Newcastle open talks to sign "extraordinary" £42m+ centre-back this summer

Newcastle United are well in contention to finish in the Champions League slots and could strike on the market to bring in one of the world’s most recognisable defenders, per a report.

Newcastle look to cement themselves among Premier League elite

Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job at Newcastle and is rightfully adored by their fanatical support, having ended their 56-year trophy drought a matter of weeks ago against Liverpool at Wembley.

Now, the Magpies are firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish and look odds-on to secure a Champions League place for next season, which, in turn, could see a raft of exciting reinforcements targeted to bolster PIF’s mission to establish their side among the elite.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match

With the potential to make a statement, Newcastle are in the mix to sign Manchester City star Jack Grealish. However, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also want to buy the veteran England international.

Arriving at the Etihad Stadium in a £100 million deal back in 2021, it feels unlikely that the Citizens would look to recoup anywhere near that level of fee for his services.

Offering encouragement, Newcastle find themselves in pole position to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and may be able to do a deal worth in the region of £50 million.

Forget Isak & Murphy: Newcastle ace is now playing like an £86m superstar

Newcastle consolidated their position in the top four with a commanding win over Crystal Palace.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 17, 2025

Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda in the North East, especially when considering the depth they will need balance continental football and Premier League duties next term.

The same train of thought applies to the other end of the field, and Newcastle are now eyeing a potential move for a star could garner global attention.

Newcastle look open talks to sign Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae

According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have made contact over a move for Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae after reaching out to his representatives to express their interest. Chelsea are also in the mix for the South Korea international, who is said to be open to a summer departure following his £42.8 million move to the Allianz Arena in 2023.

Kim Min-jae’s solid Bundesliga campaign – 2024/25

Tackles won

20

Duels won

124

Aerial duels won

82

Interceptions

36

Recoveries

150

Pass accuracy

92.6%

Labelled “extraordinary” by Park Ji-Sung, the 28-year-old has made 42 appearances across all competitions this campaign, registering three goals in total.

Fabian Schar has recently signed a new deal at St James’ Park and Jamaal Lascelles has another year than initially thought as club captain, but Kim would presumably seek to be first choice with the skipper used more as a depth option again.

Bringing leadership and quality in central defence, the former Napoli man is the sort of player that could take the Magpies up a level or two in their hunt to consistently challenge for major honours under Howe’s stewardship should they be able to push a deal over the line.

Man Utd have now held talks to sign 35-cap international on free transfer

Manchester United are enjoying a climactic end to the campaign and may already have made progress in pursuit of one high-profile summer target, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Manchester United put one foot in Europa League final

In what has been a strange campaign for the Red Devils, they have little to play for in the Premier League bar pride as their domestic season slowly peters out under Ruben Amorim. However, United appear nailed on to feature in the Europa League final later this month after a heroic 3-0 victory away to Athletic Club on Thursday evening.

Casemiro

Despite facing the wrath of a raucous home crowd, Casemiro’s header and a double from Bruno Fernandes kept the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a backdoor route to the Champions League alive, which is bound to be advantageous in soliciting summer transfer business.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is a legitimate Manchester United target despite the fact it may cost upwards of £85 million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha could join the Europa League semi-finalists from Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Still, Viktor Gyokeres is another target firmly in the sights of Amorim.

Man Utd ahead of Barcelona in race to sign £4.2m sensation alongside Biyik

The club are doing some sensible long-term planning.

By
Henry Jackson

May 2, 2025

Truthfully, the outcome of Manchester United’s exploits in Europe will determine their scope of doing business. If they fail to claim silverware on the continent, there will be a scaled-back approach to dealings in light of the financial reality at the global giants.

Nevertheless, not every signing needs to cost millions, which is a philosophy Amorim seems to have taken into account after his side initiated talks with a defender who would strengthen their experienced backline.

Manchester United hold talks over move for Jonathan Tah

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have held talks over a free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen nears expiration.

Discussions with his management have occurred, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain in pursuit of the 35-cap Germany international.

Enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, the central defender has registered three goals and a solitary assist in 30 appearances across all competitions.

Dominant at the back, Tah has won 91 duels and made 146 recoveries on Bundesliga duty as his side look to secure a runners-up spot behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Inexpensive deals that can provide high pedigree could be the way forward for Manchester United, who are still yet to determine whether they will have a sizeable amount to invest in their squad this summer.

The next Ryan Kent: Rangers could land star with a "little bit of Gazza"

Glasgow Rangers face one of the most important summer transfer windows in their recent history.

After yet another trophyless season combined with Celtic’s domestic dominance, patience is wearing thin among the Ibrox faithful.

The saving grace is that 49ers Enterprises appear to be closing in on their takeover of the Light Blues, which could bring plenty of positive changes at the club heading into next season.

Members of the US consortium were given a tour of Ibrox during the week, and everyone associated with the club will be hoping a deal is signed, sealed and delivered sooner rather than later.

While a permanent manager is top of the to-do list, the first-team squad needs a major overhaul when the transfer window finally opens. No longer can the Gers splurge millions on players who won’t live up to expectations, nor waste wages on those who miss far too many games due to injury.

This could be seen as a change of approach in the summer. Lyall Cameron has already signed a pre-contract with the Gers, while they are also keen on bringing Josh Mulligan to Glasgow.

Rangers interim managerBarryFergusonbefore the match

Signing young talents with a high ceiling appears to be the next strategy, much in a similar mould to the prior capture of Ryan Kent.

Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics

Kent signed for Rangers on an initial season-long loan deal at the start of the 2018/19 campaign. By the end of that season, he had registered 15 goal contributions – six goals and nine assists – while even punching Scott Brown during an Old Firm clash.

Not a bad way to endear yourself to the supporters, and this led to calls for Steven Gerrard to splash the cash on him permanently in the summer of 2019.

Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

44

3

10

2021/22

46

3

19

2020/21

52

13

14

2019/20

33

8

4

2018/19

43

6

9

Via Transfermarkt

The next two seasons saw Kent at his very best. A tally of 14 goals were scored, and the winger recorded an impressive 18 assists, underlining how good he had become for the club.

The 2020/21 campaign was particularly impressive. Rangers went the entire league season undefeated, securing their first title in a decade, and Kent was unplayable at times.

Kent recorded 2.3 shots per game in the top flight that term, along with creating nine big chances, averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 1.9 dribbles per match for the Ibrox side.

Former Rangers winger Ryan Kent.

He gave opposition defenders no chance when driving towards them at full throttle, and this is what made him arguably the best winger in the country at the time.

His final two seasons saw him score only six goals before he left the club in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract.

Those first three years saw Kent at his very best. Could a certain Bobby Clark offer the same sort of qualities from the heart of the midfield?

Rangers transfer news

During the January transfer window, the Light Blues wanted to bring Clark to the club on a short-term loan deal until the end of the campaign. He made the move to RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be around the £6m mark, but he failed to truly settle in Austria.

Transfer Focus

No move ever materialised for the youngster, but could he be back on the market this summer?

The £3.5k-per-week starlet could be ready to leave on loan as Salzburg are keen on letting him leave temporarily for the 2025/26 season. This could put the Ibrox side on high alert following their early attempts to secure his signature.

Bobby Clark

A former Liverpool academy graduate, much like Kent, the youngster could well look to emulate his compatriot at Ibrox…

Why Rangers should sign Bobby Clark

Starting his youth career at Newcastle United – aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father, Lee, who played for the Magpies – Clark ended up at Liverpool in the summer of 2021.

The youngster made his mark on the youth teams at Anfield before finally making his senior debut during the 2022/23 campaign under Jürgen Klopp.

He made 12 appearances for the Reds the following season, scoring once and grabbing two assists. His future looked bright indeed.

Journalist Lee Ryder discussed his potential in the past and compared him to a former Newcastle legend, saying Clark “reminds me a little bit of Gazza at the same age.” Which is high praise indeed.

Paul Gascoigne

Clark moved to Salzburg last summer, linking up with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, although he was sacked just a few months into the role, and Clark failed to settle under new manager Thomas Letsch.

Despite his lack of game time in the Austrian Bundesliga, Clark still managed to record 0.4 shots per game, while also averaging 0.7 key passes and succeeding with 0.4 dribbles per match in the league.

Considering he averages only 41 minutes for the club domestically, these statistics aren’t the worst. If he can move to a club where playing consistently becomes a regular theme, Clark can continue his development.

A loan move to Ibrox would be an excellent chance for him to prove the doubters wrong, especially as he could feature in European competition.

Across six Champions League matches for the Austrian side this season, Clark showcased his abilities, averaging 1.7 tackles, winning 2.8 total duels and succeeding with 89% of his passes.

Playing against teams such as PSG, Atlético Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen gave Clark the chance to perform at the highest level against some of the finest clubs on the continent.

Bobby Clark for Liverpool

It may not have gone well for the Englishman since the start of 2025, but all he needs is a fresh start and a chance to impress.

In that regard, Rangers is the perfect place for him – as it was for Kent.

Rangers can revive Tavernier by hiring manager who's "a level above Gerrard"

As the 49ers continue their search to find a new Rangers manager, they should hire “one of the most promising coaches in world football”.

By
Ben Gray

May 2, 2025

Slot has struck gold on Liverpool star worth more than Zubimendi & Frimpong

Over the years, Liverpool have signed numerous players who have had a huge impact on their squad, ultimately helping them claim Premier League glory this campaign.

Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly the biggest example, costing £75m from Southampton back in January 2018 and being a spare head in their backline ever since.

The Dutchman, who’s now the club’s captain, has played every minute of the league season in 2024/25, helping the side keep 14 clean sheets in the process – the most of any side in the division.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

Players like Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have also been influential in their success, nailing their place down in various positions across the field.

However, this summer presents a fresh opportunity for Slot to add new blood to his squad, with numerous players already emerging on their shortlist ahead of the window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

Martin Zubimendi is a player who’s been on Liverpool’s radar constantly over the last few years, even having an offer accepted for him last summer.

The Spaniard turned down a switch to Anfield before reemerging on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but he appears to be heading to Arsenal in a £50m move after Fabrizio Romano’s latest report.

However, the same can’t be said for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman appearing to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to Anfield ahead of the summer.

It’s been confirmed that the 24-year-old is keen on a move to the club after the Reds held talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for the full-back, who has a £29.5m release clause in his current deal.

However, despite the moves for the aforementioned duo, one current first-team player is already worth as much as the pair combined, highlighting the great work done by the hierarchy in recent times.

The Liverpool star who’s worth as much as Zubimendi & Frimpong

Slot’s ability to win the league title in his first season in charge is nothing short of remarkable, undoubtedly getting the best out of the players who are already at the club after his appointment.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot

Such success could lead to an exciting prospect for supporters when he’s able to spend money this summer and make his own stamp on the squad on Merseyside.

The likes of Frimpong could add further quality to the first team squad, helping his compatriot achieve the unthinkable and retain their title in 2025/26.

However, the Leverkusen star could also link up well with current midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who’s managed to hugely impress throughout this season, after getting the chance to thrive under Slot’s guidance.

After joining for £34m from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old only made 12 league starts in his first season – unable to cement his place in the starting eleven.

However, his importance to the squad has been immeasurable this time around, starting all but one meeting and being a crucial cog in the midfield for his compatriot.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 90% of the passes he’s attempted, allowing him to notch a tally of four assists in the Premier League this campaign.

Ryan Gravenberch’s stats for Liverpool in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

35

Assists

4

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles won

52%

Interceptions made

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.1

Aerials won

65%

Stats via FotMob

Gravenberch has also starred without the ball, winning 52% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making 1.7 interceptions per 90 – often being the player to break down the opposition’s threat going forward.

As a result, he’s now valued at a staggering £80m by FootballTransfers, a mammoth increase after his big-money transfer to Merseyside less than two years ago.

His subsequent value is the same as Zubimendi and Frimpong’s respective transfer fees of £50m and £30m, highlighting the progression he’s made throughout this season.

If the club are to mount a charge to maintain their title glory next season, investment will be crucial, handing the manager the funds he needs to make adequate changes.

However, the form of Gravenberch will also be imperative, with his performance levels certainly aiding their pursuit if he can replicate the success he’s enjoyed in Slot’s debut campaign.

A dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool open talks to sign £67m defender

Liverpool could be about to forget about Dean Huijsen with a move for another defensive star.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 14, 2025

Newcastle make contact for Player of the Year winning goalkeeper worth less than £10m

Newcastle United have made contact with an £8.4m-rated goalkeeper over a move to the club, according to a new transfer update.

Huge final day awaits for Newcastle

The Magpies are 90 minutes away from completing one of the most successful seasons in their history, assuming they can seal victory at home to Everton on the final day of the Premier League season.

A win will confirm Newcastle’s place back in the Champions League, which will be significant for so many reasons, including the financial benefits and the calibre of player they can attract to St James’ Park in the summer transfer window.

Ahead of the game, Eddie Howe has issued a rallying cry, highlighting the importance of his team getting over the line: “The prize is so big that everyone is fighting as much as they can. We’ve never got ahead of ourselves. Now, it’s going to go to the end, to the last game, and who knows? The twists and turns are there for everybody. All we can do is our best. They’ve given so much this year. Now, we know we need one more big effort in this last match.”

With the EFL Cup already won this season, ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy, the 2024/25 has already been memorable, but getting the job done on Sunday afternoon would be the icing on the cake. As mentioned, it will aid their summer transfer business, and a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition in goal.

Newcastle make contact with £8.4m goalkeeper

According to Fraternite Matin [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are among the clubs to have made contact with Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana over a summer move to St James’ Park. Wolves and Southampton are also believed to be in the conversation, and the trio have been encouraged that he would like to leave Angers and join one of them.

The 24-year-old could cost just £8.4m and possibly even less, while an agreement “could be reached quickly” once the highest bidder is confirmed – the player himself wants to choose the best option to progress his career.

Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong scores their first goal pass Ivory Coast'sYahiaFofana

It looks like Newcastle are prioritising a new ‘keeper this summer, in order to at least provide competition for Nick Pope, if not replace him, and Fofana could be a strong option for them.

The 18-cap Ivory Coast international was named Angers’ Player of the Year, following an impressive season that saw him start 33 matches and keep seven clean sheets in Ligue 1, with analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as an “athletic” player.

With Pope now 33 years of age, it is important that Newcastle sign a new ‘keeper to be his eventual successor, but focus should also be on signing an immediate upgrade on him.

Newcastle make contact to sign one of the best dribblers in Europe for £21m

The Magpies have stepped up their pursuit of a midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Dominic Lund

May 22, 2025

The Magpies need to be ruthless in terms of improving the team and being a solid Champions League outfit, and in Fofana, they would have a relatively cheap and impressive option between the sticks.

Newcastle contact agents of teenage star with market value of just £420,000

Newcastle United have made contact with the agents of a teenage talent in France who is also wanted by Liverpool, according to a new report.

Newcastle trying to address defensive issues ahead of the new season

After a season out of European football, the Magpies can now look forward to the 2025/26 campaign knowing they are back in the Champions League. Strengthening in the forward areas seems to be a high priority for Eddie Howe and co. this summer, but addressing their defence will also be on their list of jobs.

Newcastle now eye deal for "world-class" 28 y/o who Barcelona want to sign

There have been a new development.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 3, 2025

Jamaal Lascelles is out of contract at the end of this month and looks set to leave, while their remaining defensive options are all in their 30s, excluding the seemingly injury-stricken Sven Botman.

Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are both 33, and given the Magpies are going to be dealing with Champions League football now, Howe is going to want more fresh legs, as the games will come thick and fast next season.

Nottingham Forest'sOlaAinain action with Newcastle United's Dan Burn

Newcastle have already been linked with one defender in the past week, as they have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille. The Magpies hope the fact they are in Europe’s biggest competition and Villa are not will help them sign Murillo, who is said to be valued at around £21 million. Meanwhile, last month it was reported that Newcastle had made contact with AC Milan over a move to sign centre-back Malick Thaw.

Newcastle contact agents of teenage defender

The options for a new centre-back don’t stop there for the Magpies, as according to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have met with Stade Rennais defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal over a move to St James’ Park.

The report states that the Magpies and Liverpool are both interested in signing the 19-year-old defender this summer. That despite the fact that Aït Boudlal has yet to play a senior game for Stade Rennais and played just nine times for Amiens while on loan there for the last six months of the season.

The centre-back, who can also play left-back, has already met with Newcastle, but he has an offer on the table, and it’s not from the Magpies. Liverpool are said to have made a concrete offer to sign Aït Boudlal, but it is unclear how much that offer is. The 19-year-old’s options don’t stop in England either, as OGC Nice as well as two teams from La Liga are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal’s 24/25 Ligue 2 stats

Apps

9

Starts

8

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.6

Balls recovered per game

3.6

Clearances per game

7.9

Duels won per game (success)

4.4 (58%)

It’s unclear how much Stade Rennais would want for their defender, but according to Transfermarkt, Aït Boudlal is valued at around £420,000, which is a fee that both Newcastle and Liverpool would have no problem paying. Newcastle may not see Aït Boudlal as a player who will instantly become a regular in their team, but he is someone who could learn on the fringes, with the hope of becoming a top defender in the next couple of years as Howe’s current options decline.

Talks held: £55m player wants to join Chelsea and convinced it'll happen

Chelsea are maintaining their transfer plans for the summer window, despite no longer being able to add to their Club World Cup squad till much later this month.

Chelsea prioritising new attackers for Enzo Maresca

If Enzo Maresca becomes desperate to reinforce his squad again during this summer’s tournament, which kicks off in three days, the Blues will have a unique registration window open from June 27 to July 3 – so missing out on key targets before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline wasn’t exactly the end of the world.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 12, 2025

Chelsea attempted to complete deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, but haggling on price saw the west Londoners fail to seal either of their signatures in time.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea walked away from the deal for Maignan after deciding not to meet Milan’s reported £25 million valuation, and they also saw three deadline day bids rejected for Gittens as Dortmund continued to demand more money.

Following these botched deals, reliable journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea are prioritising new attackers for the rest of the window, with BlueCo keen to add a new left winger, versatile attacking midfielder and another striker after Liam Delap.

“For the rest of the window, it is attackers that is the priority. SPTC sources have confirmed that Chelsea want to sign a new left-winger, a versatile attacking midfielder, and another new striker. The Hugo Ekitiké story is far from dead,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“One source continues to mention both Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze to me as real ones to watch. There’s a lot of noise around both players right now and remember, Chelsea reached out to Rogers agent earlier this week. If Chelsea cannot land Ekitike, expect another new striker to be targeted. Enzo Maresca wants his attack improved and has asked for all the above positions.”

Phillips also states that Gittens remains on the radar of Chelsea despite their tough negotiations with Dortmund on Tuesday.

Jamie Gittens wants to join Chelsea and is convinced it'll happen

According to fellow journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, the 20-year-old is equally keen for this move to happen, regardless of the deadline day failure.

Jamie Gittens

It is believed that Gittens is “especially” convinced that his move to Chelsea will eventually happen, and he still wants to join the west Londoners after holding positive talks with Maresca’s side.

Discussions over a move for the £55 million winger will apparently continue once the transfer window reopens on June 16, and Gittens could be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad after scoring 12 goals and assisting five others in 48 appearances last season.

“He’s a very important player for us,” said ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin.

“Jamie himself wants to take the next step, and we want him to take that step. Now he’s scoring goals and playing more mature football. It’s not news to me that he’s incredible one-on-one and is a very good finisher.”

Better than Sarr: Chelsea in contact for "one of the best young talents"

Chelsea’s second signing of the summer is through the door. Last week, the Blues completed a deal for Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, activating his relegation release clause and bringing him to Stamford Bridge, beating the likes of Manchester United in the race for his signature.

Now, signing number two is also in the building for Enzo Maresca and his squad. Centre-back Mamadou Sarr has made the move to West London from their sister club, Strasbourg, who were one of the standout clubs in Ligue 1 last summer. The defender has signed with the club for eight years and could be in line to play in the Club World Cup.

Sarr might not be the only defender Chelsea sign this summer. They are already linked with another centre-back.

Chelsea’s next centre-back target

So, it seems clear that Maresca is intent on strengthening at the back this summer. After the addition of Sarr, the Blues seem likely to pursue another defender, although they might not be in before the pre-Club World Cup deadline on Tuesday.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are set to make a move for Ajax and Netherlands international Jorrel Hato. They have reportedly ‘had contacts with Ajax in the last few days’ regarding a potential move for the Dutch talent.

Despite the contact and willingness to get a deal done, they will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals. Hato has ‘long been on the radars of both Arsenal and Liverpool’, with Newcastle United also showing interest.

Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match

They have all ‘asked for information on the player’ ahead of a potential summer move, which could cost as much as £42.3m.

Why Hato would be a good signing

Football scout Antonio Mango summed up just how good Hato is by describing him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Indeed, that is the kind of impression the 19-year-old has made during his short career so far.

Last season was a strong campaign by the talented young defender. He amassed 50 appearances for Ajax in all competitions, mainly playing as a left-back, but also slotting in at centre-back, a position in which he equally excels. He managed three goals and six assists in total.

To put into perspective the kind of player Chelsea are looking to sign, Hato was Ajax’s youngest ever captain back in November 2023, at the age of just 17. He has now skippered his boyhood club three times, showing incredible leadership at such a young age.

Hato might even be a better signing for Chelsea than their new defender Sarr. The 19-year-old France under-20 international is certainly an exciting addition, and impressed for Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior last season.

The youngster played 28 games in all competitions, with all but one of those appearances coming in Ligue 1. It was certainly a successful season for the new Blues defender, who helped keep ten clean sheets in the top flight of France as his side qualified for the Conference League.

However, Hato managed to keep more clean sheets in an Ajax shirt than Sarr managed for Strasbourg under Rosenior. The Dutchman played his part in 14 clean sheets in the Eredivisie last term.

When looking at the underlying data on FBref from Hato and Sarr’s campaigns in 2024/25, there are further numbers which suggest the Ajax star is a better player than the new Chelsea man. For example, Hato averaged 2.78 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 2.39 each game for Sarr.

Hato and Sarr – key stats in 2024/25 compared

Stat (per 90)

Hato

Sarr

Progressive passes

4.17

1.98

Tackles and interceptions

2.78

2.36

Blocks

1.22

0.99

Ball recoveries

4.51

3.73

Aerial duels won

1.77

1.14

Stats from FBref

It seems as though, for a talent perhaps better than Sarr, £42.3m is a steal for Hato. He has all the tools needed to make it to the very top, and the fact that he has already captained Ajax at such a young age is even more of a reason to sign him.

With the Blues looking to bolster at the back, this is a fantastic option for Maresca’s side, which can definitely add quality and potential to their defensive options.

Chelsea contact £80m ex-Man City starlet who'd join with Jamie Gittens

The west Londoners are looking to sign multiple attackers.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 10, 2025

Relative of £40m star says move to Liverpool is "basically a done deal"

The close relative of a “great” Liverpool transfer target has claimed that his move to Anfield this summer is now “basically a done deal”, in an exciting new update.

Florian Wirtz week at Liverpool

The Reds have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen since the end of last season, but this week has the potential to be a particularly memorable one at Anfield.

Liverpool appear to be edging closer to the stunning signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz all the time, with fresh reports claiming that he will be in England on Thursday, with his medical and official unveiling taking place on Friday.

While much focus is on Wirtz currently, which is no surprise considering he is seen as one of Europe’s best players currently, a move for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is also close to happening.

The 21-year-old has emerged as the perfect left-back to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at Liverpool, and now a new update suggests that the transfer is closer to happening than ever.

Liverpool signing Kerkez "basically a done deal"

Speaking to Super Indirektno [via The Mirror], Kerkez’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, claimed that his son’s move to Liverpool is “basically a done deal”, also discussing the huge influence of sporting director Richard Hughes.

“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs. Everything is done between us (personal terms) we just need to sort out some details but it’s basically a done deal. Richard Hughes brought us to Bournemouth, if he said we go to India, then we go to India, everything is agreed, just some little things.”

AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez

This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, with Kerkez looking tailor-made to thrive in this Premier League-winning team under Arne Slot.

Milos Kerkez’s 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3341

Goals

2

Assists

5

Clearances per game

2.6

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.2

The Hungarian caught the eye so often with his performances for Bournemouth in 2024/25, standing out as one of the best left-backs in the country and being hailed by manager Andoni Iraola.

“Milos has improved a lot from past season. He has done a great job defensively. I think he’s a player that because of his physical condition arrives so many times to the last third with the ball under control to put good crosses that the number of assists, of good balls he was having, was quite low past season, but this season I think he’s deciding much better. He’s adding quality to his deliveries.”

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There is always a risk that any move won’t work out, but assuming he avoids serious injury, the £40m-rated Kerkez looks primed to be a massive player for Liverpool for many years to come.

AI predicts how many goals Sesko, Isak & Gyokeres would score for Arsenal

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is tasked with signing a new number nine to lead Mikel Arteta’s next assault on the Premier League title, but which target would be most succesful for the Gunners?

Renowned for his methodical approach to squad building during his years with Atletico Madrid, new Arsenal transfer guru Berta has a different task at the Emirates – put the finishing touches on a sqaud teetering on the brink of the ultimate success.

To do so, the Italian simply must get his choice right in the striker market this summer, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz decimating the Gunners’ title chances in 2024/25.

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With that in mind, we’ve asked AI tool Grok to predict which of Berta’s targets would score the most goals in an Arsenal shirt next season, assuming they all stay fit and play a reasonable amount of minutes.

3

Benjamin Sesko – 15-20 Premier League goals

The latest update on Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is an extremely positive one, with Berta reportedly locked in talks over a deal which could even go over the Slovenian’s £70m release clause. The player himself is said to be very keen on the move, and Grok’s prediction for his debut campaign in North London might explain why.

AI predicts Sesko’s “6 foot 5 frame, pace and aerial ability” would create a lethal combination with Arsenal’s chance creators, particularly Bukayo Saka’s left-footed crosses after cutting in from his role on the right wing.

However, while it predicts Sesko could cross the 25-goal mark in all competitions, he rates below the other options due to his “history of missing big chances in the Bundesliga”.

2

Viktor Gyokeres – 20-25 Premier League goals

Gyokeres’ links to Arsenal have taken many twists and turns, with the latest update revealing the Sporting CP superstar has actually threatened the Portuguese club that he will go public about his situation if they do not find a solution with his sutiors.

The Swede’s price has been a point of much controversy, with rumours of a broken gentleman’s agreement leading to Sporting demanding £68m for his signature.

AI predicts the former Coventry man, now bang in his prime at the age of 27, will score more than Sesko and could even reach 35 in all competitions owing to his “physicality, direct style, and ruthless finishing”, which would help him adapt quickly despite never playing in the English top flight.

1

Alexander Isak – 22-25 Premier League goals

Finally, Grok predicts Newcastle United star Alexander Isak would be the best option from a pure goals standpoint, setting the same ceiling as his countryman Gyokeres but with a higher floor of 22, perhaps thanks to his experience in the Premier League already.

Isak in the Premier League

22/23

23/24

24/25

Starts

17

27

34

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Dribbles per game

1.5

1.4

1.2

Interestingly, the only major statistic which has declinded throughout the 25 year-old’s time in England is his dribbling, indicating the elevation in his movement and football IQ to put himself in better positions to finish Newcastle’s attacks, rather than help start them.

Recent reports claims Arsenal may move on from their interest in Isak, but Grok suggests his “elite finishing” would create a lethal combination in Arteta’s system, reaching around 33 goals in all competitions, assuming he is rested in certain domestic cup matches.

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