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Everton need to trim the fat this summer. Oh, while excitement is in the air as David Moyes gears up for what may be the club’s biggest summer of spending, there’s plenty going on out the exit door too.

As many as 15 first-team players are out of contract at the end of the season. Some will stay. Many will go. Two of these quandaries take the shape of the culminating loan spells of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, neither of whom has enjoyed the best of terms. Several more are made from flotsam drifting out on short-term stints elsewhere.

There are too many profiles to dig into, but one curious expected outgoing is the man who earns more than any of his Toffees teammates: Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Everton set to part with Abdoulaye Doucoure

Back in 2020, Everton signed Doucoure from Watford in a deal worth £20m, and he’s since made 162 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring 21 goals.

Regarded as a ‘pressing machine’, the Malian ace is now 32 and while he still works industriously in the middle, three goals across 29 matches is hardly a prolific return for an attacking midfielder whose duel success rate stands at just 39% in the Premier League this year, as per Sofascore.

Indeed, one of those facing the end of their contract this summer, the £130k-per-week Doucoure is Everton’s top earner. Given the amount of shuffling set to take place over at Bramley Moore this summer, it would be a grave error to renew Doucoure’s deal on the same terms.

1.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

32

2025

£130k-per-week

2.

Jordan Pickford

30

2027

£125k-per-week

3.

Idrissa Gueye

35

2025

£120k-per-week

=4

James Tarkowski

32

2026

£100k-per-week

=4

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

27

2025

£100k-per-week

He’ll be midway through his 33rd year by the end of next season and, despite scoring the winner at Nottingham Forest a few weeks back, no longer carries the same swagger in the final third.

Everton need a new star in attacking midfield. Iliman Ndiaye, Charly Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil make three exciting options, three good reasons why Doucoure’s influence is waning.

That said, the fans could be in for an even more thrilling ride if Everton’s new version of Ross Barkley hits his stride after flourishing for the academy.

Everton's new Ross Barkley

Barkley featured 179 times for Everton’s first team after breaking from the Finch Farm youth ranks, notching 52 goal involvements and drawing inevitable comparisons to Wayne Rooney.

However, he left for Chelsea in January 2018 for a £15m fee, now long archived as a bygone part of the Merseysiders’ history.

It’s been a while since such a player rose to the fore (Anthony Gordon notwithstanding), but Moyes might just find he holds the keys to unlocking the next prodigy, with 17-year-old Braiden Graham making waves for the development outfit.

Graham’s still in that unsure maiden stage, struggling to find his best position. However, a four-goal performance from attacking midfield for the U21s last time out in the Premier League 2 suggests that maybe he has a future as a ten.

Attacking midfield

5

7

1

Centre-forward

5

3

0

Right winger

2

1

0

Left winger

2

1

1

Central midfield

2

0

0

With such dynamism, ranged in his ability to make a positive impression on the pitch, Graham’s surely going to go a long way, not least because his shooting boots seem to stay intact wherever he features.

The Northern Ireland youth international has been hailed as a “fearless” forward and an “incredible player” by his former Linfield boss David Healy, prior to transferring to the Toffees. In short, there’s an ever-loudening buzz around this young talent, whose eye for goal and crisp, powerful dribbling offer shades of Barkley in his Everton days.

Having scored four goals in a single game against Tottenham Hotspur’s U21s – away from home – makes a firm comment on this young man’s potential, not least because Spurs’ U21s won the Premier League 2 last season.

One to watch, and maybe one whose professional Everton debut lingers not too far away.

Not just DCL: Everton's £55k-p/w "warrior" is finished & won't start again

Everton are set to undergo a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 21, 2025

Leeds United are now weighing up whether to make a £3.5 million bid to sign a 26-year-old defender who will likely replace Maximilian Wober, according to a recent report.

Leeds already planning exits ahead of new arrivals

Daniel Farke’s men moved a step closer to the Premier League over the weekend, as a win over Preston North End moved them five points clear of third-place Sheffield United. The Whites now know they need just eight points from the 12 possible to secure a place in the top flight.

Ruthless from Farke: Leeds feel £85k-p/w duo aren't Premier League quality

Leeds want to replace the pair this summer.

ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025

So as the Premier League dream moves ever closer, Leeds are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window. There are a number of positions that Farke will want to strengthen, as signing a new goalkeeper has become a priority given the poor form of Illan Meslier this season. The Frenchman may soon be on his way out of Elland Road, but he may not be alone, as according to Football Insider, Leeds want to sign a new striker as they believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are not good enough for the Premier League.

There are doubts at the club about the pair, and therefore, they could be moved on in the hope they can find a better striker in the transfer market.

The departures may not stop there, as Leeds United News states that defender Max Wober is expected to leave the Whites at the end of this campaign. The 27-year-old has had a terrible season with injuries, playing just seven games in the Championship, and despite being under contract until 2027, he could be moved on by Farke, especially if a replacement is found.

Leeds now considering £3.5m bid for Modibo Sagnan

So, given Wober is heading towards the exit door, signing a new defender has become a priority, and according to Africa Foot, Leeds are now considering a move to sign Modibo Sagnan from French side Montpellier.

The report states that several teams are interested in signing the centre-back, who can also play left-back, with the Whites already identifying the 26-year-old as a recruitment priority. It states that Leeds chiefs will have already made contact with Sagnan’s entourage over a possible move to Elland Road in the summer transfer window. Leeds are considering making an offer for the defender, worth €4 million, which is roughly £3.5 million.

Montpellier find themselves in relegation trouble towards the end of this season, and should they be relegated to Ligue 2, it could benefit Leeds when it comes to negotiating a transfer for Sagnan.

Apps

26

Goals

2

Clean sheets

0

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

2.2

Dribbled past per game

0.8

Clearances per game

4.4

His potential arrival would see him join Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, who have been Leeds’ main centre-back pairing in this campaign. The Whites are already incredibly short at centre-back, so if Wober does leave in the summer, Sagnan arrives as an important player and one who could play a lot in the Premier League.

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship once again as they prepare to take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the early kick-off this afternoon.

The Whites are looking to bounce back from successive 2-2 draws against Swansea and Queens Park Rangers either side of the international break.

Daniel Farke has already confirmed that there will be one change to his starting line-up for this clash with the Hatters, as Illan Meslier will be dropped to the bench in favour of Karl Darlow.

Why Daniel Farke is right to drop Illan Meslier

The German head coach looks to be making the sensible decision to take the French stopper out of the firing line, after he fumbled a cross for Swansea’s first goal last weekend.

Meslier has now made three errors that have directly led to goals for the opposition in the Championship this season, with the other two coming in away games against Sunderland and Hull.

The left-footed dud has also conceded 2.73 more goals than the average goalkeeper would be expected to based on the xG of the shots against him this term, which shows that he has underperformed as a shot-stopper whilst also being error-prone.

This is why Farke is right to drop him from the side to give Darlow, who has not made a single appearance in the league this season, a chance to shine between the sticks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, Meslier is not the only player who should be taken out of the team, as the former Norwich City head coach must also ruthlessly ditch Dan James.

Why Dan James should be dropped

The Wales international should be removed from the XI as well as the French flop after his disappointing performance against his former club last weekend.

James started on the right side of the attack at Elland Road for the 2-2 draw with the Swans and was not directly involved in either of the two goals that Leeds scored, as Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson got on the scoresheet.

Minutes

85

Touches

34

Pass accuracy

50% (8/16)

Shots

4

Goals

0

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

Assists

0

As you can see in the table above, the former Manchester United man endured a torrid time against Swansea, completing just 50% of his passes and failing to make a significant impact at the top end of the pitch.

The £50k-per-week star has now gone four matches without a goal or an assist, and seven games without a goal, in the Championship, which is why Farke must ruthlessly take him out of the XI for this clash with Luton, given the other options he has at his disposal.

Gnonto scored one minute after coming on for James and the Italy U21 international, who has racked up six goals and five assists in the league, should be brought into the starting line-up this afternoon.

The Italian dynamo’s late goal against Swansea was more than the Welshman has contributed in his last four league outings, and Farke must, now, provide Gnonto with an opportunity to showcase his quality from the start.

Leeds thought they had "the new Van Dijk", but Farke sold him for just £2m

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1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 4, 2025

Therefore, Meslier is not the only player who should be dropped against the Hatters, and was not the only player who flopped against Swansea last time out.

Liverpool are set for some big changes this summer and are now making pre-window advances to bring in a talented defender to bolster the ranks at Anfield.

Liverpool could be set for landscape to change under Arne Slot

Arne Slot has become a heroic figure on the red half of Merseyside since arriving from Feyenoord last summer and did his reputation no harm during the week as Liverpool saw off rivals Everton to maintain their 12-point advantage at the Premier League summit.

Despite the euphoric scenes at Anfield, some supporters are trepidatious heading into the summer due to heavy rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold is on his way to Real Madrid.

The Reds academy graduate isn’t the only one with an uncertain future at the club. Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have yet to commit to fresh terms despite being on the cusp of claiming a Premier League medal.

Sending the transfer mill into overdrive, Liverpool are now said to be eyeing a move for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and hold out hope the French playmaker could join on a cheap deal following news he has agreed to leave for around £25 million.

On the same token, Freiburg right-back Kiliann Sildillia has been lined up as a potential Alexander-Arnold replacement, albeit Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion want to sign the Bundesliga star this summer.

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ByDominic Lund Apr 3, 2025

Whatever circumstances fall Liverpool’s way over the next few months, Slot doesn’t appear to have much time to waste. He has now reportedly set his sights on an alternative defensive target to add some solidity to his backline.

Liverpool make advances to sign Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have identified Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu as a target to replace Alexander-Arnold, and club chiefs have already initiated pre-summer moves to bring the Romania international to Anfield.

Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen are also in hot pursuit of the 26-year-old, who has registered two goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

Andrei Ratiu’s La Liga statistics in 2024/25

Chances created

24

Tackles won

34

Duels won

144

Successful crosses

6

Recoveries

138

Possessing a release clause of around £21 million, Ratiu could be on the market for a relatively cheap price as Liverpool scour the market for contingencies should Alexander-Arnold complete a free transfer to Real Madrid.

Conor Bradley is another exciting alternative in reserve, though his injury status in recent times shows the need for reliable cover on the right-hand side of defence. Importantly, Slot sees Ratiu as a ‘perfect fit’ for his high-octane system, indicating he has done his homework on the Aiud-born man ahead of the window.

Until Alexander-Arnold’s departure is officially ratified, supporters will hold out hope that a fairytale u-turn from the Three Lions international could be on the cards.

Aston Villa are now seriously considering a January move for an “incredible” striker, who has been in fantastic form this season.

Villa looking to sign new striker this winter

It is becoming increasingly clear that Villa want to bring in a new centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window, having identified a number of targets over the past week or so, namely Brentford’s Igor Thiago, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Bologna’s Santiago Castro.

Target

League goals in 2025-26

Igor Thiago

11

Joshua Zirkzee

1

Santiago Castro

4

On the face of it, pursuing a move for Thiago would appear to make the most sense, given that the Brazilian has emerged as one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season, with only Manchester City star Erling Haaland scoring more goals.

However, Aston Villa have now joined the race for another striker who has been prolific in front of goal so far this season, according to a report from Spain, which states they are seriously considering a January move for Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli.

Unai Emery’s side are said to be closely monitoring the striker, and hold a genuine interest, off the back of Panichelli impressing in the first half of the Ligue 1 season, with Chelsea and West Ham United also joining the race for his signature.

With the Argentinian’s contract not due to expire until 2027, the French club should be in a strong negotiating position, which complicates a deal, and finalising a move in the January transfer window could be difficult.

Panichelli has made "incredible" start in Ligue 1

Given that Ollie Watkins has just three Premier League goals to his name this season, Emery could do with bringing in a more prolific striker next month, and the Cordoba-born marksman has regularly been amongst the goals for Strasbourg, scoring ten times in all competitions.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also praised the former CD Mirandes man for the start he’s made to life at the Ligue 1 side, having only arrived at Strasbourg from the Spanish side in the summer.

The one-time Argentina international is the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1, behind only Mason Greenwood, and at 23-years-old, he is at the right age to be a long-term replacement for Watkins.

Aston Villa could launch attack to sign £44m striker who's outscoring Watkins

The Villans are looking to bring in a new centre-forward.

ByDominic Lund 4 days ago

That said, with Panichelli tied down to a long-term contract and yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues over a sustained time period, it may be worth Villa continuing to monitor him, ahead of potentially launching a move next summer.

Liverpool are now one of just a handful of clubs with the opportunity to land one of Europe’s best strikers at a bargain release clause in 2026, according to reports.

Liverpool set sights on Luis Enrique

It has undoubtedly been the worst week of Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure. The Reds were battered by Nottingham Forest and then swept aside by PSV Eindhoven in midweek, conceding seven goals in two games at Anfield. There’s no longer the away day excuse for the Dutchman, who has seen Liverpool’s fortress set ablaze in the space of a week.

After nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, serious questions are being asked about Slot’s position for the first time since his arrival and there’s only so much credit that a Premier League title can bring.

According to recent reports, whilst Slot does still have the backing of Anfield chiefs, they are at least eyeing potential replacements if they do decide to show the former Feyenoord man the door.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique is reportedly on Liverpool’s list of candidates to replace Slot in what would be a statement move. The former Barcelona manager has transformed PSG into the best side in the world and would be the most sought-after coach if he left the French club.

It would also represent where Liverpool find themselves these days. When they last sacked a manager it was Brendan Rodgers and they needed someone willing to oversee a long-term project in Jurgen Klopp. Now, they should set their sights on an instant winner if this is to be it for Slot.

New Konate transfer twist as Real Madrid make final decision on Liverpool star

The Spanish giants have informed the Reds.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 28, 2025

That said, the Dutchman still has time to turn things around and could use the 2026 transfer windows to do exactly that – potentially using a Serhou Guirassy opportunity in the process.

Sky Sports reporter confirms Liverpool's Guirassy opportunity

As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool now have a rare opportunity to sign Guirassy for just €50 (£44m) next summer. The Borussia Dortmund man has a release clause set at that price for seven clubs, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all joining Liverpool on an exclusive list.

At 29 years old, Guirassy has been somewhat of a late bloomer, but he has blossomed into one of the best strikers that European football has to offer. With nine goals in 17 games in all competitions so far this season, he’s outscored Hugo Ekitike and could quickly get Mohamed Salah firing again.

Dubbed “world-class” by Dortmund boss Niko Kovac, Guirassy is undeniably one to watch in the summer.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent

Liverpool’s dire run of form continued on Saturday afternoon. The Reds were defeated 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at Anfield, leaving Arne Slot’s side with just three wins in their last 11 games in all competitions, and just 18 points to their name in the Premier League.

It was a hugely underwhelming performance from the reigning Premier League champions. Their poor form sees them slip to 11th in the top flight, with just 18 points to their name. They are already eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.

In terms of the Saturday afternoon clash at Anfield, a first-half strike from defender Murillo, and second-half goals from Nicolo Savona and captain Morgan Gibbs-White were enough to give Sean Dyche’s side all three points.

The Reds dominate the ball, having 76% possession, and 21 shots at the Forest goal, but simply didn’t do anything of substance. They lacked real bite in attack, with just four of their shots actually finding the target. Forest, on the other hand, had seven shots on target out of 15.

There were some poor performances across the board from Slot’s side, although a few stand out in particular.

Liverpool’s worst players vs. Forest

It was yet another tough day at the office for Liverpool, with one man struggling to get into the game being Liverpool striker Alexander Isak. The Swede went another game without finding the back of the net, still chasing his first goal in the Premier League for Liverpool.

Liverpool content creator George Scaife expressed his surprise at the fact that Isak got just 15 touches of the ball against Forest. Indeed, there was a lack of service against Forest for the Reds’ number nine, who only managed one shot on goal.

Another man who left a lot to be desired for Liverpool on Saturday afternoon was Alexis Mac Allister. The 2022 World Cup winner was part of yet another reshuffled midfield, and although he almost put Liverpool ahead, he struggled to contribute anything of note.

Indeed, the disappointing performance from Mac Allister was noticed by Liverpool World journalist Will Rooney. He gave the Argentina international a 4/10 rating, criticising him for the fact that he ‘stupidly dived in’ on Neco Williams, which allowed the former Liverpool man to find a cross leading to Savona’s goal.

Isak and Mac Allister certainly struggled against Dyche’s men, but there was one player who was perhaps worse.

Liverpool’s worst player vs. Forest

It was yet another day to forget for Reds centre-back Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman’s poor afternoon was summed up by James Pearce, The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter. He described it as a “nightmare” and said it was “error after error” at Anfield.

His once-formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been breached plenty of times this season. Indeed, that was something that Forest found it easy to do on Saturday, given that they bagged three goals.

Some of the stats from the 26-year-old’s performance against Forest highlight how tough a day it was for him. Konate only won four out of seven attempted duels, conceded two fouls and was dribbled past once.

Touches

61

Passes completed

50/54

Number of times ball lost

5

Ground duels won

2/5

Aerial duels won

2/2

Fouls

2

Number of times dribbled past

1

Indeed, Rooney gave the former RB Leipzig man a scathing review. The journalist rated his showing a 4/10, explaining that he “should have dealt with the ball better,” which led to a corner from which Forest opened the scoring, and “made a meal of the cross” from which Forest had their goal ruled out.

This season, Konate, who is out of contract in the summer, has put in several underwhelming showings. As recently as September, it was reported that Real Madrid will try and sign the Frenchman, either on a free if he doesn’t sign a new contract, or in January.

Slot and the higher-ups at Anfield now have a decision to make. With Konate’s performances and contractual situation, they may well decide to recruit in January and look to move on from the Frenchman.

They have been linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi again in the last few weeks, after failing to sign him on deadline day. Perhaps the Reds will be of the view that it is best they cut their losses on Konate and sell him to Los Blancos, or elsewhere, and reinvest that money.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2025

Aston Villa are now leading the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Julian Brandt, who could be available for a bargain fee in the January transfer window.

Villa have been much-improved since the end of September, winning eight of their last ten matches in all competitions, having started to be much more clinical in front of goal, as showcased in the 4-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.

Emiliano Buendia was particularly impressive against the Cherries, receiving the Player of the Match award after opening the scoring with his third Premier League goal of the season, while the Argentinian also has two assists to his name.

UnaI Emery certainly isn’t short of top-quality options in attacking areas, and the manager will no doubt be extremely pleased that one of his key players recently put pen to paper on a new deal.

However, despite having a breadth of talent in forward areas, with Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen also getting on the scoresheet against Bournemouth, the Villans are now looking to sign a new attacking midfielder.

Aston Villa now leading race for Julian Brandt

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now leading the race for Borussia Dortmund star Brandt, who could be in line to leave the German club in the January transfer window, given that he is yet to extend his contract beyond the end of the current campaign.

Talks over a contract extension are ongoing, but the 29-year-old is open to a move, and he is regarded as a ‘creative upgrade in midfield’ by Villa.

With the German’s contract set to expire in the summer, he could be available for a bargain fee this winter, but there could be competition, as rival Premier League sides are also in the race, alongside clubs from the Serie A and La Liga.

The Bremen-born attacking midfielder is yet to test himself outside his home country, but he has proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists over a number of years with Dortmund and former club Bayer Leverkusen.

Julian Brandt’s attacking record

Goals

Assists

Borussia Dortmund (279 games)

50

68

Bayer Leverkusen (215 games)

42

52

Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Manuel Veth, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man has averaged 0.47 assists per 90 over the past year, which places him in the top 2% of all attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

As such, Brandt clearly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be a solid signing for Villa, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they miss out, considering Emery already has the likes of Rogers and Buendia at his disposal.

Aston Villa fighting Arsenal and Tottenham to sign new striker Aston Villa fighting to sign Samu Aghehowa amid interest from Tottenham and Arsenal

Recent reports have indicated that Aston Villa would be keen on signing Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 5, 2025

Leeds United need to pick up wins in the Premier League, and fast.

The Whites’ clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend already feels like a pivotal clash when judging their campaign’s narrative so far, with another defeat pushing them closer to the relegation zone, after stumbling to a horrible 3-0 loss against Brighton and Hove Albion.

If the defeats keep piling up, Leeds could dismiss Daniel Farke, even after all his promotion heroics, with Liam Rosenior allegedly already being looked at as one possible replacement.

He can save his skin for another day if he steers Leeds to a victory at the City Ground, with the German surely tempted to drop Brenden Aaronson for this vital showdown, who is struggling to hit consistent form in the Premier League.

Aaronson's ongoing Premier League struggles

If you sat someone down and played them Aaronson’s highlight reel from Leeds’ recent 2-1 home success against West Ham United in isolation, they would surely think the American was a well-established Premier League star.

Indeed, Aaronson put in a man-of-the-match-worthy showing against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, as a rare top-flight goal came his way.

On top of that, he also won eight ground duels, completed all three of his dribbles, and notched up two key passes for his troubles. Safe to say, he was a thorn in West Ham’s side all night long.

That’s what makes his no-show performance against Brighton the match directly after his West Ham display so much more bewildering, as Aaronson receded into his shell with zero shots or zero dribbles registered.

However, to the hardened Leeds regulars, this isn’t the greatest shock to see such a notable dip in form, with ex-Leeds player Jon Newsome once calling out Aaronson for being “lightweight” when occasionally ducking away from challenges and tussles.

Also said to not be “good enough” to be a regular at the top level by Newsome, which is backed up by that meagre one goal being his only meaningful goal contribution so far this season, he could be dropped for Leeds’ next crunch tie against Sean Dyche’s Tricky Trees.

Games played

46

Minutes played

3024 mins

Goals scored

3

Assists

2

Regularly falling victim to goalless displays in the EFL, too, Aaronson now looks to be on borrowed time as a Premier League must for Farke.

He isn’t the only figure who massively underwhelmed at the Amex, though.

Once "indispensable" Leeds star is also on borrowed time

Unfortunately, the cruel beast of the top division is sometimes a hard one to adjust to.

Thankfully, Joe Rodon has taken to his new, daunting environment well, after being in Farke’s XI week in, week out in the Championship, with two goals already collected. Fellow Welshman, Ethan Ampadu, on the other hand, has been up and down so far since promotion was sealed.

The Leeds captain is, arguably, a victim of his own success in Farke’s current set-up, with Ampadu judged as an “indispensable” part of Leeds’ midfield when promotion was being eyed up, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

His numbers back that up, too, with the Wales international making 4.4 ball recoveries and winning 5.1 duels on average last season, when injuries weren’t stopping him in his tracks. Rodon would manage just 4.0 and 4.3, on the contrary.

Yet, even such a well-recognised part of the German’s lineup is prone to an off-display here and there, too, as the former Chelsea man experienced away at the Seagulls.

Ampadu would only win 50% of his duels against Fabian Hurzeler’s men, with the Brighton boss perhaps even enraged that Ampadu wasn’t sent off when taking out two-goal sensation Diego Gomez in the second half, as the usually assured presence of the number four was nowhere to be seen.

With Anton Stach now at the ex-Norwich City manager’s disposal, who has won 4.7 duels this season in the Premier League – which trumps Ampadu’s own count of 4.4 – Farke might be prepared to drop Ampadu here and there for other midfield stars to shine.

After all, with his poor injury record also seeing him miss three games this season already, it’s clear that this depth will need to be utilised, with Ampadu arguably not one of the first names on the teamsheet, like he used to be.

Rarely-seen Leeds talent could be a surprise Aaronson replacement

Daniel Farke could soon surprisingly throw this Leeds United academy gem into the first team.

1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 4, 2025

Manchester United are now willing to outbid Real Madrid to win the race for Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora, who starred at the recent U20 World Cup.

It was recently revealed that Ruben Amorim is putting a heavy emphasis on bringing young players through the ranks, having introduced a number of academy stars to first-team training, with 18-year-old winger Shea Lacey particularly catching the eye.

Amorim plans to rebuild the link between the academy and the senior squad, and Lacey is one of the main youngsters who could push for a place in the match-day squad before the season comes to a close.

Bringing players through the academy has always been a part of United’s DNA, and their current manager has made it clear he wants to continue that tradition, saying: “We want to maintain it. The past of Manchester United is built on kids.

“I don’t want to be the guy that breaks that.”

The Red Devils have also set out to sign impressive up-and-coming talents from elsewhere, with it recently emerging they are in concrete talks to sign AIK Fotboll striker Kevin Filling, and they are now looking to sign another young attacker.

Man Utd willing to outbid Real Madrid for Mora

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United are willing to put a lot of money on the table to win the race for Tijuana attacking midfielder Mora, following his impressive performances at the recent U20 World Cup.

Such is United’s level of interest, they are willing to raise the price to a point where Madrid would be forced to back out of the race, but there could be competition for his signature, with Paris Saint-Germain also prepared to spend big.

In order to win the race, the Red Devils are aware they will need to move swiftly, with a deal expected to amount to €4.5m (£4m).

The 17-year-old certainly caught the eye at the U20 World Cup, receiving plaudits from scout Jacek Kulig courtesy of his performances in the group stage.

Not only that, but the teenager has already gained a plethora of experience for Tijuna at first-team level, having made 44 appearances for the Mexican side, during which time he’s amassed seven goals and two assists.

Mora is yet to prove himself in a major league, but his performances for both club and country have been extremely impressive, and it would be a real statement if Man United were able to beat Real Madrid to his signature.

Man Utd now enter race for Jeremy Monga Man Utd now enter race to sign new forward dubbed "England's Ousmane Dembele"

The Red Devils are looking to sign a “deadly finisher”.

ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025