All posts by n8rngtd.top

How the Mumbai teenager beat the odds to turn his dreams into reality

Saurabh Somani16-Oct-20193:14

Yashasvi Jaiswal – the next big thing?

Among the many that are dotted around the city of Mumbai, one of the more famous is Azad Maidan. In 2013 one aspirant who wanted to make it big like countless others, would be at Azad Maidan literally every moment of the day and night.He was working hard, but not just at cricket. He practised, or played, in the day-time. Come evening, he would help sell [a popular Indian snack, often sold on streets] at the ground. In the night, he would sleep in one of the groundsmen’s tents.ALSO READ – Bumrah or Umesh would’ve injured batsmen on Vadodara pitches – Wasim JafferThat was a routine day for Yashasvi Jaiswal, then aged 11, who had come to Mumbai to pursue his cricketing dream. Six years later, the 17-year-old Jaiswal has become the youngest to smash a double-century in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, with 203 off 154 balls for Mumbai against Jharkhand. He is only the third player to hit a double-hundred in the competition, but Jaiswal’s age, his background and his evident talent mark him out.He is one of only four men in this year’s competition to have aggregated over 500 runs. Each of the three above him have had the benefit of eight innings. Jaiswal has played just five – and scored 44, 113, 22, 122 and 203 in those five. He is just 11 runs shy of topping the run charts.”Removing my helmet to acknowledge the landmark was a great feeling,” Jaiswal told ESPNcricinfo after his double-century. “I hope I can keep doing well. This is only the start, I need to work more and go further.”It was a very nice experience in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. I played with so many good players – Shreyas (Iyer) , Surya(kumar Yadav) . They have also taken really good care for me. I’m fortunate to have got such a nice atmosphere.”It’s rare for Jaiswal to be even this effusive. He’s taken the maxim ‘I’ll let my bat do the talking’ to heart. So much that during a chat with ESPNcricinfo earlier in the tournament, he stopped midway through to wonder, “But why am I talking to you?” when describing his early struggles.When the nonplussed reporter told him this was what generally happened during an interview, Jaiswal continued – but with the air of someone at the receiving end of a sales pitch for snake oil. He later explained that because this chat was happening mid-tournament, he was ‘in the zone’. He might have come back to the hotel, but his mind hadn’t left the ground.As it turned out – evidenced by three centuries in his next four innings – he wasn’t just being glib. He must have been ‘in the zone’ on Wednesday too, during his double? “Totally,” he smiled.Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of India’s most promising young batsmen•Yashaswi JaiswalJaiswal’s returns have also come on the back of great performances for age-group sides. In February this year, he made 173 against South Africa Under-19. In Under-19 one-dayers, he’s averaged 53.16 in 13 matches, having passed fifty seven times, including a century against Sri Lanka Under-19 on his first tour.The Jaiswal dream that has become reality happened because he came under the eyes of Jwala Singh, a coach in Mumbai, the city he moved to with his father at a young age. His father owns a small hardware shop and handles the cell-phone towers in the area, but his uncle lives in Mumbai.”My parents live in a small town in Utter Pradesh, Bhadohi. It’s near Varanasi,” he said. “I had come to Mumbai very early with my father, who had work here. Once I came, I wanted to play. I used to play cricket earlier also in UP. Once we were in Mumbai, I was playing casually in Azad Maidan, and I liked it. I was interested only in cricket from an early age. I had thought that I want to play for Mumbai, because Sachin [Tendulkar] sir has played from Mumbai.”My uncle’s house wasn’t so big that I could stay there long term, so I began living in a tent. This was the tent where the groundsmen who prepared the pitches in Azad Maidan stayed. I had to make food myself. I wouldn’t get that much money from home also then. There was a stove there (in the tent). I would buy the raw items, cook them and eat.”

“They [team-mates] still tease me (good-naturedly) about it [selling ]. They would then too, but now that I’ve made it to the Mumbai team, they tease me even more.”Yashasvi Jaiswal

Luckily, the school Jaiswal was going to was very close to Azad Maidan, and it was more or less understood that children joined that school to play cricket more than study.”I kept playing in this fashion, and to earn more money I would sell in the evenings. My father had gone back, I would sell it with my uncle at Azad Maidan itself. I would earn some money from that, and eat. I would do odd jobs here and there too, wherever possible.”Jaiswal didn’t always enjoy selling the snack because he would have to sell to his team-mates often. “How would you feel, if you had to sell stuff to make ends meet and your friends and team-mates were the ones coming to buy, after the day’s play?” he asks rhetorically. “They still tease me (good-naturedly) about it. They would then too, but now that I’ve made it to the Mumbai team, they tease me even more.”What he describes as his life’s ‘biggest turning point’ happened then, with Jwala Singh’s arrival.”Someone told him about my financial difficulties. I was doing well in school cricket then, and sir took me under his wing,” Jaiswal said. “He had a similar story. He too had come to Mumbai without too much money, but he never got someone to support him and help him get ahead. He thought the same thing shouldn’t happen to me. He asked me what I wanted to do and about my current status. I told him everything, and he then said, ‘Okay [son], from now you stay here (in his house) and I will look after everything for you.’ He looked after everything. He is like a god for me and I will always consider him as such. He is the reason I have reached here. But this is just a platform. I have lots of hard work in front of me to rise higher.”Given how he’s done in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the path ahead might have an IPL contract dangling, but Jaiswal insists his focus is “only on the next. The rest, I leave up to god.”Surely his parents must have some plans when his first big pay cheque comes?”My parents don’t have any extravagant needs, they just want me to play cricket well. There is nothing that will make them more proud than me representing my country. Other than that, apart from a place to stay and food to eat, they don’t want anything.”Except for runs? “Lots of them,” he smiled.

Manchester United’s stalemate against neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon solemnly underlined the issues Ruben Amorim is dealing with.

The Portugal tactician inherited a mess and is trying his best, but he’s not going to reach the heights that INEOS will have envisaged when appointing him unless surgery is undertaken in the transfer market this summer.

However, the Red Devils are in a fragile financial state and know that they must trim the blubber from their first-team ranks if they are to make real headway in the transfer market this summer.

Man Utd need to fix their wage bill

Pep Guardiola’s Citizens are the only Premier League club to have a higher reported wage bill than Manchester United. Capology record that Old Trafford is drained some £181m per annum on first-team salaries.

Luckily, a sizeable chunk is all but confirmed to be sliced this summer. Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all into the final months of their deals, which will free a combined £335k per week from the books.

The resurgent Casemiro was widely expected to be sold this summer but he’s been in fine fettle of late and may play a role in the year to come. Albeit, the 33-year-old pockets a bigger pay packet than anyone else of a Man United persuasion.

Chopping away at such players to create room for exciting incomings is the way forward. It’s a daunting task, to be sure, but one that could will Old Trafford back into shape if handled correctly.

Another top earner, Antony, is out on loan at Real Betis, in fairness, and is not expected to return to Amorim’s brood. Freeing up his financial space will be a significant step in the right direction.

The same can be said for United’s other high-earning star currently out on loan.

Man Utd must axe their high earner

Since signing for Aston Villa on loan in January, Marcus Rashford has scored three goals and provided four assists across 12 fixtures.

He has been crucial in driving Unai Emery’s side into the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League last eight, also pushing for a top-four (or five) finish in the Premier League.

However, he was described as a “major problem” by journalist Liam Canning, with performances toward the end of his time under the wing of Amorim proving to be “nothing short of shocking.”

This divorce of positivity and withdrawal of commitment was unacceptable for a player earning a gigantic wage at £300k per week.

But in truth, Rashford’s displays for his boyhood club had petered out over a number of years, with his brilliance over the 2022/23 campaign sadly standing as an outlier now.

Villa have a buy option in their loan deal for the England international, which stands at £40m. Amorim wasn’t happy with him and deserves a clean slate to kickstart his project – of course, given that Rashford has earned north of £55m since making his professional debut, the argument for his permanent sale is only reinforced.

While Rashford has shown in the past that he can be a “goal machine” for Man United, as has been remarked by Statman Dave, there was a real sense of disconnect through the final days of his time at the club, there in the flesh.

He might be thriving at Villa Park, but for a player who has earned such vast sums as a Red Devil and ultimately lost his way, maybe cashing in and starting anew wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

Sweeping changes, at the start of a new INEOS and Amorim era, might just end up bearing fruit.

Amorim's own Salah: Man Utd pushing to sign "Europe's best player" for £67m

Man United need to make a range of impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 7, 2025

Whilst Chelsea fans won’t fully be on board with Enzo Maresca all of the time, it has been evident this season in patches that the Stamford Bridge side are showing some signs of improvement under the ex-Leicester City manager.

Indeed, under the former guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues had to stomach a sixth-place finish come the end of the 2023/24 season, with Maresca steering his team to fifth in the overall rankings at the moment with an ambition to break into the top four.

Still, it’s fair to say the West London outfit are a work in progress when contrasted with their former Premier League title-winning glories, with one new face already being lined up to join the ranks this approaching summer to enhance the Blues.

Chelsea want to sign "one of the best players in Europe"

Much of the transfer chatter surrounding Chelsea in recent weeks has revolved around two of the Premier League’s finest young players.

Indeed, reports suggest that the Blues want to sign Ipswich forward Liam Delap and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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

Not just content with raiding England for the best young talent, Todd Boehly and Co may also look towards Serie A.

Indeed, as per reports from Spain, a whole host of European giants are now looking to land Como star Nico Paz, with his ex-employers in Real Madrid holding a buy-back option of £7.7m if activated this year.

This won’t deter Maresca’s men, however, who are also named as another suitor looking at the explosive attacking midfielder, alongside further interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St. Germain.

How Paz possesses shades of Lampard

Recently hailed as “one of the best young players in Europe” by football social media account SCOUTED, Chelsea will hope they can land the up-and-coming 20-year-old to boost their attacking options, away from over-relying on faces such as Cole Palmer in the number ten role.

Moreover, Paz even possesses shades of Frank Lampard’s terrifying attacking game, strutting his stuff for Cesc Fabregas’ Como, meaning the promising Spaniard could take to the Premier League well on his potential arrival.

Before going on further about Paz’s electric campaign in Italy to date, it’s worth reminding everyone how much of an attacking threat Lampard was during his celebrated Stamford Bridge stay.

The now-retired 46-year-old would go on to bag a startling 211 strikes for his much-loved Blues, adding in a further 147 assists along the way from 648 outings.

Paz will have to play out of his skin to ever reach this bumper total if a move to England came to fruition, but there are signs from his overall attacking game at Como now that he could take the Premier League by storm by picking up assists and goals aplenty.

Indeed, the slick 6 foot 1 attacker has certainly had a breakout season in the senior game after regularly showing off his quality in Madrid youth circles, leading to all this frenzied interest popping up from Chelsea and beyond.

Looking at the table above, some similarities to Lampard already begin to stick out from Paz’s blistering numbers for the season, with both the 20-year-old and the current Coventry City manager in his prime content at testing the opposition goalkeeper with many efforts on goal during a contest.

Moreover, Paz also has the firepower to find the back of the net and assist teammates away from merely looking lively, with 13 goal contributions tallied up from 25 Serie A starts, more than piquing the interest of Maresca and Co.

It’s that ability to find the net with regularity from midfield that evokes the most memories of Lampard, with Paz notably scoring five of his league goals over a spread of nine matches throughout the middle stages of the campaign. If he’s doing that aged 20, just imagine the numbers he could generate in his prime.

The Italian occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout will hope Paz can come in and be an instant success with the 45-year-old already getting the best out of some of the youngsters at his disposal, as seen in academy product Tyrique George netting versus Fulham last match.

Further, Lampard himself was only a wide-eyed prospect when he entered the building back in 2001, with Paz hopeful he can be a top star in the years to follow if a switch takes place.

Top 2% for dribbling: Chelsea now keen on signing "monstrous" £80m PL star

The Blues have registered their interest in one of the Premier League’s standout players this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 21, 2025

The EFL announced the shortlists for their end-of-season awards earlier this week, and Sheffield United have one of their stars in the running for the Player of the Year award.

Dutch attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer is one of three players up for the Player of the Year trophy, alongside Burnley’s James Trafford and Leeds United’s Dan James.

The former Coventry City star’s performances for the Blades this season have contributed to him being the most valuable player in the current squad.

Gustavo Hamer's current market value

At the time of writing (18/04/2025), as per Transfermarkt, Hamer is currently valued at £12.8m, which makes him the most valuable player at Bramall Lane, which seems fair when you consider that he is in contention to be named the best player in the Championship.

The 27-year-old dynamo has proven his worth to Chris Wilder’s team by providing quality as both a scorer and a creator at the top end of the pitch from a wide or central midfield position.

In the Championship so far this season, Hamer has scored eight goals from 4.68 xG and been rewarded with six assists from ten ‘big chances’ created, which shows that he has been clinical in front of goal and unfairly compensated as a creative force.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

There is a former Sheffield United player, however, who is currently worth even more than the Dutch wizard, having left the Blades fairly recently – Iliman Ndiaye.

Iliman Ndiaye's current market value

The club cashed in on the Senegal international in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £20m, selling him to Marseille, as they did not want to run the risk of him leaving on a free transfer in 2024.

Despite leaving Bramall Lane for a fee of up to £20m, Ndiaye’s market value on Transfermarkt has fluctuated over the last couple of seasons.

As you can see in the table above, the Senegalese forward’s Transfermarkt value has been up and down in recent seasons but is currently at the highest point it has been in his career at £18.8m.

This means that he is currently worth even more than Championship Player of the Year nominee Hamer, thanks to his performances for Everton in the Premier League this season.

The 25-year-old attacker, who was once dubbed “unplayable” by Billy Sharp, has scored seven goals from 4.99 xG in 24 starts in the top-flight for the Toffees, helping them to push clear of the relegation battle this term.

Ndiaye has proven himself in the Premier League at Goodison Park, and Sheffield United must rue that they only got to enjoy his talents for 11 minutes in the division in the 2020/21 campaign, selling him to Marseille after their promotion in 2023.

Worth more than Ballard: Sheffield United have hit gold on "dominant" star

Sheffield United already have a dominant performer defensively in this standout star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 16, 2025

Hopefully, Hamer can make the step up and soar in value to be on par with Ndiaye, or even more valuable than him, if the Blades achieve promotion this season.

A “dynamic” Crystal Palace academy talent is wanted by some big clubs in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Ins and outs expected at Crystal Palace this summer

The Eagles have once again enjoyed a solid season in the Premier League, preserving their top-flight status for another year and reaching the FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month.

It could be a busy summer at Palace both in terms of incomings and outgoings, with star man Eberechi Eze linked with a move to Manchester United. The south Londoners will do well to keep hold of the England international, but they will of course only allow him to leave for big money.

In terms of possible signings, Holstein Kiel striker Phil Harres has been touted as an option for the Eagles, with the 23-year-old scoring eight goals in the Bundesliga this season. Wolves are also thought to be in the mix to sign him.

Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has also been backed to move to Palace ahead of next season, following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. The 28-year-old would be an experienced addition to Oliver Glasner’s midfield.

"Dynamic" Crystal Palace ace a wanted man

Taking to X on Monday, Romano claimed that Crystal Palace youngster Hindolo Mustapha is wanted by a host of clubs this summer, including Eredivisie giants Ajax and Feyenoord.

Losing Mustapha so early in his career would be a shame for Palace, considering he is among the most eye-catching young players at the club.

The 18-year-old has registered 35 goal contributions (17 goals and 18 assists) in 59 appearances for the Eagles’ Under-18s and Under-21s combined, and analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him for his “dynamic” style of play.

For that reason, sending Mustapha on loan for the 2025/26 season arguably makes more sense than allowing him to leave on a permanent basis.

£50m Crystal Palace star tells chiefs he wants out amid Man Utd interest

A Crystal Palace star is now ready to start a new challenge at the end of this season.

By
Brett Worthington

May 2, 2025

Palace could then reassess the situation this time next year, looking at how well he has done on loan and weighing up whether he is a long-term part of the club’s plans or not.

Everton picked up their ninth Premier League victory of the season on the road at Fulham as David Moyes’ men fought back to clinch a 3-1 victory.

After Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham in the first half, it looked as if another grim defeat was going to be put by Everton’s name. However, a fight-back kick-started by Ukrainian full-back Vitaly Mykolenko would get the ball rolling, leading to the Toffees running out as 3-1 winners.

Away from the defender equalising, however, there were a number of star performers from Everton’s perspective in attack which included Beto putting in another lively display up top.

Beto's performance in numbers

Of course, there has been a lot of chatter suggesting that Beto could be on the radar of newly promoted Leeds United this summer.

But, off the back of another impressive showing at Craven Cottage, he could be Everton’s new main focal point in the striker position, away from any move being signed off on for him to exit Merseyside.

Beto would make sure of all three points when racing forward late on, leading to the ex-Udinese attacker curling an effort past Bernd Leno on the 73rd minute mark.

Away from this moment of magic beating the German, Beto would end the game with a mammoth 11 duels won in total, alongside the lively 6 foot 4 striker also tallying up a further two efforts on goal to try and make his team’s win more comprehensive in West London.

But, whilst the Portuguese forward would ensure Everton collected all three points, there was another teammate in the attacking areas who stole the show and proved why he could go on to be a £100m talent like Manchester City-linked Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Everton ace who's a future £100m star

It was a very positive showing from Everton all over the pitch, with Jordan Pickford having to stay alert in between the sticks by making five saves, away from the likes of Beto remaining clinical in front of goal.

Yet, although he wouldn’t get on the scoresheet himself during the 3-1 win, Carlos Alcaraz would stand out throughout as a dangerous forward presence, with the Argentine winger showing why he’s deemed to be statistically similar to Nottingham Forest star-man Gibbs-White, among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, according to FBref.

Much like Gibbs-White, who boasts nine assists next to his name this season, the South American would tee up Beto for the game-clinching moment at Craven Cottage, alongside also showing off his prowess in front of goal when firing two efforts at Leno’s net that just went astray.

Winning three duels too, Alcaraz proved throughout that he could go on to be as lively and as creative as his English counterpart if snapped up permanently by Moyes and Co, having largely impressed in Everton blue since his January loan switch from Flamengo.

Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley would hand out a high 7/10 rating to Alcaraz post-match, subsequently stating that the ex-Southampton man ‘spectacularly’ grew into the contest, leading to a much-deserved win occurring on Everton’s travels.

With one goal and three assists next to his name this season in the Premier League, it will be intriguing to see if the Toffees do land Alcaraz’s signature on a permanent soon, with the same adoration handed out to Gibbs-White at the City Ground now happening with the 22-year-old at his new location, culminating in his name being heartily chanted at the full-time whistle at Craven Cottage.

Whatever does happen in the summer with Alcaraz, Moyes will just hope between now and then that the wins keep being notched up in league action, with a promising new horizon already coming into view at Bramley Moore.

Big Calvert-Lewin upgrade: Everton readying bid for "exquisite" CF

David Moyes wants to add a new striker to his Everton ranks this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 6, 2025

Arsenal have proved to be a day late and a dollar short this season, with injuries and the after-effects of dithering in the transfer market leaving Mikel Arteta with another trophyless campaign.

But progress is hardly a linear thing in football, and only the blind or negligent would fail to see the immense gains the Gunners have made over the past five years. Now, though, it’s time for action.

A luckless year on the injury front might have formed the crux of the on-field issues, but careful moves over the coming months could see the north Londoners go from strength to strength, having proven their credentials with an excellent Champions League effort, defined by the two-legged thrashing of Real Madrid.

Signing an elite-level striker is a given, with more needed on the left and right wings too. Making such moves with confidence and clarity could change a lot for the outfit, especially in bringing Martin Odegaard back into the ascendancy.

How Arteta can fix Martin Odegaard

Odegaard’s form has been dissected ad nauseum this season, the Norwegian playmaker returning from injury and still searching for that elusive flame that has powered his success since signing for the club in August 2021 for £30m, having initially joined on loan earlier that year.

Context is important, and not only have Arsenal been disrupted by an overload of injuries, one of the most damaging concerned the skipper, who returned in November after several months out but has struggled to get back into gear.

There’s still a lot to like. As per FBref, Odegaard ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90, but his influence, decision-making and decisiveness have all left plenty to be desired.

The 25-year-old’s ‘lack of adventure’ is something he will need to rectify, but sporting director Andrea Berta can certainly help him by securing some new forwards to feed on Odegaard’s creativity.

He might not be the priority, but this one could help restore the Scandinavian superstar.

Arsenal chasing £70m forward

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are in the mix for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, no doubt emboldened by the fact he’s a boyhood Gunners supporter.

Transfer Focus

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

As a result of that fact, it’s alleged that the player is ‘very open’ to moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer, giving Arsenal hope that a deal could be done if they were to send in an offer.

Bournemouth are looking for a £70m fee, which is likely too tall, but the Ghanaian’s desire to move to the Emirates Stadium could help Arteta as he searches for Bukayo Saka competition on the right.

Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation, sure, but Manchester United are also big admirers and need a right-sided forward more than the Gunners.

Why Semenyo can fix Odegaard

Semenyo has been described as a goalscorer with “deadly precision” by Opta analyst Owurako Ampofo, two-footed and thus incredibly hard to read.

He’s a maverick, the stylish and fleet-footed profile required to make a difference at Arsenal and add a dimension on which Odegaard can focus, tighten, to bring himself back into form.

Aggressive and powerful, Semenyo has been one of the main drivers for Bournemouth this season, scoring 11 goals and supplying seven assists across all competitions.

A right-sided forward might not be Arsenal’s priority, but there’s no question a player of Semenyo’s ilk would add the depth and dynamism that has been lacking this season.

Should Saka fall to injury again, for example, it’s paramount that competition is prudently sourced to combat such a possibility.

Described as a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo carries a certain likeness to Arsenal’s talisman, which could see him fit snugly into Arteta’s system.

Moreover, it hands Odegaard a new forward to play with an intuitive understanding of his style of play. Of course, the fact that he’s a ball-striking machine doesn’t hurt either.

As FBref record, Semenyo ranks among the top 5% of Premier League positional peers this term for shots taken per 90 (3.57), emphasising his hunger for goals, his hunger to influence.

The Ghana international, furthermore, is not restricted to a single positional placement. In fact, his ability to make out on the left or even in a more central berth suggests Arteta could use him with Saka and Odegaard, a frightening thought for the Londoners’ opponents.

Semenyo wouldn’t be the solvent of Arsenal’s inconsistencies by himself, especially if ferried about numerous positions, but he could plug some yawning holes and latch onto Odegaard’s playmaking.

His multi-tooled style of play is further defined by his ability to score from every angle. As per Sofascore, Semenyo has scored five Premier League goals with his left foot, four with his right. He’s missed 12 big chances, so he isn’t the most accurate shooter in the business, but given the staggering number of shots he likes to get off, a slight profligacy can be forgiven.

Especially if he’s being supplied by Odegaard at the top of his game. The £240k-per-week midfielder’s return to the fore is a matter of time, make no mistake about that.

But his issues across the current year, injuries aside, are part of a wider Arsenal problem that could be solved quite simply through the acquisition of a new centre-forward, plus two wingers, one for either side.

Of course, in the Cherries winger, Arsenal get one who can compete on both flanks and has proven himself an able goalscorer either way. Having created 11 big chances and won 6.3 duels per game too, he’s very much that high-level athlete, both combative and creative, who could have a marked impact on the Arsenal resurgence, which maybe, just maybe, will see Arteta’s project reach apotheosis.

Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

By
Matt Dawson

May 18, 2025

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be set to lose one of Daniel Farke’s key men amid reports that a European club have now opened talks in pursuit of his signature.

Leeds United's summer plans after promotion

With the Championship season concluded, and the title secured, Leeds have instantly turned their attention towards the summer transfer window ahead of their Premier League return. Those at Elland Road will be desperate to avoid the same mistakes as those promoted before them in recent years, who instantly suffered relegation, and the ambition of the 49ers may well ensure that they do exactly that.

Big Piroe upgrade: Leeds leading the race to sign "outstanding" PL star

Leeds are leading the race to sign a Premier League star who would be a big upgrade on Joel Piroe.

By
Dan Emery

May 18, 2025

Chairman Paraag Marathe reiterated the 49ers’ desire to turn Leeds into a top club once again rather than simply just survive in England’s top flight. He told reporters once promotion was sealed: “Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty makes this much more rewarding and makes this so special,” said Marathe on the bus.

“This is a journey and this is not the end. We have to keep going. This is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

While talk is often cheap, reports suggest that the Leeds owners are ready to put their money where their mouths are this summer, with links to the likes of Kostas Tsimikas already emerging.

The Liverpool left-back has reportedly attracted the interest of those at Elland Road fresh from becoming a Premier League champion at Anfield and could be on the move.

As the Reds’ second-choice behind Andy Robertson, the Greek international may yet decide to call it quits in Merseyside in pursuit of a starting place. Following the latest update on Junior Firpo’s Elland Road future too, Leeds would be an ideal destination this summer.

Lazio in talks to sign Firpo from Leeds

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Lazio are now in talks to sign Firpo at the end of his current Leeds deal next month. The left-back is in talks over putting pen to paper on a new contract in Yorkshire, but the prospect of his Elland Road exit is now a growing possibility.

AC Milan and Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Firpo, and his agent has offered the left-back to Lazio after meeting sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani.

An experienced defender, who earns more than £3m-a-year at the club, Leeds should feel frustrated by Firpo’s likely exit after securing promotion to the Premier League. It goes without saying, however, that it’s one they must get over quickly before finding an instant replacement.

In what looks like his final season at the club, Firpo received high praise from Farke. The Leeds boss told reporters in September: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

Following Saturday’s gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat in the Scottish Cup Final, all Celtic supporters have turned their attention to the club’s plans for the summer.

Before they are next in action, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to have a few new signings he can showcase, with some key areas clearly to address at Parkhead.

Kieran Tierney is set to arrive at left-back, while a replacement may also be needed for the injury-stricken Jota on the flanks. Kyogo Furuhashi arguably hasn’t been properly replaced since he left in January either.

But, where does their latest target feature?

Celtic's latest transfer target

According to a report by Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex, Celtic are ‘interested’ in Djurgardens’ defender Keita Kosugi, claiming that Paris Saint-Germain have also made a move to secure his services.

The 19-year-old spent his youth career with Shonan Bellmare, before travelling to Sweden for a trial with Djurgarden in March 2024, impressing to such an extent that the Blue Stripes rewarded him with a four-year contract less than a week after his 18th birthday.

How Kosugi could be Celtic's latest Asian success story

Something of an attacking threat from left-back in a similar mould to Tierney, the defender has made 43 appearances for the Stockholm-based giants, scoring five goals.

He was notably on target against both Víkingur Reykjavík and Rapid Wien during their historic run to the Conference League semi-finals, bagging a stunning equaliser during the quarter-final comeback in Vienna.

It’s that star quality that could see him be an enormous success story in Scotland, just as his fellow countrymen have been since the Ange Postecoglou era.

Indeed, to date, eight Japanese players have made a senior appearance for Celtic, many of whom have made a massive impression.

Shunsuke Nakamura was the first, with Ryan Benson of Opta’s the Analyst noting that he is ‘one of the best free-kick takers of all-time’, and many of his compatriots have followed since.

Four of the eight Japanese players have had a huge impact at Celtic, two of whom remain key figures in Rodgers’ team right now.

Daizen Maeda picked up all of this season’s individual accolades, Celtic’s player of the year, PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year and rightly so, considering he scored 33 goals in all competitions.

The forward arrived in 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos for just £1.5m, which has proved to be an absolute bargain, so could Kosugi represent similarly excellent value for money?

Well, Han June of Football Asian believes the left-back to be “one of Asia’s hottest young prospects”, praising his “fearless defending”.

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is impressed by his ‘pace…work rate…versatility and technique’, among other attributes, labelling him ‘a modern defender’.

As the table outlines, Kosugi is a very well-rounded player, impressing both in and out of possession, supporting Kulig’s assertion that he is an “exciting talent”.

Writer Kai Watson believes he is an “excellent prospect”, noting that Kosugi is a “promising attacking threat” as well as being “defensively… superb”, regularly “winning the ball back to drive forward”.

Thus, with Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp set to depart, even with Tierney poised to return, Kosugi has all the attributes to be Celtic’s latest Japanese sensation.

He's like Gareth Bale: Celtic eyeing "Rolls-Royce" who'd be Johnston 2.0

Celtic are eyeing a Gareth Bale-esque star who could be Alistair Johnston 2.0.

By
Dan Emery

May 28, 2025

There’s been a lack of activity in the transfer market so far this summer from Newcastle United, but fans shouldn’t worry; Eddie Howe’s side are looking to make several signings.

Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, the Magpies faithful will expect the squad to be rewarded for their Herculean efforts, winning the Carabao Cup too.

But sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down at the end of the month, and frustrations are already reaching boiling point for some given transfer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear to be headed elsewhere.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures, earning praise from Thomas Frank for his “unplayable” attacking performances.

However, with Mbeumo seemingly out of reach, Newcastle are turning their attention elsewhere, and might have found an exciting option perhaps not yet discussed by the biggest channels.

Newcastle enter race for Mbeumo alternative

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the running for versatile RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa, though they are joined in their interest by a host of clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Valued at €45m (£38m), the 20-year-old has only been playing in Germany for a year but has made good progress, showcasing his range of attacking qualities. Thus, he could be snapped up before his stock rises higher still.

While there haven’t been any official proposals from the suitors yet, bids may materialise quickly, so Newcastle might be wise to act now and bring a top talent to St. James’ Park – one who might even outgrow Mbeumo in the future.

What Antonio Nusa would bring to Newcastle

Hailed as a “future icon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nusa has impressed across his maiden campaign in Germany, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across 36 appearances.

The Norwegian talent has yet to find the kind of goalscoring form that has defined Mbeumo’s time in the Premier League, but there’s more to his skill set than that.

In the Champions League, particularly, he impressed. As per FBref, Nusa ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s elite competition for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a long road ahead for Nusa if he wishes to prove himself as a better signing than Mbeumo in the future, but his underlying data certainly suggests he has what it takes.

Nusa is still very young – five years Mbeumo’s junior, in fact – but you can already see a combativeness and efficiency in his ball-carrying that suggests he too could sustain complete performances in the Premier League.

Moreover, the Norway international might not have converted that many chances, but he only missed one big chance in the Bundesliga last term, highlighting an underlying clinical edge that Howe could harness over the coming years, using the player’s pace and power to get him into dangerous positions.

Mbeumo will cost a pretty penny to prise from Brentford this summer, and given the strength of Newcastle’s existing frontline, adding an up-and-coming talent who can challenge for places might just be the winning formula for Howe’s side, as they step back onto the continent’s biggest stage.

Mbeumo & Pedro hybrid: Newcastle confident of signing "dangerous" £55m star

Newcastle are looking for a versatile forward

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 13, 2025