All posts by h716a5.icu

Birmingham City might well have made promotion out of League One look like a walk in the park – with the Blues winning the title on a mammoth 111 points – but they won’t be heading into the Championship completely naive about the challenges they’ll face.

Of course, the first reality check for Chris Davies’ men heading back into the second-tier is the fact they’re no longer a big fish in a small pond, with plenty of high-stature clubs like Birmingham aiming to take the elite division by storm.

Moreover, a whole host of clubs in the Championship will be able to splash the cash to the same level as the well-backed Blues, who sent shockwaves through League One when purchasing Jay Stansfield for £15m.

Regardless, the West Midlands giants will still fancy their chances of clinching immediate back-to-back promotion successes if all goes to plan, especially if a Championship-calibre striker ends up joining Davies’ confident camp.

Birmingham ready to swoop for free agent striker

As per journalist Alan Nixon, the newly promoted side is now ready to swoop in for soon-to-be free agent Oli McBurnie.

Nixon states that Birmingham are placed at the front of the queue in trying to land the La Liga-based striker, with McBurnie free to leave his current side Las Palmas this summer off the back of a clause in his contract allowing him to depart if the club were relegated.

The former Sheffield United favourite is also on the radar of Hull City and another of his former employers in Swansea City, but it appears that Birmingham is leading the way for his coveted signature.

How McBurnie can be Birmingham's next Adams

If the Blyes were successful in landing the explosive Scotsman, Birmingham would be thanking their lucky stars that they held off going after reported target Che Adams, with McBurnie a cost-effective striker that’s very much in the same mould as the Torino marksman.

Unfortunately, Birmingham have been on the receiving end of McBurnie’s goalscoring prowess in the Championship in recent times, with a powerful header breaking St. Andrew’s hearts back in 2023.

Adams isn’t known to be the most effective attacker when it comes to heading home crosses, but both the 28-year-old and McBurnie – away from sharing the same national allegiance – do have plenty in common when assessing their deadly finishing ability in the second tier.

Games played

125

156

Goals scored

44

49

Assists

8

17

Promotions

1x

1x

Impressively, McBurnie is only five shy of Adams’ bumper 49-goal tally in the Championship despite lining up for 31 fewer clashes than his prolific counterpart.

He could well end up even eclipsing the 28-year-old’s amount if he relocates to St. Andrews very soon, with his last season at the demanding level seeing him bag a standout 13 strikes as Sheffield United moved up to the Premier League.

This potent edge has seen him be labelled as “unbelievable” by ex-Blades teammate John Egan, with McBurnie’s output not drying up at all in Spain either, with five strikes registered last season in all competitions.

Birmingham only had a minor role to play in Adams’ career in the end, as seen in the 28-year-old going on to be a Premier League-capable talent with Southampton.

But, with McBurnie, Birmingham could be able to play a huge part in him coming back to England and being an overwhelming success, with Davies already licking his lips at the prospect of having the Scotsman at his disposal, alongside Stansfield and Alfie May.

He'd be amazing with Gelhardt: Birmingham eyeing move for £8m winger

This new potential Birmingham City star could end up forming a fantastic attacking duo with Joe Gelhardt.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a very intriguing first Premier League season under new manager Thomas Frank, but not everyone will be along for the ride.

Players who could leave Tottenham after Thomas Frank arrives

The Dane has officially taken over from Ange Postecoglou, with Frank agreeing terms on a move to Spurs earlier this week after the club triggered his £10 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Tottenham to open talks for "role model" forward signing after Frank request

The Dane is about to become Spurs’ new manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Frank is seemingly braced for a completely different challenge away from the expectations of mid-table Brentford, as Spurs gear up for a 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League and fresh off winning their first major trophy in 17 years.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The 51-year-old has big shoes to fill as well, with Postecoglou earning popularity among the Spurs squad and many speaking out publicly in defence of the now-unemployed tactician.

Frank is likely to have a major influence on the club’s transfer activity as Tottenham’s latest head coach, with some reports suggesting he has already urged Daniel Levy to keep Mathys Tel (TEAMtalk).

His stance on certain other squad members is yet to be made clear, but we’ll find out in due course, as a fair few of them face uncertain futures.

Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil are surely likely to be sold this summer, after spending 2024/2025 on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, while uncertainty also surrounds the long-term future of Richarlison amid interest from Everton (Sky Sports).

A lot of noise is centered around star defender Cristian Romero right now too.

Romero is a top target for Atlético Madrid, and some reports suggest that the 27-year-old is equally keen on joining Diego Simeone’s side, despite Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League (Marca).

Alongside Romero, another big name in long-serving £190,000-per-week captain Son Heung-min could also make an emotional departure.

The Telegraph first broke news that this year could be Son’s last at Spurs, with clubs in Saudi Arabia said to be expressing an interest.

Son Heung-min exit from Tottenham on the cards as agents hold Saudi talks

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Saudi Pro League sides have held talks with the agents of Son, who may well leave Spurs 10 years after signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Bailey goes on to say that Son may well have played his last game for Tottenham, even if his exit isn’t exactly nailed on just yet.

“Son could very well have played his last game for Tottenham, and well, if it was the Europa League final, it would be fitting,” said Bailey.

“I am told he still believes he is more than capable of recapturing his best form – but Spurs are ready to make moves this summer and Son leaving could materialise.”

The 32-year-old’s contract expires in 2026 after Levy took up the option to extend it by a further year, but it is now or never for them to make any money off Son’s sale.

That being said, a player of his experience and quality would be invaluable to have around for Frank’s first season at the club, so this comes as an extremely tough decision. Son’s also been called the most “underrated” player in England during his time in N17.

One of the top priorities for Celtic in the summer transfer window might be finding a winger to replace Jota until the Portuguese star returns from his long-term injury.

The Hoops swooped to sign the exciting forward from Rennes during the January window, re-signing him 18 months on from his move to Al Ittihad, and he made a fast start to life back in Glasgow.

Jota racked up four goals and two assists in 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, despite starting just seven of those matches, after returning to the club at the start of the year.

Unfortunately, though, he suffered a knee injury against Dundee United that is now set to keep him out of action for the start of next season, and possibly into next year.

It was stated at the start of May that Jota had suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is going to see him sit on the sidelines for between six and nine months.

Celtic may look to go out and sign another winger before the end of the summer transfer window because Brendan Rodgers could be without the forward’s talents for half of next term.

Why Jota's injury is a big blow for Celtic

As aforementioned, Jota made a fast start to his second spell at Parkhead and showed that he can still make a big impact at the top end of the pitch at Premiership level, 18 months on from his first exit from Glasgow.

The 26-year-old whiz did not play a competitive match under Rodgers during his first spell, as he left in the same summer that the manager returned, but the attacker quashed any concerns that the style would not suit him as well as Ange Postecoglou’s did.

Goals

0.63

Top 6%

xG

0.48

Top 8%

Assists

0.32

Top 17%

xA

0.37

Top 8%

Chances created

1.89

Top 25%

As you can see in the table above, Jota immediately became one of the top attacking wide players in the Premiership after his return to Parkhead, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key metrics as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

That form would not have come as a big surprise to many in Glasgow, though, as the winger had produced 21 goals and 21 assists in his two seasons in the Scottish top-flight under Postecoglou’s management in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

Jota, as shown in the highlights above, found the back of the net 15 times in all competitions for the Scottish giants in his second season under the Australian boss, which led to his move to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023.

His form across his two spells at Celtic so far illustrates why it is such a blow to lose the forward to a long-term injury heading into the 2025/26 campaign, because Rodgers’ side will not benefit from the goals and assists that he can provide for several months.

This is why the club may look at their options in the summer transfer window to potentially bring in a new player to compete for a spot out wide, to ensure that the manager is not left short at the top end of the pitch before Jota returns.

However, Celtic could save themselves millions by unearthing a surprise replacement for the Portuguese wizard in the form of Marco Tilio, who has been out on loan in his home country this season.

Why Marco Tilio could be a surprise Jota replacement

The 23-year-old winger signed for the Hoops from Melbourne City in the summer of 2023, but arrived at Parkhead with an injury that meant that he started his career at the club on the back foot.

Tilio only made two appearances in the Premiership as a substitute after coming back from his injury, before being sent out on loan to Melbourne for the second half of the season.

The left-footed star did not fare much better in that initial loan spell back in Australia, though, as he missed a further 13 matches through injury, and managed just one goal in four league appearances.

Tilio then re-joined Melbourne City on loan for the 2024/25 campaign and was absent for 12 games during the first half of the season with a hamstring injury, which left the forward in a difficult situation after 18 months of constant injury problems.

However, the Hoops loanee, who was once described as a “phenomenal” talent by A-League striker Bruce Djite, has not suffered a single injury since returning to action in January, and has caught the eye with his impressive performances.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once compared Tilio to Manchester City superstar Phil Foden, describing them as “similar” players, and the left-footed playmaker is finally starting to live up to that hype with his form in the A-League for Melbourne City during the 2024/25 campaign.

Whilst he may not be on the same level, quality-wise, as the Premier League star, the Celtic loanee is similar in the sense that he is also a left-footed and diminutive playmaker who can play on either flank or centrally in the attack.

Appearances

19

Goals

5

Big chances created

9

Key passes per game

1.7

Assists

5

Dribbles completed per game

1.2

As you can see in the table above, Tilio was on fire in Australia in the second half of this season with an eye-catching haul of 14 goals and ‘big chances created’ combined in just 19 appearances.

These statistics show that the potential is there for him to provide quality in front of goal on a regular basis when fit and available to play, whilst playing on the left or the right flank, like Jota.

Interestingly, he also won possession back in the final third 1.4 times per game in the final third, which suggests that he would be brilliant for the way that Rodgers wants his team to counter press and win possession back off the opposition in their defensive third.

Daizen Maeda, for example, only won the ball back in the final third 0.4 times per game in the Premiership this term, which speaks to the kind of pressing quality that Tilio could offer.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2 ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

Overall, Celtic could save themselves millions by utilising the Australia international as a short-term replacement for Jota until he returns from injury, as he would not cost a penny to bring into the squad and his form out on loan suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting option for the Hoops moving forward.

Aston Villa have received a boost in their pursuit of a summer target, with it being revealed he is now planning to ignore Barcelona in favour of a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Villa file complaint after referee blunder

With Newcastle United suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Everton, a point against Manchester United would’ve been enough for Villa to secure Champions League qualification for the second season on the spin, but they ultimately fell to a 2-0 loss.

Morgan Rogers thought he had opened the scoring for the Villans, but referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle for an alleged foul on Altay Bayindir, with VAR unable to intervene as play was stopped before the ball hit the net.

As such, an official complaint has been made to the PGMOL, but Unai Emery’s side will ultimately have to settle for Europa League football next season, rather than the much more prestigious and lucrative Champions League.

Villa’s omission from Europe’s elite competition could also impact the business they are able to do this summer, but a new update has suggested they could still be well-positioned to sign a goalkeeper.

According to a report from Spain, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is on Aston Villa’s radar for a summer transfer swoop, and the 24-year-old is now planning to turn down a move to Barcelona, amid concerns he would not be the first-choice option.

As such, a move to the Premier League is believed to appeal to Garcia, with Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal all waiting in the wings, and Espanyol are aware it will be difficult to keep hold of the goalkeeper if they receive a big offer from England.

A deal could be relatively cheap, however, with the rumoured asking price of £25m believed to be appealing to all the interested parties.

Garcia could be "elite" Martinez heir

Unfortunately, it appears as though Emiliano Martinez’s time at Villa Park could be over, with the Argentine appearing to say a tearful farewell after his side’s final home game of the campaign.

As such, Emery will be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and the Espanyol shot-stopper could be a fantastic option, having been lauded as “elite” by scout Ben Mattinson during the 2024-25 campaign.

Aston Villa could sign their new version of Grealish for £65m this summer

Aston Villa have been linked with a Premier League sensation

ByRoss Kilvington May 26, 2025

Not only that, but the 24-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for his save percentage, and the 91st percentile for his crosses stopped percentage per 90 over the past year, so it is promising news that he could reject Barcelona in favour of a Premier League move.

Celtic played their final away game of the Scottish Premiership season on Wednesday night and secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers named a much-changed side and got the win thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Hyun-jun Yang, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah.

It was a night for the rarely-seen Celtic players, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo, and Nawrocki is certainly one of those who grasped his chance.

Why Rodgers should be impressed by Nawrocki

The Polish defender made just his third start of the Premiership campaign and caught the eye with an impressive display at the heart of the defence.

Playing on his favoured right side for the first time this term, Nawrocki completed an eye-catching 130 of his 136 attempted passes on the night and only lost possession nine times in total, as well as scoring the opener from a corner.

Defensively, the former Legia Warsaw star made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions to keep Aberdeen at bay, including one huge sliding block when facing a one-on-one in the box in the second half.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Rodgers should, therefore, have been impressed by his combination of composed play in possession and stoic defensive work, but the manager should have been encouraged by Johnny Kenny’s display in the centre-forward position.

Why Johnny Kenny is now unsellable

The young marksman had not had many opportunities to impress in the second half of the season, with just six substitute appearances in the league, and his lack of game time may have led to question marks over his future heading into the summer transfer window.

However, the 21-year-old striker was finally given a chance to show his quality from the start and showed why he should be unsellable this summer for the Hoops, with a performance that shows that he can be part of the first-team squad next season.

Celtic need another number nine option to compete with Idah and Daizen Maeda, and Kenny’s showing against Aberdeen suggests that he can be that man.

Minutes

70

Shots on target

2

Goals

1

Passes completed

8/11

Duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

3/3

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international scored with one of his two shots on target, with a well-placed header from McCowan’s cross, and showcased his physicality by winning all of his aerial duels.

Kenny scored 13 goals in 19 starts in the Irish Premier Division in 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and has now shown a glimpse of the kind of goalscoring quality he can bring to Celtic.

He is an exciting young striker with the physical qualities, as shown by his statistics against Aberdeen, and the goalscoring record to develop into a fine option for Rodgers, as proven by his performance on Wednesday.

Dream Jota replacement: Celtic line up move for "wonderful" £10m-rated star

Celtic could land a dream replacement for the injured Jota by signing this star.

ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

Therefore, the club should not look to move him on this summer, despite his general lack of game time in the last few months, and the manager should, instead, make him a regular player off the bench and occasionally from the start.

Manchester United are believed to be in contact about the signing of another exciting player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Man Utd set to sign Kana-Biyik as INEOS plot youth overhaul

The Red Devils won 3-0 away to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, allowing them to start dreaming of a place in the Europa League final, and some intriguing transfer business was reported at the same time.

At the same time as the game was going on, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to report that United have agreed a deal to sign Le Havre attacking sensation Enzo Kana-Biyik on a five-year deal.

At 18, Kana-Biyik is still clearly a raw talent, but it is a further sign that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are targeting young players with huge potential this summer, as well as focusing on signing star men who can come in and be an immediate hit.

Winning the Europa League will only help United bring in the right players, ensuring qualification for the Champions League in the process, and now a new update has emerged alongside Kana-Biyik.

Man Utd make contact to sign La Liga 2 gem Christian Kofane

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are among the clubs in contact to sign Christian Kofane from Albacete Balompie this summer. The striker has a £4.2m release clause in his contract that can be triggered this year.

The update claims that “half of Europe” have been in touch about signing the 18-year-old, with fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa mentioned, as well as Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, Real Betis, Lille and Monaco.

Kofane may not yet be a household name, but he is a teenage star who could grow into a special player over time, having already scored six goals in 15 appearances for Albacete at senior level.

97% passing: 8/10 Man Utd star is now as undroppable as Bruno & Casemiro

Man Utd romped to a superb 3-0 win on the road on Thursday evening in the Europa League…

ByRobbie Walls May 2, 2025

Meanwhile, Under-23 scout Antonio Mango has hailed the “pace”, “technical skills” and “movement” that the Cameroonian has in his locker, showing that he is an attacker with many key attributes.

As is the case with Kana-Biyik, Kofane isn’t the immediate solution for United, and could be loaned out given he has only thrived in the second tier in Spain so far, but the level of interest in him shows what a mouthwatering prospect he is.

In a move that would see them get one over on Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United are now reportedly plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign an England international this summer.

Full focus on Bilbao for Man Utd

Although there are still three Premier League games left to play, they are likely to be seen as opportunities to rest key players at Manchester United. The Red Devils’ domestic campaign has long been over and they could yet finish as low as 17th to increase their embarrassment to beyond simple failure. But, in quite the twist, they could still qualify for the Champions League.

After smashing Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, Manchester United will square off against fellow strugglers Tottenham in a game between two sides desperate to change the narrative of their seasons.

Like those at Old Trafford, there’s still every chance that Spurs finish as low as 17th in the Premier League. But, just like United, they could do the unthinkable by securing Champions League football through the Europa League.

Given just how much both sides have struggled this season, that qualification wouldn’t be without its controversy and many have already had their say, including Arsene Wenger.

The legendary ex-Arsenal manager recently told reporters: “No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.

Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger

He’s a serial winner.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something [for Uefa] to think about and to review. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”

However, if Manchester United end their season lifting the Europa League, the words of Wenger will simply become an afterthought, and their summer transfer window could suddenly come to life.

Man Utd plotting late Angel Gomes move

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are now plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign Angel Gomes ahead of Tottenham this summer. Squaring off both on and off the pitch, the two Premier League sides are chasing the England international as his LOSC Lille contract comes to an end and he becomes a free agent at the end of June.

Whilst it is reportedly Spurs who lead the race, Manchester United should hold the advantage that Gomes came through their academy not so long ago. Having left as an attacking midfielder in 2020, the 24-year-old has since reinvented himself as a No.6 in France and could now make quite the return to Old Trafford this summer.

Dubbed “always impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gomes looks set to have quite the decision to make between his boyhood club that let him go and a Premier League rival this summer.

Intermediaries have made contact with Liverpool to inform them of the possible availability of an £80m superstar this summer, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool making summer plans as Alexander-Arnold nears exitTrent Alexander-Arnold was the Reds' hero on Sunday afternoon, coming on as a substitute and scoring the only goal in the1-0 win away to Leicester City The 26-year-old celebrated emphatically in front of his own fans, leading to some hoping that it means he is staying at Liverpool, but he remained tight-lipped after the game."Look, obviously like I said all season, I’m not going to speak on my situation, I’m not going to go into details. But these days like today are always special. Scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles, being in title races, they’re special moments that will live with me forever and I’m glad to be a part of them."

As things stand, it still feels more likely that Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid this summer instead of staying at his boyhood club, which would sadly tarnish his legacy.

Liverpool’s vice captain is a special footballer who has produced so much creative magic down the years, but the board will now need to find a way to replace some of that creativity, and it seems they may land on one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or.

Liverpool boosted in pursuit of £80m Barcelona star Raphinha

According to a new update from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, agents have “informed” Liverpool that they could be able to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer. Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the same boat, with the £80m Brazilian potentially available at the end of the season.

Raphinha has enjoyed a legendary season for Barca, scoring 27 goals and registering 16 assists in La Liga and the Champions League combined. The 28-year-old has been so impressive that he is the current favourite to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or prize ahead of Mohamed Salah, with Osasuna boss Vicente Moreno heaping praise on him.

“I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with more influence on offensive and defensive play, in teamwork and individually. We are talking about top players.”

The idea of Raphinha, dubbed a “phenomenon” by Marquinhos, joining Liverpool is clearly exciting, given the level of performances this season, but it is hard to see it happen, given his form at Barca. At 28, he also isn’t the long-term answer for Arne Slot.

Appearances

12

Starts

12

Minutes played

1015

Goals

12

Assists

7

Shots per game

3.7

Key passes per game

2.8

Dribbles per game

1.2

The Brazil international has proven himself in the Premier League during his Leeds days, though, so he would take little time hitting the ground running if he did move to Anfield.

As The Friedkin Group look to send shockwaves throughout the Premier League in their first summer in charge at Everton, the Toffees have reportedly joined the race to sign a young English talent.

Everton transformed under David Moyes

As if those at Goodison Park have gone back in time to the days of Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, Everton have been a side transformed under David Moyes, who is thriving in his second stint in charge. The experienced manager returned with the club battling relegation once again but, since his arrival, has turned Everton into a side performing at the level needed to qualify for European football if they continue into next term.

After arguably his most impressive victory back in charge of the Toffees yet – a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest – Moyes told reporters: “I have got to say it was a great goal but thoroughly deserved. It certainly merited a win and I thought we played very well, when you come to a team sitting third in the Premier League and the semi-final of the FA Cup. I think if anyone was going to score, it was us.

“I have had a lot of games and sometimes football can go that way for you. I am getting a brilliant response from the supporters and the players but I am also calm enough to know it could change. Today we have put on a good show and I am proud of how the players are performing. We are trying to make small steps every week.”

He won't start again: Everton's £40k-p/w star looks finished under Moyes

Everton are undergoing a series of changes with David Moyes back at the wheel.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 15, 2025

Those in Merseyside will be hoping that their recent run is only the sign of things to come before they potentially launch one of the most unexpected moves of the summer transfer window.

Everton join race to sign Jarell Quansah

According to Caught Offside, Everton have now emerged as shock contenders to sign Jarell Quansah from Merseyside rivals Liverpool this summer. The young defender has endured a tough season under Arne Slot having done plenty to impress Jurgen Klopp in the last campaign. Now, he could be heading for the exit door.

It’s not just Everton interested in his signature either. Joining the Toffees, Newcastle United’s interest has been well-documented and now Brentford, Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have also reportedly joined the race. Amid such interest, Everton would be landing a major coup by signing the £30k-a-week defender, especialy considering the reputation of the German duo for transforming British talents abroad.

An England international, the 22-year-old earned plenty of praise from Klopp last season, who told reporters after handing the defender his debut: “I have to say he did really well. He was good.

“In possession as well he was calm. It was like we had just met in the car park before the game with the organisation in the first-half. But he played really well. In such a disorganised team like we were in the first half, he was the one who looked alright. It was a statement and he is really happy at the moment.”

Despite some positive updates on Virgil van Dijk’s contract, Liverpool are now reportedly willing to trigger the £51m release clause of one particular defensive target this summer.

Latest update on Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Whilst the Reds were far from at their best against Fulham – losing 3-2 in a game they found themselves 3-1 behind in at the break – they have since been handed some reason to celebrate thanks to Van Dijk. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, it’s now a matter of when and not if the Dutchman puts pen to paper on a new deal, much to the relief of those around Anfield.

It’s the type of positive news that Arne Slot will hope to see become the beginning of the end to a frustrating contract saga before his side get back to winning ways and secure the Premier League title.

The Liverpool boss spoke about his side’s defeat at Craven Cottage, telling reporters: “This can happen against a good team like Fulham. If you make mistakes they have the quality to punish them.

“It wasn’t 45 minutes of disaster but the errors we made, I think is something we’re not used to. One of the reasons why we are in the position we are in is we don’t make a lot of mistakes. And if we do, players try to make up for them.”

Liverpool hit gold on "special" academy ace playing like a £66m superstar

Liverpool have struck gold on this player.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 8, 2025

What’s more, it seems as though Ornstein’s Van Dijk update hasn’t changed the Reds’ summer transfer plan, given that they’ve now reportedly set their sights on one particular defender.

Liverpool willing to trigger Loic Bade's release clause

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now willing to trigger Loic Bade’s release clause worth €60m (£51m) at Sevilla this summer. The Frenchman attracted plenty of attention from Aston Villa in the January transfer window only for the Villans to opt out of a winter deal. A matter of months later, it’s those at Anfield who could yet take advantage of that hefty release clause.

A player with “crazy” ball manipulation and close control for a defender with his stature, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, Bade could eventually replace Van Dijk even if the Liverpool captain does sign a new deal.

At just 24 years old, the Frenchman is entering the peak of his powers – making his £51m release clause all the more tempting for those at Anfield in the coming months.