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?
Paceman impressed on Test debut against Australia in 2024
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2025Ben Sears, the New Zealand fast bowler, has signed for Yorkshire for the 2025 season, and will arrive in time for their second County Championship game of the season, against Worcestershire at Headingley.Sears, 27, has impressed with his raw pace for New Zealand, including in his only Test to date, against Australia in 2024, when he claimed five wickets at Christchurch, including 4 for 90 in the second innings. He had previously made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2021.He will be joined at Headingley by his fellow New Zealand quick Will O’Rourke, who has signed for the T20 Blast, while the club has also drawn comparisons with his compatriot, and former Yorkshire overseas player, Lockie Ferguson.”I can’t wait to get over to Headingley and start playing with the guys,” Sears said. “Some of the signings made already are exciting and I hope I can add to that.”It’s important to set the tone early in any season. We have some big games in that first block, and I’ll be ready to get the team off to the best start possible.”Head Coach Anthony McGrath said: “Ben is a real talent who can get some extra bounce when he bowls. In that early section of the year when pitches can be greener or slower, he’ll be a real handful and I’m excited to get him over and start working with him.”Gavin Hamilton, General Manager of Cricket added: “To attract such talented bowlers like Ben to the club is testament to the lure of Yorkshire across the globe. Ben is an exciting talent and will provide the squad with an extra element that will be crucial this season.”We’re thrilled he has signed and look forward to welcoming him to Headingley in April.”
Senior pro takes the reins as Somerset prepares for new era of women’s cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2025Sophie Luff has been named as Somerset Women’s first professional captain, for the inaugural season of the new Women’s County competition.Luff, 31, played for Somerset’s age groups before making her debut for the senior women’s team in 2009. She has featured in 74 List A matches for the club, scoring 2330 runs at 43.14 with a highest score of 138 not out. She has also played in 68 T20 matches, scoring 1675 runs at 35.63.She previously captained the county side between 2017 and 2022, and was also an ever-present for the Taunton-based Western Storm, having been named captain in 2020.She was the first player to make 100 appearances for Storm and during that time scored over 1760 runs in List A cricket at 50.54 with a best of 157 not out. Her T20 record for Storm included 850 runs at 25.90 and a best of 78.The former England Academy, Development and Under-19 international has also represented Welsh Fire, London Spirit and Southern Brave in the Hundred.”It feels like I’ve really come home this winter,” Luff said. “I’m excited to be leading such a great group of girls, and to be able to do this at my home club and to become the first-ever professional captain gives me an unbelievable sense of achievement and fills me with pride.”Somerset County Cricket Club means an awful lot to me. I used to come here when I was young and watch the likes of Marcus Trescothick, and it’s where I fell in love with the game. I’ve been involved with the club for a very long time and this group has got the opportunity to set the standards for how we want Somerset Women to play.”This club has a tremendous history and has had some incredible captains over the years. To have my name on that list is incredibly special and is a real privilege.”Somerset Women Head Coach, Trevor Griffin, added: “Sophie has proved during the course of her career that she is a genuine leader both on and off the field. She has the respect of everyone in the dressing room and is a model professional. Her wealth of experience will prove invaluable alongside her outstanding understanding of the game.”Sophie is passionate about cricket and passionate about this club. Her genuine understanding of what it means to represent Somerset means that she will lead by example every time she takes to the field.”SCCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Sophie is very much a part of the DNA of women’s cricket in the region. She is an inspiration to her teammates and a role model for young cricketers across the South West. Her tenacity and will to win are second to none, and she possess an abundance of the necessary traits required to be a successful captain and leader.”
Chelsea are now in negotiations to sign a “beautiful footballer”, and they have discussed the possibility of sending Christopher Nkunku in the opposite direction, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Blues looking to offload Jackson and Nkunku
Once again, it has been a summer of heavy spending for the Blues, which means Enzo Maresca has been left with a somewhat bloated squad, and the manager may need to get two of his current forwards off the books.
Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku have been the subjects of widespread interest this summer, with the former now keen on joining Premier League rivals Newcastle United, while Bayern Munich have been named as potential suitors for the French striker.
Of course, Nkunku flourished during his previous stint in the Bundesliga, which led to his move to Stamford Bridge, with the former RB Leipzig man amassing a remarkable 35 goal contributions in 34 league outings during the 2021-22 campaign.
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As such, a move back to Germany could appeal to the forward, and a return could now be on the cards, according to Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to X to reveal that Chelsea have discussed swapping Nkunku for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
The same applies to Tyrique George, with the Blues looking to orchestrate a swap deal for the RB Leipzig star, having perhaps been unwilling to match the German club’s reported £67m asking price outright.
In order to make room for the attacking midfielder and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, the west Londoners are trying to get Jackson and Nkunku off the books, but negotiations over a deal for Simons remain ongoing in the meantime.
Simons keen on move to Stamford Bridge
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the RB Leipzig attacker is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and there are plenty of indications that he would be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad.
Josh Bunting was left very impressed with the maestro’s performance in his side’s 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen back in January, singling him out for high praise on X.
The 22-year-old chipped in with ten goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga outings last season, which is a solid return, with the Dutchman also catching the eye against Spain at international level.
There should be some caution about the potential signing of Simons, given that Nkunku also flourished in the Bundesliga, before failing to kick on in the Premier League, but the Netherlands international clearly has the ability to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
حمل داني كارفاخال، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، الأخطاء الفردية من لاعبي فريقه مسئولية الهزيمة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بالدوري الإسباني.
ريال مدريد تعرض لخسارة كبيرة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين اليوم السبت، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وقدم ريال مدريد مباراة سيئة على كافة المستويات وبالأخص من خط الدفاع الذي لم يقدم المستوى المطلوب ضد أتلتيكو مدريد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ألفاريز: أردنا هزيمة ريال مدريد.. وكنا فعالين في الديربي
وقال كارفاخال في مقابلة مع قناة ريال مدريد: “نحن في ورطة حقًأ، خسارة الديبي ليست تجربة ممتعة ولقد واجهنا أصعب جزء وهو العودة بعد هذه الكبوات، واليوم استقبلنا الكثير من الأهداف”.
وأضاف: “الأخطاء الفردية كلفتنا المباراة، حدث خطأ نتج عنه ركلة جزاء ثم سجل جوليان الهدف من ركلة حرة، تأثرنا بالموقف ولم نلعب بأسلوبنا، إنها ثلاث نقاط وعلينا الاستمرار لأن هذه بطولة طويلة، أحيانًا تكون الهزيمة بتلك الطريقة مفيدة”.
وعن عدم حصول نيكولاس جونزاليس على بطاقة حمراء، واصل كارفاخال: “لم أر الحادثة تتكرر، لو لم تكن بطاقة حمراء لكان للحكم أسبابه بكل تأكيد”.
واختتم: “لقد تضررنا، بضع كلمات ستعزينا اليوم، لكن غدًا ستشرق الشمس من جديد، سنعمل بجد أكبر ولنجعل هذه الهزيمة تؤلمنا لنستمد الشجاعة من مشاعر اليوم”.
A “very good” Birmingham City player has now reportedly agreed a deal to leave the Blues imminently, with a medical at his new club booked early this week.
Birmingham boss Davies positive ahead of Championship return
The Blues are edging closer to their return to the Championship, with the new season getting started with a mouthwatering home clash with Ipswich Town on August 8th.
On Saturday, Birmingham were beaten 4-0 by Crewe Alexandra in a surprise pre-season friendly defeat, but despite this, manager Chris Davies was in good spirits about what he saw from his side.
“The No. 1 thing you’re looking for is, can you build your fitness from these type of games as the first 60 minutes we’ve been exposed to this season? I think the boys looked leggy, they’ve had a strong week in training. So, I think that’ll do them the world of good having that 60 minutes under their belt for most of them.
“I thought first half we were very fluid, we conceded a ridiculous goal which we won’t concede any worse than that, so that’s something to learn from. “But then it was obviously all us and we were pretty fluid, we just lacked a bit of killer instinct in the in the final bit. That will come.”
Birmingham will know that new signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been mentioned as an ambitious target – but now a current player has been linked with a move away from the club.
Alfie May set for Birmingham exit
According to a fresh claim from Football League World, Birmingham striker Alfie May has agreed a move to League One side Huddersfield Town and could undergo a medical on Monday, having almost joined them last year.
A £1.2m transfer is expected to go through imminently, bringing an end to the 32-year-old Scot’s one-year spell with the Blues in the process.
May leaving Birmingham this summer may come as a surprise to some, considering he played such a key role in helping his side win the League One title last season, scoring 16 goals and registering eight assists in the competition, also being praised by Davies.
“He was very good. He dropped in as a false nine in possession and is very good at linking the play. He knows where the opposition players are and where to take his touch. He was brought in just to score goals basically and he took it brilliantly again. That’s why we signed him.”
That said, May isn’t considered a key starter and is now jumping up a division, not to mention being 32 years of age, so cashing in on him now makes sense, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.
Newcastle United will be looking to recruit well this summer to give themselves the best chance of a strong 2025/26 campaign. The Magpies will be in the Champions League once again and will no doubt be hoping to turn themselves into top-four regulars in the Premier League.
One area in which Eddie Howe’s side might look to improve this summer is at centre-back. Just like they were in 2024, Newcastle have been linked with Marc Guehi, but Football Insider report they will face competition from Arsenal.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Either way, Howe seems intent on strengthening the existing centre-back options, which include the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Another target has recently come to fruition, for whom the Magpies could make a move.
Newcastle's latest centre-back target
It will be fascinating to see, not only whether Newcastle are successful in their pursuit of Guehi, but also whether he is the only centre-back who will sign this summer. They have certainly been linked with multiple players, and could make a move for another Premier League defender.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a report from 3 Added Minutes, the North East giants have opened talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The report from Charlie Haffenden explains that Newcastle have ‘initiated talks with the player’s representatives’ ahead of a potential summer move.
Those at St James’ Park have ‘been keeping tabs on van Hecke’ this summer, but could still face competition from newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.
As for a price, it was reported by Sussex World that the Dutchman ‘has a transfer guide price’ of at least £60m, but it could well be more.
Why Van Hecke would be a good signing
At 25 years of age, Van Hecke is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting centre-backs in the Premier League. This is perhaps highlighted best by the fact that he is a full international with the Netherlands.
Last season on the South Coast for Brighton, Van Hecke played a crucial role. He featured 34 times in the Premier League, missing three games due to a couple of separate, small injury issues and another with suspension.
As well as grabbing a goal and assist last term, he helped Fabian Hurzeler’s side keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League, featuring for all but one of those games across all 90 minutes. He is a pivotal figure at the back and could perhaps now be considered the leader of the backline at the AMEX Stadium.
If the Magpies were to sign Van Hecke this summer, he could act as a direct replacement, and an upgrade, for Blyth-born centre-back Burn. The England international is a well-loved figure at St James’ Park, but is now 33 years of age.
With that being said, the defender, who also moved to St James’ Park from Brighton, played in 37 games in the Premier League last season. He also scored a pivotal second goal in the Carabao Cup final.
However, to preserve his future in a Magpies shirt, and add an upgrade at the back ahead of the Champions League and top four push, signing Van Hecke would certainly be a smart move. He was described as an “outstanding” player by Pete Davey, a Newcastle content creator.
Indeed, that is a word that can be used to describe Van Hecke’s underlying stats on FBref, which are far better than Burn’s. The Dutchman is a superb progressive passer, which is his standout attribute.
Last season in the Premier League, he averaged 6.93 progressive passes and 3.98 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 33 averaged 2.03 progressive passes and 2.78 ball recoveries each game.
Progressive passes
6.93
2.03
Passes into final third
6.87
1.35
Blocks
1.12
0.97
Tackles and interceptions
2.1
1.78
Ball recoveries
3.98
2.78
As the numbers showcase, Van Hecke would be a huge upgrade on Burn for a number of reasons. Not only is he a sensational passer of the ball, but defensively, he has very few weaknesses, particularly with the way he reads the game.
Burn is an icon of Newcastle United, but is not getting any younger, and the chance to improve their defence by signing Van Hecke might be too good to pass up for Howe.
Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star
Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer
Fresh off the back of what Erling Haaland described as a “boring” season, Manchester City are looking to bring back the excitement amid what has been a hectic start to the transfer window at the Etihad.
With the intriguing Club World Cup on the horizon, Pep Guardiola’s side have acted swiftly in order to bolster their ranks for the competition, with a deal having been agreed for AC Milan sensation, Tijjani Reijnders.
The capture of the Netherlands international – who had joined the Serie A side from AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 – is expected to cost an initial fee of around €55m (£46m), thus providing Guardiola with further depth in the midfield department.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, the Citizens are “advancing” their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Rayan Ait-Nouri, with his namesake – Rayan Cherki – also agreeing personal terms.
A bid is expected to be lodged for a player who could cost just £25m to prise from Lyon, having registered 32 goals and assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side at the age of just 21.
The suggestion is that the Frenchman could well be a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, according to The Athletic’s Alex Barker. Perhaps the same is true of a potentially even more exciting summer target…
Man City make move for Premier League sensation
Hoovering up Britain’s best young talent has been a common theme of the City recruitment drive in recent years, with notable arrivals including the West Ham United pairing of Divin Mubama and Divine Mukasa – the latter of whom registered 42 goals and assists in just 41 games at youth level in 2024/25.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That youth-centric transfer approach only looks set to continue, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having revealed that the Manchester side have agreed a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Caelan Cadamarteri.
Such news also comes amid reports which suggest that City are hoping to raid Arsenal for the signing of teenage sensation, Max Dowman, with Football Transfers noting that the 2023 treble winners, as well as Barcelona, have ‘expressed interest’ in the Hale End star.
Max Dowman
As per the report, both clubs are believed to have made ‘initial approaches’ to ‘signal their interest’ in the England youth international, albeit with the Gunners determined to keep hold of their 15-year-old prodigy.
The suggestion is that City would look to offer a similar pathway to that of Phil Foden, who was carefully nurtured and developed before cementing a first-team role for himself, with Barca said to be at a disadvantage as Dowman would not be able to join until he turns 18.
Any potential excitement over signing a player who doesn’t turn 16 until December may appear premature, although all the signs point to the teenager being a genuine star of the future.
Why Man City should sign Dowman
As noted by Football Transfers, Arsenal are desperate to avoid letting their homegrown diamond depart, and why wouldn’t they be? This is a player who, despite his youth, is already earning rave reviews from across the game.
Already part of first-team training in north London – amid the confirmation that he will join the pre-season tour this summer – Dowman has been given the backing of senior teammate Declan Rice, who described him as the “best 15-year-old in the country”.
Such words have been echoed by Arsenal insider, Will Balsam, who has claimed that the in-demand playmaker is the “biggest talent in England”. Talent scout Jacek Kulig, meanwhile, has hailed Dowman as the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Yamine Lamal”.
Rayan Cherki
It is those words which showcase just why the rising star is earning admiring glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, while equally, it also illustrates why he could prove to be an even more exciting capture than the mercurial Cherki.
Indeed, it does appear that a first senior appearance is a matter of when and not if for the Emirates ace, not least having already registered 30 goals and assists in just 25 U18 appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt.
U18 Premier League Top Scorers – 24/25
Player – Club
Games
Goals
Assist
Nicholas Oyekunle – Southampton
23
27
4
Luca Williams-Barnett – Spurs
20
19
9
Reigan Heskey – Man City
19
18
7
Dan Casey – Arsenal
21
18
1
Divine Mukaka – Man City
20
16
15
Marcus Neill – Sunderland
22
16
6
Victor Musa – Man Utd
19
16
3
Max Dowman – Arsenal
15
15
5
Matty Warhurst – Man City
21
15
2
Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu
14
15
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Comfortable on the right flank or in a central role – much like Cherki – Dowman is a simply joyous talent to witness, possessing a wand of a left foot and a dazzling ability to breeze past defenders.
That was evident during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, as he put in a statement display in the semi-final clash with Manchester United, despite ending up on the losing side, having notably won and converted a penalty for the Gunners following a surging solo run from deep.
Described as a ‘superstar in the making’ by the Standard’s Simon Collings following that 3-2 loss, Dowman appears destined to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Mikel Arteta – provided Guardiola and co don’t make their move, of course.
While landing a talent like Cherki is nothing to be sniffed at, being able to secure arguably the ‘biggest talent in England’ from one of your Premier League rivals would certainly take the biscuit.
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Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.
Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday stretched Arne Slot’s winless run to three matches, with the Reds last tasting victory at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of April.
Ah, that was the afternoon Liverpool sealed their 20th Premier League title. All good, then. Though Slot will be immensely disappointed with his team’s struggles over the past three weeks, context will temper his frustrations, with the squad out celebrating their triumph in Dubai last week, instead of being at Kirkby, training for their clash at the AMEX.
Most Top-flight Titles in English History
Rank
Club
Titles
1.
Liverpool
20
1=
Man United
20
3.
Arsenal
13
4.
Man City
10
5.
Everton
9
Data via BBC Sport
While standards have slipped, understandably so, the blip carries the undertow of a deeper issue that Slot has wrestled with across the season.
Rotation has been minimal in the Premier League this year, with the head coach seemingly unimpressed with some of his fringe stars.
That’s why FSG are acting incisively to bring in a range of changes this summer. Jeremie Frimpong is slated to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and it looks like bringing in Milos Kerkez is the next port of call.
The latest on Milos Kerkez to Liverpool
Though it feels like there’s little need to panic, Liverpool fans will hold off on celebrating the acquisition of Bournemouth full-back Kerkez until the deal is done and dusted.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that ‘talks are advancing’ between the two clubs, with Kerkez himself desperate to make the move to Merseyside.
But the Hungarian talent has been “absolutely exceptional” in the Premier League this year, as put by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, so important for Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side.
So then, is it any surprise The i News are claiming Manchester City are ready to rival Liverpool for the £45m-rated player’s signature?
Liverpool are still firm frontrunners, but have yet to table an official bid and City’s enquiries are born from real interest in bringing him to the Etihad.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot to sift through, but he’s managing it well, having already shortlisted a potential alternative.
Liverpool enter race for defender
As per Sky Germany, Liverpool might be prioritising a deal for Kerkez, but that hasn’t stopped them from adding Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to the shortlist.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While Caught Offside understand Chelsea currently lead the race for the dynamic Dutch defender, Liverpool likely trail only because they have focused their principal attention elsewhere.
But FSG can ramp up the gas at any given moment.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
Hato is expected to fetch a transfer fee worth €55m (£46m), and the suitors will be emboldened by Arsenal dropping their long-term interest after the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Why Liverpool want Jorrel Hato
Kerkez would be the dream for Liverpool, but it’s a promising thing that Hughes and co are mapping out alternative options. The 19-year-old Hato, to be sure, has the potential to match or even exceed his Hungarian positional peer, having been instrumental from a young age in his homeland, already having made 111 senior showings for the club, hitting 13 goal contributions.
Jorrel Hato in action for Netherlands
Profiled as a tactically astute player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is a dynamic and versatile player with a strong set of core qualities, which make a firm comment on his potential success at Slot’s Liverpool.
Kulig even went as far as to say he’s “one of the most talented CBs of his generation” after breaking onto the big stage in 2023, while scout Antonio Mango has described him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Now this player of “immense quality” – as per Kulig – is proving himself worthy on the flank, too.
As per FBref, Hato ranks among the top 2% of full-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie this season for pass completion, the top 12% for assists, the top 6% for touches in the attacking box and the top 5% for through balls made per 90, bespeaking a flowing passing game that could be perfect for ‘Slotball’.
Even in his nascence, Hato’s vast experience in central defence could further his chances of earning a move to Merseyside, a dream Kerkez alternative but one whose prowess could be called upon to ease the centre-halves duties, especially if Jarell Quansah is to leave, as reported by Sky Germany, and Andy Robertson keeps his place in the senior squad next season.
Jorrel Hato – Career Ajax Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Left-back
88
4
8
Centre-back
70
3
3
Central midfield
1
–
–
Left midfield
1
–
–
Stats via Transfermarkt
Kerkez might be a more natural wide defender, but that in itself doesn’t mean Anfield should head down that route. Analyst Asim Mahmood has even claimed the Hungarian “needs a lot of coaching/development to mould him into an Arne Slot full-back.”
Whether this is wholly true is open to discussion. The 21-year-old has hit seven goal involvements in the Premier League this year, winning 60% of his ground duels and completing 80% of his passes. Kerkez has made a key pass a game, and Slot has already demonstrated his capacity to enhance exciting young talents.
Maybe it’s time to forget the Bournemouth left-back, who would cost FSG something in the same ballpark as Hato but perhaps isn’t a perfect stylistic fit.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
Indeed, Kerkez requiring coaching to align with the Liverpool boss’ tactics is fine, but why bother making that investment when the Ajax starlet could be signed with a ready-made skill set.
Hato feels extremely Slot-esque with his distinct brand of possession-focused football. This isn’t to the detriment of his creativity, though, shackled by his own desire to tick things along. As per Sofascore, Hato’s 90% pass success rate in the Eredivisie has led to six assists, with two goals scored too.
Moreover, Hato has won 4.1 duels, made 1.9 tackles and recovered 4.2 loose balls per game, all denoting a roundedness that stretches into firm defensive roots and an innate athleticism, charged by some inexhaustible wellspring of energy that has sadly left Robertson’s arsenal this year.
Kerkez’s entourage would no doubt point toward their man’s superiority from an attacking standpoint, ranking higher across such relevant underlying metrics this season, but Hato would suggest he has been more economical with his attacking productivity, hitting eight direct contributions to Kerkez’s seven.
Robertson’s 31, but he’s still been a regular feature in a team of Premier League champions, and for the second time at that. But this is a new era at the club, and Slot needs to be trusted with placing his own stamp on the squad.
Jorell Hato for Ajax.
If Liverpool are stuck between the two transfer targets, it might be worthwhile for Slot to walk down his trusted Dutch road and seal a deal for Hato’s, whose unique qualities would leave him in a fantastic position to dovetail right into the high-flying team.
Even better than Huijsen: Liverpool make £59m "beast" their top target
Liverpool are acting like champions as they prepare to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad considerably this summer.
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.”
Leeds’ Championship season by numbers
Points
94
Wins
27
Goals scored
89
Clean sheets
24
Goals conceded
29
Players used
28
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.
Daniel Farke
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.