Leeds United know that they could have achieved promotion to the Premier League by Monday night if results go their way over the Easter period.

The Whites are currently five points clear of Sheffield United in third place and will officially be promoted if they win both of their matches and the Blades drop any points in their two games.

Daniel Farke’s side beat Preston North End 2-1 at Elland Road last time out to ensure that they had a healthy gap to third place, and they can now get the job done, with a bit of luck from others, in the next few days.

The Whites would still have plenty of work to do to win the title, as they are currently level on points with Burnley, but the main aim of promotion would have been secured.

Farke and his staff could, then, start to think about plans for the 2025/26 campaign and how they will build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.

How they set up their midfield in the top-flight, should they get there, will be particularly interesting, given that they currently play with a traditional number ten in Brenden Aaronson.

How Leeds United's midfield could look in the Premier League

The USA international has not done enough this season to suggest that he will be good enough for Leeds to play with an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system at Premier League level.

Aaronson has consistently failed to offer enough quality at the top end of the pitch against the other teams in the current top six in the Championship, as shown in the table below.

Form against the Championship top six

Brenden Aaronson vs

Goals

Assists

Bristol City (A)

0

0

Burnley (H)

0

0

Sunderland (A)

0

0

Sheffield United (H)

0

0

Coventry (H)

0

0

Coventry (A)

0

0

Burnley (A)

0

0

Sunderland (H)

0

0

Sheffield United (A)

0

0

Stats via Sofascore

Given that the script will flip for Leeds next season, fighting at the bottom end of the table instead of the top, Farke could rework his midfield set-up to play with Ao Tanaka in front of two holding midfielders.

The Japan international has scored four goals and provided two assists in a deep-lying midfield role this season, which suggests that he could offer a threat in the final third, but he has also made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match, meaning that the midfield star could provide an added layer of defensive protection for the Whites.

This would, then, allow Ethan Ampadu to play as a defensive midfielder alongside another physical enforcer, with Tanaka ahead of them, and showcase his defensive skills, having won 61% of his duels in the Championship this term.

The Wales international can provide a solid presence at the base of the midfield, and Leeds are reportedly interested in a star who could complete the midfield set-up alongside Ampadu and Tanaka.

Leeds eyeing Premier League colossus

According to Claret and Hugh, Leeds are eyeing up a summer swoop to sign West Ham United defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek ahead of the summer transfer window.

Farke is said to be a fan of the Czechia international and has identified him as a possible target for his Premier League squad for next season, if the Whites are promoted.

Claret and Hugh quote a ‘transfer insider’ as revealing that Leeds are looking at both Soucek and Irish forward Evan Ferguson, who is on loan at the London Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The insider said: “Leeds are planning for next season — Daniel Farke has already started preparations for the summer window. He likes Souček, but there’s already a Premier League offer in for him. I think Leeds like Ferguson too, and he’d get games there.”

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The claim that there is already another Premier League offer in for the former Slavia Prague midfielder suggests that it will not be an easy deal for the 49ers to get over the line, but they should push to bring him in because he could be an excellent addition to the squad to complement Ampadu in midfield.

Why Leeds should sign Tomas Soucek

Soucek provides a mix of physicality, experience, and quality in the middle of the park, having been a regular in the Premier League for the Hammers since his move to London in the summer of 2020.

Despite being a defensive midfielder, the towering colossus has scored 39 goals in 239 appearances in all competitions for West Ham, including 34 goals in 188 Premier League outings.

This means that he has scored even more goals in the Premier League than former Leeds star and current Barcelona superstar Raphinha, who scored 17 goals in 65 top-flight games in England.

Whilst Soucek has played more matches in the division than the Brazil international, his output at the top end of the pitch, compared to the position he plays, makes him a big threat.

This could make him the perfect partner for Ampadu, who has only scored two goals in 82 games for Leeds, to make up for the Welshman’s lack of quality as a goalscorer from midfield.

Soucek, whose defensive determination was described as “magnificent” by Trevor Sinclair, is also a proven Premier League midfielder when it comes do doing the dirty work out of possession.

24/25 Premier League

Per 90

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Clearances

3.01

Top 5%

Aerial duels won

3.98

Top 2%

Percentage of dribblers tackled

50%

Top 40%

Shots blocked

0.67

Top 7%

Blocks

1.38

Top 32%

Challenges lost

0.71

Top 23%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the Czechia international ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key defensive metrics.

He rarely loses challenges or allows players to dribble past him and is dominant in the box, making clearances and winning aerial duels on a regular basis.

Therefore, Soucek could be the perfect signing for Leeds to make in the summer because of his experience in the division, with the best part of 200 appearances in the league, the goal threat he can provide from midfield, and the defensive quality to keep opposition teams at bay.

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Farke would then be able to field a midfield including Soucek and Ampadu at the base with Tanaka ahead of them linking the midfield and the frontline.

Leeds United have been given a boost in their efforts to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent transfer this summer.

Leeds on course for Premier League return after crucial Championship weekend

The Whites and Daniel Farke enjoyed a brilliant afternoon in the Championship on Saturday, winning 2-1 against Preston North End at Elland Road thanks to goals from Solomon and Jayden Bogle.

Promotion rivals Sheffield United also threw away a victory at bottom placed Plymouth Argyle, conceding twice late on at Home Park to lose 2-1.

As a result, Leeds now sit top of the table and are five points clear of the Blades in third, while also having better goal difference with four games to go.

Sheffield United also have to go to second place Burnley, meaning Leeds need a maximum of seven points from their remaining four games to all but guarantee promotion on goal difference, providing the Blades win all four of their remaining fixtures.

Leeds (88 pts)

Sheffield United (83 pts)

Burnley (88 pts)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

If Leeds go up, 49ers Enterprises may quickly look to seal a number of new signings while also expanding Elland Road, and one target is loanee Solomon.

Leeds given boost in permanent Solomon deal

There have been claims that the winger, on loan from Tottenham, is wanted by Leeds on a full-time basis, should promotion be achieved.

Now, according to reliable reporter Alasdair Gold for football.london, ‘Solomon would certainly consider a move to Leeds if they got promoted after enjoying his time at the West Yorkshire club’.

The Isreal international is expected to have more interest from Premier League clubs and from teams abroad, but it seems as if the 25-year-old is open to moving to Yorkshire on a permanent basis.

Back in January, Solomon said on Leeds: “I love it here. I love the fans. I love the club. I love the players, the manager. Especially now, I’m really enjoying it and I love living here. Of course, it’s different to London, less things to do and we have less friends here. All the Israelis, they live in London, but we found our place here.”

Farke was also quick to hail Solomon on the weekend after he scored his eighth goal of the campaign and registered his 10th assist.

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“Always a joy to work with. A top character. Yes can be tricky, he’s emotional! Especially when he doesn’t finish a game. But top.”

It has been rumoured that Solomon could cost up to £20m this summer amid interest from Everton, so it is a boost for Leeds knowing that the attacker will consider a permanent transfer to Yorkshire.

This has been a fantastic season for Liverpool and Arne Slot, now inches away from a Premier League title which may be delivered to Anfield’s doorstep as early as this weekend.

While this is unlikely (Liverpool would need to beat Leicester City away and hope that imperilled Ipswich Town earn three points at home against Arsenal), it’s a certainty at this stage that Liverpool will be the word etched into the trophy before the summer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes will no doubt have spent many months adding sheaf upon sheaf to his transfer plans, tasked with stocking Slot’s squad with new parts ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Now that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contracts have been taken care of, rumours around who will replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez at number nine have been ramping up, but Liverpool need to strengthen across the park.

Bringing a new central defender carries every bit as much weight as signing a new striker.

Liverpool's pursuit of a centre-back

Liverpool are looking to strengthen across a range of positions this summer, and despite Van Dijk’s much-anticipated renewal, central defence is set to be chief among the list of priorities.

It seems Liverpool have already identified their favourite target, with recent reports claiming Liverpool are leading the tight-packed race to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is enjoying an exemplary breakout year in the Premier League.

Huijsen might be young and largely untested at the highest level, but his specific skill set bespeaks a future role at the very forefront of the European game.

It’s no coincidence that so many of the continent’s top outfits are lining up to make their move.

Real Madrid have registered their interest but Huijsen is expected to snub the La Liga superstars in favour of staying in the Premier League, report Spanish sources.

This is quite the novelty. But it reinforces Liverpool’s position in the driving seat as Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes confer ahead of the transfer window.

Huijsen is a terrific talent with a big future ahead of him, but he would be joining a vastly talented Liverpool backline and there are no assurances that he’d fit right into the starting fold from the get-go.

Not with Slot’s current options so talented, so proven in this title-winning team. Liverpool need more, but they’ve already hit the jackpot on a star worth even more than the Premier League’s most exciting young centre-half.

Liverpool have hit gold on Klopp signing

Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah was fast-tracked to first-team significance last season after Joel Matip suffered a career-ending knee injury in December 2023.

He’s since become a mainstay in the wider squad, and though Slot hasn’t used the 22-year-old all that frequently this term, he’s still played his part and has attracted interest from Newcastle United, who would be willing to do business for a £30m figure – which is lower than Liverpool’s valuation.

Huijsen, with a £50m release clause, is worth more. However, Ibrahima Konate’s value is higher than it’s ever been following his part in Liverpool’s soon-to-be triumph.

Konate has been with Liverpool for four seasons now, joining from RB Leipzig after his £36m release clause was activated. Long regarded for his sinewy physique, formidable defending and sharp technical skills, injuries have always been the France international’s sticking point.

24/25

26 (25)

1

2

10

23/24

22 (17)

0

0

5

22/23

18 (17)

0

0

7

21/22

11 (11)

0

0

4

He’s suffered from a bit of fitness bother this term, but Konate has never played more in the Premier League, hailed by analyst Josh Williams as a “monster at covering ground and dealing with one vs one situations.”

This is clear when peering at the data. As per Sofascore, Konate has won 65% of his duels in the top flight this year, keeping ten clean sheets and completing 90% of his passes.

Huijsen is a great talent, but he’s not yet on the towering 25-year-old’s level. The Spain international, for example, has only won 56% of his Premier League duels, also completing 84% of his passes.

Heading toward his first league title, Konate has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, with Liverpool hitting the jackpot on the talented defender. However, given that he’s about to enter the final year of his contract, FSG will surely be concerned they may lose another member of their backline on a free, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are both known admirers of the French defender, but Liverpool won’t be letting him leave on the cheap this year, with Spanish sources claiming the Reds would refuse discussions if their €60m (£51m) price tag was not matched.

Given Konate’s just one year away from his deal expiring, this goes to show that Liverpool have got quite the defender in their mix.

There’s no question that Liverpool will hope to retain their monstrous defensive star’s services, especially now that Van Dijk’s future has been sorted and Konate’s fears allayed in that regard.

For now, we wait and see, but whichever way the pendulum swings this summer, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Konate and will likely do the same on Huijsen, who could join Konate on Merseyside or even take his place in the coming months.

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Tottenham Hotspur are now fighting to sign “one of the best left-backs in Europe”, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Tottenham eyeing left-back amid Udogie uncertainty

There have been few standout players for Tottenham this season, given what has been a very disappointing Premier League campaign, but Destiny Udogie has clearly done enough to catch the eye.

Manchester City are now pushing to sign the left-back, with new sporting director Hugo Viana believed to be a long-term admirer, although it remains to be seen whether Spurs would be willing to strengthen a direct rival.

Cristian Romero’s future in north London also remains in doubt, with the Lilywhites contacting AFC Bournemouth over Dean Huijsen, who could be brought in as a replacement for the Argentine.

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With a move also potentially on the cards for Udogie, Ange Postecoglou could also be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, should the Australian keep his job, and an exciting target has now been identified.

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are now in the race to sign AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, but there could be stiff competition for his signature, given that Chelsea and Man City have also expressed an interest.

Hernandez’s contract is set to expire in 2026, which means this summer could be Milan’s last opportunity to receive a sizeable fee for his services, with the Frenchman’s value believed to be around £30m.

The 27-year-old is believed to be a key target at left-back, but with a number of top clubs queuing up for his signature, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will be able to lure him to north London.

Hernandez could be "brilliant" addition for Tottenham

It would be fair to say the Milan defender is not enjoying the best of seasons, but journalist Zach Lowy states he has been “one of the best left-backs in Europe over the past decade”, having particularly impressed in an attacking sense.

The France international has chipped in with a remarkable 34 goals and 45 assists in 256 appearances for Milan, during which time he has been lauded as “consistently brilliant” by football writer Carlo Garganese, which indicates this season may just be a blip.

Hernandez has proven he could be a fantastic addition for Tottenham, and £30m could be a bargain fee, given the level of his performances in the Serie A over a number of years.

However, Spurs’ number one priority should be to keep hold of Udogie, which they should be in a strong position to do, given that the 22-year-old is contracted until 2030.

Manchester United have been in contact with a “superstar” who Barcelona are looking to sign for free this summer.

Man Utd produce memorable Europa League comeback against Lyon

The Red Devils produced one of their best European comebacks in recent history on Thursday evening against Lyon, advancing to the semi-finals of the Europa League in the process.

Ruben Amorim’s side looked to be cruising to the last four before Lyon took the tie to extra time, and despite having 10-men, the Ligue 1 side then took a two-goal lead with just 10 minutes remaining.

However, goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and a Harry Maguire winner in injury time sparked wild scenes at Old Trafford, with United running out 5-4 winners on the night and 7-6 victors on aggregate.

Man Utd will now take on Athletic Club in the last four, with Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt awaiting in the final in Bilbao at the end of May.

Talking after the dramatic win over Lyon, Amorim said: “I was watching again the ’99, the documentary [when we completed the Treble by beating Bayern Munich with two late goals in the Nou Camp], so to have some inspiration for this moment. But, was a great night. I think the team were tired and you feel it during the game, and then 4-2 with one more player and, in the end, you think it’s over. But here, it’s never over.

“We tried to put Harry Maguire [up there] because he’s the only guy that can score a goal with his headers. And then Kobbie Mainoo, he has a lack of pace in this moment because he had that injury and he stopped for a while, but he’s really good on short spaces, and then he has the ability to do that kind of goal. And then we try it, and sometimes it works, and today was a good day.”

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All of United’s focus now will be on winning the Europa League to guarantee Champions League football at Old Trafford for 2025/26, something which could help in regards to signing some top players over the summer.

Man Utd make contact to sign 25 y/o Barcelona target for free

One player who has been linked with a move to Man Utd is Lille striker Jonathan David. Out of contract at the end of the season, the Canada international looks set to find a new club over the summer, with Amorim recently demanding the Red Devils to pursue a move for the 25-year-old.

According to TBR Football, Barcelona are the most likely to sign David for free this summer, however, Man Utd have been in contact with the striker’s representatives recently.

Dubbed a “superstar”, David is also being eyed up by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool after another excellent season in front of goal.

A move to Barcelona remains David’s preferred destination, but by the looks of things, a move to Man Utd can’t be ruled out at this stage, especially with the Red Devils still having the chance of Champions League football next season after Thursday night’s rescue mission.

Everton are not trundling but charging into the final stretch of the season, not threatened by relegation but thriving under David Moyes.

Last weekend’s stunning result over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground ended a six-match run without win in the Premier League, though a narrow defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was the only loss in that timeframe.

Oh, The Friedkin Group will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window and to next season, and Moyes will too, but the Scottish manager’s focus will remain on the current campaign as he further shapes his understanding of the tools at his disposal.

19/04/25

Goodison Park

Manchester City

26/04/25

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea

03/05/25

Goodison Park

Ipswich Town

10/05/25

Craven Cottage

Fulham

18/05/25

Goodison Park

Southampton

25/05/25

St. James’ Park

Newcastle United

Change is afoot for the Toffees, and it’s not just the scenery that will be restyled. However, there are some players who are proving their worth, proving they can be key features over the coming years.

Jake O’Brien is very much one of them.

Jake O'Brien's emergence

Last season, O’Brien was called a “revelation in defence” for Lyon in Ligue 1 by European football expert Zach Lowy, but few of an Everton persuasion were revelling in his signing before Sean Dyche received the boot.

Indeed, the 6 foot 6 defender stood on the sidelines for the majority of his time on Merseyside before Moyes saw his worth and fashioned him into a makeshift wide man.

Now, he’s undroppable, very much starting to look like something of a revelation in the Premier League as he helps Everton toward their mid-table resurgence.

Since continuing his dreary role as a bit-parter on Moyes’ (second) Everton debut against Aston Villa, a narrow defeat at Goodison Park, O’Brien has started invariably at right-back, something that seemed patchwork at the start but has become an increasingly comfortable and, in the best way, unnoticeable journey.

Well, largely unnoticeable, with the Irishman actually chipping in with two important goals during recent draws against Brentford and West Ham United.

The 23-year-old’s emergence has come at a cost to another, however, with Ashley Young’s services rendered… not useless, but certainly not worth renewing his current contract as he heads toward his 40th birthday.

Everton veteran is now finished

Young has been a stout presence at Goodison Park over the past few years, signing on as Dyche’s first arrival in July 2023 after his contract with Aston Villa expired.

However, the 39-year-old, who has entered the final few months of his current deal, has waned since Christmas, last starting in the Premier League during the home loss to Villa in January, a game that saw him make a direct error, cede possession 18 times despite only making one key pass and also win just one of three duels.

It’s safe to say he is not the “machine” that Antonio Conte once described him as during his stint at Inter.

The £40k-per-week veteran may not have any plans to retire just yet, but Everton run the risk of stagnating, should they not recognise the need to part ways with such ageing players at this reshaping moment. Especially, in Young’s case, since O’Brien has been in such fine form.

O’Brien excels in doing the basics well, yet to make a mistake in the Premier League while winning 54% of his duels and averaging 4.5 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

These almost pragmatic patterns of play, carried with a central defender’s air but nuanced enough to bring his own brand to the full-back berth, suggest that Moyes may yet stick with his Irish star across the upcoming campaign, especially with Nathan Patterson there to provide support.

For Young, a somewhat sad ending given he has fallen into the darkness of the sidelines since Moyes’ return to the club, but it’s understandable that he should part ways at this watershed moment in Everton’s history.

Bramley Moore brings with it a new dawn, and O’Brien is proving himself worthy of a star spot.

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Aston Villa have expressed their interest in signing an African attacker who prefers an assist to scoring a goal.

Rashford and Asensio starring for Aston Villa as NSWE eye permanent moves

Into the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and pushing for another top-four finish in the Premier League, it has been a positive start to 2025 for Unai Emery’s side.

The Spaniard was backed by NSWE in January with loan deals for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio from Manchester United and PSG respectively. Both have starred in recent weeks for Villa, and there have already been claims that Villa are plotting a permanent move for Asensio that could be worth £25m.

With Rashford, it is believed that Villa are best placed to sign the forward on a full-time basis. Those in the Midlands have a £40m option to buy, and ex-scout Mick Brown thinks Villa are in pole position to sign Rashford.

“Marcus going out on loan has been a win-win. There was no way his situation at Man United was going to improve, so from that point of view he’s gone away and improved his position. There’s never been any doubt about Marcus’ talent, and now he’s found a platform to display that.

“Aston Villa have gained from it because they were brave enough to take him on loan. Now, I think they’ll be in the best position to keep him on a permanent deal even though there’s going to be interest from elsewhere.”

Games

11

Goals

3

Assists

4

Games

10

Goals

8

Assists

1

Ahead of the summer, NSWE and Villa have been identifying new targets, and they may have found a star in the making who is catching the eye across Europe.

Aston Villa make approach for 18 y/o attacker Rodolfo Aloko

According to reports from Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are one of the clubs circling to sign Rodolfo Aloko, who is currently plying his trade in Croatia with NK Kustosija.

The 18-year-old is primarily an attacking midfielder but has been described as a very fast and powerful striker who is difficult to stop when at full speed.

Villa have seemingly made an approach by expressing their interest in Aloko, however, they are not alone, with RB Salzburg and PSV Eindhoven doing the same. Sevilla have also scouted Aloko in action for Benin and are thought to be ahead in the race, with the attacker in and out of Kustosija’s first team and reserves.

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It is added that Aloko actually enjoys assisting more than scoring goals and that Kustosija will want a ‘decent fee’ to part ways with their talented African over the coming months.

By the looks of things, a move to Villa for Aloko could be one to keep an eye on, where he may join the likes of Rory Wilson in the club’s academy looking to eventually progress into the first team.

Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looks almost certain to depart Liverpool this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

The 26-year-old has largely been touted with a free transfer to join Real Madrid, with numerous publications already claiming that a deal is complete for him to join the LaLiga giants.

Such news has angered supporters, with his potential move leaving Arne Slot’s side shortchanged and unable to receive a fee for a talent who’s been a leading player in their success.

He’s made over 300 appearances for his boyhood side, playing a vital role in various levels of success, claiming one Premier League title, with another set to follow in the coming weeks.

The defender isn’t the only player to depart Anfield on a free in recent years, albeit in different circumstances to another player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell on Merseyside.

Daniel Sturridge’s time as a player at Liverpool

Striker Daniel Sturridge formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suárez during his stint at Liverpool, with the pair firing the Reds to title contention under Brendan Rodgers over a decade ago.

The Englishman scored 67 times in his 160 appearances during his six-and-a-half years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic including his effort against former side Chelsea.

However, despite his goalscoring exploits, he was unable to prove his talent on a regular basis, with injuries massively plaguing his time and subsequently spending long periods on the sidelines.

During his stint on Merseyside, the now-retired striker suffered 15 separate injuries, missing a total of 121 matches – missing an average of 18.5 matches per season he was on the club’s books.

Such a record left the hierarchy with no choice but to offload him in the summer of 2019, but six years on, Slot has found a new version of the Englishman, desperately needing to offload him to avoid losing another talent for nothing.

Why Slot needs to sell Liverpool’s new Sturridge this summer

Despite Slot’s impressive first season in England, which has seen him take the top-flight by storm, he may have a job on his hands to sustain such a success next season.

Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could all depart the club on a free transfer this summer, giving the Dutchman a huge task in replacing the trio given their importance to the side.

However, he may want to offload numerous other first-team members this summer, including Diogo Jota, who’s fallen well beyond the high standards he set for himself during his early days on Merseyside.

The Portuguese international joined the Reds in a £45m deal from Wolves in the summer of 2020, notching 34 goals during his first two years after his big-money transfer.

However, he’s struggled to achieve such levels in 2024/25, scoring just nine times across all competitions, with injuries starting to prevent his progress at Anfield.

2020/21

Knee

85

19

2020/21

Foot

12

4

2021/22

Ankle

15

4

2022/23

Hamstring

32

5

2022/23

Calf

117

24

2023/24

Calf

29

8

2023/24

Knee

52

13

2023/24

Hip

23

4

2024/25

Hamstring

54

14

2024/25

Fatigue

17

4

Total:

10

436

99

Jota has only been able to start 12 league outings so far during Slot’s reign, leading to reports that the club were willing to cash in on him this summer to fund a move for a new talisman.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract, but with the former Atlético Madrid ace now entering the latter stages of his professional career, the upcoming window could present the last opportunity to recoup the majority of the fee paid for his signature.

Given his injury issues and lack of form when fit, Slot must look to offload him this window, joining Trent in not featuring in his plans as he looks to continue his impressive start as the club’s manager next season.

It may seem a brutal call, but the football industry is an unforgiving one, with decisions needing to be made for the better of the club, subsequently leading to fresh blood arriving to fill the void.

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Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have made £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star a top transfer target, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing attacking reinforcements this summer

The Magpies still have plenty to play for in what has been a tremendous campaign, as they ended their long wait to lift a trophy. Eddie Howe’s side are still firmly in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and the hope will be that securing that will help them when it comes to transfers this summer.

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Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2025

The transfer window doesn’t open until the beginning of June, but already, Newcastle are lining up potential arrivals. According to a recent report, Newcastle are interested in a move to sign Alexis Saelemaekers from Italian giants AC Milan. The midfielder has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season, and on his return at the end of the campaign, he could be allowed to leave, with Milan looking to get around £17 million for his services. His arrival would strengthen a midfield that already has plenty of exciting options.

As well as looking at ways to improve their midfield, Newcastle are also looking at improving their forward line, especially as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have made Emanuel Emegha a transfer target, as the forward has been mightily impressive for Strasbourg. The striker is said to be open to a move to England and could be seen as a potential replacement for Isak, should he depart.

Barcelona now choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace De Jong

However, signing a player like Saelemaekers may become more of a priority for the Magpies, as according to a report from Spain, Barcelona now want to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong.

The report states that Deco is now working on a replacement for De Jong, as while the Dutchman is under contract until the summer of 2026, talks over a new deal are not advancing.

Therefore, he could be moved on by the Spanish giants, and they have identified Tonali as the perfect replacement. It claims that Barça see the Newcastle midfielder as someone who can immediately fit into their system and would be perfect to cover De Jong.

Tonali, who earns £120,000 a week at St James’ Park, has been on Barça’s radar for a while, even before he joined the Magpies. His performances in England for Newcastle have now confirmed to the Spanish giants how good he really is.

Sandro Tonali’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

3

xG

3.53

Shots per game

0.9

Assists

2

xAG

1.35

Big chances created

2

Key passes

0.4

Tackles per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.9

Barça would place Tonali as essential to their midfield plans, but the fact he is under contract until 2028 and is expected to cost a lot of money are two stumbling blocks for Barcelona. However, they are confident that if De Jong doesn’t sign a new contract, it will give them an opportunity to sign Tonali, but this transfer hinges on what happens to the future of De Jong.

Sheffield United are believed to be interested in signing a “very good” attacking player in the summer transfer window, along with Championship rivals Leeds United.

Sheffield United suffer 3 Championship defeats in a row

The Blades suffered yet another damaging result on Saturday lunchtime, losing 2-1 away to struggling Plymouth Argyle, despite taking the lead in the first half.

It means Chris Wilder’s United side have now lost their last three matches in the league, going from top of the table to third place, now trailing both Leeds and Burnley by five points after their respective victories on Saturday.

The Blades’ defeat led to angry scenes at the end, with Wilder involved in heated discussions with Plymouth players after the hosts’ players celebrated in front of the travelling supporters.

While the manager has played down the post-match drama, it was arguably a sign of the pressure getting to him and his players, and they now have a huge amount of work to do if they want to get into the Premier League without the stress of the playoffs.

Sheffield United battling Leeds for "very good" ace

According to journalist Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Go Ahead Eagles winger Oliver Antman ahead of the summer window.

Leeds are also in the mix to snap up the 23-year-old ahead of next season, with Leicester City, Southampton and Sheffield United all mentioned as suitors to acquire his signature, too.

Aside from the entertaining, superhero-like surname, Antman is an excellent young player who could thrive for the Blades, although much may depend on their potential promotion to the top flight.

The 20-cap and sevel-goal Finland international has bags of quality in wide attacking areas, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “very good”:

This season, Antman has a highly impressive 14 assists in just 24 starts in the Eredivisie, outlining the creativity he possesses, and he has also scored six goals in the competition for good measure.

While at his most dangerous on the right flank, his versatility also allows him to do a strong job on the left wing, with such versatility likely to appeal to Wilder.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

As mentioned, though, if the Blades fail to reach the Premier League and Leeds, they could face an uphill battle to secure his services ahead of next season, making the next few weeks crucial.