Wolverhampton Wanderers recently sent scouts to watch an “excellent” young striker in action, according to a new report.
Munetsi delighted with first Wolves goal
Wolves have been a much improved side since the appointment of Vitor Pereira in December, with the West Midlands outfit now looking on course to remain in the Premier League next season.
Things would look a lot different, however, if it wasn’t for the performances and goals of star player Matheus Cunha, who has netted 15 times in all competitions, including 13 times in the top flight.
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A former Wolves striker, now scoring goals in Serie A, didn’t do very much of that at Molineux, but would now be the perfect Matheus Cunha deputy.
ByBen Gray Mar 7, 2025
Now serving another ban, however, Wolves fans were wondering who would step up to the plate in his absence against Everton over the weekend. Fortunately, Marshall Munetsi, who signed for the club in the winter window from Reims, was the man to do so, netting the equaliser in an important 1-1 draw.
“It feels good. It’s been coming and I think in the last couple of games I had chances to score, but obviously in football you can never predict when you’re going to score,” Muntesi said, reflecting on what was his first goal for the club. “But I think the coach and the players have always had that faith in me to keep on pushing and scoring.”
Pereira, meanwhile, praised Munetsi’s work ethic: “I think he deserves it because he’s a player that has this speed that I like in a player. He gives everything to try to help the team, and in the end, he scored the goal and he will score more goals, for sure.”
Wolves scouting Viktoria Plzen striker Durosinmi
If they do stay in the Premier League next season, Wolves will no doubt need to address their reliance on Cunha in the final third by signing a new forward or two. And according to Football Insider, the club is already working on doing just that, having sent scouts to watch Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi in action against Lazio in the Europa League last week.
Plzen lost the game 2-1, but Durosinmi, 22, was on the scoresheet, netting his fifth goal in 10 games this season – much of which he’s spent sidelined with injury.
Durosinmi, who stands at 6 foot 4, has been highly praised by his Plzen head coach Miroslav Koubek for his performances this season.
Speaking about Durosinmi after Plzen’s 3-1 victory over Ferencváros in February, in which the striker was both on the scoresheet and set up another goal, Koubek said: “Rafiu is excellent in the penalty area. He has a goal instinct, he can find the right place and get to the ball.
“However, his lack in the middle game and combination component is still visible. He is far from his top level yet. But if he scores two goals in 60 minutes of play, we will definitely not complain.”
Leeds United’s sole focus rests on winning promotion up to the Premier League come the end of the gruelling 2024/25 Championship campaign, knowing full well the crushing low of missing out on a return to the top-flight.
Last season, Daniel Farke’s Whites slipped up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton by a single goal, despite boasting some absurd talents for the level in the form of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter among other standout performers.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
Now, automatic promotion is the desired goal, with Leeds managing to lick their wounds at a lightning quick speed courtesy of a new breed of star emerging, as Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon continues to stick out as a fresh, blistering attacker.
Manor Solomon's heroics at Leeds this season
Solomon had previously proven his class back at parent employers Spurs, with the 25-year-old winger picking up a promising two assists from six first-team appearances after bagging five goals from 25 games playing for Fulham.
Unfortunately for Solomon, injury difficulties sustained in North London has resulted in him being chucked out on loan to Elland Road, but he has managed to cause second tier defences all sorts of bother from minute one of his arrival.
In total, the slick number 14 has picked up a sizeable seven goals and seven assists from 31 league encounters, with only Daniel James and Joel Piroe bettering that amount in Farke’s entire camp.
If promotion was to be sealed, it wouldn’t be implausible to suggest that Leeds go in for Solomon on a permanent deal, with talk floating about already that the Whites could land his services for around the £20m mark.
Everton are also allegedly keen to snap up the skilful 5 foot 7 attacker, with Leeds presumably keeping their options wide open as to whether they could be able to strike up this deal, or whether they’d look in alternative places to replace Solomon’s firepower.
One other option might see the West Yorkshire outfit bump up a talented youth product to the senior side.
Leeds could replace Solomon with homegrown star
Like a permanent swoop for Solomon wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility here, neither would the potential of Leeds deciding to uncover their next homegrown gem as his immediate replacement.
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Lucas Thomas might well be the lucky 20-year-old starlet to benefit if the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man does just return to Spurs at the end of the campaign, with the academy prodigy capable of playing all across the forward positions if called into action.
Thomas will now return to his boyhood employers at the end of the season having been exposed to the tough demands of men’s football, but the exciting attacker hasn’t receded into his shell out on loan at York City and FC Halifax Town, with the Crewe-born forward picking up a promising four strikes and two assists from 20 total appearances.
Coupled with his electric six strikes this campaign in Premier League 2 action with the Leeds U21s, he could soon be ready to bang down Farke’s door for some senior opportunities, especially with his versatility in the forward areas seeing him line up as a striker, on top of also coming into the side down the flanks.
It’s those qualities, coupled with praise from York boss Adam Hinshelwood, that generate excitement the most. “He has got a lovely left foot and definitely knows where the back of the net is,” Hinshelwood stated. Versatility? Check. Lovely left foot? Check. Can score goals? Check. This could be a mini Raphinha in waiting for Leeds.
CF
40
23
7
RW
11
4
1
LW
9
6
1
RM
3
1
0
SS
1
1
0
AM
1
1
1
LM
1
0
0
Looking at the table above, it would not be a huge surprise if Farke chooses to unleash Thomas into his lineups as a second-in-command presence to Piroe.
Leeds United'sManorSolomoncelebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
After all, the German never looked back when first gifting Archie Gray senior chances, with Leeds perhaps saving some invaluable cash down the line by trusting Thomas to be another top star off the Thorp Arch conveyor belt.
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Whilst Leeds United’s recent history has often seen them flirt with promotion up to the Premier League, there was once a time at Elland Road where the Whites were top-flight regulars and succeeding at that.
The 1999/2000 season would see then Leeds boss David O’Leary guide his team to an unbelievable third place finish in England’s elite division, with multiple finishes in and around this position becoming commonplace soon after courtesy of Mark Viduka and Co regularly terrorising defences.
Viduka wasn’t the only Australian menace during this top period in Leeds’ Premier League stay, however, with Harry Kewell also regularly popping up with strikes down the left wing to complement the magic of the clinical centre-forward.
Harry Kewell's heroics at Leeds
The Sydney-born winger and the Melbourne-based striker would cause top-flight defenders all sorts of bother when donning Leeds white together, with Viduka going on to boast a sensational 72 goals and 17 assists from 166 appearances.
Kewell would go on to make a heftier 240 appearances for the West Yorkshire Titans, and whilst his goal haul sat at a lower total of 68, his bumper record of 28 assists from down the left flank would make him a firm fan’s favourite whenever he strutted his stuff.
That made his subsequent move to Liverpool in 2003 sting, considering Kewell was beloved at Elland Road for electric goals like this one hammered home versus Aston Villa, with the 58-time Australia international often utilising his sublime left foot.
Whilst Farke’s current crop will want to make a name for themselves away from the club’s illustrious past, it could be said regardless that the German has his own version of Kewell in 2025.
Leeds' modern-day Harry Kewell is driving them to promotion
Much like Kewell before him, this Whites superstar is a regular for his international side too, with a goal even coming his way during the recent break from Championship action.
Indeed, Daniel James fired home Wales’ opener against Kazakhstan to gift Craig Bellamy a 3-1 win in the Red Dragons hot seat, continuing his fine campaign for both club and country.
The ex-Manchester United forward has collected a sizeable ten goals and nine assists for himself in the second tier this season, with the Welshman – much like Kewell – becoming known for his entertaining, speedy displays down his trusty right flank.
Off the back of his ability to open up a defence in a moment’s notice either through devastating pace or via a decisive goal, the 27-year-old has managed to cement himself as a regular, with 27 goals and 21 assists now next to his name from 119 total clashes.
To be considered in a similar bracket to Kewell even more, it will be up to James to confidently provide goals and assists for his side if they make the leap up to the Premier League, having struggled at the higher level before.
The Whites number seven has been burnt by the allure of the top-flight in the past with a switch to Manchester United early into his playing days not working, despite former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once heralding James as “exceptional.”
24/25
Championship
32
10
9
23/24
Championship
43
13
7
22/23
Premier League
4
0
0
21/22
Premier League
32
4
4
He will want to live up to Solskjaer’s glowing appraisal by finally proving himself as a worthy Premier League talent, with the Welshman undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the second tier.
Kewell was also a joy to watch before souring his long-term Leeds legacy when Anfield came calling, with James unlikely to want to move away anytime soon, knowing the grass is greener for him situated at Elland Road.
Their new Viduka: Leeds want to sign "clinical" £9m Piroe upgrade
Leeds United appear to have their sights set on a new talisman for Daniel Farke.
Leeds United dropped more points in the race for promotion after a 2-2 draw against Swansea City, in which there were two last-gasp goals, one for each side.
The Whites are now two points behind Championship leaders Sheffield United and level on points with third-place Burnley. They are in serious danger of dropping into the playoffs before long.
It was the perfect start for Daniel Farke’s side, who scored in the first minute. Attacking midfielder Brendan Aaronson, who has struggled for consistent form this term, ended his eight-game goal drought with a strike inside the six-yard box, latching onto the end of a loose ball.
Just over ten minutes later, goalkeeper Illan Meslier pulled off a brilliant penalty save to deny Josh Tymon from 12 yards, and it took the Swans until the 64th minute to finally draw level. Harry Darling pounced on a mistake from the Leeds goalkeeper from a corner to equalise.
Young attacker Wilfried Gnonto thought he had won Leeds the game just one minute after stepping on the pitch in the 85th minute. It was a thunderous strike, running onto a clearance from a corner and firing home into the back of the net.
However, Swansea scored a late equaliser through Zan Vipotnik, which was another strike Meslier could have done better with.
Meslier’s stats vs. Swansea
It was very much a mixed bag of a game from Leeds’ number one. On the one hand, he saved a penalty, guessing correctly and diving low to his left to keep out Tymon. However, he made a huge blunder for the Swans’ first goal and should have done better with the second.
His mistake for the goal from Darling was really poor. Meslier rose highest to claim the corner but dropped the ball and spilled it into the defender’s path, who gratefully poked home.
For the equaliser, the strike went under Meslier’s outstretched right hand, another effort he could have saved.
One person who was critical of Meslier’s performance was Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson. He gave the Frenchman a 4/10 for his showing, explaining that he made ‘yet another blunder’ for the Swansea goals, something he seems to do far too often.
As poor as Meslier played against the Welsh outfit, he was by no means the only Leeds player who struggled. In fact, someone at the other end of the pitch also put in a disappointing performance.
The Leeds player who struggled vs. Swansea
Playing against your former club can bring the best or worst out of a player. Well, for former Swans star Joel Piroe, who played 96 games and scored 46 goals for Saturday’s visitors, he certainly struggled.
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The 25-year-old Dutchman never really got into the game against his former club, and although he had one effort saved in the second half, he was largely not involved in the game. He received a 5/10 from Johnson, who said he said he ‘didn’t do much’, particularly after his strike.
Indeed, that is reflected in his stats via Sofascore. The former PSV Eindhoven striker had just 37 touches in the game and completed just 70% of his passes. Off the ball, he won just two of his ten attempted duels. It was a really tough day at the office for Piroe.
Touches
37
Pass accuracy
70%
Passes completed
14/20
Number of times ball lost
9
Ground duels won
2/6
Aerial duels won
0/4
Big chances missed
1
Perhaps this performance will raise concerns about his suitability to the Premier League. The top flight is no doubt a step up, and although he has managed 15 goals this term, his lack of involvement in the overall game today might become an issue for Farke.
Just as Meslier’s future will surely be questioned after this game, perhaps a few more disappointing performances from Piroe, who has now gone five games without a goal, will also raise similar questions.
Two have two key individuals underperforming at either end of the pitch really is cause for concern, with Leeds in very real danger of missing out on automatic promotion once again.
"Like a young Rio Ferdinand" – Leeds plot swoop to sign "exciting" defender
As Ruben Amorim goes in search of the perfect duo to slot into his two No.10 roles, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing a player who’s been compared to former Arsenal man Santi Cazorla.
Man Utd eyeing 'next Cazorla'
Now in April, Manchester United’s Premier League campaign can be summed up by the fact that they’re yet to win back-to-back games. Defeat against Nottingham Forest was expected, given the contrasting seasons that both are enduring, but Anthony Elanga’s winning goal certainly added salt to the wounds of a United side who will be desperate for matchday 38 to arrive.
It’s become clearer and clearer as Amorim’s reign has progressed that he needs a number of reinforcements if he is to turn things around at Old Trafford and INEOS seem to be well aware of that.
Even as cost-cutting measures continue, the Red Devils have been linked with moves for the likes of Rayan Cherki and now one other attacking midfielder who’d be perfect for Amorim’s system.
Man Utd's £50k-p/w star is in danger of becoming the new Anthony Elanga
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ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Oscar Gloukh from Red Bull Salzburg if they lose Bruno Fernandes this summer. Their star man has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid in what would be a deserved upgrade, only for Amorim to swiftly slam the exit door shut ahead of the transfer window.
The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “Bruno Fernandes to Real Madrid? It will NOT happen. He’s going nowhere. One day we want to win the Premier League again. So we want the best players to continue with us… and Bruno won’t leave, I already told him.”
"Special" Gloukh would be perfect for Amorim
Compared to former Arsenal midfielder Cazorla by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gloukh would be perfect for Manchester United even if Fernandes stays put. A Cazorla-type is exactly what Amorim needs in his 3-4-2-1 system. By keeping hold of his captain and then adding Gloukh, Amorim could form the ultimate duo in his two advanced midfield roles.
Starts
16
37
Goals
9
12
Assists
2
11
In less than half the games that Cazorla started in the entirety of Arsenal’s 2012/13 campaign, Gloukh has managed just two less goals this season at Red Bull Salzburg. And whilst he has work to do if he wants to reach the Spaniard’s prime on the assists front, the blueprint is certainly there and Manchester United could yet benefit.
Still just 21 years old, Gloukh’s previous campaign was described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and he has only improved even more just one season later, with 10 goals in all competitions.
United have already seen rivals Manchester City benefit from a player who rose through the ranks at Salzburg in Erling Haaland. Now, they could enjoy a player of a similar calibre who may yet become the next Cazorla.
Celtic find themselves on the cusp of another league title and could now look to press ahead in their pursuit of an exciting attacker this summer, according to reports.
Celtic look to finish campaign with a flourish ahead of summer window
Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another brilliant campaign in the dugout at Parkhead and will look to lead his side to the Scottish Cup final this weekend if they can navigate past St Johnstone at Hampden Park.
Following last weekend’s results, Celtic now only need a point to secure the Scottish Premiership crown for a fourth season in succession. The Bhoys travel to Tannadice next Saturday in their first post-split fixture, which may be where they can finally celebrate with their supporters.
Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
Looking ahead, Rodgers appears to have already set his stall out in advance of the summer window. Danny Ings has emerged as a suggested target at Parkhead as his contract at West Ham United continues to run down.
Mathias Kvistgaarden is on Celtic’s radar after another sparkling season at Brondby, though it remains to be seen if the Bhoys will meet his £13.5 million valuation.
Celtic’s fixture run-in after post-split fixture announcement
St Johnstone (N)
Scottish Cup semi-final
Dundee United (A)
Scottish Premiership
Rangers (A)
Scottish Premiership
Hibernian (H)
Scottish Premiership
Aberdeen (A)
Scottish Premiership
St Mirren (H)
Scottish Premiership
Aberdeen or Heart of Midlothian (N)
*Should Celtic advance to Scottish Cup final
Clearly, there is a desire within the walls at Parkhead to make sure the Scottish champions are equipped for Champions League qualifiers next season.
There is no automatic league phase qualification guarantee, so Celtic need to be proactive as they prepare to enter the final qualifying round.
Either way, the Hoops have now found out how much they will need to pay for a reported summer target, per recent developments.
Celtic find out fee needed to sign Stoke City star Million Manhoef
Over the last few days, information has come to light revealing that Celtic are interested in a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef and Rodgers has taken a personal interest in bringing the Dutchman to Parkhead.
Now, EFL Analysis report that the Bhoys will need to pay £10 million to land Manhoef. They will also field interest from Championship duo Sheffield United and Burnley alongside Belgian Pro League sides Genk and Club Brugge for his signature.
Celtic must permanently bin Hoops ace who Rodgers thinks is so "important"
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Labelled “really exciting” by journalist Dean Jones, the 23-year-old has registered six goals and four assists in 35 appearances this campaign.
Financially, Manhoef’s £12,500 per week pay packet would fit into Celtic’s wage structure, and Rodgers’ men have shown a willingness to shell out sizeable fees for premium talent on the market.
However, it remains to be seen whether they will repeat the trick this summer. Champions League football isn’t a guarantee this year, so any lavish spending may have to wait until their European fate is secured.
Manchester United were left frustrated once again in the Premier League on Sunday when they had to fight to scrape a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
It took a 96th-minute goal from Rasmus Hojlund, who deflected an effort from Manuel Ugarte into the bottom corner, to secure a point against the Cherries, after Antoine Semenyo rifled the home team in front in the first half.
Ruben Amorim’s side created more than enough chances to win the match, though, as they racked up 2.52 xG and failed to make the most of their opportunities.
Bruno Fernandes, in particular, must have been particularly frustrated by the team’s wasteful finishing. The Portugal international created seven chances, including one ‘big chance’, and came off the pitch without an assist to show for his efforts.
Manchester United’s captain has been a shining light in a dim season for the Red Devils, once again, with the quality that he has provided in the middle of the park on a regular basis.
It is now down to the club and Amorim to ensure that they bring in the right players to complement his play in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Why Manchester United have let Bruno Fernandes down
The owners, the previous owners, the manager, and the previous manager, or managers, have all failed to build a squad that is equipped to make the most of Fernandes’ talent in the final third.
Manchester United’s captain has now created 14 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season and has only been rewarded with nine assists for his creative brilliance, which shows that his teammates have not done enough with the opportunities that he has created.
Bruno Fernandes
That is the story of Fernandes’ career at Old Trafford, particularly recently, as he has been an exceptional creative talent for the club throughout his time in the English top-flight.
The 30-year-old superstar, who has also scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, needs teammates who can make the most of the ‘big chances’ that he consistently creates.
24/25
14
9.24
9
23/24
21
13.16
8
22/23
32
17.27
8
21/22
15
8.81
6
20/21
20
11.47
12
19/20
4
2.75
7
Total
106
62.7
50
As you can see in the table above, Fernandes’ teammates have only scored 50 goals from 62.7 xA created by the former Sporting star, which shows that they have significantly underperformed in front of goal.
These statistics show that Manchester United have not been able to recruit the quality of centre-forward that the attacking midfielder needs to finish the chances that he creates on a weekly basis for the Reds.
Manchester United are now, reportedly, eyeing up a deal to sign a player who would love to play alongside Fernandes, and who has the quality to thrive alongside him.
Manchester United close in on Premier League star
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Brazilian forward is ‘very close’ to joining the Red Devils from the Premier League side, as Amorim looks to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their first goal
Revelo adds that the Brazil international has a release clause, worth £53m, in his current contract with the Old Gold, and that United are ready to pay it to bring him to Manchester in the ‘coming weeks’.
It claims that there is already a verbal agreement in place between Cunha and Manchester United to join the club, which suggests that personal terms have already been agreed between the two parties.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
INEOS must, now, pay the release clause to wrap a deal up as early as possible in the summer transfer window, to avoid any other clubs swooping in ahead of them, as the attacker could be a dream signing for Fernandes next season.
Why Matheus Cunha would be a dream signing for Bruno Fernandes
The former Atletico Madrid attacker could be an ideal addition to the squad because he is a proven Premier League performer who could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, in theory.
This is Cunha’s second full season in the top-flight, having also been on loan at Wolves in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, and he has shown himself to be a classy operator at the top end of the pitch for the Old Gold.
The 25-year-old star, who was directly involved in 22 goals as shown in the video above, could come in to provide Amorim’s side with a boost as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
His finishing qualities, in particular, will be of interest to Fernandes because his record in the Premier League since the start of last season suggests that the United captain would love him.
Appearances
32
29
xG
9.49
7.86
Goals
12
15
Big chances missed
6
2
Big chances created
7
12
Assists
7
6
As you can see in the table above, the Wolves superstar has vastly outperformed his xG, scoring 27 goals from 17.35 xG, and delivered 13 assists.
Cunha, dubbed a “special” player by his manager Vitor Pereira, has the quality to take high-quality chances when they come his way, outperforming how many goals the average player would be expected to score from the shots that he takes.
This is why Fernandes, who has consistently been let down by his teammates in that respect, would love the Brazilian ace at Old Trafford, because the forward could provide the finishing quality to make the most of his creativity.
Cunha and Fernandes could be a lethal pairing in the Premier League for United next season because the Portuguese ace could consistently create chances for the ex-Atletico Madrid ace to find the back of the net week-in-week-out, improving Manchester United’s attack.
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ByBrett Worthington Apr 28, 2025
This is why INEOS must get a deal done for the Wolves star as quickly as possible because he could be a fantastic signing to bolster Amorim’s squad, improving the team’s chances of success next term.
Glasgow Rangers restored some pride when they avoided defeat to their city rivals in their last match in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.
The Light Blues had already had their second-placed finish confirmed, as Celtic won the league title at the end of last month, but they avoided their misery being compounded with a defeat.
Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for the Gers in front of their home supporters with a composed finish before the break, but Adam Idah secured a point for the away side with a clever turn and finish inside the box in the second 45.
Whilst it was a decent point for the Light Blues, that result did extend Barry Ferguson’s winless run to six matches in all competitions, and he has won just four of his 12 games in charge so far.
There were some more positives to extract from the 1-1 draw with Celtic, though, including the performance of central midfielder Mohamed Diomande.
The Ivorian star assisted the goal from Dessers and won nine of his 12 duels throughout the game, as he showed that fans can be excited about what he could produce next season.
Why Rangers fans should be excited about Mohamed Diomande
The 2024/25 campaign has been the left-footed star’s first full season at Ibrox, having joined on a permanent deal last summer after his initial five-month loan, and he now has plenty of experience under his belt.
Mohamed Diomande
Diomande has played 70 matches in all competitions for the Light Blues to date, including 51 in the current campaign, and is now primed to kick on as a star for the club next term, having had 18 months of experience in Glasgow.
It did not take too long for the central midfielder to announce himself in Scottish football after his initial loan move from FC Nordsjælland, as he scored against St. Johnstone in February 2024.
His performances in that loan spell led to the club deciding to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024, with Philippe Clement in charge, and he has kicked on to become a key player in the current campaign.
Diomande showed potential as a goalscorer, as shown by his stunning strike against St. Johnstone, and as an all-action defender in his time on loan, but his creative quality has shone through this term.
Appearances
13
33
Goals
2
4
Big chances created
1
10
Assists
0
7
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.3
1.8
Ball recoveries per game
4.8
4.3
Duel success rate
52%
55%
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star has created nine more ‘big chances’ and delivered seven more assists than he did in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign for the Light Blues.
Rangers fans should, therefore, be excited about what the £12k-per-week star could do next season, after 18 months of adjusting to Scottish football, as he has already shown plenty of signs of promise in the Premiership with his work in and out of possession.
Mohamed Diomande
Diomande provides great value for money, given that he is the 12th-highest earner at Ibrox, but that is not the case for every player in the squad. In fact, one of the players who should be sold by the 49ers this summer, Kieran Dowell, earns even more than the Ivorian.
Why Rangers should sell Kieran Dowell
The English attacking midfielder reportedly earns £16k-per-week, which is more than the likes of Diomande, Hamza Igamane, Jefte, and John Souttar, among others.
He has, however, not provided value for money for those wages because the former Norwich City man was deemed not good enough for the squad in January and was loaned out to English League One side Birmingham City.
Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell.
Dowell enjoyed a successful second half of the season with the Blues, who won the League One title with a staggering 111 points, as he caught the eye with goals and assists.
The left-footed star ended the campaign with five goals, nine ‘big chances’ created, and four assists in 19 appearances in the third tier of English football, and is now set to return to Ibrox this summer.
Birmingham do not have an option to make the deal permanent but manager Chris Davies revealed that they will explore the possibility of a move to bring him back to England ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 49ers, once the takeover is finalised, and sporting director Kevin Thelwell must take advantage of this interest from the Blues in order to ensure that Dowell never plays at Ibrox again.
Kieran Dowell
He has one year left on his contract in Glasgow and this means that the upcoming summer transfer window would be the best time to cash in on the attacking midfielder if they are not planning to extend his contract beyond next year.
Dowell’s performances for Rangers since his move to Scotland on a free transfer from Norwich City in the summer of 2023 do not suggest that the 49ers should be aiming to extend his deal.
Appearances
12
12
Starts
5
2
Goals
2
0
Big chances created
1
4
Assists
2
0
Duel success rate
49%
46%
As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old flop failed to nail down a place in the starting XI on a regular basis under Michael Beale or Clement, and only contributed two goals and two assists in 24 appearances in the Premiership.
His underperformance on the pitch for the Light Blues in his first 18 months at Ibrox led to him being loaned out in the January transfer window, which shows that he was deemed surplus to requirements at the start of the year.
Therefore, Dowell has not done enough to justify his £16k-per-week wages, particularly when the impressive Diomande earns even less than him in Glasgow, and that is one of the reasons why the 49ers must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.
The Gers should attempt to extract a fee from Birmingham for the English dud and ensure that he does not play for Rangers at Ibrox ever again, because the midfielder has not done enough in a Light Blues shirt to suggest that he would be a key player for the next manager coming in.
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Leeds United are already preparing for life back in the top-flight and are said to be making inroads in their pursuit of a prolific striker, according to reports.
Leeds ready to take on the Premier League after dramatic title win
Despite some nervy moments along the way, Leeds are once again a Premier League club from next season and optimism is high in Yorkshire over how they may fare against the elite, especially after their last-gasp win to seal the title at Plymouth on Saturday.
Undoubtedly, savvy additions will need to be made to ensure the Whites don’t end up in a relegation scrap, but the size of the club coupled with a talented existing core could be the ideal recipe for success at Elland Road.
Stepping up their ambition, Leeds are interested in a move for Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison. However, Everton,Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fluminense, Al Hilal and Al Shabab are also interested in the Brazil international.
Adhering to PSR regulations will become part and parcel of most clubs’ summer thinking, which may mean Leeds need to prioritise which positions are in urgent need of surgery.
On that front, Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen could replace Illan Meslier between the sticks, while Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Sam Johnstone may also add some Premier League experience if he were to join the ranks.
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Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons to be excited as the Whites have another crack at the big time, even if the gap between Premier League and the rest of the football ladder is growing exponentially. Despite this, Leeds have now put themselves in contention to sign one of England’s leading marksmen in years gone by, per recent developments.
Leeds United make advances to sign Jamie Vardy
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are pursuing a deal for Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy, who is set to become a free agent once his contract at the King Power Stadium expires.
Known as one of the Premier League’s greatest modern-day heroes, the 38-year-old has scored 243 career goals for club and country and still believes he has something to offer in the top-flight, proving that with another strike against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Jamie Vardy’s 2024/25 campaign – all competitions
Appearances
34
Goals
9
Assists
3
The outlet state that Vardy’s potential destination is ‘more advanced than people may think’ and that Leeds are in the market for several options to strengthen their forward line. Burnley are also in pursuit of the former Three Lions international. Patrick Bamford could make way regardless in the coming window after emerging as a target for Wrexham.
Labelled “top-class” by Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Halifax man has still shown signs that he is a potent force in the Premier League, registering 24 shots on target this term.
Longevity probably isn’t what you’re going to get from Vardy at this stage, though his vast experience and know-how in front of goal makes him a compelling option for Farke as the Whites aim to build the foundations for a solid season.
Celtic are preparing for an exciting summer under Brendan Rodgers, though they may now be resigned to losing one of their most talented young prospects.
Celtic look forward to chance to complete domestic treble
Domestic trebles have become a speciality for the Hoops over recent years, and they will have a chance to complete another clean sweep against Aberdeen this weekend in the Scottish Cup final.
Rodgers was able to soak up the acclaim of supporters after witnessing his side lift the Scottish Premiership trophy last weekend. However, the Irishman knows there is still work to do before the champagne can really start to flow at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers
Speaking ahead of the clash, he said: “We’ve had some great performances and results against Aberdeen, but finals are finals.
“I enjoy the occasion, I enjoy the pressures of finals, but we can only really enjoy it if we go in with the right mentality, the right preparation and then we can see where it takes us.”
Coming to the end of a long season, Rodgers will already have one eye on the transfer market as Celtic prepare to strengthen on all fronts to put up another fight for silverware and European progression next term.
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Blackburn Rovers star Tyrhys Dolan is a target for the Bhoys on a free transfer and could join Kieran Tierney in walking through the Parkhead entrance once the window opens.
Nevertheless, departures will also be expected to make room for new arrivals to settle into life in Glasgow, and one of the Hoops’ most prodigious stars could now be on his way out of the club, per recent developments.
Celtic gem Cummings spotted at West Ham's London Stadium
With his contract set to expire at Parkhead, Celtic striker Daniel Cummings was spotted at West Ham United’s London Stadium on Sunday, a stadium which is bigger than Parkhead, taking in their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. It has been claimed that a move to the Irons looks imminent for the forward.
The Scotland Under-19 international has been in brilliant form for the Hoops’ B Team this campaign, registering 29 goals in 37 appearances, combining his first-team outings and exploits further down the ladder.
Commended for his “spectacular” finishing by The Young Team, he now appears poised to leave his boyhood club after months of no progress over a contract extension.
West Ham previously tried to sign Cummings on deadline day earlier this year, though they now look to have prevailed in their attempts to bring the clinical poacher to East London.
From a Celtic standpoint, losing another young talent is a sign of the limited pathway to the first team for homegrown stars, but most will acknowledge that this has been coming for a long time.