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Manchester City will start the new Premier League season without the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed last week that the Spaniard will be absent due to an injury suffered in the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.

Of course, that is a huge blow for City, but they have made recent signings to help cope with the loss. Nico Gonzalez joined last January, and Tijjani Reijnders was a summer acquisition from Italian giants AC Milan. He made the move to the Etihad Stadium for a fee of £46.5m.

However, it does seem like the Citizens will be chasing a new midfielder before the summer window slams shut in two and a half weeks.

Man City’s latest transfer targets

One of the areas of the pitch in which City are looking to strengthen is on the wing. It was reported earlier this week that they are plotting a move for Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, in a deal that could be worth £85m.

Transfer Focus

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

The big spending might not stop there. According to a recent report from Caught Offside, it is believed that Guardiola’s side are ‘stepping up their interest’ in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Their Spanish boss is ‘known to be a long-time admirer’ of the Cameroon international.

However, they face a fight to acquire his signature. Cross-city rivals Manchester United are said to be ‘leading the race’ to sign the Seagulls star this summer. A fee of £100m is reportedly what Brighton will demand if he is to leave the Amex Stadium this month.

Why Baleba would be a good signing

Few players in the Premier League are spoken of as highly as Baleba at the moment. The 21-year-old was described as a “powerhouse” midfielder by Ryan Adsett of Talk Seagulls.

Last term for the Seagulls, the former Lille star was a key player. He made 40 appearances in all competitions, with 34 of those coming in the Premier League. More often than not, he played as a number six, although he operated further forward as an eight, and even as a centre-back at times.

The midfielder is known for his spectacular goals, too, and is a good contributor going forward. Last season, he chipped in with four goals and two assists across all competitions, including this stunning hit in the 93rd minute to secure all three points against West Ham United.

There is certainly a case to be made that the 21-year-old is a bigger talent than Reijnders. City’s new number four has only played three times for the club, but is already someone who you can see will be a “special footballer” for City.

At least, that is according to City social media presence Steven McInerney.

Indeed, in those three games for his new side in the Club World Cup, the Dutchman has left a big impression. He dazzled with his quick feet, sharp touches in tight spaces and ball-carrying ability, on show in this video.

Factor in the cost difference, however, with Brighton’s asking price for Baleba double what City paid for Reijnders, and it is easy to see how the 21-year-old is a bigger talent.

The stats from domestic football last season back that up, too. For example, in the Premier League, Baleba averaged more completed open play passes with 37.9 and won more duels with 6.8 each game. Compared to Reijnders, he completed an average of 36.3 open play passes and won just 2.7 duels per 90 minutes.

Baleba and Reijnders key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Baleba (PL)	Reijnders (Serie A)
Open play passes completed	37.9	36.3
Long balls completed	2.2	1.8
Take-ons completed	1.2	1.1
Aerial duels won	1.4	0.2
Ground duels won	5.4	2.5
Ball recoveries	6.7	3.6
Stats from Squawka

There is a strong case to be made that Baleba is a far bigger talent than Reijnders. Not only do the stats reinforce that idea, but he is valued at double the price, and well spoken about by one of the leading analysts in the game.

A fee of £100m is hefty, but there is little doubt that Baleba would improve this City team leaps and bounds. As analyst Ben Mattinson has noted, he is already “one of the best midfielders in the league”.

He's Cherki 2.0: Man City now targeting "technically beautiful" £60m star

Man City have still got business to do this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 14, 2025

Tottenham have held fresh talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this week, which are believed to be heading in a very positive direction, and the player himself is extremely eager to swap London clubs.

The 27-year-old has already agreed personal terms to join Spurs, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he directly informed the Eagles of his wish to play in Lilywhite by transfer deadline day on September 1.

After Spurs made an offer of £60m including add-ons, it is believed that Tottenham started creeping towards a full agreement for Eze. There were still details to hash out, like payment structure, and Palace are apparently holding off on giving their full green-light as they look to sign a replacement for the England international first (Miguel Delaney).

However, Eze’s move to Spurs is currently far more likely than not to happen.

Now, the former QPR star is seriously on the verge of a move to N17.

Ben Jacobs, among other reliable media sources, has revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached between Tottenham and Palace for Eze, but the Eagles still need to find a replacement before allowing the player to leave.

Before Tottenham agreed the finances of this deal, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri revealed just how keen Eze is on a transfer to Tottenham.

Eberechi Eze's threat to Crystal Palace as he looks to force Tottenham move

According to Tavolieri, the player has never been closer to joining.

The attacking midfielder and James Maddison’s potential replacement is apparently so desperate to make the move that he’s been pressuring Selhurst Park chiefs to approve it, going as far as to make a stern threat over the weekend.

As per the Sky reporter, Eze threatened not to play for Palace in their 0-0 draw against Chelsea, but eventually rescinded this when Steve Parish personally gave the player assurances that his transfer wouldn’t be delayed.

Eze also held a discussion with Oliver Glasner on Sunday morning to confirm his place in the starting line-up, but the situation is clear; Eze is clamoring for a switch to Spurs.

Once/if Palace and Tottenham agree a full deal and the paperwork is signed, Eze has approved a five-year contract in north London, and there is reason for supporters to get excited by this potential arrival.

The forward bagged a brilliant 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Palace last season, including their FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, with Eze averaging more shots, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than all of his teammates in the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur are undergoing a period of transition, but this span of change is built atop the success of winning the Europa League with Ange Postecoglou.

The decision was made afterwards to part ways with Big Ange, whose promise kept wasn’t enough to save his position after slumping to a 17th-place Premier League finish.

But change is afoot, with Heung-min Son, 33, now ready to close the door on his iconic journey at the club, announcing that he has played his last in Tottenham white.

Spurs must consider Son replacement

Son, 33, is one of the most important and influential Tottenham stars of modern times. But there’s no question that he’s been on the decline over the past couple of years, less electric and snappy.

The South Korean has informed Daniel Levy on Spurs’ pre-season tour that he wishes to explore a move away this summer, and that wish has been granted, with MLS side LAFC pushing to secure his signature.

While the £55m signing of West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has strengthened Frank’s attacking flanks, Tottenham could do with another to replace Son.

Well, given the club’s interest in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao this summer, it appears he could be the perfect man for the job, with previous reports from transfer insider Ben Jacobs suggesting that the Portuguese winger is on the radar.

What Rafael Leao would bring to Spurs

Leao, 26, is one of the most threatening wide forwards in the world, a high-speed runner and a danger from multiple angles. Across 260 appearances with Milan, he has posted 70 goals and supplied 62 assists.

Though he’s somewhat inconsistent in front of goal at times, Leao’s talent is indisputable. In fact, analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “one of the best left wingers in the world”, so he has the capacity to replace an ageing Son.

The fact that Son is no longer in his heyday makes the transition smoother, of course. The South Korean icon started last term’s Europa League final from the bench, underscoring that point.

But he still scored 28 goals and laid on 24 assists across 82 games in Postecoglou’s system, with the Australian hailing his “world-class” quality.

Leao has endured a tough campaign in Italy, similarly to Son, with I Rossoneri flattering to deceive. However, he still picked up 25 goal contributions across all competitions, finishing the year with certain similarities to Spurs’ soon-to-depart superstar.

Rafael Leao vs Heung-min Son (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)	Leao	Son
Goals	0.32	0.32
Assists	0.26	0.32
Shots taken	2.37	2.46
Shot-creating actions	4.13	4.89
Touches (att pen)	6.15	4.70
Progressive passes	3.58	4.28
Progressive carries	4.74	5.41
Successful take-ons	2.83	1.59
All data via FBref

They rank up pretty similarly, over the past year, which perhaps shines a light on how Son is still a high-level player and his sale will sting some.

But Leao’s superior athleticism is clear, and that’s something that Frank would use to an emphatic effect. The Danish boss, don’t forget, has demonstrated with Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford his aptitude for raising the game of dynamic forwards.

With fleet feet and plenty of flair besides, Leao could be the perfect addition to this new Tottenham chapter, providing Frank with an outlet down the left flank for many years to come.

Their best CF since Kane: Spurs enter talks for "extremely dangerous" star

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to make a move for a forward who could follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 2, 2025

Newcastle United are set to miss out on another transfer target as Benjamin Sesko looks bound for Manchester United. Both Premier League sides had submitted bids to RB Leipzig, but it now looks apparent that the Slovenia international’s desired destination is Manchester.

This is the latest in a number of failed transfer sagas for the Magpies after numerous other players opted for moves to other clubs, with Sesko reportedly agreeing personal terms at Old Trafford as the Red Devils close in on a deal.

The biggest positive for Eddie Howe’s side this window has been the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger arrived in July, and since then, it’s been clear that Howe wants more attackers to join him.

As well as Ekitike, Liverpool have also attempted to bring Newcastle’s own Alexander Isak to Merseyside after offering a figure just shy of £120 million. While Newcastle rebuffed the first bid, the potential for Isak to agitate for a move has only made their need to sign a striker stronger.

Newcastle United enter talks for Chelsea star

Despite their disappointments in the transfer market so far this summer, Newcastle have added a new target to their striker shortlist with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that Jackson was featured on their striking shortlist alongside Sesko, and that the interest has progressed to the point where the two clubs have entered “club-to-club talks”.

Jackson has played against Newcastle five times, making them his joint-highest faced opposition. During those five appearances, fans have witnessed the good and the bad that Jackson can bring to the club, as he has scored against the Magpies twice but also received a straight red card towards the end of last season.

In the same post, Jacobs mentioned that Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is still a target and that the player is actively pushing to get the deal done.

Jackson may be the easier of the two deals to complete however, as Chelsea have a number of forward players at the club and view the Senegalese striker as surplus to requirements, whereas Brentford have been stripped of a number of their management team and star players this summer, so they may be more reluctant to let another player go.

Jackson is within Newcastle's budget

Since it looks likely that their bid for Sesko will be unsuccessful, it is reasonable to assume that the £70 million plus add-ons they were willing to spend is now available for other transfers.

Liam Delap

Chelsea

Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool

Joao Pedro

Chelsea

Bryan Mbeumo

Man Utd

Benjamin Sesko*

Man Utd*

In July, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea wanted between £80 – £100 million for Jackson following Ekitike’s move to Liverpool and a belief from the Chelsea board that Jackson was the better player and thus should command a higher fee. That price tag appears to have dropped significantly, with the i stating that Chelsea’s new evaluation of Jackson is around £65 million.

Even if the Sesko bid was all that was left of their budget, which is very unlikely considering the low number of incoming players that Newcastle have currently signed this summer, they would be able to match Chelsea’s newest evaluation for Jackson.

Leeds United have now submitted a £12m offer to sign an “unbelievable” player, with an agreement also being reached on personal terms, reliable reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Leeds vying to sign new midfielders

Having missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds have been forced to move on to alternative central midfield targets, and it is looking increasingly likely that there could be multiple additions in the engine room.

Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is of particular interest, with the Whites now growing more confident they will be able to complete a deal for the German, while they have also set their sights on several players who boast Premier League experience.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willock is one of the players on the shortlist, although Crystal Palace may have an advantage in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, given that he is believed to favour a move to the capital this summer.

Leeds eyeing huge £17m talent wanted by Champions League clubs

Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.

2

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 7, 2025

Consequently, Daniel Farke’s side have seemingly made little progress in their pursuit of Willock, but they are now stepping up their pursuit of a different Newcastle midfielder.

That is according to an update from Ornstein on X, with the reporter revealing that Leeds are “pushing to sign Sean Longstaff”, having recently submitted a £12m offer for his services.

The latest bid is believed to be “close to the limit” before the West Yorkshire outfit decide to move on to other targets, but they are yet to receive a reply from the Magpies.

With personal terms already “in place”, the deal could move quickly if the offer is accepted, with the Newcastle academy graduate keen for his boyhood club to receive a fee for his services, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

"Unbelievable" Longstaff could be ideal signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old wouldn’t exactly be the flashiest of signings, but he could be the ideal addition to a Leeds squad looking to stabilise as a Premier League club, given his vast experience in the top flight.

During his time with the Magpies, the Englishman has chalked up a total of 171 Premier League appearances, while also being dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has also praised the Newcastle maestro for his work-rate and versatility: “He can play in a variety of midfield roles and it’s that ability to get the best out of Bruno (Guimaraes) in that Newcastle midfield. Bruno plays better when Sean Longstaff is behind him, in front of him or alongside him. He can run all day, he’s a great athlete.”

As such, Longstaff clearly has the quality to help Leeds survive in their first season back in the Premier League, and £12m seems like a reasonable fee for his services.

A Test that seemed destined for a draw is set for a thrilling final day, weather-permitting, after South Africa grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck on the fourth evening. Despite having only two hours of play on Saturday, South Africa took a 124-run first-innings lead after they bowled West Indies out for 233 and then scored 30 runs in five overs to put themselves in a position to push for a win.Rain has affected every day of this Test so far. It seemed as if play wouldn’t get underway today as more than 50mm of rain in some areas of the island had raised a yellow-level alert. But, after a six hour delay, play did start at Queen’s Park Oval and South Africa took control. They forced a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in 16.1 overs to ensure they were batting again by the end of the day.Given the amount of time lost overall, and particularly on the first and fourth days, that this much has happened is impressive enough. Only 15 overs were possible on day one and 30 were scheduled for day four and though the action was truncated, it was absorbing.Rain has affected every day of this Test so far•AFP/Getty Images

Matters resumed with South Africa 13 overs away from the second new ball, and they restarted with spin from both ends, which meant Aiden Markram had to begin the day’s proceedings. Jason Holder immediately took the opportunity to put pressure on South Africa’s white-ball captain by creaming the first ball through the covers for four. He went on to hit Markram over mid-off and toward deep midwicket, but Markram won the mini-battle when he flattened Holder’s off stump in his tenth over. Three balls later, Keshav Maharaj had Joshua da Silva caught at mid-on to claim his fourth wicket of the innings.Maharaj would have had five in his next over when Kemar Roach, on 0, popped a chance up in the direction of David Bedingham at silly point. It needed quick reactions and a bit of luck to stick, but the ball just evaded Bedingham’s outstretched right hand.The new ball was taken as soon as it became available but South Africa stuck with the spinners. Markram went on to bowl an eight-over spell before being replaced by Kagiso Rabada, who took his 292nd Test wicket with this fourth ball. Bedingham made no mistake at first-slip and took the catch to dismiss Kavem Hodge. Rabada’s discipline continued to dismantle West Indies’ lower order. Gudakesh Motie met a full delivery by closing the face of the bat too early and edged to Markram at second slip, and Roach was struck just under the knee-roll on the front pad to be given out lbw. He reviewed only to see three reds from ball-tracking on the replay.Jomel Warrican made an unbeaten 35 off 32 balls•AFP/Getty Images

At the other end, Maharaj kept going and only ran into trouble when Jomel Warrican took him on. Warrican hit Maharaj over his head for six at the start of his 38th over – and he bowled all 38 in succession – and then over long-on for six more two balls later.Jayden Seales also showed some positive intent and ended Maharaj’s 39th over by hitting him over midwicket for four. Maharaj was denied the opportunity to get his tenth Test five-for by Lungi Ngidi, who replaced Rabada and bowled Seales to take his first wicket of the match. Maharaj bowled 40 overs in total, unchanged – from the Media Centre end – across two days.With more rain expected on Sunday, South Africa were in a hurry to score as many runs as possible. So, Markram and de Zorzi went out with intent. They were busy at the crease and quick between the wickets. Markram showed his class with back-to-back cover drives off Roach’s second over. In the last over of the day, de Zorzi hit Seales in the air through point for four. Two balls later, he reached for a wide ball and got a thick outside edge. Hodge, at first slip, hesitated for a millisecond and ended up getting both hands to the ball but dropped it to end a disappointing day for West Indies.

Flintoff signs 2019 World Cup hero after Brydon Carse is ruled out through suspension

Matt Roller26-Jun-2024Andrew Flintoff’s Northern Superchargers have handed Jason Roy a lifeline in the Hundred, signing him a replacement player after he went unselected at March’s draft.Roy, a key part of England’s World Cup-winning ODI side in 2019, was released by defending Hundred champions Oval Invincibles over the winter after averaging 17.11 in their title-winning 2023 season. He entered the draft with a £100,000 reserve price and went unsold, with none of the eight teams deeming his recent form worthy of a high salary.But ESPNcricinfo understands that he will soon be announced as a replacement signing by the Superchargers. The ECB’s operations team confirmed to Hundred sides on Sunday that Roy – along with Mark Wood – had withdrawn from Monday’s wildcard draft because he had been offered a contract as a replacement. His deal to replace Brydon Carse has since been finalised.Carse was due to play a fourth successive season for the Superchargers after he was retained on a £60,000 contract, but his recent betting ban will rule him out of the Hundred this year. Details of Roy’s contract have not been disclosed, with replacement players able to negotiate a salary directly with teams so long as they do not breach the overall salary cap.Related

Jason Roy handed Hundred lifeline with Southern Brave

Harry Brook named as Northern Superchargers captain

Rob Key: 'Andrew Flintoff would make an excellent England head coach'

Jason Roy on skipping IPL 2024: 'Had to put my mindset and body first'

Brydon Carse given three-month ban over betting breaches

Roy could miss the Superchargers’ opening match due to his commitments in Major League Cricket. He is due to travel to the United States shortly to represent Los Angeles Knight Riders for the second year in a row and the tournament’s final is scheduled for July 28 – two days after the Superchargers’ season opener against Trent Rockets.Flintoff will take over from James Foster as Superchargers coach in the men’s Hundred this year, his first job as a head coach. He has become gradually more involved in England’s white-ball backroom staff since recovering from severe injuries last year and is currently with the squad in Guyana ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final.It has been a quiet start to the English season for Roy: he pulled out of the IPL in order to prioritise time with his young family, and has scored 122 runs at 24.40 in his five T20 Blast appearances for Surrey. He scored 55 from 40 balls against Gloucestershire in his most recent innings but has missed Surrey’s last three games with a calf injury.Wood is yet to sign a replacement deal at a Hundred team but withdrew from the wildcard draft since his availability is not yet clear. He is likely to be involved in England’s squad for the third Test against West Indies, which clashes with the first week of the Hundred, and could sign a short-term replacement contract closer to the time.

With the season officially over, Arsenal have what might just be their most important summer in years to contend with.

Mikel Arteta might have helped to utterly transform the team since taking the job in 2019, but with a third Premier League runners-up medal on the bounce this year, there is an undeniable feeling that next season has to see the North Londoners lift a significant honour.

While keeping his key players fit will undoubtedly help the Spaniard with this objective, it’s arguably just as, if not more important, for new Sporting Director Andrea Berta and the board to bring in the right, needle-moving signings over the next few weeks and months.

Fortunately, they may be in the process of doing that, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting wingers on the continent, someone who’d be a massive Gabriel Martinelli upgrade.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wide talents who have been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Nico Williams and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has a release clause that stands at around £50m in his Athletic Bilbao contract, and while that’s a lot of money, it would be more than worth it, as, at just 22 years old, he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 games this season.

Cherki, on the other hand, did even better, racking up a staggering 12 goals and 20 assists in just 44 games, which makes his reported price tag of just £30m feel like a bargain.

However, it would appear that the North Londoners are now keen on another incredible talent from Ligue 1, Bradley Barcola.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several Premier League teams incredibly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain star.

The report has revealed that alongside the Gunners, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have sent scouts to watch the Frenchman.

Moreover, while the story claims that the Parisians have no intention of selling the 22-year-old, sources close to the club say he’s valued at up to €120m, around £101m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Barcola’s outrageous ability and potential, Arsenal should go all out to get him, especially as he’d be a mega Martinelli upgrade.

How Barcola compares to Martinelli

The first thing to say is that while Barcola has played off the right before and made a not-insignificant number of appearances up top as well, his most played position, and by quite some way at that, is left-wing.

Therefore, he’d undoubtedly play there for Arsenal, and therefore, his most significant competition for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s hardly a competition at all.

For example, the incredible Frenchman, who’s blessed with “devastating pace,” per U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3643 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 91.07 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Well, considering Barcola has been described as “one of the best left wingers in Europe” by analyst Ben Mattinson, it’s just as one-sided a comparison with the PSG phenom doing better in practically every metric.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.97

0.49

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.99

0.47

Progressive Passes

3.97

2.05

Progressive Carries

5.66

4.88

Shots

3.05

2.16

Shots on Target

1.57

0.94

Passing Accuracy

81.7%

71.4%

Key Passes

2.07

1.57

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.11

1.46

Shot-Creating Actions

4.17

2.91

Goal-Creating Actions

0.83

0.27

Successful Take-Ons

1.40

1.30

Ultimately, while Martinelli remains a useful player and could be an important part of the squad next season, Barcola is evidently the far superior winger in every conceivable way.

Therefore, even if it costs a king’s ransom, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the incredible Frenchman this summer.

He's like Van Persie: Arsenal hold secret talks to sign "the new Haaland"

Arsenal could sign a similar striker to Robin van Persie this summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 2, 2025

Glasgow Rangers’ supporters have seen plenty of sublime strikers perform at Ibrox over the years.

Names such as Ally McCoist, Mark Hateley, Michael Mols and Kris Boyd roll off the tongue and how the new manager would love a goalscorer in this mould for next season at Rangers. The foundation of title wins and European runs, however, comes from an excellent defence, in particular a solid centre-back.

Terry Butcher arrived in Glasgow from England, and immediately became one of the most influential defenders in the club’s history. Richard Gough was next to follow, and he captained the Gers to nine league titles in a row at Ibrox between 1989 and 1997.

Following Gough’s departure, the likes of Lorenzo Amoruso, Craig Moore and Carlos Cueller emerged to continue the club’s ascent, with the latter helping Rangers reach the 2008 UEFA Cup final.

Who can forget David Weir? The former Everton defender was an absolute rock, despite playing until he was 41.

It took a while for the Light Blues to eventually replace Weir at the heart of the defence, but when Connor Goldson arrived in Glasgow during the summer of 2018, he looked every inch the heir to the Scot.

Conor Goldson’s Rangers statistics

Steven Gerrard’s rebuilding job that summer required a centre-back who could cope with the physicality of Scottish football.

Goldson, having played over 100 matches for Brighton and Shrewsbury down south, looked like the perfect signing.

Despite the Light Blues failing to win a trophy during Gerrard’s first two seasons at the club, progress was clear, and this stemmed from an improved defence led by Goldson.

Indeed, he missed just six and two games during those two seasons. Rarely injured and consistently excellent, the Englishman was on the cusp of helping the Gers to one of their finest seasons on record.

Throughout the 2020/21 season, Rangers conceded only 13 Premiership goals, breaking the British record of 15 set by Chelsea 16 years before.

Goldson and Filip Helander were a commanding partnership at the back. The former Brighton star won an impressive 6.6 total duels per game that term – a success rate of 71% – while being dribbled past only 0.2 times per game and making 1.3 tackles each match.

Connor Goldson’s statistics at Rangers

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

48

0

3

2022/23

38

3

3

2021/22

61

4

4

2020/21

56

8

3

2019/20

52

4

2

2018/19

54

4

0

Via Transfermarkt

This was Goldson at his peak, no doubt about that. He was excellent during the club’s run to the final of the Europa League in 2022, but mistakes began creeping in steadily over the next couple of years.

His lack of pace was a worry, and he was regularly beaten in foot races against faster opponents, notably against Bojan Miovski, who got the better of the defender to open the scoring for Aberdeen in a 1-1 draw back in 2023.

He left last summer, joining Cypriot side Aris Limassol. He was awarded the best defender of the season and perhaps the club sold him prematurely?

It looks as though the Light Blues are showing interest in signing a centre-back from the Premier League. Could Cameron Burgess turn into Goldson 2.0?

Rangers eye move for Premier League defender

Leon Balogun looks set to leave Ibrox and with Rafael Fernandes returning to his parent club, the only centre-backs remaining will be John Souttar, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala and Leon King.

With questions over Propper and Nsiala’s lack of experience, it is evident the club need to bring in a solid, reliable, defender this summer.

Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie gave the fans some transfer news when he took to X recently, saying: “Rangers are interested in Ipswich defender Cameron Burgess as they seek to bolster their defence ahead of the new season.

“29-yo has played 18 times in the Premier League this season.”

Burgess may be approaching 30, but with Premier League experience under his belt and the physicality to succeed in Scottish football, it could be a smart move to bring the £2m-rated star north of the border.

If he impresses early on, he could be the natural successor to Goldson at Ibrox. That much is certain.

Why Rangers must sign Cameron Burgess

Scottish scout and analyst, Kai Watson, profiled the centre-back amid rumors that Rangers are keen on signing him.

He said: “Cameron Burgess may not be the most exciting signing on paper but he’ll bring necessary experience to the back, particularly if Balogun departs.

“He’s 6’4, left sided, an Australian international and uses the ball well.”

Across his 18 Premier League appearances for Ipswich Town this term, Burgess has won 3.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 68% – and made 0.9 tackles and 6.9 clearances per game in the top flight.

Kieran McKenna, Burgess’ manager at Ipswich, hailed the defender as “excellent” back in 2022 and there is no doubt he would be a reliable option for the new manager to call upon next term, given his dominant duel success rate that compares well to Goldson’s aforementioned form at Ibrox.

While his passing statistics may not be out of this world, mainly due to Ipswich not having much of the ball during games, he makes up for it by impressing across other metrics.

Indeed, when compared to fellow defenders in the English top flight, the Australian ranks in the top 2% for clearances (7.48), in the top 21% for aerials won (2.57), and in the top 5% for percentage of dribblers tackled (81.8%) per 90 this season.

Although bringing the ball out from the back is important, having a player who is able to get the better of the opposition forwards – both in the air and on the ground – is something that the Gers have struggled with this season.

Propper often struggles with the physicality of strikers from clubs lower down the league table, even though his passing is fairly reliable (88% pass success rate).

Burgess might not be a flashy new signing that will get supporters out of their seats at Ibrox next season. What he will offer is a solidity at the heart of the defence.

Following a campaign of disarray, this is exactly what is required for 2025/26.

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Celtic are into the final stretch of their bid for the treble and could now be set to reignite an old flame on the market that would excite supporters, per reports.

Celtic ready to build for the future under Brendan Rodgers

The weekend is nearly here, and Brendan Rodgers knows his side can take a major step towards claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title if they can see off Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

Should that happen, a victory for Aberdeen 24 hours later would put the final nail in Rangers’ coffin. Undoubtedly, the Bhoys haven’t been at their best in recent times, but their divisional rivals haven’t been able to hold a candle to them this season.

Finishing off the campaign with a flourish is now in their sights and may yield a domestic treble if St Johnstone and one of Heart of Midlothian or Aberdeen are both swept aside in the Scottish Cup.

Looking ahead to next term, Celtic have made their interest known in Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka and may look to strike a surprise deal for the Slovakia international despite having Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks.

Furthermore, Keith Wyness has claimed the Bhoys could make up to five summer signings as Rodgers puts his foot down ahead of his side’s involvement in Champions League qualifiers next term.

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Additions are expected to be widespread at Parkhead to supplement the inevitability of departures. Celtic have the power to sell assets for a considerable sum, so don’t be surprised if they reinvest in premium talent.

Heeding that advice, Rodgers and company are now reportedly plotting a move for a goalscorer who would generate major excitement among supporters.

Celtic set to reignite interest in Brondby's Mathias Kvistgaarden

Per The Daily Record, Celtic are expected to pursue a deal for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden this summer after previously showing interest in the Denmark Under-21 international across recent windows.

Labelled “superb” by scout/analyst Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old was subject to interest from the Hoops in January, which his current employers blocked and they have since placed a £13.5 million price-tag on his shoulders.

Mathias Kvistgaarden’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Danish Superliga

Appearances

21

Goals

13

Assists

4

Shots on target

25

Chances created

16

Completed dribbles

17

Non-penalty XG

9.98

Admired by Thomas Gravesen for his ‘skilled’ nature, as cited by the report, he has notched 17 goals and five assists across all competitions in 28 appearances this campaign.

Capable of playing through the middle or on the left flank, Kvistgaarden has the versatility needed to slot into Celtic’s front four with minimal fuss under Rodgers, who will want a degree of flexibility to work with heading into 2025/26.

Now, it remains to be seen if the Hoops can strike a deal for their long-term target amid further interest from the likes of Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt in his services.