists per 90 minutes than Aaronson, with 0.34 compared to 0.28, but his off-the-ball work was better, too. Diarra’s 3.45 ball recoveries each game trumped Aaronson’s tally of 3.09.
Goals and assists
0.34
0.38
Progressive passes
4.44
4.05
Passes into final third
2.45
2.13
Interceptions
0.50
0.20
Ball recoveries
3.45
3.09
If Leeds can agree a deal to sign Diarra somewhere around the £21m mark, it would be a fantastic piece of business. They are signing a leader and an international-class midfielder, capable of playing numerous roles.
Habib Diarra in action for Strasbourg
As far as an upgrade on Aaronson goes, time will tell, but the stats are there to suggest this is the dream move for the Yorkshire club this summer.
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Leeds are confident that they will sign this star, and he would be a big upgrade on Brenden Aaronson.
Fulham are the club pushing the hardest to sign an “outstanding” midfielder, with Marco Silva set to be backed in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Cottagers set to back Silva amid uncertain future
Having been at Craven Cottage for just under four years, Silva is now among the longest-serving managers in the Premier League, but there is widespread interest in the Portuguese coach, with Juventus becoming the latest club to express an interest.
With Tottenham Hotspur and clubs from the Saudi Pro League also keen on the 47-year-old, it could be difficult for the board to retain his services, but they have now displayed a willingness to back the manager in the summer transfer window.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Silva has been promised money to improve his squad, while also revealing the Cottagers have now set their sights on a new midfielder.
Fulham are said to be the club pushing the hardest to sign Mainz attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is set to leave the German club this summer, having attracted widespread interest from the Premier League.
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Amiri has already turned down a move to Leeds United, while Crystal Palace have identified him as a potential target, but the west Londoners appear to be more determined to get a move over the line.
A deal would not break the bank either, with the 28-year-old expected to be allowed to leave for a fee of around £15m, and he could be brought in to replace Tom Cairney, amid interest from Wrexham, while fellow midfielder Harrison Reed is also set to depart.
"Outstanding" Amiri enjoyed impressive 2024-25 campaign
The Mainz star has been particularly impressive going forward as of late, picking up seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga outings, and his displays at club level have led to a return to the German national side.
Upon selecting the central midfielder, manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “Nadiem is having an outstanding season. He’s a very good example of how you can take a step back to push your career forward.”
The German maestro had been uninvolved with his national side since 2020, but fought hard to regain his place, saying: “After I received a call from Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday, I was in tears. It was my dream for so long to be able to play for the national team again. I worked hard, trying to improve every day”
Not only does Amiri have international experience, but he also has 10 Champions League appearances to his name, which could stand him in good stead to be a success at Craven Cottage, and a fee of £15m seems like a bargain for a player of his quality.