All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday, police said. Franco, who is on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball as he awaits trial, was reportedly involved in an altercation Sunday that led to guns being drawn. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Franco and an unnamed woman are being held for questioning over the incident.

Franco has a December 12 trial in the country for a separate case in which he is accused of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. As noted by ESPN, Franco's bail agreement allows him to travel within the Dominican Republic and he is free to carry a gun so long as he has a license to do so and the weapon is registered.

The 23-year-old shortstop was placed on MLB's restricted list in July and then on administrative leave in August after he was accused by prosecutors of having a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. Until that case is resolved Franco is considered under investigation by MLB over the league's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021. He has not taken the field for the franchise since 2023.

With the summer transfer window well and truly back open, Aston Villa have a huge few weeks ahead.

After failing to qualify for the Champions League after defeat against Manchester United on the final day of the season, the West Midlands side find themselves in the Europa League.

That surely makes them less appealing to top players they are looking to sign, and also means they have less money, which could make it tough to turn the loan moves of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford into permanent deals. Spain international Asensio did not have a buy clause in his loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and it is unclear if he will come back.

Well, if it turns out that Asensio doesn’t re-sign for Villa, they seemingly have a replacement in mind.

Villa's potential Asensio replacement

It would certainly be a huge blow for Villa if they were to lose Asensio, who had a great impact and brought lots of technical quality in attacking areas to their squad. However, they seem to be targeting a fellow Spaniard to replace him.

According to a newspaper in Spain, via Caught Offside, Unai Emery and his side are seemingly targeting a move for Real Betis attacker Jesus Rodriguez. He reportedly has a release clause worth £30m in his current deal, but Betis are negotiating a new contract with the view of increasing the price of that release clause to around £43m.

Of course, the release clause makes this a complicated situation, and on top of that, Betis are thought to be set on keeping Rodriguez.

However, Villans’ sporting director Monchi ‘is determined to sign’ the attacker, and ‘will be leading negotiations to get the deal done’ this summer.

Why Rodríguez would be a good signing

Despite being just 19 years of age, Rodriguez had a strong second half of the campaign with Betis, after breaking into the first team under Manuel Pellegrini following a stint in the youth team until December.

The Seville-born sensation played in 32 senior games last season for the club, scoring three times and grabbing one assist. He played a lot of first-team football, too, notching up 1739 minutes, the equivalent of 19 full 90-minute games. If anything, that shows the trust Pellegrini has in him already.

The 19-year-old attacker performed well in the UEFA Conference League last season, too. Although Betis lost in the final to Chelsea, he had an important role in their quest to the final, playing eight games and scoring against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok.

There is no doubt about it, Rodriguez stepping into Asensio’s shoes at Villa Park would be no mean feat. Not only is he ten years younger and therefore far less experienced, but the impact he had at Villa would be tough to recreate.

Even Asensio himself struggled to continue the form he showcased during the early part of his career in the West Midlands. He scored eight times and grabbed one assist in 21 games, but after a rapid start, couldn’t keep up his hot run of form past the start of April.

When looking at the underlying stats on FBref last season for both Rodriguez, a Spain U21 international, and Asensio, there are some numbers that stack up well against each other. One of those is goal-creating actions, in which the Betis man averaged 0.41 per game compared to the Villa loanee’s 0.66, showing they are both involved in their team’s goals regularly.

Described as an “explosive” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Rodriguez will certainly bring dynamic ball-carrying to Villa Park, more so than Asensio of the stats are anything to go by. The 19-year-old averaged 4.31 progressive carries each game last season, compared to Asensio’s 2.72 per 90 minutes.

It is not hard to see why Rodriguez will be Emery’s new Asensio. Not only are they both Spanish attackers who can play across the frontline, but he has the technical quality of the former Real Madrid star, combined with the habit of being involved in goals, even if that is not directly.

This seems like a deal Monchi wants to get over the line, and for £30m, the value of his current release clause, it could be an excellent piece of business for the Villans.

He's scored at Villa Park: Aston Villa racing to sign "fantastic" £42m star

Only Jacob Murphy, Mohamed Salah and Anthony Elanga assisted more goals than him last season…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 12, 2025

West Bromwich Albion’s drawn-out search for a new manager has ended with Ryan Mason now officially in the Baggies’ hot seat.

There is plenty of intrigue surrounding this appointment as the Championship side ditch the tried and tested approach of Tony Mowbray for something left-field and fresher, with the 33-year-old taking on his first ever head coach role having only once been a stand-in option at ex-employers Tottenham Hotspur.

He will want to get down to business soon in the transfer market to begin to leave a lasting mark on his new side, with plenty of signings rumoured to be entering the building alongside the fresh-faced manager.

West Brom locked into talks with new striker

Mason could utilise those Spurs connections when adding to his Baggies squad, with North London prodigy Mikey Moore already being tipped to make a loan move to the EFL to expand his horizons, away from previous links suggesting Jamie Donley could call the West Midlands home shortly.

Further, it looks as if West Brom could win themselves a new deadly marksman in the form of Hearts’ goal machine Lawrence Shankland.

Journalist Mark Hendry has now revealed that West Brom are locked in talks about bringing the prolific 29-year-old to the Hawthorns, as the Hearts captain increasingly looks more and more likely to walk away from the Edinburgh giants on a free transfer.

But, the Championship promotion hopefuls aren’t alone in their interest, with Hendry surprisingly adding that both Al-Ettifaq and Al-Wedha are sniffing around from Saudi Arabia.

How Shankland could be West Brom's best striker since Maja

If West Brom were to pip these outfits to the coveted signature of the Scotsman, they could be about to seal their best striker signing since Josh Maja’s addition, with the equally lethal attacker going on to be a golden purchase up top himself, considering he joined the ranks in 2023 on a free transfer as well.

Maja has endured difficult periods at the Hawthorns, however, with a mammoth 44 games missed through injury over the last two seasons.

But, when he’s fit, there’s a real lack of strikers in the Championship that possess the same clinical edge the Nigerian has in abundance, with the devastatingly effective number nine picking up 12 goals last campaign, despite only being fit enough to line up for 26 league clashes.

Shankland has also displayed a “ruthless” cutting edge – in the words of pundit Chris Sutton – throughout his celebrated spell on the books of Hearts, with this last-gasp goal against arch rivals Hibernian just one of many crucial strikes the Glasgow-born attacker has powered home for Derek McInnes’ men.

Having played up and down the various Scottish leagues across his goal-laden career to date, it does feel like the time is right for Shankland to test himself in a new and challenging environment, with the 6 foot 1 menace hopeful he can take to the pressures of the Hawthorns in his stride, much like Maja did when taking the plunge two years ago.

After all, before his return to England, the ex-Sunderland forward had begun to garner his own reputation for being a reliable source of goals when leading the line for Bordeaux, with 29 goals tallied up from 93 appearances.

Therefore, when assessing Shankland’s monstrous total of 68 strikes from 137 contests for Hearts, he should find his shooting boots are an equally uncomplicated find in the EFL’s elite league.

Mason would love to welcome in Shankland then as one of his first signings, with the 33-year-old no doubt crying out for a potent forward line to help his new side instantly gun for promotion.

Mason can sign West Brom's next Fellows in young star who's like "Neymar"

Ryan Mason would love to welcome this stunning star to this brand-new West Bromwich Albion squad.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 4, 2025

Manchester United have opened talks over the signing of a “fantastic” player, who is now a prime target, and they are making significant moves to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer rebuild now underway

The Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to have a mass clear-out this summer, and the manager’s rebuild has now commenced, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first player to sign on the dotted line.

However, in order to re-shape his squad more significantly, Amorim may have to sanction some departures, and the manager was seen visibly laughing when questioned about Alejandro Garnacho’s future, amid widespread links to other clubs.

Andre Onana is another player who could be in the firing line, having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic famously dubbing him “one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history” back in April.

As such, United have been looking at replacements for Onana, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, opening talks over a deal for the 25-year-old in the past week.

£60m star "wants to join Man Utd" instead of Arsenal as INEOS set to open talks

The Red Devils are looking to seal a deal for an “incredible” player…

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 3, 2025

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are now making significant moves to sign Svilar, who could be a low-cost replacement for Onana, with Roma likely to hold out for a fee of around £21m – £25m.

The Serbian would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and AS Monaco all monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation in Italy.

"Fantastic" Svilar now prime target for Man Utd

The Belgium-born shot-stopper is said to have been identified as a prime target for Man United this summer, and it is clear to see why, having averaged a very impressive save percentage and clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Not only that, but former manager Claudio Ranieri lauded the Serbia international for his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.

​​​​​​

“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”

It is clear that Onana will need to be replaced this summer, having performed very poorly over the past year, and Svilar could be a savvy signing at just £21m, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

This summer appears to be a huge window for Liverpool Football Club as Arne Slot looks to build on the magnificent job he did during his first year at the helm.

The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first attempt, doing so after only making one senior addition in the form of Federico Chiesa, who only featured for a total of 104 league minutes.

Such an achievement is nothing short of remarkable, with the 46-year-old deserving of the opportunity to make his own additions and change the squad as he wishes.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, it’s a surprise to no one that work has already commenced in an attempt to land new players for Slot this summer.

Over the last couple of days, numerous names have emerged as key targets, with a real impetus on improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal within the final third.

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

In their pursuit of a new talisman this summer, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a potential signing for Slot’s side during the upcoming transfer window.

The Slovenian, who scored 21 goals in 2024/25, has appeared on their shortlist, but could cost a pretty penny over the coming months, with the Bundesliga side demanding at least £70m for his signature.

However, he’s not the only talent from such a division to be touted with a switch to Anfield, with Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké the latest name linked, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He states that the Reds have entered the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, even holding talks with the striker over a move, with Slot personally wanting the Frenchman.

Plettenberg also confirmed that Frankfurt are demanding €100m (£84m) to part ways with the 22-goal forward, who also has keen interest from fellow English side Chelsea.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target would be perfect for Wirtz

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions has shown no signs of slowing down over the last couple of weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz another name on their shortlist this summer.

The German has already held talks with the Reds over a summer switch to Anfield, but they face competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the 22-year-old’s signature.

Any deal would likely set Slot’s side back over £100m this summer, with a switch to Merseyside certainly going to break the club-record £85m paid for Darwin Núñez back in 2022.

Should the hierarchy land a move for Wirtz and Ekitike, it would be a mammoth investment that highlights their ambitions of retaining their Premier League title in 2025/26.

However, the pair could form a deadly partnership for the Reds next season, with their respective figures from the Bundesliga fitting perfectly into one another’s skillset.

Ekitike, described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, loves to play on the shoulder of the defender, often darting in behind and causing all sorts of problems.

He’s received 7.6 progressive passes, which has aided him in his tally of 22 goals this season, with Wirtz able to add to such a figure if they both joined the Reds, registering a tally of 6.7 progressive passes per 90.

The striker has also managed to register 1.6 shots on target per 90, whilst also registering 0.53 goals per game in the Bundesliga – allowing the German to increase his assist tally when operating alongside the Frenchman.

He’s also made 1.6 key passes per 90, with 1.1 of which being played into the opposition’s penalty area, which could see him return the favour to Wirtz – highlighting why they could be so dangerous together at Anfield.

Whilst the pair could set the hierarchy back just short of £200m this summer, their tender ages gives them the chance to develop further in the years ahead – allowing the club to sustain their recent success.

Should they transfer their skillset to Merseyside in the coming months and hit the ground running, the pair could prove to be the difference in attacking areas, making Liverpool a real force to be reckoned with in 2025/26.

Mac Allister 2.0: Liverpool working on another amazing signing after Wirtz

Liverpool could be about to replicate a deal for Alexis Mac Allister durng the upcoming summer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 28, 2025

Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland future has been a talking point throughout this season, and now a new update has emerged ahead of the Championship playoff final.

Sunderland 90 minutes away from the Premier League

The Black Cats are preparing for one of the biggest games in their recent history on Saturday afternoon, as they battle Sheffield United at Wembley for a place back in the Premier League.

It is a mammoth occasion for both sides, in what is considered the most valuable game in the English football calendar, and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has said that his players have matched his pre-season expectations of them.

“We are exactly where we wanted to be. In our first meeting in this room, I asked them what is the purpose of the season and they told me they wanted to get promoted. Here we are. We’ll have this opportunity.”

The difference between victory and defeat on Saturday cannot be downplayed, with Sunderland knowing that a return to the Premier League will not only allow them to sign better players this summer, but also give them a better chance of retaining the services of current Stadium of Light heroes, from Bellingham to Chris Rigg.

The former has been linked with a move to follow in his brother’s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund, and there has been a development in that story ahead of the final.

Dortmund confident after talks with Bellingham

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Bellingham has held “fruitful” talks with Borussia Dortmund over a summer move to the European giants, who now believe they are well placed to sign him.

It is stated that several Premier League clubs are also in the race to sign the youngster, however, with champions Liverpool mentioned as potential suitors. Much will hinge on the playoff final result, with defeat for the Black Cats almost certainly meaning he will leave.

If Saturday’s game isn’t big enough already, Sunderland will know that beating the Blades will give them a far greater chance of keeping Bellingham, which is a major incentive. The 19-year-old has been such an influential performer throughout the season, starting 41 Championship matches and being lauded by captain Dan Neil, who said of him back in 2023.

Sunderland must now unleash their new Jack Clarke in the playoff final

Regis Le Bris must find a way to start Sunderland’s new Jack Clarke at Wembley.

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 22, 2025

In truth, Sunderland can’t necessarily expect Bellingham to stay if they remain in the Championship next season, with the Englishman no doubt having big ambitions.

The lure of testing himself in the Premier League for the Black Cats isn’t out of the question, though, so it’s a case of them getting the job done this weekend.

Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions took a hit as they could only draw 0-0 with relegated Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

City now have just two games left in the Premier League and now have 65 points. There are still four teams below them who could beat them to a top-five finish, especially if Pep Guardiola’s men drop more points.

There is everything to play for over the next couple of weeks, that’s for sure. The Spaniard will be looking for a better performance than this, however.

Man City’s best and worst performers against Southampton

Kevin De Bruyne was the standout for the Etihad side. Despite the fact he is leaving in the summer, the Belgian still showed his class, making four key passes, delivering 18 crosses and winning four of his six total duels.

Phil Foden showed signs of life after a torrid time recently, registering two shots while completing 95% of his passes.

Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji won just one of his three ground duels and lost possession eight times, while Erling Haaland failed to even register a single shot on target throughout the game.

City’s worst performer was arguably James McAtee. Might it be time for Guardiola to act upon his interest in Morgan Gibbs-White?

James McAtee’s game in numbers against Southampton

Playing off the right wing, the Englishman may have completed 100% of his passes, but his overall display was poor enough to be subbed off at halftime.

He delivered just one accurate cross from three attempts, won just a single duel and failed to register a shot – on or off target – during his spell on the pitch for City.

McAtee only took as many touches as Haaland – with both men registering just 17 apiece – and was given a match rating of just 6/10 by the Manchester Evening News.

Is he really the man to take the club to the next level when De Bruyne leaves in a few weeks?

Gibbs-White has been a player of interest for quite some time and perhaps now is the perfect chance to test Nottingham Forest’s resolve.

As per Fabrizio Romano earlier this month, the Forest attacking midfielder remains one of City’s “priority targets” heading into the summer transfer window.

Throughout the current season, he has registered 14 goal contributions – five goals and nine assists – while also creating eight big chances, averaging 1.6 key passes and succeeding with one dribble per game in the top flight.

In comparison, McAtee has notched up just seven goal contributions this term for City. Furthermore, the 22-year-old has created only two big chances, averageing 0.2 key passes and succeeding with just 0.1 dribbles in the Premier League.

Judging by these statistics across several attacking metrics, there is one clear winner. Gibbs-White might cost the club a significant outlay, but he looks to be a player who can potentially take City back to winning the Premier League or Champions League.

McAtee, on the other hand, might find himself out of the door by the time next season comes around.

Instant Marmoush upgrade: Man City targeting "world class" £85m star

Man City will be aiming to strengthen this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 10, 2025

Will Leeds United be able to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-worthy outfit next season after finally breaking free of the Championship’s grip?

It will certainly be easier said than done, however, considering all three promoted teams that went up at Leeds’ expense at the end of the 2023/24 campaign are all tumbling straight back down to the EFL’s top league after a short-lived top-flight stay.

Moreover, Daniel Farke himself has a sketchy track record in the Premier League, having picked up just six career wins at the tricky level, leading to speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road that he could be let go of despite successfully guiding the Whites up to the big-time.

To help in their mission to stay afloat, one of Leeds’ tactics in the summer transfer window could be to poach some of the Championship’s cream of the crop.

Who Leeds could sign this summer

Before looking to bring in some of the EFL’s very best, it might be a case that the Whites look at strengthening courtesy of some Premier League players.

Inevitably, rumours linking Kalvin Phillips with a return have been lingering in the background over the last few months, while last week, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly become a target for the club.

But, who else is on their radar?

Well, heading into the 2024/25 campaign, they were persistently linked with Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.

Leeds would, of course, snap up Jayden Bogle from the Blades, but this other switch wouldn’t go ahead, with the ex-Coventry City attacker then going on to win the coveted prize of Championship’s Player of the Season at the EFL awards this weekend for his efforts under Chris Wilder’s wing.

Gaining such recognition could well reignite the promoted side’s interest, with Hamer now having to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season via the playoffs.

It’s a move pundit Lee Hendrie thinks has legs too, telling Football League World: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it? He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United. He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.”

Why Hamer would be a major upgrade on Aaronson

Described as an “unbelievable” player by former teammate Oli McBurnie, signing Hamer could finally see Brenden Aaronson pushed to one side in Farke’s starting lineups.

Aaronson should be commended for slotting back into the Whites set-up this season after his time at Elland Road had become sour but that doesn’t mean an upgrade shouldn’t be sought once their Premier League return is here.

The 24-year-old was loaned out to Union Berlin for all of the 2023/24 season right after his side’s demise down to the EFL, only for the number 11 to notch up nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship appearances the following campaign back among the first-team fold.

Unfortunately for the rejuvenated USA international, he has endured a poor personal end to the season even as his side sit pretty in the league’s top two, with a mere two goal contributions falling his way in the Championship in 2025.

Whereas, Hamer – as seen via his sumptuous free-kick against Coventry back in March – has been a constant menace all campaign long for Wilder and Co, with four of his impressive 16 goal contributions in league action coming during United’s last six contests.

Shades of a certain Pablo Hernandez – a goalscoring and creative midfielder, Hamer certainly blows Aaronson out of the water with his standout Premier League output.

While goals certainly haven’t been hard to come by for Leeds in 2024/25, he would be a welcome addition to Farke’s ranks if a move whirred back into motion, with Hamer more than comfortable as a number ten option to usurp his ex-Red Bull Salzburg counterpart.

Also equally as lively down the left where he’s predominantly starred this season at Bramall Lane, Hamer would potentially give Farke a whole host of options in attack ahead of the step-up in quality, with this signing one that would undoubtedly boost Leeds in their fight for instant survival.

Farke is brewing a Piroe upgrade in Leeds teen with "masses of potential"

Leeds United could have a top star for the future in this highly rated youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 27, 2025

This summer is another opportunity for boss Enzo Maresca to make the desired changes he wants to his Chelsea squad to help in their ambitions of edging closer to a Premier League title.

The Italian took the reins last summer and has so far done a commendable job at the helm, still having the opportunity to claim a Champions League place for 2025/26.

He could also secure the club another European title in the coming months, currently in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, with a clash with Djurgarden on the horizon.

However, regardless of whether they achieve their goals between now and the end of the campaign, the 45-year-old will want new additions to help strengthen his first-team squad.

The hierarchy have already been laying the foundations for the summer transfer window, undoubtedly looking to back the manager in his quest to take the Blues back to their glory days.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, endless names have been thrown into the mix over a summer move to Stamford Bridge, but as of yet, no deals have yet been completed.

The likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Benjamin Sesko have all been high up on their shortlist as Maresca desperately craves added quality within the final third.

However, another name has now been linked with a switch to West London in the form of Morgan Rogers, with The Independent reporting the club’s interest in the Aston Villa sensation.

They claim that Unai Emery’s side are reluctant to part ways with the 22-year-old, but could be forced to sell to maintain their current PSR standing and avoid a potential points deduction.

The report goes on to state the club’s keen desire to increase firepower, with Rogers doing just that given his record of 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why Morgan Rogers would revive Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s go-to attacker in the final over the last couple of seasons, thriving beyond all imagination after the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature in 2023.

The England international has notched a staggering 62 combined goals and assists in his 85 appearances for the Blues – with no other first-team member getting near such a record.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the 22-year-old in recent months, certainly enduring his trickiest period since moving to the Bridge, undoubtedly having an effect on the club’s form.

He’s now gone 16 matches without a goal in all competitions, dating back to the middle of January – by far and away his biggest drought since arriving in West London.

A move for Rogers in the summer window could allow the former Manchester City star to recapture his previous form, linking up with one of his former academy teammates.

His stats at Villa Park this campaign have been nothing short of sensational, undoubtedly enabling Palmer to hit the heights he’s previously demonstrated under Maresca.

Rogers, who’s been labelled as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League” by podcaster and content creator Jamie Kent, has registered 1.5 chances created per 90, along with 3.7 progressive passes per 90 – handing his compatriot the chance to thrive in the final third.

He’s also completed two successful take-ons per 90, whilst posting a staggering 3.3 progressive carries, showcasing his excellent ball-carrying ability in moving into attacking areas.

However, the Villa star has also thrived in front of goal, getting 37% of his shots on target, along with a 0.5 goal per shot-on target rate, subsequently allowing Palmer to increase his own assist tally.

Palmer’s lack of form in recent weeks will be a concern for many, with their chances of success between now and the end of the season potentially falling onto his shoulders.

If he is to recapture his best form in 2025/26, a move for Rogers would be the perfect solution, with a familiar face allowing the England international to resurrect his recent slump.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Emery’s star man would set the hierarchy back, but given his form this campaign, it’s a deal they have to pursue – having the opportunity to develop further given his tender age.

Big upgrade on Gittens: Chelsea plan to enter talks to sign £55m winger

Chelsea could seriously boost their attacking options with this statement buy.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 29, 2025

Fulham have a good chance of signing an “incredible” midfielder this summer, with it now looking increasingly likely he leaves his club, according to reporter Christian Falk.

Cottagers keen to strengthen in multiple areas

The Cottagers have been inconsistent in recent weeks, which has hampered their European push somewhat, but they are likely to look back on this campaign as a success regardless, given that they are on course for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

However, Marco Silva may fancy his side’s chances of qualifying for Europe next season, should he make the right additions to the squad in the summer transfer window, and targets have been identified in a number of key areas.

Amid doubts over Antonee Robinson’s future, Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu could be brought in to bolster Silva’s options at left-back, while Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters has emerged as an option on the opposite side of the defence.

Fulham now planning to hand massive new contract to "great" £50m player

This would be fantastic news for Marco Silva.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 19, 2025

Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis and AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze are among the targets in attacking areas, with the west Londoners also keen to strengthen in the engine room, according to BILD reporter Falk.

Speaking to BILD, Falk has now revealed Fulham have a good chance of bringing Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha back to Craven Cottage this summer (via Sport Witness), but there could be competition from their London rivals.

West Ham United are also in the race for Palhinha, who is now looking increasingly likely to leave Bayern at the end of the season, given that he has struggled to force his way into the side since completing a €51m (£44m) move last summer.

Falk believes the Portugal international could be keen on a move back to England, adding: “I think he would consider, if an offer comes in, whether it makes sense for him to perhaps return to the British Isles.”

"Incredible" Palhinha could reignite career at Fulham

The 29-year-old may have struggled to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, but he put in some top performances during his time at Craven Cottage, with journalist Kyle Bonn once comparing him to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

Silva knows he can depend on the 6-foot-3 colossus, given their time working together, and he has continued to impress at times when given the opportunity at Bayern, ranking highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year.

It is promising news that Fulham could stand a good chance of signing Palhinha this summer, and they should be well-positioned to beat West Ham to his signature, given that they have vastly outperformed their London rivals in the Premier League this season.