Alexander Isak’s form in the 2024/25 campaign for Newcastle United has been sensational. Around a month ago, at the end of April, Jamie Carragher described the Swede as the “best striker in the Premier League right now”, and looking at the numbers, it is not hard to see why.

In 33 games in the English top flight, the striker has scored 23 goals and grabbed six assists. He has featured for 2,684 minutes in the Premier League, leaving him with an extraordinary average of one goal every 116 minutes.

With Isak’s superb form, it is no surprise Newcastle are looking to bolster his attack and bring him even more support in forward areas ahead of next term.

Newcastle’s latest attacking target

There might not be a more eye-catching signing to go along with Isak and winger Anthony Gordon in the Magpies’ attack than Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. It has been an impressive campaign for the Englishman, and he could well leave the Bundesliga this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, in conversation with Football Insider, Newcastle ‘are working on a move to sign’ the young winger this summer. Brown confirmed that the North Eastern side have ‘had scouts watching him this season’ and could now swoop in to sign him.

Surprisingly, although Gittens is a player with high potential, this is a deal that could come cheap.

A report from talkSPORT last month claimed he is valued at just £35m by Dortmund. However, they also link Chelsea to a move for the winger, meaning Newcastle might face strong competition.

Why Gittens would be a good signing

It has been a strong campaign for Gittens, despite a tough time of it as a team for Dortmund. Described by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley as “England’s best winger in 24/25”, the 20-year-old has certainly made a difference at times in that famous Black and Yellow shirt.

In 48 games this season across all competitions, Gittens has managed to find the back of the net on 12 occasions and has also created five goals for his teammates. In total, 12 of those goal involvements have come in the Bundesliga.

However, if there was one game where Gittens really showed what he can do, it was away to Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage. The former Manchester City academy man impressed against the La Liga giants, executing an incisive counter-attack to give his side a 2-0 lead.

One thing that really stands out about Gittens is his ability with the ball at his feet. He is a fantastic ball carrier, deadly in one-vs-one scenarios and confident in taking a defender on and beating him in those situations.

In fact, the stats on FBref from the Bundesliga season show just how good he is when carrying the ball. For example, Gittens averages 5.73 progressive carries and 3.9 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, both of which rank him in the top 1% of wingers in the Bundesliga.

Take-ons attempted

8.67

99th

Take-ons completed

3.9

99th

Progressive carries

5.73

99th

Carries into final third

2.84

94th

Carries into penalty area

3.19

99th

Well, Newcastle will be hoping that Gittens can replicate Isak’s impact at St James’ Park. Just like the young England U21 star, Isak was formerly a Dortmund player, where he made 13 appearances but only scored once.

However, his impact in the North East has been colossal, proving that you can certainly make a fine transition from Germany to English football.

108 games and 62 goals later, he is, as Carragher said, one of the stars of the Premier League, and a far better player than he was at Dortmund all those years ago.

Newcastle would surely love for Gittens to replicate that sort of impact. He could well become the second coming of Isak, that is to say, a former Dortmund player who has a fantastic impact on the North Eastern club.

At just £35m, Gittens seems like a bargain, and this feels like a move Newcastle must do, to further elevate their attack.

A dream for Isak: Newcastle plotting move for £50m "wonderkid"

Howe has sent scouts to watch a Bundesliga wonderkid for Newcastle United.

ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Manchester United have now made contact over a deal for another “world-class” Brazilian after Matheus Cunha, according to reporter Rudy Galetti.

"World-class" Cunha set to join Man Utd

All signs point towards Man United wrapping up a deal for Cunha in the near future, with Fabrizio Romano stating a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is now close, and there are signs he could be an exciting addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The forward, who has been lauded as “world-class” by writer George Lakin, has outscored Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined in the Premier League this season, amassing 15 goals and six assists in 31 appearances for the Old Gold.

Amorim will be pleased that it looks like an early deal for the 25-year-old is close to completion, but the manager may also be looking to strengthen his options in a number of different areas, given just how poor his side have been this season.

Another position in which Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may look to upgrade their options is right-back, according to an update from Galetti on X, having made contact to explore the conditions of a move for AS Monaco defender Vanderson.

Monaco are willing to sanction a departure this summer, with the French side willing to listen to offers starting from €30m (£25m) for the defender, who is attracting strong interest from the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur also making an approach.

There is yet to be a formal bid made by either English club, but there is clear interest on the Red Devils’ behalf, with Amorim seemingly looking to bring in competition for Diogo Dalot at right-back.

Man Utd submit offer to sign £150k-p/w Premier League star alongside Cunha

INEOS are looking to sign another Premier League player once they wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha.

4 ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "World-class" Vanderson could be fantastic signing

Bringing in new forwards may be a more pressing matter for Amorim, given that his side have been particularly poor on the front foot this season, netting just 42 Premier League goals up to this point, but there are signs the Monaco star could be a fantastic addition.

Much like Cunha, the Brazilian has been performing at the highest level, having been lauded as “world-class” by one scout, and his defensive aptitude is showcased by the number of tackles, interceptions and blocks he has averaged per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.14 (95th percentile)

Interceptions

1.71 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.74 (95th percentile)

There is also an expectation that the 23-year-old would be an ideal fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, given that he is comfortable playing at wing-back, picking up two goals and five assists for Monaco in the 2024-25 campaign.

Dalot has made the right-back spot his own this season, chalking up 51 appearances in all competitions, so bringing in competition should not be a priority for Man United, but Vanderson is well-suited to Amorim, and the potential asking price of just £25m makes him an attractive option.

Already thinking about potential life without loanee Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa are now reportedly battling Paris Saint-Germain to sign an in-demand winger who’s ready for a new challenge this summer.

Aston Villa's transfer plan

Even though the race for Champions League qualification is yet to reach a conclusion, Aston Villa are seemingly already preparing for the summer transfer window, which could be busy on all fronts.

The Premier League already received a glimpse of the players that Unai Emery is capable of attracting in the January transfer window and, if reports are anything to go by, the Spaniard’s pull-power could be on full show yet again this summer. That said, any incomings are unlikely to come without the sacrifice of departures amid reported PSR concerns.

As a result of those issues, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast over just who could be heading for the exit door at Villa Park this summer. The vultures are seemingly beginning to circle around Emery’s best talent too, with Chelsea reportedly interested in Ollie Watkins and Liverpool eyeing a summer swoop to sign Morgan Rogers.

Given that both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are on course to leave at the end of their respective loan spells from Manchester United and PSG, losing Watkins and Rogers at the same time could leave Villa’s attack almost entirely decimated.

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What those exits could allow Aston Villa to do, however, is sign an in-demand winger who would instantly ease their loanee woes and reinforce Emery’s frontline once and for all.

Aston Villa battling PSG to sign Fofana

According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa are now battling PSG to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon this summer. The winger has enjoyed an impressive season at the French club, who are enduring financial struggles of their own, and now has a queue which includes PSG, Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle United in pursuit of his signature.

Despite Lyon’s financial struggles, any deal to sign Fofana in the coming months will not come cheap. Reports indicate that the Ligue 1 side have set a hefty price tag of around €50m (£42m) to sell their 20-year-old star.

Dubbed “explosive” by analyst Ben Mattinson earlier this season, Fofana has scored 11 goals and created another six in all competitions throughout the current campaign and could be worth splashing out on this summer.

For £42m, Villa could sign a player who’s keen on a new challenge and one who could become both the present and future of Emery’s frontline.

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.

Southampton vs Man City – Key Statistics
Metric	Highest-Ranked
Accurate passes	Rúben Dias (93)
Key passes	Kevin De Bruyne (4)
Shots on target	Ruben Dias (2)
Ground duels won	Josko Gvardiol (5)
Defensive actions	Jan Bednarek (19)
Via Sofascore

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

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with the representatives of an “outrageous” forward compared to Argentina icon Lionel Messi, according to reports, coming amid their triumph in the Europa League.

Tottenham end 17-year wait for silverware after Europa League win over Man Utd

Brennan Johnson etched his name into Spurs folklore on Wednesday night, scoring the only goal of a tense encounter, with Ange Postecoglou’s side ending the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware after beating Man Utd 1-0.

Tottenham: Levy ready to trigger £100k-per-week rival star's release clause

Spurs are front of the queue for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

As Tottenham’s squad hoisted the trophy aloft, Postecoglou was also reminded of the promise he made earlier this campaign – namely that he ‘always’ wins silverware during his second season in charge.

Guglielmo Vicario

7.7

Yves Bissouma

7.6

Cristian Romero

7.4

Bruno Fernandes

7.4

Destiny Udogie

7.2

via WhoScored

It was a statement which could’ve come back to bite him, but the 59-year-old’s message has now been vindicated by Spurs’ glorious night in Spain. Postecoglou became the first Australian manager to win a major European trophy, doing his country proud in the process, all while changing an ever-present narrative around the Lilywhites that they’re a ‘nearly’ team.

“It wasn’t me boasting, it was a declaration,” said Postecoglou on his ‘second season’ quote after Tottenham’s win over United.

“If we fell short, I was ready to cop it.”

Guglielmo Vicario’s heroics in goal – combined with Cristian Romero’s outstanding defensive display, Micky van de Ven’s acrobatic clearance off the line and the performances of their wing-backs – helped to shut a dominant Man United side out and end Tottenham’s long wait for a parade.

Spurs also sealed a monumental boost by qualifying for next season’s Champions League, and all the riches that come with it in terms of both revenue and player-pull.

This will undoubtedly have a positive effect on their summer recruitment strategy. Whether or not Tottenham’s trophy-winning boss will be at the helm to benefit from it next term remains to be seen, following previous reports Postecoglou could leave regardless of their Europa League campaign.

However, whether it be for Postecoglou or any potential new manager, Lyon star Rayan Cherki is attracting Daniel Levy’s interest.

Tottenham hold talks with Rayan Cherki after Lionel Messi comparison

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have declared their interest in Cherki after holding talks with his representatives.

Levy and co are apparently attempting to discover more about the terms he’d want to join them, and there are reports that the exciting French winger has a very tempting £19 million release clause in his contract.

This could make the “outrageous” forward one of the bargains of this summer window, especially after a phenomenal 24/25 haul of 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.

GMS also stated that the boldness of Tottenham’s offer to Cherki would be directly linked to their Europa League triumph, so now that they’re confirmed champions, Levy could make a more tempting proposal.

Their status as a Champions League side for next season now also makes Spurs a far more attractive proposition to players like the 21-year-old, so this could be one to watch in the coming weeks, with Cherki also being likened to Messi by former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Tottenham Hotspur face the very real prospect of losing a key member of their squad when the summer window reopens, despite their Europa League triumph last week, with an elite club set to open imminent talks over his signature.

Tottenham preparing for summer with Ange Postecoglou future uncertain

The main topic at N17 right now is manager Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future.

Related Salah-like forward considers joining Tottenham as contract expires in 2025

Spurs have an opportunity to strike a bargain deal.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

The Australian guided his side to a first European trophy since 1984, ending their 17-year wait for any major trophy in the process and securing a spot in the Champions League for next season – which comes as an almighty transfer boost for the Lilywhites.

However, Postecoglou’s domestic campaign told an entirely different story.

The 59-year-old oversaw Tottenham’s largest number of Premier League defeats in a single season (22), with the north Londoners finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

2024/2025 was an extremely mixed bag for Postecoglou, and if they hadn’t narrowly squeezed past a lacklustre Man United side in the Europa League final, it’d be a no-brainer that the tactician should be given his marching orders.

The joyous celebrations and emotions that come with the end of Tottenham’s trophy drought have given Levy some serious thinking to do, with Spurs chiefs currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, according to some reports.

A decision must be made soon, as this summer’s first mini-transfer window opens in just three days.

Tottenham have been handed a significant financial windfall from their qualification from the Champions League, not to mention more pull in the transfer market overall, with Spurs suddenly a more appealing destination for out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané (Sport Bild).

There is a consensus within the club that they need to bring more experienced players in to bolster their young squad (Sami Mokbel), and while their Europa League glory will help in that aspect, there is still a very real possibility that they lose some imperative stars as well.

Atletico Madrid to open imminent talks for Cristian Romero

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero remains high on the agenda of Atletico Madrid heading into June 1.

The Argentine played a crucial role in helping to deliver Spurs their Europa winners’ medal, being crowned the tournament’s Player of the Season, all while putting in a Man of the Match display against United in the final.

However, Spanish media sources believe Romero still has every intention of leaving Tottenham this summer, despite their memorable night in Bilbao, following other previous reports that the £165,000-per-week centre-back is keen to quit the club for Atletico (Marca).

Postecoglou’s side value him at around £60 million, and won’t sell for any lower than £44 million (Marca), even if the La Liga side wish to negotiate an agreeable fee.

Following these reports, Thomas has claimed that Atletico could open talks for Romero as early as this week, with Diego Simeone’s side competing in next month’s Club World Cup and potentially wanting to get business done early.

Given the “underrated” Romero’s importance to Tottenham, and Levy’s well-known stubbornness when it comes to negotiating transfers, we don’t expect this saga to be resolved quickly.

No Liverpool fan could’ve envisaged the impact midfielder Philippe Coutinho would have at Anfield after the Brazilian star completed his £8.5m move from Inter Milan back in 2013.

However, he wasted no time in making himself a fan favourite on Merseyside, with his direct dribbling and ball-striking ability catching the eye throughout his five years at the club.

The now-32-year-old made a total of 201 appearances for the Reds, registering 54 goals and 44 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 2.1 matches he appeared in.

Such form would see the talent depart in a staggering £146m deal to join Spanish side Barcelona, a move that would ruin his career, now featuring for Vasco de Gama in Brazil after years of struggles.

However, this summer, Arne Slot has the opportunity to land his own version of the attacking star, looking to take advantage of his situation at his current employers.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers

With the summer transfer window just around the corner, Liverpool have already wasted no time in pursuing targets who would add to the talent already at Anfield.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a switch to Merseyside over the last couple of months to add depth to the forward line.

They’re not the only ones who’ve been on their radar, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo the latest player they’re in the running for, according to Sports Zone.

They claim that the Brazilian’s representatives have already been in talks with Slot’s side over a potential switch to Anfield after refusing to come off the bench in the El Clásico last weekend.

It also confirms that he could be a viable option to add depth to the side, with previous reports claiming that the 24-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £85m this summer.

Described as “world-class superstar,” by Luka Modrić, it’s safe to say this would be an exciting signing.

Why Liverpool’s £85m target could be Slot’s own Coutinho

Liverpool’s attack has massively catapulted them to the Premier League title in 2024/25, registering 83 goals in their 36 outings – the highest in the division, at an average of 2.3 goals per game.

Mohamed Salah has been the shining light in forward areas, registering 28 goals and 18 assists in his 36 appearances – the highest combined tally of any player in the league, showcasing the threat he’s posed.

The Egyptian penned a new two-year contract at Anfield last month, extending his stay at the club to over a decade, with such a deal undoubtedly the best deal the Reds could conduct this summer.

However, if the side are to continue their excellent form in the league next campaign, further reinforcements are needed to help take the weight off the 32-year-old’s shoulders.

A deal for Rodrygo would be an excellent one, handing the side the added reinforcements they need and allowing the manager to have another version of Coutinho.

The Real Madrid star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to register six goals and five assists in LaLiga this campaign – starting in just 22 matches to date.

He could prove to be their next Coutinho, following suit of the midfielder by joining from a European outfit after rapidly falling down the pecking order before his switch.

Kylian Mbappé

31

27

3

30

Vinícius Júnior

29

11

7

18

Jude Bellingham

29

8

8

16

Rodrygo

30

6

5

11

Federico Valverde

33

6

4

10

Arda Güler

25

3

4

7

Brahim Díaz

30

4

2

6

Luka Modrić

32

2

4

6

Lucas Vázquez

30

1

5

6

The pair, who are both Brazilian, also have the ability to feature in the number 10 role or even in any of the three forward roles – handing Slot needed versatility and quality in the final third.

Rodrygo’s tally of 2.3 successful dribbles and 2.3 chances created per 90 highlights his ability to create added opportunities in attacking areas, just as the dazzling Coutinho did at Anfield.

He’s also registered 2.5 shots per 90, with one of which per game getting on target, with his record potentially seeing him further the club’s already impressive goalscoring record.

£85m would be a huge investment from the board, but it could allow for added success given the talent that he would add to the first team setup.

If he manages to get anywhere near the levels produced by Coutinho at Anfield, it would be a deal worth every penny – aiding Slot in his quest of bringing further glory to the Reds in the years ahead.

A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2025

Manchester City have made an offer for an “insane” £50m star, who has now “said yes” to moving to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Man City looking to overhaul their midfield options

With Kevin De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad Stadium coming to an end, Man City were always going to have to find a replacement for the attacking midfielder this summer, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed two of the key names on the shortlist.

Despite Ilkay Gundogan closing out the campaign with a stunning bicycle kick against Fulham, there have also been suggestions that City could look to strengthen in a slightly deeper area of midfield this summer too.

Last week, it was revealed the Blues were planning to step up their pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders, who is valued at £50m by AC Milan, and there has now been an update on their pursuit of the central midfielder.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Man City have now submitted a “very good proposal” to sign Reijnders, following positive talks with AC Milan, and they are looking to seal the deal in the next few days.

The deal is “almost done” on the player’s side, as he has already “said yes” to moving to the Etihad Stadium this summer, and the final details are currently being clarified, with it looking like the deal could be wrapped up in the very near future.

"Insane" Reijnders could be fantastic signing for Man City

Pep Guardiola’s side are clearly looking to get the deal over the line as soon as possible, with the Club World Cup on the horizon, and it is no wonder they are so keen on the Milan star, considering how he has performed across some key attacking metrics this past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.29 (97th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.0 (96th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.01 (84th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.22 (80th percentile)

In light of his impressive performances for Milan, the Dutchman has also been lauded as “insane” by football scout Ben Mattinson, who believed he was among the best five midfielders in the world at one stage last season.

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ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

As such, it is exciting news that a deal for Reijnders is seemingly edging closer to completion, and the Blues will be hoping to seal an agreement before their Club World Cup opener against Wydad Casablanca on June 18th.

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.

1

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.

Leeds United are heading towards the opening of the summer transfer window on Sunday, and are preparing to build a squad that can compete in the Premier League next term.

Daniel Farke’s side will be competing in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign after they won the Championship title with a staggering 100 points, beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1 away from home on the final day of the season to clinch the trophy.

The Whites are now tasked with preparing a group to battle against relegation from the top-flight at the first time of asking, which is going to be incredibly difficult when you consider recent history.

Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester were all relegated from the Premier League this season, after Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton all went down the season before, all six of whom had just been promoted from the Championship.

This illustrates the size of the task at hand for Farke and his players heading into the upcoming campaign, which is why this summer transfer window is particularly important.

Leeds needs to ensure that they have a team that is good enough to compete week-in-week-out in the top-flight, and that is why Brenden Aaronson’s future in the starting XI should be in doubt.

Why Brenden Aaronson must be replaced

The USA international started 43 of his 46 appearances in the Championship as a regular starter under Farke in the number ten position, but he has not done enough to suggest that the step up to the Premier League will suit him.

Aaronson ended the season with a return of nine goals and two assists in those 46 outings in the second tier, which was a decent, but unspectacular, haul for the attacking midfielder.

His finishing left a lot to be desired throughout the season for Leeds, with nine goals from 11.43 xG, and this does not suggest that he is ruthless enough in front of goal to be an effective operator at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight.

Aaronson, of course, played for the Whites in their last season in the Premier League, under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce, and his lack of quality was on full display that year.

22/23 Premier League

Brenden Aaronson

Appearances

36

xG

3.86

Goals

1

Key passes per game

1.3

Assists

3

Ground duel success rate

43%

Aerial duel success rate

17%

Stat via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the American flop was incredibly wasteful in front of goal, underperforming his xG by almost three goals, and was a liability out of possession, as opposition defenders dominated him in duels.

With this in mind, the former RB Salzburg star should not be guaranteed to keep his place as a starter when the Premier League season gets underway next season.

Instead, Leeds should attempt to replace him during the upcoming summer transfer window, which appears to be what they are aiming for with their latest target.

Leeds eyeing move for Championship star

According to Leeds United News, reporter Graeme Bailey claims that Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Jack Rudoni from Coventry City this summer.

The report claims that the Whites are keen on doing a deal for the English attacking midfielder in the coming weeks, as they eye up a move for the Championship sensation.

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It adds that the second tier champions are yet to make an enquiry about his availability, though, which suggests that any transfer is in the very early stages at this point.

Meanwhile, EFL Analysis claims that Sheffield United, Leicester City, and Southampton are also lining up moves for the Sky Blues attacking midfielder this summer, providing competition for his signature.

Leeds, though, could have an advantage over those three clubs because of their promotion to the Premier League, and they should use that to snap him up ahead of next season.

Why Leeds should sign Jack Rudoni

The Whites should swoop to sign Rudoni from the Championship side this summer because he could be way better than Aaronson for Farke in the top-flight.

Whilst the left-footed star is unproven in the Premier League, having yet to play there in his career, his performances in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he has more to offer to the team than the American lightweight does.

The former Huddersfield Town star, who was dubbed a “standout” by pundit Lee Hendrie, joined Coventry in the summer of 2024 and hit the ground running as an instant star for the club this term.

Rudoni only delivered five goals and three assists in 35 appearances for the Terriers in the 2023/24 Championship campaign, but the move to the Sky Blues helped to get the best out of him.

24/25 Championship

Jack Rudoni

Brenden Aaronson

Appearances

43

46

xG

7.49

11.43

Goals

9

9

Big chances missed

6

11

Big chances created

16

9

Key passes per game

1.8

1.6

Assists

12

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Coventry star delivered 21 goals and assists in 43 appearances for Frank Lampard’s side, ten more than Aaronson managed in three more appearances.

They scored the same number of goals, nine, but the EFL star managed that tally with an xG of just 7.49, which shows that he was far more efficient with the chances that came his way.

Rudoni, whose personality was described as “infectious” by Lampard, also created seven more ‘big chances’ and produced ten more assists, speaking to the kind of creative quality that he could provide Farke’s team with in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that the Coventry magician could be way better than Aaronson for Leeds by coming in to deliver more quality as a finisher and a creator in an attacking midfield position.

This could give him a greater chance of being a success in the top-flight in comparison to the USA international, as he appears more likely to make an impact in the final third.

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It is now down to the club to win the race for his services in a battle with the likes of Southampton, Sheffield United, and Leicester this summer.