After tying both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals, Liverpool are now reportedly set to offer another star man a fresh contract in the hope that he stays put.
Liverpool still trying to convince Alexander-Arnold
Although the Reds have plenty to celebrate with Van Dijk and Salah staying put before they sealed their status as Premier League champions last weekend, there still remains questions to be answered in the coming weeks. And the first on everyone’s mind will undoubtedly surround Trent Alexander-Arnold and his future at the club.
Yet to follow in his teammates’ footsteps by putting pen to paper, it seems likely at this stage that the academy graduate will be off to Real Madrid as a free agent when the summer arrives. Liverpool, however, are reportedly yet to give up hope and after Alexander-Arnold received a reminder of what Anfield glory truly feels like, perhaps they are right to hold onto that belief.
Alexander-Arnold, himself, chose to remain reserved when questioned about his future following his winning goal against Leicester City, meanwhile. He told reporters: “I have said all season that I am not going to speak on my situation. I am not going to go into the details.
“But days like today are always special. Scoring goals, playing games, winning games, winning titles — they are special moments for me and I am glad to do my part.”
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With that said, the right-back isn’t the only Anfield star who has found himself at the centre of contract headlines, with one of Liverpool’s most important players now reportedly set to be offered a fresh deal in Merseyside.
Liverpool set to offer Ryan Gravenberch fresh contract
According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact with Ryan Gravenberch’s camp over a fresh deal at the club, as they look to tie down yet another one of Arne Slot’s key men.
The Dutchman, who is currently on £150,000-a-week has been a revelation under Slot, converting from a struggling midfielder to Liverpool’s unlikely solution in the No.6 role – replacing Fabinho at long last.
The Liverpool boss has rarely hidden his admiration for the former Bayern Munich star either, telling reporters earlier in the campaign after his side drew against Fulham: “Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or saw the game. Ryan did outstanding again today.
“Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, had to play sometimes against a nine, against wingers who are really fast. And with the ball, he came into the midfield. An outstanding performance from him.”
With three years left on his current deal, it looks as though Liverpool are keen to ensure that Gravenberch is at the heart of their midfield for years to come and even beyond those three years.
Burnley are already looking to sign a Championship star this summer ahead of promotion rivals Sheffield United, according to a new update.
Burnley on course for Championship promotion under Parker
The Clarets are in a hugely strong position to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Scott Parker’s side second in the Championship and five points clear of the Blades in third.
Championship run-in
Leeds (88 pts)
Sheffield United (83 pts)
Burnley (88 pts)
Oxford United (a)
Cardiff City (h)
Watford (a)
Stoke City (h)
Burnley (a)
Sheffield United (h)
Bristol City (h)
Stoke City (a)
QPR (a)
Plymouth Argyle (a)
Blackburn Rovers (h)
Millwall (h)
Parker’s side have been brilliant in defence which has laid the promotion platform, conceding just 13 times in 42 games.
Burnley set the pace last Friday with a 2-1 win over Norwich City after goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony. Leeds also won 2-1 at home to Preston North End, however, Chris Wilder’s side lost 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle.
As a result, should Burnley win at Watford on Friday, a victory at Turf Moor against Sheffield United on Monday would guarantee promotion.
Owner Alan Pace could back Parker in the transfer market if Burnley go up, and by the looks of things, a new target from the second tier has emerged.
Burnley looking to sign £10m Championship star ahead of Sheffield United
According to reporter Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Burnley are one of five clubs interested in signing Stoke City attacker Million Manhoef.
As well as the Clarets, rivals Sheffield United are also interested in the winger along with Scottish giants Celtic and Belgian duo Genk and Club Brugge.
The Potters are looking for £10m to sell Manhoef this summer after spending just £3m on his services last January.
The 23-year-old, who mainly plays as a right-winger, is into double figures for goal contributions in 2024/25 and is under contract with Stoke until 2027.
Manhoef’s stats 2024/25
Games
35
Goals
6
Assists
4
Minutes played
2,389
Manhoef was also praised by former manager Steven Schumacher last year, who described the attacker as a player who can make things happen.
“We expected him to take time to settle in, but since he’s got here, he’s been really positive. He’s shown what he can do, his ability that he’s got, and getting a goal like he got on Saturday will only do his confidence the world of good.
“We needed that type of player who can run towards the goal, take people on, get shots away and create for the team, so I’m not overly surprised that he’s starting to do that now. Like all players though, he’ll thrive off confidence. He thrives off belief and a run of games. Getting up to the speed and the intensity of the Championship is going to be key for him.”
Should Burnley win the race for Manhoef, he may rival loanee Marcus Edwards for a spot on the right-hand side, providing the Clarets go up and exercise their option to make Edwards’ move permanent.
West Ham continued their winless streak, losing 3-2 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, making it now seven games without a victory. The Hammers, despite going 1-0 down early on, managed to claw it back, going 2-1 up in the 83rd minute, before conceding an 89th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner.
Graham Potter’s side held 47% possession in the game, creating two ‘big chances’, taking 12 shots, and generating 1.25 xG in total. Meanwhile, Brighton, having 53% possession, also managed to create two ‘big chances’, taking 16 shots and generating 1.35 xG.
Despite going without a win in the Premier League in their last seven games, West Ham are now safe due to Ipswich also losing against Newcastle, securing the Hammers’ safety. But that won’t dismiss the poor performances of certain individuals, who will likely be playing for their shirts in these final games of the season.
Jarrod Bowen's performance against Brighton
One man who didn’t disappoint with his performance was West Ham’s captain, Jarrod Bowen, who provided both assists against Brighton. The 28-year-old has made 32 appearances this campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in his 2,805 minutes played.
Alongside his two assists, Bowen had two shots blocked in the game, provided four key passes from his 21 total passes attempted, created two ‘big chances’ and won two of his five ground duels, showing his effectiveness in the match despite only having 36 touches (fewer than Alphonse Areola in goal).
But despite a strong performance from Bowen, West Ham had more poor performances than good ones, with one man in particular standing out in this game after losing 100% of his duels.
The West Ham flop who lost 100% of their duels
Jean-Claire Todibo has struggled in his first season in England, losing his place in the side under previous manager, Julen Lopetegui, but earning a spot under Potter, starting eight of their last nine Premier League games and contributing to two clean sheets.
Jean-Claire Todibo’s performance vs Brighton
Stat
Todibo
Minutes
90
Touches
60
Accurate Passes
46/50
Clearances
4
Blocked Shots
1
Dribbled Past
1
Ground Duels Won
0/3
Possession Lost
6
Successful Dribble Attempts
0/1
Stats taken from Sofascore
Alongside losing all three of his ground duels, Todibo also didn’t contest a single aerial duel in the match, lost possession six times, failed his only dribble attempt in the game, and was dribbled past once. He did manage to make four clearances and complete 46/50 passes, but the overall performance was not up to standard.
Todibo was awarded a 5/10 match rating by West Ham Zone, making him the joint-second lowest rated. West Ham have struggled defensively this campaign, conceding 58 goals in 34 games, so next season it will likely be a position they look to upgrade on for Potter’s squad.
The French defender is only currently on loan, but these last four games of the season could be key as the Hammers will then decide whether they want to keep hold of Todibo by activating his buy option and keeping him at the club next season.
For now, though, Potter must drop the flop from the starting line-up after his disappointing display, which even Bowen could not save with his two assists.
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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.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
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.
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
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.
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Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.
Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals
Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.
Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.
Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.
Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.
Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures
Derby County (A)
Pride Park
Norwich City (H)
Turf Moor
Watford (A)
Vicarage Road
Sheffield United (H)
Turf Moor
QPR (A)
Loftus Road
Millwall (H)
Turf Moor
On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.
Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.
Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.
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Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.
Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.
It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.
West Bromwich Albion missed out on a playoff spot this campaign and have now identified a leading candidate to replace Tony Mowbray, according to a report.
West Brom's search for a new permanent manager
Despite being in contention for most of the season, the Baggies were eventually left to concede defeat in their hunt for an Championship playoff place after a run of three victories in their last ten league matches.
Mowbray was sacked by West Brom only three months after completing his return to the Hawthorns, leaving James Morrison in charge for their recent draw away to Cardiff City and 5-3 victory over Luton Town on the final day.
Of course, the former Scotland international is a well-respected figure among supporters of the West Midlands-based outfit, but has admitted the prospect of taking the job permanently may have come too early. And so speculation is beginning to do the rounds surrounding who could take the reigns ahead of next season.
Russell Martin and Steve Cooper are reported West Brom managerial candidates, with both out of work after spells at Southampton and Nottingham Forest, respectively. QPR boss Marti Cifuentes was linked with the post, but it is now believed he could be set to take on a new role elsewhere following talks over the role.
West Brom’s narrow EFL Championship playoff place miss
3. Sheffield United
90
4. Sunderland
76
5. Coventry City
69
6. Bristol City
68
7. Blackburn Rovers
66
8. Millwall
66
9. West Bromwich Albion
64
With their fate now sealed and another year in England’s second-tier on the cards, West Brom are now set for a rebuild this summer and need someone to put the foundations in place for success. In light of this, the Baggies have identified an exciting new candidate that is now in the frame to take over.
West Brom could now hire Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason
According to The Sun, West Brom now have Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason on their candidate list. However, Spurs’ pursuit of the Europa League could complicate proceedings. The Baggies are willing to wait before deciding their next appointment, which may allow other contenders to move further ahead of the 33-year-old.
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Having spent eight years at Tottenham in a playing capacity and several more as a coach, the ex-England international is keen to do the right thing by his boyhood club despite harbouring aspirations to take permanent steps into management.
Preferring a 4-4-2 formation or 4-2-3-1, Mason has six wins and one draw in 13 matches in charge of Spurs across two caretaker stints at the Lilywhites. Now, it remains to be seen if West Brom are willing to wait a few more weeks or whether they are seeking a more imminent appointment to put the building blocks in place for pre-season.
Glasgow Rangers face arguably their most important summer in recent memory. Barry Ferguson’s interim spell will finish at the end of the season, which means that the Ibrox side will be looking for a permanent manager.
The news story which has dominated the previous few weeks was whether or not the 49ers Enterprises would finalise their proposed takeover of the club heading into the summer.
The latest on Rangers' prospective takeover by the 49ers
An update given by the Scottish Sun a few days ago stated that Andrew Cavenagh and the San Francisco 49ers have secured the required shares to complete their takeover at Rangers.
The American consortium has acquired 51% of the Gers and is expected to complete the multimillion-pound deal by the end of next month.
Firstly, they will have to bring in a new manager to the club, especially with pre-season looming on the horizon.
After several poor managerial decisions, this next one has to be spot on, otherwise the Gers will continue to see Celtic motor away, hoovering up all the Champions League cash and winning title after title.
A couple of names have been linked with a move to Glasgow, but one stands out among the others, especially with his history…
Will Rangers really appoint Jose Mourinho?
Three Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, a La Liga title, two UEFA Cups/Europa League crowns. The list of Jose Mourinho’s achievements in the game are second to very few.
The truth is, he has won just a single trophy since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, and that was the Conference League with AS Roma in May 2022.
He showed plenty of respect when Rangers knocked Fenerbahçe out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage in March, even coming into the dressing room to offer congratulations and wish the squad well going forwards.
Mourinho has always preferred a defensive style of play, and given what the Ibrox support have been witness to in recent years, this won’t exactly be music to their ears, that’s for sure.
Of course, it may lead to more success domestically, but going for a manager who is keen on attacking football and has a proper philosophy would be the ideal appointment for the long-term future.
Mourinho rarely hangs around longer than three seasons, but this team requires a manager who is in it for the long haul. Someone who can build a dynasty that will challenge Celtic over the coming years.
Could Gerrard do it again?
Nathan Patterson, Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard now open to a Rangers return
According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are after a high-profile manager to take the reins ahead of the 2025/26 season, which means a return for Gerrard is on the cards.
The report goes on to state that the former manager of the Gers would be very open to a return to the club that he managed between 2018 and 2021, winning a single Premiership title during that spell.
His departure in November 2021 was arguably due to the fact that he wasn’t properly backed that summer, having led Rangers to their first domestic title in a decade, yet things would be better this time around.
Gerrard isn’t the only big name that has been mentioned with regard to the job, either. TEAMtalk understands that the aforementioned Mourinho is another manager who would be open to a move to Glasgow, although this would be more difficult to get over the line.
2021/22
22
41
1.86
2020/21
56
141
2.52
2019/20
54
110
2.17
2018/19
60
115
1.9
He has a contract with Fener until 2026, which means the Ibrox side would have to pay substantial compensation to lure him away. His wages would also be an issue.
Mourinho may be the headline name, but his style and combustible nature might not go down too well with the Gers faithful.
Why Rangers return for Gerrard makes sense
Gerrard may have failed at his previous two jobs with Al-Ettifaq and Aston Villa since leaving Glasgow in 2021, but his appointment could mirror that of Celtic bringing Brendan Rodgers back to the club.
The former Liverpool captain may have taken a few years to achieve success at Rangers, but those were spent building a team which could go toe-to-toe with their domestic rivals.
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
Throughout his three-year spell with the club, Gerrard won seven of his 12 games against Celtic, losing just four. Two of those came during his first season when his squad was arguably at its weakest.
A lack of success against the Parkhead outfit is why the fans turned on managers such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and finally Phillipe Clement. Gerrard certainly wouldn’t be fazed by Rodgers’ side, that much is certain.
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His preferred system is a 4-3-3, which worked wonders for him, especially during the title-winning 2020/21 campaign.
Alfredo Morelos was often flanked by Ryan Kent on the left and Joe Aribo or Ianis Hagi on the right. Steven Davis and Glen Kamara operated at the heart of the midfield and provided superb defensive support.
Add in the likes of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander at the centre of the defence and Allan McGregor in goal, it was perhaps no wonder the club conceded just 13 goals throughout the entire campaign in the league.
This sort of formation would work wonders with the current squad, especially as Gerrard would hopefully get free rein in the transfer market to bring in his own transfer targets ahead of next season.
Much will depend on other managers who may become linked and show interest in the role over the next few weeks, but at this moment in time, Gerrard is the one who stands out.
He knows the club, knows how to beat Celtic on a regular basis and more importantly, knows how to win a league championship.
These three factors could prove to be a massive advantage when it comes to staking his claim for a return to the Glasgow side. Will it happen? Only time will tell.
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Manchester United have, to put it simply, not been good enough in the Premier League this season, under the management of Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils are currently 14th in the table and level on points with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who beat them 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday, despite Vitor Pereira’s side having battled relegation for most of the campaign.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorim
United are miles off the European places, 20 points behind Manchester City in fourth, and will not be competing in Europe unless they win the Europa League.
Amorim’s side saw off Lyon in extra-time in dramatic fashion to secure a place in the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao, with plenty of work left to be done to salvage the club’s season.
Those behind the scenes will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window and how they can make moves to improve the squad going into next season.
One of the players who has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford played against the Reds on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha caught the eye for Wolves.
Why Manchester United want to sign Matheus Cunha
It was reported earlier this month that Manchester United are already in talks to sign the Brazil international to bolster their squad in the summer window.
Cunha started as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Jorgen Strand Larsen on Sunday, and ended the match with three of four dribbles completed, one chance created, and a 91% pass completion rate.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Being secure on the ball and completing a few dribbles is not why Manchester United may want to sign the attacker, however, as they are more likely to be interested in his ability to score and create goals.
The former Atletico Madrid forward has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 25 starts in the Premier League so far this term, which means that he could end the campaign with 20 or more goal contributions in the division.
24/25 Premier League
Matheus Cunha
Best in Man Utd’s squad
xG
7.30
9.43 (Bruno Fernandes)
Goals
14
8 (Bruno Fernandes)
Big chances created
12
13 (Bruno Fernandes)
Assists
4
9 (Bruno Fernandes)
Key passes per game
1.7
2.4 (Bruno Fernandes)
Dribbles completed per game
2.0
1.6 (Amad Diallo)
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cunha has outscored every player in the United squad by at least six goals and has been compared to Bruno Fernandes, in terms of ‘big chances’ created, as a creative force.
These statistics suggest that the Brazilian dynamo is a player who has the quality to be an excellent addition to the squad, which may be why the club are keen to sign him.
However, former United scout Mick Brown recently claimed that Arsenal, another team interested in Cunha, “will have questions about his attitude now” after he hit out at Wolves supporters on social media, along with his six matches missed through suspension.
Manchester United hopeful of deal for Premier League star
The Red Devils could avoid those concerns about the Wolves star by swooping for their own version of him this summer, which is what they could do with the latest reported target.
Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace
According to The Sun, Amorim wants to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace to bolster his attacking midfield options, and is hopeful of winning the race for his services.
The report claims that Manchester United have identified the England international as a key target for the summer transfer window, as they believe that he can bring the ‘class’ that they currently lack on the pitch.
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It adds, however, that they are not the only club interested in landing the former QPR star. Aston Villa would also be in the running to snap him up if they decide against signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.
The Sun reveals that Palace are bracing themselves for offers of around £50m this summer, and United must stump up the cash to land the Eagles star to come in as their own version of Cunha.
Why Eze would be Man Utd's own Cunha
The 26-year-old maestro, who was dubbed “frightening” by Joel Ward, could be an excellent addition to the club’s midfield ranks without bringing any potential disciplinary problems along with him, as Eze has not been shown a single red card in 296 career club matches to date.
Purely from a footballing perspective, though, Cunha is one of the most similar players to Eze in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues, as per FBref, over the past 365 days of action.
As you can see in the chart above, both players rank very similarly in several statistics during that time, particularly when it comes to creating chances and progressing the ball into the penalty area via passes and carries.
This shows that they are both attacking midfielders who are constantly looking to probe and create for their respective teams, which could provide Amorim’s side with a boost at the top end of the pitch.
Eze has only scored three goals from 7.90 xG in the Premier League this season, but his form in the previous two campaigns – particularly 2023/24 – suggests that it should not be a huge concern for United.
Eberechi Eze (Premier League)
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
38
27
29
xG
7.32
9.12
7.90
Goals
10
11
3
Big chances created
6
7
9
Key passes per game
1.5
2.0
1.8
Assists
4
4
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Palace star is a proven Premier League performer who has delivered quality in front of goal as a scorer in two of the last three seasons, whilst delivering consistent quality as a creative force in all three of those campaigns.
Eze, who was called a “wizard” by England teammate Declan Rice, has the potential to provide goals and assists as an attacking midfielder in the top-flight if he can get back to his best in front of goal.
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This is why the Red Devils should push to get a deal over the line for the Eagles superstar this summer, because he could be their own version of Cunha, without the disciplinary question marks.
Tottenham Hotspur are being told to appoint an “influential” manager by incoming chief Fabio Paratici, with current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou still heading for an exit despite reaching the Europa League final.
Tottenham welcoming Fabio Paratici back after worldwide ban ends
Reports claim that Paratici’s return to Spurs is gaining serious traction, after talks to become AC Milan’s new sporting director reportedly fell through recently.
Paratici could sign £150k-a-week Liverpool player after Tottenham return
The ex-managing director is expected to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ends.
ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025
The 52-year-old was forced to resign from his post as Tottenham managing director in early 2023 after being found guilty of false accounting during his time at Juventus, with FIFA handing Paratici a 30-month worldwide ban from official footballing activity.
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
However, that ban is due to end on June 30th, and it is believed that Paratici is now very likely to make a return to Tottenham after rumoured meetings with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy – which were reported as far back as March.
A popular figure among the fan base, Paratici also played a role in appointing Antonio Conte during his time in N17, and if his comeback is made official, the Italian will likely have a major say on Tottenham’s potential replacement for Postecoglou.
While Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt to reach their first European final since 2019, where they have a golden chance to clinch their first piece of silverware since 2008, reliable media sources have claimed that Postecoglou could still leave Tottenham regardless of their success abroad (The Telegraph).
Fabio Paratici recommends Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham
A succession of managers have been linked with the job over the last few weeks, but Paratici has a particular name in mind – compatriot Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian moved to Marseille after a successful period at Brighton, where he’s now on around £105,000-per-week, with De Zerbi remaining popular among those close to Spurs – specifically Paratici.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Paratici has recommended De Zerbi to Tottenham, and the chief is believed to be a huge fan.
“I understand Roberto De Zerbi is a name that Fabio Paratici – incoming Spurs technical director – is a fan of,” said Bailey.
“He liked him during his time at Brighton and recommended him. Even during his talks with AC Milan recently, he was a name put forward. De Zerbi is understood to be on the radar of a number of Italian clubs – but Spurs do like him.”
The outlet themselves add that Postecoglou is “set to leave” this summer, and De Zerbi could be a fantastic candidate to replace him, going by the words of Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called him “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years”.
“There is no team playing the way they play – it’s unique,” Guardiola said of De Zerbi’s Brighton in 2023.
“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect him to do it in this short space of time. He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.
Well, that was just about the perfect performance from Tottenham Hotspur last night.
Yes, it would have been even better had they kept a clean sheet and taken a three-goal lead to Norway next week, but as things stand, Ange Postecoglou’s side look well-placed to make it to the Europa League Final.
Moreover, apart from a few minutes towards the end, it was a pretty comfortable affair, and if anyone looked like scoring more goals, it was the Lilywhites and not FK Bodø/Glimt.
Practically every starter put in a shift to be proud of, but two stood out in particular: James Maddison and someone who now must start the next game.
Maddison's game vs Bodø/Glimt
While it was a big night for the whole team, it was a massive one for Maddison.
With Spurs being at home and undoubtedly firm favourites ahead of kickoff, it was down to the former Leicester City star to assert himself on proceedings and act as his side’s chief creator, which he did with aplomb.
In fact, for much of the first half, he was near enough unplayable, popping up here, there and everywhere before grabbing his goal in the 34th minute to secure a two-goal cushion for the North Londoners.
It might sound somewhat hyperbolic, but it’s an opinion shared by Spurs writer Alasdair Gold, who awarded the Englishman a 9/10 match rating at full-time, describing it as ‘a really creative performance.’
The only negative from the game for Maddison, which could be a massive one, was that he went off injured in the 65th minute, and until his fitness is cleared up, it’ll be a nervous wait for fans.
However, as superb as the mercurial number ten was, another starter was just as good, if not a little better.
Spurs' other stand-out star
While the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all put in serious shifts for Spurs last night, the starter in question is none other than Pedro Porro.
The Spanish full-back has received his fair share of scathing criticism this season – sometimes justifiably – for his occasionally haphazard defending, but against the Norwegian champions, he hardly put a foot wrong in that regard.
Moreover, and far more importantly, it was a match in which he showcased his game-breaking offensive qualities.
For example, on several occasions in the first half, the “titanic” right-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s former Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, managed to ping a sensational ball over their opposition’s backline for his teammates to latch onto, and it was that saw Maddison score his goal.
We weren’t the only ones impressed with the 25-year-old either, as Gold also awarded him a 9/10 match rating, describing him as ‘Tottenham’s best player on the night’ and crediting him for preventing ‘what likely would have been a goal’ in the 70th minute.
Porro’s game in numbers
Minutes
95′
Expected Assists
0.47
Assists
1
Big Chances Created
1
Key Passes
4
Clearances
4
Interceptions
2
Dribbled Past
0
Fouls
0
All Stats via Sofascore
His statistics also make for decent reading, as in 95 minutes of action, he provided one assist from an expected assists figure of 0.47, made four clearances, wasn’t dribbled past a single time, made two interceptions, didn’t commit a foul, created one big chance and played four key passes.
Ultimately, Spurs put in what was almost the perfect performance last night, and while the entire team deserve serious praise, Maddison and Porro stood out that little bit more.
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