Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are making transfer plans ahead of the looming summer window, with a report now suggesting Spurs have their eyes on a West Ham United star.
Tottenham's rumoured transfer plans amid Postecoglou uncertainty
The Telegraph’s Matt Law has already reported that the Lilywhites are facing a potentially difficult ‘sell to buy’ style window, so the club are carefully planning their targets amid the very uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou.
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While Postecoglou faces the looming threat of being sacked by Spurs, regardless of their Europa League campaign (The Telegraph), the Lilywhites are running out of time to prepare for the special limited-edition first summer window of 2025, which will open from June 1st to June 10th.
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
This gives clubs like Man City and Chelsea an opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup, but it could also hand Spurs an early opportunity to strengthen the squad, even if it famously isn’t Levy’s style to get deals done early.
Tottenham reportedly want to strengthen their squad across the board, and are one of the many Premier League sides eyeing a move for Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who is set to be in high demand thanks to his £50 million release clause (Sky Sports).
Spurs are also targeting Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, who would apparently be open to joining them (GiveMeSport), but Postecoglou’s side are also keen to bolster their attacking options.
Richarlison could well depart Spurs this summer, and the same can be said of Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon, who don’t appear to have long-term futures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after spending 2024/2025 out on loan elsewhere.
A permanent deal for Mathys Tel could still be on the cards, with there being confidence both Bayern and the north Londoners can come to an amicable agreement, but the Frenchman may not be their only forward signing.
Tottenham could now bid £51 million for West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen
According to a report from CaughtOffside, West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is of interest to Tottenham.
Jarrod Bowen celebrates for West Ham
The England international has bagged nine goals and seven assists in the league this season, standing out for the Irons amid a disappointing campaign, and this has attracted admiring glances from across London.
It is now believed Tottenham could even bid £51 million to sign Bowen from West Ham, but according to other reports, this may not be anywhere near enough. Graham Potter’s side consider Bowen “untouchable”, as per Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor, and West Ham valued their star man at around £100 million just last summer.
Signing him for half that price just one year later is a tall order for Levy, especially considering their fierce rivalry on the field. Called one of the Premier League’s most “underrated” stars of recent years, West Ham are fully aware of his value, and it would surely take a record-breaking bid from Spurs to even get them thinking.
On Saturday, after Celtic were officially crowned champions at Tannadice earlier in the day, the Gers were held to a 2-2 draw by St Mirren, with Cyriel Dessers and then Nicolas Raskin on target in Paisley.
This means, since the split was first introduced in 2000, the Light Blues have still never won all five post-split fixtures, but it matters not this time round, given that they are 17 points adrift the champions, out of all other competitions too, ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
So, the primary concern for Rangers supporters is who is going to be their new manager, especially considering next season will start early, given that they’ll enter the Champions League second qualifying round on 22/23 July, so could the new 49ers ownership group hire a “brilliant” boss?
Steven Gerrard's potential return to Rangers
As widely reported by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, and many others, Steven Gerrard remains amongst the front-runners to return as Rangers manager this summer.
Steven Gerrard
The Englishman has been out of work since being sacked by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January, enduring a pretty underwhelming 18 months in the Middle East, winning only 19 of 55 matches.
Nevertheless, Gerrard’s record during his first spell in Glasgow is very impressive, as the table below outlines.
Rangers’ post-promotion managers
Managers
Matches
Win %
League titles
Domestic cups
Pedro Caixinha
26
54%
Zero
Zero
Graeme Murty
35
60%
Zero
Zero
Steven Gerrard
192
65%
1
Zero
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
68
62%
Zero
1
Michael Beale
43
72%
Zero
Zero
Philippe Clement
86
64%
Zero
1
Barry Ferguson
11
36%
Zero
Zero
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, Steven Gerrard is both Rangers’ longest-serving manager and also their only boss to deliver a top division league title since the legendary Walter Smith, departing with an impressive 65% win ratio after almost 200 matches.
Andrew Slaven of the Scottish Football Show believes it would be the populist appointment to re-hire Gerrard, but also posits whether or not Michael Beale could return as his assistant, having himself been, as described by former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, Rangers’ “worst ever” manager.
So, the new 49ers ownership group may choose to look elsewhere, so could they hire a soon-to-be out-of-work manager?
Rangers' potential new manager
On Easter Monday, following a 6-0 demolition of Stoke City, Leeds United were promoted back to the Premier League.
A 4-0 drubbing of Bristol City on Monday night took the Yorkshire giants’ points tally to 97, the most they’ve ever accumulated in a single season, and victory at almost already-relegated Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will see them clinch the EFL Championship title.
So why is this relevant to Rangers?
Well, despite achieving promotion, a report by Matt Hughes of the Guardian has suggested that Leeds are considering sacking manager Daniel Farke, due to concerns over his previous record in the Premier League. There are now whispers – perhaps unsurprisingly considering the 49ers’ link – that Farke could end up in the Ibrox hotseat instead.
So, let’s assess the German’s managerial record.
Daniel Farke’s managerial statistics 2017-present
Club
Season
Points
Position
Outcome
Norwich City
2017/18
60
14th
Norwich City
2018/19
94
1st
Promoted
Norwich City
2019/20
21
20th
Relegated
Norwich City
2020/21
97
1st
Promoted
Norwich City
2021/22
22
20th
Sacked after 11 games
Borussia Mönchengladbach
2022/23
43
10th
Sacked
Leeds United
2023/24
90
3rd
Beaten in play-off final
Leeds United
2024/25
97
1st
Promoted
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table shows, Daniel Farke is a bit of a Championship promotion specialist, possibly set to win the title for a third time, but his Premier League record is miserable, winning only six of 49 matches, holding the unwanted record of most successive Premier League defeats suffered by any manager, which is 15.
Nevertheless, Neil Warnock believes it would be ridiculous to sack Farke given that he has done a “brilliant job” this season, while Beren Cross of The Athletic notes that Leeds’ ‘senior players praised’ the manager’s style, giving them the ‘freedom’ to play.
Even Pep Guardiola described him as an “exceptional manager” during his time at Carrow Road.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
Nevertheless, should he be dismissed, this is where Rangers come in.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe is poised to become the new majority stakeholder at Rangers, so already has a working relationship with Farke, making any appointment potentially straightforward.
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What Farke has proved is that, when he’s in charge of one of the top teams in a division, he has thrived, possibly making him a more exciting appointment for Rangers than any potential Gerrard return.
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Rangers are looking for a new manager to take over this summer
Arsenal have reportedly made a pre-summer offer to sign a Barcelona star for Mikel Arteta, with the La Liga title contenders and their president, Joan Laporta, responding to their ambitious approach.
Arsenal set to sign new defender for Mikel Arteta this summer
According to reliable media sources, the Gunners are set to try and sign a new defender for Arteta this summer.
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Kieran Tierney is set to join Celtic in July after agreeing a pre-summer contract in the January transfer window, while it is believed Oleksandr Zinchenko has been put on the transfer list by Arsenal after falling down Arteta’s pecking order.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Jakub Kiwior has started four of Arsenal’s last Premier League matches, as well as both Champions League quarter-final legs against Real Madrid, but this is only due to Gabriel Magalhaes being out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
The Poland international has performed impressively in that time, but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from looking at new options in that position ahead of the summer.
Arsenal are one of the contenders to sign Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, as per David Ornstein, and have held talks with the Spaniard’s camp already – so it is unclear what the future would hold for Kiwior if he were to come in.
In any case, it is clear that the north Londoners are in the market for another centre-back, and it is also believed Arsenal could move to bring in another full-back as Tierney and Zinchenko head towards the exit door.
One player who could reinforce both positions with serious quality is £223,000-per-week Barcelona star Jules Koundé.
FC Barcelona's JulesKoundein action
The France international has proved indispensable to Hansi Flick’s title favourites, playing more La Liga minutes than any other player in his Catalans squad, with only Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo averaging more key passes per 90 than him in the final third (WhoScored).
Kounde’s contributed excellently, both in an offensive and defensive sense, leaving little wonder why Arteta is a big admirer of the ex-Sevilla sensation.
Arsenal make pre-summer bid for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé
According to reports in Spain, as cited by Football 365, Arteta has become “obsessed” with Kounde following his excellent 2024/2025 – and Andrea Berta has made an early attempt to back Arsenal’s manager with a swoop for the 26-year-old.
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
It is believed Arsenal have made a pre-summer offer worth £55 million for Kounde, but Laporta has swiftly responded with a polite no, as the defender is seen as far too important to even consider selling.
It was always a tall order for Arsenal to tempt Barca into selling their star man, who can play both centrally and a full-back, but it is clear to see why they made a bold attempt to do so.
“I played against him in the Champions League,” said France international teammate Dayot Upamecano.
“He’s a confident player and I hope things continue that way. He’s also a leader and he’s beginning to have a lot of experience. I wish him all the best.”
Tottenham Hotspur have been tipped to appoint a 52-year-old after he was spotted at the Spurs stadium recently, which also follows his rumoured talks with chairman Daniel Levy.
Ange Postecoglou facing sack as Tottenham make boardroom change
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou’s long-term future will seriously hinge on their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt next week.
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Fabrizio Romano is among the credible media sources to report that there is a strong possibility Postecoglou will be dismissed if Tottenham fail to mount an impressive run in Europe, so the pressure is on the 59-year-old to get it right during their return leg in Germany.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Tottenham have identified a few candidates to replace Postecoglou already, including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is seen as a top target for the Lilywhites alongside the likes of Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham boss Marco Silva (The Athletic).
All of this comes amid their fresh appointment of new CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who will officially commence his role this summer after swapping Arsenal for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arsenaltechnical directorEdu Gaspar and managing director Vinai Venkatesham
It is a hire which could have major implications on Levy’s influence and the running of the club, with Venkatesham set to oversee both on-field and off-field matters in a very senior role (Dave Hytner).
His arrival will also have a big say on whether Tottenham end up re-hiring former managing director Fabio Paratici.
After he resigned from his post in 2023, due to a worldwide ban from football, that sentence is set to end on June 30th – and Spurs have reportedly been pursuing a return for Paratici.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey and other reports in Italy, Levy has held talks with Paratici over re-joining Tottenham, and the Lilywhites chief was thought to be “working hard” to bring him back to N17.
Milan’s recent negotiations to appoint Paratici also collapsed last week, handing Spurs a potential free run.
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Interestingly, Paratici was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, sitting in the stands as he watched Postecoglou’s side draw 1-1 with Frankfurt.
After seeing this image, following on from these alleged Levy talks, pundit John Wenham is convinced that Paratici is returning to Tottenham, and the Italian could already be working on a replacement for Postecoglou.
“If Postecoglou is sacked, I’m not sure who will come in until the end of the season,” Wenham said to Tottenham News.
Fabio Paratici attends Tottenham Hotpsur's away clash in the Premier League against Crystal Palace.
“We will have to wait and see. However, we saw that Paratici was at the stadium again on Thursday, sitting with the club legends. Therefore, it looks like he is coming back, and perhaps he is already lining up a new manager to replace Postecoglou.”
He would be a controversial hire after his footballing ban, but sections of supporters are keen for it to happen.
Paratici played a key role in their appointment of Antonio Conte, whilst also orchestrating deals for Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, who’ve all gone on to impress since joining Spurs.
Chelsea are now determined to win the race for a “decisive creator”, and they are readying a €30m (£26m) offer for his services, according to a report.
Blues pursuing new attacking midfielder
Throughout the campaign, Enzo Maresca’s side have largely done a good job crafting opportunities for Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in attack, having created 83 big chances in the Premier League, the joint-second highest total in the division.
Those figures suggest a lack of cutting edge from the strikers may be a problem for the Blues, so it is little wonder they are set to pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they are now leading the race for Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy.
However, Maresca is also clearly keen to bring in a new playmaker this summer, with Lyon assist king Rayan Cherki among the potential targets, alongside Como’s Nico Paz, who has impressed manager Cesc Fàbregas with his performances in Italy this season.
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There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Paz, with a report from Spain revealing the west Londoners are now readying a €30m (£26m) offer for the 20-year-old, as they are determined to win the race for his signature.
Doing so could be a tall order, however, with the Argentine attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, who retain the option to re-sign their former player for the bargain fee of less than €10m (£8.6m), which could be appealing.
Como's Assane Diao,NicoPazand Maxence Caqueret celebrate their first goal
The report states the youngster has been one of the Serie A’s stars this season, so it is little wonder he has garnered interest from some European giants, and he is said to be a prime target for the Blues, whose model is built around signing young players.
"Decisive creator" Paz impressing in Italy
Although Real Madrid have a buy-back clause, they may be ruing the decision to let the Como star leave in the first place, given the level of his performances in the Serie A this season.
The Spain-born maestro has six goals and seven assists to his name in 30 appearances, and his displays have earned him a call-up to national side Argentina, setting up a goal on his debut against Bolivia back in October.
The starlet has developed a strong relationship with Como forward Assane Diao, and Ben Mattinson lauded him as a “decisive creator” after setting up the Senegal international’s goal in the 3-0 victory against Lecce last time out.
Paz’s performances for Como suggest he is now ready for a move to a top club, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are stepping up their transfer pursuit, but Real Madrid’s cheap buy-back clause could pose a major problem.
Everton now face a transfer battle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign an “impressive” £30 million+ defender, according to a recent report.
Everton are stepping up transfer plans for David Moyes
Given the Blues cannot be relegated from the Premier League, David Moyes and co are now slowly turning their attentions to the summer transfer window and next season, as Everton move into their new stadium.
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Moyes is keen for his side to strengthen their forward line during the summer and has identified Evan Ferguson as a top target. The Republic of Ireland international is currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton after falling down the pecking order with the Seagulls. Ferguson’s long-term future with Brighton is up in the air, and Moyes is looking to take advantage of this by luring him to Everton, where he thinks he can improve his game.
As well as looking at the top end of the pitch, Everton are also looking to improve their defensive options this summer. Jarrad Branthwaite’s future remains a hot topic of debate, and while the Toffees would like him to stay, they already have their eyes on potential replacements. Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah has been linked with a shock move to Everton, and former scout Bryan King now believes the defender would be “happy” to join the blue side of Liverpool.
Everton looking to beat Leverkusen and sign £30m+ star
Quansah is not the only defender on the Premier League side’s radar, as according to Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are looking to sign David Hancko from Dutch side Feyenoord.
Feyenoord'sDavidHanckocelebrates scoring their third goal
The report states that the Toffees are interested in signing the 27-year-old, as they would like to build their defence around him. However, Everton are not alone in their pursuit, as Juventus reportedly already have an agreement over personal terms with the player. While Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on striking a deal for the experienced centre-back.
Everton hope they have an advantage in the race, as they and Leverkusen are willing to offer a straight cash deal for Hancko, who Feyenoord are looking to get around €40 million for, which is roughly £34 million. Hancko is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at left-back if needed, which is ideal for Moyes, as he looks for versatility in his defence.
Apps
27
Minutes played
2,430
Goals
3
Assists
1
Tackles won
23
Interceptions
22
The Toffees do already have plenty of options in their backline, but Michael Keane is on course to depart when his contract expires this summer.
James Tarkowski is not getting any younger, and as mentioned, Branthwaite continues to be linked with a move away, so a new centre-back could be very much needed this summer for Moyes, and if he wants Everton to get back into contention for Europe, then a rebuild of his backline may be what is needed, with Hancko, who has been dubbed “impressive” by Ben Mattinson, at the heart of it.
Manchester United have submitted a £64 million bid to sign a “powerhouse” player ahead of interest from Arsenal and Chelsea this summer, according to a recent report.
Ruben Amorim responds to Gary Neville's criticism
The Red Devils played out a 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in what was a dull affair for a Manchester Derby. After the game, former United player and captain Gary Neville stated that United need as many as “five new signings” this summer to help Amorim.
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Neville told Sky Sports: “I do understand why Ruben Amorim’s done that today, with the players he’s got, because he hasn’t got the players to adapt. They need five new players straight away before you even think about the rest of it.
“The three up front are not good enough, and the two wing-backs, they’re not good enough. They need five players. They need to serve him with five players who are good enough in this system to be able to play his system the way he wants.”
Then, speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim responded by stating that he knows Neville is “critical about everything”: “I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything. I understand that we are having the worst season in history.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimduring the press conference
“Manchester City won everything in the past, but this season they are struggling. So, we are not in the best of moments to give the best spectacle to fans. We are not fighting for the big things; it’s different.
“I understand the critical aspect of the players who played in this game in a different way because they were fighting every time for the titles. It’s a different context.”
Man Utd submit £64m bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres despite Arsenal green light
If – as Neville says – United need five new additions, INEOS could be working on one of those potential arrivals already. According to a report from Spain, Man United have made a £64 million bid to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match
The report states that United have positioned themselves as one of the teams most interested in signing the Sweden international, but they face competition from Chelsea, as they have also tabled an offer for the striker. Both Premier League teams have made an offer worth 75 million euros, while the player himself has given the green light for Arsenal to sign him, although this report does not mention the Gunners making a bid.
The Red Devils will hope to have an edge in this race, as Amorim worked with Gyokeres at Sporting and seemed to get the very best out of him. United want to sign Gyokeres, who has been dubbed a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, as they believe he will be a huge uprgade on struggling stars Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Gyokeres
Hojlund
Apps
26
26
Starts
24
18
Goals
30
3
Goals per 90
1.24
0.17
Total shots
109
21
Shots per 90
4.51
1.22
Shots on target
60
9
Goals per shot
0.17
0.14
The potential arrival of Gyokeres at Old Trafford would surely spell the end for Hojlund, who, despite scoring against Leicester City before the international break, failed to make any significant impact in the Manchester Derby.
It is just three goals in 26 league games this season for Hojlund, who was subbed off on Sunday once again, and Amorim knows that if he has any chance of being a success, he needs to have a striker with a better success rate in front of goal, which Gyokeres has, given he’s got 30 goals in 26 league games.
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.
Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer
Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.
ByDan Emery May 5, 2025
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.
It seems like Manchester City will need a midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window. We already know that Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club, after that was announced before the Manchester Derby a few weeks ago.
However, he is not the only midfielder who could depart. Sky Sports have reported recently that Bernardo Silva has been told he will be sold in the 2025 summer transfer window, as the Citizens look to refresh their options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which needs wholesale improvement.
Bernardo Silva for Man City.
With at least two players in the centre of the park set to leave the club, City need to add new options to the squad. They have recently been linked with one Premier League player.
Man City target Premier League midfielder
There are several midfielders in the Premier League whom you might think City will target this summer with Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly on the shortlist. The latest on that is the Citizens are ‘leading’ the race to sign the Nottingham Forest talent.
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Still, if recent reports are to be believed, then Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is the latest star they are linked with.
According to recent reports from Spain, the Citizens ‘have set their sights on the Italian midfielder’ ahead of a busy summer and they have ‘the intention of signing him’ in the coming months, to spearhead their midfield redevelopment.
Sandro Tonali celebrates for Newcastle
However, they are not going to be alone in this pursuit. In fact, they might not face harder competition, with LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also targeting a move for Tonali.
For any of the three sides interested, this deal won’t come cheap. The report suggests he won’t be any less than £69m, if a deal is to be struck.
Why Tonali would be a good signing for Man City
It has been an impressive campaign for enterprising Italian midfielder Tonali. The 24-year-old has become a key part of Eddie Howe’s midfield at St James’ Park, and was even described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Giuseppe Rossi.
This term, Tonali has played 40 games across all competitions. In that time, he’s managed to find the back of the net on five occasions and grab eight assists, operating as a number 6 and a number 8.
One of the standout features of the former Milan star’s game is his box-crashing tendency. He often makes runs from deep to get on the end of crosses, or links up play and carries on his runs to get into goalscoring positions. Take his goal against Manchester United earlier this month as an example.
Should the East Mancunian outfit seriously pursue a move for Tonali this summer, he could be the perfect alternative to another Newcastle midfielder they are linked with, Bruno Guimaraes. As per a report from TEAMtalk in mid-March, City are ‘planning a summer bid’ for the Brazilian.
He, too, would be a strong signing for Pep Guardiola’s side. Like Tonali, the 27-year-old has played an important role for the Magpies this term, scoring and assisting 12 times in 42 appearances. That included two assists in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
With that being said, there is not too much difference between the pair statistically, according to FBref. In fact, the pair are neck and neck in several key metrics. For example, Tonali averages 6.45 ball recoveries and 3.43 passes into the final third per game, compared to 4.97 ball recoveries and 4.78 final third passes per 90 minutes.
Tonali & Guimaraes key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Tonali
Guimaraes
Passes completed
42.3
49.8
Passes into final third
3.43
4.78
Tackles and interceptions
3.06
3.09
Progressive carries
1.32
1.56
Ball recoveries
6.45
4.97
Stats from FBref
It certainly seems like Tonali would be a major addition for City in the middle of the park. If Guimaraes is unattainable in the 2025 summer window, his teammate would offer a brilliant solution, and his box-crashing abilities and work rate off the ball would suit City down to a tee.
Sandro Tonali celebrates for Newcastle
£69m is a fairly high fee, but to compete with the best again next season, Guardiola’s side will have to invest those kinds of fees.
Man City can forget De Bruyne & Gibbs-White by unleashing 17-year-old star
Man City could save a fortune this summer by unleashing academy sensation
Liverpool are believed to have submitted an offer for a £50m player with a big future in the game, according to an exciting transfer update.
Liverpool set for Arsenal guard of honour as FSG make summer plans
The Reds are preparing to host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, which promises to be a fun occasion for anyone associated with the Reds. Arne Slot’s champions will be given a guard of honour by a Gunners side who many fancied to go all the way in the league back in August, but have instead gone another campaign without a trophy. In truth, the result is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but Liverpool will still want to open up their lead at the top to a whopping 18 points.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The Reds also continue to be linked with new summer signings, with Slot and FSG well aware that they can’t afford to rest on his laurels, and a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been mooted. The Argentine has experience of the Premier League from his Manchester City days and could be a fantastic signing if Darwin Nunez departs.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo has been mentioned as a target for Liverpool, following a superb season at the heart of his side’s defence, helping them push for an unlikely Champions League finish.
Liverpool make offer for Dean Huijsen
According to Cadena SER [via Sport Witness], Liverpool and FSG have made an offer for Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, having been linked with him constantly in recent months. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all in the same boat, too, with Real Madrid also firmly in the conversation.
The Spaniard has a £50m release clause in his current Cherries contract, with the Reds clearly seeing him as a potential big part of their future. The English clubs are ahead of Madrid in the race, but the player’s father has passed over negotiations with them to a law firm in Spain, as they look to potentially strike a deal.
Bournemouth defenders Milos Kerkez & Dean Huijsen
Huijsen has to be considered just about the strongest centre-back Liverpool could sign, in terms of his long-term promise as a footballer. He has averaged 5.9 clearances per game in the league this season, which is more than any Reds player.
At just 19, the Bournemouth ace already looks like a top-level player, producing brilliant performances for the Cherries, leading former Bournemouth man Joe Partington to say: “Huijsen seems to be the name on everybody’s lips if you’re a top football club in Europe at the minute.”
If Liverpool could pip their rivals to the signing of Huijsen ahead of next season, it would be a major statement of intent, with centre-back a key area of focus for them.
Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool plot big move for "the best CF in the world"
Liverpool desperately need to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025
An eventual successor to Virgil van Dijk needs to be found at Anfield, and if the Bournemouth man continues on his current trajectory, he could be the perfect man to fill that huge void.