History has a funny way of repeating itself with Sheffield United now failing to win promotion via the Championship playoffs despite reaching a grand 90-point total, much like their foes Leeds United before them.

However, there would be no chuckles at the full-time whistle when the Blades’ fate was confirmed, with Black Cats hotshot Tommy Watson the player to unfortunately stick the dagger in when scoring late on to gift Regis Le Bris’ men a dramatic 2-1 win.

The United players all stood around stunned as Watson wheeled away in celebration, considering the Blades had been leading the crunch game for all of 76 minutes, before Eliezer Mayenda initially began the triumphant Sunderland turnaround.

Now, it’s back to the drawing board for Chris Wilder and Co. after this staggering tenth playoff heartbreak, with a number of underperformers letting their passionate manager down and the expectant United masses watching on.

Sheffield United underperformers vs Sunderland

Of course, United will hope they can emulate Daniel Farke’s Whites further by going on to win the title next season.

But, in the here and now, it’s time to watch over the display and pinpoint what went wrong, with United’s wastefulness costing them dear when looking at the numbers.

Only Tyrese Campbell would be able to beat Anthony Patterson, but Wilder’s men would boast a heftier xG of 1.46 at the full-time whistle next to Sunderland’s 0.71, which highlights just how much their lack of a clinical edge was their undoing.

Rhian Brewster wouldn’t even register a single shot at Patterson’s net during his lacklustre 65-minute run-out, whilst Sydie Peck also looked out-of-sorts as a midfield battler – away from United’s stunted attacking might – when uncharacteristically losing out on three of his four ground duels.

But, away from those mentioned, there was one attacker who struggled in every aspect of his individual game at Wembley, meaning he could now be sold this summer as Wilder’s men attempt to quickly patch up their wounds.

The 6/10 United star who must never play again

During such a high-stakes affair, moments of madness can occur.

With the clock ticking over into extra time, Kieffer Moore unfortunately experienced one of those erratic instances as his miscued pass fell straight to the feet of Watson to hammer home a 95th-minute decider.

Ultimately, this moment would kindly hand Sunderland a path up to the Premier League, but Moore struggled throughout the game, away from just inexplicably setting up the Black Cats’ last-gasp winner.

Indeed, the towering Welshman would frustratingly fail to get on the scoresheet early on as one of his two efforts on the day was heroically saved by Patterson, on top of further displaying his rash approach on the ball across the full 90 minutes when he only completed nine accurate passes in total.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

37

Accurate passes

9/24 (38%)

Possession lost

20x

Shots

2

Big chances missed

1

Successful dribbles

0/1

Accurate crosses

0/1

Accurate long balls

0/1

Total duels won

12/22

To add insult to injury, the table above doesn’t make for pretty reading either, with Moore also squandering possession 20 times alongside failing to complete a single successful dribble during what was an extremely bad day at the office for the Welshman.

With only six goals scored across the entire season, it could be time now for United to reassess whether the 6/10 dud – as he was rated post-match by journalist Leon Wobschall – is the best possible option in the centre-forward areas moving forward or whether a fresh face up top is now needed.

On the evidence of Saturday’s display, it looks like his time could be up in a Blades shirt, ahead of the looming summer window.

Whatever does take place, it’s going to be a bumpy summer for all those with connections to Bramall Lane as another season in the unforgiving Championship is depressingly on the cards.

Wilder's own Dan Ballard: Sheffield United have struck gold with £14m star

Chris Wilder actually possesses his own Daniel Ballard ahead of Sheffield United’s playoff final showdown versus Sunderland.

ByKelan Sarson May 15, 2025

With Emiliano Martinez seemingly bidding a tearful farewell to Villa Park last week, Aston Villa have reportedly been given the green light to sign a Premier League-winning shot-stopper.

Aston Villa's goalkeeper search continues

All signs are pointing towards the end for Aston Villa and Martinez after he was pictured saying an emotional goodbye to the home fans following victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. Unai Emery also failed to rule out an exit for the goalkeeper to only add to the belief that the Argentine will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

The Villa boss told reporters: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”

Ever since that potential goodbye, the rumours have been circling. Both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have already been linked with moves for Martinez, whilst Villa themselves have set their sights on replacing their No.1.

Names such as Lucas Chevalier have already been mentioned in what would certainly be an excellent move for both the LOSC Lille star and those at Villa Park. One of the most promising young goalkeepers around, the big question will be whether the Villans can win the race for his signature.

Meanwhile, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is also a name that has been in the headlines as of late. The talented goalkeeper, like Chevalier, has been fantastic this season and is one of only a few options who could seamlessly replace Martinez in the Midlands.

Amid competition for both of those players, however, Villa may yet turn to an option far closer to home amid reports that they’ve been handed a major boost in pursuit of a Premier League-winning goalkeeper ahead of the summer window.

Aston Villa receive green light to sign Kelleher

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have now been given the green light to sign Caoimhin Kelleher by his current club, Liverpool. The Reds have Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way and already have Alisson Becker to call on, meaning that the door has swung open for Kelleher to depart.

Already thought to be high on Villa’s list of targets, the Irishman will leave Merseyside somewhat of a cult hero, having often stepped up in place of Alisson amid his injury issues, and particularly starred whenever given the opportunity to feature in a number of Wembley finals.

However, he is now ready to become an undisputed No 1, with the latest claims suggesting that Liverpool “will accept the right offer” for Kelleher should one come forward.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Caoimhin Kelleher

Emiliano Martinez

Starts

10

36

Saves per 90

2.40

2.60

Save percentage

67.6%

67.9%

Clean sheets

4

8

When compared, it’s clear that the Liverpool man would not be a significant downgrade on Martinez. In fact, at 26 years old, there’s an argument to be made that Kelleher could yet become better than the Argentine shot-stopper if he pushes on from here in the coming years.

Related Aston Villa in pole position after talks to sign "powerful" 18 y/o sensation

He’s a rising star.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Dubbed “fantastic” by Premier League legend David Seaman following last season’s Carabao Cup final display, Kelleher has been ready to take hold of the opportunity that Aston Villa may hand him for some time.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

Porro’s game vs Bodo/Glimt
Minutes	95′
Expected Goals	0.11
Goals	1
Expected Assists	0.12
Clearances	3
Interceptions	1
Dribbled Past	0
Ground Duels (Won)	3 (2)
Fouls	0
Key Passes	2
Shots on Target	2
Dribbles (Successful)	1(1)
All Stats via Sofascore

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Romero’s game vs Bodo/Glimt
Minutes	95′
Clearances	5
Shots Blocked	1
Dribbled Past	0
Interceptions	1
Ground Duels (Won)	4 (3)
Lost Possession	1
Passing Accuracy	26/27 (96%)
Key Passes	1
Long Balls (Accurate)	2 (2)
Big Chances Created	1
All Stats via Sofascore

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.

Dream Son heir: Spurs racing to sign “England’s best winger” for £59m

The tremendously exciting star would be perfect for Spurs.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 8, 2025

In a major boost for those in the Midlands, Besiktas are now reportedly willing to listen to offers for a long-term Aston Villa target this summer and the Villans could finally get their man.

All eyes on Bournemouth for Aston Villa

Still battling to squeeze their way into the top five in the final three Premier League games, Aston Villa simply cannot afford anything but three points against a tough Bournemouth side this weekend. Everything is still to play for in the race for European football and anything could still happen. Even sat seventh, Unai Emery’s side should have plenty of hope.

Emery recently spoke about his side’s final run-in and how his side are taking it one game at a time, telling reporters: “Bournemouth, next week. Bournemouth. So, so difficult, Bournemouth. And then, we’ll see. We’ll see. Saturday, finished. Now Bournemouth.

“Before Saturday if we were thinking, ok, the next match is Bournemouth, the next match is Tottenham, Manchester United… if we weren’t winning, forget it! Completely! We have to go to each match and try to win. If we win like today, ok, the next one.”

Following their trip to Bournemouth, Aston Villa will square off against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to end their season. In many ways, nothing quite represents how much the Premier League has changed more than Villa’s fight for Champions League football coming against two bottom half sides who many tipped to be in the Villans’ position at the start of the campaign.

Aston Villa love "talented" £35m Rashford alternative as Monchi eyes move

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ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

Things are likely to get even worse for Manchester United and Spurs if Villa qualify for a place among Europe’s elite too. With Champions League football to offer, those in the Midlands could instantly go in pursuit of major upgrades which may yet include one particular young star.

Besiktas now open to selling "dynamic" Kilicsoy

According to Fotomac in Turkey, as relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas are now open to selling Semih Kilicsoy with Aston Villa already eyeing a summer swoop to finally land his signature. The 19-year-old first grabbed Villa’s attention last summer and was even reportedly the subject of a rejected offer. Now, a year on, a similar offer could be enough for the Turkish side to bid farewell to their young star.

Described as a “dynamic versatile forward” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Kilicsoy is undoubtedly one to watch. His first full season at senior level was incredibly impressive and since then he has not looked back.

In the current campaign, Kilicsoy has managed four goals and six assists – once again proving his ability to be a consistent outlet from either flank or, indeed, the player leading the line. With plenty of years between now and his peak, the teenager is not one that Villa will want to miss out on.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have held initial talks over signing an exciting forward over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta eyeing more than one winger for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal targeting left-winger and right-winger this summer

The north Londoners, as per recent reports, are considering the possibility of signing a left-winger and an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side (GiveMeSport).

Arsenal make £10m-per-year offer to "top" Barcelona and Real Madrid target

The Gunners want to get in ahead of La Liga’s top two sides.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, while it is believed by some sectors that Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli if they receive a suitable offer for the Brazilian.

Saka, meanwhile, is Arteta’s superstar player and has been for years, but the England international won’t always be fit and available, as highlighted by his few months spent out with injury midway through the 2024/2025 campaign.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

His absence was a sore blow for Arsenal, who struggled to cope without his output in the final third, and Arteta will be keen to avoid a similar scenario next season.

This has prompted Berta to weigh up his options for the wide area, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting this week that they’ve suddenly become contenders to sign Rodrygo from Real.

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal are seriously discussing the possibility of signing the 24-year-old Brazilian behind-closed-doors, and a potential deal is described as “on”.

While the South American would undoubtedly add quality to Arteta’s ranks, having racked up 13 goals and a further 10 assists in all competitions, Rodrygo would also be a very pricey option.

His price tag is rumoured to be north of £100 million, so it is definitely wise for Berta to consider alternatives.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams

A name very familiar to Arsenal supporters by now, and one who’s been taking Europe by storm these last two seasons, is that of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

Edu was repeatedly linked with a swoop for the 22-year-old last summer, and reports suggest that new Arsenal transfer chief Berta remains in pursuit of Williams. The Italian held talks with his representatives in one of his “first acts” as director (Ed Aarons), with Romano now sharing an update on their hunt for the Spain international.

The reliable journalist claims Arsenal have made contact with Bilbao over signing Williams, opening some initial talks to gauge the overall cost of a potential deal, with salary, commission fees and other outlays to consider on top of his £49 million release clause.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” said Romano.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

While the Spain international currently takes home around £170,000-per-week, some are suggesting that he wants north of £400,000-per-week at his potential new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest earner.

Williams played a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 last year, bagging 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao at club level, and he’s rediscovered some of that electric over the second half of 2024/2025.

Penny for the thoughts of the mass of detractors who thought Arne Slot would fall by the wayside after taking over at Liverpool. Replacing Jurgen Klopp was an impossible task, after all.

Liverpool have done anything but stumble, somehow leaping forward to win the Premier League in Slot’s first season, so dominant and so far clear of Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, not all of Anfield’s first-teamers managed to cover themselves in glory, on an individual basis at least. Club-record man Darwin Nunez is the most obvious pick, having scored seven goals across 47 Premier League games, starting just one league fixture since Boxing Day.

Nunez will leave this summer, most probably, with suitors emerging from Spain and the Saudi Pro League. However, FSG could go one further and cash in on Diogo Jota too.

A high-level number nine is at the top of the shopping list, remember.

The latest on Diogo Jota's future

Jota is not be nailed on for a sale this summer (unlike Nunez), but he may well find himself lacing new boots come September, with Liverpool reluctant to offer their marksman a new contract; his current deal expires in June 2027.

Liverpool signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for a fee rising to £45m. He’s since become one of the deadliest goalscorers around, with Jamie Carragher even claiming last year that the Portuguese star is “the best finisher” the Reds have had in the Premier League, surpassing the great names you can instantly draw to mind.

But Jota has been uncharacteristically profligate this year, with Sofascore recording his xG (expected goals) total at 7.92, meaning with a six-goal return, he has underperformed.

Injuries, an incessant plague throughout his Liverpool career, appear to be catching up with the 28-year-old.

24/25

26 (14)

6

4

23/24

21 (14)

10

4

22/23

22 (12)

7

4

21/22

35 (27)

15

6

20/21

19 (12)

9

0

Saudi suitors are keen, and cashing in on both stars could prove priceless, for it would allow Liverpool to move for their top target at centre-forward.

Liverpool prepare bid for touted striker

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing an official bid for Hugo Ekitike, but will need to act fast, with the Eintracht Frankfurt forward one of the most sought-after stars of the summer.

It’s understood FSG would be willing to pay €80m (about £68m) for the French talent, but maybe not meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation, as has been reported in Germany.

The problem, naturally, is Liverpool aren’t alone in their bid, with Conference League winners Chelsea also keen on a deal and reported to hold the lead in the race, with Sky Sports claiming they are ‘putting in the most effort’.

This is principally down to Anfield juggling a number of different deals – deftly, it must be said – but certainly urges action if this race is to be won.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, 22, left Paris Saint-Germain as an exciting prospect to make a name for himself in Germany. Frankfurt has proved the dream hothouse for him, with those such as analyst Ben Mattinson regarding him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

His half-season with Die Roten in 2023/24 looked unsuccessful until something clicked at the business end, Ekitike posting four goals and an assist across the final five games of the league season.

This year, he’s hit another gear altogether, scoring 22 goals and adding 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions, honing his clinical ability while flourishing a multi-faceted skill set which has likely been the arresting factor in convincing Liverpool’s data analysts.

Availability is also a strong suit, Ekitike missing just one game of the concluding campaign with a slight knock. This, of course, leaves him diametrically opposed to Jota in that regard, making a significant case for a transfer switch in the coming months.

Conversely to Jota, Ekitike’s finishing leaves something to be desired, but that hasn’t stopped him forging an almighty campaign for himself in Germany, hitting seven goal involvements from 12 Europa League matches too.

But finishing can be improved. Jota scored seven goals across his final Premier League season for Wolves, missing 12 big chances.

What matters is that Ekitike covers the span of expectation and then some. Indeed, his performances suggest he is the dynamic, rounded striker needed at Liverpool, one who would certainly prove an upgrade on Jota.

Goals scored

0.53

0.45

Assists

0.28

0.23

Shots taken

4.00

3.84

Shot-creating actions

3.55

2.78

Touches (att pen)

6.88

7.30

Progressive passes

1.86

2.56

Progressive carries

3.27

2.78

Successful take-ons

1.83

0.83

Ball recoveries

3.06

3.09

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.66

Above we have a collation of the two forwards’ data from their respective league campaigns. Ekitike, as you can see, has outperformed his Portuguese counterpart across almost every metric, with his potency a direct product of his desire to get into the box.

Let’s turn our attention to the players’ respective ball-carrying data. Ekitike is also far more mobile, demonstrating an energy and silkiness which could aid Liverpool in transition, for Jota is more likely to linger in the danger area than actually contribute to the transition himself.

Jota is regarded for being a dynamic player, but Liverpool may well have unearthed a forward even more protean in their attacking application, and much younger besides.

And given that the wellspring that is Jota’s striking ability has seemingly dried up, it might be worthwhile to cash in after five years of praisable service on Merseyside, bringing in a fresh face to spearhead the Slot era as it truly hits its stride.

Not just Trent: World-class Liverpool star must not play for the club again

Liverpool are ready to make a series of sales in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Derby County and Blackburn Rovers have been embroiled in an intriguing backstory this campaign, centred around John Eustace, who could now have a say in a transfer saga involving both clubs.

Derby County look to build on surviving relegation

Despite fighting for large parts of the campaign in the relegation zone, Derby secured their Championship status by the skin of their teeth after playing out an anticlimactic 0-0 draw with Stoke City on the final day. Working a minor miracle at Pride Park, John Eustace managed to guide the Rams to safety after they were previously seven points adrift of survival, losing only one of their final six league matches.

Controversially, the 45-year-old arrived at Derby from Blackburn Rovers, which was a surprise turn of events at the time due to the vast distance between both clubs in the English second-tier standings. Nevertheless, his decision proved to be worthwhile even in the face of doubters, something Eustace was quick to point out once the Rams confirmed they would be staying in the Championship.

Derby County’s great escape under John Eustace

19. Derby County

50

20. Preston North End

50

21. Hull City

49

22. Luton Town (R)

49

23. Plymouth Argyle (R)

46

24. Cardiff City (R)

44

Leaving some frosty relations at his former club, Blackburn missed out on a playoff berth by two points, creating more intrigue between both sides as they go head-to-head again next season. Crossing paths once again, Eustace’s Derby are now fighting his old side for the signature of a talented midfielder from League One, per reports.

Derby County and Blackburn Rovers fight to sign Ethan Erhahon

According to EFL Analysis, Derby and Blackburn both want to sign Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who is attracting interest from a clutch of other clubs in the second and third tier of English football.

Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Preston North End and Oxford United are also in the hunt for the Scotland Under-21 cap, who could fetch the Imps a seven-figure fee if he were to be sold.

New target: Derby plotting move for "fantastic" record-breaking speedster

The Rams are chasing a defender, whose contract is set to expire next month.

ByDominic Lund May 8, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Michael Skubala for his dominant nature in the middle of the park, Erhahon has won no fewer than 139 duels in League One this season as Lincoln secured a comfortable mid-table finish. Formerly of St Mirren, the 24-year-old is known for his abilities in both boxes, making him an ideal fit for a move up to the Championship if the correct opportunity presents itself.

Now, it remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature. Derby and Blackburn have become foes on the pitch. Could they also continue that relationship away from the field of play?

As Manchester City’s summer clear-out commences, Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid could reportedly come calling in pursuit of one particular player in the coming months.

Man City set for summer clear-out

It’s been a season to forget for Manchester City, who will be desperate to secure Champions League qualification this Sunday and finally put the current campaign behind them. For the first time in Pep Guardiola’s time at The Etihad, the Citizens have it all to do in the summer transfer window.

No longer are they the dominant champions capable of dispatching 19 other Premier League sides with ease. That’s an era which is ruthlessly and rapidly coming to an end. Instead, the Manchester club need to write a new chapter with new heroes and fresh characters, starting with a number of emotional farewells to several players who will be deemed undeniable legends.

Related Man City preparing to step up deal to sign £50m star they want done by June

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 24, 2025

Already, of course, Kevin De Bruyne has said his goodbyes. The Belgian – one of the best to ever play for Manchester City – bid an emotional farewell to The Etihad last week to begin a summer of departures for the Citizens.

The midfielder told the fans after waving goodbye: “I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion. I wanted to enjoy football and I hope everyone enjoyed it.

“Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before. It’s an honour to play with these guys. I’ve made so many friends for life.”

In the coming months, it will be a question as to who joins De Bruyne out the exit door at Manchester City. There are certainly a few candidates who are coming to the end of their peaks, whilst another name has also reportedly been targeted by Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid now targeting Grealish

According to reports in Spain, Simeone and Atletico Madrid are now targeting a summer move to sign Jack Grealish, who could leave Manchester City this summer in a bid to gain a starting place elsewhere. The England international has often been forced to watch on from the bench this season and desperately needs a fresh start.

Of course, Grealish wouldn’t be the first English player to complete a move to the Spanish club either. Just last summer, Conor Gallagher decided to leave Chelsea in favour of the Metropolitano and has thrived ever since. Now, a year on, it could be Grealish’s turn to join Simeone in La Liga.

Despite a difficult spell at The Etihad, the £300,000-a-week midfielder has still found himself at the centre of praise from Guardiola, who told reporters following Grealish’s performance against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup earlier this season: “I’m happy for him. I know it’s not easy when you don’t play regularly. In the last game in the FA Cup he played very good, much better than today.”

Whether that praise is enough to keep hold of Grealish seems unlikely at this stage, but only time will tell if Atletico Madrid come calling this summer.

Aston Villa will be busy this summer in the transfer market, even if they miss out on Champions League qualification.

As it stands, the club need to win their final game of the campaign and hope for Chelsea, Newcastle United or Man City to suffer a slip-up.

If so, the riches of Europe’s top-tier competition will fill the coffers once again, allowing Unai Emery to sign high-profile players this summer.

Signing a new goalkeeper might be a priority heading into the transfer window, especially with Emiliano Martínez’s future in doubt.

Aston Villa’s search for a new goalkeeper

According to Football Insider, the enigmatic Argentinian is expected to depart Villa Park this summer for a new challenge.

He has been with the club since 2020, turning 33 at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, suggesting Emery is right to cash in now.

As such, this means the club will need a new goalkeeper to take them forward, and according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it appears as though Lucas Chevalier is the preferred candidate.

Transfer Focus

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

The Midlands side have approached the youngster regarding a potential move to the Premier League, although no transfer fee has been reported as yet.

The 23-year-old has a contract with Lille until 2027, which means now is the ideal time for the French club to sell. Will Villa make their move soon? Especially if Martinez is seeking a quick exit.

Why Aston Villa must sign Lucas Chevalier

Martinez may have made over 200 appearances for Villa, but a few mistakes have crept into his game this season. Indeed, he’s made five errors leading to a shot in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.

His mistake against PSG saw Villa exit the Champions League, while he parried a shot directed straight at him by Bernardo Silva into the Villa net during the recent defeat to Man City.

Metric

Ligue 1

Champions League

Goals conceded

36

13

Clean sheets

11

1

Saves per game

2.8

3.2

Goals conceded per game

1.1

1.3

Touches

36.4

39.7

Signing Chevalier could be an upgrade on the former Arsenal keeper, especially when comparing their domestic statistics this season.

Indeed, the Frenchman has conceded fewer goals than Martinez this term (36 vs 45), while also conceding fewer goals per 90 (1.06 vs 1.29), having a higher save percentage (74.6% vs 67.9%) and keeping more clean sheets (11 vs eight) across their respective domestic seasons.

Add in the fact that the current Lille number one is nine years younger than the Argentinian, making a move for him in the coming weeks could be shrewd business by the club.

Following an excellent 2023/24 campaign for the Ligue 1 side where he made 2.8 saves per game and conceded just 32 goals in 33 games, talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished praise on him, saying Chevalier was “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe.”

If Emery manages to lead Villa into the group stages of the Champions League, it will do his chances of landing Chevalier the world of good.

He kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid in the competition earlier this season, proving he has what it takes to star at the highest level. Much will depend on the Frenchman’s price tag, but signing Chevalier must be a priority this summer.

Atletico Madrid want to sign Aston Villa "destroyer" alongside Emi Martinez

Atletico Madrid could seal quite the double swoop.

ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Celtic are building up ahead of steam with the summer window around the corner but could now be set to lose a young talent to a divisional rival, per a report.

Celtic begin to accelerate summer window plans

The Bhoys are on course to claim a domestic treble and only have to beat Aberdeen later this month in the Scottish Cup final for Brendan Rodgers to cap a fine season.

With the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup already wrapped up, coupled with a strong showing in the Champions League, Celtic are on a strong footing as they bid to keep striving forward under the Irishman’s stewardship.

Making some early inroads as the opening of the transfer window nears, the Hoops could make a surprise move for Ross Doohan once his Aberdeen contract comes to an end.

Seeking homegrown additions to meet European squad registration requirements, the Lennoxtown graduate could be joined by Lennon Miller at Celtic should they manage to prize the Scotland Under-21 international away from Motherwell.

Youngsters appear to be at the top of the agenda, given that Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic may also end up at Parkhead in the near future.

Celtic could sign £11m star who'd be their best striker since Edouard

Celtic could land their best striker signing since Odsonne Edouard by signing this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 8, 2025

Realistically, the focus on incomings will lead to inevitable departures over the coming months. Celtic are in a great position, but not everyone is deemed good enough to make the grade in a ruthless environment.

Rodgers and his backroom staff have to make tough decisions, especially when it boils down to who to retain in the long run at Parkhead.

Now, one youngster that is set to leave Parkhead could make a move to one of their Scottish Premiership rivals if reports are to be believed.

Falkirk evaluate Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson

According to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Falkirk have taken a look at Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson, who is set to leave Parkhead at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has been joined by Daniel Cummings, Lewis Dobbie and Joe Morrison in departing the club, with the former passing up the opportunity of a new contract and the latter two not being offered extensions.

Alasdair Davidson in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances	10
Goals	N/A
Assists	N/A

Predominantly a central defender, Davidson looks set to join a long line of Hoops academy products destined to continue their journey elsewhere, though Falkirk have recently been promoted to the top-flight and could be a stable environment to develop.

From a Celtic standpoint, their focus will now be on bringing first-team recruits into the fold to prepare for next term, where they face the prospect of entering the Champions League at the final playoff hurdle.

Unlike the last couple of summers, swift additions will be needed to ensure Rodgers’ men can handle the strain of qualifiers, with a place in Europe’s premier competition on the line alongside a sweet financial bounty.