Celtic are in the market to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch during the summer transfer window, having already added defender Kieran Tierney to the group.

The Hoops are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sweden international Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland to add to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking arsenal.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the left-footed star, who usually plays on the right wing, scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga for his club.

This suggests that the 23-year-old forward could provide a good goal threat for Rodgers on the right flank next season, if he can adapt to Scottish Premiership football.

Celtic keen to sign another winger

Nygren may not be the only wide option added to the Hoops squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, though, as they are also eyeing a left-sided attacker.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic remain interested in a deal to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of next season.

The reporter claims that the deal has slowed down in recent weeks, but that all parties, including Royal Antwerp and the Belgian dynamo, are keen for the 24-year-old forward to sign for the Hoops before the window closes.

Tavolieri adds that the Pro League side are demanding a fee in the region of £5m for their star winger, and it is now down to the Scottish giants to stump up the cash to get this deal done.

Why Balikwisha would be as exciting as Nygren for Celtic

If the Scottish giants can wrap up a move for the Belgian wing wizard in the coming days or weeks then he would be a signing that would be as exciting as the pending addition of Nygren.

As aforementioned, the Swedish star is an exciting purchase for the Hoops because of the potential he has to deliver goals on a regular basis from the right wing for Celtic.

Balikwisha, meanwhile, is a winger who carries a dual threat on the left flank as someone who can both score and create goals at a fairly impressive rate, albeit he is coming off the back of an injury-laden year that restricted him to just 12 starts in the Belgian top-flight.

The Royal Antwerp star had scored seven goals and provided five assists in 33 outings in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before a disrupted season this term.

Starts

12

28

Goals

4

15

Assists

3

2

Goals*

0.31

0.53

xA*

0.22

0.21

Assists*

0.23

0.07

Chances created

1.99

1.62

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian star’s performances in limited minutes this season suggest that he has the potential to offer more to the team as a creator than Nygren does.

Balikwisha, who was described as “creative” by analyst Will Glavin, can consistently create high-quality opportunities to assist his teammates, whilst still offering a threat as a goalscorer.

Therefore, Celtic could have a good balance on the flanks as they would have Nygren to provide a huge goal threat and Balikwisha to be the main creator, whilst both players can also chip in with assists and goals respectively.

This means that both wide players are exciting in their own right, as they offer quality in different departments, and that is why Hoops fans should be excited by the prospect of both stars ending up at Parkhead this summer.

Bigger blow than Kyogo: UCL club in talks to sign "breathtaking" Celtic ace

Celtic are in talks with a European team over a deal for one of their star players.

ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

Throughout the years, countless players have rejoined Celtic for a second spell after departing.

Fraser Forster returned in 2019, following in the footsteps of Willie Fernie, Bertie Auld, Frank McAvennie, Andy Walker, Charlie Mulgrew, Charlie Nicholas​​​​​​​, Emilio Izaguirre and countless others who have done so before him at Parkhead.

Kieran Tierney will soon be added to this list, his return from Arsenal all but officially confirmed, after Jota re-signed in January, so could another fans’ favourite be doing the same this summer?

Jota's incredible Celtic return

Back in the summer of 2023, after two successful seasons at Celtic, Jota was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for a record-equalling fee of £25m.

Well, after a miserable stint in the Middle East, following by an equally unspectacular six months in France with Stade Rennais where he scored just once in ten games, Jota returned to Glasgow for £8m in January, a mere 18 months after leaving.

The Portuguese winger marked his return with a goal at Fir Park on his second debut, also on target during Premiership victories over Dundee United, Aberdeen and Heart of Midlothian, as well as the Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone on Easter Sunday.

However, after making just 16 appearances in Hoops, Jota ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadie in April, on the day Celtic clinched the title, with Brendan Rodgers later confirming that he would be sidelined for “between six and nine months”.

A heartbreaking blow for a 26-year-old, who was just happy to feel at home again, but could he be re-united with another fans’ favourite, with Celtic returning to Roazhon Park for their shopping?

Celtic could seal stunning Jota repeat

Jota’s return to Glasgow was incredibly unexpected but it no doubt raised the excitement levels among the green and white side of the city. So, surely they couldn’t do it again?

Well, think again. Indeed According to a report by French outlet Foot 7 Sur, Kyōgo Furuhashi will leave Stade Rennais this summer, just six months after arriving in Brittany, claiming that the Japanese forward ‘could return’ to Celtic.

Like Jota in the six months before him, Kyōgo has failed to make any sort of impact at les Rouge et Noirs following his January move, playing just six times, of which only one was a start.

He has also failed to find the net and featured as an unused substitute on six occasions. Dismal reading, indeed.

Kyōgo Furuhashi’s Stade Rennais career
Statistics	Kyōgo
Appearances	6
Starts	1
Minutes	120
Goals	0
Assists	0
Matches an unused sub	6
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

Despite his complete lack of success in France, not featuring in any of Rennes’ last five fixtures of the Ligue 1 season, Kyōgo will always be a modern icon at Celtic, as Jota is.

The first Japanese import of the Ange Postecoglou era, Kyōgo scored 85 goals in 170 appearances for the Hoops, leaving him amongst the club’s highest-scorers of modern times.

Celtic players to score 75+ goals (1997-present)
Players	Tenure	Games	Goals
Henrik Larsson	1997-04	292	2204
Leigh Griffiths	2014-21	262	123
James Forrest	2009-present	528	110
John Hartson	2001-06	198	106
Kris Commons	2011-17	227	89
Odsonne Édouard	2017-21	179	87
Kyōgo Furuhashi	2021-25	170	85
Chris Sutton	2000-06	197	84
Gary Hooper	2010-13	138	82
Anthony Stokes	2010-16	192	76
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

Yatao of the Celtic star describes Kyōgo’s performances for the club as “world-class”, while Graeme Macpherson of the Scotsman asserts that he is Celtic’s best striker since Henrik Larsson.

Thus, all Celtic supporters would be excited about the possibility of him returning this summer, and reports suggest this hope is not as fanciful as it may first appear.

Brentford set to go at Celtic with £60m Mbeumo windfall to sign "breathtaking" star

The Bhoys are set to witness movement in both directions this summer…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 6, 2025

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.

Related Big upgrade on Burn: Newcastle open talks to sign "outstanding" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to overhaul their defence

Posts 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.

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.

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.

After a slow start to the summer transfer window for Arsenal, they look as though they’re closing in on sealing two signings.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium won’t exactly be met with much fanfare considering he’s there to play second fiddle to David Raya, but it’s an important move nonetheless.

At just £5m, the Gunners have found a replacement for Neto and due to the price, it frees up money to spend elsewhere, hopefully on a wealth of attacking reinforcements.

The other arrival will see another Spaniard in the form of Martin Zubimendi head to North London. At just over £50m, that move is certainly a more exciting ones but he’s not the only midfielder who could arrive.

Arsenal looking to sign another midfielder after Zubimendi

Last summer, it looked as though Zubimendi was going to head to Liverpool. Sadly for the Anfield side, he did not. Whether or not he regrets that decision based on Arne Slot’s title success is unknown.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, a year on, he will now finally head to England, but it won’t be the red of Liverpool he’ll be donning. Instead, it’s the red of Arsenal.

The Gunners first made their move to sign the Spain international last January when they signalled their intentions to trigger his £51m release clause at Real Sociedad. Since then, an agreement has been tied up that will see the club spend a tiny bit more than that exit clause so they can pay it in instalments.

Zubimendi was reportedly in London over the weekend to wrap up the formalities of his move.

Yet, he could well be joined in the middle of the park next season by Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. That’s according to a number of sources, notably the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

He reported on Wednesday afternoon that Arsenal are “exploring” a deal to sign the Dane and have lodged their first offer, believed to be around €11m (£9m).

Fabrizio Romano furthered those claims by revealing on social media that the 31-year-old “wants to join Arsenal” this summer, so much so that personal terms have already been agreed between player and club.

Since then, BBC Sports’ Sami Mokbel has revealed that an agreement could be reached at £15m, including add-ons. A move appears to be advancing quickly, with Ornstein later reporting on Wednesday evening that the Gunners are now in the process of ‘finalising’ a deal to sign the player. A medical is also in the process of being planned.

Why Norgaard would be a good signing for Arsenal

With Jorginho having left the Emirates on a free transfer, heading to Flamengo, and Thomas Partey increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal, Arsenal need two midfielders.

Zubimendi ticks one box and in the form of Norgaard, although this would be a surprising move, it certainly makes a lot of sense.

Like Kepa, Arsenal would not be spending a bucket load on improving the squad and thus, would be leaving room to spend where it really matters this summer; on a new striker.

So, what could Norgaard offer to Mikel Arteta’s midfield? Well, like the departing Jorginho and Partey, he’s got a wealth of experience and, pivotally, he’s played in England for a long time now.

He signed for Brentford back in 2019 and has since gone on to feature 196 times for the Bees, playing 122 times in the Premier League.

34 of those top-flight outings came in 2024/25 where he scored five goals and also supplied four assists.

A holding midfielder who also chips in with goals and assists, there is reason to believe that Arteta could be signing a more experienced version of Declan Rice here.

Arsenal podcaster, Alex Moneypenny, who has appeared on Sky Sports and BBC Sport, outlines the Dane’s qualities perfectly. He’s a “search and destroyer”, a midfielder who specialises in “progressive passing”.

That’s backed up by the numbers with Norgaard ranking among the best holding midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passing distance. In fact, he ranks almost identically to Zubimendi in this category.

The ability to turn the ball over from deep or in more advanced areas certainly makes him like Rice, as does the ability to progress play. Captain of Brentford too, he’s got the natural leadership skills that Arsenal’s record signing boasts.

But, what do the statistics say?

Goals

0.16

0.13

Assists

0.13

0.22

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.32

Pass success rate

82%

83%

Progressive passes

4.92

6.11

Passes into final 3rd

4.38

4.36

Tackles

2.52

1.69

Succesful take-ons

0.22

0.42

With the benefit of playing further forward and taking set-pieces, Rice does better Brentford’s captain for assists and successful take-ons. It’s in the passing department where they are most alike.

They complete a similar percentage of their passes per 90 minutes and there’s not a huge difference between the number of those passes that are progressive in nature.

So, while a move of this nature is hardly going to blow supporters away, he’d be a steady pair of hands just like Jorginho was. If he hits the ground running like Rice did too, fans will soon take to the Bees star.

Better than Williams: Arsenal open talks to sign ex-Spurs player for £50m

The dynamic winger could provide Arsenal with another avenue of attack next season.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

Thanks to this result, Sri Lanka are out of contention to qualify from Group D

Ashish Pant13-Jun-20241:52

Rapid Fire Review: Rishad changed the course of the game

Bangladesh made a big stride towards securing a Super Eights berth at the T20 World Cup 2024 with a confident 25-run win over Netherlands in the first international fixture in Kingstown in close to a decade.It was a welcome return to form for Shakib Al Hasan, who scored his first fifty in 20 T20I innings to shepherd Bangladesh to 159 for 5. Netherlands made a good fist of the chase, moving to 111 for 3 in the 15th over. But legspinner Rishad Hossain struck three times in four balls spread across two overs to change the course of the game.Related

Shakib has arrived at the T20 World Cup, finally

Shakib: 'Happy with the way I contributed, it wasn't an easy wicket'

With Shakib and Mustafizur Rahman tightening the screws alongside Rishad, Netherlands fell in a heap, losing 4 for 6 in the space of 16 balls. They still had an outside chance with 36 needed off the last two overs, but Mustafizur Rahman’s cutters proved too much to handle in the 19th over. He kept slanting the ball across, and the batters kept swishing and missing. He conceded just three runs in that over, having given away just one in the 17th, and Netherlands were eventually restricted to 134 for 8.Bangladesh fly away despite Dutt’s strikes With the Bangladesh top order studded with left-handers, Netherlands brought Aryan Dutt in for his first game of the tournament and he immediately repaid their faith. Introduced in the second over, he removed the Bangladesh captain with his second ball. It was an innocuous length ball outside off, which Najmul Hossain Shanto reverse-swept straight to first slip.Dutt struck again in his next over, with a lot of help from Sybrand Engelbrecht. Litton Das eyed a slog-sweep only to get a top-edge well in front of square. But Engelbrecht, stationed behind square, sprinted to his left , put out a full-length dive and picked up a screamer inches off the turf.Despite the early losses, Bangladesh continued to score at a fair clip. Tanzid Hasan struck Vivian Kingma for two fours and a six in the third over before Shakib picked another four off Paul van Meekeren in the fifth. Shakib then laid into Logan van Beek in the sixth over, smashing him for four fours to take Bangladesh to 54 for 2, comfortably their highest powerplay score of the tournament.1:42

Maharoof: Shakib was prepared for Netherlands’ short-ball tactics

The middle-overs squeezeNetherlands weren’t backing down, though. Captain Scott Edwards rung in the changes and the bowlers made sure to stick to their lengths. According to ESPNcricinfo’s logs, Netherlands only veered into the full lengths four times in 10 overs from the seventh to the 16th, and Bangladesh’s scoring rate dropped. The pressure told on Tanzid, who mistimed a pull to deep backward square leg in the ninth over, while Towhid Hridoy had his leg stump flattened by Tim Pringle in the 13th. Bangladesh managed only 58 runs in the middle ten overs with five fours and a six, and lost two wickets.Shakib the glue as Bangladesh end stronglyThe last time Shakib scored a fifty in T20Is was in October 2022 against Pakistan. At the T20 World Cup, he hadn’t breached the half-century mark since 2016. But on this crucial day, Bangladesh’s stalwart stood tall.He scored his first seven runs at a run-a-ball, and picked up his once he got the hang of the surface. And even when the runs dried up in the middle phase, he kept rotating strike without panicking. He reached his fifty off 38 balls and hit de Leede for back-to-back fours in the final over to finish unbeaten on 64 off 46 balls, his innings studded with nine fours.There were important contributions from Mahmudullah (25 off 21) and Jaker Ali (14* off seven) as Bangladesh collected 47 runs off the last four overs.Bas de Leede is stumped off Rishad Hossain•ICC/Getty ImagesBangladesh keep chipping awayWith 349 runs in nine innings, Michael Levitt came into this tournament as Netherlands’ highest run-scorer in T20Is since the start of 2024. However, he’s had a dismal start to his T20 World Cup with scores of 1 and 0 against Nepal and South Africa. He seemed to change the tide against Bangladesh when he drove Mustafizur through the covers in the first over. Then, when he smashed Taskin Ahmed over the roof at deep midwicket, it seemed his campaign was back on track.But Levitt’s joy was short-lived. In the fifth over, he top-edged a cut off Taskin to Hridoy at point. In the next over, Max O’Dowd smashed a length ball straight back to Tanzim Hasan, and Netherlands ended the powerplay at 36 for 2.Vikramjit Singh hit Shakib for back-to-back sixes in the seventh over and slog-swept Rishad over deep midwicket in the ninth. His sprightly 16-ball knock was cut short when he was stumped, walking past a tossed-up delivery from Mahmudullah. But at 69 for 3 in the tenth over, Netherlands were still in with a chance.Rishad triple-strike gives Bangladesh the WNetherlands seemed to be giving Bangladesh a proper fight when Engelbrecht and Edwards were at the crease. The duo ran superbly and got the boundaries at regular intervals during a 31-ball stand of 42 for the fourth wicket.When Rishad was brought on to bowl the 15th over, Netherlands required 56 off 36. The legspinner’s first two overs had gone for 19 and he knew this over could decide the match. It did, in Bangladesh’s favour.With his fourth ball, he got Engelbrecht to top-edge a legbreak straight up, with Tanzim taking the catch at point. Two balls later, he had de Leede stumped with a ball that spun sharply past his outside edge. Mustafizur then got into the act by taking out Edwards, and when Rishad sent back Logan van Beek at the start of the 18th over, the game was as good as done.Dutt struck a six off Rishad later in that over, but he and Pringle had no answers to Mustafizur’s cutters in the 19th. Eventually, Netherlands fell well short of their target. The result does not knock them out of contention, nor does it give Bangladesh a sure-shot place in the Super Eight. It has, however, knocked Sri Lanka out, and given Bangladesh an excellent chance of advancing from Group D.

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.

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.

Expand Collapse

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.

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.

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.

Related More exciting than Delap: Chelsea set to submit £34m bid to sign CWC star

The incredible talent could be a future superstar for Chelsea.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025

Celtic recently made another addition to their squad with the signing of versatile central defender Hayato Inamura from Japanese side Albirex Niigata.

The 23-year-old star, who can play as either a centre-back or as a left-back, has joined the Scottish giants on a four year deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Celtic supporters should not be expecting him to play week-in-week-out in the Scottish Premiership next season, though, as it has been revealed that the defender is a signing for the future.

When asked if he would be part of the first-team squad, Brendan Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be. He’s a part of the investment of the club.”

The head coach added that the Hoops will “see where he’s at as a young player and then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan” during pre-season.

This means that fellow left-footed central defender Auston Trusty may be safe for now, after he endured a difficult first season at Parkhead last term.

Why Auston Trusty is in a difficult position at Celtic

Despite the fact that left-footed defender Liam Scales earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Celtic decided to pay a reported fee of £5m to sign left-sided centre-back Trusty from Sheffield United last summer.

£5m was a healthy sum of money to spend on a player who plays in the same position as a star who was named the best in his position in the division the previous season, which suggests that the club felt he would come in as an upgrade on Scales.

Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case as Trusty endured a frustrating first season in Glasgow, and ended the campaign as second-choice behind the Ireland international.

The American dud was an unused substitute in six of the last eight games, including the SFA Cup final, and that was because Scales significantly outperformed him.

Start

22

21

Clean sheets

10

14

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.2x

Clearances per game

4.0

4.8

Ground duel success rate

63%

68%

Aerial duel success rate

65%

74%

Error led to shot

4

1

Error led to goal

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Irishman was far more effective for Celtic in the Premiership than Trusty, with fewer errors and a higher success rate in duels, helping the team to keep more clean sheets in the process.

The £5m signing, who was criticised against Aberdeen in his most recent appearance, is in a difficult position at Parkhead, and it is one that could get even worse for him.

Celtic eyeing new left-sided defender

According to CelticWay, the Scottish Premiership champions are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Familicao central defender Justin De Haas this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops are weighing up an approach for the Dutch centre-back to bolster their ranks after Maik Nawrocki clinched a loan move to German outfit Hannover.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Celtic scouts have assessed De Haas during the summer transfer window, and the club are now plotting a potential swoop to bring him to Parkhead.

The 25-year-old defender, who is said to be attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, is valued at around £3m by the Portuguese club, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.

Celtic should now press ahead with a deal to bring the left-footed defender to Parkhead in the coming weeks because he could send Trusty packing this summer.

Why this is bad news for Auston Trusty

This report of the club’s interest in De Haas is bad news for the USA international because it could mean that the former Sheffield United man is surplus to requirements in Glasgow, just 12 months on from his arrival.

As aforementioned, Trusty has already fallen behind Scales in the pecking order in the left-sided centre-back position because of his poor performances in the Premiership last term.

It then seems unlikely that Celtic would pay £3m to bring in another left-footed defender, who is 25 and in the prime years of his career, to be a third-choice option in that position, which is why this could spell danger for Trusty, as he may have to find a new club.

Whilst there is no reported suggestion yet that the American flop is likely to move on from Parkhead, the signing of De Haas could leave him with little game time behind two other players in his position, especially given that Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to play left-footers on the left and right-footers on the right at centre-back.

Appearances

29

22

Goals

2

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.0

2.3

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.5x

Clearances per game

5.4

4.0

Error led to shot

0

4

Error led to goal

1

1

Penalties committed

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the £3m-rated colossus outperformed Trusty at league level last season, whilst playing in the Portuguese top-flight, by making more defensive interventions and fewer big errors at the back.

The 6 foot 4 giant, who has previously been described as “aerially dominant” by RangersJournal writer Kai Watson, could come in as another upgrade on the American dud, on top of Scales already being one.

This is why Trusty could be sent packing this summer because the arrival of a second left-footed centre-back who is even better than him could limit his game time next season and force the defender to consider his long-term future at Parkhead.

Of course, Rodgers could go against his preference and use a left-footed player as a back-up option to Cameron Carter-Vickers in the right centre-back role, but that would not be ideal for the left-footed Trusty either.

Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star

Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025

Therefore, this latest development will not come as good news for the former Arsenal centre-back, who could find himself on the chopping block this summer.

Trent Rockets slip to third straight defeat after under-powered batting effort

ECB Media03-Aug-2024Welsh Fire made it three wins from four in the Hundred as they beat Trent Rockets – who have now lost three in a row – in a controlled chase with two balls to spare.Rockets skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and opted to bat but lost both openers to their first ball: Bryony Smith played on against the impressive Freya Davies, and Grace Scrivens also chopped on facing Beth Langston.The Rockets’ powerful and dependable middle order of Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner went some way to repairing the damage after Natalie Wrath had hit a 24-ball 28. They were 33 for 2 after the 25-ball Powerplay, and 60 for 3 at the halfway mark.But when Sciver-Brunt overbalanced against Jess Jonassen and was stumped for a predictably excellent 37 from 26, Welsh Fire were right on top. Gardner and Heather Graham were able to press the accelerator to an extent, but a total of 130 seemed under par, with all of the Fire bowlers proving tricky to get away, Davies excellent up top and Aussie Jonassen picking up two wickets with her ever-accurate left-arm spin.Fire also lost two early wickets, Sophia Dunkley brilliantly caught by Kirstie Gordon and Tammy Beaumont lbw to England colleague Sciver-Brunt to provoke a few jitters on the bench.But West Indian superstar Hayley Matthews and Scottish keeper Sarah Bryce rebuilt, taking the score up to 49 from 33 balls before Sciver-Brunt repeated her lbw trick to get rid of the dangerous Matthews.From there Jonassen and Bryce kept the required run-rate in check in, putting on 38, and Georgia Elwiss took over once Jonassen was out, adding a further 44 with the impressive Bryce, who ended up with an unbeaten 51 from 39 balls.”We knew if we just built partnerships together, there were runs out there, with big pockets where you could run hard, and I think we did that really well,” Bryce said. “Jess is a great runner. They say winning is a habit and we have had some tight games when different people have stood up at different times and I think as a team that is really exciting.”

Right, Andrea Berta, what have you got for us? Arsenal fans will hope that once the transfer window ends, a striker has signed on the dotted line.

There aren’t many dead certainties in football or sport in general, but the addition of a new centre-forward would undoubtedly boost Mikel Arteta’s hopes of winning silverware next season.

Truth be told, the record of the club’s strikers was not awful in 2024/25. Kai Havertz was on for a 20-goal season if he didn’t sustain a hamstring injury over the winter and Mikel Merino, for all the discussion surrounding him, had a terrific end to the campaign.

The Spaniard notably scored against Real Madrid and once all was said and done, finished the season with six goals in 12 games as a striker. It wasn’t a flash in the pan either as he netted for Spain during the recent set of international fixtures.

That said, they cannot rely on those two again heading into 2025/26.

Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

So, what’s the latest? Well, talks were opened to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko a few weeks ago and it’s reported that Arsenal are indeed still pushing to sign the Slovenian powerhouse this summer.

Sky German’s Florian Plettenburg revealed last week that there remains a ‘positive’ feeling around the deal, but there is no agreement in place yet. A sticking point continues to be the price tag with Leipzig looking for something between £68m and £85m.

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, Arsenal are continuing to do work on Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede now very much keen on signing for the Gunners amid interest from Manchester United. The latest on that deal is that the Sporting striker is reportedly now ‘dreaming’ of heading to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

But, what if there was a better option than both? Well, that player would well be out there over the forthcoming months.

Indeed, according to one GOAL transfer correspondent, Arsenal are one of the teams to have held talks over signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen this summer.

The Nigerian is attracting plenty of interest with Galatasaray, Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan and Real Madrid said to have had contact with the forward.

Osimhen was valued at over £100m last summer but Napoli struggled to find a suitor and as a result, he spent the campaign on loan at Galatasaray.

Now, his value has fallen to around £63m which would be a more attractive price than Sesko’s valuation, in particular.

But, who would be the better signing?

How Osimhen compares to Sesko and Gyokeres

Sesko is very much a raw talent. While he bagged 21 goals in all competitions throughout 2024/25, only 13 of those came in Bundesliga action. For someone who could cost over £80m, you could argue that Arsenal may well end up overpaying here.

However, you cannot argue with his skill set. He’s tall, he’s quick, he’s physical and he’s already been described as the “new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig.

As for Gyokeres, well, you’re probably going to get goals. There are not very many players on the planet capable of scoring at the rate he’s been scoring at over the last few years.

Since trading Coventry for Lisbon, the Sweden international has been on fire at Sporting. He scored 54 goals in 52 games this season, adding to the 43 in 50 he netted throughout 2023/24. He’s a rampant goal machine, that is evident. However, there is a lingering question: can he do it in a top five league? There are some doubters.

Osimhen, on the other hand, has proven over a number of years now that he can perform at the highest level of the game. He’s a ready-made option and there’s a reason most of the top clubs in Europe are looking at him.

Like Gyokeres, Osimhen was playing in a lower quality league this season – the top-flight of Turkey – but he was incredibly destructive. The 26-year-old scored 26 goals in 30 league matches and added another 11 in as many games in cup competitions.

It follows the trend of Osimhen scoring a bucket load of goals wherever he goes. It was at Lille where the “monster” forward, as he’s been described by analyst Ben Mattinson, first became something of a household name.

2020/21

10

5

2021/22

18

18

2022/23

31

22

2023/24

17

43

2024/25

37

54

The Nigeria international scored 18 in 38 for Les Dogues and in a Napoli shirt, has 76 in 133 outings, an average of 19 per season.

For some, it might be crucial to learn that 65 of those goals have come in Serie A, where he notably led Napoli to the title in 2022/23, becoming a cult hero in the process.

An immense physical presence, the aforementioned Mattinson has also labelled him as a “beast in the air”, highlighting his ability to “hold up play”.

In contrast, that’s an area where Gyokeres perhaps struggles more with Mattinson indicating that the Swede has a “heavy first touch” and “doesn’t anticipate contact or shield the ball well.” Those are red flags in his eyes and as a result, it does indicate that Osimhen could be the better option.

He’s an animal in front of goal, has clever movement like Gyokeres and can offer something else in the build-up play too. That final factor could well be decisive for Arteta who enjoys a forward who isn’t just a one-trick pony.

Big Havertz upgrade: Arsenal held talks on Wednesday to sign £67m "monster"

The prolific marksman would be a massive hit at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 12, 2025

Manchester United have been a club on the decline over the last couple of years, with last season one to forget for everyone involved with the football club.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, registering their lowest-ever points tally since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to transform the squad during his first pre-season at the helm, looking to make his 3-4-2-1 system effective at Old Trafford.

After taking the reins back in November, he was unable to take the club to new heights, but there’s hope that with investment from the hierarchy he can return them to their former glory.

Countless players have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils this window, potentially offering an upgrade on the players currently at Amorim’s disposal.

The latest on United’s hunt for new talents this summer

Over the last couple of days, PSG star Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, even making a £43m bid for the Spanish international.

He’s not the only midfielder on their shortlist during this summer transfer window, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also subject to an enquiry over a potential deal to join Amorim’s side.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in recent days, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player firmly in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been in talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the Brazilian, who only made 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that the 27-year-old is open to a move back to England this summer after failing to nail his place down in the Juve side after his £42m move from Aston Villa last summer.

Why United’s £42m star would be Cunha 2.0 for Amorim

Despite their lowly league finish last campaign, United have still demonstrated their pulling power in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

The 26-year-old has been a leading star in the Premier League over the last couple of years, registering 15 goals and six assists for Wolverhampton Wanderers last time around.

It remains to be seen if he will feature in a number ten or number nine role in 2025/26, but his versatility could prove to be vital in Amorim’s free-flowing and interchanging system.

Undoubtedly, the price tag would bring added pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate his success elsewhere, there’s no reason why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the near future.

He could be joined at the club by Luiz, following suit and becoming the next version of the attacker, given his experience in the division during his time as a professional.

Both players, who are from Brazil, have the capability to fire home from distance, as seen by their respective goal catalogues from recent seasons.

Former United captain Roy Keane has previously sung Luiz’s praises, labelling the midfielder as “quality”, something which is reflected in his underlying stats in 2024/25.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

The Brazilian has registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

He’s also won 2.1 tackles per 90 with the Old Lady, winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, often liking to break up the play before handing chances to those around him.

Luiz has further impressed, as seen by his take-on success rate of 79%, and 56% of aerials won, having the all-round talent to thrive under Amorim’s guidance.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Brazilian could cost this summer, but it’s becoming clear that he could be sent in the opposite direction in any deal for Jadon Sancho.

He’s proven that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight, matching Cunha’s achievements and subsequently bringing the next version of his compatriot to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 2, 2025