All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United have been in talks to sign a £34m star who embarrassed Andre Onana in the Europa League.

Amorim comments on Man Utd future after Europa League final defeat

The Red Devils’ season hit another major low point on Wednesday evening, with Ruben Amorim’s side losing 1-0 in the Europa League final against Tottenham.

Brennan Johnson’s goal just before half-time proved to be the winner in Bilbao and leaves Man Utd planning for next season without any Champions League football.

Not just Hojlund: 4/10 dud must now never play for Man Utd again

Man Utd’s grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening

1 ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

Failing to win the Europa League will have a negative impact financially on United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whereas transfer targets may not want to move to Old Trafford without European football on offer.

The future of Amorim has also been a talking point following the final whistle in Bilbao, and the Man Utd boss even offered to quit if the club and fans don’t think he is the right man for the job.

“In this moment, it’s a little bit of faith. So let’s see. Like I said before, coming here before in the flash, I am always open. If the board and fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.

“But I will not quit again. I am really confident in my job and, as you can see, I will not change nothing in the way I do things.”

It promises to be an intriguing few months at Old Trafford in what is Ratcliffe’s first summer transfer window as co-owner, and by the looks of things, they have moved for a star who they faced in the Europa League this season.

Man Utd hold talks to sign £34m Cherki from Lyon

According to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger, sharing news on X just minutes before Wednesday’s final, Man Utd have held talks with Lyon over a deal for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.

Those discussions were held when the Red Devils faced the Ligue 1 side in the Europa League quarter-final, with Borussia Dortmund also keen on the 21-year-old.

An attacking midfielder who can also play on either wing, Cherki has enjoyed a fine individual season with Lyon, which has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rise to a career-high €34m.

Games

44

Goals

12

Assists

20

Minutes played

3,099

Called a “wizard” amid links of a move to Spurs, Cherki even embarrassed Andre Onana against Man Utd by capitalising on the goalkeeper’s mistake to score a stoppage time equaliser for Lyon.

A two-footed, versatile attacker, Cherki is thought to be valued at £34m by Lyon this summer, but missing out on Champions League football could have an impact on any potential transfer.

As speculation continues to arrive about Sandro Tonali’s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign a midfield star who could replace the impressive Italian.

Juventus interested in Sandro Tonali

When Newcastle were without Tonali at the start of the season, it showed. Eddie Howe’s side struggled in pursuit of Champions League qualification and were lacking that added power in the middle of the park. Ever since the return of the Italian, however, the Magpies have dominated the majority of their midfield battles and formed quite the trio between Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Starts

28

38

29

Progressive Passes

128

271

116

Tackles Won

32

47

35

Ball Recoveries

117

188

149

The perfect blend of combative midfielders and those who have the ability to step onto the front foot, not many can stand in the way of Newcastle’s bulldozing midfield three at their best.

As a result, interest was always likely to arrive with reports in Italy now indicating that Juventus are interested in signing Tonali in this summer’s transfer window. The Italian giants are seemingly looking to bring the midfielder back to the Serie A for the first time since he left AC Milan in what should send alarm bells ringing around St James’ Park.

Jamie Carragher has been among those to praise the Newcastle midfielder this season, even including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. The Sky Sports pundit said when asked why: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League.

Better than Mbeumo: Newcastle make "terrifyingly good" £67m ace a key target

Newcastle are in the market for a new winger, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo among those being mooted.

ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

“I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Tonali will give into the temptation of Italy, but it seems as though Newcastle have a much-needed plan in place nonetheless.

Newcastle now leading race to sign Matteo Guendouzi

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at just €40m (£34m) and could now be on his way back to the Premier League if Tonali decides to leave St James’ Park.

Starts

28

37

Progressive Passes

128

316

Tackles Won

32

21

Ball Recoveries

117

173

Not only does Guendouzi progress play better than Tonali, he has also outperformed the impressive Guimaraes in that department. Since leaving the Premier League with a whimper, the Frenchman has simply discovered another level to his game.

Earning plenty of praise ever since his time at the Emirates, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Guendouzi a “fantastic signing” by Marseille in 2021 and the midfielder has only proved to be equally as fantastic at Lazio.

Already planning ahead to the summer transfer window, Everton have reportedly added a Player of the Year winner to their shortlist, which includes three other midfield targets.

Everton's midfield plans explained

With Abdoulaye Doucoure on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the current campaign, the Toffees have reportedly set their sights on a number of potential replacements. The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive campaign and finding someone who will have the same influence on David Moyes’ side will no doubt prove to be a difficult, but crucial task.

As things stand, names such as Wilfred Ndidi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Sunderland captain Dan Neil have all been mentioned as targets, with The Friedkin Group willing to shop in the Championship market this summer.

Dewsbury-Hall, out of those three options, is the most interesting name on that list of targets. The former Leicester City star has struggled to break into Enzo Maresca’s Premier League side at Chelsea and has often found himself relegated to Europa Conference League responsibilities. Now, a year on from arriving at Stamford Bridge, he looks destined to depart.

Meanwhile, Ndidi would likely be the cheapest option of the lot, given that he reportedly has a relegation release clause worth just £9m at Leicester City. For a player with such invaluable experience, a price tag below the £10m mark should be considered an undeniable steal.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Whether Everton decide to push on and land Dewsbury-Hall, Neil or Ndidi this summer remains to be seen, however. Instead, Friedkin could turn towards a player who has just picked up a Player of the Year award.

Everton add Gustavo Hamer to shortlist

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now added Gustavo Hamer to their midfield shortlist, which now reportedly sits at four names ahead of the summer transfer window. The Sheffield United star enjoyed a standout season even as the Blades missed out on automatic promotion in the Championship and could yet find himself on the move as a result.

Earning plenty of praise after picking up the Player of the Season award, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told reporters when asked about Hamer’s quality: “When Gus speaks, everybody listens. And rightly so, there should have been interest in him in the summer, because of how outstanding he was in an incredibly disappointing campaign for us. He cleaned up in the Player of the Year awards, so there was always going to be interest in him.”

With nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the midfield star will be looking to perform one or two more moments of magic to seal promotion through the play-offs for Sheffield United, before potentially earning the big move that he deserves this summer.

Millwall have emerged as a late contender to snatch a Championship playoff slot and could now strike in the summer window to secure a talented youngster.

Millwall's late bid for promotion to the Premier League

Four victories in the last six under Alex Neil have put Millwall five points behind sixth in the race for a playoff berth, giving the Lions an outside chance of stumping their rivals for a shot at promotion to the Premier League.

Admittedly, they will need to string together a near impeccable run of results to pull off such a feat, beginning with their clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon. Holding previous experience of winning promotion with Sunderland and Norwich, you wouldn’t bet against Neil doing the trick again should his side manage to upset the odds over the next few weeks.

Casper De Norre has urged fans to get behind Millwall’s late bid to reach the top six, stating ahead of their clash against Boro: “It is going to be very important to have the support. It is a huge game.

“Now you need that extra fire from the fans – that extra support – to give you that five per cent extra or to help make that one final sprint to block a ball or try to score a goal.”

Millwall’s Championship run-in

Middlesbrough (H)

The Den

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Ewood Park

Norwich City (H)

The Den

Swansea City (H)

The Den

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

Regardless, the Londoners appear to be active ahead of the summer window. The Lions are reportedly keen on Cheltenham Town winger Jordan Thomas after identifying the 23-year-old as a replacement for Romain Esse, who is now on the books at Crystal Palace.

Now, they also have a free deal in their sights alongside one of their Championship rivals, according to recent developments.

Millwall leading race to sign Charlton star Thierry Small

According to Football Insider, Millwall are leading the race to sign Thierry Small from Charlton, making an approach to register their interest in the 20-year-old’s services for when his contract expires this summer.

Preston are interested as well, and the Addicks have also offered a new contract to the defender, who has notched two goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.

Millwall leading race to sign "excellent" winger to finally replace Esse

He’s enjoyed an impressive season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 27, 2025

Potentially available on a free transfer this summer, former Everton man Small is predominantly a left-back, though he has also featured on the right flank under Nathan Jones. Labelled a “fantastic guy” by Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has also spent time out on loan at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and Port Vale, building his portfolio of first-team experience.

Now, it remains to be seen if Millwall can see off competition from Preston to land his signature. Securing promotion would give them a major advantage over any rival suitors, offering Small a chance to ply his trade in the top-flight as he continues to develop.

Either way, supporters can take encouragement from the fact that transfer cogs appear to be turning in South London ahead of the summer.

Well, that probably wasn’t the return from the international break that Tottenham Hotspur fans had been hoping for.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to West London to try and get one over Chelsea in the Premier League last night, but instead of coming out swinging as they have so often, and sometimes to their own detriment, this season, they were utterly dismal.

Granted, it looked like Pape Matar Sarr had equalised in the second half, but he fouled Moises Caicedo in the buildup, and it was chalked off, much to the chagrin of the increasingly under-pressure Australian, who made his feelings clear after the game.

There were incredibly disappointing performances across the pitch for the visitors, but there was one player who might as well have stayed in the dressing room and, as such, has to be dropped ahead of the weekend’s game against Southampton.

Spurs' poor performers

Before getting to the player in question, it’s only fair we go over some of the other starters who let the fans down last night, as, unfortunately, there were quite a few, including Cristian Romero.

The fiery World Cup winner can sometimes be exactly the sort of player you want in an intense derby, but instead of marshalling the backline and making life difficult for the Blues’ attack, he seemed off the pace, overly emotional, and was running back towards goal more often than he should have been and picked up a 5/10 match rating from journalist Alasdair Gold.

However, there is an argument that the Argentine’s defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, had an even worse game at Stamford Bridge.

The former Wolfsburg gem was ironically starting his first league game since the reverse fixture against the Pensioners in December, and whether it was rustiness or something else, he looked even more lost than Romero.

For example, it was his clearance that came off Jackson early in the first half and almost opened the scoring, and then in the second half he was pulled out of position by the striker for Enzo Fernández’s goal and was fully deserving of the 5/10 rating he received from Gold.

At the other end of the pitch, it was another night to forget for the club’s record signing, Dominic Solanke.

The former Bournemouth star did make the right runs at times but simply wasn’t a factor for the vast majority of the game, and while he has to rely on the service of his teammates to an extent, the best strikers in the world will often make their own chances.

However, while the Basingstoke-born poacher was certainly ineffective, another starter was even worse and must be dropped.

The Spurs star who has to be dropped

In reality, you could make a serious argument about any of the aforementioned players being dropped for the weekend, but when it comes down to it, James Maddison put in the most frustratingly dismal display for Spurs last night.

Chalkboard

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

The former Leicester City star, who is a part of the club’s leadership group, started in a midfield three with 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, so while they can certainly help out with attacks, the onus to get the midfield ticking was on him.

Unfortunately, he did not achieve this in the slightest, and instead of pulling the strings and taking advantage of a Chelsea side who had won just four of their ten league games since the turn of the year, he practically disappeared from the encounter.

It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by Gold, who also awarded the Englishman a 5/10 on the night, writing that even when he did try to make something happen, ‘nothing came off for him.’

Unsurprisingly, his lacklustre showing is reflected in his statistics.

Minutes

81′

Expected Goals

0.05

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.06

Assists

0

Touches

41

Key Passes

1

Crosses (Accurate)

2 (0)

Shots on Target

0

Duels (Won)

5 (0)

Dribbles

0

Lost Possession

4

Offsides

2

In 81 minutes of inaction, the 28-year-old amassed a paltry combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.11, failed to score or assist a goal, took 41 touches but played just a single key pass, failed in 100% of his crosses, failed to take a shot on target, didn’t attempt a single dribble, lost the ball four times, lost 100% of his duels and was offside twice.

Ultimately, it was a dreadful performance from the entire Spurs team, but Maddison was particularly disappointing and, therefore, must be dropped from the starting lineup.

Walker repeat: Spurs in real danger of losing incredible £67m "monster"

The brilliant defender would be a massive loss for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2025

Sunderland are said to be talks with a European club about signing one of their most exciting young players in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Sunderland pushing for promotion amid transfer rumours

It has been an impressive season for the Black Cats, who didn’t necessarily begin the campaign as one of the favourites to be promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

Instead, Regis Le Bris’ side have remained near the top of the table all season long, and while automatic promotion is now looking hugely unlikely, a place in the playoffs seems nailed on, giving them a chance of returning to the top flight for the first time since 2016/17.

Away from on-pitch matters, Sunderland continue to be linked with potential new signings, with Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland an exciting rumoured target. The Scotland international has been a prolific figure for his current club, scoring 63 goals in 129 appearances. He would be available on a free transfer this summer, too.

There is also concern that the Black Cats could lose some of their best players, however, with Chris Rigg among the most exciting teenage talents in the country currently. Reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid are still reportedly eyeing a move for him, which sums up his potential.

Sunderland in talks to sign teenage ace

According to a new report from Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are in talks with Fiorentina to sign defender Eddy Kouadio before the end of the season.

While there is yet to be an official proposal sent for the 18-year-old, the Black Cats see him as a genuine target, wanting to reach an agreement sooner rather than later.

Sunderland fans are unlikely to be experts when it comes to Kouadio, given his age and the fact that he is yet to make a single senior appearance for Fiorentina.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a hugely exciting signing for the Black Cats, with the centre-back already winning four caps for Italy at youth international level – two apiece for the Under-19s and Under-18s.

Kouadio has also played 86 times for Fiorentina in underage teams, rising through the age groups impressively, and his versatility allows him to thrive as both a centre-back and a right-back.

Fiorentina Under-19s

41

1

1

Fiorentina Under-18s

20

1

0

Fiorentina Under-17s

25

0

2

Planning for the future is something that Sunderland should always be looking at, rather than simply focusing on signing players who can come in and be instant stars, and snapping up the young Italian would be shrewd business in that respect.

Sunderland keen to sign 29 y/o club captain for Le Bris in free transfer

He’s a man in-demand.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 14, 2025

He has shown that he is a player with plenty of promise for both club and country, and in the likes of Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, the Black Cats have shown that the Stadium of Light is a good place for youngsters to come in and be given an opportunity to shine.

A “sensational” Manchester United player is now one step away from an exit, amid a contract stand-off, and there is a feeling he could join a rival Premier League club, according to a new report.

Major rebuild needed at Old Trafford

Ruben Amorim has pulled no punches when talking about the squad he’s inherited, making a big statement after his side’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion back in January.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”

Since then, there have been very few signs of improvement, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th place and exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham, so it is clear that a major revamp will be needed in the summer.

Man Utd and Ratcliffe now preparing offer to sign £65k-p/w Barcelona ace

The Red Devils are lining up a bid for a midfielder, who could be an ideal option for Ruben Amorim in the middle of the park.

ByDominic Lund Mar 12, 2025

There have been widespread recent reports suggesting Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, while there is also doubt lingering over Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who haven’t exactly been prolific in front of goal this season.

However, Man United may also have to brace for another departure that is likely to sting a lot more, with a report from Spain revealing Kobbie Mainoo is now one step away from an Old Trafford exit.

There is an ongoing contract stand-off with Mainoo, who is keen on a big new contract as a reward for his solid performances, but the lack of progress could push him towards seeking a move elsewhere.

Chelsea could be waiting in the wings to sign the midfielder, having identified him as an ideal target, and former scout Mick Brown has revealed United could be willing to accept a £70m bid to raise funds for other transfers.

"Sensational" Mainoo would be a big loss

It is a major flaw of the PSR system that Premier League clubs are often forced to cash-in on their academy graduates for ‘pure profit’ to comply with financial rules, and if United do decide to accept a £70m bid, the 19-year-old could be a real loss.

Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson has lauded the central midfielder as “sensational” this season, having received regular game time whenever fit, although he’s had a stop-start campaign due to injury issues, which means he hasn’t really managed to kick on.

Mainoo’s performance in the FA Cup final last season showcased just how good he can be on his day, however, receiving the Man of the Match award after playing a huge role in United triumphing over rivals Manchester City.

Given the financial issues United are facing, it could be tempting to cash-in for a £70m fee, but it would be painful to see Mainoo in a Chelsea shirt.

As one Bundesliga club look to make instant profit, it’s Manchester United who could reportedly take full advantage in a deal that could cost them as much as £67m this summer.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils struggled on the reinforcements front during the January transfer window – only welcoming Patrick Dorgu and young Ayden Heaven – and must now turn their attention towards much-needed improvements in the summer.

That winter failure was there for all to see against Leicester City in the FA Cup too, as Ruben Amorim’s side were forced to win late on against a struggling Leicester City side courtesy of Harry Maguire’s contentious winner.

Sat in the bottom half of the Premier League, Amorim desperately needs a summer of additions if he is to turn what has so far been an Old Trafford nightmare into a gradual rise into the dream move he may have envisioned.

With that said, the Red Devils could take full advantage of one club’s pursuit of profit this summer. According to Christian Falk via Caught Offside, Manchester United are plotting a summer swoop to sign Xavi Simons.

Man Utd decision makers head over heels for big money English midfielder

Man Utd are keen on an English star to kickstart the Ruben Amorim era.

BySean Markus Clifford Feb 8, 2025

The German reporter explained that despite only just completing a permanent move to RB Leipzig last month, the Bundesliga club could look to sell their star man for instant profit of just over £25m this summer.

Falk told Caught Offside: “It was a little bit surprising that Leipzig committed to a permanent deal with Simons. At the beginning, they didn’t think they’d get this chance, but they did it for €50m (£41m), which isn’t a lot for this kind of player. His contract, of course, isn’t that long, running just until 2027.

“So, you see, his stock is rising! Leipzig are thinking they have signed a player for €50m (£41m) who has the potential to be an €80m (£67m) player, so they could earn a lot of money on a potential sale. I’m sure there’s a gentleman’s agreement or a release clause, which would see Simons sold in the summer.”

Simons would solve Amorim's frustrating problem

The story of Amorim’s Manchester United tenure so far has been square pegs in round holes in a system which simply hasn’t suited the squad that Erik ten Hag left behind. Simons’ arrival may well spell the beginning of the end of that narrative, however.

In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system – which operates with two advanced midfielders – the Dutchman would be the perfect candidate to slot straight in alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and finally sharpen a blunt Old Trafford attack.

Starts

12

23

Goals

4

5

Assists

2

6

Key Passes P90

1.95

2.29

Dubbed a “crazy” talent by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, 21-year-old Simons would certainly be a worthwhile investment to kickstart the Amorim era at Old Trafford this summer.

Leeds United are in the market to make further additions to their first-team squad to bolster their options across the park ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The Whites made their first signing of the off-season earlier this month when they completed a free transfer for Germany international Lukas Nmecha, who will officially join when his contract with Wolfsburg expires at the end of this month.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 26-year-old centre-forward has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Wolfsburg in all competitions, including three goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season.

The new Whites striker could be competing with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph for a place in the starting XI, along with any other number nines the club opt to bring in.

Nmecha is not going to be the only player signed by the Championship champions before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

Leeds have been linked with plenty of different attacking players, from the domestic market and abroad, and Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte is one name that has been mentioned as a target.

Why Leeds may want to sign Buonanotte

It was reported earlier this month that Leeds were confident of closing a £30m deal to sign the attacking midfielder, but there has not been an update on that situation since the initial report.

Buonanotte spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leicester City in the Premier League and caught the eye with some promising performances, despite their relegation back down to the Championship.

Appearances

31

36

Starts

14

28

xG

3.93

3.86

Goals

5

1

Big chances created

7

5

Assists

2

3

As you can see in the table above, he was more impressive than Brenden Aaronson was in his season in the Premier League with Leeds, which suggests that he could provide an upgrade on what Daniel Farke currently has in the number ten position.

That came after the left-footed magician scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances in the division in the previous season, which shows that he improved during his time at the King Power Stadium.

Leeds may, therefore, want to sign the 20-year-old starlet because he has already showcased his qualities, as both a scorer and a creator in the Premier League, and could improve Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

However, the Whites are now reportedly eyeing up another couple of attacking midfield options, and one of them, in particular, could be even better than Buonanotte.

Leeds weighing up moves for attacking midfielders

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are keen on signing one of Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia.

Transfer Focus

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

“They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.”

The Whites are weighing up whether to go for Buendia or Hamer to bolster their options in the attacking midfield position, and CaughtOffside recently reported that the former is valued at £20m by Aston Villa.

With all of this information in mind, Farke should push for the West Yorkshire outfit to snap up the Villans outcast because he would be an even better option than Buonanotte.

Why Leeds should sign Emiliano Buendia

Buendia is a proven Premier League performer who is experienced but also has plenty of years left ahead of him to give the Whites many years of quality performances.

The 28-year-old playmaker has produced ten goals and 15 assists, and created 25 ‘big chances’, in 121 appearances in the English top-flight for Norwich City and Aston Villa combined, which shows that he knows how to provide goals and assists at that level.

He has also played 121 times for Farke during their time together at Norwich, playing every game for the Canaries with him in charge, and delivered 24 goals and 41 assists.

His best season in a Yellows shirt came in the 2020/21 Championship campaign under the German head coach, as he racked up 15 goals and 16 assists, along with 18 ‘big chances’ created in the second tier.

The Argentina international, who was once lauded as “magical” by analyst Liam Henshaw, knows how to play in Farke’s system, with his style of play, and has shown that he can be incredibly effective at the top end of the pitch.

Non-penalty goals

0.38

Top 7%

Assists

0.41

Top 2%

xAG

0.36

Top 1%

npxG + xAG

0.65

Top 1%

Shot-creating actions

6.46

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.82

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

5.81

Top 1%

Passes into the penalty area

2.17

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, Buendia was hugely influential in possession in virtually every way possible, in scoring goals, creating chances, assisting goals, progressing play with passes, getting the ball into the final third, and getting the ball into the penalty area.

This suggests that he could be a far more effective option for Leeds in the final third than Buonanotte, who has failed to deliver more than six goals or three assists in a single season in his career to date.

Buendia, who scored two goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 11 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Bayer Leverkusen this season, could hit the ground running as an attacking midfielder who knows the Premier League and Farke.

Whereas, Buonanotte has not worked with the Leeds head coach in the past and could need time to adapt to the system and way of working, which is why the Villa attacker could be a much better option for the Whites as they look to start strong in their bid to avoid relegation.

A better signing than Muniz: Leeds prepare move for "clinical" £17m star

Leeds United appear to making moves for other strikers other than Rodrigo Muniz.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 20, 2025

Manchester United might have fallen by the wayside under Ruben Amorim’s leadership last season, but INEOS are acting with intent in the transfer market to get Old Trafford back on course.

While Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last October was the right decision, a belated decision, a wholly different tactical plan issued by Amorim sank United further into their troubles, leading to a 15th-place Premier League finish and defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

But the Red Devils are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and their peerless pull is still intact. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha has already been signed, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo wants the move despite rival interest carrying the promise of Champions League football.

And once again, another Premier League star with their feet higher placed up the league ladder wants to move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

Man Utd in talks for PL star

As per Football Insider, Man United are engaged in daily talks with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who is anticipated to be switching clubs this summer.

The 32-year-old bid an emotional and cryptic farewell to Villa Park in May and is valued at £40m. This is a sizeable figure for a goalkeeper, but the need to replace the beleaguered Andre Onana is clear for Amorim, and it must happen.

Atletico Madrid are also keen, as are numerous clubs over in the Saudi Pro League. Still, United are working tooth and nail to get this one over the line.

Why Man Utd must sign Emi Martinez

Described as being “genuinely world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell, Martinez would be exactly the type of upgrade Man United need to spark their desperately needed resurgence.

An Arsenal career largely on the backbenches and out on loan in lower divisions ended when Aston Villa paid the Gunners £17m for the shot-stopper in 2020. The rest, as some say, is history.

Aston Villa

212

256

70

Argentina

53

23

37

Arsenal

38

41

16

Arsenal U21

37

41

11

Reading

18

23

5

Wolves

15

19

5

Sheff Wed

15

19

2

Rotherham

8

10

2

Getafe

6

9

2

Oxford United

1

3

0

United have already raided England’s Midlands for one of the region’s most talented footballers, signing Cunha for £62.5m, and now they can repeat the trick between the sticks, upgrading on Onana in the same way that the Brazilian forward has replaced Marcus Rashford and soon-to-be-sold Alejandro Garnacho.

Clearly, these are different players indeed, but both stand as pillars in their respective Premier League positions, instrumental for their respective ‘non-big-six’ outfits.

Underscoring his credentials on the biggest stage, Martinez was only beaten seven times in the Champions League last term, finishing Villa’s European campaign with an 83% save percentage. By contrast, Onana finished the season with a 63% save rate in the Europa League, leaving a trail littered with errors.

Martinez is a proven Premier League and Champions League goalkeeper who just so happens to have won the World Cup too, coming up trumps against Randal Kolo Muani in extra time before crucially saving from Kingsley Coman during the shootout.

He’s exactly what Amorim needs, blessed with good distribution and elite shot-stopping skills.

United have already raided the Midlands this summer for one of the Premier League’s biggest stars; it’s time to do it again.

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