All posts by h716a5.icu

Nepal and UAE will kickstart the tournament in the afternoon game on July 19 while India and Pakistan will play in the evening

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2024The Asian Cricket Council [ACC] has tweaked the schedule of the women’s Asia Cup 2024, and defending champions India will play Pakistan on July 19, the opening day of the tournament. Nepal and UAE will start the tournament off in the afternoon that day, with the India vs Pakistan game in the evening.Those two games were originally slotted for July 21. In that schedule, Nepal and Pakistan were scheduled to play the opening game with India vs UAE in the second game. Those matches will now be held on July 21. The rest of the schedule remains the same.The tournament will run from July 19 to 28 with all matches in Dambulla. It will be an eight-team affair this time, featuring one additional team from the previous year.Unlike the last edition, where the teams played each other once before the semi-finals, this year they are split into two groups, A and B. Group A has India, Nepal, Pakistan and UAE, while Group B has hosts Sri Lanka along with Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, to be played on July 26. The final will be played on July 28.The last edition of the women’s Asia Cup was held in 2022 in Sylhet, where India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by a comfortable eight-wicket margin. India, with seven titles, are the most successful team in the tournament. After playing Pakistan and UAE on July 19 and 21, they will face Nepal on July 23. The only day game they play in the group stage of the tournament will be against UAE on July 21.Like the last edition, the tournament this year will also feature an all-female team of umpires and match officials. The Asia Cup will be followed by the women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20.Women’s Asia Cup 2024 updated scheduleJul 19: Nepal vs UAE (2pm); India vs Pakistan (7pm)
Jul 20: Malaysia vs Thailand (2pm), Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (7pm)
Jul 21: India vs UAE (2pm), Pakistan vs Nepal (7pm)
Jul 22: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia (2pm), Bangladesh vs Thailand (7pm)
Jul 23: Pakistan vs UAE (2pm), India vs Nepal (7pm)
Jul 24: Bangladesh vs Malaysia (2pm), Sri Lanka vs Thailand (7pm)
Jul 26: Semi-final 1 (2pm), Semi-final 2 (7pm)
Jul 28: Final (7pm)

With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but wrapped up, the question remains as to just where the exciting German will line up in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, amid his mega-money arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old’s time in the Bundesliga – which yielded 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen in all competitions – saw him operate in a number ten berth, or off the left flank, thus handing Slot something to think about heading into next season.

An educated guess would suggest that the youngster is being brought in with the view of replacing Dominik Szoboszlai in a central role, with the workmanlike Hungarian only registering eight goals and nine assists across all fronts last term.

Should that prove to be the case, there is still a headache to be solved on the left flank, not least with both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo having been linked with exits in recent weeks.

Whether or not the Premier League-winning duo do depart, there is still a need to acquire a nailed-on first-choice in that wide berth – something which could happen if recent speculation is to be believed.

Liverpool targeting move for a new winger

While signing a new centre-forward also remains a priority for Slot and co, it would appear that there is also a focus on strengthening on the flanks, with long-term target Anthony Gordon still seemingly on the agenda.

Further reports have also claimed that Liverpool could be in the mix for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, amid the Brazilian’s uncertain future at the Bernabeu, albeit with it yet to be seen what role the Brazilian will have under new boss, Alonso.

More recently, meanwhile, it has been reported that the Reds are plotting a move for Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Bradley Barcola, with the Premier League champions said to be ready to rival Bayern Munich for the Frenchman’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

The belief is that Liverpool could continue to spend big even after Wirtz’s arrival, with it likely set to require an offer of over £100m to prise Barcola from the Parc des Princes, after just two seasons in Paris.

For a player who cost £38m amid his move from Lyon in the summer of 2023, the Ligue 1 side would be making a sizeable profit on the 22-year-old if that asking price is met.

The question now is, would Barcola really be worth £100m?

Why Barcola would be a good signing for Liverpool

After a quiet year or so on the transfer front, with Federico Chiesa the only senior arrival last summer, the Merseysiders have sprung into life this time around, with the marquee move for Wirtz showcasing that they aren’t afraid to splash the cash.

Like Wirtz, Barcola would be a long-term addition who can also make an immediate impact, such is his quality at such a young age, having been hailed as “one of the most exciting talents in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Yes, he may have been somewhat overshadowed by Champions League final hero, Desire Doue, of late, although the ex-Lyon starlet is a devastating asset in his own right, as evident by his moment of magic in that Munich showpiece.

Picking the ball up just inside the Inter Milan half, the wing wizard delightfully surged his way into the opposition penalty area, before producing an exquisite drag back that left the goal gaping.

Sadly for those of a PSG persuasion, they were denied what would have been “one of THE great Champions League goals” – as per TNT’s Darren Fletcher – as Barcola hit the side netting, albeit with the build-up alone illustrating just what a talent he is.

That was no flash in the pan either, with the £100m man having been in stunning form throughout 2024/25, after registering 40 goals and assists in 58 games in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.

For comparison, the aforementioned Gakpo recorded ‘just’ 25 goals and assists during Liverpool’s title-winning season, with only four of those having come in Europe’s premier competition.

Non-penalty goals

0.47

0.47

Assists

0.39

0.20

Shot-creating actions

4.24

3.83

Pass completion

81.9%

75.1%

Progressive passes

3.33

2.66

Progressive carries

5.45

3.13

Successful take-ons

1.74

1.45

Touches in opposition box

8.95

5.35

Progressive passes received

15.17

12.77

As evidenced above too, when comparing the duo across the last 365 days, it is Barcola who comes out on top across a string of metrics, namely assists, progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area – further outlining why he could enhance Slot’s forward line.

To further rubberstamp the point, Barcola already has 54 goals and assists to his name in just 97 games for his current side, while Gakpo is only just ahead on 58 goal involvements, despite playing 128 times for the Reds.

The Dutchman has, of course, proven a hit at Anfield amid his role in Slot’s debut season heroics, but if the club are keen to kick on again and cement their domestic dominance, then a figure like Barcola may be just what is needed.

A bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool now in talks to sell £50m star

Liverpool should think twice about parting ways with this talented first-teamer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 12, 2025

Leeds United have had some brilliant academy products down the years, but one youngster they’ve had on their books has not reached his potential after being likened to Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at youth level.

Leeds’ best ever academy products

The Whites have been responsible for producing a number of well-known Premier League players over the last 30 years from their famous academy. Some, as a result of the club’s well-documented financial problems in the early 2000’s, made their name known at first team level elsewhere.

Leeds United's most expensive sales of all time

A look at the record departures from Elland Road.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

Meanwhile, others have impressed at Elland Road before being snapped up in the transfer market, the latest being Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham in 2024 in a deal thought to be worth £40m.

Leeds’ best academy products in pictures

Right now, Leeds have Archie’s younger brother, Harry Gray, coming through the ranks, and he actually made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 13 days.

1

Peter Lorimer

15 years, 9 months and 19 days

2

Tom Elliott

16 years, 2 months and 25 days

3

Aaron Lennon

16 years, 4 months and 7 days

4

Harry Gray

16 years, 6 months, and 13 days

5

James Milner

16 years, 10 months and 6 days

6

Neil Aspin

16 years, 10 months and 8 days

7

Aidy White

16 years, 10 months and 16 days

8

Simon Walton

16 years, 10 months and 25 days

9

Jimmy Greenhoff

16 years, 10 months and 26 days

10

Ryan Edmondson

16 years, 11 months and 16 days

Those in Yorkshire will be hoping they can keep hold of the forward, who is already being likened to Michael Owen and Harry Kane, but one attacker who hasn’t lived up to the hype has been Joe Gelhardt.

Leeds talent set to be sold after Gerrard and Rooney comparisons

Many expected big things when Leeds swooped to sign Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. A deal for the exciting teenager cost the Whites just £1m, and he would progress into the first team, making his top flight debut in 2021.

The attacker has gone on to score just three goals for the Whites, one of which being a stoppage-time winner against Norwich City, while he also produced a piece of brilliant skill which helped keep Leeds in the Premier League in 2022.

However, Gelhardt has struggled for consistency and has been sent out on loan to Sunderland and Hull City, and now looks set to be sold on a permanent basis in 2025 if a club comes in with an offer in the region of £3m-£4m.

Long-time Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt even said that Gelhardt caught the eye just as much as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney did when they were all 14 years of age.

Wigan’s former head of academy and now sporting director Gregor Rioch was also full of praise for Gelhardt while he was at the Latics, saying he “had the X-factor”.

It’s a case of what could have been for Gelhardt at Elland Road, and still just 23 years of age, he’ll be looking to get his career back on track elsewhere.

Will Celtic clinch yet another domestic treble?

Last weekend, the Hoops were presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy, their 13th in just 14 seasons, following a dramatic 1-1 draw with St Mirren, in which James Forrest scored a 94th minute equaliser, meaning he’s now netted in 16 successive seasons.

This forthcoming Saturday, the Celts will convene on Hampden, taking on Aberdeen in the 140th Scottish Cup Final, firm favourites for victory, having already steamrollered the Dons 6-0 in November, 5-1 in February and then 5-1 again, this time at Pittodrie, as recently as last Wednesday.

Should Brendan Rodgers’ side prevail in Mount Florida, it would secure Celtic’s sixth treble in just nine seasons, having only won three trebles in their first 122 seasons in existence beforehand.

Ahead of the final, is one unsung Celtic hero becoming reminiscent of a star from the not too distant past?

Giorgos Giakoumakis' Celtic career

Giorgos Giakoumakis has been in the news this week after revealing to the Daily Record that he “would love to play for Celtic again”, adding “I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen… when you’ve already been there, you know exactly what it means”.

The Greek international arrived in Glasgow in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £2.5m, having won the Eredivisie Golden Boot, an achievement made all the more impressive by the fact his team VVV-Venlo were actually relegated that season.

Well, Giakoumakis would actually make it back-to-back golden boots, sharing the Premiership award with Regan Charles-Cook, bagging 13 league goals during his debut campaign in Scotland, netting 26 times in just 57 appearances in hoops overall, thereby averaging a goal every 97 minutes.

However, unable to regularly usurp Kyōgo Furuhashi in Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order, Giakoumakis departed after just 18 months in Glasgow, sold to Atlanta United for around £4.3m in February 2023.

The centre-forward then spent just one season in Major League Soccer, quickly moving to current club Cruz Azul for around £7.5m, thereby becoming los Cementeros’ fourth-most expensive signing of all time.

With Giakoumakis now plying his trade in Liga MX, a return to Parkhead does seem unlikely. The Glasgow giants do already boast a like-minded number nine in the form of Adam Idah, who’s notched 20 times this season, but is it another member of the current squad showcasing similar prolific qualities?

Celtic's new super sub

Fair to say, after arriving from Gangwon FC for around £2m in the summer of 2023, Yang Hyun-jun didn’t make much of an immediate impression, scoring just one goal in his first 48 appearances for the Cetls.

However, since mid-January, he has scored five times in only 16 outings, most recently on target during the 5-1 win at Aberdeen last mid-week.

In March, Yang bagged a brace off the bench at St Mirren, after which Rodgers credited his upturn in form with the fact “his girlfriend is here at the moment”, jokingly adding that he’ll do everything he can to make sure she “can stay in the country”.

So is Yang – who former club president Kim Byung-ji claimed “could easily become a world-class player like Son Heung-min” – really Celtic’s new super sub? Let’s take a look at the numbers to find out.

Georgios Giakoumakis

26

6

23%

Yang Hyun-Jun

6

3

50%

Adam Idah

20

8

40%

Daizen Maeda

33

1

3%

Jota

5

2

40%

Nicolas Kühn

21

4

19%

James Forrest

1

1

100%

Note: Table includes Giakoumakis’ Celtic career. All other players are 24/25 only.

As the table shows, none of Celtic’s forwards – not even Idah – score a higher proportion of their goals off the bench than Yang, a trait associated with Giakoumakis from his time in hoops.

So, having already scored against Aberdeen home and away this season, if Celtic need a goal in Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final, the South Korean could be the man Rodgers turns to.

Celtic could sign record-breaking star who'd be their next Giakoumakis

Celtic could find Giorgos Giakoumakis 2.0 by swooping for this star in the summer.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

Manchester United have now held face-to-face talks over a deal for a “powerful” forward, according to The Athletic, with the deal for Matheus Cunha now edging towards completion.

Man Utd now closing in on signing Cunha

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Man United are closing in on their first summer signing, as personal terms have almost been agreed to bring Cunha to Old Trafford, in what is expected to be a £62.5m deal.

The Brazilian is said to have “accepted the project” on offer at United, having been keen on joining for quite some time, and there is an expectation the forward will be brought to play in the number 10 role, which means Ruben Amorim is still tasked with bringing in a striker.

Amorim’s current striker options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have fallen way short of expectations this season, netting just 17 goals between them, despite chalking up a combined 98 appearances in all competitions.

Player

Rasmus Hojlund

Joshua Zirkzee

Appearances

50

48

Goals

10

7

As such, it should be no surprise the Red Devils are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, and The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has now revealed that chiefs have held face-fo-face talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Delap has an active £30m release clause following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, making him an attractive option for some top clubs, with Chelsea also expected to enter negotiations over a deal.

The low release clause means United will be able to sign the Ipswich forward regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s crucial Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, which will decide whether Amorim’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Man Utd submit offer to sign £150k-p/w Premier League star alongside Cunha

INEOS are looking to sign another Premier League player once they wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha.

4 ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "Powerful" Delap could be perfect signing for United

It is a bonus that Man Utd will be able to sign the 22-year-old regardless of whether they are triumphant in the Europa League final, and there are some other signs that he could be an ideal addition to the squad.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has singled out the Englishman for high praise this season, saying: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season.

“He’s got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner. Certainly knows where the goal is. He’s always had a lot of potential.”

Not only that, but Amorim is clearly in need of a consistent goalscorer, given Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles, and the Ipswich star has a solid goal record in the Premier League, considering he has played in a poor team, netting 12 goals.

Delap could take his game to the next level by signing for a top club, and a fee of just £30m is a bargain for a striker of his quality.

Glasgow Rangers will need a new manager in the dugout at Ibrox when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway later this year, having relieved Philippe Clement of his duties in February.

Barry Ferguson came in to replace the Belgian head coach as an interim manager until the end of the season, and his side did beat Aberdeen 4-0 last time out in the league.

However, the former Rangers central midfielder has only won five of his 13 matches in charge of the club in all competitions, losing four of those games.

Ferguson’s most recent managerial experience before his current stint at Ibrox came at Alloa Athletic in the 2021/22 campaign, when he lost 17 of his 33 games at the helm.

These statistics do not suggest that the former Scotland international is the right man to lead the Light Blues back to glory in the Scottish Premiership moving forward, which is why he should not be a contender for the job.

It does appear as though Rangers are set to look externally for their new head coach this summer, as they have been linked with a move for Davide Ancelotti.

Why Davide Ancelotti could be exciting for Rangers

It was recently reported that the son of Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently part of his father’s coaching staff at Real Madrid, is closing in on the Rangers job.

The Light Blues were reported to be pushing to bring him to Ibrox to convince him to take his first role as a senior head coach, rather than going to join his dad when he becomes the Brazil manager later this year.

The Rangers-linked coach has worked with his father at Real Madrid, Everton, and Bayern Munich, and has been described as an influential figure behind the scenes.

Former Bayern midfielder Javi Martinez, as quoted by the BBC, hailed Davide’s influence on Carlo: “The evolution process never stops and it is more difficult to adapt for older coaches. Davide completes Carlo and helps him understand the evolution of football. Davide is incredible: prepared, serious, a great person, like his father.”

As you can see in the graphic above, he has learned from one of the best managers around, given the incredible number of trophies his father has won, and that illustrates why him being an influential figure on his coaching staff is a big positive ahead of a possible move to Rangers.

This is why, despite his lack of outright managerial experience, Ancelotti could be an exciting appointment for the Gers and a chance to get behind a new era at Ibrox, which could be kickstarted with an excellent signing.

Rangers make contact to sign English forward

According to The Herald, Rangers have made contact with Blackburn Rovers forward Tyrhys Dolan to remain informed on his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Gers want to keep tabs on the English attacker, who could become a free agent this summer if he does not extend his contract with the Championship side.

Transfer Focus

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

It reveals that Blackburn would value Dolan between £5m and £10m but they could lose him for a nominal compensation fee if he runs down his contract to sign for the Light Blues.

The report, however, adds that Premiership rivals Celtic are also monitoring the winger ahead of a possible swoop for his services in the summer window, which shows that there will be competition for the 23-year-old dynamo’s services.

This means that Rangers may have to act fast once it becomes clear that Dolan will be available to sign when his contract at Ewood Park expires at the end of June, as they will have to beat other teams to his signature.

The board should push to get a deal over the line for the Blackburn star because he could be an excellent signing to kick the Ancelotti era off with a bang, should a move to appoint the Real Madrid coach go through.

Why Rangers should sign Tyrhys Dolan

The Light Blues could kickstart the Ancelotti era in exciting fashion by signing Dolan because he is a promising young talent with the potential to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.

At the age of 23, the Blackburn star would arrive with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which means that he could be a long-term addition to the side as well as having the quality to make an instant impact.

As you can see in the clip above, Dolan is also a player who has showcased his quality in the final third in the Championship for the English side this season.

The incredibly versatile attacker, who can play on the left, on the right, as an attacking midfielder, or as a striker, has shown that he has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis if put in the right environment.

Dolan has only averaged 38.1 touches per game in a Blackburn team that ranked 16th in the league for xG, with 51.6 xG in 46 matches, which shows that he was not getting loads of touches in a well-coached attacking side.

Vaclav Cerny, meanwhile, has delivered 12 goals and three assists with 50.7 touches per game for Rangers on the right flank in the Premiership this season.

Appearances

31

44

Touches per game

50.7

38.1

Shots

90

51

Goals

12

7

Conversion rate

13%

14%

Big chances created

6

7

Assists

3

6

As you can see in the table above, Dolan enjoyed a better conversion rate of shots to goals than Cerny has managed so far this season in the Premiership, and created more ‘big chances’ for his side with roughly 12 fewer touches per game on average.

These statistics suggest that the English star’s output at the top end of the pitch could soar if he was put in a Rangers team that gives him plenty of touches in the final third, with more chances to take shots and create chances as an exciting wide player.

Dolan, once hailed as “outstanding” by former boss John Eustace, would also provide an exciting celebration for supporters when he scores, as shown in the clip above.

In all seriousness, though, he could be the perfect first signing of the Ancelotti era as a superb young talent who has the quality and the potential to be a star at Ibrox, with the chance to be more influential in the final third as part of a more dominant and attacking team than he has been at Blackburn.

Rangers: 49ers plotting statement signing of "very talented" £4m Brazilian

The Gers’ prospective new owners have set their sights on a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund May 13, 2025

Looking to splash the cash once again this summer, Chelsea could reportedly kill two birds with one stone by including one of their young loanees in a swap deal to sign an instant upgrade.

Chelsea take one step into Conference League final

Whilst their Premier League form has sparked plenty of concern in recent months, Chelsea are continuing to thrive in the Europa Conference League in which they are expected to stroll to victory. Putting on another show in their semi-final first leg, Enzo Maresa’s side eased past Swedish outfit Djurgarden 4-1 thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

After watching on as his side took one step into the Europa Conference League final, manager Maresca told reporters: “It was the perfect night, an important semi-final and it is a good result. We need to be focused on the second leg.

“The first 70 minutes was good but then in the last 20 minutes we dropped a little bit, but we cannot drop, we cannot relax, because otherwise, it is complicated. We have done a good job but now we need to finish the job at home.”

Chelsea prioritising move for Barcelona star after news of £55m exit clause

The west Londoners are very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

It’s in the final on 28 May that the Blues could square off against Real Betis in Poland. The La Liga side also won the first leg of their tie – defeating Fiorentina 2-1 – and will be looking to step into the final before causing a potential upset.

Occasions made for match-winners, those at Stamford Bridge have already reportedly set their sights on a summer swap deal to welcome another player who would be just that.

Chelsea considering Gittens swap deal

According to Christian Falk and Caught Offside, Chelsea are now considering a swap deal to sign Jamie Gittens, which would see Carney Chukwuemeka complete a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has spent the season on loan at the German club and could now reportedly be used in the Blues’ attempt to sign Gittens.

Chelsea are certainly serious about Gittens too, with contact already reportedly made with the talented winger from Cobham as they prepare to make their move for a player valued at a hefty €50m-€60m (£43m-51m). Whether that contact is enough to convince Gittens into a return to England for the first time since leaving Manchester City as an academy graduate remains to be seen, however.

Praised for his “amazing” form by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Gittens has since scored 12 goals and created another five in all competitions in the current campaign.

By contrast, despite being dubbed “talented” by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, Chukwuemeka has scored just once in all competitions whilst on loan in Germany.

This summer is huge for Manchester United if they are to reach the next level under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, with the transfer market a massive help in his quest.

Numerous additions in various key areas of the pitch are desperately needed, but departures also need to be high on the agenda, given the lowly Premier League standing in 2024/25.

However, it remains unclear how much money will be available to the manager, given the cost-cutting operation currently in place since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Such an operation could see departures made before any new players walk through the door at Old Trafford, with the wage bill in huge need of reduction.

Despite the financial situation currently facing Amorim, a couple of players have already emerged as key targets ahead of the summer, undoubtedly improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal.

The latest on United’s pursuit to land Matheus Cunha

The one name on the lips of all supporters is that of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, given the recent links for the Brazilian to join United this summer.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on a potential move for the 25-year-old in the last 24 hours, claiming that the forward is extremely keen on a move to join the Red Devils.

The club are also trying to negotiate a payment plan to trigger his £62.5m release clause in stages rather than all at once to aid their current financial situation.

However, another attacking star has emerged on their radar in recent days, in the form of Crystal Palace talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta, who’s scored 14 league goals this campaign.

According to CaughtOffside, United have made contact to land the 27-year-old this window, with the Frenchman one of the club’s top targets, as per the report.

Why a PL star would be better than Cunha for United

The Red Devils’ form in front of goal this season has been nothing short of disastrous, unable to produce the high levels of performance needed to succeed.

The side have only notched 38 Premier League goals to date, with only five teams scoring fewer, three of which are currently sitting within the division’s relegation zone.

Such a record has undoubtedly contributed to their ambitions of landing Cunha and Mateta this summer, with Amorim needing to land new options to change such fortunes ahead of 2025/26.

Whilst both players could command a decent fee, it’s unclear whether the club would be able to land both of the aforementioned talents, potentially needing to prioritise one player in the next few weeks.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Palace star has managed to outperform Cunha in various areas, highlighting why he’d be a better addition than the Brazilian.

Mateta, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered the same number of goals, but has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature within the final third.

When the ball falls his way in attacking areas, the 27-year-old Palace star has been more accurate with his efforts, managing to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate, subsequently offering the side that added threat, which is desperately needed.

Games played

33

28

Goals scored

14

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

42%

41%

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.3

Aerials won

2.2

0.4

Aerial success rate

38%

27%

Dribbles completed

44%

44%

He’s also won more aerials, with a higher aerial success rate, offering United that all-round centre-forward option they’ve been craving since Amorim’s arrival back in November.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Mateta would set the club back this summer, it’s one that needs to be made if the side are to make the jump back up to the top of the division next season.

There’s no denying that Cunha would be a superb addition to the side, but the Red Devils desperately need a new talisman, with the Frenchman providing just that should he move to Old Trafford.

Their new McTominay: Man Utd plot surprise move for "special" PL talent

Manchester United appear to be preparing a shock move for a star who could replicate one player’s success at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 25, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with a former manager, as chairman Daniel Levy and co begin to hatch a new transfer plan for this summer window.

Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt with Europa League tie level

Thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Kaua Santos, who made a series of excellent saves on Thursday night, Ange Postecoglou is set to tackle their Europa League second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt with the aggregate score all level.

Tottenham: £4.5m-per-year manager stalls new contract as Spurs make contact

There’s been a development in Spurs’ search for an Ange Postecoglou replacement.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025

Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring for Eintracht with their first attack of the game on Thursday night, adding to his impressive 24/25 tally of 20 goals in all competitions this season, before right-back Pedro Porro grabbed Spurs their deserved equaliser with an improvised back-heeled finish.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Both Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur smashed the crossbar, with Santos pulling off a series of impressive saves in the Eintracht net, so the Lilywhites can feel slightly hard done by the result.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from them,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s performance against Eintracht.

“We hit the crossbar three times, their keeper made some amazing saves. We had a couple of other good opportunities as well. On any other night we would have a comfortable victory. If we can perform like that over there, and there is no reason why we can’t, then we still give ourselves a good chance.

“I think the guys coming on today made a difference and injected some energy. It could be tight next week, it could go into extra time, and we are going to need everyone ready to go and the beauty of things at the moment is we have a squad ready to go and that will be important next week.”

A good run in the Europa League has been described as crucial when it comes to Postecoglou keeping his job (Fabrizio Romano), amid mounting pressure and reports of Tottenham contact made with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner this week.

Tottenham contact Jose Mourinho over signing Fenerbache defender Yusuf Akcicek

Now, it has been reported that Tottenham have contacted former boss Jose Mourinho, but not to offer him Postecoglou’s job.

Indeed, Turkish news outlet A Spor (via Sport Witness) claim that Spurs reached out to the Portuguese to ask for information about 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek, with Levy and co apparently planning to make a move for him at the end of the season.

This follows a glowing report on the teenager from Lilywhites scouts, but Fenerbache aren’t expected to let him go on the cheap. Spurs also face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Lille, though it appears Postecoglou’s side are laying the most groundwork as things stand.

The 6 foot 3 starlet has started six Europa League games for the Turks, performing impressively and even getting on the scoresheet, with Mourinho also beginning to hand him more chances in the Süper Lig this year.

His displays also earned Akcicek a first-ever senior international cap for Turkey against Hungary last month.

As is often the case in high-stakes contests involving two sworn enemies, the football on display can be edgy and tense.

That was definitely clear for all to see during the latest installment of the fierce Manchester Derby, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United played out a laboured 0-0 draw in the Premier League.

Not even the added spice of the Derby being Kevin De Bruyne’s final ever one could raise the excitement levels, as the aforementioned Belgian struggled throughout to give his team that needed spark in attack.

De Bruyne's performance in numbers

It was confirmed prior to the clash with Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils that De Bruyne would be departing the Citizens come the end of the campaign, bringing his ten-year association with the reigning top-flight champions to an expected halt.

Whilst he will go down as a certain legend at the Etihad having accumulated a sizeable 106 goals and 176 assists from 414 games, his performances this campaign in isolation have left a lot to be desired.

Indeed, the ageing Belgian struggled to ever get going at the Theatre of Dreams, with the declining 33-year-old failing to pick up a single key pass for his troubles, on top of failing to complete a single successful dribble from three attempts.

Haphazardly losing possession 20 times too, it’s evident that the serial trophy winner at City is way past his best now, leading to him hanging up his boots in Manchester come the close of the season.

But, Guardiola will know he has a number of underperformers to deal with ahead of the next campaign at the Etihad, with one City stalwart putting in an even worse performance than De Bruyne on Sunday evening.

The 4/10 City dud who must now be axed

Not even the deadly Omar Marmoush could come away from the stale draw with something to shout about, with four efforts unfortunately passing him by.

Whilst the Egyptian at least looked lively in patches, one of his partners in attack in Phil Foden cut a lacklustre figure throughout, culminating in Guardiola hooking off the England international just before the hour mark.

It was largely an abject showing from the out-of-form 24-year-old, with only 11 accurate passes tallied up from his meagre 27 touches. Even Man City shot-stopper Ederson would tally up more touches at 30, with Foden constantly finding himself out of the contest, away from attempting to create openings galore.

Minutes played

58

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

27

Accurate passes

11/18 (61%)

Possession lost

14x

Shots on target

0

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

0/5

Failing to register a single successful dribble too, alongside being unable to win any of his duels from five attempted, Foden could find his spot in the starting XI is taken up by a fresher body moving forward, with faces such as Savinho and Jeremy Doku exciting attackers on their day.

Handed a low 4/10 rating by GOAL journalist Adam Drury post-match – who stated that his usual ‘twinkle toes’ constantly sent him down ‘blind alleys’ – this looks to be a decisive point for Foden in his unfolding Citizens career, with next season having to be far better for the Stockport-born talent.

Whilst this campaign might still end with an FA Cup triumph and a Champions League spot to boot, this dour performance against a fragile United shows off how rusty Guardiola’s men have truly become, with Foden needing to shake off these poor displays quick, whilst De Bruyne reaches for the exit door.

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