Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.

The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.

He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.

Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.

It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.

However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.

It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Isak

A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.

In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.

However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.

Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.

From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.

How Ekitike compares to Isak & Sesko in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Ekitike

Isak

Sesko

Games played

33

33

33

Goals & assists

23

29

18

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

1.7

Shots on target

1.5

1.3

1.1

Shots taken

4

3.1

2.5

Pass accuracy

76%

74%

67%

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

1.9

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

1.4

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.

The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.

It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.

Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.

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Everton are beginning to make big changes after a positive end to the season and could now have an advantage in the race for a prolific striker, per a report.

Everton announce departures after victory at Newcastle United

In the immediate aftermath of an impressive triumph at Newcastle United last weekend, Everton have announced that loanees Jack Harrison, Armando Broja, Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindstrom have returned to their parent clubs.

Carlos Alcaraz is still in discussions over a permanent move to the Toffees, while confirmation on others is expected shortly as the end of the campaign enters full swing.

Ashley Young will leave the building before a new era begins at the Hill Dickinson Stadium that could see a spate of new arrivals to excite supporters ahead of pre-season.

In controversial fashion, Liverpool winger Ben Doak is a surprise target for Everton and could complete an unexpected move across Merseyside, breaking a 33-year record since the last time the two rivals conducted business.

Lindstrom and Harrison’s departures have left the Toffees light on the right-hand side, so it is reasonable to suspect there will be movement across the front four positions.

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Centrally, Everton could now have a major advantage in their efforts to bring in a prolific striker following recent developments that have left the man in question impressed.

Liam Delap could join Everton after positive meeting

According to journalist Simon Phillips on Substack, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been impressed by Everton’s pitch to him after a meeting over the England Under-21 international’s future, which still hangs in the balance.

His camp are set for a fresh round of talks with Newcastle United, and a decision on his next destination is expected this week as clubs battle to win the race for his signature amid his £30 million relegation release clause, but the striker was very happy after speaking with Goodison chiefs.

Liam Delap in 2024/25 – Premier League

Shots

68

Shots on target

32

Chances created

21

Expected Goals

9.34

Successful dribbles

40

Exceeding his expected goals total, Delap registered 12 goals in the top-flight this term alongside two assists in 37 appearances, which is a fine total in a first debut season for a side that eventually got relegated.

There is plenty of competition for his signature, but a likely shot at being the leading Everton striker in competition with Beto would see the former Manchester City star gain plenty of opportunities to continue developing under David Moyes.

Delap clearly likes what he sees from the Toffees’ initial discussions over a move to Merseyside, so it will be intriguing to see if a deal can be thrashed out between all parties.

Celtic fans are taking some time to wind down after a hectic campaign, but Brendan Rodgers is already reportedly on the brink of sealing their first summer signing.

Celtic reflect after ending campaign with two trophies

Domestic doubles are a strong marker of success at Parkhead. However, Celtic will feel they let the prospect of a clean sweep in Scotland slip away during an unfateful Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen last weekend.

Coming down to penalties, claiming another prize proved to be a step too far for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who ended extra time with an unfamiliar line-up that illustrates their need to strengthen again this summer.

Showing faith in his manager to get it right in the market, Celtic defender Liam Scales has backed his compatriot to bolster squad depth ahead of another long campaign.

He stated: “He always wants the club to improve year on year. Since I arrived four years ago, it seems to keep getting better at every transfer window.

“I think that’s obviously going to be the focus, especially with the Champions League coming up. We need to qualify for that. If we do, we want to be strong going into that as well.”

Celtic’s summer schedule

Cork City (A)

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Newcastle United (H)

St James Park – Adidas Trophy

SPFL opening day

Weekend of August 1st to August 3rd

Champions League playoff round

19/20th and 26/27th August

Jeffrey Schlupp could be set for an extended Celtic stay and is in discussions over signing on a permanent basis at Parkhead. Greg Taylor could make way following six years in Glasgow.

Either way, it is all change at the Hoops ahead of next season, though a familiar face could now be set to return between the sticks.

Ross Doohan to complete Celtic return after signing pre-contract

According to Press and Journal, Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan has signed a pre-contract with Celtic and will return to Glasgow following three years away from his boyhood club.

Labelled “brilliant” by Graeme Shinnie, the former Scotland Under-21 international has kept five clean sheets in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.

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Scott Bain has entered the final year of his deal at Parkhead and is expected to make way this summer, creating the path for Doohan to come in as third-choice behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.

In addition, the 27-year-old will help Celtic in their quest to meet UEFA’s squad registration rules, given he is homegrown and also a club-trained asset.

Celtic will make more eye-catching signings this summer, but being able to call on a familiar presence to integrate withing the goalkeeping group at Lennoxtown could be a savvy move.

Doohan spent seven years at Celtic in his first spell at the club. Now, he will have the opportunity to be part of a successful dressing room in the prime of his career.

In a major boost for those at the City Ground, one Nottingham Forest target is now reportedly keen to complete a move this summer with Evangelos Marinakis also pushing to get a deal done.

Nottingham Forest's UCL run-in

Whilst one win in their last five Premier League games should ignite plenty of concern around the City Ground, Forest’s fate is still in their own hands with three big fixtures left to play. After drawing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit sixth and two points adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place, who they face on the final day.

Nuno recently had his say on his side’s performance against Crystal Palace whilst instantly looking ahead to the Leicester City game.

The Forest boss said: “It was very important to react, it was a big blow to go behind because we were in a tough position when we conceded the penalty but the reaction of the boys was amazing and we should be proud of that. We are delighted to be in the fight. Let’s go game by game now starting with Leicester at The City Ground.”

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The impact that Champions League qualification would have both on and off the pitch cannot be overstated, especially as those at the City Ground go in pursuit of one particular target.

Yilmaz now keen on Nottingham Forest move

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Baris Alper Yilmaz is now keen on a move to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis is pushing to complete a deal ahead of this summer. The winger was at the centre of Forest’s interest in January but failed to swap Galatasaray for the City Ground. Now, six months on, Forest could match his price-tag reportedly worth over €30m (£26m).

Forest’s interest should come as no surprise either. The Turkey international has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Galatasaray – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions. The difference that another outlet would offer Forest must be noted amid Chris Wood’s recent struggles too. Without the New Zealand forward’s clinical form to turn towards, the Reds have struggled in the decisive moments.

What’s more, Yilmaz has already earned an impressive fan in the Premier League in the form of Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain praised the winger after the Netherlands squared off against Turkey at the Euros last summer, telling reporters: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive.

“It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Now reportedly keen on a move to Forest, Yilmaz could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the City Ground in the coming months.

Already focused on the summer transfer window, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is now reportedly leading their charge to sign a Serie A midfielder in the coming months.

Emery focused on Tottenham game

Whilst the Villans continue to build their summer plan around the action on the pitch, Unai Emery’s focus has not changed. Champions League qualification is still a possibility for his side, who have Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play as they wait for a potential slip up from those above them in the Premier League.

Emery will be well aware of just what’s at stake in the next couple weeks and reiterated the need for focus ahead of this weekend’s Tottenham game, telling reporters: “I am wishing to play. I don’t want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we’re very, very motivated.

“Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow, for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. It’s not in our hands but we can have some options to play Champions League again. And focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way, playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them.”

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Monchi and Aston Villa could make their move…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 15, 2025

Aston Villa won’t need reminding what Champions League football can offer, either. They experienced moments that those at Villa Park will forever savour this season, with victory over Bayern Munich a particular standout. Now, however, they’ll be desperate to ensure that their place among Europe’s elite is not just a one off blip and, instead, a consistent feature of the competition.

Meanwhile, away from the action, Monchi is already thinking about the targets that could arrive with or without Champions League qualification.

Monchi leading Payero charge

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now leading Aston Villa’s charge to sign Martin Payero from Udinese this summer. The sporting director is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder, which could yet see the Villans push on and secure his signature in the coming months. In terms of depth, there’s no doubt that the Argentine has plenty to offer.

League stats 24/25 per 90 (via FBref)	Martin Payero	Youri Tielemans
Minutes	1,381	2,997
Progressive Passes	3.33	7.03
Progressive Carries	2.16	1.17
Ball Recoveries	4.90	4.35

When assessing the numbers, it’s clear that Payero wouldn’t be able to offer the same quality in possession as Tielemans, but he would be able to complete the legwork that the Belgian arguably struggles with. And that could create quite the midfield combination for Emery.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the midfielder enjoys a foray into English football, either, having previously been at Middlesbrough. It was there that he earned the praise of former manager Neil Warnock.

The former manager told reporters when he unveiled the midfielder in 2021: “Martin will be a great addition to the squad. I think he will be an exciting signing, we’re delighted to get everything done, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

A former Manchester United player was once dubbed the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, but went against Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice in a move that may well have ruined his career.

Man Utd wonderkids who flopped after leaving

The Red Devils are famous for their academy, with numerous first-team stars being made in Carrington. From the Class of 92 to more recent graduates such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd regularly have one of their own in a matchday squad.

Ferguson was influential to the success of many Man Utd youngsters making the grade at Old Trafford and once described how to get the best out of them.

However, some youngsters who had been tipped for greatness didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford.

Player

Man Utd appearances

Adnan Januzaj

63

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

14

Ravel Morrison

3

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

30

Nick Powell

9

Scott Wootton

4

Ryan Tunnicliffe

2

Tyler Blackett

12

James Wilson

20

Not every Man Utd academy graduate to make a first-team appearance has gone on to enjoy the career of a Gary Neville, David Beckham or a Ryan Giggs, with many still playing at a lower level, and perhaps none fit the flop category better than Federico Macheda.

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There were high hopes for Macheda at Old Trafford, especially after he burst onto the scene with a late winner against Aston Villa in the Premier League in 2009.

In fact, Macheda was called ‘the next Ronaldo’ in Manchester, but that goal against Villa would be as good as it got for the Italian under Ferguson.

Now coming into the twilight years of his career, Macheda left England in 2016 and has been playing his football in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Federico Macheda’s career in pictures

Talking back in 2017, Macheda recalled when he decided to go against Ferguson by moving to Sampdoria on loan instead of remaining in the Premier League, something he now regrets.

In 2025, Macheda is currently playing his football in Greece with Asteras Tripolis and would make just 19 Premier League appearances in total for Man Utd, a figure which could have been more if he had listened to Ferguson.

Southampton have now held talks with a 35-year-old coach as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Will Still, as their search for a new manager continues.

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Saints are once again looking for a new manager after Ivan Juric left the club even before the Premier League season came to an end. It is a rather difficult job for any interested manager, as Southampton are heading back to the Championship after a disastrous campaign and will no doubt have some of their best players poached by Premier League clubs.

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He’s just left his previous role…

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The league comes to an end next week, and the club will hope they can have a new man in place as soon as possible to give them the best chance of aligning with their new boss in the transfer market.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is one manager under consideration, and according to David Ornstein, Rohl is considering his options, but Southampton may not be a priority given he has interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Steven Gerrard has also been linked with a move to St Mary’s, but those links have gone rather quiet in recent weeks.

Along with Rohl, Will Still is heavily linked with a move to Southampton, and it’s been reported that Still is in advanced talks over a move to St Mary’s after leaving RC Lens.

Still told reporters that his decision to leave Lens was so he could be closer to his family: “I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert. For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife for her well-being.”

It’s claimed that Southampton are confident of agreeing a deal with Still for him to become their new manager, but he is not the only person they have recently spoken to.

Southampton now hold talks with 35 y/o who's just been sacked

As well as holding talks with Still, according to The Guardian, Southampton have also held talks with recently sacked Tom Cleverley.

The Guardian reports that the Saints are looking to rebuild after their relegation and have identified a handful of young, up and coming managers who could be in charge next season, with Cleverley one of those.

The 35-year-old is currently out of work following his sacking from Watford after the Hornets fell short of the Championship play-offs, making him their 12th such casualty in the space of just six years.

This update goes on to state that Cleverley, who likes to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation, has made a good impression on Southampton during those discussions, and he now has a strong chance of becoming the club’s new manager – Cleverley is seen as one of the most promising young English coaches in the game.

Games

61

Won

20

Drawn

14

Lost

27

Points

74

Points per game

1.21

Cleverley’s time at Vicarage Road was his first time as a senior manager, as the former Manchester United midfielder had been working in Watford’s academy before he was given the caretaker role at the end of last season. Cleverley is still very early into his coaching career, but the same could be said for Rohl, who has only managed Sheffield Wednesday, and while Still has managed a couple of sides in France, it is very clear the club are planning for a new dawn with a long-term vision.

Arsenal have enjoyed a meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing, making year-by-year progress and now not just consistent Champions League competitors but one of the most respected squads in European football.

However, it’s been five years since the Gunners added to their trophy cabinet, Arteta winning the FA Cup just months into his reign way back in 2019/20, defeating Chelsea in the final.

It’s clear that there’s a missing ingredient, that one last piece of the puzzle which will pave the way to new levels of success in the Premier League and beyond.

Arsenal need to sign a striker, and while Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has been high on the list, it looks like sporting director Andrea Berta is instead going to move for Benjamin Sesko.

The latest on Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal

On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that concrete talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig are underway for the transfer of Slovenian striker Sesko, who has an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract.

Since then, Arsenal sources have claimed that personal terms are all wrapped up, and that we’re now entering the later stages of a saga which promises the 22-year-old’s transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks.

Sesko is considered one of the most exciting centre-forwards in Europe, having scored 39 goals across two seasons in Germany.

However, while Arsenal are desperate for more firepower, the striker’s arrival would rock the boat somewhat, with someone like Gabriel Jesus perhaps at risk of being ousted from contention next season, should Berta drive the deal over the line.

Why Gabriel Jesus needs to go

In 2022, Arsenal signed Jesus from Manchester City in a deal worth £45m, securing one of the Premier League’s finest pure finishers, chiselled into a natural winner under Pep Guardiola’s wing too.

But he’s struggled with injuries ever since first donning the Arsenal jersey, missing 61 matches due to injury absence since joining.

After tearing his cruciate ligament in January, thus ending his season after undergoing surgery, the Brazil forward’s day may well be done, with the potential signing of Sesko bound to knock him down the pecking order.

Jesus did enjoy a burst of clinical form before that blow, but consistency has been a struggle even when he’s maintained fitness levels, with pundit Micah Richards calling the 28-year-old “frustrating” after one performance against Liverpool last October.

24/25

27

7

2

23/24

36

8

10

22/23

33

11

8

Kai Havertz is not a natural goalscorer, but his unique set of skills make for an interesting and dynamic option at number nine, something that could serve well as the counterpoint to Leipzig’s inbound man.

Moreover, Jesus pockets a staggering £265k per week at Arsenal, supposedly placing him behind only Havertz on the club’s wage bill. Is it justifiable for both players, neither of whom may start every week, to be on the books for the club next term?

Journalist Graeme Bailey believes that, while the Gunners are pressing ahead with contract talks for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, they may be warming to the prospect of selling Jesus.

His current injury may inhibit the chances of doing that this summer, but it’s looking rather likely that the arrival of Sesko will spell the end of the Brazilian’s time at the Emirates, his setback proving little more than a stay of execution.

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Milos Kerkez is edging toward a move from Bournemouth to Liverpool, with sporting director Richard Hughes discussing the final details with his successor in the Cherries transfer seat.

This in itself is a fantastic deal for Anfield, whose veteran left-back Andy Robertson is an “absolute legend” but one “hanging on in every game” for Arne Slot’s side this season, says pundit Jamie Carragher.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold signing for Real Madrid at the end of his Liverpool contract, it was also important for FSG to welcome a successor, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been picked as the man for the job, signed for £29.5m.

Further change is afoot higher up the field, but Liverpool have already shown a willingness to secure a new centre-back this summer, pushing to sign Dean Huijsen before he rejected a wealth of Premier League interest for Real Madrid.

Why Liverpool need a defender

Virgil van Dijk is now a two-time Premier League winner, dominant and immense as the captain guided his team through the campaign with elite consistency.

It’s brilliant that Van Dijk signed a new deal on Merseyside, extending his stay for two more years, but he turns 34 next month and Liverpool need to find a long-term heir.

That could have been Huijsen, who was hailed as “the perfect left centre-back” by analyst Ben Mattinson after his campaign on the south coast. Complete in an age-belying fashion, the Spain international, only 20, would have secured Liverpool’s backline for years to come, had he joined.

And though FSG are big on acting upon unique market opportunities, they must surely recognise the need for a fallback. Ibrahima Konate arrived in 2021, and no first-team centre-back has since followed him.

Konate, moreover, is being courted by Los Blancos, who want to snap him up as a free agent next summer. Liverpool are currently locked in talks over a new deal with their French defender.

Given Jarell Quansah’s future is also uncertain, a Huijsen alternative to ease the burden on Van Dijk and co would be great, and the Premier League champions have identified the man for the job.

Liverpool begin move for new CB

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool have entered the race for Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae, with sources close to the South Korean claiming he will be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena this summer.

With the various parties all seeking a swift resolution, Bayern have reduced their asking price from €50m (£44m) to about €35m (£30m), which would work well for the Reds given their need for reinforcements across a myriad of positions.

With Chelsea and Newcastle United also exploring a move, Liverpool would be wise to take their interest up a notch, ready to pounce.

What Kim Min-Jae would bring to Liverpool

Kim has struggled to truly hit his stride for Bayern, but certainly showcased his quality as an elite-level central defender when in the Serie A with Napoli, heralded as an “iron barrel” of a player by his former teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

According to Luciano Spalletti, former Napoli boss, Kim has the minerals to become “the best centre-back in the world”, keeping 14 clean sheets from 35 matches as the Blues won the Scudetto in 2022/23, a colossus in protecting his side’s goal.

A player capable of getting stuck in and performing with a more elegant touch, Kim’s is the prototypical modern profile, his strength suggesting he would thrive in the rigorous Premier League.

Bayern signed the 28-year-old from Napoli in July 2023 after meeting his £43m release clause, and though he’s since recovered the Bundesliga from Leverkusen after missing out in his debut term, it hasn’t been the smoothest sailing for the left-sided defender, who made four direct errors leading to a goal this term, as per Sofascore.

Still, such lapses haven’t prevented the £194k-per-week titan from producing otherwise impressive performances, completing 93% of his passes, averaging 5.7 ball recoveries per game and winning 65% of his aerial battles.

His aerial dominance, crisp and progressive passing and left-sided berth suggest Kim could be the perfect foil for Van Dijk, especially when data-led site FBref suggest the two players bear a tactical likeness.

24/25 Comparison – Virgil van Dijk vs Kim Min-jae

Stats (per 90)

Van Dijk

Kim Min-jae

Goals

0.09

0.08

Assists

0.02

0.00

Touches

87.13

103.14

Pass completion

91.7%

92.9%

Progressive passes

5.05

6.45

Shot-creating actions

1.19

1.02

Progressive carries

0.50

0.62

Ball recoveries

3.11

5.51

Tackles + interceptions

2.31

3.06

Clearances

4.55

3.60

Aerials won

2.85

3.06

Data via FBref

Securing a new centre-half who can ease Van Dijk’s defensive burden wouldn’t be a bad thing, especially with Liverpool determined to go one better than this term and compete for silverware across four different major fronts.

There’s clearly a likeness to the players, who both employ confident passing games but maintain creative flair too. Moreover, they are persistent commanders of aerial traffic, directing whipped-in danger away from the box.

If Liverpool wish to maximise the time they have left with their legendary skipper, overloading him with minutes might not actually be the best track to take. Instead, Van Dijk could thrive in an environment that allows him to step away from the action without sending Slot’s system into a spin.

Kim’s similarities to the Dutchman would allow him to do exactly that, regarded in the past as ‘the South Korean Van Dijk.’

Given Quansah was used so sparingly this season, and indeed Konate’s future is uncertain (as is his fitness, routinely missing chunks of the campaign), this would be the perfect, affordable deal for an experienced and dynamic defender who could fill in for the captain or play alongside him.

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Leeds United have a massive summer ahead of them in the coming months, with shrewd additions needed if the side are to survive the drop in the Premier League next season.

Daniel Farke has done a tremendous job leading the side back to the top-flight, but the real job starts now, with the German needing to keep the side in the division.

None of the last six sides to secure promotion back to such a division have been able to remain in it for longer than one season, highlighting the task on the Whites’ hands in 2025/26.

Whilst they secured the Championship title in 2024/25, multiple additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch this summer, with added depth and quality required if they are to buck the recent trend.

With the season less than two months away and with no additions made, the hierarchy need to start making moves to strengthen the first team squad, leading to countless names being thrown into the mix.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

All areas of the pitch have been subject to links for Leeds in the last couple of weeks, with Farke evidently plotting moves for numerous talents before the start of the season.

The likes of Fabio Silva, Douglas Luiz and Japhet Tanganga have all been mooted with moves to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deals have edged closer for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers firmly on their radar, according to 67 Hail Hail.

Their report claims that the Whites are battling Sunderland for the 27-year-old, with the Scottish side potentially holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for his signature.

It also states that the American could be tempted by a return to the Premier League, with the real expectation that he will leave Brendan Rodgers’ side before the end of the summer window.

Why Leeds’ £25m target would be a better option than Bijol

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have emerged as strong contenders to secure a deal for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, with the Slovenian appearing a key target for Farke’s side.

The Whites have already had their first bid for the 26-year-old rejected, but remain in talks with the Serie A side over a move to land the defender ahead of the 2025/26.

It’s been reported that the first bid was in the region of £15m, but it remains to be seen how much the Italian side would be demanding to part ways with Bijol this window.

He’s been a key member of the side this campaign, featuring in all but four matches, highlighting his importance to the side and making it understandable that they don’t want to part ways with him this summer.

They should look past a move for the Slovenian and prioritise a deal for the Celtic star, offering a better defensive option ahead of their return to the Premier League.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Carter-Vickers this campaign, the American has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, showcasing why the board needs to pursue a move for his signature.

The 27-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best centre-back outside the top five leagues” by Euro Expert, has completed more passes and made more progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his ability to play out from the back when needed.

How Carter-Vickers compares to Bijol in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Carter-Vickers

Bijol

Games played

30

34

Minutes played

2618

2963

Pass accuracy

94%

83%

Progressive passes

4.8

2.3

Tackles won

1.6

1.3

% of tackles won

71%

52%

Aerials won

74%

67%

Stats via FBref

He’s also starred out of possession, winning more tackles per 90, and making more interceptions, having the talent without the ball, massively aiding their survival battle next season.

The former Spurs star has also won more aerial battles, having an impact at both ends of the pitch, potentially offering a set-piece threat within the final third.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition for the Whites this summer, his figures produced this campaign are examples of the talent he possesses – offering a better signing than Bijol.

Both players would massively improve the options currently in the first team squad, with Farke needing to work tirelessly in the coming months to secure Carter-Vickers’ signature.

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025