All posts by n8rngtd.top

Nottingham Forest seem set to lose one of their talismanic attackers, Anthony Elanga, in the coming days.

It appears that the Sweden star will sign for Newcastle United in the coming days for £55m, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the winger has completed his medical with the North Eastern side.

As a result, Forest need a new winger to don Garibaldi Red next season. Sky Sports suggested that they ‘are interested in a deal’ to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko and they are thought to have made an approach to the Dutch outfit to enquire about his availability this summer.

However, Bakayoko is not the only player on the list to replace Elanga, with Forest linked with a few more options out wide.

Nottingham Forest target new winger

It is certainly a frustrating situation that Forest find themselves in, having to replace Elanga this summer. However, the fee they are receiving is substantial, and allows them to sign a suitable replacement. Bakyoko is certainly not their only option.

In fact, according to journalist Greame Bailey, one of the players who Forest are considering to replace their number 21 is Ipswich Town star Omari Hutchinson.

Bailey explains that there is a ‘whole host of options out there’, but confirms that Hutchinson is one player the East Midlands side are considering.

At this stage, a price for the England U21 star has not been confirmed. However, given he cost the Tractor Boys £20m from Chelsea last summer, they would surely look to break even on the attacker, at the very least.

Why Hutchinson would be a good signing for Forest

At just 21 years of age, Hutchinson impressed in his first full season as a Premier League footballer. Once described as an “outstanding” player by football scout Antonio Mango, he would be an investment for both the present and future of Forest.

Last season, the versatile attacker, who has played for both Arsenal and Chelsea’s academies, played 31 times in the top flight for Ipswich. He bagged three goals and two assists, all of which came against some big sides, including both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Hutchinson was also a key member of England’s U21 European Championship-winning side last month under Lee Carsley. He played in all six games, including 98 minutes in the final against Germany, where he scored as England won 3-2 in extra time.

As a replacement for Elanga, there is no doubt that the Ipswich star would have a lot of work to do to match his numbers. The Sweden international managed six goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League games last season.

However, there are similarities between the players, and Bakayoko, too, who managed 15 goals and assists last term.

Elanga and Hutchinson, in particular, are versatile and can play either flank or as a number 10. Bakayoko, too, is naturally a right winger.

The 21-year-old is naturally a left-footed player, and likes to cut inside on his strong foot when playing on the right-hand side. Just look at this goal he scored against Man United, picking up the ball in the right half-space, driving inside and firing home.

Indeed, the stats on FBref stack up well for Hutchinson against the other two players. For example, the Ipswich star stands out when looking at progressive numbers. Last season, he was averaging 1.57 passes into the final third per 90 minutes, more than Elanga’s 1.15 and Bakayoko’s 1.37 each game.

Even though a price is not clear at this stage, a deal for Hutchinson could be a snart move for Forest. He has shown elite potential and versatility, and is already comparing well against Elanga and another of their targets in Bakayoko.

As far as an Elanga replacement goes, this could be a dream move for Forest this summer, and help them build for the present and the future.

Forget Fofana: Nottingham Forest could land instant Elanga upgrade for £34m

Nottingham Forest could replace Anthony Elanga with a current Premier League star

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 5, 2025

With Liverpool approaching their return to competitive action under unprecedented circumstances, Arne Slot will take pride in what his side has managed to do in the transfer window up until this point.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, among others, will add considerable strength on top of a squad that managed to claim Premier League glory in his debut campaign.

Nevertheless, there is more to come at Anfield, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the dream target for Liverpool, even if they are more likely to turn their attention towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike due to financial demands relating to the former.

Speaking of Ekitike, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the France Under-21 international wants to come to England in light of interest from the Reds, albeit there are also clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia circling.

He stated: “There is movement on Hugo Ekitike, with interest from Saudi, but the priority of the player remains England. And with Newcastle interested in Hugo Ekitike, there is still interest also from more clubs. Because clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea have been calling for the player for weeks, since June, for example, being informed on the situation of Hugo Ekitike.”

Hughes lining up Liverpool move for £34m Guehi alternative who's Konate 2.0

Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back continues, amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future

By
Robbie Walls

Jul 13, 2025

Moving away from the search for attacking prowess, Liverpool could also move for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, solidifying the thought that they could look to strengthen the engine room.

Recent developments could point them in that direction, but not in the way supporters would expect, given previous events this window.

Liverpool could be offered Arda Guler in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could be offered Real Madrid star Arda Guler as the La Liga giants look to sign Alexis Mac Allister, and it is claimed the Argentina international may be tempted by the prospect of working with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.

However, the 26-year-old hasn’t shown any major signs of wanting to change clubs and is said to be ‘happy’ in England, though Los Blancos may throw Turkish sensation Guler into the mix to try and bring down the cost of any potential deal with the Reds valuing their star at £86m.

Intriguingly, Guler, who has previously been labelled “tremendous” by Carlo Ancelotti, has outperformed £150,000 per week earner Mac Allister in the field of goal contributions, certifying that he would be able to replicate his creative influence at Anfield.

However, the latter is someone who Arne Slot believes holds a unique standing in the football world, so it is hard to envisage the Dutchman entertaining any notion of a sale under any circumstances.

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch an “electric” versatile attacker in action, according to an encouraging new transfer update.

Newcastle stand strong in Isak battle

The Magpies may be focusing on new signings currently, but keeping hold of Alexander Isak is more important than any incoming business during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, and while it led to some concern among the fanbase about him leaving, Eddie Howe allayed any fears about his omission.

Even if Isak stays, though, Newcastle could do with adding more depth and quality to their attack, and a new update suggests that that could well be the case.

Newcastle have scouted "electric" attacker

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle have been scouting OGC Nice attacker Evann Guessand and could now make their move having failed in other pursuits.

It is stated that a move for the 24-year-old “could be explored” if the Magpies’ search for a new attacking player moves “to the European market” in the coming weeks. He is also described as a “similar profile” to former Brighton striker Joao Pedro, who is now at Chelsea, in terms of “being able to play anywhere across the front line or as a second striker”.

Statistically speaking, it is actually Liverpool star Cody Gakpo he compares to, with FBRef profiling both players very highly in terms of both goal threat and defensive contriubtion from a winger/forward hybrid role.

Guessand is however a relative unknown compared to some of the big-name players linked with Newcastle of late, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be an excellent addition. The Frenchman bagged 12 goals and eight assists in Ligue 1 last season, coming in 30 starts, and journalist Antonio Mango has described him as an “electric” player.

As stated, Guessand isn’t dissimilar to Pedro or Gakpo in terms of style, with the Nice star capable of shining as an attacking midfielder, centre forward or winger, drifting into those half spaces and providing end product.

More exciting than Wissa: Newcastle preparing move to sign £86m "monster"

Newcastle United are ready to offer £86m for the services of this monster attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 21, 2025

At 24, he is also still learning as a footballer, with further gears to find, and if the worst-case scenario does happen with Isak, he could be a strong long-term successor. Hopefully though, he comes in and thrives alongside the Swedish superstar.

Arsenal know that they will sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer and he will lead the line for Mikel Arteta next season and beyond. A total agreement with Sporting Lisbon has been reached.

Gyokeres might be 27, and thus is not someone who will be starring at number nine for the Emirates side in ten years, but he’s complete and accomplished, in the prime of his career and ready to tackle a top division such as the Premier League.

He did, after all, score 97 goals and supply 28 assists across 102 matches, winning the Liga Portugal in each of his two terms in the Iberian country.

However, Gyokeres might need some support as he enters the Emirates fray. Indeed, Arteta plans to pair him up with a playmaker.

Arsenal targeting a creative midfielder

Martin Odegaard left plenty to be desired last season, but he’s still Arsenal’s captain and one of the best midfielders in the world besides.

However, Arteta seeks a new playmaker who can drift between central and wide attacking berths. Someone like Chelsea’s Cole Palmer would be great.

There have been rumours that RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, 22, would be the man for the job, but Arsenal have fallen behind Chelsea in the race for the diminutive Dutchman.

This might feel like a blow, but when you consider the reason why the north Londoners have taken a step back, it becomes quite a bit less crippling.

Indeed, Arsenal are targeting one of the Premier League’s finest stars.

Arsenal in talks to sign PL star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are currently holding internal talks as they weigh up a formal offer for Eberechi Eze, who scored the winning goal as Crystal Palace beat Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final.

Eze, 27, has a £60m release clause and has also been targeted by teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, but it is the Gunners who are leading the race as technical director Andrea Berta looks to seal a summer spending spree.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Arsenal have held discussions with Eze’s camp as they look to put the pieces together.

Why Arsenal must sign Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace signed Eze from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. It was 2020, and he was regarded as one of England’s brightest up-and-coming talents.

Five years on, Eze has immortalised himself as a Palace great, and now wants to make a big move to one of the finest teams on the continent while in the prime of his career.

The England international has been described as a “superstar” by analyst Ben Mattinson, and his vicious blend of powerful athleticism, fleet-footedness and always-improving potency in the final third makes him the perfect fit for Arteta’s project, having proven himself positionally versatile too.

As per FBref, the £100k-per-week star’s efforts last term left him ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for shots taken, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

This complete sweep of attributes led the data-driven site to draw his countryman Palmer as one of his most statistically similar players, with the 22-year-old hailed as “the best player in the Premier League” by Jamie Carragher at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal worth £42m in September 2023, and he has since become the face of English football, with his extraordinary debut campaign yielding 25 goals and 15 assists across 45 matches in all competitions for the Blues.

Though Eze is not quite so clinical as his world-class positional peer, he is a unique and tricky opponent, so skilful and dynamic in his movements.

As per Sofascore, the Palace talent actually finished the recent league season having averaged two dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 4.6 ground duels (of which he won a respectable 53%) per game, further highlighting his roundedness.

And, of course, it’s not as if Eze isn’t clinical in his own right, having raised his game in that regard under Oliver Glasner’s wing, posting 34 direct goal involvements across 54 games since the Austrian manager arrived in the English capital.

Now, just imagine the improvements that could be made in Arteta’s system. The Spaniard is renowned as one of the best tacticians in football, with new Gunners recruit Martin Zubimendi even hailing him as “one of the best coaches in Europe”.

Given that Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli may both be sold this summer, Eze would be a fantastic addition – perhaps even a necessary addition – with his high-speed dribbling perfect for the left flank, should he not be deployed centrally to take on defenders, create space and spark playmaking for his side.

Dubbed a “magician” of a midfielder by pundit Micah Richards in the past, signing Eze really is a no-brainer. While he may not be Chelsea’s Palmer, he does possess a certain tactical likeness that has already worked so well at Stamford Bridge, and would be sure to elevate Arteta’s project as trophies are targeted across various competitions next year.

Transfer Focus

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

A new season beckons, and if the summer transfer window is anything to go by, Arsenal are going to be right their at the front of the pack once again. Maybe the likes of Eze and Gyokeres could help them take that final step toward glory.

Bigger talent than Simons: Arsenal lining up "world-class" £87m talent

Arsenal are hoping to follow the signing of Viktor Gyokeres with more attacking quality.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 25, 2025

Ange Postecoglou, who is known for his bullish belief in his ability to win silverware, declared he is aiming to do what he always does at Nottingham Forest: win. Just months after being shown the door at Tottenham despite delivering the Europa League, the 60-year-old is back in English football, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo only three games into the new Premier League campaign.

• Postecoglou vows to bring silverware
• Forest gamble on trophy-winning coach
• First clash looms against Arsenal on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Forest’s decision shocked some, especially as Nuno had delivered the club’s most successful season in decades. But with owner Evangelos Marinakis demanding more, Postecoglou has been handed the keys to a squad with European football on the horizon. 

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  At Spurs, Postecoglou once famously quipped that he always secures silverware by his second season. Now, with Forest’s ambitious board breathing down his neck, he admitted the timeline might have to be sped up.

• WHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID

  "I have won a couple in my first as well, at Celtic I won a double in my first," he said. "Of course I can, I may have to [win a trophy in first season] to get a second year here. I've said it already, that's what I want to do. I want to win trophies. That's that's what I've done my whole career, and that's what I want to try and do here. Every club wants to be successful, but since the president took over the club those ambitions are backed up with actions. Perfect conditions for me."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Originally qualified for the Europa Conference League, Forest were bumped up a tier after Crystal Palace fell foul of ownership regulations. That twist means the Australian coach will dive straight back into the Europa League spotlight, a competition he conquered with Spurs just last year.

Vinicius Junior has been warned that his attitude is “not healthy”, with the Real Madrid superstar reacting angrily to being substituted during the Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol. The Brazil international was replaced in the 77th minute of that contest and did not take kindly to seeing his number held up. Jorge Valdano has discussed another show of petulance.

• Another win: Mbappe on target in victory for Blancos

  Real were in complete control of their meeting with Espanyol when second-half changes were made, with two spectacular goals from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe seeing them to another three-point haul.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Valdano's reaction to Vinicius' antics

  Vinicius was, however, eager to get in on the act and was less than impressed at being replaced by fellow countryman Rodrygo 13 minutes from the end. Former Real player, coach and sporting director Valdano told when assessing the South American’s antics and current form: “Vinicius is not the same as he was and the coach is not the same as he was. Now first he will have to improve his level and then convince the coach.

  “These attitudes displayed in public are not healthy. They are not healthy in any case. Vinicius is a man who has been very supported by Real Madrid. He has fought against the world. The people, and even the club, between the world and Vinicius , preferred Vinicius.

  “But here we are starting to enter another issue. Vinicius is no longer angry with the world, he is angry with his own coach, and the people at Real Madrid have always put the club before the player.

  “So he should be a little more careful, because there is also implicit in this type of gesture a lack of respect for the player who is going to enter the field.”

• What Alonso said about angry reaction

  Explaining his decision to replace Vinicius – who went off at the same time as Franco Mastantuono – and his reaction to being benched, Blancos boss Xabi Alonso said: “He lacked goalscoring today. I thought bringing in players on the outside, as a substitute, would be good. He and Franco were good, but the game needed more control. Maybe I substituted him when he was at his best, maybe I substituted him a little too early.

  “Franco also left angry. It happens to everyone. I’m happy with Vini and Franco’s performance. We needed a refresher because the season is so long.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  More expected from Vini Jr as a senior star

  Vinicius Junior, who was a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or 12 months ago, has scored two goals through six appearances this season. He has passed the 20-goal mark in four successive seasons, but more is expected of the 25-year-old forward after becoming a senior leader at Santiago Bernabeu.

As they aim to spend big once again this summer, Manchester United could yet add to their summer funds after a Champions League club opened talks to sign one of their want-away forwards.

Man Utd agree blockbuster Sesko deal

After missing out on European football and finishing as low as 15th, Manchester United were expected to struggle in the transfer market this summer. May believed that the United name, alone, would struggle to attract players and a record low in the Premier League was thought to be a drop too far for players of a certain calibre to even consider.

As it turns out, however, that assumption couldn’t have been more wrong. The Theatre of Dreams remains exactly that for a number of players rather than the nightmare it has become for certain stars and Ruben Amorim’s side have welcomed some much-needed improvements as a result.

First through the door was Matheus Cunha before Bryan Mbeumo soon followed to take the Red Devils’ spending to around the £120m-mark and now their most impressive arrival yet is reportedly on his way.

Newcastle United had the Champions League advantage and, at this stage, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that they have the more attractive project. What they don’t have, however, is the Manchester United name; the history of Old Trafford and a reputation as one of the most successful clubs in world football which made Benjamin Sesko’s decision for him.

Perfect for Cunha: PL "monster" is now keen to join Man Utd after Sesko

Manchester United have wasted no time in making moves in the market after landing Benjamin Sesko.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 8, 2025

The RB Leipzig forward’s arrival is likely to take United’s spending to around £180m, which could yet see the Red Devils turn to the transfer market to sell several unwanted stars this month.

Benfica open talks to sign Antony

One of the players likely to leave this month is Antony, but whilst it seemed as though a return to Real Betis was on the cards, another side have now entered the fray. According to CNN Portugal, as relayed by Sport Witness, Benfica have now opened talks to sign Antony in an unexpected hijack ahead of Betis before the window slams shut at the start of next month.

INEOS have been ‘messed around’ by Betis this summer, meaning they are delighted more clubs are now entering a potential bidding war.

The Brazilian enjoyed a revived spell on loan at the La Liga club last season, but they have so far been unable to agree a second spell. Leaving the door ajar for other suitors to come swooping in, Benfica are now reportedly negotiating a loan deal which will see them buy a percentage of the winger. United, unsurprisingly, would prefer such an offer.

Dubbed a “special case” by Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini, Antony will be desperate to seal a move away from Manchester United this summer. Whether he’s willing to take a pay-cut from his reported £200,000-a-week (£10m-a-year) salary to do so may well be another question, however.

Daniel Levy and co appear determined to put Tottenham’s Eberechi Eze humiliation firmly behind them, with Spurs considering a host of new late options for the number 10 role amid their dire need for a playmaker.

The Lilywhites, and Levy in particular, have attracted huge criticism after missing out on a deal for Eze – who had agreed personal terms to join Thomas Frank’s side with an agreement in principle also reached club-to-club.

However, Spurs’ apparent haggling over the 27-year-old’s now-expired £68 million release clause, as well as Palace’s hesitation, ultimately cost them.

Oliver Glasner’s side, at least initially, also wanted Eze to feature in their 1-0 Europa Conference League play-off win on Thursday.

Following this second public transfer humiliation of the transfer window after their famously botched deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, Levy and Frank are now tasked with reacting in the strongest possible manner.

The Gibbs-White deal was, to give Tottenham their due, much more complicated. The north Londoners were ready to pay £60 million and trigger his release clause, only for Evangelos Marinakis to block the deal, threaten legal action and tie the 25-year-old down in never-before-seen fashion.

Eze’s was a case of being beaten to the punch in a more traditional hijack, something which Spurs have done themselves before, but Frank will be devastated to miss out on yet another world-class, Premier League-proven creator.

Tottenham make approach to sign Xavi Simons after Eberechi Eze blow

Speaking of hijacks, according to Fabrizio Romano, it is believed that top Chelsea target and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons has found his way on to Levy’s transfer shortlist.

Chelsea have been in talks to sign Simons for a long time now, but their need to sell players, whilst not yet fully agreeing a deal with Leipzig, has delayed the Dutchman’s move to London.

Simoms has been a revelation for the Bundesliga side ever since he initially joined on loan at the start of 2023/2024, and this isn’t lost on Levy, with Romano claiming that Tottenham have made contact over Simons in recent days.

As Frank’s side seemingly consider hijacking a deal of their own, it appears they may not have much luck, with the player determined to join Chelsea right now.

The 22-year-old, who joined Leipzig from PSG permanently in January, became their highest-ever paid player in the process – earning £192,000-per-week.

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as the club's new head coach, replacing Graham Potter just hours after the latter was sacked on Saturday. Nuno has agreed to personal terms with the east London club, and is expected to be officially unveiled as the Hammers new boss ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton on Monday. Potter was sacked after winning just six of his 25 games in charge.

• Nuno expected to take over at West Ham imminently

  Nuno, who left his position at Nottingham Forest earlier this month, will be in position to lead the Hammers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, and that he will take his first training session this weekend. He has signed a three-year contract.

  “I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United. My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be,” the 51-year-old told the club's website. 

  "The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead."

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Potter and staff dismissed for poor start to the season

  In a statement released earlier on Saturday, West Ham confirmed the immediate dismissal of Potter and his entire backroom staff, clearing the decks for Nuno and his lieutenants ahead of Monday's game. Potter took over from Julen Loptegui in January of this year, with the Hammers in 14th place. The club remained in that position come the end of the 2024-25 season, but failed to kick on under the Englishman's stewardship. West Ham are currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, and the club were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fellow strugglers Wolves. 

• A quick rebound for Nuno after Nottingham Forest departure

  Nuno's departure from the City Ground immediately turned up the pressure on any struggling Premier League manager, as the Portuguese was forced out of the club after a falling out with owner Evangelos Marinakis. The 51-year-old's stock is at an all-time high, after he marshalled Forest to a seventh-placed finish in the top tier last term while they flirted with Champions League qualification for much of the campaign. Ironically, the Portuguese's last game in charge of the club was a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Potter's West Ham at the City Ground, the Hammers only win of the young season. The managerial position at the City Ground was filled by former Tottenham and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Nuno's Premier League record

  Aside from a brief and unhappy spell at Tottenham, Nuno has consistently delivered results in the Premier League. After leading Wolves to a Championship title in 2017-18, the Portuguese authored two seventh-placed finishes for the club, laying the foundations for Wolves to remain in the Premier League ever since. After saving Forest from the drop in 2023-24, he again led a side to a top-seven finish, giving the club their first a taste of European football in more than 30 years. 

With Giovanni Leoni already on his way, Liverpool and Richard Hughes are now reportedly very keen to accelerate another summer deal before the deadline at the start of next month.

Slot confirms Leoni agreement

Sitting down for his first Premier League press conference of the season, Arne Slot had some good news for Liverpool fans. The Dutchman confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Italian side Parma to sign defender Leoni, who is reportedly set to be presented in front of Anfield before the Reds square off against Bournemouth tonight.

Slot told reporters: “The clubs have agreed a deal but he hasn’t signed. The moment he signs I can go into more detail.”

In a deal worth around £26m, the 18-year-old will replace Jarell Quansah at the home of the Premier League champions following the defender’s earlier departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

Following their Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace on penalties, there were some concerns about Liverpool’s centre-back problem, but that has only sparked the Reds into life in the transfer market once again. And with Leoni, their window has only reached new heights.

Whilst the Italian is unlikely to have an immediate starting place ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Arrigo Sacchi’s praise suggests that Liverpool have got themselves a future star.

Awful Torres repeat: PL rival ready offer to sign £43m Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool run the risk of losing one of Slot’s biggest stars to a divisional rival this month.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 15, 2025

The legendary manager wrote in Gazzetta Dello Sport: “We’ll see if the deal goes through, but in any case, I’d say the Reds would be making a great move by signing this young man, whom I followed with interest and curiosity in the second half of last season.”

Even after Leoni, however, Liverpool are still not done. Reports are now suggesting that Hughes has already shifted his focus towards another top target.

Hughes now keen to accelerate Guehi move

According to Caught Offside, Hughes is now very keen to accelerate a move to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The two clubs reportedly remain far apart in their valuations, with Palace demanding around £50m and Liverpool currently willing to pay as much as £40m, but the fact that the defender is into the final year of his contract will hand the Reds the advantage.

As for the player, himself, Guehi reportedly wants to complete a summer switch to Anfield and join up with the Premier League champions, a far cry from reports earlier this summer that he would “run across London” to join Arsenal.

The England international shouldn’t have too many concerns about game time, either. As things stand, Ibrahima Konate is set to depart as a free agent next summer, allowing a player of Guehi’s calibre to take hold of the position next to Van Dijk on a permanent basis.

Described as “great” by Manchester City’s John Stones and “world class” by Ezri Konsa, Guehi has only pushed on ever since and should now be at the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.