Leeds United have been handed a fresh update on the future of one of their stars this summer, courtesy of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Leeds fighting for promotion
Daniel Farke's side are currently locked in a mammoth battle for Championship promotion, with Leeds sitting third and a point outside the automatic promotion spots.
One win in their last five games has left them an outside bet for automatic promotion, with a clash against in-form Southampton still to come in the final three games of the season and Leeds needing to bank on Leicester City or Ipswich Town dropping points between now and the end of the campaign.
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Should they end up missing out on promotion entirely, Farke and co could well have to change their summer plans, and it may have a major impact on their squad for next season.
Romano makes claim on Summerville's Leeds future
Now, Leeds could be set for a Raphinha repeat as several clubs circle around impressive winger Crysencio Summerville ahead of a potential move away from the club this summer.
The 22-year-old winger, valued at £45m at Elland Road, has been a key part of Leeds' promotion run this season, racking up 17 goals and grabbing eight assists in 40 Championship outings to help them to third in the table.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with the Dutchman scooping the Championship Player of the Year award and being strongly linked with a move to Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea this summer among other clubs.
Any sale may have to be close to a record fee for Leeds, which currently sits at the £50m that they received from Barcelona for Raphinha in the summer of 2022.
Leeds United record sales
Player
Club joined
Year
Fee
Raphinha
Barcelona
2022
£50m
Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City
2022
£45m
Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United
2002
£40m
Tyler Adams
Bournemouth
2023
£23m
Luis Sinisterra
Bournemouth
2024
£20m
Now, transfer guru Romano has provided the latest on the situation, speaking to GiveMeSport. The journalist was not optimistic for the Championship side, revealing that he felt Leeds may be fighting a losing battle given the ability Summerville has shown at Elland Road this season, though he feels sure Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises will do their best to keep him.
Should Leeds fail to secure promotion, it feels certain that the Dutchman would leave the Elland Road outfit, though he may opt to stay for another season of first-team football if they were to find themselves in the top flight once more.
After succumbing to Bayern Munich and Aston Villa in quick succession midway through April, Arsenal are well and truly back in form after dispatching Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the space of five days in the Premier League.
There were several standout players from the club's two London derby victories, such as Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, but one star who was benched for both was Gabriel Jesus.
The former Manchester City ace has not had quite the impact he would have hoped to have this season, and based on recent reports, he might soon find himself replaced in North London.
Arsenal's search for a striker
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have maintained their interest in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and are now considered the player's 'preferred destination' ahead of a potential move this summer.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
The report has revealed that, alongside the Gunners, several Serie A sides, such as Juventus and AC Milan, are keen to add the former Bayern Munich ace to their squads in the summer, but the Italian clubs are now worried that the marksman is himself eager to hold out for the north Londoners to make an offer and not to join a domestic rival of Bologna.
The good news keeps coming for Arsenal, as according to a report from ESPN in March, the Rossoblu currently value their star marksman at around £51m, and while that is still a hefty price tag, it isn't absurd in the current market when, for example, Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United for £72m last summer.
Manchester United transfer target Joshua Zirkzee in action in Serie A.
Everything seems to point towards a relatively straightforward transfer for the north Londoners if they do wish to sign the Dutchman. While that's great for Edu Gaspar and Arteta, it could spell trouble for Jesus, especially after it was revealed earlier this week that the club are willing to cash in on him this summer.
How Zirkzee compares to Jesus
So, if the North Londoners were to press ahead with this deal and bring Zirkzee to N5 in the summer, would they be making the right decision, and how does he stack up to Jesus?
When looking at the pair's pure output this season, the 22-year-old comes out comfortably ahead of his potential competition, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 35 games to his eight goals and seven assists in 33 games. Therefore, the Brazilian averages a goal involvement every 2.2 games this season, while the Schiedam-born dynamo averages one every 1.8 games.
What about their underlying numbers, then? Does the vastly more experienced Arsenal man have the edge over his potential replacement in this area?
Expected Goals + Assists
0.48
0.61
Goals
0.39
0.24
Assists
0.19
0.24
Progressive Passes
2.73
2.48
Progressive Carries
1.70
2.24
Goals per Shot on Target
0.33
0.21
Passing Accuracy
77.2%
78.4%
Shot-Creating Actions
3.21
3.47
Goal-Creating Actions
0.31
0.43
Dispossessed
2.04
2.24
Miscontrols
3.77
3.66
Aerial Duels Won
0.97
0.93
Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag here. While he does come out ahead in more metrics than not, it isn't by very much, and he comes out second best in a few crucial ones, such as goals-to-shots-on-target, actual goals, and things like progressive passing. In essence, he has the better underlying numbers overall, but not significantly so.
So, with the prospective replacement beating out the four-time Premier League winner on actual output but coming up second best regarding underlying numbers, what else can separate them? Injuries.
In the last two seasons, the former Palmeiras gem has missed 33 games for Arsenal – a third of the games he could've played – whereas the "complete" Bologna star, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has missed just eight, making him the far more reliable player of the two.
Ultimately, if Arsenal have the chance to sign Zirkzee for around £51m this summer, they should go for it. His record this season is seriously impressive, and while he might need a season or two to match Jesus' underlying numbers, he will likely be far more reliable and, therefore, useful for Arteta as the club continues their search for a Premier League title.
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It has been an impressive season for Wolverhampton Wanderers so far in 2023/24. Gary O’Neil’s side were tipped by many to get relegated this season, but have defied all expectations and could well finish in the top half of the Premier League table.
Indeed, it has not been an easy ride for Wolves at times. Firstly, they lost two crucial midfield players during the summer transfer window. Ruben Neves left the club to join Al-Hilal, a then club-record sale of £47m. That departure was followed by Matheus Nunes joining Manchester City on deadline day, who left the club for £53m, breaking the club-record sale set weeks before by Neves.
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
Not only that, O’Neil has to combat injuries to some of his star players. Portuguese winger Pedro Neto is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue, with his second case of injury he has had this season, so far missing 21 games. Matheus Cunha also missed 12 weeks due to a hamstring injury but is now back playing again.
With all that considered, Wolves have done well this season. However, as the transfer window draws nearer, it does leave O’Neil and his side with a big decision regarding a player currently out on loan, set to return to the club in the summer.
Fabio Silva's season in numbers
The player in question here is Portuguese striker Fabio Silva, who is currently on loan at Scottish club Rangers. It has been a tough season at Ibrox for the youngster, who is on his third loan in just two seasons.
The 21-year-old has scored just five goals in 22 appearances for the 55-time winners of the Scottish League. He has only been on loan since January, having played the first half of the season for Wolves, yet has not really had a major impact during his time north of the border.
He is clearly a capable goalscorer, scoring ten goals in just 19 caps for Portugal U21s, although he is yet to bring that form over to his club football, at either Wolves or Rangers.
Fabio Silva
Silva has previously been on two other loan deals, at Anderlecht and PSV last season. In the first half of the season, he scored 11 goals and registered four assists in 32 games in Belgium, whilst his spell in the Netherlands yielded five goals and two assists in 19 games.
Fabio Silva's salary in 2024
With Silva’s current deal at Ibrox set to expire soon, it certainly leaves the Old Gold with a decision about his future this summer. Indeed, given his goalscoring form during both his time at Molineux and on his various moves away, it may well make sense to move him on.
Not only that, he earns a lot of money, more than a lot of players in the Wolves squad. Silva is currently on £80k-per-week, according to FBref. That is more than the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, who earns £70k-per-week, and both Cunha and Neto, who earn £50k-per-week, according to Capology.
In fact, only Pablo Sarabia earns more than the 21-year-old. The Spaniard is the top earner at Wolves, with £90k-per-week, with Nelson Semedo the only player matching his earnings.
Wolves striker Fabio Silva.
Given the large amount of weekly wages spent on Silva, plus his lack of form in front of goal, it could well be the right thing to sell him this summer. However, Wolves will be lucky to recoup much of the £35.6m they spent on the striker. He was, at the time, the club's record signing.
With that being said, it will still be important money off the wage books, and extra funds for O’Neil to spend this summer, as he looks to build on an impressive first season at the helm at Molineux.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers must forget about their poor finish to the 2023/24 Premier League season and think ahead to the summer transfer window.
If Gary O’Neil can raise funds by selling a few players while making a handful of smart signings, the Old Gold can certainly target a top-half finish next season.
He might be forced to sell a few players who have been his favourites this season, most notably Jose Sa.
Wolves transfer news
According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Wolves are one of the clubs showing interest in Burnley goalkeeper Aro Muric ahead of the summer transfer window.
He could cost the Molineux side around £10m if they decide to make a concrete move for the former Manchester City starlet, meaning O’Neil may have to raise funds somehow.
Sa has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, according to the Sun last month. The Portuguese ‘keeper will be 32 halfway through the 2024/25 campaign, indicating that this summer might be the best chance to cash in on the player.
If so, they could make a move to bring Muric to the club as his replacement.
Why Aro Muric should replace Jose Sa
Muric began his senior career at City, making a total of five appearances for the first team under Pep Guardiola, who praised him following an EFL Cup clash against Leicester City back in 2018.
"Aro is so big and the pressure for the opponents is not easy because his reactions are so quick," said the Spaniard about his display, yet he failed to establish himself in Manchester, going on loan spells to Turkey, the Netherlands and Spain before settling down at Burnley.
This season, the Kosovan has made ten appearances in the Premier League, sharing duties between the posts with James Trafford.
The 25-year-old has impressed in these matches, however, and after game week 33 in April, Muric was leading the way in terms of save percentage, conceding five goals from 26 shots faced – a success rate of 83.9% – as he began to showcase his talents in the top flight.
Muric’s distribution was also excellent during his ten league matches, succeeding with 88% of his passes inside his own half while averaging 68.8 touches per game, showing how comfortable he is on the ball, along with his ability to build play from the back.
In comparison, Sa averaged only 38.3 touches of the ball per game during the 2023/24 campaign, while also holding an 88% pass success rate in his own half.
His presence between the posts would be missed should O’Neil cash in on him during the summer, but if a big money offer arrives, he may have no choice but to accept it, especially considering the financial implications if Wolves spend without bringing some money in.
At £10m, the 6 foot 6 Muric could be a sensible replacement for the Old Gold. He now has experience in the top flight while arguably not even hitting his peak years yet.
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Tottenham Hotspur are said to be "intent" on trying to bring in a £100,000-per-week Man City target after sealing a loan extension for Timo Werner.
Spurs still looking to bolster forward options after Werner deal
On Tuesday evening, Spurs officially announced their first deal of the summer transfer window before it even opened, as the Lilywhites reached an agreement to extend Werner's loan deal from RB Leipzig by a further year.
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The 28-year-old originally joined on a half-season temporary deal from Leipzig in January, which included the option to make it permanent for around £15 million, but the new terms allow Tottenham to keep Werner for an additional full season for just the cost of paying his full £165,000-per-week wages.
The renewed agreement also hands Spurs chairman Daniel Levy a discount on Werner if he wishes to sign him permanently. Indeed, Tottenham now have an option to buy Werner at around £8.5 million next summer – a considerable drop on the previous fee.
Tottenham 3-1 Crystal Palace
7.68
Tottenham 3-2 Brentford
7.36
Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham
7.00
West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
6.95
Tottenham 2-1 Brighton
6.91
While concerns surround the former Chelsea star's wasteful finishing at times, Werner got off to a great start at Spurs with two goals and three assists in just a handful of his first top flight games in north London.
His burst of pace and tendency to threaten in the attacking areas would undoubtedly have been a significant factor in manager Ange Postecoglou's decision to stick with Werner. Even though Tottenham have tied him down for another campaign, reliable media sources claim supporters are likely to see other attacking signings arrive this summer.
Spurs have registered a reported interest in Wolves winger Pedro Neto, among other big Premier League names, to upgrade Postecoglou's wide options. Both Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil are expected to depart Tottenham this summer, so technical director Johan Lange will need to source replacements if they do leave.
Tottenham intent on signing Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze
As per GiveMeSport, another player attracting interest from N17 is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The Englishman, who scored 11 goals and bagged four assists in the Premier League for Oliver Glasner's side last term, is also wanted by Man City and Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola is believed to be personally targeting the winger, but Tottenham are intent on signing Eze this summer and ready to battle for his signature. On a reported £100,000-per-week at Selhurst Park, Palace apparently value him at around £60 million for any interested sides.
Last summer, Liverpool's desperation for a new holding midfielder was rather patent.
Fabinho had been sold to Al-Ittihad for £40m in July after losing his legs somewhere at the start of the 2022/23 campaign; he did not find them. James Milner and a host of others had left upon the expiry of their contracts, while Jordan Henderson was also sold after refusing a role of diminishing importance.
But with every skewing transfer rumour, for every batted-away bid for Romeo Lavia, for every £111m British-record-transfer-move offer for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, whose heart was set on Stamford Bridge, Liverpool's desperation spread, deepened.
Moises Caicedo
But the £16m signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, a largely unknown 30-year-old midfielder, was not a frantic throw, an accepting roll of the dice – the Japan international was not the first choice but he was identified as a shrewd solution, one which paid off during Jurgen Klopp's final campaign.
But he was never going to be the long-term solution, and now FSG and Michael Edwards and Arne Slot will be eager to find and sign a talented No. 6 with the potential of world-class quality.
Liverpool transfer rumours
According to a report from Calcio Mercato last week, Liverpool are in the mix to sign Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, though it is currently Serie A side Juventus who hold the lead in the race.
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz
Arsenal and Manchester United are also understood to be keeping tabs on the Brazil international, who is valued at around £60m by Unai Emery's side, who qualified for the Champions League with a top-four Premier League finish.
Luiz is not the only name on Edwards' radar but his proven performances in the English top flight speak of the value in fighting for his signature.
Douglas Luiz's season in numbers
The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell has claimed that Luiz is "one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders", and indeed it's hard to refute such claims after his place at the heartland of Aston Villa's success, a central midfielder but also a figure of central significance.
Scoring ten goals and adding as many assists for Villa across all competitions this season, the midfield general was breathtaking and simply irreplaceable in the centre of the park, blending his industrious qualities with a unique attacking ability.
Indeed, as per FBref, the 5 foot 10 star ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 20% for passes attempted per 90, highlighting how he could make a real impact on Slot's first team at Liverpool.
Aston Villa players including Douglas Luiz
What's more, he's actually been compared favourably against Arsenal's Declan Rice by pundit Jermaine Pennant, who said last December: "I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice.
"Creativity wise he's better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz."
Matches played
35
38
Matches started
35
37
Goals
9
7
Assists
5
8
Pass completion
89%
91%
Big chances created
10
9
Key passes
1.5
1.2
Ball recoveries
5.3
4.7
Tackles
1.7
2.2
Duels won
4.2 (51%)
4.1 (52%)
Dribble attempts
0.7 (60%)
0.6 (51%)
Mikel Arteta signed Rice from West Ham United for £105m last summer and, let's be fair, he's one of the leading players of his position worldwide, but Luiz knows his stuff and Pennant's praise might just have some truth to it.
Rice would be the perfect player to strengthen Anfield's engine room but – out on a limb, here – he's probably not available. Therefore, Luiz might just be the best player to move for, perhaps even more so than Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes…
Why Liverpool should sign Douglas Luiz
Liverpool's midfield abounds with high-quality players but Endo isn't the same standard as Manchester City's Rodri, nor Arsenal's Rice. He can stand proud after a successful campaign but Chelsea's Caicedo could yet grow into one of Europe's leading midfielders, having demonstrated his elite skills at 22 years old in testing conditions at Chelsea.
Endo will play a part in Liverpool's squad under Slot but he must not be the principal holding midfielder. As per Spanish sources, Guimaraes is now being considered by Liverpool amid growing reports that the Magpies might need to part with some silver this summer to stay in line with Profit and Sustainability rules.
But Luiz's countryman would not come cheap, with Newcastle hoping for a suitor to pay his €115m (£100m) release clause.
Guimaraes is a brilliant player, with his teammate Dan Burn remarking that he is "world-class", producing a Premier League campaign that displays his strengths across almost every area.
Matches played
37
Matches started
37
Goals
7
Assists
8
Pass completion
85%
Big chances created
12
Key passes per game
1.7
Dribbles per game
1.9
Ball recoveries per game
6.4
Tackles per game
2.4
Duels won per game
7.7
He's rather good. But Guimaraes would cost a fortune and Edwards and FSG will be well aware of the need to enforce changes across a range of positions this summer.
Last year, the Reds pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham following concerns that it would take too hefty a figure to bring the prodigy to Anfield, something that might have proved detrimental given the size of the task in revamping the midfield.
Instead, investment was spread and Liverpool returned to prominence, restoring their place in the Champions League, competing for the Premier League title and winning the Carabao Cup.
Douglas Luiz might not be Guimaraes but he is still a player of high-level acumen – hailed as "incredible" by journalist Zach Lowy – and he would be a wonderful addition to Slot's Liverpool.
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In search of another attacking boost after already welcoming 18-year-old Luis Guilherme, West Ham United are now reportedly interested in signing a player whose quality they've already experienced first-hand.
West Ham transfer news
The Hammers didn't waste any time before getting their summer window started, welcoming Guilherme for a reported £26m. The Brazilian becomes Julen Lopetegui's first signing in what the boss will hope is a sign of things to come in the next few months. Reports certainly suggest that West Ham aren't done there, either, having also been linked with the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri and Chelsea's Raheem Sterling.
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Sterling would be a particularly interesting one. Whilst he didn't have his best season last time out in a struggling Chelsea side, his experience could quickly prove to be invaluable at the London Stadium and his ability at his best, if he reached that level again, would make him an instant standout for the Hammers. That said, it remains to be seen if Chelsea would sell to a London rival this summer.
Instead, West Ham have reportedly turned their attention towards a former Stamford Bridge star. According to Roma Corriere, West Ham are now interested in signing Tammy Abraham, who is valued at €30m (£25m) by AS Roma this summer. The former Chelsea striker has seen his time in Italy derailed by injuries and could now return to England with West Ham, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa all interested in his signature.
The Hammers should be well aware of his quality already too, having seen Abraham score twice in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over them in the 2020/21 season. Tormenting Angelo Ogbonna and Fabián Balbuena on that day, Abraham would certainly have some making up to do at the London Stadium.
With plenty of clubs interested, however, West Ham will have to waste no time if they want to welcome a crucial attacking boost this summer.
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After fighting back from an ACL injury last season, Abraham finds himself at a crossroads at Roma and one that should lead back to the Premier League. There's no doubt that he has the quality for England's top tier, as he proved when handed an opportunity at Chelsea. Now, it is West Ham who should offer him a similar chance.
Appearances
89
Goals
26
Assists
5
Earning the praise of Frank Lampard during his time at Chelsea, the former manager told the club's official website: "I’m delighted with Tammy. He has a really great attitude in training, a desire to score goals and his all-round game was really good as well. Myself and the staff are working closely with him on little bits of his game where I think he can be even better and he’s been very receptive to that."
With the summer transfer window still in its early stages, all signs are pointing towards a busy few months for those at the London Stadium.
The summer transfer window officially opened for business earlier this month and the focus will, understandably, be on who Celtic could sign to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Brendan Rodgers secured two domestic trophies in his first year back at Parkhead, winning the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup, but is still looking to improve his side.
The Hoops have been linked with moves for Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden, and Dundee star Luke McCowan, among others.
However, Rodgers could also strengthen his squad by unleashing some of the talented young players who were out on loan last season, and there is one such prospect who could be the manager's own version of Yaya Toure.
Yaya Toure's style of play
The former Manchester City and Barcelona star was an incredibly powerful box-to-box midfielder who could provide quality in and out of possession.
His strength on and off the ball coupled with his terrific surging runs and fantastic end product in the final third made him a menace to Premier League teams for many years.
Toure racked up 80 goals and 37 assists in 316 appearances throughout his time in England with the Cityzens, which is an average of one goal contribution every 2.7 games.
The 6 foot 2 titan also won 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game throughout his career at club and international level – showing that he was also willing to get stuck in to win possession back for his side.
Who Celtic could make their own Yaya Toure
21-year-old midfielder Bosun Lawal could be unearthed as Rodgers' own version of the retired Ivorian star by unleashing him in the first-team next season.
Like Toure, the Ireland international stands at an imposing 6 foot 2 in the middle of the park and Omer Riza, one of his former coaches at Watford, described him as a "powerful" talent who has the qualities to be "like" the former Premier League sensation.
His form at the base of Fleetwood's midfield in League One last season backs that claim up as the towering colossus showcased his quality in and out of possession.
Starts
40
Goals
6
Goals from outside the box
3
Assists
2
Big chances created
6
As you can see in the table above, Lawal provided an attacking threat from the middle of the park with six goals and six 'big chances' created in 40 matches, with half of his strikes coming from outside of the box.
In the clips above, you can see that Toure was also partial to a goal from distance and the Irish ace could offer a similarly exciting presence on the edge of the box.
Lawal also made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game, 0.2 more per game than the retired legend averaged in his career, and provided a dominant force in midfield.
He won 54% of his duels on the deck and a staggering 74% of his aerial battles, which shows that opposition players rarely got the better of him in physical contests.
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If the 21-year-old colossus can carry his exceptional form in League One over to the Scottish Premiership next season then he could become Rodgers' own version of Yaya Toure in midfield with his qualities on and off the ball, as well as his physically imposing presence.
With Steve Cooper now in the dugout at Leicester City, the Foxes' manager's priority will be to balance replacing outgoing stars with getting in the reinforcements that can help his side stave off relegation from the Premier League next season.
Leicester eager to replace lost star
The big news out of the King Power Stadium so far this summer has been the departure of star player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Chelsea have agreed a £30 million fee to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge, leaving Leicester with work to do in order to fill the void in the middle of the park.
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In return for the English midfielder, Chelsea have let Michael Golding join Leicester in a reported £5 million move. With Golding clearly not the direct replacement for Dewsbury-Hall, the club are now looking at other targets in this area of the pitch.
Recent reports in the Portuguese media have suggested that Leicester City are set to battle against Everton to sign Benfica's Florentino Luis. Having already turned down a £25 million bid for his services, Benfica may require a huge fee to part ways with midfielder this summer.
Whilst part of the priority at Leicester is to replace outgoing stars, the club are also looking to bolster Cooper's side in other areas of the pitch.
Foxes just shy of star's release clause
As first reported by Sport Witness, Leicester City have made a bid in the region of £15 million for CA Talleres’ Ramon Sosa which has been considered as too low by the club's president. The report goes on to claim that the club are holding out for a team to match the winger's release clause which stands at around £15.8m.
Whilst it is clear that the Foxes should have no issue in upping their offer and paying the release clause, it suggests that the Midlands outfit were eager to gauge the Paraguayan's interest with this opening bid.
The left winger, who can play across the front three, had previously been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers with the Foxes perhaps using their opening offer to see if Wolves are still interesting in agreeing a deal for the Paraguay international.
The 24-year-old has sparked interest from England following a stellar season playing in Argentina. Sosa contributed 7 goals and 6 assists in the Argentine Primera División last campaign.
His exploits on the domestic stage earned Sosa a call-up to this summer's Copa America. Prior to the tournament the winger was even named as Paraguay's player to watch by GOAL on a list including the likes of Brazil's Endrick and Man United and Argentina star Garnacho.
Whilst Paraguay have lost both of their opening games at the tournament, Sosa was able to contribute an assist in his nation's 2-1 loss against Colombia. As his side are set to be sent home at the conclusion of the group stage, now could be the time for Leicester to match the release clause and bring the player to the King Power this summer.
Newcastle United’s recent scare with FFP and PSR has been a wake-up call for Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF, with the club needing to operate in a more shrewd manner moving forward if they are to avoid any points deductions in the future.
Everton and Nottingham Forest are just two examples of clubs that have fallen short of the Premier League’s rules, resulting in respective eight and four point deductions.
As a result of their recent transfer business, the Magpies were forced to offload two young talents who undoubtedly had a huge future ahead of them at St James’ Park.
Elliot Anderson for Newcastle
Boyhood Magpie Elliot Anderson and winger Yankuba Minteh both had to be sacrificed to avoid any sanctions, with the latter departing the club after failing to make a single appearance for Howe’s side.
However, the club now have to be brutal in their clear out on Tyneside, offloading one player who hasn’t been the same after his injury layoff towards the back end of last season.
Kieran Trippier’s stats at Newcastle in 2023/24
Despite achieving a tally of ten assists in the Premier League last campaign, right-back Kieran Trippier has endured a difficult few months on Tyneside and is starting to look as though his age is catching up to him.
The 33-year-old arrived at St James’ Park in January 2022 for £12m from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, with the full-back tasked with leading the Magpies’ revival under the Saudi PIF.
There’s no denying the fact he’s been an excellent addition for the club, achieving a total of 21 assists in his 92 appearances – an average of one every 4.3 matches he’s played – helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
Minutes played
2021/22
6
2
0
423'
2022/23
38
1
7
3,348'
2023/24
28
1
10
2,239'
Although he’s been a solid performer for Gareth Southgate during the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament – filling in admirably out of position at left-back – the previous campaign at club level was one to forget, making two notable mistakes against Everton, as well as a costly late error against Chelsea back in December.
With Trippier turning 34 in September, this summer could be the last opportunity for the Magpies to offload him and cut their losses on the £12m they paid for him, as well as shifting his hefty weekly earnings off the wage bill.
Kieran Trippier’s weekly wages at Newcastle United
Upon his move to Tyneside, the full-back signed a contract worth a reported £120k-per-week, as per Capology.
His subsequent weekly earnings are higher than fellow Newcastle star Anthony Gordon who only earns £60k-per-week, despite his stellar campaign at St James’ Park which saw him register 21 goal contributions in the Premier League.
Gordon was faultless during his first full campaign on the Toon, rewarded with an England call-up this summer alongside Trippier.
Trippier also earns more than current midfield target Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been strongly linked with a move to Tyneside after his impressive performances under Nuno Espírito Santo at the City Ground.
The attacking midfielder earns a reported £80k-per-week, but would cost the Magpies at least £50m – a huge figure given their recent FFP troubles.
However, if they are to fund a move for the Forest talisman, they have to brutally part ways with Trippier, with the full-back no longer at the level required of the Magpies if they are to achieve a Champions League spot next season.
Off the back of a decent time in Germany this summer, there may well be a few suitors too.
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The club are still looking to offload players despite the passing of the PSR deadline.