تحدث كيليان مبابي لاعب ريال مدريد الإسباني ومنتخب فرنسا، بعد مساهمته في فوز منتخب بلاده على آيسلندا بتصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، وتخطيه لرقم تييري هنري نجم منتخب الديوك السابق.
وتغلبت فرنسا على آيسلندا بهدفين مقابل هدف، مساء الثلاثاء، ضمن تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.
وقال مبابي في تصريحاته على قناة “TF1” الفرنسية: “هناك العديد من الدروس التي يجب تعلمها، هذه الدروس ليست دائمًا إيجابية، لكنها تسمح لنا بالعمل، لنرى ما ينقصنا، ونعرف مواطن التحسن”.
وأضاف: “هذه مباريات جيدة دائمًا للتحليل، ما زلنا في الصدارة، وتمكنا من حصد العديد من النقاط، من حيث النقاط، النتيجة مثالية، 6 نقاط من مباراتين، لا يوجد أفضل من ذلك”.
وأردف: “الآن، فيما يتعلق بأدائنا، هناك مجال للتحسين، وهناك أمور يجب تحسينها، هناك أشياء قمنا بها بشكل جيد، وهناك العديد من الدروس التي يمكن استخلاصها من هذه المباراة”.
وأشار: “كل فوز هو خطوة للأمام، علينا اتخاذ خطوات عديدة للتأهل، كل فوز يقربنا قليلًا من كأس العالم، نحن سعداء بالفوز على منافسينا المباشرين، علينا تكرار ذلك في أكتوبر، ستكون مباراة مختلفة لأننا لعبنا العديد من المباريات مع أنديتنا، لكننا مستعدون”.
وعن هدفه الثاني والخمسين، الذي سمح له بتجاوز تييري هنري مع منتخب فرنسا، استطرد مبابي: “أخبرتكم، كنت أعرف ذلك! كنت أعرف ذلك، إنه أمر رائع، أنا سعيد للغاية”.
وأتم: “سأتحدث عن هنري مجددًا لأنه لاعب استثنائي، إنه أسطورة حية، تجاوزه أمر رائع حقًا، لكن لا يزال هناك لاعب واحد يجب تجاوزه، على ما أعتقد (جيرو، برصيد 57 هدفًا)، لذا لن أحتفل كثيرًا (يضحك)، لا يزال هناك عمل يجب القيام به”.
It’s been another characteristically busy summer for Chelsea this year.
As well as making it to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup – the only English side to do so – the Blues have been wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.
The latest star to be announced by the club was striker Joao Pedro, who took the now well-trodden path to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion for around £60m.
Chelsea manager EnzoMaresca
However, the West Londoners are far from done there, as a deal has reportedly now been reached to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, and on top of that, a talent who could be the next Cole Palmer has also been linked.
Chelsea target young talents
The ethos at Chelsea over the last few years has been to buy young, up-and-coming talents, which is something they are continuing to do 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.
For example, Gittens, whose final price tag appears to be around £55m, is still just 20 years old, and based on his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 49 games last season, looks set for a bright future.
Likewise, Liam Delap, who joined the club from Ipswich Town for just £30m prior to the CWC last month, is still just 22, and already has a goal and an assist to his name in four appearances for the Blues.
And now, there is another promising gem that is on the club’s radar: Tyler Dibling.
Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Chelsea are incredibly interested in the Southampton prospect.
In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that West Londoners have already begun talks with the youngster’s camp and are considering making an offer for him.
However, they aren’t the only ones interested in the 19-year-old, as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Man Utd, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig are all keeping an eye on him.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
Moreover, the Saints reportedly value their exciting talent at a minimum of £55m.
In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Dibling’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Palmer.
Why Dibling could be Palmer 2.0
So, the first thing to say is that we know this is a massive statement, but to be clear, we are not saying that Dibling is like Palmer at the moment, as he is not, and it’s not even close.
However, there are some clear similarities between them and their potential moves, should the Southampton gem move to Chelsea.
For example, he’d be another young, reasonably sought-after English talent moving to Stamford Bridge to test himself with regular football at a massive club.
Moreover, while the Exeter-born dynamo is primarily a right-winger, he has spent plenty of time playing in attacking midfield and has actually played in a multitude of positions.
Similarly, the Blues talismanic attacker tends to play in attacking midfield, but has spent plenty of time off the right, as well as in a number of areas on the pitch.
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton in the Premier League.
Finally, while he wasn’t able to have quite the same impact as Palmer did last season, in part because he’s younger and was playing in a terrible team, the teenager has the same determination to make things happen.
For example, FBref placed him in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for successful take-ons per 90, and in 38 games across all competitions, he scored four goals and provided three assists.
Dibling’s 24/25
Appearances
38
Minutes
2215′
Goals
4
Assists
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.18
Minutes per Goal Involvement
316.42′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
It’s not just us either, as Dion Dublin argued that “he plays his game like Cole Palmer” last season, in part due to the way he “rolls players and takes the ball well.”
Ultimately, he’s clearly not yet at the level of Palmer, but Dibling looks like he could reach that level in the future, and therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him.
More exciting than Delap: Chelsea set to submit £34m bid to sign CWC star
The incredible talent could be a future superstar for Chelsea.
Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign a £60 million star with a bid now being prepared and salary terms already agreed, according to a recent report.
Rashford among Newcastle targets as Howe seeks new forwards
The Magpies have added just one new player to their squad so far this summer, and that is winger Antonio Cordero, who joins the club on a free transfer at the start of July following the expiration of his contract at Malaga. Cordero is not expected to be the only arrival at St James’ Park, as the Magpies continue to be linked with several high-profile players.
Big upgrade on Burn: Newcastle open talks to sign "outstanding" £60m star
Newcastle are looking to overhaul their defence
2 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 19, 2025
It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle made contact over signing defender Evan Ndicka from AS Roma. Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender, as they’ve been heavily linked with a move for Marc Guehi, but Ndicka is another option who could come at a cheaper price.
Meanwhile, they are also in the market for attacking reinforcements, and they have held internal talks over signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as the forward is free to leave the Premier League side.
In fresh news, Newcastle are now also interested in signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal.
Aston Villa – Marcus Rashford
The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end but he has yet to receive any concrete offers to leave United. The Magpies are now weighing up making a loan bid, as they can offer Rashford Champions League football, but the Red Devils are more interested in selling Rashford this summer than loaning him out again.
Newcastle move ahead of Chelsea in Joao Pedro race
As such, a permanent move for Rashford may not be on the cards for the Magpies, as according to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, Newcastle are now preparing a bid to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
The report states that the Magpies have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Pedro, as they have already agreed personal terms with the forward. However, Chelsea’s interest in Pedro has reportedly ‘shaken’ the player, and now both clubs are preparing to make an official offer.
It isn’t clear how much Newcastle would be willing to spend on Pedro, but it’s been previously reported that Brighton value the forward at around £60 million. The 23-year-old scored 10 goals in 27 league games during the 2024/25 season, but a falling out at the club means he is now likely to leave during this summer transfer window.
Joao Pedro’s Brighton stats
Apps
70
Goals
30
Assists
10
Newcastle chasing Pedro may be seen as them looking to replace Alexander Isak, but Pedro being able to operate anywhere across the frontline as, well as a number 10, makes him a player who could be a perfect partner for the Swede.
The Brazilian has had back-to-back impressive campaigns in the Premier League now, and a move to Newcastle could accelerate his career further, as he will be able to play on the biggest stage of them all, the Champions League.
Somerset returned to the top of the South Group after knocking off their target with 45 balls to spare
ECB Reporters Network11-Jun-2024
Riley Meredith was playing his first match at Lord’s•Getty Images
Riley Meredith led the rout as Somerset bowled Middlesex out for 78 at Lord’s – their lowest ever score in the history of Vitality Blast cricket.The 27-year-old Tasmanian with six white-ball caps for his country took 4 for 12, while Craig Overton, Josh Davey and the competition’s leading wicket-taker Ben Green took two apiece in the nine-wicket romp.Middlesex only got within two runs of their previous worst score – 80 against Kent at Lord’s three years ago – thanks to as defiant 10th-wicket stand of 28 between Tom Helm and Noah Cornwell, who top scored with 15 apiece.Tom Banton, 49 not out and Tom Kohler-Cadmore 30 not out were both given lives as Somerset sealed a third win of the campaign. Middlesex remain bottom of the South Group.As well as Meredith and Overton bowled up top, Middlesex contributed to this debacle by batting with reckless abandon. Pinch-hitter Martin Andersson crashed two fours through the covers in the opening over after Middlesex were put in, but once he skied Meredith to mid-on in the next, the rot set in.Stephen Eskinazi fell to a cross-batted slog, before Meredith had Holden taken at mid-on to an even worse heave. Overton cranked up the pressure with a maiden to Ryan Higgins, during which the all-rounder failed to lay bat on ball and in the aftermath Joe Cracknell, back in the side for the sick Leus Du Plooy edged Meredith’s best ball of the match through to wicketkeeper Banton.Davies too had perished by the time the opening bowlers took their leave with the Lord’s tenants in tatters at 34 for 6.The competition’s leading wicket-taker Ben Green didn’t enter the fray until the score was 50 for 7 but made an instant impression taking the wickets of Luke Hollman and Blake Cullen with his first two balls.Cornwell saved the hat-trick before celebrating his call-up to the England U19s by clubbing Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory into the Grandstand but that was about the only cause for cheer for the beleaguered hosts.Will Smeed fell for only one caught on the fence off Helm and had Davies clung on to an inside edge from Kohler-Cadmore in the next over bowled by Cullen Middlesex might have made a fist of it, but the chance was grassed.Middlesex’s misery was compounded when Cornwell was forced from the field mid-over with a hand injury caused trying to take a return catch off one smashed back at him by Banton.Thereafter the Somerset duo settled down, both striking sixes into the Grandstand as the Cider-men romped home with 45 balls to spare.
If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.
The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.
How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.
Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.
Arsenal's Isak alternatives
Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.
Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.
So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.
Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.
It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.
Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.
Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak
Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.
Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.
Premier League top scorers since 2023/24
Player
Games
Goals
1. Erling Haaland
62
49
2. Mo Salah
70
47
3. Alexander Isak
64
44
4. Cole Plamer
71
37
5. Ollie Watkins
75
35
6. Chris Wood
67
34
7. Yoanne Wissa
69
31
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta
72
30
Data via StatsMuse.
As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.
While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.
In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.
Top assist makers in the Premier League since 2023/24
Player
Assist tally
Games
1. Mo Salah
28
70
2. Ollie Watkins
21
75
3. Anthony Elanga
20
74
4. Bukayo Saka
19
60
5. Cole Palmer
19
71
6. Jacob Murphy
19
56
7. Son Heung-min
19
65
8. Bruno Fernandes
18
71
Data via StatsMuse.
So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.
Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.
In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.
They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.
They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.
He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.
If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.
He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"
Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.
Liverpool’s attack has been sensational throughout 2024/25, playing a huge role in Arne Slot’s success in claiming the Premier League title during his first season at the helm.
The Reds managed to notch a total of 86 goals in their 38 appearances – the most of any side in the division – with Mohamed Salah leading the way with 29 goals.
However, despite their success, there could be a change in the attacking department ahead of next season, with the club needing fresh impetus to maintain their performance levels.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
The likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz could all leave Anfield this window, raising some key funds in Slot’s ambitions of landing new signings.
With the transfer window now open, numerous players have already been touted with a switch to Merseyside this summer, which could see the hierarchy massively back the manager during the off-season.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer
Since claiming the title, Liverpool have been extremely busy in the market, as seen with right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who’s already joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.
He could be joined by the likes of Milos Kerkez, Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak, who have all also been strongly touted with a summer switch to Merseyside.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
However, another name has been thrown into the mix in the form of Victor Osimhen, with the striker firmly on their radar, according to TBR’s latest update.
Their report claims that discussions have been held over a move for the Nigerian striker, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Serie A outfit Napoli.
It also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are targeting a new striker this summer, with a big name expected, which could see the 26-year-old move to Anfield – but they would have to meet the £60m price tag on his head.
Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Wirtz
Florian Wirtz is a player who has been the subject of huge interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, with a move progressing in the right direction ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The German, who registered 30 combined goals and assists this season, could cost the Reds a pretty penny, after already having a club-record bid of £110m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.
It would be a huge investment from the hierarchy, showcasing how much the board have faith in the manager to make the changes he desires after his first season at the helm.
If he can carry his tally of contributions over from the Bundesliga, it would be an addition that could massively bolster their ambitions of becoming back-to-back champions in the Premier League.
However, they could be about to make a better addition than the midfielder this summer in the form of Osimhen, who would solve arguably what’s been Slot’s biggest issue.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenis picture wearing a protective face mask
When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of current strikers Jota and Nunez, he’s massively outperformed the pair, handing the side that focal point they’ve been desperately lacking.
Osimhen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has massively outscored the duo, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – offering the manager the clinical central option he’s been devoid of as of late.
How Osimhen compares to Liverpool’s current strikers (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Osimhen
Jota
Nunez
Games played
30
26
30
Goals & assists
31
9
7
Shot on target accuracy
42%
25%
38%
Shots on target per game
2.2
1
1
Aerials won
3.5
1.6
1.5
Aerial success rate
60%
40%
37%
Fouls won
1.9
1.1
1.1
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered this campaign, with such a talent aiding the likes of Salah in the attacking areas, which could see him improve his own tallies in the final third.
Whilst a deal for Wirtz is undoubtedly an exciting one, it’s an extra to what’s already an impressive midfield department, offering key depth alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, Osimhen would undoubtedly be signed as the number one striker, looking to fill the void in a position that has arguably been a disappointing one over the last 12 months – as seen by the records of Jota and Nunez.
If the club are to have any chance of securing another league title next campaign, the signing of the Nigerian international is vital, with his skillset massively improving the goalscoring options at Slot’s disposal.
He's Coutinho 2.0: Liverpool hold talks to sign "Ballon d'Or level talent"
Florian Wirtz isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool have their eye on.
Setting their sights on weakening their top four rivals ahead of next season, Aston Villa are now reportedly seriously interested in signing an attacking star who has already scored at Villa Park before.
Aston Villa still reeling from UCL disappointment
11 days on from their defeat against Manchester United which cost them Champions League qualification, Aston Villa will still be collecting themselves and wondering what might have been. Their first reaction, of course, was anger directed at PGMOL and referee Thomas Bramall. Those in the Midlands took aim at the decision to use the 35-year-old in such an important game after Morgan Rodgers’ effort was controversially ruled out.
The Villans released a statement on the matter not long after their fate was confirmed at Old Trafford, which read in part: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger
He could replace Marcus Rashford.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 4, 2025
“With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.
“The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”
Lucas Chevalier for Lille.
11 days on, that anger may have turned into major disappointment, but Villa must simply move on and turn their focus towards the transfer market. Already, their sporting director, Monchi, has reportedly set his sights on the likes of Lucas Chevalier and even a Premier League rival in a bid to improve Unai Emery’s side and weaken another.
Aston Villa seriously interested in Jackson
According to Simon Phillips, Aston Villa are now seriously interested in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea this summer and face competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the forward’s signature.
Having lost Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, the Villans have been without a natural backup for Ollie Watkins for the last six months but could finally solve that problem when the summer arrives. Villa Park have already had a glimpse of Jackson’s goalscoring prowess too, given that he scored at Villa Park in Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup win in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Senegal international has shown signs of his quality since then in the 2024/25 season, in which he scored 13 goals in all competitions and earned impressive praise from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
The Italian told reporters in November: “He is doing very well with us. Since we started, he has been open minded in what we ask him, and sometimes we require different things from him.
“He’s has an open mind and wants to learn and he’s doing very well, not just in goals and assists, but also the way he works off the ball. The way he presses, he is always aggressive and we are very happy.”
According to Sky Sports, Celtic could move to sign a 24-year-old winger who “wins games on his own” alongside their interest in centre-forward target Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Celtic expected to go back in for Brondby striker Kvistgaarden
There has already been plenty of talk about Celtic’s summer transfer business ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after another successful Scottish Premiership triumph.
Brendan Rodgers’ side ended up comfortably beating Rangers to the league title, but over the coming months, there could be plenty of incomings and outgoings at Parkhead.
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ByBen Gray May 23, 2025
One summer signing already sealed is Kieran Tierney’s return to Glasgow, penning a pre-contract agreement from Arsenal when his contract expires.
There has also been plenty of speculation about a new centre-forward, with Kvistgaarden a long-term target at Celtic Park. Talking about his future, Kvistgaarden recently hinted that he is “ready” for the next challenge of this career with a move away from Brondby.
“I think I’m ready. I’ve made my mark at Brondby and in the Superliga, so I’m ready to take the next step. I don’t think that’s the goal for me – to remain and play with Brondby next season. I can say that without it being wrong.”
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has stated that Celtic are ‘expected’ to go back in with a move for Kvistgaarden this summer, ‘with the Swedish club sticking to their £10m-plus price tag’. However, it isn’t just Kvistgaarden who the Hoops have their eye on in the final third.
Celtic could sign 24 y/o Antwerp winger Balikwisha
According to Joseph for Sky Sports, another potential summer singing is Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The 24-year-old has impressed the Hoops’ recruitment team and, as a result, Celtic could make a move for Balikwisha ahead of the 25/26 campaign.
Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter is another of interest to the club, although at this stage, Celtic have a plethora of wide men on the books. Jota, Daizen Maeda, Hyun-jun Yang, James Forrest, Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and Marco Tilio are all under contract, however, they are open to offers for Palma and Tilio.
Balikwisha’s stats at Antwerp
Games
139
Goals
28
Assists
17
Red cards
1
Minutes played
9,909
Trophies won
3
Should Balikwisha arrive in Scotland, he will provide Rodgers with an option on the left, right and as a second striker, with the Belgian attacker someone who has been called a player “who can win games on his own”.
After signing for Antwerp from Standard Liege in 2021, Balikwisha has been a regular but has struggled with injuries in 24/25, something that Celtic may be wary about, should they go on to evaulate a transfer.
Derby County and Blackburn Rovers have been embroiled in an intriguing backstory this campaign, centred around John Eustace, who could now have a say in a transfer saga involving both clubs.
Derby County look to build on surviving relegation
Despite fighting for large parts of the campaign in the relegation zone, Derby secured their Championship status by the skin of their teeth after playing out an anticlimactic 0-0 draw with Stoke City on the final day. Working a minor miracle at Pride Park, John Eustace managed to guide the Rams to safety after they were previously seven points adrift of survival, losing only one of their final six league matches.
Derby County managerJohnEustaceand Jerry Yates
Controversially, the 45-year-old arrived at Derby from Blackburn Rovers, which was a surprise turn of events at the time due to the vast distance between both clubs in the English second-tier standings. Nevertheless, his decision proved to be worthwhile even in the face of doubters, something Eustace was quick to point out once the Rams confirmed they would be staying in the Championship.
Derby County’s great escape under John Eustace
19. Derby County
50
20. Preston North End
50
21. Hull City
49
22. Luton Town (R)
49
23. Plymouth Argyle (R)
46
24. Cardiff City (R)
44
Leaving some frosty relations at his former club, Blackburn missed out on a playoff berth by two points, creating more intrigue between both sides as they go head-to-head again next season. Crossing paths once again, Eustace’s Derby are now fighting his old side for the signature of a talented midfielder from League One, per reports.
Derby County and Blackburn Rovers fight to sign Ethan Erhahon
According to EFL Analysis, Derby and Blackburn both want to sign Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who is attracting interest from a clutch of other clubs in the second and third tier of English football.
Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Preston North End and Oxford United are also in the hunt for the Scotland Under-21 cap, who could fetch the Imps a seven-figure fee if he were to be sold.
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Labelled “brilliant” by Michael Skubala for his dominant nature in the middle of the park, Erhahon has won no fewer than 139 duels in League One this season as Lincoln secured a comfortable mid-table finish. Formerly of St Mirren, the 24-year-old is known for his abilities in both boxes, making him an ideal fit for a move up to the Championship if the correct opportunity presents itself.
Now, it remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature. Derby and Blackburn have become foes on the pitch. Could they also continue that relationship away from the field of play?
Celtic continued their dominance of Scottish football at the end of last month by claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United.
Ryan Strain’s own goal gave the Hoops an early lead in the match before braces from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah wrapped up a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
The Glasgow giants, now, have the chance to complete a domestic treble for the second time in three seasons if they can beat Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park at the end of this month.
It has been another successful season for Celtic, irrespective of the result against Aberdeen, as they have already won the Premiership and the League Cup.
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor, the Hoops captain, has now won a staggering ten league titles for the club, to go along with eight League Cups and six SFA Cups, although he is yet to taste European glory at Parkhead.
The Celtic skipper turns 32 this summer and is currently contracted through to 2028, but the Bhoys may start to think about what life could look like beyond having him in midfield.
Why Callum McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Celtic
Aside from his leadership qualities and what he brings to the table as the captain, McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Parkhead because of the quality that he provides in the middle of the park.
The left-footed star is a metronomic midfield player who acts as the heartbeat of the team with his ability to dominate and dictate matches with his passes, allowing Celtic to control games in the Premiership.
McGregor has also added a goalscoring touch to his game this season, as shown in the clip above, with eight league goals to his name so far this term.
The bulk of the former Scotland international’s work on the pitch for Celtic, however, is what he does with the ball at his feet as a passer, rather than as a goalscorer, because he is a metronomic presence for the Hoops.
Callum McGregor’s passing quality (all comps)
Season
Matches played
Passes made per 90
Pass accuracy
24/25
42
73.6
94.3%
23/24
41
66.3
91.5%
22/23
34
72.5
92%
21/22
42
67.6
90.1%
20/21
44
68.9
90%
19/20
32
64.1
91.3%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, McGregor is an incredible passer who has proven, over the last six seasons, that he can consistently find his teammates at an exceptional rate whilst attempting plenty of passes per 90.
This shows that he can retain possession to help Celtic dominate matches, which then allows him to dictate the tempo of games to suit what the team needs.
This shows that McGregor will leave big boots to fill when the Hoops eventually decide that they need to replace him as a regular starter, whenever in the future that may be.
Celtic tipped as possible destination for international star
Former Scotland international Pav Nevin has suggested that there is a star currently playing in one of Europe’s major leagues who could be the next Callum McGregor at Parkhead, and it would be a shock move if it were to happen.
Nevin has claimed that Billy Gilmour is in a “strange” place in his career because he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Napoli, having had the same problems with Chelsea, Norwich, and Brighton in England.
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The pundit told the Daily Record: “So you’ve got two choices. Choice number one is accept that’s your career, that’s your life, that’s what happens. You are going to play with some great clubs, win some trophies, people are going to love you and you are going to play until you’re 40 because you’re going to be relaxed and that’s a good career for Billy.
“The other possibility, I wonder if Celtic and Rangers need a controlling, creative player. It is that one where, if he comes up to Celtic or Rangers, he takes over from Callum McGregor or becomes the new Barry Ferguson. That’s it.”
It would be a shock to see Gilmour arrive at Parkhead, because he came up through the ranks at Rangers before his move to Chelsea as a teenager, but he would not be the first player to tread that path.
In fact, current Celtic star Greg Taylor came through the Gers academy before his move to Kilmarnock, from where he then went on to sign for the Hoops, which suggests that it is not an impossible move, albeit it would still be a shock.
Why Billy Gilmour could be the next Callum McGregor
If the Scottish giants were to pursue a move for Gilmour, whether that is this summer or in the future, he could be the dream signing to replace McGregor in the middle of the park.
Like the Celtic captain, the former Rangers academy starlet is a deep-lying central or defensive midfield player whose main qualities revolve around his ability to pass the ball and dictate matches.
Gilmour is not a physical midfielder who patrols the park to make big challenges and win aerial battles. Instead, he is a diminutive star who can use his technical and athletic attributes to help his side dominate games on a regular basis.
The £13.6m-rated star, who currently plays for Napoli in the Serie A, has proven his quality as a metronomic passer during his time in Italy and England.
Billy Gilmour’s passing quality (all comps)
Season
Matches played
Passes made per 90
Pass accuracy
24/25 (Napoli)
27
59.1
89.4%
23/24 (Brighton)
41
77.1
91.8%
22/23 (Brighton)
17
60.5
90%
21/22 (Norwich)
28
46
83.4%
20/21 (Chelsea)
12
72.5
88.8%
19/20 (Chelsea)
11
65
88.7%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, his spell with Norwich, who were relegated from the Premier League that season, is the only time that he has not been an incredibly reliable and frequent passer in the middle of the park.
Typically, Gilmour is a midfielder who attempts and completes a high number of passes per 90 at an exceptional rate, which is what McGregor does for Celtic in midfield for Rodgers.
Callum McGregor
The 23-year-old star is significantly younger than the Hoops captain and this means that he could be the long-term heir to the Scottish star’s throne in the middle of the park in Glasgow, if the club signed him from Napoli.
Gilmour could, therefore, be McGregor 2.0 for Celtic because he has the passing quality and the experience at the very top level to suggest that he would be a star as a ‘controlling’ midfielder for the club, which is why they should consider making a shock move for his services.
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However, there is nothing to suggest that he is an active target for the club at this moment in time, so it remains to be seen what will happen to Gilmour and his future at Napoli. But, given Nevin’s comments, it is an interesting transfer to think about and one that could be viable in the future.