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The amount of talent Manchester United have produced from their academy over the years has been astronomical. Of course, you can go as far back as the days of the Busby Babes, the start of the Premier League era, where the Class of ‘92 burst onto the scene, or more recently, when Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford flew the flag for the academy.

Nowadays, Kobbie Mainoo is the only academy graduate to have truly established himself in the first team. That, in many ways, is a sad reflection of the current state of the club, which once prided itself on homegrown stars.

Yet, a few academy players are on the fringes of the first-team squad, with one of the most prominent ones being Chido Obi.

Chido Obi’s Man United career so far

When the Red Devils secured the signing of Obi last summer following his departure from Arsenal, it was a move that piqued the interest of many. The 17-year-old joined United with a huge reputation in academy football.

His record at youth level is phenomenal. For United’s under-18s, he has 12 goals in 10 games, and for the under-21s, five goals in eight. During his time at Arsenal, the Denmark youth international bagged 32 goals in just 21 matches for the Gunners’ under-18s side.

With that record in mind, it was probably not a surprise that Obi made his first-team debut for United last season. Although he’s yet to play this season, the 17-year-old has already notched up eight appearances. He also scored twice for the first-team on their post-season tour at the end of 2024/25.

One man who knows a thing or two about being a top-level striker is Alan Shearer. The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer was impressed with the youngster after his FA Cup efforts against Fulham last season. Shearer said, “I like what I see from Obi”, and described him as a “handful” for defenders.

Obi is certainly an exciting talent and another graduate of United’s academy. However, he is not the only top attacker coming through the ranks at Carrington.

Man Utd may have their next Wayne Rooney

Although under Ruben Amorim, the number of academy graduates involved in the first team has greatly decreased, there is still a pathway available. Obi’s rise through the ranks has certainly proved that.

Well, perhaps next on that path could be 17-year-old forward Amir Ibragimov. The versatile attacker can operate in midfield as a number eight, a number 10, and play on both flanks. He’s certainly left a big impression after his performances for the academy.

Ibragimov has an impressive record of 11 goals and nine assists in 33 games in the under-18s Premier League. The 2024/25 season was his first full campaign in the competition, and he chalked up 14 goals and assists in 22 games.

One of the biggest compliments paid to Ibragimov came from Mail journalists Nathan Salt and Isaan Khan. They compared the United youngster to one of their all-time greats, Wayne Rooney, due to “his vision and his ability to pick a pass in attack”, which is high praise indeed.

Of course, replicating what Rooney did in that famous Red shirt will not be easy. Yet, the 17-year-old has “dangerous” attacking ability, according to Antonio Mango, and can make a real impact in the final third, as his numbers show.

There could be a long way to go before we might see Ibragimov show similarities to Rooney in the first-team. But the way he has performed for the Red Devils’ academy certainly bodes well for the future.

Perhaps he can soon follow in Obi’s path and break into the senior side. If he is half as successful as Rooney was for United, Ibragimov will have had an impressive career.

Man Utd let “little Iniesta or Xavi” go for £0, now he looks like Carrick

Man Utd may regret letting this star go back in 2023

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 25, 2025

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim now personally holds a strong interest in signing an “unbelievable” star, who is open to a move to the Premier League.

Amorim looking to improve squad amid mounting pressure

Amorim was given the benefit of the doubt after a poor first season at Old Trafford, perhaps in light of the fact the manager was working with a squad that wasn’t really his own, having replaced Erik ten Hag in November.

However, the 40-year-old is running out of excuses after spending big in the summer transfer window, with Owen Hargreaves bemoaning the fact that a lot of problems still remain.

Time running out: 5 ways that Ruben Amorim can save his job at Man Utd

INEOS are running out of patience.

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 17, 2025

Hargreaves said: “Where do you want to start? There are a lot of issues. How Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t play in this team I’ll never know. He came on for that game and in half hour he was probably their best player, by a country mile. So first of all he’s got to play.

“Sesko is not ready. He scored a lot of goals in Germany but he didn’t look ready today. You look at Haaland, the way he ran about and pressed, he just wasn’t active enough, I know he didn’t get much service but he’s got to be more active.”

Sesko is yet to get off the mark in a Man United shirt, which raises concerns over the signing of the 22-year-old, while it is also very strange that Mainoo isn’t receiving much game time, given that he is a more natural central midfielder than Bruno Fernandes.

The 20-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game this season, but rather than reintroducing the youngster to the side, it now appears as though the United boss is looking to strengthen his midfield.

According to The Daily Briefing (via Football365), Amorim is a fan of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, and holds a strong interest in signing the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, who could be available for as little as €20m (£17m).

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as potential suitors for the central midfielder, who is said to be willing to return to the Premier League.

"Unbelievable" Neves could excel at Old Trafford

Man United have made a point of signing proven Premier League players in recent times, having signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the Al-Hilal maestro fits the bill in that regard, having impressed during his time with Wolves.

The 60-time Portugal international has also caught the eye at Al-Hilal over the past year, particularly impressing with his passing and tackling, while also finding the back of the net on a regular basis.

At 28-years-old, Neves may still have a lot left to give in the Premier League, and at just £17m, he could be a bargain addition to Amorim’s squad.

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

• Neymar’s legacy questioned after harsh criticism

  Former Brazil coach and 1970 World Cup winner Emerson Leao openly criticised Neymar’s attitude, fitness and leadership. In an interview with , Leao branded the Santos forward “not an example for anyone” and insisted he is no longer the player he once was. His comments have reignited long-standing debates about Neymar’s professionalism and commitment to the national team.

  The former goalkeeper explained that his criticism was not just about Neymar’s football, but also his behaviour off the pitch. He claimed that the 33-year-old “hasn’t looked after himself” and no longer influences games the way he used to. Leao also rejected the idea that Neymar can still be the solution for Brazil, adding that he does not believe the forward will make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.

  Leao went further, saying the biggest issue was not Neymar’s skill, but his physical decline. According to him, the Brazilian thinks faster than his body can now respond: "In his head, when he's about to start a play, he knows what he's going to do, but he can't do it anymore. He can't do it anymore. He no longer has the same muscular reaction. The training sequence is gone. He's not the same athlete. It's no use.

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  'He's not the same athlete' – Emerson Leao

  Before delivering his harshest comments, the former goalkeeper explained he always believed Neymar had the potential to become a national hero. He recalled advising the forward early in his career to take care of himself because Brazil would need him. However, he claims Neymar ignored that advice and is now paying the price physically and mentally.

  "I have few words for Neymar," he said. "I think one thing depends on the other: the man outside and the man inside. And so, he doesn't serve as an example for anyone."

  He added: "He hasn't stopped playing football. It's just that he's being asked to perform the same kind of sprints he used to have and no longer has because he's unprepared. So what happens? Injuries and problems happen.

  "He started out as a wonderful player. I remember one day when I played against Santos, he was leaving, and I walked past him and said: 'Look, kid, we're going to need you at the World Cup. Take care of yourself.' That's the only thing he doesn't do."

  Leao admitted his criticism comes with disappointment rather than anger, saying Brazil “missed a great opportunity” to build around Neymar. Despite that, he doesn’t believe the forward should face hatred but insists fans must accept the reality that he is no longer the same player who dazzled in Europe.

• Can Neymar return to Brazil's plans?

  The ex-Barcelona and PSG star's future with the national team remains uncertain. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023 against Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Although he has returned to Santos, injuries have limited him to just 21 appearances this season, with six goals and three assists. His latest setback, a rectus femoris muscle injury has sidelined him since September.

  Despite Leao’s criticism, current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled Neymar out completely. The Italian believes that “when he’s fit”, the forward can still play at the highest level for both club and country. However, he also made it clear that Neymar must first prove his fitness and consistency with Santos before being considered again.

  Neymar’s contract with Santos expires in December 2025, and he is expected to become a free agent after that. His agent, Pini Zahavi, maintains strong ties with clubs like Napoli and Inter, keeping the door open for a potential return to Europe. But any move and a possible return to the national team depends entirely on his ability to stay fit.

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  What next for Neymar?

  The 33-year-old's immediate goal is returning from injury, with expectations that he could be back by November. With his Santos contract entering its final year, he faces a crucial period that could decide his long-term future in football. A strong finish to the season would strengthen his chances of securing a European move and earning back his spot in the Brazil squad.

  Missing out on international football for two years has clearly affected Neymar’s legacy, especially for a player once considered the heir to Pele. As Brazil prepare for the 2026 World Cup across the USA, Mexico and Canada, competition for attacking roles is fierce. Young stars like Endrick, Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli are all pushing for permanent roles in the squad.

  Still, Neymar remains motivated by one final chance to shine on the world stage. If he can regain fitness and form, Ancelotti may yet give him an opportunity. But with critics like Leao saying his time is up, Neymar must now prove to fans, coaches and himself that he can still make a difference.

Mason Greenwood snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo for another former Manchester United team-mate when naming the best player he's worked with and chose Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate. While Greenwood briefly played alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese striker's ill-fated second stint at Old Trafford, tensions reportedly ran high between the two as they struggled to build a successful playing relationship.

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  A tense relationship with Ronaldo

  Reports from inside United’s dressing room during Ronaldo’s second coming painted a picture of a frustrated superstar. Without specifically naming Greenwood, Ronaldo, always known for his meticulous approach to football, expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's younger stars in public. He once said: "I don’t mean only in football, this new generation since probably 1995 they are thinking different. The life, the football, the struggles, this has to come from inside of you. You have to accept some times that you don’t agree with."

  Meanwhile, Greenwood was spoken to by United officials for allegedly claiming behind the scenes that Ronaldo's career was "dead", according to .

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  Greenwood picks Bruno over CR7

  With manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggling to get both players on the same page, it seemed inevitable that their partnership at United wouldn’t last. Ronaldo left the club in November 2022, while Greenwood was sold to Marseille last year after a loan spell at Getafe. United decided to part ways with Greenwood after an internal investigation into his conduct off the pitch, despite criminal charges against him being dropped in February 2023.

  In a rapid fire with Marseille's media team this week, Greenwood was asked to name the best player he’s ever shared a pitch with. He didn’t even flinch and answered Bruno Fernandes, another of his former United team-mates, who has been a constant creative presence on the field.

• Greenwood has his say on GOAT debate

  Greenwood also didn’t hesitate to choose Lionel Messi over Ronaldo in the ultimate “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) showdown. When asked to choose between the two legends of the game, he sided with the Argentine maestro. He then named his main idol as the Brazilian Ronaldo, a player whose brilliance in the late 1990s and early 2000s clearly left a lasting impression on Greenwood. When asked to name the best finisher he has seen, though, Greenwood opted for Harry Kane.

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• Greenwood’s flourishing career in France

  Greenwood’s move to Marseille has proven to be a game-changer for the young forward. In his first season in Ligue 1, he netted 21 goals and provided six assists, finishing as joint-top scorer alongside Ousmane Dembele. This season, Greenwood hasn’t slowed down, already contributing three goals and four assists across nine matches in all competitions. His decisive goal in the Champions League against Real Madrid has only added to his growing reputation as a player capable of making a difference on the big stage.

Sir Kenny Dalglish stole headline after headline during his playing days, so it is no surprise his managerial career featured several world-class stars who did the exact same. As a legendary goalscorer himself, it only seemed right that he worked with the likes of Luis Suarez and Alan Shearer from the technical area – even winning the Premier League title with the latter at Blackburn.

The same can be said for Steven Gerrard. The former Liverpool midfielder would have caught a glimpse of Dalglish’s incredible Anfield legacy as a young boy and if you told that same young boy that he’d one day captain the Scot’s Reds, then it would have sounded more like a fantasy world. In reality, however, the Gerrard and Dalglish link-up did happen and even featured a trophy.

Gerrard’s not the only Liverpool icon that featured during Dalglish’s second reign, however. In fact, King Kenny was partly responsible for welcoming Suarez to Anfield in 2011.

After losing Fernando Torres, the Reds swiftly reacted by splashing out £22m to welcome Suarez on deadline day. And soon enough, Dalglish was pictured standing next to both the South American and fellow new arrival Andy Carroll. Of course, what makes that picture all the more iconic is the fact that Carroll cost Liverpool £15m more than Suarez.

The 30-goal involvements in 52 games was just a preview of what was to come from Suarez at Liverpool. The former Ajax man soon reached a new level entirely under Brendan Rodgers, but not many will forget that it was Dalglish who introduced him to the Premier League for the first time.

As good as Suarez and Gerrard were, however, Dalglish snubbed both of them when asked to name the best player that he managed.

Dalglish names "brilliant" Lucas Leiva as best player he coached

Not Suarez, not Gerrard, not Shearer, but Lucas Leiva was the name mentioned by Dalglish when asked to name the best player that he worked with. The Brazilian midfielder clearly had a fan in the Liverpool legend and the Scot made sure to hand him the highest possible praise when speaking to reporters.

Leiva, to his credit, is still a cult hero at Anfield for the many years of service he gave to Liverpool during some of their most frustrating times in the Premier League.

Ultimately, injuries prevented him from truly realising his potential at the club, but there’s a very good reason why the midfielder kept his place for 10 years on Merseyside and remains a popular figure to this day.

Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure if results at Nottingham Forest do not improve quickly, according to reports. The Australian 'retains the immediate backing' of the Forest board, who believe extenuating circumstances may have played a role in his failure to win any of his first six matches in charge in all competitions. Fans made their voices heard late on in defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, though, and the understanding is that things must improve soon.

• Postecoglou has support of board despite tough start

  As reported by BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest’s next Premier League match away at Newcastle United may be a ‘key fixture’ for how Postecoglou’s position at the club is viewed moving forward. Both the result and the manner of the performance are thought to be equally important by the club hierarchy. Postecoglou retains their backing in the meantime, and has full faith in the project he has begun at the club.

  The Australian arrived at the City Ground in unenviable circumstances and will have his work cut out to win over fans, many of whom are not happy at how Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following a disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Sections of the home support chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their own manager after Midtjylland went 3-1 up late on Thursday. Chris Wood pulled a goal back from the spot in stoppage time but could not prevent defeat. The result meant Postecoglou became the first Forest manager in 100 years to win none of their first six matches in charge.

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  Enraged Forest fan chants reflect a series of concerning results

  While it felt slightly premature for Forest fans to be calling for their manager’s head after just 24 days and six matches, it reflected the worries beginning to expand within the fanbase. What was supposed to be their most celebrated season in a generation as European football returns to the City Ground, is looking an uncertain one already.

  Just one point was earned from league matches against newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, while Forest capitulated late on to lose 3-2 at Championship Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. Add that to a 3-0 defeat at home to 19th-placed West Ham United in Nuno’s final game in charge at the City Ground, and it is easy to see why a series of concerning results have led to fan backlash.

  A 2-2 draw away at Real Betis has truly been the only encouraging result of Postecoglou’s reign so far, even that being a game which ended in disappointment as Antony equalised for the La Liga side in the 85th minute. The pressure is on for things to improve, quickly.

• Postecoglou speaks as pressure ramps up

  Speaking on Friday afternoon, Postecoglou said that he does not allow pressure to impact his management, citing his Europa League win despite a miserable domestic season with Tottenham Hotspur as a prime example of this.

  "It doesn't enter my head," he stressed. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things”, said Postecoglou.

  "If I start putting timelines to that or worry about what is going to happen next week then I am not performing the role I have been given.

  "I just don't think it is helpful to anyone. At the end of the day, I have to concentrate on the environment, the training, the way we play, and, as I said last night, I am still very, very strong in my belief that we are not too far away.

  "Put it this way – I knew I was getting sacked at Tottenham about three or four months before I did, but that didn't stop me from winning something."

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  Crucial month lies ahead for Postecoglou and Nottm Forest

  It is easy to see why the clash with Newcastle is viewed as of such importance for Postecoglou and Forest. It Is 15th vs 17th as neither side have made the desired start to the new campaign – though the Magpies will be buoyed by a 4-0 win at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League, while Forest’s midweek European exploits went in an entirely different direction.

  A heavy defeat at St James’ Park could put Postecoglou under ‘internal scrutiny’ ahead of the international break, where a decision may be taken. Challenging fixtures against Chelsea, Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United see out the month.

  Postecoglou has the backing of the Forest board, for now – but how long can things continue before Marinakis and co. begin to consider whether they appointed the right man?

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has now personally opened talks with an “incredible” manager to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

Marinakis searching for Nuno replacements

Marinakis has been left baffled by Nuno’s recent comments about their relationship, with the Portuguese manager saying: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very close. This season, not so well. No, it’s not [good].

“I don’t know exactly, but I’m being honest with you. I cannot say that is the same, because it’s not the same. The reason behind it, I don’t know. I always believe that dialogue and what you say or your opinion, is always valid, because my concern is the squad and the season that we have ahead of us, but our relations have changed.”

It is a bizarre situation unfolding at the City Ground, especially considering the Tricky Trees have had a very good summer transfer window, retaining Morgan Gibbs-White and bringing in additional depth ahead of an exciting European campaign.

Better signing than Luiz: Nottingham Forest working to sign £14m PL star

As Nottingham Forest close in on signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus, could a “versatile” PL star once worth £14m prove to be a better addition?

By
Ben Gray

Aug 22, 2025

However, the relationship between the chairman and the manager has now deteriorated, with Marinakis actively searching for replacements, and talks have been held with a former Premier League boss.

That is according to a report from talkSPORT, which states Marinakis has held direct talks with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who is keen to return to Premier League management.

The Australian is high on Forest’s wanted list as a replacement for Nuno, as he has a personal relationship with Marinakis, having been pictured together at an awards ceremony in Greece earlier in the summer.

Nuno’s poor relationship with Edu is also cited as an issue, as the manager is not in full agreement with the sporting director on issues like the recruitment strategy and playing style, and there is a strong chance the 51-year-old departs after this weekend.

"Incredible" Postecoglou could lead be solid appointment for Forest

It would be extremely disappointing if Nuno’s recent comments lead to him being sacked, given that the Forest boss has overseen a remarkable turnaround at the City Ground, transforming his side from relegation candidates to Champions League-chasers.

However, if the relationship with Marinakis is broken beyond repair, it is difficult to see a way back, and things must be very strained, as Nuno was willing to risk his job by talking about the issues publicly.

That said, there are some signs Postecoglou could be an exciting replacement, given that the 59-year-old received high praise for the work he did at Tottenham.

Not only that, but the ex-Spurs boss led his side to a Europa League triumph last season, and that experience could be very useful, with the Tricky Trees about to embark on a European campaign of their own.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could be facing his final few games as Spurs boss, according to recent reports, with a former employee of Daniel Levy claiming one tactician will be very keen to replace the Australian.

Tottenham shortlist of potential managers to replace Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou has a major chance to make good on his promise of always winning silverware during his second term in charge.

Tottenham: £4m-per-year manager who Levy wants is tempted to replace Ange

He’s now open to joining Spurs.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 6, 2025

Tottenham are just 90 minutes away from the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21st, and if they avoid a humbling defeat away to Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final second leg, it’ll guarantee their much-needed spot after a dismal season domestically.

Spurs have equalled their record for most Premier League defeats in a single campaign under Postecoglou this season (19), and their form in England has prompted many calls for the Lilywhites boss to be sacked.

Postecoglou could even leave Tottenham regardless of their possible success in Europe, according to reliable media sources like The Telegraph recently, and there are a number of managers who are already being linked with the job this summer.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) have all been mentioned as Tottenham managerial candidates to replace Postecoglou in the last few weeks, so there are no shortage of options which could be considered.

More recently, there are suggestions that Fulham boss Marco Silva is emerging as a serious frontrunner.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed earlier this week that the Portuguese, who has an £8 million release clause in his contract, has a serious admirer in Levy and Silva is becoming more open to replacing Postecoglou.

Marco Silva "wants the Tottenham job"

Now, Levy’s former employee and chief scout, Mick Brown, has told Football Insider that Silva “wants the Tottenham job”, but there is no guarantee this will land him the role, as there will be many contenders.

“Marco Silva wants the Tottenham job,” he said.

“No matter what we say, Tottenham is a very lucrative job, and it’s one any manager would be interested in. They’re a big club, regardless of how well they’re doing on the pitch.

“Silva has done a very good job with Fulham, when you look at the stature of the club and the finances he has available to him. But I get the feeling he has taken them as far as they can go by challenging for Europe.

“If they don’t get into Europe, and he’s offered the job, I have no doubt he’ll take it. It’s just about whether Spurs feel he is the right man for the job at the moment, because there are a lot of contenders and people they’ll be looking at.”

The 47-year-old has guided Fulham to an impressive campaign yet again, where they briefly contended for a spot in next season’s Champions League, which is very commendable work considering their shoe-string budget in comparison to England’s elite.

In mid-December, Chelsea moved within touching distance of leaders Liverpool after beating Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League. However, Enzo Maresca was quick to dispel claims that his team were title challengers.

Such words were met as being overly pragmatic, but there has been a fair bit of prescience through a number of the Italian’s comments, also calling for more productivity from his forwards to ease the burden on Cole Palmer’s shoulders.

Palmer, so effortlessly untouchable last season, has been in the mire over the past few months, with Saturday’s victory over Everton taking his goalless run to 17 matches in all competitions.

The England international will be back in the limelight before long, and no mistake, such is his top-grade quality. Maresca, in any case, has proven himself to be an expert tactician, albeit a tad set in his ways.

But he is open to change, which was perfectly illustrated by the decision to unleash Noni Madueke on the left wing at the weekend.

Noni Madueke's new role

Madueke has ebbed and flowed for Chelsea this season, starting off to a flyer but peeling away in recent months, only scoring twice across 13 recent Premier League outings.

He didn’t score, nor did he claim an assist, but Madueke was an absolute menace up and down that left channel, darting this way and that while getting stuck in to win balls off his opponents and beat them in the duel.

Maresca will also have been pleased to note that the left-footer managed to hit the target with all four of his efforts on goal, certainly suggesting he could find himself featuring in this new role with regularity over the closing weeks.

The London Standard were impressed, giving the 23-year-old an 8/10 match rating after his excellent display, noting that he terrorised Toffees right-back Nathan Patterson throughout the afternoon.

This is all well and good, especially with Jadon Sancho not quite hitting his full stride and Mykhaylo Mudryk remaining unavailable for selection, but it’s not going to change Chelsea’s approach this summer.

The Londoners want a new left-sided winger, and they may well be circling in on an upgrade on Madueke.

Chelsea make contact for new winger

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have made contact with Jamie Gittens’ management team as they look to complete a deal this summer.

Prepared to double the Borussia Dortmund prospect’s salary, Chelsea appear to have found the perfect player to strengthen their wide flanks, especially since the Bundesliga club would be willing to do business.

Former €100m (£87m) demands have been whittled down given sixth-place Dortmund’s struggles this season, with Chelsea confident they can get a deal done for €60m (£51m).

Why Chelsea should sign Jamie Gittens

A product of Manchester City’s youth academy, Gittens left his homeland and signed for Bor. Dortmund in 2020, when he was just 16.

It was a bold move, but one that has paid dividends for a rising talent now regarded as “England’s best winger in 2024/25” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, having made prolific headway this season.

Now 20, Gittens has added goals to his name, having demonstrated his creative flair in the past, and it’s frightening to think that he’s still so young.

The addition of goals to his game makes for a nice showcase, but Gittens’ nuts and bolts derive from his athleticism, his pace and running power. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

His goalscoring sense, combined with the ferocious wheels, make Gittens a contender for superstardom down the line. It’s not out of the question to claim that he’s already performing above Madueke’s level, something echoed by the aforementioned Critchley.

Having outscored his compatriot, Gittens has also averaged 2.7 dribbles and won 5.2 duels per Bundesliga game this term, as per Sofascore.

These are skills that bespeak a successful career in the Premier League, with Madueke recording inferior metrics: 1.3 dribbles and 3.3 successful duels per fixture.

Gittens really does have the world at his feet, with his ball-striking catered toward various angles, capable of arcing efforts across goal or angling strikes into the close corner.

His quick feet and intelligent touches allow him to connect with teammates and burst through the lines to find space in the danger area. This is something which could work a treat with Palmer, whose central influence would appear to be perfect for such a darting wide partner.

He’s also proven himself in the Champions League, actually praised by Fabrizio Romano earlier in the campaign for his “special” game against Club Brugge to kick off the term, bagging twice off the bench in a 3-0 win.

The £49k-per-week prospect has everything in his locker to become a top-performing star for Maresca’s Chelsea, bearing a ball-playing capacity and smartness on the ball that echoes that of Madueke while developing a goalscoring sense that could tip the odds in his favour as he strives for that regular starting berth in the years to come at Stamford Bridge.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea make big offer for "world-class" gem

Chelsea appear to be edging closer to landing their first signing ahead of the summer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 25, 2025

Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.

Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City

The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.

Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.

Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.

Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.

Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.

He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.

A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.

Shades of Ian Harte: 10/10 Leeds star was just as breathtaking as Piroe

Leeds United put in a promotion-worthy performance as Daniel Farke’s rampant Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 21, 2025

Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.