Mbeumo's dream CF: 30-goal striker now wants to join Man Utd this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has dominated the news around Manchester United over the last couple of weeks, with the attacker firmly on the lips of all supporters.

The Brentford star has become one of the Premier League’s leading talismen, after registering 20 goals under Thomas Frank in the capital throughout last season.

As a result of his goalscoring form, the Red Devils have been firmly in the race to land the 25-year-old, even making two separate bids for his signature this window.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

The latest offer of around £62.5m, including add-ons, was rejected, with Keith Andrews’ side holding out for £70m to part ways with the Cameroonian during the off-season.

He’s also stated his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, potentially linking up with a new striker should he make the move to join Ruben Amorim’s side ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Victor Osimhen has once again reemerged on United’s shortlist this summer, with the Nigerian a player who’s been subject to interest after scoring 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season.

He’s not the only striker who’s been in their sights, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still a player they want to sign, despite the Swede stating his desire to join Arsenal.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Ivan Toney a player on their radar, according to Football Insider’s latest update.

They claim that the English forward appears to be keen on a return to the Premier League, moving back to his homeland after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli less than 12 months ago.

The report also states that the Red Devils hierarchy have been watching the 29-year-old in recent weeks and that Toney ‘wants’ to join the club after scoring 30 goals in his 44 appearances in the Saudi League.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect ST for Mbeumo

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has been a player who has caught the eye of many supporters across the country, with his talents leading to United’s keen interest in his signature.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

However, he’s often starred in a right-wing role, a position that he will have to switch from if he moves to Old Trafford, likely operating in a number ten role behind the striker.

It’s a position that he could thrive in under Amorim, especially if the Red Devils can secure a deal for the Cameroonian international along with former teammate Toney.

The 25-year-old previously starred alongside the English striker in London, with the pair operating alongside each other for four seasons, helping the Bees win promotion from the Championship and subsequently securing their top-flight status.

In the 2020/21 campaign, the pair registered 59 combined goals and assists between them, with Toney scoring 31 times and Mbeumo providing 10 assists – with both tallies being the highest at the club.

Bryan Mbeumo & Ivan Toney’s stats together at Brentford (2020-2024)

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

42

13

10

2022/23

71

29

12

2021/22

68

16

12

2020/21

95

38

20

Total:

276

96

54

Stats via FotMob

The pair topped both of the respective categories in three of the four years they spent together at Brentford, with the only exception coming in 2023/24 after the striker was banned for betting offences.

Despite not starring together anymore in the present day, Toney, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Simon Stone, has still managed to score 30 times in 2024/25, ten more than Mbeumo’s tally.

However, the pair’s respective goalscoring tallies combined from last season are higher than the Red Devils managed as a whole squad, showcasing the added threat the pair would bring to Old Trafford.

With the former Bees striker seemingly wanting to join Amorim’s side this summer, it is a deal worth exploring, with the Englishman having the experience of finding the back of the net in England’s top flight.

If Mbeumo also makes the move, the pair could replicate the form they produced in the capital, potentially playing a massive role together again and helping United push for a place in Europe next season.

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Newcastle want to sign Man Utd ace on loan but INEOS prefer £40m transfer

Newcastle United are now keen on signing a Manchester United star on loan, but the Red Devils are looking for a permanent transfer instead, according to a recent report.

Newcastle hold talks for Premier League stars

The Magpies are back in the Champions League next season, and given they will want to be competitive in both that and the Premier League, it can be expected that they will have their eye on making a few signings this summer to bolster their depth.

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Signing a new centre-back could be high on the agenda, given the ages of the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn and the fact that Jamaal Lascelles looks set to be leaving St James’ Park at the end of the month.

It’s been reported this week that Newcastle are in fact in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke over a transfer to the North East this summer. Talks have begun with the player’s representatives ahead of the club making contact with the Seagulls, who are looking to get around £60 million for the defender.

As well as holding talks over signing a new defender, The Athletic have reported that Newcastle have held internal talks over signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The forward has a release clause worth £75 million, and it is believed the Hammers are open to selling Kudus, given he has fallen out of favour under manager Graham Potter. The pursuit of Kudus could be seen as an alternative to Bryan Mbeumo, and they are not the only forwards on their list, as the Magpies are also weighing up a move for another Premier League attacker.

Newcastle want to winger Man Utd ace on loan

According to The Sun, Newcastle are interested in signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal.

The Englishman looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer, and the Magpies are now ready to make their move, as they believe they can offer him the right stage to get his career back on track. Rashford isn’t seen as a player to replace Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a move away.

However, there is a stumbling block, as the Red Devils would prefer a permanent exit, following his loan spell at Aston Villa.

Rashford himself meanwhile, who has been dubbed “world-class” by his United teammate Luke Shaw in the past, is believed to see Barcelona as his preferred destination, but the Spanish side have their eyes on other targets. Villa decided against the option they had to buy, and that means he is now set to return to United pre-season training next month as things stand.

Marcus Rashford’s Premier League stats

Apps

297

Goals

89

Assists

52

It’s been claimed that United would like to sell Rashford this summer if they receive a fee of £40 million, but as of yet no club has come forward. Rashford’s potential arrival at Newcastle would not only see him fight for a spot alongside Isak, but he would also have the likes of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes to deal with, both players who have been key under Eddie Howe.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich

Nottingham Forest have now tabled an offer to sign a “brilliant” £13 million winger from Championship side Norwich City, according to a new report.

Harry Toffolo reacts to City Ground exit as Nottingham Forest identify his replacement

As every club does at this time of the year, Forest announced their retained list this week, and they revealed that left-back Harry Toffolo will be leaving the club once his contract expires at the end of this month.

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Toffolo joined the club back in 2022 and made 57 appearances for the Reds, but he only played four times in the Premier League last season, so his departure may not come as too much of a surprise. After confirming his exit, Toffolo took to social media to thank the club and stated Forest and the supporters have “given me moments I’ll never forget” and the current crop of players are a “special group”.

Toffolo’s exit from the City Ground means Forest are likely to be in the market for a new left-back, and according to Ben Jacobs, they have made an approach to sign Reinildo on a free transfer. The defender is set to stay with Atlético Madrid for the Club World Cup, but once that is finished, he is expected to depart. As well as Forest, Sunderland, Leeds and teams from Saudi Arabia and Turkey have also made offers to sign him.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" Sainz

It is not just a new left-back that is on the Reds’ agenda, as according to Spanish outlet Marca, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest have submitted a £13 million bid to sign Borja Sainz from Norwich.

Portuguese side FC Porto had already submitted a bid for Sainz, and now Forest’s bid has matched that of Porto. The report claims that the Canaries are weighing up the offers, but they may not get an answer back straight away, and that is because Athletic Bilbao have identified the Championship winger as someone who could replace Nico Williams, should he leave this summer.

The former Spain under-19 international scored 18 goals and registered four assists in 41 Championship games this season. He ended the campaign as the league’s second-highest goalscorer alongside Burnley’s Josh Brownhill, averaging 0.45 goals per game and a goal conversion rate of 15%.

Borja Sainz’s Norwich City stats

Apps

82

Goals

27

Assists

6

Forest do already have the likes of Callum Hudson-Odi, Anthony Elanga, and Jota Silva as wide options, but Nuno may want to add more goals and creativity to his side as they have Europe to deal with next season. Sainz really impressed during 2024/25, with former Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup labelling the Spaniard as “brilliant”.

“Also, he raises a good atmosphere with the crowd. He’s one of these players who can create that atmosphere in the stadium.

“He can do something on his own once in a while, and he can do brilliant shots and dribbles and stuff like this. I’ve been pleased with his pressing game because he’s covered a lot of ground. I think he’s definitely moving in the right direction.”

Their own Mbappe: Liverpool make £150m star their dream target after Wirtz

Liverpool’s transfer activity over the last couple of weeks has been nothing short of sensational, with the hierarchy certainly looking to back Arne Slot in the transfer market.

Jeremie Frimpong has already completed his switch from Bayer Leverkusen, with former teammate Florian Wirtz continuously linked with a summer move to Anfield.

The German international has already been subject to a bid from the Reds in recent days, which could see the club break the English transfer record if they complete a deal for his signature.

In recent days, he’s posted on social media, hitting back at claims that he will demand the number 10 shirt if he moves to Merseyside, but didn’t deny that he is close to making the move to England.

Such a move for the 22-year-old would undoubtedly improve the options at the manager’s disposal, creating excitement among the fanbase, but could be joined by another big-money talent at Anfield in 2025/26.

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

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been firmly on Liverpool’s radar over the last couple of months, as Slot looks to add depth to the full-back department in their quest to retain the Premier League title.

The latest reports suggest that the Bournemouth star has already agreed personal terms with the Reds, as the clubs are expected to meet once again to get the deal over the line this summer.

AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez

However, despite the interest at the back, Slot desperately wants attacking reinforcements, with Alexander Isak once again emerging on their shortlist, according to TBR.

The report claims that Slot’s side are still in the market for a new striker, even if Wirtz joins in the coming weeks, with the Newcastle United talisman their number one target this window.

It also states that the Swede, who scored 23 league goals this season, is their dream option within the final third, but could cost a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding a fee in the region of £150m.

Why Liverpool’s £150m target could be Slot’s own Mbappe

Over the last couple of years, Kylian Mbappé has been one of Europe’s leading stars, producing massive numbers within the final third for PSG and Real Madrid.

The French international joined the Spanish giants last summer, scoring 43 times in his 56 appearances, but it wasn’t enough to secure a Champions League triumph, with his former employers getting their hands on the trophy.

His numbers this campaign have been nothing short of remarkable, but he was unable to get the better of the Reds in the clash at Anfield, missing a penalty with Conor Bradley producing a last-ditch tackle to prevent him getting on the scoresheet.

Given his tally of goals, the Reds must wish they had a player who could produce such a tally alongside Mohamed Salah in attacking areas, undoubtedly making them a bigger force to be reckoned with next season.

However, a move for Isak could allow them to have just that, with FBref ranking the Magpies’ talisman as a similar player to Mbappé, based on the figures he’s produced in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

When comparing their respective stats, the Swede has massively outperformed him in key areas, with his talents undoubtedly handing Slot the main focal point he’s desperately craved this summer.

Whilst he’s registered fewer combined goals and assists in 2024/25, Isak has achieved a better goal per shot-on-target rate than the Frenchman, highlighting the threat he poses in front of goal – something which would take the Reds to the next level.

How Alexander Isak compares to Kylian Mbappé in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Isak

Mbappé

Games played

34

34

Goals & assists

29

34

Goal per shot on target rate

0.5

0.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

49%

Take-on success

46%

44%

Aerials won

0.9

0.1

Times caught offside

0.6

1.4

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, and won more aerial battles, handing the side an all-round option within the final third – something which the club have lacked in central areas of late.

Whilst it’s unclear if the Magpies would be willing to part ways with the star after their Champions League qualification, his talents are there for all to see, with his performances against the Reds in recent times nothing short of remarkable – as seen in the Carabao Cup final.

It would be another expensive addition given the move for Wirtz, but it’s phenomenal to see the hierarchy massively backing the manager in the market after his success in his first campaign.

If he does move to the club and matches the levels produced by Mbappé in Europe over recent years, it would be a stellar addition, and one that could lead Slot’s side to consistent European glory alongside their domestic ambitions.

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Ipswich Town looking to sign £20m+ striker with 27 goals in Championship

With Liam Delap on his way to Chelsea, Ipswich Town are now reportedly looking to sign a former Championship forward worth over £20m, and he’s already scored at Portman Road.

Ipswich looking to replace Delap

It’s a big summer for the Tractor Boys. After suffering relegation at the first time of asking in the Premier League, those at Portman Road must reassess and go again in the Championship. On that front, Kieran McKenna will of course have his sights set on earning a place back in the top flight, avoiding any further drop-off in the process next season.

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May 23, 2025

In pursuit of that, however, the Ipswich boss will have to cope without star man Delap. The talented striker is reportedly set to join Chelsea this summer after the Blues triggered his relegation release clause ahead of the summer transfer window. Landing a bargain deal worth just £30m, it seems only a matter of time before Delap is presented as Enzo Maresca’s latest signing.

Just how Ipswich replace Delap is the question that they must now consider this summer. Already, names such as Divin Mubama have threatened to steal the headlines, but whether the Tractor Boys go two for two when it comes to signing talented Manchester City gems remains to be seen.

The young forward has struggled to gain first-team opportunities at the Etihad, but is valued at around £10m nonetheless. Given how successful their deal to sign Delap was last summer, Ipswich may see Mubama as an ideal opportunity to splash out again on Premier League talent.

Mubama isn’t the only option on Ipswich’s radar, however, with those at Portman Road also reportedly setting their sights on an MLS star.

Ipswich now looking to sign Latte Lath

According to EFL Analysis, Ipswich are now looking to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Atlanta United this summer. The 26-year-old left Middlesbrough to join the MLS side for a reported £22.5m during the January transfer window, but could already be on his way back to the Championship courtesy of the Tractor Boys.

Having been interested in signing Latte Lath during the last summer window, themselves, Ipswich’s interest reportedly remains following their Premier League relegation. Given how proven the forward is in England’s second tier too, that interest certainly makes sense.

Emmanuel Latte Lath in the Championship

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

59

Goals

27

Assists

4

It was during his time in the Championship that the Atlanta striker proved his goalscoring prowess in front of McKenna and Ipswich when he found the back of the net in a 1-1 draw at Portman Road in the 2023/24 campaign.

It was also a spell in which Latte Lath found himself at the centre of Michael Carrick’s praise. The Middlesbrough manager told reporters back in October: “We’ve got really good players in the squad and there’s times when players are going to be in or maybe don’t start the game.

“But I thought Manu coming off the bench, fresh and sharp like he is, would be a big benefit for us tonight. I was delighted with him, his reaction to not playing was also fantastic as you’d expect and hope for. Everyone shared that love.”

Celtic want to sign £11m Kyogo replacement who could be Larsson 2.0

After a very memorable trophy presentation day, Celtic’s summer plans are in full swing.

Saturday’s clash was essentially a dead-rubber for the Parkhead side, with the title having already been secured weeks ago, but those in attendance will never forget James Forrest’s 94th minute equaliser, a sweet strike that means the one club man has now scored in 16 successive seasons for Celtic; it was celebrated like the winner in a Champions League final.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will conclude the campaign with Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final, firm favourites to beat Aberdeen at Hampden, having already smashed the Dons on three occasions this season, 6-0 in November, 5-1 in February and then 5-1 again last mid-week up at Pittodrie.

Now, are the four-in-a-row Scottish Premiership champions about to get even stronger, as they seek to sign one of Europe’s most highly-rated young strikers?

According to a report from the Daily Record, Celtic are still very much interested in signing long-term target Mathias Kvistgaarden, after the 23-year-old confirmed he is set to leave Brøndby this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Speaking to the media in his homeland, the player noted: “I think I’m ready. I’ve made my mark at Brondby and in the Superliga, so I’m ready to take the next step.”

Back in January, Football Insider claimed that the Celts had an official bid rejected for Kvistgaarden, who is reportedly valued at £13.5m, with a report in Denmark noting that Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt have also ‘intensified’ their interest.

Could Kvistgaarden be Celtic's new Larsson?

Kvistgaarden took his tally to 23 goals for the season against Midtjylland on Monday night, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the Danish Superligaen this season, with just one round of fixtures to go.

So, could we see him in a Celtic jersey come next season?

Well, Kyōgo Furuhashi departed Celtic in January, joining Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £10m in January and no direct replacement was signed.

Celtic'sKyogoFuruhashi celebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup

Adam Idah, who joined permanently from Norwich last summer, did step up, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, while player of the season Daizen Maeda was often deployed down the middle too, netting 33 times in total and picking up all the individual awards.

Nevertheless, a Kyōgo replacement is needed given that, according to Graeme Macpherson of the Scotsman, the Japanese star is Celtic’s best striker since Henrik Larsson, so let’s assess that assertion.

Selected Celtic strikers (1997-present)

Players

Games

Goals

Old Firm goals

Mins per goal

Kyōgo

165

85

8

126

Édouard

179

87

7

140

Dembélé

94

51

7

121

Griffiths

261

123

3

118

Hooper

138

82

5

136

McDonald

121

59

4

159

Hartson

198

105

6

143

Sutton

196

84

6

198

Larsson

292

224

15

113

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

The table underlines Kyōgo’s impressive statistics, even when compared to some of the greatest Celtic strikers of the modern era, most notably the king of kings himself, Larsson.

But how do the Japanese forward’s statistics compare to those of Kvistgaarden?

Kvistgaarden at Brøndby vs Kyōgo at Celtic

Statistics

Kvistgaarden

Kyōgo

Appearances

102

101

Minutes

6,323

10,741

Goals

43

85

Mins per goal

164

126

Assists

17

19

Shots on target %

48.8%

45.5%

Shots per 90

3.14

3.34

Shots on target per 90

1.53

1.52

Big chances missed

32

69

Note: Kvistgaarden’s statistics are 2022/23-present.

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, Kvistgaarden’s numbers do compare favourably, having taken his game to another level this season, underlined by his very impressive figure of a goal every 107 minutes.

Chris Beaumont of Total Football Analysis describes him as a ‘quick and agile striker’, with Scout António Mango asserting that he is “absolutely sensational”.

Meantime, Farzam Abolhosseini of Tipsbladet labels him “magical”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes that the 23-year-old is “only getting better”.

Thus, it is clear that the young Dane would be an astonishingly excellent signing for Celtic, if they’re able to get the deal over the line of course, boasting the potential to be the Hoops’ best centre-forward since a certain fellow-Scandinavian striker.

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Tottenham now preparing offer for "bargain" Chelsea and Man Utd target

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to enter discussions as they plan an offer to sign an astute Man United and Chelsea target, and he’s viewed as a potential snip if they can get a deal done this summer.

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Amid the uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team must also get to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window.

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Contact has reportedly been made already.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

This year, a special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10 – which gives some clubs the opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup begins. It could also be an opportunity for Levy to strengthen early doors, but it is unclear whether the Lilywhites plan to make use of this early window.

What’s crystal clear, though, is Tottenham’s need to strengthen certain areas of the squad.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Their 2024/2025 campaign has been overshadowed by a plethora of injuries to key players, leaving Postecoglou with precious few options at times, and it has undoubtedly contributed to their lowly 16th-placed position in the Premier League table.

Spurs are reportedly in the market for a new striker to bolster their forward line, among other transfer priorities, with Richarlison’s long-term future also in question after a season blighted by injury for the Brazilian.

This week, reports claim Tottenham are targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, following the German’s exceptional Bundesliga campaign, and they’re ready to pay up to £30 million for his signature (CaughtOffside).

However, he is by no means the only centre-forward being looked at, with Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap coming as another name on their radar.

Tottenham preparing to enter talks for Ipswich striker Liam Delap

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are planning an offer for Delap and preparing to enter talks for the Englishman’s signature – but face competition from West Ham, Chelsea, Everton and United in pursuit of him.

The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise torrid campaign for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, and reports claim Delap’s contract includes a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich dropping back down to the Championship.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts

Delap is viewed as a “bargain” behind-the-scenes, according to GMS, but a major obstacle could still form in the ex-Man City starlet’s wage demands. Indeed, it is believed Delap wants around £150,000-per-week from any new suitor, which would actually make him one of Spurs’ highest earners.

This could be tricky to navigate for Levy, who has managed to keep control of Tottenham’s wage bill, and may be reluctant to green-light moves for players with extortionate requirements when it comes to personal terms.

That being said, Delap is a homegrown player of serious quality and sky-high potential, so it could be worth the concession in this instance.

“He is a quality player,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson.

“He led the line on his own against Chelsea. At times, Chelsea were playing a back five with four players in front, and they defended resolutely, but he was always an outlet.

“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.

“He is a top, top player.”

Big Nkunku upgrade: Chelsea in talks to sign "electric" striker worth £70m

Chelsea’s Champions League push continues.

On Sunday, the Blues claimed a vital 3-1 victory over the newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge; Enzo Fernández broke the deadlock inside three minutes, a freak own goal doubled their advantage, before Cole Palmer ended his goal draught by converting a stoppage time penalty.

Having now won three Premier League games on the spin, Enzo Maresca’s side remain fifth, three points clear of both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, desperately hoping to cling onto the final Champions League position.

Regardless of whether they remain in the top five places or not, Chelsea are set to spend big this summer, because that’s simply become their modus operandi under Todd Boehly’s ownership, so could they get their hands on a new centre-forward?

Chelsea seeking to sign a new striker

Some notable names have been linked with a move to the Bridge this summer with the likes of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins reportedly on their radar.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, according to a report by journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are “keeping close tabs” on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal and Liverpool both described as ‘huge admirers’.

Sesko’s team are ‘in active talks’ with those three clubs as the German side aim to rake in a reported £70m for his signature.

It looked as though the Slovenian would be on the move last summer but signed a new contract in Leipzig, just as Chelsea and Arsenal were ‘ready to trigger’ his then £55m release clause, according to Ed Aarons of the Guardian.

Now though, Sesko appears to be ready to move on from the Bundesliga, so where would he fit in at Stamford Bridge?

Why Sesko would be an upgrade on Nkunku

As reported by Sky Sports Deutschland this weekend, Christopher Nkunku ‘has decided to leave Chelsea’ at the end of the season, with Fabrizio Romano adding that the Frenchman is ‘keen’ to depart the club.

Nkunku was not even a substitute for Sunday’s win over Liverpool, nor last Thursday’s victory over Djurgården in Stockholm, with manager Maresca later confirming he will be sidelined for a fortnight due to a “small problem”.

The 27-year-old, who himself arrived from RB Leipzig for £52m two summers ago, has never managed to establish himself as a key figure in West London, as the table below outlines.

Nkunku​​​​​​​’s Chelsea career in numbers

Statistics

Nkunku

Appearances

56

Minutes

2,555

Starts

24

PL appearances

38

PL starts

11

Matches missed injured

36

Matches an unused sub

7

Apps 15 minutes or less

15

Goals

17

PL goals

6

UECL goals

7

Assists

5

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table emphasises, the French forward has never been a regular in Chelsea’s starting lineups, especially in the league.

He has scored 14 goals this season, but seven of these have come in the Conference League, while he was also on target against Morecambe in the FA Cup, having bagged a hat-trick against Barrow in the EFL Cup.

So, with bearing in mind he also played/plays for Leipzig, would Sesko avoid a similar fate?

Well, all available evidence suggests that, whoever gets their hands on the striker this summer, will have secured the services of an exceptional striker.

Analyst Ben Mattinson believes he possesses “electric pace”, impressed by his “two-footed ball-striking” ability, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout exclaims that he is “a superb centre-forward in the making”.

So, let’s take a look at the powerful forward’s Bundesliga statistics this season.

Sesko’s Bundesliga statistics 2024/25

Statistics

Sesko

Bundesliga rank

Top 5 league rank

Goals

13

8th

35th

Assists

5

28th

117th

Shots

65

11th

162nd

Shots on target

29

11th

46th

Goals – xG

+3

11th

43rd

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

While his statistics may not leap off the page, Sesko’s screamer against Bayern Munich on Saturday took his tally to 21 for the season across all competitions, four of which came in the Champions League, to go with the 18 he managed last time round.

He also scored five times in this year’s UEFA Nations League, a tally only bettered by Viktor Gyökeres​​​​​​​, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and Razvan Marin; pretty eclectic company to keep.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty

Alex Barker of Breaking the Lines believes the Slovenian striker to be a ‘generational’ talent, while Raphael Honigstein and Mark Carey of the Athletic forecast that he’ll continue to develop and get better, hence why Soham Mukherjee of Goal labels him ‘one of the hottest names in the European transfer market’.

Thus, Sesko would surely be an excellent signing for Chelsea, representing a clear upgrade on the wantaway Nkunku.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea could land a £60m Gyokeres alternative

Chelsea should sign a “clinical” Premier League striker instead of Viktor Gyökeres

By
Ben Gray

May 4, 2025

He'd be perfect under Iraola: Spurs line up move for "unplayable" £40m star

Despite coming off a sensational result in the Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur returned to their lacklustre form at home to Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

It was their 18th defeat in the Premier League and leaves them just a point above West Ham United in 17th place, so it’s not much of a surprise to see stories about Ange Postecoglou’s future returning.

One of the names most heavily touted to replace him at the end of the season is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who has managed to lead the Cherries up to eighth place, partly thanks to their brilliant attack.

On top of being linked with a new manager, the North Londoners have also been linked with a plethora of exciting players, including one who’d be perfect under Iraola, were he to get the job.

Tottenham want to sign Premier League attacker

With how terribly this season has gone for Spurs, it’s unsurprising that they have been linked with so many players in recent weeks, such as Matheus Cunha.

Transfer Focus

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

The North Londoners are reportedly willing to pay up to £75m to land the Brazilian star ahead of the other interested parties, and while that’s an enormous sum of money, it might be worth it, as he’s managed to amass a tally of 16 goals and four assists in 31 games this year, despite playing for a bottom half side.

A slightly cheaper target the club have supposedly been looking at has been Tyler Dibling.

TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their first goal with Yukinari Sugawara

The Southampton gem could be available for around £35m in the summer, and while he likely wouldn’t make an instant impact on the first team, he would be yet another tremendously exciting youngster on the club’s books.

However, if instant impact is what the fans are after, then the links to Marcus Rashford should excite them.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Spurs have now rekindled their interest in Premier League star Marcus Rashford, who has found some form of late on loan with Aston Villa.

The report claims that the 62-capped Englishman ‘is expected to leave Manchester United during the upcoming summer transfer window’ and that should the Villans decide against paying £40m to sign him, the North Londoners will step in.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his immense quality, it’s worth fighting for, especially as he could be incredible under Iraola.

Why Rashford would be a great signing for Spurs

So, the first thing to say is that, regardless of who is in the hot seat next season, Rashford would be a good addition to Spurs’ squad, and the last few months have shown that.

For example, since moving to Villa, the Manchester-born monster has been electric, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 appearances, totalling just 940 minutes.

That means the often “unplayable” 27-year-old, as dubbed by analyst Raj Chohan, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games or every 94 minutes, which is the sort of output the Lilywhites could really do with.

Rashford’s Villa form

Appearances

17

Starts

10

Minutes

940′

Goals

4

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

94′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, there is every chance that, under Iraola, he could be even better.

Now, this is obviously all theoretical at this point, but we know from this season that, when he has a summer to prepare his players, the Spaniard can extract some seriously impressive attacking numbers out of his frontline players.

For example, Justin Kluivert has produced 21 goal involvements compared to 11 last year, Antoine Semenyo has produced 16 compared to 11 and even Dango Ouattara has managed 13 compared to just three last year.

So, if he’s been able to improve those players that much within the space of just a season, imagine what he’d be able to do with a player as talented as Rashford.

Bournemouth attackers since 23/24

24/25

Kluivert

Semenyo

Ouattara

Appearances

34

37

35

Minutes

2297′

3182′

2121′

Goals

13

10

9

Assists

8

6

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.61

0.43

0.37

Minutes per Goal Involvement

109.38′

198.87′

163.15

23/24

Kluivert

Semenyo

Ouattara

Appearances

36

36

32

Minutes

2093′

2307′

1383′

Goals

9

8

1

Assists

2

3

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

0.30

0.09

Minutes per Goal Involvement

190.27′

209.72

461′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, while this might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, Spurs should do all they can to get it done, especially if they hire Iraola.

Their new Lucas Moura: Ange has struck gold on "generational" Spurs talent

The promising youngster could be great for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 23, 2025

Tottenham in contact with ex-Bayern Munich boss to replace Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with a former Bayern Munich boss to potentially replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, according to reports, with the clock seemingly ticking on his stay in N17.

Tottenham likely to part ways with Ange Postecoglou

The prospect of Postecoglou’s departure from north London is gaining more and more traction.

Jamie O'Hara thrilled by "brilliant" new manager Tottenham could appoint

He’s got credentials.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 24, 2025

This week, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham could relieve Postecoglou of his duties, regardless of whether the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Even an historic night in Bilbao may not be enough to save the Australian, with Spurs on course for their worst ever Premier League season to date. They’re just one loss away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single domestic season, and it is highly likely Postecoglou is bestowed with that dismal record as champions elect, Liverpool, await them next at Anfield.

The 59-year-old has faced an uphill battle all season long, having lost a plethora of key players to injury for extended periods on a consistent basis, but 16th in the table is arguably still nowhere near good enough – even when factoring in their serious bad luck.

Attention is already turning to who could succeed Postecoglou, and there is no shortage of candidates linked to the potentially vacant role.

Mauricio Pochettino would privately love a return to Tottenham, according to reports, while the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked recently.

Now, a new name in the form of ex-Croatia captain and former Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovač has emerged as a managerial target.

Tottenham make contact with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač

The 53-year-old was appointed by Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Nuri Şahin, and he’s since done a solid job, as Kovac attempts to spearhead European qualification after a previously disappointing campaign for the Bundesliga heavyweights.

The tactician, who’s previously won a German title with Bayern and two German cups – one with the Bavarians and one at Eintracht Frankfurt – has now turned heads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Kovac, via an intermediary but not directly with the club, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his net to Europe in search of a new head coach.

Spurs are said to view him as a good fit due to his intense and aggressive style of play, but as things stand, he doesn’t have an interest in leaving Dortmund. If this stance changes, Kovac’s reputation as a true leader appears to be exactly what Tottenham are crying out for.

“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.

“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”

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