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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

The glitter went against a serious Mushfiqur’s pre-match routine, and was something his team-mate Mominul had never seen before

Mohammad Isam19-Nov-2025The air around the Shere Bangla National Stadium was, for once, sweet.Expectations of great gestures, a bit of ceremony, and a good day of cricket – as opposed to the usual cocktail of vitriol, disappointment and trolling – hung in every corner of this storied venue on Wednesday morning. Mushfiqur Rahim, the stadium’s most frequent visitor, was about to make history for Bangladesh.By the time the crisp morning gave away to a bright afternoon, and a cool evening descended on Dhaka, Mushfiqur was on his way to another landmark. Eventually, though, after remaining stuck on 99*, he left a bit of overnight anticipation for another sweet morning.Related

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The BCB felicitated Mushfiqur in a ceremony that lasted just ten minutes, but one that was done tastefully. His first captain Habibul Bashar gave him a brand new cap, while team-mates from his debut Test stood behind them wearing black and grey T-shirts. Mushfiqur’s family was in tow. He made a short speech after current captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. It was all over in a flash.Bangladesh cricket, enduring high winds accompanied by howls and squeals in the last couple of years, sorely needed a moment like this. Mushfiqur, the most loyal of servants of the game, made sure cricket remained on everyone’s lips for more than a day.Mushfiqur remains unbeaten on 99 despite his best efforts to reach the milestone before stumps. Ireland, however, slowed down the play significantly in the last half an hour to ensure they bowled 90 overs, and not one more, by 4.30pm local time.After the day’s play, though, Mushfiqur’s long-time teammate Mominul Haque said he is not worried about a nervous Mushfiqur in the hotel tonight.”He is not like you think he is. We actually joke with him a bit more these days” – Mominul Haque on Mushfiqur Rahim•AFP”We thought that he would do it today, but I think it didn’t happen because [Ireland] took their time,” Mominul said. “I am not too worried because we are talking about someone who has made hundreds and double-hundreds in the past. There is no panic, since he isn’t panicked. If it was someone else, I would have been slightly concerned, but not him. He will complete the century tomorrow.”Pressed if the team would be wary of speaking to Mushfiqur in the team hotel this evening, Mominul said those days are long gone. “He is not like you think he is,” he said. “We actually joke with him a bit more these days.”Still, Mushfiqur is the serious type. As his current and former team-mates and coaches said this week, his disciplined lifestyle is a cornerstone of his two decades in international cricket. It is what has made him, and got him to a hundred Tests.So when large banners hung over the walls at the stadium in Mirpur, one of them directly opposite the dressing room – or when the felicitation programme took place with his family around – it went very much against Mushfiqur’s pre-match routine.Bangladesh losing three wickets before lunch meant it was his turn to bat much earlier than he must have anticipated. If there’s anyone in this team with strong muscle memory for a crisis, it is Mushfiqur. Mominul, who was at the other end when Mushfiqur walked out to bat, saw the Mushfiqur he has known for the last 12 years.

“He was quiet calm when he was returning to the dressing room at the end of the day. He is the same person as he was before he played his 100th Test”Mominul Haque on Mushfiqur Rahim finishing the day on 99*

“When he arrived at the crease, he was calm and quiet going about his business,” Mominul said. “He was batting according to the situation. He was batting in a calm and controlled manner.”They set defensive fields from an early stage. They were allowing singles, so we were batting accordingly. We know that Ireland was playing with our patience, so we decided to be patient. We wanted to play for a long time, as it was the requirement here to get a good score. The outfield was slow, too, so it played a part in our approach.”When the century didn’t happen in the last over of the day, Mominul said that he didn’t notice anything different in Mushfiqur’s demeanour. “He was quiet calm when he was returning to the dressing room at the end of the day. He is the same person as he was before he played his 100th Test,” he said.Mominul, though, enjoyed watching Mushfiqur’s reception at the start of the day, even as it could usher in a new era of the BCB appreciating a player’s milestone.”Honestly, we haven’t seen this type of environment [where a player’s family was invited] before,” he said. “It even seemed like it was someone’s retirement; but then we realised that it was a celebration of a hundred Tests.”I mean, it looked like how other countries treat their player retirements. Honestly, it felt great seeing [Mushfiqur’s reception]. I realise now that the young generation will be inspired to play 100 Tests if this is how we maintain the culture. As for me, I am only thinking about what happens in this match.”The first day of the Mirpur Test, therefore, will not only be marked as the day Mushfiqur played his 100th Test. It was also a day when cricket got a bit more priority at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, as opposed to the usual focus on more hostile topics. Maybe, for the first time in many, many years, the stadium will get a half decent crowd on Thursday morning when play resumes on day two of the Test.

He is the model T20 opener but the other two formats are a work in progress

Alagappan Muthu and Mohammad Isam24-Dec-2023Finn Allen hits the ball like an epiphany at 4 in the morning. So very hard.His strike rate at the end of his first full T20 season (2020-21) was 193.93. Even now, having added 86 matches to those initial 11, it’s up at 167.78.Allen and others like him can play like this only because they make a conscious effort to devalue their wicket. Their job, instead, is to make the most of every ball that comes at them. He was at the crease for a mere four overs in the opening match of the 2022 T20 World Cup and it was enough to derail the defending champions. Australia’s net run rate took such a big beating that the captain Aaron Finch admitted “their fate was out of their hands.”Related

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Days like those, however, come at a price.Allen has made only six scores of 30 or more for New Zealand in 26 innings since then. He also missed out on a place in the ODI World Cup. “It’s obviously tough,” he told ESPNcricinfo in September. “It’s something you work towards for a long time and to get that news was obviously a little bit devastating. But you just get on with it.”Looking for the most runs off every single ball became Allen’s instinct and instinct is hard to curb. It’s like trying not to laugh at a good joke. Before you know it, you’ve already done it. This is why all-format excellence is rare. You have to be three different people in one, like AB de Villiers was or Jasprit Bumrah is. Allen’s idol probably fits in that bracket as well.”I definitely looked up to Kevin Pietersen. The way it kind of started was, I moved to Wellington and I guess they just wanted me to go out there and express myself in the T20 competition and I had never really done anything like that before so I guess I surprised myself a little bit. Now its just about developing that and as I said trying to be more consistent at that for longer.”

“I’ve found it a lot tougher in ODI cricket. Bowlers bowl a bit more attackingly. If they get hurt early on, they can still come at you aggressively because they’ve got time later in the game to pull their figures back and pull it back in the team. So I guess it’s been more of a challenge of my method if anything. The mental challenge around sticking at it for longer and being able to stick to your processes for longer”Finn Allen

That will invariably involve restraint. But how much? Allen is desperate for higher honours. “For sure, you have your setbacks. People have had far tougher roads in their career so who knows. It’s almost fuel to the fire, you know [every time you aren’t picked in the team]. You take time to process it. Grieve a little bit and yeah, we’ve got a big summer coming up and hopefully I can still make some strides.”But he does not want to lose his X-factor. He is actually prepared to risk everything for it. “Something I’m working on at the moment is around consistency in my game. Trying to figure out my method to be consistent but still strike at a high strike rate, I guess. You have to be okay with failure at times and you have to I guess be thick-skinned in a way because there’s going to be peaks and troughs along the way. The highs are going to be really high and the lows can be really low.”At the end of the day, we’re entertainers, right? We’re here to put a show on for the crowd and get their money’s worth and that’s the way I want to play my cricket.”In some ways, Allen came to internationals too soon. The allure of him smashing fast bowlers at the lower levels, where he seemed proficient on both sides of the wicket and against any length on offer, was too great. New Zealand had to try him out but once he was there, he realised he had a pretty decent plan A but no real fallback; or at least none that worked the way he wanted.Finn Allen smashed 168 off 110 balls in his first game of this year’s Ford Trophy•James McCully/Auckland Cricket Association”It’s been interesting. Obviously, played a bit of List A cricket back home, figuring out my method there and then trying to replicate that on the international stage is obviously challenging.”Take just the powerplay. Allen dominates it in T20Is, because success here is measured in strike rate and since his debut, only Nicholas Pooran (160.52) has a better one than his 153.86 (min 20 innings). In ODIs, though, a batter’s worth is measured in the weight of runs he makes and the way it shapes the team’s fortunes. For that, he has to spend time at the crease. Allen has played 21 innings in ODIs so far and in 13 of them he has not been able to survive the powerplay.”I’ve found it a lot tougher in ODI cricket,” he said. “Bowlers bowl a bit more attackingly. If they get hurt early on, they can still come at you aggressively because they’ve got time later in the game to pull their figures back and pull it back in the team. So I guess it’s been more of a challenge of my method if anything. The mental challenge around sticking at it for longer and being able to stick to your processes for longer.”Allen’s entire New Zealand career – two years, nine months and five days on Christmas – has been about finding a tempo that satisfied both the game and himself. He is still searching for that balance, but once again there have been some good signs at the domestic level.Last month, in his first-ever appearance for his hometown team, Auckland, he very nearly broke their record for the highest 50-over score (174 by Colin Munro) and he did it in a match where only two others, having faced more than 10 deliveries, could keep a strike rate above 80. Eight days later, he raised another century. A career tally that was only 1421 when this season’s Ford Trophy began is already up at 1808 – a 30% increase. And here’s the cherry on top: the last three months of 2023 witnessed three of his five longest innings across formats.Say it softly but Finn Allen is hitting the ball like good coffee on a bad morning. Just the right kind of hard.

The allrounder has made people in various leagues sit up and take notice and now he’s done that at the IPL too

Deivarayan Muthu27-Mar-2022On the opening night of IPL 2022, 38-year-old Dwayne Bravo showed that he still has it, equalling Lasith Malinga for the most wickets in the history of the league. The second night marked the emergence of 25-year-old Odean Smith, who has all the traits to become a T20 superstar just like his West Indies compatriots.Mohammad Siraj had taken out Bhanuka Rajapaksa (43) and Raj Bawa (0) off successive balls in the 14th over to reduce Punjab Kings to 139 for 4 in a steep chase of 206 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. An over later, Liam Livingstone holed out to Anuj Rawat at sweeper cover off Akash Deep to leave Kings needing 50 off 31 balls, with five wickets in hand.Kings of old might have cracked under pressure. However, a new-look side, powered by Smith, mowed down the target with an entire over to spare. When he had arrived at No. 7, M Shahrukh Khan, the other finisher, was struggling to time the ball. So, the onus was on Smith to tee off immediately.

Don’t park your car too close when a West Indian is batting pic.twitter.com/Qpd2WEs5ah

— Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) January 8, 2022