da betsson： Manchester City have some fantastic academy talents in their current squad. Pep Guardiola has the luxury of calling upon some of the most exciting homegrown talents, but arguably none fit the bill more than Phil Foden.
da bet7k： He has now made over 300 appearances for his boyhood club and has scored and assisted over 150 times. He has an extraordinary record as a City player.
Some of the other academy talents at Guardiola’s disposal this season include Rico Lewis and James McAtee, with Oscar Bobb another player who came through the ranks, although he has been injured for most of the campaign.
City’s homegrown crop could have been so much better had director of football Txiki Begiristain not made the mistake of selling some exciting talents.
The exciting academy talents who Man City sold
Perhaps the biggest mistake the Citizens have made in recent years was to sell Cole Palmer. The Wythenshawe-born attacker moved to Chelsea in 2023 for £42.5m and has since gone on to become a deadly attacker.
The England international already has 60 goals and assists in just over 70 appearances for the West Londoners. Jamie Carragher said at the start of the season that if he continues at the current trajectory, he could be considered “the best player in the Premier League”.
Another blunder City made in the transfer market was to sell Morgan Rogers. Now at Aston Villa, he originally joined Middlesbrough from City’s academy, where he is just shy of 50 games for the club. In that time, he has over 20 goals and assists, and has made his England debut.
The East Mancunian side sold another deadly finisher last summer, letting Liam Delap join Ipswich Town. He has over ten goal involvements already this term, playing for a Tractor Boys side struggling for form.
However, perhaps the worst sale of an academy star in recent seasons is a player who broke City’s heart in the Champions League earlier this week.
Man City’s biggest sale error
It has been a tough week for City, who lost 3-2 in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and former academy star Brahim Diaz were enough to earn Los Blancos all three points.
After rising through the ranks in City’s academy, the Morocco international went on to make 15 appearances for the first team under Guardiola. He scored two goals in that time, both coming in the Carabao Cup against Fulham.
The 25-year-old left the club for Madrid in January 2019 as a teenager. He reportedly cost the Spanish giants £15m, including add-ons, which, given his record at the La Liga outfit, seem like they surely have been met, at least partly.
He has played 96 times for the club so far, scoring 18 goals and registering 18 assists in that time. Last season, the Moroccan was on fire and managed eight goals and seven assists in 31 La Liga games as Los Blancos lifted the title.
Once again, Diaz has been in excellent form for Madrid in 2024/25. He has four goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions, averaging one goal involvement every three games.
Diaz record by competition for Madrid 2024/25
Competition
Games
Minutes
Goals
Assists
La Liga
18
775
3
2
Champions League
6
315
1
1
Copa Del Rey
3
223
0
3
Suerpcopa
2
16
0
0
Super Cup
1
7
0
0
Stats from Transfermarkt
Given his impressive exploits since making the move to the Spanish capital, Diaz’s value has risen greatly. The “Messi-esque” superstar, as Owen Hargreaves once described him, is worth £52.9m according to CIES Football Observatory.
That is an incredible rise in his value compared to what the Citizens sold him for. In fact, the Real Madrid number 21 has seen his transfer value increase by 252%, an incredible rise for someone who was allowed to leave for such a cheap fee.
Reflecting on the value, it is surely something which must make City wish they had kept Diaz all those years ago. He has gone on to be a fantastic player at one of the world’s biggest clubs, and might well have scored the goal which, in theory, could have knocked them out of the Champions League.
It is a decision that Begiristain might wish he could reverse.
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da bet esporte： West Ham United are now keen on signing a “superstar” striker, having identified him as their top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
West Ham's striker issues
da wazamba： The Hammers never seem to have much luck when it comes to signing strikers, with some big-name signings such as Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca failing to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Niclas Fullkrug was also brought in last summer, but the German struggled to replicate his form in the Bundesliga prior to picking up a hamstring injury, while Michail Antonio is set to be ruled out for the foreseeable future due to a car crash.
Jarrod Bowen is always a reliable source of goals, once again getting on the scoresheet in the 1-0 victory against Arsenal yesterday, but Graham Potter is keen to bring in an out-and-out striker in the summer transfer window.
Related West Ham player "in talks" to leave with February transfer expected
He’s keen on a new challenge.
Talks have been opened with Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, but the 23-year-old may just be a back-up option, as The Guardian have now revealed West Ham’s top striker target is Lille’s Jonathan David.
David is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, upon the expiration of his Lille contract, and he is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Inter Milan and Juventus also keen.
The report claims the Canadian now looks certain to leave Lille at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be able to meet his high wage demands.
"Superstar" David destined for the top
The 25-year-old has been lauded as a “superstar” by Canada teammate Jonathan Osorio, and he has a very impressive goal record over the course of a number of years in Ligue 1, arriving in 2020 after impressing in Belgium with Gent.
Season
Appearances
Goals
2020-21
37
13
2021-22
38
15
2022-23
37
24
2023-24
34
19
2024-25
21
12
The Brooklyn-born forward also has 31 goals in 59 games for his national side, so it is little wonder he is attracting the attention of some big clubs, and it is promising news that West Ham are in the race for his signature.
Fullkrug has struggled in his debut season at the London Stadium, scoring just twice in the Premier League, but even if he finds his feet, the 32-year-old is not of an age to lead the line for the long-term future.
The same applies to Antonio, who is now arguably in the twilight years of his career, so a younger striker will be a necessary signing in the summer, and David fits the bill at 25-years-old.
Given the Lille star’s ability, it may be difficult for the Hammers to get a deal done this summer, especially considering they are very unlikely to have European football on offer, but if they are able to pull it off, he could be an excellent long-term addition to the squad.
da bet7k： Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time.
da stake casino： Not only has he won an unprecedented number of titles in Spain, Germany, and England, but the Spaniard has also revolutionised modern football with his distinct style of play that emphasises possession, quick passing and tactical fluidity. Guardiola’s influence has left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping how the game is played today.
However, it’s not just his coaching brilliance that has captivated the football world.
Like his former rival Jürgen Klopp and former coach José Mourinho, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is also known for his wit and sharp remarks, making him a constant source of entertainment for fans.
Related 9 of the best Jose Mourinho quotes
The Special One has had a way with words over the years.
Some of his quotes are borne out of pure joy, while others stem from moments of frustration – but regardless of the emotion behind them, they always manage to leave a lasting impact.
Here are some of Pep Guardiola’s best quotes.
1 "It rains every day"
Guardiola’s Manchester City had faced a relatively tough start to the 2020/21 season, particularly struggling in front of goal.
However, after a 4-1 demolition of Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in December 2020, Guardiola was understandably pleased.
Despite the emphatic win, however, he wasn’t ready to claim his side had fully found their form. Instead, he compared their performance to the unpredictable weather in Manchester.
“It’s like in Manchester. It rains every day. When one day the sun rises it doesn’t mean the weather is going to change,” he said. “It is just one game, but we will see what happens in the future.”
After Manchester City won the treble in the 2022/23 season, Guardiola once again referenced the city’s unpredictable weather during his speech at the club’s victory parade, over which the heavens had opened.
“We had to be the best parade with this rain, otherwise it is not Manchester,” he said. “We don’t want sunshine, we want rain, so it was perfect.”
2 "Like a jazz musician…"
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola is renowned for creating teams that operate as a fluid unit, where every player contributes in defence and attack to form an unstoppable footballing force. Even the incomparable Lionel Messi, despite being given more freedom than most, was not exempt from Guardiola’s team-based philosophy.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Guardiola humorously summed up his attitude towards individualism in his teams with a hilarious quip about jazz music.
“In some parts of the pitch, of course you have to be creative and take the chance,” he said. “But I don’t like it when people say: ‘I like freedom; I want to play for myself.’ Because the player has to understand he is part of a team, with 10 other players. If every player plays like a jazz musician, it will be chaos. They will not be a team.”
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3 "I got better contracts"
Speaking of Messi, Guardiola has consistently showered the Argentinian with praise, calling him the greatest footballer of all time on multiple occasions.
However, perhaps the most memorable and amusing compliment came in 2022, when, in an interview with Telemundo Deportes, he compared Messi – who scored 211 goals in 219 games under Guardiola at Barcelona – to NBA legend Michael Jordan, and also took the opportunity to thank him for the significant impact he had on his career and his bank account.
“For me, Messi is everything in my career and he made me more competitive,” Guardiola said. “Without him, we would have won [trophies], but not as many. I compare Messi with Michael Jordan when Phil Jackson could feel what it was like to have the best player and he won six [NBA championship] rings. I also won because he made it easy.”
He added: “I still owe him a bottle of wine because thanks to him, I got better contracts.”
4 "All the alcohol in Manchester"
While Guardiola is undoubtedly a stickler for success, he also knows how to let his players enjoy the fruits of their labour.
In May 2023, City were confirmed as Premier League champions for a third consecutive year after Arsenal lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest. The next day, City beat Chelsea, lifting the Premier League trophy and collecting their medals in celebration.
However, before their upcoming trip to Brighton & Hove Albion just three days later, Guardiola’s squad made time for a proper knees-up. Photos emerged of the team enjoying a night out at a nightclub, soaking in the moment after their hard-earned title.
City played out a 1-1 draw on the south coast, and Guardiola praised his team’s performance, especially considering the celebrations they’d enjoyed since the weekend.
“The game we played, 40 hours after I think we drank all the alcohol in Manchester, 40 hours later we behave and we showed why we are the champions,” he told Sky Sports after the match.
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5 "I won't leave"
Manchester City managerPepGuardiola
Since taking charge of Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has transformed the club from a talented but inconsistent team to the most dominant force in European football.
So when the club was hit with 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules in February 2023 and rumours began circulating that City could face relegation as punishment, fans understandably feared Guardiola might be on his way out.
However, addressing the issue in November, Guardiola reassured supporters by stating that he remained fully committed to the club, regardless of the outcome of the charges.
“I will not consider my future [if] it depends [on] being here or being in League One,” he said. “There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we win the Champions League. What people accuse us of – we do not agree with what they say.”
“We are going to defend [ourselves] and after the resolution is done, I will be here, like a spokesman for my club,” he added.
6 "Everyone in this country supports Liverpool"
For much of his time as Manchester City boss, Guardiola’s main rivals have been Liverpool, with the Reds consistently going toe-to-toe with City for the Premier League title and other major honours.
In May 2022, the two teams were once again locked in a fierce battle for the title, with Jurgen Klopp’s side trailing Guardiola’s by just one point with only four games remaining.
After City thumped Newcastle United 5-0 to move within three wins of the title, Guardiola took a not-so-subtle dig at Liverpool, suggesting that the general public preferred to see them win the title over his team.
“Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone,” he told beIN Sports. “Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition. Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all.”
7 "We cannot replace him"
One of Guardiola’s more emotional moments came in May 2021, when he couldn’t hold back the tears as he paid tribute to club legend Sergio Agüero after his penultimate game for Manchester City.
Agüero came off the bench to score twice as City, already Premier League champions, thrashed Everton 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in what was a fairytale goodbye.
“We love him so much, he is a special person for all of us,” Guardiola said of Agüero, who won five Premier League titles during his time in Manchester.
When asked how the club planned to replace him, Guardiola, with tears running down his face, gave what has since become a memorable quote: “We cannot replace him. We cannot.”
8 "Happy New Year"
Sometimes, just sometimes, Guardiola lets his emotions get the better of him, lashing out at whoever’s in his path – whether that be a referee, a player, or even the substitutes’ bench, which he gave a good kicking during City’s draw with Arsenal in September 2024.
On occasion, he also loses his cool with reporters, just as he did with BBC Sport’s Damian Johnson back in 2017 following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Burnley, where Fernandinho was sent off after 32 minutes for a two-footed challenge on Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
Despite his side winning, Guardiola was visibly frustrated and found himself involved in a tense exchange, giving a series of short, abrupt answers.
Asked about his view on Fernandinho’s red card, he replied: “You are the journalist. Not me.”
Johnson replied: “You’re the manager. I’m sure the fans would like to know,” to which Guardiola shot back: “Ask the referee, not me.”
After insinuating that the interpretation of the rules was different in Spain and Germany than in England, Johnson commented, “You don’t seem that happy that you’ve won.”
Guardiola’s response has since become an internet meme: “More than you would believe. More than you would believe, I am happy.
“I’m so happy, believe me. I’m so happy. Happy New Year.”
da bet esporte： Well, that was not the sort of performance Tottenham Hotspur fans would have been hoping for to kickstart their efforts in the Europa League knockout rounds.
da spicy bet： Instead of taking the game to their hosts, Ange Postecoglou’s side were timid, predictable and looked bereft of ideas right up to the last few minutes of the game.
If anything, AZ Alkmaar will likely be annoyed that they aren’t taking a more considerable lead with them to North London next week.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after the match
There were lacklustre displays all over the pitch for the Lilywhites, but two players stood out for the wrong reasons, one of them being Mathys Tel.
Tels's peformance vs Alkmaar
When Spurs announced the signing of Tel on loan early last month, there was a lot of understandable excitement from fans, but apart from a goal against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, he’s not really done much of anything since joining the club.
Unfortunately, it was much of the same against AZ tonight, as while he had a few chances to make something happen, he was practically anonymous the entire time he was on the pitch.
In fact, the young Frenchman was so ineffective up top that Postecoglu decided he had to take him off at half-time, put Wilson Odobert out wide and move Son Heung-min into the middle, who wasn’t much better.
Unsurprisingly, the 19-year-old loanee did not impress the watching press, as football.london’s Alasdair Gold awarded him just a 3/10 match rating at full-time.
It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion more than backed up by his statistics, as in 45 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals and assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, failed in 50% of his dribbles, took just 14 touches and lost 50% of his ground duels.
Tel’s game in numbers
Minutes
45′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.01
Assists
0
Shots on Target
0
Dribbles (Successful)
2 (1)
Duels (Won)
4 (2)
Touches
14
All Stats via Sofascore
In all, it was the right decision by Postecoglou to take him off at half-time, but there was another attacker who was just as poor and somehow played the entire game.
The Spurs star just as bad as Tel
Brennan Johnson started the game off the right, and while he’s been quite effective at points this season, he certainly was not tonight.
Just like his younger teammate, the Welsh international was practically anonymous for large parts of the match, and then when he did find himself in dangerous areas or with the chance to make something happen, he’d wait too long or make the wrong choice.
Gold was equally disappointed with the 23-year-old’s display, giving him a 3/10 match rating and highlighting that as well as offering ‘very little going forward’, he also ‘seemed to stop marking Parrott for the corner that led to Bergvall’s own goal.’
Again, while it might sound overly harsh considering he didn’t score the own goal and there weren’t any stand-out misses, the former Nottingham Forest ace’s statistics more than back up Gold’s damning summary of his performance.
In 94 minutes, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.20, failed to have a single shot on target, failed in four of five attempted dribbles, took 46 touches but played just one key pass, failed in 100% of his crosses and long balls, lost 60% of his duels, lost the ball 13 times and committed a foul.
Johnson’s game in numbers
Minutes
94′
Expected Goals
0.02
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.18
Assists
0
Shots on Target
0
Dribbles (Successful)
5 (1)
Touches
46
Key Passes
1
Crosses (Accurate)
2 (0)
Long Balls (Accurate)
1 (0)
Duels (Won)
10 (4)
Lost Possession
13
Fouls
1
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, it was a dismally poor showing from a player capable of so much more, and just like Tel, Johnson should have been hooked early into the second half at the very latest.
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da esport bet： Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign a Bayern Munich star this summer by intermediaries, with a report sharing what their stance is on striking a deal to back manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham seal place in Europa League quarter-finals after AZ Alkmaar win
da marjack bet： Spurs’ hopes of ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy are still alive after they sealed a place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 3-1 win at home to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening.
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There’s no long-term place for him in Ange Postecoglou’s ranks.
Wilson Odobert opened the scoring with an excellent finish before James Maddison was on target to make it 2-0, gifting the home side an aggregate lead, with Peer Koopmeiners then handing Postecoglou a brief scare by taking advantage of a misplaced Lucas Bergvall pass to grab one back for the visitors.
Luckily, Odobert was on hand for his second of the game and Tottenham’s third of the match around 15 minutes from full-time. The game ended with a much-needed 3-1 victory for the Lilywhites, who now face Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the next round.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Fulham (away)
March 16th
Chelsea (away)
April 2nd
Southampton (home)
April 5th
Wolves (away)
April 12th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Bergvall put in a very impressive display, barring his error, while the likes of Odobert, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Son Heung-min and the rejuvenated Djed Spence also had very solid outings against the Eredivisie visitors.
“Really liked the way the boys addressed the challenge tonight,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s performance against AZ.
“It’s not easy when you’re 1-0 down before the game starts. You know you don’t want to give the opposition any opportunity to get a further advantage. I thought we started the game really well. Really composed and controlled. We didn’t create a lot but at the same time we just had them camped in their half and they didn’t really venture anywhere near our goal.
“Scored a really good goal from our press. And second half started brilliantly, exactly what we wanted to do, got our goal, and then we gave them a goal. That puts the tie again on edge a little bit. But I thought our response to that was really good, scored another good goal, probably should have got another one or two to finish the game off.”
Tottenham stance with Ange Postecoglou offered Leroy Sané
Off the field, Spurs need to address key areas in the squad to avoid a repeat of their underwhelming domestic campaign, which has been summed up by a lack of squad depth and injuries to important players.
Tottenham are believed to be in the market for a new forward this summer, alongside their plan to buy Mathys Tel permanently, and it has now come to light that they’ve been handed the chance to do a deal for Bayern’s Leroy Sané.
Leroy Sane for Bayern Munich
The £241,000-per-week winger will be a free agent at the end of this season as things stand, following five fruitful years at the Allianz Arena, with The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey now reporting that he’s been floated towards N17.
It is believed Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Sane by agents, but as things stand, they haven’t taken the bait and are simply being kept aware of his ongoing situation. The “incredible” former Man City and Schalke star, as lauded by Pep Guardiola, could be one of the bargains of the summer.
He’s racked up 56 goals and 50 assists in total during his time at Bayern, but Spurs would likely need the 29-year-old to lower his wage demands, as Sane’s current salary would make him the club’s highest earner above Son.
da spicy bet： Arsenal are now keen on signing an “exciting” player, who is a “clone” of one of their current first-team stars, with a potential deal likely to amount to over £25m, according to a report.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans
da dobrowin： The Gunners are looking at strengthening their squad in a number of areas this summer, with a new striker likely to be high on the list of priorities, and there has now been a positive update on their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
There is now a belief that Sesko has opted to make the move to north London in the summer transfer window, despite widespread interest in the Slovenian’s signature, with Chelsea and Manchester United also keen.
Striker is not the only area in which Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are looking for reinforcements, however, with talks over a deal for AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen recently being opened, having identified the centre-back as a key target.
Related £42m star now expected to join new club as Arsenal scouts really impressed
Mikel Arteta is keen to breathe new life into his Arsenal squad this summer.
David Raya has been a reliable option between the sticks for Arteta, but the north Londoners are now showing an interest in signing a new goalkeeper, given that Neto is set to return to parent club Bournemouth in the summer.
That is according to a report from The Sun, which states Arsenal are now keen on signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who could join alongside teammate Omar El Hilali.
The goalkeeper is expected to cost upwards of £25m, given his importance to Espanyol, but there is a possibility the Spanish side will not be willing to sell two of their key players during the same transfer window.
Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Chelsea (h)
March 16th
Fulham (h)
April 1st
Everton (a)
April 5th
Brentford (h)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (a)
April 20th
"Exciting" Garcia impressing in La Liga
Garcia has been lauded as “exciting” by freelance scout Ben Mattinson, who also claims the Espanyol star is a “clone of David Raya” due to his ability both on the ball and when it comes to dealing with crosses.
The 6-foot-3 colossus put in a Man of the Match performance against Real Madrid in La Liga this season, and Mattinson believes he has a lot of potential.
As such, should the Spaniard be willing to play second fiddle, Arsenal should definitely make a move this summer, and Arteta will be hoping bringing in a strong second-choice keeper causes Raya to up his game.
However, the situation which led to Aaron Ramsdale’s departure will serve as a warning of the problems that can arise when two top goalkeepers are competing for the same position.
da imperador bet： Tottenham Hotspur now want to steal a “very dangerous” forward from a rival Premier League club this summer, having now identified him as a priority target, according to a report.
Spurs looking to bring in attacking depth
da brwin： There have been major doubts raised about Ange Postecoglou this season, with results falling far short of expectations, although the huge injury crisis the manager has been forced to deal with has not helped matters.
However, there have also been suggestions Postecoglou’s style are to blame for the scale of the injury problems, so if Spurs are to persist with the Australian next season, it could be a wise idea to bring in additional depth in attack.
One target the Lilywhites have in mind is Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is expected to leave the Serie A side this summer, but there could be stiff competition for the Nigerian’s signature, amid interest from Barcelona and a number of Premier League clubs.
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Sunderland attacking midfielder Chris Rigg has also emerged as an option, with a recent report revealing Tottenham are now leading the race for the 17-year-old, having submitted an opening bid of £38m.
According to a report from Spain, another target has now entered the frame, with Spurs looking to ‘steal’ Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen, who only moved to Villa Park in January, arriving from Borussia Dortmund for €25m (£21m).
Aston Villa's DonyellMalenshoots at goal
Malen is viewed as an ideal option to improve Postecoglou’s frontline, with the forward’s speed and finishing ability making him a priority target, although he is likely to fetch a higher fee than the price Villa paid for him last winter.
Villa are said to be open to a sale if they receive an attractive offer, although it is unclear what sort of fee they would be looking for.
Malen's Villa career yet to take off
The Dutchman has only featured sporadically since arriving at Villa Park last month, making a number of appearances from the bench in the Premier League, and he is yet to pick up a goal or assist in all competitions.
As such, it is a little unusual for Tottenham to be linked with a move for the former Dortmund man so soon after his arrival in the Premier League, but there are indications he could be a solid signing if he is able to reignite his previous form.
During his time in the Bundesliga, the 26-year-old received high praise from former teammate Mario Götze, who said: “Donyell is extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too.”
The Netherlands international was also in fine form in front of goal last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. However, his slow start to life in England indicates it may be wise to continue monitoring his performances between now and the summer.
da betsul： Crystal Palace are now plotting a move for a £20m midfielder, and they are looking to get a deal over the line quickly, according to reporter Alan Nixon.
Palace eyeing new midfielder after FA Cup triumph
da bwin： May 17th, 2025 will be a date forever etched into Palace history, having won their first ever major trophy courtesy of a shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, which also secures qualification for a maiden Europa League campaign next season.
Midfielder Will Hughes spoke about what it meant to win the first major honour of his career after the game, while admitting it will take some time to sink in.
Hughes has been an important player for Oliver Glasner this season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but with a Europa League campaign now on the horizon, the manager may have to bring in some more depth in midfield this summer.
According to a report from Nixon on Patreon (via Football League World), one of the midfielders Crystal Palace have set their sights on is Mateus Fernandes, with a quick deal for the Southampton midfielder now being plotted.
Southampton'sMateusFernandesin action with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic
With the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, they could be at risk of losing some of their key players, and Fernandes is valued at roughly £20m, amid interest from both Palace and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.
Fernandes deserves another chance in the Premier League
Southampton have endured one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points throughout the campaign, but the youngster has shown he deserves a second chance in the top flight with some of his performances.
Despite being just 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been a regular starter for the Saints, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has managed to amass three goals and two assists.
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Former manager Vasco Seabra has also praised the starlet in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”, and he has performed extremely well across some key defensive metrics, including tackling, over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
2.81 (98th percentile)
Interceptions
0.83 (96th percentile)
Blocks
1.31 (89th percentile)
Clearances
1.12 (85th percentile)
Having stood out defensively, when compared to other attacking midfielders, Fernandes is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, who is capable of playing slightly deeper, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Crystal Palace this summer.
da prosport bet： Manchester United’s season ended in disappointing fashion when they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao last month.
da bet nacional： That result means that the Red Devils will not be playing European football in the 2025/26 campaign, as they missed out on the chance to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
This has already had an impact on their summer transfer business, as Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of them. Fabrizio Romano claimed that Champions League football was key to the Blues winning the race for the England U21 international.
The 22-year-old marksman plundered 12 goals in 37 appearances in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys in the 2024/25 campaign, and will now link up with Enzo Maresca and his squad.
Liam Delap
However, despite failing to qualify for any European competition and missing out on the signing of Delap, Manchester United have already confirmed that Matheus Cunha has joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a permanent deal.
What Matheus Cunha could bring to Manchester United
The Brazil international appears to be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s system on paper, because he played as one of two attacking midfielders behind a striker in a similar formation at Wolves.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates
This means that he could slot straight in as one of the number tens in the Portuguese head coach’s 3-4-2-1 system, with the hope that he can deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.
The 26-year-old’s form for Wolves in the last two Premier League seasons suggests that the potential is there for him to make an instant impact at Old Trafford with his ability to score and create goals.
Matheus Cunha (Premier League)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
32
33
xG
9.49
8.63
Goals
12
15
Big chances created
7
13
Key passes per game
0.9
1.8
Assists
7
6
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cunha delivered 27 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances across those two campaigns, whilst no Manchester United player scored more than eight goals in the Premier League this term.
This suggests that he could immediately be Amorim’s biggest goal threat at the top end of the pitch, due to the current lack of quality in the final third for United.
Cunha, however, only scored six goals and provided six assists in 40 LaLiga outings for Atletico Madrid earlier in his career, so there may still be a question mark over his suitability for a side that is looking to challenge at the top end of the table.
Whilst there is still some doubt over whether or not he can become a star for United in the same way he was for Wolves, the Red Devils could land an even bigger signing than Cunha amid interest in a Champions League winner.
Man Utd eyeing deal for PSG star
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The report claims that Inter, Juventus, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all eyeing up a move for the shot-stopper, who kept a clean sheet in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that the Italy international’s current contract in Paris is due to expire in the summer of 2026, with contract talks at a standstill, and this has left the door open to a potential move away from the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
CaughtOffside adds that Juventus and Inter are the two most serious contenders to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper this summer, as they hope that a move back to Italy would be tempting for him.
The report claims, however, that Manchester United are also monitoring his situation with PSG because Amorim is unconvinced by Andre Onana could swoop for the PSG star as a replacement for the Cameroon international.
If the Red Devils can get a deal over the line for Donnarumma ahead of the likes of Inter and Juventus, the Italian colossus could be an even bigger signing than Cunha.
Why Donnarumma would be a bigger signing than Cunha for Man Utd
Unlike Cunha, the PSG superstar has proven himself at the very top level as a regular for both PSG and Italy, winning four Ligue 1 titles, one Champions League, and the European Championship with his country.
The former Milan star has been there and done it in the biggest competitions and leagues, whereas Cunha – as aforementioned – is yet to prove himself at that level.
GOAL recently posted an updated power ranking for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and placed Donnarumma in 12th place, as one of the contenders for the prestigious award, thanks to his impressive performances for PSG.
Cunha, as he has not showcased his quality on the same stages, did not rank in their top 20, which speaks to the gulf in quality between the two players.
Donnarumma would also come in as a significant upgrade on Onana between the sticks and provide United with a solid goalkeeper who could be relied upon week-in-week-out.
24/25 season
Donnarumma (Champions League)
Onana (Europa League)
Appearances
15
13
Save percentage
72%
63%
Goals prevented
1.69
-1.54
Clean sheets
6
2
Error led to shot
0
0
Error led to goal
1
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Italian international was significantly better as a shot-stopper in Europe this season, whilst also making fewer errors that led to goals.
The PSG star also went through the Ligue 1 campaign, playing 24 matches, without making a single error that led to a shot or a goal, whilst Onana made four errors leading to shots or goals in 34 Premier League games.
These statistics suggest that Donnarumma would be a huge upgrade on the current United number one, both as a shot-stopper and as a reliable presence in goal, which is another reason why he would be an even more important signing than Cunha.
Instead of worrying about whether or not their goalkeeper is going to make a mistake, the Red Devils defenders could be assured by the Italy international behind them, leading to greater defensive displays and fewer errors at the back.
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5
It is now down to the club to win the race to sign the Champions League winner and Ballon d’Or contender this summer, as he could be a transformational signing due to the quality and pedigree that the goalkeeper would bring to the team.
da dobrowin： Aston Villa will be busy this summer in the transfer market, even if they miss out on Champions League qualification.
da heads bet： As it stands, the club need to win their final game of the campaign and hope for Chelsea, Newcastle United or Man City to suffer a slip-up.
If so, the riches of Europe’s top-tier competition will fill the coffers once again, allowing Unai Emery to sign high-profile players this summer.
Signing a new goalkeeper might be a priority heading into the transfer window, especially with Emiliano Martínez’s future in doubt.
Aston Villa’s search for a new goalkeeper
According to Football Insider, the enigmatic Argentinian is expected to depart Villa Park this summer for a new challenge.
He has been with the club since 2020, turning 33 at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, suggesting Emery is right to cash in now.
As such, this means the club will need a new goalkeeper to take them forward, and according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it appears as though Lucas Chevalier is the preferred candidate.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Midlands side have approached the youngster regarding a potential move to the Premier League, although no transfer fee has been reported as yet.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Lille until 2027, which means now is the ideal time for the French club to sell. Will Villa make their move soon? Especially if Martinez is seeking a quick exit.
Why Aston Villa must sign Lucas Chevalier
Martinez may have made over 200 appearances for Villa, but a few mistakes have crept into his game this season. Indeed, he’s made five errors leading to a shot in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.
His mistake against PSG saw Villa exit the Champions League, while he parried a shot directed straight at him by Bernardo Silva into the Villa net during the recent defeat to Man City.
Lucas Chevalier’s stats for Lille this season
Metric
Ligue 1
Champions League
Goals conceded
36
13
Clean sheets
11
1
Saves per game
2.8
3.2
Goals conceded per game
1.1
1.3
Touches
36.4
39.7
Via Sofascore
Signing Chevalier could be an upgrade on the former Arsenal keeper, especially when comparing their domestic statistics this season.
Indeed, the Frenchman has conceded fewer goals than Martinez this term (36 vs 45), while also conceding fewer goals per 90 (1.06 vs 1.29), having a higher save percentage (74.6% vs 67.9%) and keeping more clean sheets (11 vs eight) across their respective domestic seasons.
Add in the fact that the current Lille number one is nine years younger than the Argentinian, making a move for him in the coming weeks could be shrewd business by the club.
Following an excellent 2023/24 campaign for the Ligue 1 side where he made 2.8 saves per game and conceded just 32 goals in 33 games, talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished praise on him, saying Chevalier was “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe.”
If Emery manages to lead Villa into the group stages of the Champions League, it will do his chances of landing Chevalier the world of good.
Lucas Chevalier for LOSC Lille.
He kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid in the competition earlier this season, proving he has what it takes to star at the highest level. Much will depend on the Frenchman’s price tag, but signing Chevalier must be a priority this summer.
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