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Kingsley Coman has once again been called up by France boss Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month after the winger left Bayern Munich in the summer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The 29-year-old has defended the coach's decision to keep him in the squad, claiming he is just as good as he was when called up as an injury replacement in September.

Deschamps trusts Coman despite leaving Europe

Deschamps has called up the former Bayern Munich winger for France's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland. This call is no coincidence. Despite his summer transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Coman remains a valuable player for the coach of Les Bleus. The Parisian-born player, now a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix, is enjoying this continuity while firmly defending his career choice.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'You don't lose your qualities' – Coman responds to criticism

Faced with doubts about his departure from European football, Coman was keen to clarify his position. In an interview with , the 29-year-old winger responded candidly:"I played in Europe for 10 years and I've only been there for a month. You don't lose your skills. I'm the same player I was at Bayern. I'm not going to lose my level in a year either (laughs). I'm always ready to help the national team. I'm sure I can maintain my level. I'm going to continue to want to be the best player I can be. And I still have my knowledge of the top level."

These words reflect the confidence of a player who is convinced that the change of league does not call into question his ambitions or his place in the national team.

Coman brings the wealth of experience with him

With 59 caps and eight goals for France, Coman has played in major competitions but has never established himself as an undisputed starter. His transfer to the Saudi Pro League therefore raised questions. Some observers feared that he would gradually drift away from the rigours of top-level European football.

But for Coman, such criticism is no longer important: "I've learned to ignore what everyone else thinks."

He goes on to defend the growing standard of the Saudi league: "What I see is that we have a good squad and that we would be competitive in Europe. I'm not going to lose my rhythm: I play a lot more there than I did at Bayern last season. Between playing 20 minutes at Bayern and playing every game, which is better? People think it's easy, but between the league four years ago and today, it's much more competitive."

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AFPComan aims remain indispensable to Les Bleus

Since joining Al-Nassr this summer, Coman has quickly settled in, delivering strong performances alongside stars like Ronaldo. In just nine appearances across all competitions, he has tallied three goals and five assists – a promising start after an inconsistent spell at Bayern Munich, where injuries and competition limited his impact.

Now enjoying regular minutes in Riyadh, Coman is regaining confidence and form, proving he can still influence games at the highest level. His resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed by Deschamps, who continues to prioritise performance when selecting his squad. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers underway, Coman aims to solidify his place in the national team and dispel doubts about his move to Saudi Arabia. 

Adam Lyth, George Hill leave with fifties on the board either side of controversial Jonny Bairstow dismissal

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Apr-2025Former England batter Dawid Malan scored a classy 98 through the heart of the day as Yorkshire enjoyed a healthy start to their Rothesay County Championship clash with Worcestershire at Headingley.Malan contributed 12 fours and a six in 133 balls to a close of play 425 for 8 from 96 overs. He steadied a brief home wobble after lunch which included Jonny Bairstow being unfortunate to be caught behind for 7.An Adam Finch short ball seemed to brush Bairstow’s stomach rather than his glove on its way through to wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick, though umpire Mark Newell viewed it differently. The home captain cut an astonished figure as he left the field.At that stage, Yorkshire were 179 for 4 in the 48th over, including opener Adam Lyth’s 67. Worcestershire made an errant start with the ball but improved, though not enough to turn the day in their favour. New Zealand quick Jacob Duffy mirrored his side’s day. He improved markedly to finish with three wickets.George Hill also contributed 63, while four other seamers struck once apiece.This is a clash between a Yorkshire side who lost their opener at Hampshire last weekend and a Worcestershire side who batted out the final 200 overs for a draw at Somerset.Worcester captain Brett D’Oliveira opted to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch with good pace and carry, but they were slow starters as the hosts reached 49 without loss after 10 overs.Lyth shared 55 with opening partner Fin Bean, who was caught at third slip off Tom Taylor for 19.Left-hander Lyth then shared 68 through to early afternoon with second-wicket partner James Wharton, whose eye-catching 44 saw him drive handsomely and take four fours off one Taylor over.Worcestershire tightened up as the morning progressed and eroded Yorkshire’s position of strength during the first half of the afternoon, the White Rose falling from 123 for 1 in the 35th over to 179 for 4 in the 48th.Wharton edged Duffy (3 for 114 in 18 overs) behind – undone by extra bounce and away movement – before Lyth miscued an expansive pull at Matthew Waite’s bustling seam to deep backward square-leg.And when Bairstow fell controversially to Finch, Worcestershire had an opening.However, they encountered Malan in dominant form, including a slog-swept six over deep midwicket off Kashif Ali’s leg-spin.By then, Malan – in only his second first-class match since July 2023 having opted to step away from the red-ball game for a year – had reached his fifty off 66 balls.Yorkshire have some quality batters on their books, including the likes of Joe Root and Harry Brook, who will likely feature at some point during the opening two months of the county summer.But when Malan is on song, he is a match for any of them. He just makes batting look so easy. That six came in the over before tea, where he reached at 75 not out in 270 for 4.Hill edged a swish at Ben Allison behind in the early stages of the evening before the part-time off-spin of Jake Libby ousted Will Luxton, caught at deep midwicket on the slog sweep for 25, with the total on 339 in the 80th over.Duffy then had Malan caught at second slip with the second ball of the 82nd over, the first with the new ball, as Yorkshire fell to 345 for 7.The same bowler also trapped Dom Bess lbw, but Waite was still the standout Worcester bowler with figures of 1 for 53 from 15 overs.If those late wickets provided any doubt over the direction of the day, Jordan Thompson swayed things very much in Yorkshire’s favour with a quick-fire 48 not out from 43 balls. He dominated an unbroken 65 stand for the ninth wicket with Ben Coad (22).

Whilst the international break has handed Eddie Howe some much-needed reprieve, some of his Newcastle United players have still found themselves in the firing line on international duty.

Newcastle players to watch on international duty

After a difficult start in the Premier League – failing to win any of their first three games – 10 Newcastle players have travelled for international duty from a range of countries.

As many as four players will be representing England in some capacity, with Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon called up to the senior side and Lewis Miley called up to the U21s.

Just how many minutes those players receive will be interesting to see, given that Thomas Tuchel will be forming his World Cup side sooner or later. The Three Lions square off against Andorra tomorrow night, before facing Serbia on Tuesday to end the first international break of the season.

They’re not the only ones to watch on international duty, however. Anthony Elanga and Emil Krafth have both been called up for Sweden in a rapid reunion with Alexander Isak, who recently became Tyneside’s biggest villain by forcing a move to Liverpool.

Despite how he completed the move, Elanga wished his compatriot the best of luck at Liverpool – telling reporters: “Isak is a Liverpool player right now. I have the chance to play with him in the national team. He had a good career at Newcastle, but right now he is a Liverpool player. Good luck to him.”

Elsewhere, Bruno Guimaraes scored for Brazil against Chile earlier this week, Yoane Wissa has been called up for DR Congo, Will Osula is set to represent Denmark and big-money signing Nick Woltemade has already been involved for Germany.

Unlike Guimaraes, though, expensive arrival Woltemade was the talk of the town for the wrong reasons as Germany suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Slovakia.

German media slam "weak" Woltemade performance

It was the towering Newcastle star that took the brunt of criticism for Germany as they were shocked by Slovakia. It was an evening to forget for all involved and concerns will certainly be setting in for Julian Nagelsmann, who hasn’t won any of his last three games in charge.

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Taking aim at Woltemade, who led the line for Germany, national media slammed his performance as “weak” and “half-hearted” in what may have also been the first time that Newcastle fans have seen their new man in action.

The stats don’t make for pretty reading, either. Woltemade had less touches than any other outfield player (27), completed just 10 of his 16 attempted passes in 90 minutes and won just one ground duel.

It was about as frustrating as it gets for the 23-year-old, who will be hoping to enjoy better fortunes back at Newcastle after the international break.

Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze has both Arsenal and Tottenham hot on his heels during the final three weeks of this summer window, with the England international holding a preferred destination between the pair.

Eze was, by some distance, Oliver Glasner’s standout attacking force last campaign, racking up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, and Palace still face the very real threat of losing their talismanic number 10 before the transfer deadline on September 1.

The 27-year-old’s £68 million release clause (including bonuses) was thought to expire on August 1, but new information from the last few days has now revealed that the clause actually remains active until this Friday.

Arsenal were also once the main contenders to sign Eze, with some reports even suggesting they’ve reached an agreement on financial terms, but it appears sporting director Andrea Berta won’t have a free run after all.

The Gunners have been in constant dialogue with Eze’s representatives since early July, but they’ve stalled on making a formal bid for him thus far – allowing north London rivals Tottenham a chance to swoop in and open talks with Palace (Fabrizio Romano).

Spurs were after Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as their top attacking target, but despite booking a medical for the 25-year-old and being ready to trigger his £60m release clause this time last month, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side blocked the move, threatened legal action and convinced him to sign a new deal.

This has prompted them to turn to Eze, with Arsenal and Spurs now poised to battle for the former QPR star’s services.

Eze averaged more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player last season, and given Liverpool are now closing in on a deal for Marc Guehi, the Eagles would be severely weakened if they lose their star creator too.

The presence of his active release clause theoretically means one of Arsenal or Tottenham could swoop in to trigger it at any moment, and this remains a possibility over the next three days until it expires.

Eberechi Eze's "first preference" between Arsenal and Tottenham

If both clubs are prepared to pay £68 million, the result of this transfer race could come down to who Eze would rather join.

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Eze does have a “first preference” between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The reliable journalist has revealed that the club he’d rather join is Arsenal, but that isn’t to completely discount Thomas Frank’s side, as Eze remains open to potentially signing for them as well.

Given Mikel Arteta currently has captain Martin Odegaard and newly tied-down youngster Ethan Nwaneri at his disposal for the number 10 role, Spurs are arguably in more desperate need of Eze.

Frank missed out on Gibbs-White and James Maddison has just succumbed to an ACL rupture which will rule him out for most of the season, so Arsenal could compound real misery on their rivals by beating them to Eze’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Richarlison started the season with a fire in his belly with a terrific performance against Burnley in front of his home supporters on Saturday.

The Brazil international scored two of the team’s three goals in a 3-0 win over the Clarets in the first game of the Premier League season, including a spectacular finish from Mohammed Kudus’ cross.

The number nine shirt is up for grabs under Thomas Frank and Richarlison’s performance on Saturday suggests that he is ready to take it for himself.

Spurs signed Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for £65m in an attempt to finally replace Harry Kane last summer, but he only scored nine goals from 10.97 xG in the Premier League in his first season at the club, per Sofascore.

The England international, who has only hit double figures for goals in one season in his top-flight career, may not be the clinical presence that Frank will want in the centre-forward position.

Richarlison, however, is a player who has the potential to be the main number nine for Spurs if he can remain fit and add more consistency to his all-round game.

Why Richarlison could be the main man for Spurs

The Brazilian striker has shown promise as a finisher at various points in his career in England, having, of course, played for Everton before his move to north London.

During his time at Goodison Park, Richarlison scored 43 goals from 41.85 xG across four seasons in the Premier League, per Understat. He also hit double figures for goals in three of those four campaigns, which speaks to both his ability as a regular goalscorer and a clinical finisher.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Richarlison has scored 17 goals from 14.77 xG for Spurs in the Premier League, per Understat, which is further evidence of his potential as a clinical striker for Spurs.

The biggest hurdle between the striker and being the main man for Tottenham appears to be his fitness. He has missed far too many matches through injury in the last few seasons, particularly last term, and that has disrupted his progress in North London.

24/25

4

37

23/24

4

10

22/23

2

11

21/22

2

13

20/21

2

2

As you can see in the table above, Richarlison has missed a staggering 47 games through injury in the last two seasons at Spurs, and his durability is something that he needs to work on.

If the 28-year-old marksman can find a way to be available week-in-week-out for Tottenham, he has shown that he has the finishing ability to a consistent and strong goal threat in the Premier League.

Strikers need service, though, and that was shown during the Harry Kane and Heung-min Son era. The duo combined for the most goals (47) as a pairing in Premier League history, with both players teeing each other up for goals on a regular basis.

Spurs planning bid for new winger

Richarlison will need his own version of Son, to score the level of goals that Kane did for Spurs, and the club are trying to sign a player who could be that creative force for the Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur remain in talks over a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho before the end of the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that Spurs are planning to make a new offer for the Brazil international, after their first bid was turned down by the Premier League giants.

Romano states that the left-footed star, who has spent one season at The Etihad so far, ‘remains keen’ on a transfer to link up with Frank’s squad this summer.

It has been reported that City are holding out for a fee in the region of £69m for the attacker, but it remains to be seen whether or not the latest offer planned by Spurs will be enough to tempt them into cashing in on Savinho.

Why Savinho would be a dream for Richarlison

The Manchester City winger could be Richarlison’s own version of Heung-min Son because of the level of creativity that he can provide on the right wing.

As per Transfermarkt, Son delivered 101 assists in ten seasons with Spurs, so roughly ten per year on average. This meant that he provided a consistent source of creativity down the flank to ensure that Kane never went long without a chance to find the back of the net.

Savinho’s first two seasons with more than 20 first-team appearances, in the last two campaigns, have yielded 20 assists for Manchester City and Girona combined, per Sofascore, which is an average of ten per year.

This suggests that Spurs would be signing a star with the potential to be as creative for the club as Son was at the height of his powers alongside Kane at the top end of the pitch.

Savinho, who was described as a “live wire” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, created a whopping 32 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the last two seasons in all competitions, registering 20 assists from those opportunities, per Sofascore.

xAG

0.35

Top 2%

Shot-creating actions

5.66

Top 3%

Key passes

2.34

Top 11%

Passes into the penalty area

2.40

Top 8%

Goal-creating actions

0.76

Top 4%

Assists

0.41

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old dynamo ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Premier League in a host of creative metrics.

He racked up 6.10 xA and created 11 ‘big chances’ in 21 Premier League starts for City, per Sofascore. Meanwhile, no Spurs player created more than 5.91 xA and only Son (16) created more than ten ‘big chances’ for the team.

This suggests that Savinho has the creative quality and Premier League performances under his belt to come in as the creator-in-chief for Frank this season. He is a proven performer with plenty of time, at the age of 21, to get even better under the manager’s coaching, and could hit the ground running in North London.

Therefore, the £69m-rated wing wizard could be the Son to Richarlison’s Kane if the club are able to get a deal over the line for him, as he has the ability to create the chances the striker needs to be a prolific scorer for the Lilywhites.

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Ipswich Town have now opened talks to sign an “outstanding” defender and a “super” midfielder, as they gear up for a Premier League promotion charge, according to a report.

Ipswich looking to strengthen in all areas

Ipswich ultimately finished 16 points adrift of safety last season, highlighting the gap between the Premier League and the Championship, but Kieran McKenna has made it clear that he has aspirations of returning to the top flight at the first attempt.

McKenna said: “I’m confident. That’s the truth. But we know how relentless that division is as well. Every year there are upsets – teams who do better than expected, teams who do worse than expected. It’s a 46-game season where everyone competes hard every week. It’s one of the most competitive divisions in Europe.”

The additions McKenna has already made to his squad should give fans cause for optimism, having strengthened both the midfield and the defence, although a replacement for Liam Delap may also be needed before the transfer window slams shut.

New signing

Position

Azor Matusiwa

DM

Ashley Young

Full-back

David Button

GK

Cedric Kipre

CB

Despite already making improvements to the engine room and the backline, the Tractor Boys have now opened talks over potential deals for two new signings in those areas of the pitch.

That is according to a report from EFL Analysis, which states Ipswich have now made enquiries about Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry, both of whom currently play for fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.

Currently, the Championship promotion-hopefuls are yet to submit formal bids for either player, however, and it may be difficult to win the race for Hackney, who is valued at £20m, amid interest from the Premier League.

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Boro are also hesitant to sanction Fry’s departure this summer, although they could be tempted to cash-in, should the Tractor Boys be willing to submit a suitable offer.

Fry and Hackney could be exciting signings for Ipswich

Both Middlesbrough players are experienced at Championship level, with Dean Ashton lauding Fry as “outstanding” in the past, while there are plenty of signs that Hackney could be capable of making the step-up to the Premier League.

Chris Wilder singled the 23-year-old out for high praise last season, saying: “We were playing against two very good central midfielders. I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish.

“There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too.”

The Middlesbrough star is a forward-thinking midfielder, despite often featuring in a defensive role, placing in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90 over the past year, and the 97th percentile for progressive carries.

Fry and Hackney could be fantastic additions to McKenna’s squad, but signing a new striker should be the manager’s priority following Delap’s departure.

Liverpool have made some high-profile signings this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title and now appear close to completing another statement deal, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool still have plenty to spend this window

Despite spending big on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong among others, Liverpool still have plenty of room to bring in reinforcements under Arne Slot and plan to have a strong end to the window after making significant early progress.

Addressing their financial reality, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has praised the Reds’ ‘Moneyball’ approach that has allowed them to flex their muscles on the market this summer.

He stated: “Liverpool have been outside the top-10 spenders on player signings since 2019, but their model is a classic case of being smarter rather than bigger.

“Liverpool’s model has been to ignore the noise and only buy a player if they truly improve the squad. It’s a Moneyball, external, more analytical approach. Chief executive Michael Edwards does a brilliant job and he never buys players because of external pressure. He doesn’t get jittery when fans call for more signings.”

With that in mind, Liverpool have Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon on their radar if Real Madrid star Rodrygo is unattainable, providing evidence that they have several targets in the pipeline that could become the latest in a long line of high-value arrivals at Anfield.

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Of course, departures such as Darwin Nunez potentially sealing a move to Napoli or an alternative destination alongside speculation over Luis Diaz will only create room for new additions, especially within their forward line.

Taking that into account, Liverpool are now on the verge of sealing a deal for one of Europe’s rising stars amid recent developments coming out of Anfield.

Sky Sports: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool considered a "done deal"

Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg has now confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool have reached a “full agreement” over an impending Anfield transfer for striker Hugo Ekitike.

Now considered to be a “done deal” after the Bundesliga outfit accepted a bid of £82.3 million with add-ons included, the France Under-21 international is set for a medical at the Premier League champions and will sign a deal running until 2031.

Compared to Kylian Mbappe by Wesley Sneijder, Ekitike registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances last term as his side secured qualification for the Champions League.

Following Liverpool’s prolonged search for a number nine, Slot finally appears to have found his new striker and supporters will be waiting with anticipation in the hope that his medical concludes with no final hitches.

Yet again in his glorious Manchester City reign, Pep Guardiola is overseeing a rebuild. Following a largely underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, it is a case of out with the old and in with the new.

Indeed, having previously phased out the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero in the past, the Catalan coach is now repeating the process in relation to his treble-winning side of 2023.

The great Kevin De Bruyne is on his way to Napoli by all accounts, while Kyle Walker – fresh from his own sojourn to Serie A – is expected to seal a permanent exit this summer, after eight years at the Etihad.

With doubts also emerging over the futures of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, among others, there could well be a fresh feel to the Citizens next season, having already begun the overhaul with four new additions in January.

That quartet appear to be just the start of things, if recent reports are anything to go by, with the Premier League giants seemingly closing in on a first move of the window, amid the imminent arrival of Tijjani Reijnders.

Latest on Man City's transfer search

While the search to replace that man De Bruyne has dominated talk in recent weeks – amid interest in the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and the Liverpool-bound, Florian Wirtz – a further priority also lies in finding a suitable partner for Rodri in that number eight berth.

Transfer Focus

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

The Manchester outfit did only recently fork out £50m for the signing of Nico Gonzalez from Porto, albeit with the Spaniard seemingly deemed as a replacement rather than a partner for his compatriot, having been dubbed a “mini-Rodri” by Guardiola.

With that in mind, sporting director Hugo Viana has turned his attention elsewhere in the bid to bolster those midfield ranks even further, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing that City have a “verbal agreement in place” for AC Milan star, Reijnders.

The signing of the 26-year-old – for what is expected to be a package of around €70m (£59m) – could well be followed by the capture of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, with Romano also outlining that personal terms have been agreed with the playmaker.

The suggestion is that City will lodge a bid “in the next hours” amid their desire to get the deal done, amid rival interest from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, with prior reports indicating that Cherki could be available for as little as £25m.

Why Cherki would be a good signing

It may go against the Guardiola grain to be signing a “maverick” talent like the Lyon starlet, as hailed by pundit Rio Ferdinand, although the Citizens are in need of a fresh creative source, in the wake of De Bruyne’s imminent exit.

With the aforementioned Grealish – and England teammate, Phil Foden – providing just 11 goals and assists between them in the Premier League last season, the onus is on finding a suitable supplier for main man, Erling Haaland.

In many ways, Guardiola’s side are still seeking to find a suitable successor to Riyad Mahrez in the forward line, with one-time Leicester City hero having racked up 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 games prior to his 2023 exit, a return that included 28 goal involvements in all competitions during his final season.

Described as a player who can “change the game” by his manager, the now 34-year-old was simply a genius during his time in English football, possessing a wand of a left foot and an ability to create something out of nothing down that right flank.

Those are traits which the veteran no doubt shares with young Cherki, with the France U21 international – who qualifies to play for Algeria, like Mahrez – also a creative weapon. Equally, like Mahrez too, the left-footer is comfortable operating down the right flank or in a number ten berth.

Hailed as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, Cherki is fresh off the back of a campaign that ended with a remarkable haul of 32 goals and assists from just 44 games, including 19 goals and assists in Ligue 1.

Such form in France’s top-flight saw the 21-year-old notably create 22 big chances and average 2.5 key passes per game, during his 30 league outings, as per Sofascore, having also averaged 1.6 successful dribbles as a sign of his breathtaking ability to beat his man.

Cherki vs Mahrez comparison – League stats
Stat (per 90)	Cherki (2024/25)	Mahrez (2022/23)
Non-penalty goals	0.35	0.19
Assists	0.49	0.47
Shot-creating actions	6.44	5.44
Passes attempted	60.63	54.66
Pass completion	78.5%	82.2%
Progressive passes	9.08	3.56
Progressive carries	4.67	3.66
Successful take-ons	2.12	1.17
Touches in opposition box	5.82	5.16
Progressive passes received	8.11	11.34
Stats via FBref

When comparing his recent heroics with Mahrez’s final Premier League campaign, it is easy to see their statistical and stylistic likeness too, with the pair both ranking highly for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, indicating their unique ability to generate opportunities in the final third.

That desire to make things happen is also evident with regard to the ‘passes attempted’ metric, with that knack for conjuring a moment of magic seemingly needed to help replace the likes of the “predictable” Grealish, as described by Gary Neville.

With Mahrez having repeatedly delivered the goods for City in previous years, Guardiola could now find his heir apparent by plucking Cherki from Lyon.

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Manchester United’s season isn’t over just yet, not if Ruben Amorim can help it, although the same can’t be said for Marcus Rashford, with the exiled Englishman looking set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injury.

Currently on the books at Aston Villa, following his February loan switch to the Midlands, the 27-year-old will have to watch on as his parent club bid for Europa League glory – eight years on from playing a vital role in lifting that same trophy under Jose Mourinho.

In what was just his first full season in the senior ranks at Old Trafford, the then-youngster notably came alive in the knockout stages, racking up five goals and assists in total, including a stunning, crucial free-kick away to Celta Vigo.

That impact had followed on from Rashford’s emergence onto the scene a year earlier in the final few months of the 2015/16 season, having ended that campaign with eight goals in just 18 first-team games under Louis van Gaal’s watch.

Perhaps his prime years, however, came during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, with the academy graduate registering 26 goal contributions in 31 Premier League games in 2019/20, followed by a further 24 in 37 top-flight outings in the following season.

Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

*Not including record at Villa

Stats via Transfermarkt

A brief resurgence did occur in 2022/23, amid the forward’s 30-goal heroics, although recent years have showcased far too much inconsistency, with the Three Lions star now looking set for a permanent summer exit. A potential youthful replacement appears to have already been lined up…

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

Alongside the widely reported move for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the signing of a new centre-forward appears hot on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund having scored just four league goals in 2024/25 thus far.

As outlined by GIVEMESPORT, the Red Devils have identified Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as the prime candidates in the search for a new number nine, albeit with boths deals said to be ‘complicated’.

Indeed, there are doubts over whether the £30m-rated Delap is keen on moving to Old Trafford at this point in his embryonic career, while as for Osimhen, there are concerns regarding the Nigerian’s potential wage demands and willingness to actually feature for the club.

Transfer Focus

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With that in mind, alternatives to their pair are now being drawn up, with the report outlining that one of those whom INEOS are also ‘keeping tabs’ on is Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.

Previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – having also been heavily linked with Newcastle United in past – the Frenchman has dazzled in Germany this season, hence the interest in him from those in Manchester.

One major obstacle would be the 22-year-old’s reported £80m price tag, although if any kind of leeway can be found, then he may come onto United’s radar in a more concrete manner.

Why Hugo Ekitike is like a prime Rashford

Following a difficult few years under the Manchester United microscope, Rashford had looked like getting back to his best in a Villa shirt of late, prior to his recent cruel injury blow.

Indeed, the experienced forward notably scored his first league goal for the Villans with a breakaway goal on the counter against Brighton and Hove Albion, evoking memories of his goal against Arsenal at the start of 2022/23, or his second strike in the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea on the opening day of 2019/20.

Against Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, the resurgent striker was also breathtaking at times as Unai Emery’s side bravely crashed out at the quarter-final stage, with Rashford teeing up Ezri Konsa following a stunning solo run down the right flank.

That speed and skill showed shades of the Rashford that United fans had seen in years gone by, with the polarising talent having looked almost “unstoppable” in his pomp – as noted by Erik ten Hag.

In many ways, the aforementioned Ekitike is showing exciting similarities to that prime version of ‘Rashy’, not least in his ability to sparkle off the left or in his usual centre-forward berth.

This season, in particular, has been a fruitful one for the former PSG starlet, as he has already registered 22 goals and a further ten assists in 45 games for Frankfurt across all fronts, including 15 goals and six assists in the Bundesliga.

He is then not too far off emulating Rashford’s best-ever Premier League tally, which came, as alluded to previously, in 2019/20, amid his record of 17 goals and nine assists during that Covid-impacted campaign.

Ekitike (2024/25) vs Rashford (2019/20)

Stat (per 90)

Ekitike

Rashford

Non-penalty goals

0.55

0.37

Assists

0.24

0.24

Shot-creating actions

3.68

3.24

Pass completion

75.8%

75.3%

Progressive passes

1.92

4.22

Progressive carries

3.41

3.58

Successful take-ons

1.88

2.04

Touches in attacking penalty area

7.21

5.18

Progressive passes received

7.80

8.51

Stat via FBref

Described as “one of the best strikers out there” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike does mirror the United outcast in a range of attacking metrics too, when comparing those two seasons, with the Frankfurt talisman also something of a monster in that left channel.

That quality was on full display as the in-demand marksman netted in fine fashion against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, running at his man from that left flank, before unleashing a delightful finish into the far corner.

It is difficult not to see an element of Rashford at his best when witnessing Ekitike in full flow, with the France U21 international potentially representing the perfect successor to the Red Devils’ 138-goal enigma.

United were his “favourite club” as a child, by the way…

Related The next Di Maria: Man Utd lodge offer to sign "world-class talent"

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 30, 2025

Rangers icon Ally McCoist has been reacting to claims of an Ibrox move for a £15,000-a-week Celtic star.

Rangers and 49ers planning for exciting summer transfer window

The Gers are in the process of being taken over by the 49ers Enterprises, who have agreed a deal in principle at Ibrox. There is confidence a deal will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season, and the 49ers seemingly have some exciting transfer plans at Rangers.

He's signing for Rangers: Ibrox chiefs now set for talks on fee for 22 y/o

He’ll soon be on his way to Glasgow.

1 ByCharlie Smith Apr 9, 2025

Reports have suggested that the 49ers could give a new Rangers boss more than £20m to spend on new players this summer, and they are aware that they can sign loanee Vaclav Cerny on a permanent transfer.

Rangers have until the end of May to sign Cerny for around £5.5m, and elsewhere, those at Ibrox are set for talks with Dundee over a fee for Lyall Cameron.

The 22-year-old has penned a pre-contract agreement with Rangers, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a compensation package, which could result in a tribunal.

McCoist reacts to Rangers claims of move for Celtic’s Greg Taylor

Recently, Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has been linked with a move to Rangers. Michael Stewart have backed the defender to move across Glasgow when his £15,000-a-week deal at Celtic expires in the summer.

However, talking to the media, relayed by Rangers Review, McCoist said it would be “madness” for the Gers to sign Taylor due to already having Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte, although he does feel Taylor is good enough to play for Rangers.

“He absolutely could get in the team and play, I don’t have any doubt about that. He’s a good player. In this day and age, it’s probably not as big a deal as it was years and years ago. But I definitely think he could play in the team.

“The only thing I would say is, you have two left-sided players there already in Yilmaz and Jefte. So, for that reason, he’s not a priority. I think Rangers have got far bigger priorities in terms of positions that they should address and will address.

Games

209

Goals

9

Assists

32

Trophies

10

“But if you are asking me if he’s good enough to play in the team? Without a doubt. I don’t see any reason why not. I was around when wee Mo did it, so after wee Mo, anything is possible! It wouldn’t be as big a deal as wee Mo, there’s nothing that would be as big a deal as wee Mo.

“You talk about Elvis, Kenny Miller, Alfie Conn… so I don’t think it’s such a big deal as years gone by. I just can’t see it happening because Rangers have got two left-sided players in that position. It would be madness for Rangers to go and strengthen in that position where they’ve got cover and they need strengthening in other positions.”