Manchester United have now made contact with an “unbeatable” goalkeeper as a possible replacement for Andre Onana, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd chasing defensive reinforcements

United supporters are highly anticipating the Red Devils prioritising strengthening their forward line this summer, given the lack of goals scored throughout this 2024/25 campaign. However, while Ruben Amorim wants to improve his attacking options, he is also in the market to strengthen his defence, given Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are on course to leave when their contracts expire.

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It’s already been reported that United have held talks over signing centre-back Jonathan Tah on a free transfer. The German international is set to become a free agent as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires, and the Red Devils are now interested in a deal. However, they are not alone, as European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are also circling with interest.

Tah is not the only defender under consideration, as a report from Spain has stated that United are ready to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. The defender is a key player for the Spanish giants, but the Premier League giants hope an offer worth £68 million will be enough to tempt Barca into selling, as Araujo is considered a player who can help transform their defence.

Man Utd make contact to sign £17m ace as replacement for Onana

As well as looking to strengthen his centre-back options, Amorim could also be in the market for a new goalkeeper, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd have Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic on their goalkeeper shortlist.

Romano states that initial contacts between United and the player’s camp have taken place. The transfer expert also goes on to state that United are now waiting to hear how much Torino would want for their shot-stopper, but it’s been previously reported that he has a release clause worth £17 million from the end of July.

The 28-year-old, who has been hailed as “unbeatable” for his record of saving penalties, has a history at Old Trafford, as he joined the club back in 2014 before leaving in 2016 to move to Poland. The goalkeeper didn’t play a game for United but did represent their academy side.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s Torino stats

Apps

155

Goals conceded

158

Clean sheets

52

Milikovic-Savic’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Onana, as he is currently first choice for Torino, where he has kept 10 clean sheets in 34 Serie A games this season.

Meanwhile, for Onana, this season has been a struggle, with performances dipping from good to bad, and that inconsistent form is a reason why Amorim may be looking for a new number one. The Cameroon international, on £120,000-a-week, is still under contract until 2028, but United may look to cash in this summer, as there has been a mention of teams from the Saudi Pro League interested in a potential deal for Onana.

In what could finally see them get their hands on a long-term target, Manchester City chiefs have reportedly been preparing to make their summer move to sign a midfielder worth over £80m.

Man City's Champions League run-in

Whilst their sights may not be set on Premier League glory for the first time in four seasons, Manchester City have still followed the trend of finding their best form when it matters most.

Just when they seemed likely to miss out on a Champions League place, Pep Guardiola’s side have put together a ruthless run of nine straight games without defeat in all competitions, in a run that has seen one defensive change pay dividends.

Now, all eyes will be on the final three Premier League games and chasing second-place Arsenal in what would be quite the turnaround this late into the season. All of a sudden, Guardiola’s team in ‘crisis’ could end the campaign sat in second with an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace to boot.

The City boss recently had his say on his side’s final run, telling reporters: “We are better than weeks ago, winning games in a row. It’s good to win when we play the way we played today, but we cannot relax — Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham [left to play].”

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It’s not just on the pitch that Champions League qualification will be celebrated, either. Away from the action, a place in Europe’s elite competition will allow the Citizens to spend big once more and potentially attract stars such as Morgan Gibbs-White and one other Premier League midfielder.

Man City chiefs preparing for Paqueta move

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City chiefs are now preparing to make a summer move to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, having failed to get their deal over the line for the Brazilian last year. Then reportedly worth around £85m, the deal may yet come cheaper a year on as those at The Etihad prepare to spend big once more to sign a player Guardiola loves.

The move wouldn’t be without major risk, however. It’s worth noting that the midfielder is still waiting to hear the verdict of his betting case, which could yet see him banned for an extensive period of time. Should that prove to be the outcome, then City’s investment would be an instant mistake.

That said, there’s no denying Paqueta’s ability with or without the controversy. Former West Ham manager David Moyes was a particular fan of the 27-year-old during his time at the London Stadium, telling reporters in 2023: “Lucas was terrific.

“He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said: ‘This player has got incredible talent’. There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. It is really important we get him in and adapt to him and accept some of his things.”

Everton boss David Moyes will no doubt have one eye on the summer transfer window as the 2024/25 campaign reaches the last knockings.

Though a deep-rooted defensive understanding remained, Everton were almost formless in the final days of Sean Dyche’s tenure, rudderless.

But a now snapped nine-match unbeaten run in the league and some signs of exciting attacking play, togetherness, highlight the turning of a corner, threaded together by the uplifting completion of The Friedkin Group’s takeover from erstwhile chairman Farhad Moshiri.

With a lionised figure back in the dugout, the club’s identity has been restored. However, not every player has proved themselves worthy of a place at Bramley Moore next season. Some ties need to be cut.

The Everton players who need to go

You could field a starting line-up and leave four men on the bench, with the number of Everton players approaching the end of their contracts.

Some are more expendable than others. For example, centre-back Michael Keane, who reportedly earns £80k per week, is being shown the exit, having featured nominally in recent seasons and impressed less still. Replacements are already being lined up.

Abdoulaye Doucoure still plays an important part, but he’s Everton’s highest-paid player and, aged 32, is no longer justifying his keep.

The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gueye could still be key figures under Moyes’ wing next season, with Gueye, who has been in fine fettle, touted for a renewal, but there are two other mainstays who have to be swiftly sold.

Premier League 24/25 – Most Tackles
#	Player	Tackles
1.	Idrissa Gueye	119
2.	Daniel Munoz	109
3.	Noussair Mazraoui	100
4.	Moises Caicedo	97
5.	Joao Gomes	95
Data via Premier League

Everton's misfiring duo are now finished

Neither of the players in question is a permanent resident at Everton, but Jesper Lindstrom, on loan from Napoli, and Leeds United’s Jack Harrison have both played regular roles at the club this season.

However, Everton have been a tad blunt in attack and both players have been culpable of poor showings in front of goal, both directly and as more creative outlets.

Combined, the disappointing duo make up £140k of Everton’s weekly wage bill, with Harrison earning £90k per week, Lindstrom £50k.

Given that Harrison has just one goal and one assist apiece in the Premier League this term, across 28 appearances, while Lindstrom has yet to break his duck in England’s top flight, it’s hard to say either has coated themselves in glory, or even sufficiency.

This isn’t to completely discredit their value. Both wingers are industrious and have performed dutifully across the campaign. Both have shown signs of improvement since Moyes replaced Dyche.

But Everton are stepping into a new era, need shinier parts. With Dwight McNeil fit once again, you could argue that the ball specialist and Iliman Ndiaye both deserve starting berths, with one shifting onto the right flank.

Given that Doucoure or Charly Alcaraz will want to play centrally, and indeed Everton will invest further in attacking midfielders during the summer, the respective loanees may well be staring down the barrel on Merseyside.

Moyes is prepared to be ruthless this summer, but getting rid of Harrison and Lindstrom after such underwhelming campaigns would hardly be a brazen move.

With McNeil fit again, the loanees might find themselves further into the sliding morass as their final hour beckons.

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

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By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 21, 2025

Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur have been known for being the home to numerous elite-level attackers who have made a name for themselves at the top of European football.

Harry Kane is undoubtedly the club’s best-ever goalscorer, registering 280 goals during his time in North London, breaking the record set by the infamous Jimmy Greaves.

He would depart to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, carrying on his superb form in front of goal, notching 78 efforts in his 86 outings for the Bundesliga outfit.

After his departure, Ange Postecoglou’s side have still managed to find the back of the net, scoring 60 times in their 32 Premier League matches in 2024/25 – the third most of any side in the division.

However, it hasn’t been enough to lead them out of the bottom half of the table, with the Aussie already targeting reinforcements to prevent such a situation from occurring next season.

Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Despite investment into the front line in recent seasons, Spurs are still in desperate need of added options to help provide the goods in the final third on a consistent basis.

Antoine Semenyo is the latest attacker touted with a move to North London in recent days, with the Bournemouth star just one player on their shortlist ahead of the upcoming window.

However, if they are to secure a deal for the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fork out £70m, with Andoni Iraola’s side reluctant to offload their talisman.

Matheus Cunha is just another name thrown into the mix, but like Semenyo, a potential club-record fee is needed to prise him away from Molineux in the coming months.

Such a high figure could lead the side back into the race for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with journalist Florian Plettenberg claiming the Lilywhites are still in contention to land the 19-year-old sensation.

However, Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen on a deal, which could cost any interested party just £35m after the Saints’ relegation.

The player who could be Spurs’ next Gareth Bale

Winger Gareth Bale will go down as one of Spurs’ best ever players after his impact during his time in the first team, starring for the Lilywhites on two separate occasions.

The Welsh international originally featured at left-back, before his hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League catapulted him into a forward role – one that would change his career trajectory massively.

He registered 71 goals during his two stints in North London, with 26 of his efforts coming in the 2012/13 season, leading to his eventual £85m move to European giants Real Madrid.

12 years on from his big-money sale, the hierarchy could be about to land their new version of the superstar in the form of Dibling, with the youngster following on the same path of joining the club from Southampton.

However, his similarities stretch way beyond such a move, with his ability to glide past the opposition similar to that of Bale, having the potential to emulate the former Spurs fan-favourite.

When comparing the 19-year-old’s stats from the ongoing campaign to Bale’s final year on loan at the club, Dibling has managed to match or better his tallies in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be.

The Southampton star, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by Sky Sports’ Joel Thomlinson, may have been outscored by the Welshman, but has notched a higher take-on rate per 90, along with more carries per 90 – showcasing his relentless running into attacking areas.

Games played

28

20

Goals & assists

2

11

Progressive carries

3.5

3

Carries into final third

2.5

2.1

Pass accuracy

81%

69%

Take-ons completed

2.6

2.3

Fouls won

2.5

0.9

He’s been a menace to countless backlines this season, winning 2.5 fouls per 90, whilst also completing 81% of his passes, with both of his subsequent tallies higher than those of Bale.

Whilst the teenager has a long way to go until he reaches the levels produced by the former Real Madrid star, the figures he’s produced this year are nothing short of sensational, having the platform to improve further in the years ahead.

His direct nature makes him a constant threat, but he just needs the final product to his game to allow him to break through and become the next elite talent in North London.

It’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to win the race for his signature this summer, with Dibling having the tools to point Ange’s side in the right direction in 2025/26.

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Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making moves ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Aston Villa remain in the fight to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign after their 1-0 win over Fulham last time out.

Youri Tielemans scored the only goal of the game to propel the Villans up to seventh in the Premier League, only three points behind Chelsea in fifth place.

Despite not yet knowing which European competition they will be competing in next season, Unai Emery and Monchi are already reportedly looking at players to bolster the squad, including one star from Scottish football.

Aston Villa eyeing raid on Scottish giants

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are one of the clubs lining up a move to sign Rangers central midfielder Nicolas Raskin in the summer transfer window.

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The report claims that the Villans and Leeds United are both interested in a swoop for the Belgium international, and it reveals that Emery views him as a player who would fit in well as part of his high-pressing midfield set-up.

TEAMtalk, who previously claimed that the Gers value him at £20m, adds that Rangers do not want to cash in on the former Standard Liege star, though, and it could be a fight for Villa to land a deal for him.

Monchi must, now, stump up the £20m required to acquire Raskin’s services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign because he could come in as an upgrade on Boubacar Kamara in the middle of the park.

What Nicolas Raskin would bring to Aston Villa

As the TEAMtalk report outlines, the Belgian star would fit the high-pressing system put in place by Emery because he is an energetic midfield player who likes to get around the park in and out of possession.

Raskin is an all-action star who can contribute with goals and assists at the top end of the pitch, whilst also making tackles and interceptions on a regular basis to cut out opposition attacks.

The 24-year-old star, once dubbed “unbelievable” by Kris Boyd, has delivered consistently brilliant performances for Rangers in the Premiership this season, and could arrive at Villa as an even better option than Kamara.

Appearances

23

30

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

7

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.8

3.6

Dribbled past per game

1.1x

0.8x

Ground duel success rate

54%

58%

Aerial duel success rate

43%

57%

As you can see in the table above, Raskin has offered more to his team both in and out of possession than the Frenchman has for the Villans in the Premier League, albeit at a different level in Scotland.

The Belgian star did, however, average a staggering 5.0 tackles and interceptions and 7.4 ball recoveries per match across 12 appearances in the Europa League. This shows that he has the tenacity, the energy, and the defensive awareness to suit a high-pressing game.

Whereas, Kamara only averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions and 4.0 ball recoveries per match in four Conference League games last season, and 3.0 tackles and interceptions and 4.6 ball recoveries per game in ten Champions League outings this term.

This shows that Raskin has outperformed him, certainly from a defensive perspective, on the European stage, which suggests that he does have the quality to translate his form from Scottish football over to the Premier League.

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Therefore, Monchi could land an even better midfielder than Kamara by splashing £20m on the Rangers star for Emery, because of his ability to make an impact in the final third whilst also being more effective out of possession to thwart opposition attacks.

Leeds United are said to have made an approach to sign a “fantastic” Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Leeds eyeing signings for Premier League return

The Whites have secured their return to the top flight from the Championship, and it’s now a case of finding the right signings to bolster their hopes of survival.

In each of the past two seasons, the three promoted clubs into the Premier League have gone straight back down, so Leeds will be hoping they can buck that trend in 2025/26 by signing some top-quality players. With that in mind, 49ers Enterprises are thought to be willing to spend around £30m each on a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder, and have set further funds aside for a new striker.

Following Illan Meslier’s inconsistent form, Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone has been mentioned as an option to strengthen between the sticks. The Englishman has struggled for playing time at Molineux this season, so may jump at the opportunity to join Daniel Farke’s side.

A Kalvin Phillips reunion has also been mooted in recent days, with the Englishman’s career nosediving since leaving Elland Road for Manchester City, with injuries hampering him and a place back in Leeds’ midfield an enticing proposition.

Leeds want to sign "fantastic" Man City starlet

According to a new report from The Sunday Mirror [via MOT Leeds News], Phillips isn’t the only subject of interest at the Etihad, as Leeds have made an approach for City attacking midfielder James McAtee, seeing him as an exciting target this summer.

City value the 22-year-old at £25m and an exit is on the cards at the end of the season, with the Englishman only having one year left on his current deal. The Whites are set to battle Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen for his services.

McAtee could be exactly what Leeds are after ahead of next season, in terms of being a young player with lots of potential, but also already picking up some Premier League experience. In a star-studded City squad, the midfielder has still managed 15 appearances in the league this term, scoring three times in the process, and Pep Guardiola has described him as a “fantastic” player.

McAtee seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future at the Etihad, however, with too many elite players ahead of him in the pecking order, so a move to Leeds this summer could be an ideal outcome for all parties.

He would come straight in as a key starter for the Whites, rather than warming the bench for City, and his ability to shine in both a central attacking midfield role and out wide on the right flank would surely appeal to Farke.

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At 22, this is the right time for McAtee to become a regular starter in the Premier League, rather than wasting his best years as a substitute, and the 18-cap and seven-goal England Under-21 international should be considered a priority option for Leeds.

Aston Villa have been told by the representatives of a forward that he’d sign for them this summer regardless of their Champions League status, with Unai Emery and NSWE handed a potential transfer boost by this news.

Aston Villa given Champions League hope after win over Tottenham

Emery’s side, depending on results elsewhere, still have a chance to book their place in the Champions League draw for 2025/2026 after a precious win over Tottenham at Villa Park on Friday evening.

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He’s enjoyed an excellent season.

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Goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara mean the Villans remain in contention for a coveted spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition, coming after they reached the Champions League quarter-finals this term and unluckily bowed out to favourites PSG.

2. Arsenal

68

36

3. Newcastle United

66

36

4. Chelsea

66

37

5. Aston Villa

66

37

6. Man City

65

36

7. Nottingham Forest

62

36

Villa would probably need to beat struggling Man United at Old Trafford while hoping rivals drop key points, with Chelsea set to play fellow European hopefuls, Nottingham Forest, on the final day while Man City have a game in hand.

While the Champions League race could eventually fall out of their grasp, Emery has explained what is really important to him in the grand scheme of things, on Villa’s journey to become an elite-level side.

“The most important thing for us and for me, and how we can really progress, is by being consistent through the Premier League over 38 games, getting the points needed to always be in the European positions,” said Emery before Villa’s win over Spurs, in an interview with Sky.

“We are trying to have a clear identity, trying to connect with our supporters, how we are playing, with our style, our intensity, our skills. This is very important because I think we need to achieve the heart of the supporters to get the energy that we need.”

Aston Villa told that Rashford would re-join regardless of Champions League status

Their European endeavors will have an effect on their recruitment plans, as world-class players are usually more attracted to the possibility of playing Champions League football, as is predictably the case.

They’d also get a transfer boost financially, so the result of Villa’s standings after their final matchday will have a profound effect on their plans for next season off the field.

However, this apparently isn’t the case with £300,000-per-week Man United loanee Marcus Rashford, who’s enjoyed a productive temporary spell in the Midlands with 10 goal contributions in 17 matches (four goals, six assists).

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Rashford’s representatives have told Villa that Champions League qualification “isn’t necessarily needed for him to re-sign”.

The England international has refused to rule out staying at Villa beyond this term, even if he does hold a preference for Barcelona, and remains open-minded about his future past 24/25.

Villa possess an option to buy Rashford for £40 million, and according to this report, United will not deviate from that price point – so NSWE know what is required to keep the winger.

Rangers’ season continues to peter out.

On Saturday, after Celtic were officially crowned champions at Tannadice earlier in the day, the Gers were held to a 2-2 draw by St Mirren, with Cyriel Dessers and then Nicolas Raskin on target in Paisley.

This means, since the split was first introduced in 2000, the Light Blues have still never won all five post-split fixtures, but it matters not this time round, given that they are 17 points adrift the champions, out of all other competitions too, ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

So, the primary concern for Rangers supporters is who is going to be their new manager, especially considering next season will start early, given that they’ll enter the Champions League second qualifying round on 22/23 July, so could the new 49ers ownership group hire a “brilliant” boss?

Steven Gerrard's potential return to Rangers

As widely reported by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, and many others, Steven Gerrard remains amongst the front-runners to return as Rangers manager this summer.

The Englishman has been out of work since being sacked by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January, enduring a pretty underwhelming 18 months in the Middle East, winning only 19 of 55 matches.

Nevertheless, Gerrard’s record during his first spell in Glasgow is very impressive, as the table below outlines.

Rangers’ post-promotion managers
Managers	Matches	Win %	League titles	Domestic cups
Pedro Caixinha	26	54%	Zero	Zero
Graeme Murty	35	60%	Zero	Zero
Steven Gerrard	192	65%	1	Zero
Giovanni van Bronckhorst	68	62%	Zero	1
Michael Beale	43	72%	Zero	Zero
Philippe Clement	86	64%	Zero	1
Barry Ferguson	11	36%	Zero	Zero
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, Steven Gerrard is both Rangers’ longest-serving manager and also their only boss to deliver a top division league title since the legendary Walter Smith, departing with an impressive 65% win ratio after almost 200 matches.

Andrew Slaven of the Scottish Football Show believes it would be the populist appointment to re-hire Gerrard, but also posits whether or not Michael Beale could return as his assistant, having himself been, as described by former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, Rangers’ “worst ever” manager.

So, the new 49ers ownership group may choose to look elsewhere, so could they hire a soon-to-be out-of-work manager?

Rangers' potential new manager

On Easter Monday, following a 6-0 demolition of Stoke City, Leeds United were promoted back to the Premier League.

A 4-0 drubbing of Bristol City on Monday night took the Yorkshire giants’ points tally to 97, the most they’ve ever accumulated in a single season, and victory at almost already-relegated Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will see them clinch the EFL Championship title.

So why is this relevant to Rangers?

Well, despite achieving promotion, a report by Matt Hughes of the Guardian has suggested that Leeds are considering sacking manager Daniel Farke, due to concerns over his previous record in the Premier League. There are now whispers – perhaps unsurprisingly considering the 49ers’ link – that Farke could end up in the Ibrox hotseat instead.

So, let’s assess the German’s managerial record.

Daniel Farke’s managerial statistics 2017-present
Club	Season	Points	Position	Outcome
Norwich City	2017/18	60	14th
Norwich City	2018/19	94	1st	Promoted
Norwich City	2019/20	21	20th	Relegated
Norwich City	2020/21	97	1st	Promoted
Norwich City	2021/22	22	20th	Sacked after 11 games
Borussia Mönchengladbach	2022/23	43	10th	Sacked
Leeds United	2023/24	90	3rd	Beaten in play-off final
Leeds United	2024/25	97	1st	Promoted
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table shows, Daniel Farke is a bit of a Championship promotion specialist, possibly set to win the title for a third time, but his Premier League record is miserable, winning only six of 49 matches, holding the unwanted record of most successive Premier League defeats suffered by any manager, which is 15.

Nevertheless, Neil Warnock believes it would be ridiculous to sack Farke given that he has done a “brilliant job” this season, while Beren Cross of The Athletic notes that Leeds’ ‘senior players praised’ the manager’s style, giving them the ‘freedom’ to play.

Even Pep Guardiola described him as an “exceptional manager” during his time at Carrow Road.

Nevertheless, should he be dismissed, this is where Rangers come in.

Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe is poised to become the new majority stakeholder at Rangers, so already has a working relationship with Farke, making any appointment potentially straightforward.

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What Farke has proved is that, when he’s in charge of one of the top teams in a division, he has thrived, possibly making him a more exciting appointment for Rangers than any potential Gerrard return.

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By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 29, 2025

Celtic have the chance to win the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons when they travel to Hampden Park to take on Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup this weekend.

The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and won the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties, in the first half of the campaign, which means that a win on Saturday would clinch the treble.

Brendan Rodgers is seemingly not satisfied with that, though, as the Scottish giants are already eyeing up players to come in and bolster the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller has been linked with a cross-Scotland switch to Glasgow, whilst Peterborough star Kwame Poku was recently linked with a move to the club.

The Scottish giants have, however, already wrapped up one signing before the summer transfer window even opens for business, as Kieran Tierney will be joining the club on a free transfer at the end of June.

Why Kieran Tierney is an exciting signing for Celtic

The Scotland international’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire this summer, and it has already been confirmed that the defender will be returning to Parkhead for a second spell in Glasgow.

This is an exciting signing for the Hoops for multiple reasons, not least because of the emotional backdrop to it. Tierney came up through the academy system and made his breakthrough in the first-team before starring for many years.

As you can see in the graphic above, the defender made 170 appearances for the club before his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and won five Scottish Premiership titles in that time.

He came up through the academy as a Celtic boy and achieved great success with the team, which is why his return could be an emotional one for him and the supporters heading into next season.

It could also be an exciting signing because of the quality that Tierney can provide from a left-back position, as shown in the impressive highlights package above.

The flying full-back scored eight goals and provided 37 assists during his first spell at the club, which shows that he is a defender who likes to burst forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

This means that he could provide Rodgers with another attacking outlet down the left side, due to his ability to score and create goals from a left-back role, to support the winger ahead of him.

However, it is also worth pointing out that the 27-year-old is due to return to Celtic with a concerning injury history that suggests that he could miss a lot of matches for the Hoops.

Kieran Tierney’s injury history

Season

Injuries

Days missed

Games missed

24/25

1

160

18

23/24

3

103

21

22/23

0

0

0

21/22

2

116

17

20/21

4

87

19

19/20

1

97

19

18/19

5

140

27

17/18

1

23

5

16/17

1

86

16

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Tierney has been absent for at least 16 games in seven of the last nine seasons of his career for Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Celtic combined.

This means that there may also be a degree of concern over the move, as his injury history suggests that the defender may not be a consistent performer, due to a lack of availability, for Rodgers.

With this in mind, Celtic could land an even more exciting signing than Tierney by swooping for Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer, having been linked with an interest in the English forward.

Why Dolan would be more exciting than Tierney for Celtic

Whilst the Championship winger would not arrive at Parkhead with the same emotional connection with the supporters that Tierney has, Dolan could be a more exciting signing for Rodgers and the Hoops for footballing reasons.

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Firstly, at the age of 23, the English star would be more of a long-term signing for the Hoops because he is four years younger than the Scottish dynamo. This means that he could be a part of Rodgers’ team for many, many, more years to come, making him an exciting signing for the future, as well as the present.

Dolan would also arrive as a durable and dependable performer from a physical perspective, as he has not had any notable injuries that have kept him out for significant periods, unlike Tierney.

This suggests that the Blackburn star, described as “absolutely terrific” by journalist Elliott Jackson, would be far more likely to be available week-in-week-out during the season, which is backed up by his statistics for the English side in the 2024/25 campaign.

24/25 Championship

Tyrhys Dolan

Appearances

44

Touches per game

38.1

Goals

7

Conversion rate

14%

Big chances created

7

Key passes

44

Assists

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Dolan featured in 44 of their 46 league matches in the Championship, and contributed with 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.

Whilst that return in front of goal may not be hugely exciting on paper, it is worth taking into account that Blackburn averaged 49.1% possession per game and only racked up 51.7 xG in 46 matches, the 16th lowest amount in the division.

This means that Dolan has not been playing in a dominant, successful, and attacking side with Blackburn, which is why his personal numbers are not particularly amazing.

Now, the thought of a player who can score seven goals and create seven ‘big chances’ in a defensive Blackburn team playing in a dominant, front-footed, Rodgers-coached Celtic side is an exciting thought, as he would have far more opportunities to showcase his ability at the top end of the pitch.

This is another reason why the 23-year-old star could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic, because of the untapped potential that the Northern Irish boss could get out of the winger.

Dolan would arrive as a young talent with huge potential and an encouraging injury record, rather than an experienced head with a concerning availability record, and it is now down to the club to strike a deal for his services.

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Left-back Kieran Tierney has already agreed to return to Celtic Park on a free transfer when his Arsenal deal expires, and he could be the first of many through the door in Glasgow.

Brøndby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden is once again being linked with a move to Celtic, whereas right-back Veljko Milosavljevic from Serbian champions Crvena zvezda is also of interest.

A plethora of incomings may see some players exit the club, and one who looks certain to depart is Luis Palma. The winger sent on loan to Olympiacos with an option to buy back in January, however, the Greek side won’t be making a move permanent in the summer.

Talking back in March, Palma said: “I’m still with them [Celtic]. As long as there’s no transfer, I’ll continue to be grateful to Celtic, but it’s time to defend Olympiacos.”

Now, a fresh report has suggested that the attacker may not be on the books at Celtic Park much longer.

Celtic transfer update on Luis Palma exit with 3 clubs potential destinations

With Olympiacos not exercising their option to sign Palma, Celtic need to work out what to do with the £16,000-a-week winger this summer.

A new update from Greece, relayed by Sport Witness, states that Celtic are no longer counting on Palma for next season and want to move him on ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the player himself also looking to leave as he feels he has been mistreated by Rodgers.

Panathinaikos, AEK Athens and PAOK FC, are all named as potential destinations for the Honduras international and a return to Greece ‘shouldn’t be ruled out’. During his time with Olympiacos, Palma hasn’t exactly caught the eye, managing just one goal and one assist in 12 appearances.

Games

48

Goals

10

Assists

10

Minutes played

2,208

Trophies

4

Celtic paid £3.5m to sign the 25-year-old back in 2023 from Aris FC, and with his Parkhead contract not expiring until 2028, the Hoops will be looking to recoup as much of that figure as possible over the coming months, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.