All posts by z3u9t.icu

Brendan Rodgers made a bold decision in the January transfer window when he sanctioned a Celtic exit for centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Japan international completed a £10m move to Ligue 1 side Rennes midway through the season, and shortly after the Hoops had qualified for the play-off round of the Champions League.

Kyogo, who scored 34 goals in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, had scored 85 goals in 165 appearances for the Scottish giants before his move to France.

The Japan international had scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season for Celtic as Rodgers’ first-choice centre-forward more often than not.

However, the Northern Irish head coach opted against a move to sign a direct replacement for him before the end of the January transfer window, instead opting for Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Johnny Kenny as his three striker options.

Celtic could be in the market for a replacement for Kyogo in the summer, though, and Rodgers could be on the lookout for his next Odsonne Edouard.

How Celtic hit the jackpot with Odsonne Edouard

The Scottish giants initially signed the French marksman on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, at the start of the current Celtic manager’s second season in charge.

Edouard enjoyed a fairly impressive debut campaign in Glasgow with a return of 11 goals and four assists in 29 appearances in all competitions, including nine goals in 22 outings in the Scottish Premiership.

His form for the Hoops in that season convinced the board to smash the club’s transfer record with a reported £9m swoop for his services in the summer of 2018 to bolster Rodgers’ options at the top end of the pitch.

The Premiership champions were willing to splash the cash to ensure that Edouard remained at Parkhead after his impressive debut campaign, and it turned out to be a terrific decision as they hit the jackpot with the French star.

Edouard scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 52 appearances in his first season as a permanent Hoops number nine, and followed that up with a stunning return of 29 goals and 17 assists in 47 outings in the next campaign.

Celtic hit the jackpot with the former PSG star because they smashed their transfer record in the hope that he would progress and develop as a player, which is exactly what happened with his rising goal tallies each year.

As you can see in the graphic above, Edouard ended his Celtic career with two Golden Boots and four league titles in four seasons, before signing for Premier League side Crystal Palace in a transfer that could rise to £18.5m.

This shows that the Hoops hit the jackpot with the striker in more ways than one, as they landed a terrific player on the pitch and ended up making a significant profit on him, and they could repeat that masterclass with their interest in a new forward this summer.

Celtic considering club-record swoop for striker

According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are one of a number of teams eyeing up a move to sign Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that they are facing plenty of competition for the attacker’s signature, as West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in a swoop for the Danish marksman.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Celtic enquired about a deal for the 23-year-old star in January, as he is a long-term target for the club, and that they are now weighing up a move to sign him this summer.

The Daily Mail’s report adds that any teams wanting to sign Kvistgaarden this summer would need to shell out a fee in excess of £12m, which would break the £11m transfer record set by Arne Engels’ move from Augsburg last year.

It claims that Celtic would have ‘no issue’ with smashing their transfer record to sign the striker, which illustrates the kind of money that Rodgers will have to spend in the coming months.

Whilst the Hoops are now weighing up this club-record move for the Brondby star, is Kvistgaarden worth splashing the cash on ahead of next season?

Why Celtic should sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Premiership champions should smash their transfer record to sign the Danish attacker, as he could be Edouard 2.0 at Parkhead, a centre-forward worth breaking the bank for.

As aforementioned, Celtic hit gold with the French striker because they were willing to pay big money to bring the talented attacker to Parkhead on a permanent basis, and they got back the quality that they paid for.

That could also be the case with Kvistgaarden because he is coming off the back of an impressive season in Denmark with Brondby, which has attracted interest from teams in the Bundesliga and the Premier League, as well as Scotland.

The former Denmark U21 international ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 23 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in all competitions, which shows that he provided a huge threat in the final third on a regular basis.

Appearances

29

FotMob rating

7.29

xG

13.99

Goals

17

Chances created

19

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, Kvistgaarden was particularly lethal in the Superliga with 17 goals from just 13.99 xG, which speaks to his efficiency in front of goal as he can outperform his expected return.

Meanwhile, no Celtic player managed more than 16 goals in the Premiership. Adam Idah (14.77) and Daizen Maeda (14.95) both had a higher xG than the Danish sensation, but only managed 13 and 16 goals respectively, which suggests that the £12m+ striker could come in as an upgrade on what Rodgers currently has at his disposal.

Denmark boss Brian Riemer recently described the attacker as a “tormentor for the opponents’ defences”, and that is backed up by his impressive form for Brondby this season with a constant stream of goals across all competitions.

He could be a tormentor in Scotland in the 2025/26 campaign as a lethal and consistent goalscorer for the Scottish giants, which is why he could be Edouard 2.0 as a club-record signing with the potential to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch for many seasons to come.

He's like Gareth Bale: Celtic eyeing "Rolls-Royce" who'd be Johnston 2.0

Celtic are eyeing a Gareth Bale-esque star who could be Alistair Johnston 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

Ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first summer in charge, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly moving to seal their move to sign a South American talent at their manager’s request.

Pereira already requesting Wolves incomings

With Matheus Cunha reportedly on his way to Manchester United this summer, it should come as no surprise that Pereira has requested attacking reinforcements in the coming months. Recent rumours have indicated that the Portuguese manager is a particular fan of Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto and has now asked Wolves to make a reunion happen between himself and his former star.

Appearances

34

Goals

13

Assists

1

Having worked with the Brazilian before, Pereira will already know all about Alberto’s potential. At 24 years old, he has shown consistent promise at Corinthians over the years and only added to his goal tally this season – scoring 13 in 34 games.

The Portuguese manager also knows just how important it is to get recruitment right at Wolves in the coming months, having told reporters when asked about the summer transfer window back in April: “I expect to go with Wolves to the next level, the next step. This is what I’m thinking about.

“We don’t need a lot of money, we just need to make the right decisions and have a plan. My focus is on this team and trying to get the best results possible until the end of the season.

“Keeping almost all of the players (is important) because we have a very good group. I want to work for another level, I want to take the next step with this club.”

Signing South American talents seems to be the manager’s chosen route towards that next step, too, with another promising talent now reportedly on Wolves’ radar ahead of the summer window.

Wolves moving to seal Araujo deal

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are now moving to seal their deal to sign Evertton Araujo, who has a release clause worth as much as €40m (£34m) at Flamengo. Whilst such a price may seem steep, reports suggest that Pereira has requested the arrival of the midfielder and the Midlands club have already made contact over a potential deal.

Pereira’s request should come as no shock and Wolves, themselves, are no strangers when it comes to signing Brazilian talents after welcoming Andre last summer.

Wolves now eyeing £14m Argentinian prodigy who's already met with Arsenal

He’s a wanted man.

ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Described as “strong” and “composed” as well as “aggressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Araujo could go on and make the same impact as Andre if he followed him to the Midlands in the coming months. Wolves’ transfer strategy has seemingly taken them towards Brazil once again and that should be seen as no bad thing.

Tottenham Hotspur are firmly in the running to sign a “complete” £50 million player this summer, and Real Madrid are believed to rate him extremely highly behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham cruise into Europa League final after Bodo/Glimt

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has a golden chance to make good on his early-season promise, with the Australian stating that he always wins trophies during his second season in charge.

Paratici could sign £150k-a-week Liverpool player after Tottenham return

The ex-managing director is expected to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ends.

ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

The Lilywhites’ torrid season domestically, where they’ve chalked up a record-equalling 19 Premier League defeats, has placed mounting pressure on Postecoglou amid reports he could leave at the end of the season (The Telegraph).

If the 59-year-old does end up departing north London, the best parting gift possible would be winning Tottenham’s first piece of major silverware since 2008, and this is now a distinct possibility after their 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro confirmed Spurs’ place in the Bilbao final on May 21, where they will play Premier League rivals Man United in a mouth-watering contest which has the potential to save either side’s season.

Tottenham’s professionally done win, at a ground where the hosts had reigned victorious in 28 of their last 34 European matches prior, resulted in Postecoglou’s side eventually sailing through to the final with a 5-1 win on aggregate.

“The players were outstanding,” said Postecoglou on his Tottenham players after their win over Bodo/Glimt.

“They were well-prepared tonight, the staff did a great job of making sure the boys were really clear about what we needed to do. They executed it perfectly. It’s been well-chronicled in the last few days it’s a difficult place to come through, they’ve got a really imposing home record, not just with wins but with goals, I thought the lads just handled it really well, as they have throughout this European campaign, particularly the knock-out stages, and credit to them, I thought they did an outstanding job.”

Tottenham make "formal" offer to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

Winning the Europa League, and subsequently confirming a place in next season’s Champions League draw, could also play a crucial role in the club’s transfer plans this summer.

One of their reported targets is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, following the Spaniard’s exceptional debut campaign on the British Isles, but competition is rife for his signature.

His £50 million release clause has piqued interest from all over the Premier League and beyond, with Real Madrid chiefs convinced he’s the best possible signing available on the market in Huijsen’s position.

That is according to Cadena SER, who also report that Tottenham have now made Huijsen a “formal” offer to join them.

While this sounds promising, a host of Spurs’ rivals have done the same, while it is also believed that the 20-year-old’s camp have hired a law firm to help facilitate a potential move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real appear to be Huijsen’s preference as things stand, despite Spurs’ proposal, so Postecoglou’s side face a serious battle to sign the ex-Juventus starlet.

Called a “complete” player already by Jamie Redknapp, Huijsen is very highly-rated within the beautiful game, and his next destination will be one of the big sagas of this summer.

The representative of a “complete player” is actively pushing for his client to join Chelsea, according to reports, with a deal also being worked on behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea eye new defender for Enzo Maresca this summer

While their qualification for the Champions League is set to have a big impact on their summer plans, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from laying the groundwork for potential transfers.

£60m star tempted to re-join Chelsea as BlueCo eye potential reunion

The ex-Blue is contemplating a return to Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Chelsea are competing in the Club World Cup this summer as well, and will have the chance to sign new players before the tournament kicks off, thanks to a special edition window, which will be open from June 1st to June 10th.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

The first window is therefore just weeks away from opening, and Chelsea are reliably believed to be eyeing a centre-back as one of the main priorities on their agenda.

They’ve already been linked with a host of new defenders, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Burnley ace Maxine Esteve, but one name who keeps being mentioned is Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

The Spain international is set to be one of the Premier League’s most sought-after defensive targets this summer, amid reports of a £50 million release clause written into his contract following a very impressive debut campaign in the English top flight.

Ali Barat pushing Dean Huijsen to join Chelsea

Chelsea have held productive talks with Huijsen’s camp in recent weeks, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and the reporter now claims that his agent, Ali Barat, is determined for him to seal a west London move.

Phillips claims Barat is pushing for Huijsen to join Chelsea as he actively works on a deal, even if the player’s father, Don, would prefer it if he joined Liverpool.

“Agent Ali Barat is working on the deal and is pushing Huijsen towards Chelsea,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“The player’s father has so far been keen for him to join Liverpool. The player has always said that he won’t make a decision until the season ends, but Chelsea continue to work on it, as do Liverpool.”

The 20-year-old has been outstanding this term, and is now an undroppable member of Andoni Iraola’s starting eleven, prompting members of the media to call Huijsen a perfect modern-day defender.

“He is so cool, so composed, so chill, as he said,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“He just makes the game look so easy and so effortless. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is, that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everyone in Europe.

“If you’re creating a footballer, the modern-day centre-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, the influence from Spain, where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had.

“And then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well so the journey, the mixture that he’s got, is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League. The elements are good, everything is right for him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.

“He’s a complete player, this young man.”

Looking ahead towards the summer, Newcastle United are reportedly set for talks with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Guintoli over bringing a midfield star back to the Premier League.

When Newcastle could seal UCL qualification

Whilst the transfer window is on its way, the Magpies’ main focus should currently be transfixed on Champions League qualification. With their fate in their own hands too, Eddie Howe’s side could confirm their place in the next two games if results go their way.

If Newcastle manage to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion and then Chelsea next weekend all whilst the Blues suffer defeat against Liverpool in between, then they will have their Champions League place secured.

Newcastle now want "incredible" 18 y/o gem as PIF step up scouting mission

He’s already a full international.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025

The alternative, meanwhile, relies on Aston Villa to lose their next two games against Fulham and Bournemouth whilst Newcastle pick up six points from six, allowing them to seal their place in the top five. Of course, at this stage it is merely a game of predictions, but the Magpies – no matter what – are responsible for their own destiny in the coming weeks.

Liverpool (C)

82

34

Arsenal

67

34

Newcastle United

62

34

Man City

61

34

Chelsea

60

34

Nottingham Forest

60

33

Aston Villa

57

34

Having his say on the Champions League race, Howe recently told reporters: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.

“They do [feel like a cup final]. With four games to go, you’re ticking down. We have put ourselves back into a strong position, but we know it can change quickly.”

Should those at St James’ Park seal their European place then all eyes will, of course, instantly go to the summer transfer window where one particular midfielder could be waiting.

Newcastle set for Douglas Luiz talks

According to TVPlay as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now set for talks with Cristiano Guintoli over signing Douglas Luiz this summer. The Juventus sporting director reportedly wants to learn more about the Magpies’ interest in the Brazilian whilst also discussing a potential swap deal involving Sandro Tonali.

Luiz has endured a frustrating spell in Italy and is almost certain for a Premier League return just one year on from his Aston Villa departure, with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest interested.

Whether those at St James’ Park are big enough admirers of Luiz that they part ways with the talented Tonali remains to be seen, however. When compared in the Premier League, it’s clear that the choice would be a difficult one to make.

Starts

35

24

Tackles Won

38

29

Progressive Carries

60

33

Ball Recoveries

184

162

Given just how much Luiz has struggled at Juventus, Newcastle could even be in a position to chase his signature whilst keeping hold of Tonali. A player dubbed “strong” by Villa sporting director Monchi even amid his struggles earlier this season, Luiz will be desperate to get back to his best.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League was the first time they have done the double over the Red Devils since the 1970s.

It was a win that proves how good this Wolves squad is, and next season they should be aiming for a top-half finish without a shadow of a doubt.

Vitor Pereira has worked miracles at Molineux since taking over towards the end of 2024, and if he is backed in the summer transfer window, he can take the club to the next level.

One burning question is, will Matheus Cunha be in the starting XI for the first Premier League fixture of the 2025/26 season?

Matheus Cunha’s future at Wolves is uncertain

The Brazilian may have enjoyed a wonderful season on the pitch, scoring 16 goals and grabbing four assists, but his behaviour in recent months suggests he could be sold this summer.

Cunha has clashed with supporters on social media following a post he put up on his Instagram. He even confessed that he wishes to leave in order to challenge for trophies, and if a big offer comes in, the forward may depart.

The former Atlético Madrid star only signed a new contract back in February, tying him down for another four years. A £62.5m release clause has been inserted into the deal, so whoever wants to sign him this summer will need to stump up the cash.

While losing him would be a big blow, the club sold a player in the summer of 2022 who is now worth £40m more than the Brazilian and is also starring in the Premier League.

Goals

14

Assists

4

Big chances created

12

Key passes per game

1.7

Shots per game

3.2

Goal conversion percentage

16%

Wolves must regret selling £100m-rated star

While Cunha has been stealing the limelight in Wolverhampton, a player not so far away in Nottingham has also very swiftly become one of the leading Premier League players; Morgan Gibbs-White.

Selling the playmaker for a fee in the region of £42.5m was seen as excellent business by the Old Gold initially. Indeed, he’d registered a total of just three goals and one assist in 88 matches for the club was hardly an impressive return, but the move has backfired spectacularly.

Since moving to Nottingham Forest, the Englishman has racked up 111 appearances for the club, registering 43 goal contributions – 16 goals and 27 assists – in the process.

It is no wonder he has been dubbed “sensational” by certain sections of the media for his displays and according to journalist Graeme Bailey, the attacking midfielder is now being valued at around £100m by Forest amid interest from Manchester City.

This is nearly £40m more than Cunha, and the statistics back up his high valuation. In the top flight this term, he has created eight big chances, averaged 1.6 key passes and succeeded with one dribble per game.

Furthermore, he ranks in the top 11% for goal-creating actions (0.63) and in the top 5% for passes into the final third (4.33) per 90 when compared to his positional peers this season in the top flight.

Wolves perhaps made the correct decision at the time by selling the 25-year-old, but boy, must they be rueing that decision now.

The next Ait-Nouri: Pereira plotting summer Wolves move for "revelation"

Wolves are showing interest in a Ligue 1 defender…

1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 19, 2025

Ruben Amorim may have had one transfer window to get his feet under the window but despite the arrival of Patrick Dorgu, Manchester United have not made much headway.

Amorim has failed to win 20 of his 33 matches in the Old Trafford hotseat and the constant chopping and changing was there for all to see when Dorgu didn’t even start on Sunday.

Instead, young Harry Amass made his Premier League bow and in the words of Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, he ‘did not look remotely out of his depth.’

So, there is a bright future at United if those players can be nurtured well. Amorim has some cracking young players at his disposal, notably Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven. Frenchman Leny Yoro forms part of that too.

Who will join in the summer? United fans will hope this Premier League star does.

Man United's hunt for new attackers

When Joshua Zirkzee went off injured on Sunday in the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, you could see the pain not just in his eye but his manager’s eyes too. This was not what they needed.

Zirkzee, although not a rampant scorer, has begun to find his feet in Manchester but Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles continue. He has scored just once at club level since December.

That explains links to Wolves star Matheus Cunha with reports in recent weeks suggesting that United would like to bring the forward in over the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

However, according to reports in Spain, he’s not the only Premier League star on the club’s radar ahead of the next transfer window.

This report notes that United have gone as far as to submit a huge bid to sign Aston Villa’s talisman, Morgan Rogers.

Now capped by England, the attacker is the subject of a £70m offer from INEOS, but sadly for those of a Red Devils persuasion, Villa boss Unai Emery deems him to be ‘untouchable’ this summer.

Their interest in the player is deemed ‘serious’ but it’s unclear whether Emery and Co will be willing to negotiate.

How Morgan Rogers could be the new Wayne Rooney

Once of Manchester City’s youth academy, Rogers has been around the houses in his bid to become a top-flight star.

The 22-year-old was at West Brom before City picked him and then he found a home at Middlesbrough, scoring seven goals and supplying nine assists in 33 outings.

Villa saw enough in that brief stint on Teeside to bring him to the Midlands in a deal worth just an initial £8m. That’s proven to be a bargain.

2020/21

28

6

2

2021/22

17

1

0

2022/23

22

1

1

2023/24

49

10

10

2024/25

46

14

12

Rogers is now an England international and deservedly so after a smashing campaign, not just domestically but in Europe too.

He has scored a Champions League hat-trick and bagged against PSG, taking his tally of goals for the season to 14 in 46 games. The forward has also posted 12 assists.

Capable of playing off the flanks, as a central striker and most notably in the no.10 role, his form has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney.

Wazza had a different footballing education. Thrown into Premier League life as a teenager, it was at United where he became a global phenomenon. A centre-forward by trade, Rooney ended up playing behind the striker, as Rogers is doing now.

After catching the eye against Latvia in the last international break, it was Glenn Hoddle who made the comparison.

Boasting similar builds at a young age – a stockier frame – it helps to propel defenders away. That said, it’s not just their upper body strength that is comparable.

Rogers possesses that low centre of gravity and ability to brush off his opponents with pace and close-knit control, just as a young Rooney was so famously doing for England and United all those years ago.

With that quality in mind, it’s arguably not much of a surprise to see him rank among the division’s finest when it comes to dribbling and successfully taking on a player.

While the Villa star is yet to find the same level of ability in front of goal as Rooney had at the same age, still just 22, there is plenty of room for him to become a more lethal attacking player.

Worse than Bayindir: 4/10 Man Utd flop should be nowhere near Amorim's XI

Manchester United were battered by Newcastle United on Sunday evening.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Getting into the Premier League is a challenge in itself, although staying in the division is becoming increasingly more difficult. The gap appears to be growing ever wider.

In both 2023/24 and 2024/25, the three promoted sides swiftly tumbled back down to the Championship, with most having almost been resigned to their fate from the outset of the campaign.

And yet, in years gone by, there are those who have managed to shake off a slow start to eventually stave off the drop by their fingernails, having battled their way to retaining their top-flight status.

Ranked: The 11 best starts to a Premier League season

Where do runaway leaders Liverpool rank?

ByBarney Lane Nov 28, 2024

As a few examples below showcase, that ability to cling on can prove to be a turning point, a defining moment in sparking something of a revival for a club.

Here, we rank the best sides to beat the drop against all odds.

10 Wigan Athletic (2006/07) Final day showdown sees Latics send Blades to Championship

Wigan Athletic’s form in early 2007 saw them plummet down the table, and ended up requiring a victory on the final day to secure their safety.

Three wins in five months meant the Latics had inadvertently set up a final day play-off with Sheffield United, who only needed a point to survive the drop.

Wigan led through Paul Scharner before Jon Stead equalised for the hosts, but David Unsworth’s penalty on the stroke of half-time was the eventual winner that saw the visitors survive.

Since this came down to one game, it’s hardly the greatest escape of all time, but pulling a win out of the bag when it mattered most deserves some credit.

9 Leeds United (2021/22) Late Harrison winner gets Leeds out of bottom three

Leeds United spent the entirety of the 2021/22 season in the bottom six, and after losing three on the spin in mid-May, the Whites would need at least another win from their final two matches to stay up.

A late draw against Brighton on matchday 37 ensured that bettering Burnley’s result on the final day would be enough to stay afloat, ensuring a tense clash with Brentford would decide their fate.

Jesse Marsch’s side had led through Raphinha, but Sergi Canos’ equaliser meant the West Yorkshire outfit were one goal from relegation with Burnley trailing to Newcastle.

But a late Jack Harrison strike ensured Leeds would live to fight another day in the Premier League, staying up by the skin of their teeth.

8 Wigan Athletic (2010/11) Rodallega heroics secure another great escape

Wigan had started to make a name for themselves as survival specialists, and one of their finest escapes came in the 2010/11 season, when they stayed up despite starting the final day in the bottom three.

The Latics were once again in peril and had spent most of the campaign in the relegation zone.

And along with Charles N’Zogbia, Hugo Rodallega popped up with some crucial goals to save Roberto Martinez’s side.

Wigan somehow grabbed a last-minute win to relegate West Ham in their penultimate match before visiting Stoke City on the final day.

And Rodallega pounced late on at the Britannia Stadium to secure Wigan’s safety, despite being on the brink of demotion on multiple occasions.

7 Bradford City 1999/00 Bantams beat Liverpool to stay afloat

Bradford City notched three wins in their final four games to stay in the Premier League amid a tense conclusion to the 1999/00 season.

The Bantams were in big trouble with just five games to go, trailing 17th-placed Wimbledon by six points and coming off the back of six successive defeats.

But Paul Jewell’s side earned 10 points from a possible 15 in a run that included a win over Wimbledon at Valley Parade and a dramatic 1-0 victory over Liverpool on the final day to guarantee survival.

6 Everton 1993/94 Goodison drama sees Toffees survive on final day

Everton have been in relegation trouble in more recent times, but their finest escape from the drop is probably their Houdini act in 1994.

The Toffees had recorded just 1 win in 10 going into the final day, and would require another victory to escape the bottom three.

Facing a Wimbledon side in the top six at Goodison Park, the home side made the worst possible start after going 2-0 down inside 20 minutes.

But a barnstorming comeback through Graham Stuart’s double and Barry Horne’s screamer saved Everton from relegation in the most dramatic of turnarounds.

5 Aston Villa 2019/20 Superb run-in keeps Villans alive

The 2019/20 season was a little different for all involved, and having resumed the pandemic-affected campaign with two draws and four defeats, Dean Smith’s Aston Villa were strong favourites for the drop.

Having trailed Watford and West Ham by four points, the final four games saw the Villans grab eight points to sneak out of the bottom three.

A huge turning point was their 1-0 win over Arsenal in their penultimate game, which handed them the most slender of advantages ahead of the final matchday, when they simply had to better Watford’s result.

After a tense draw with West Ham, Villa were made to wait for the Hornets’ defeat at Arsenal to be confirmed, which led to wild celebrations in east London.

4 Sunderland 2013/14 Black Cats win four on the spin to surge to safety

Sunderland may have finished in 14th place back in 2014, but that hardly tells the story of their impressive escape.

Not only were the Black Cats bottom at Christmas – often a death knell for teams battling the drop – but Gustavo Poyet’s side were at the foot of the table as late as 27th April, when a victory over Cardiff City saw them surge out of the bottom three.

The Wearsiders’ run-in was mightily impressive, with a run of four straight wins securing survival that included victories away from home over Chelsea and Manchester United.

Having looked doomed for much of the season, Sunderland finished five points above the drop, making their final-day loss to Swansea City academic.

3 Leicester City 2014/15 Insane run of form saves Foxes and sets up historic campaign

Seven wins in their last nine games saved Leicester City from dropping straight back into the Championship – and set the scene for perhaps the greatest campaign we have ever witnessed.

The Foxes looked destined to return to the second tier, having been left seven points adrift of safety with nine games remaining.

Having won just four games all season and been without a victory in almost three months, Nigel Pearson’s inspired team were only beaten by champions Chelsea in the run-in, making the King Power Stadium a fortress as they coasted to safety, finishing six points above the drop zone.

We all know what happened next.

2 West Brom 2004/05 Baggies pull off miraculous escape on final day

West Bromwich Albion were the victors on a historic final day, which remains the only time that all three demoted teams had their relegations confirmed in the last round of matches.

And despite being rooted to the bottom at Christmas and spending most of the year in the drop zone, the Baggies held on to give themselves a fighting chance thanks to key victories over Charlton Athletic and Everton either side of the final mid-season international break, as well as a credible point away at Manchester United.

The final day itself saw Bryan Robson’s side requiring a win over Portsmouth and other results to go their way.

Defeats for Norwich City and Southampton, along with Crystal Palace’s draw at Charlton, meant that goals from Geoff Horsfield and Kieran Richardson were enough to somehow prolong their stay in the top flight.

1 Fulham 2007/08 Roy Hodgson's side complete miracle turnaround

When Roy Hodgson took over as Fulham boss in December 2007, the Whites were in trouble. Just two wins all year and facing the prospect of their seven-season stay in the Premier League coming to an end, they were going to need to turn a corner, and quickly.

Hodgson took just over a month to claim his first win, but it didn’t lead to a transformation of Fulham’s fortunes.

Following a defeat to Sunderland in early April, Fulham were six points from safety and had an inferior goal difference to most of their relegation rivals. But somehow, they did enough in their final five matches to save their Premier League status.

A crucial win over lowly Reading started their revival, before being brought down to earth with a home defeat to Liverpool.

Then, their most miraculous result of the campaign almost single-handedly gave them the inspiration they needed to stay up.

2-0 down at Manchester City, Fulham were all but down, but an incredible comeback in the final 20 minutes – sealed by Diomansy Kamara’s superb double – rejuvenated the Cottagers.

Tense wins over Birmingham and Portsmouth saw Fulham complete their turnaround, as Danny Murphy’s late winner at Fratton Park saw them stay up by three goals at the expense of Reading.

Tottenham Hotspur have shelved new contract talks with a star player in their squad, and he’s now seriously pursuing an exit from the north London club this summer, which could be seen as a concern for chairman Daniel Levy.

Ange Postecoglou facing potential Tottenham sack

As things stand, real uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, following a disappointing second full campaign in charge.

Diego Simeone's private message to Cristian Romero in Tottenham exit talks

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Debilitating injuries haven’t helped the Australian, but 14th in the Premier League after 15 defeats in the top flight alone makes for very grim reading from the perspective of a ‘big six’ club.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Postecoglou is now relying on an impressive Europa League run to convince Tottenham not to change managers, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and Spurs are already expressing a serious interest in Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, among other high-profile alternatives like Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

These next few weeks will be key in determining Postecoglou’s position at N17, and even if the 59-year-old does manage to make history in Europe and keep his job, the former Celtic boss is facing a very real prospect of losing key players this summer.

One of them, according to various reports in the last few days, could be star defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentine is wanted by Atlético Madrid, with South American media claiming that Diego Simeone has personally reached out to him (Uriel Lugt). Their arch rivals Real Madrid have also internally discussed a move for Romero, so it appears the 26-year-old has plenty of temptation away from N17.

Losing Romero would be a blow for Postecoglou and Levy, considering his status as a senior leader in the squad, and it now appears that the defender has fully made up his mind on quitting Spurs.

Cristian Romero "pushing" to leave Tottenham with contract talks cancelled

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Romero is “pushing” to leave Tottenham, and Levy has postponed talks over a new deal for the £165,000-per-week ace as a result.

The player has apparently made it clear to his circle that he’s ready to pursue a new challenge, and he’s set his sights on a move to La Liga specifically. Simeone really wants him at Atletico, as he views Romero as one of world football’s best centre-backs, but Levy won’t let him go cheaply.

The former Atalanta star’s price tag is set at around £60 million, and this could prove to be the main obstacle in place of an Atlético deal for the player. It is also worth noting that Romero is determined to leave regardless of whether Spurs win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League, so his eagerness to go may even force through a move.

One thing is certain – Tottenham would need to bring an adept replacement for the stalwart who’s been praised for his overall performances since joining in 2021.

“In Romero they have got a phenomenal defender. He makes others around him better,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson to Football Insider three years ago.

“What they have got isn’t enough. They need more but he is certainly the best that they have got. He could play in any side in the top four of the Premier League. He is a Champions League player, a top player.

“If Spurs are going to go places Romero is the type of player they will need to keep and build around.”

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign handed Ruben Amorim and the hierarchy a huge task of winning the fanbase over ahead of the ongoing season.

The Red Devils’ 15th-place finish in the Premier League was nothing short of an embarrassment, with such a standing the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.

The Europa League gave the manager a chance to redeem himself, but such a competition brought about more misery – losing the final in Bilbao to fellow English strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite all the failures of Amorim’s debut year at Old Trafford, the hierarchy decided to stick with the 40-year-old for 2025/26 – even handing him over £200m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad.

However, further embarrassing defeats against League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup once again led to rumours over the manager’s long-term future in the role.

He’s since managed to win three league games in a row for the first time in his tenure, with some of his tactical tweaks finally starting to take effect 12 months on from his appointment.

The impact of Bruno & Mbeumo in Amorim’s system at United

Despite United struggling massively last season, it didn’t stop club captain Bruno Fernandes from impressing and producing some astonishing numbers in the final third.

The 31-year-old ended 2024/25 on a combined 37 goals and assists, by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad – with his efforts saving the club from a relegation battle.

However, after the recent summer spending spree, the Portuguese international has been forced to operate in a deep-lying central midfield role – but it hasn’t taken away from his incredible ability in attacking areas.

Bruno currently sits on a total of four goal contributions, but his underlying stats highlight the bearing he is still having on creating carnage for the opposition.

In the recent Premier League outing against Nottingham Forest, he registered a total of four chances created – the most of any player on the pitch at the City Ground.

Bruno has also created the most chances of any player in the first-team squad this campaign, with his average of 2.8 per 90 ranking him in the top 3% of all players in the division.

Most of his opportunities have fallen the way of Bryan Mbeumo, with the 26-year-old tasked with the responsibility of transforming the club’s lack of quality in the final third.

The Cameroonian cost a whopping £71m including add-ons from Brentford, but has already made an immediate impact despite the pressure of the price tag looming over him.

He’s scored four times in his first ten outings for the Red Devils, but like Bruno, his underlying figures are the ones that greatly highlight his impact in the Premier League during 2025/26.

Mbeumo’s total of 1.4 shots on target per 90 ranks him in the top 4% of all players in the division, undoubtedly contributing to his impressive goalscoring tally.

He also ranks in the top 4% for crosses completed and the top 10% for successful dribbles – further reaffirming how he’s helped transform the club’s ability to impress in front of goal.

The United star who’s becoming the best in the world

The impact of Bruno and Mbeumo in the final third simply can’t be understated, with the duo playing a key role in United’s recent revival under Amorim this season.

The pair have played a key role in the majority of the club’s goals in the Premier League this campaign, with such a situation night and day from the previous year.

Amorim’s men have already netted 17 league goals in just 10 outings to date, which is already 45% of the efforts registered during the embarrassing 2024/25 campaign.

Such an investment has already been worthwhile, which has certainly set the first team on the right trajectory for success if they can sustain such levels in the years ahead.

As for the defensive department, they have often come under fire for their lack of quality – with the majority of which being directed to goalkeeper Andre Onana.

However, the centre-backs in front of the shot-stopper didn’t cover themselves in glory, resulting in the Red Devils conceding 44 times in just 38 matches.

The hierarchy backed Amorim in the summer, as previously mentioned, even landing a new goalkeeper in the form of Senne Lammens from Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp.

The 23-year-old cost a fee in the region of £18m during the recent window, subsequently being an investment for the immediate and long-term future at Old Trafford.

His arrival has brought a newfound sense of confidence in the defensive department, already keeping a clean sheet and only conceding five times in his four senior outings for the Red Devils.

Amorim’s men currently remain unbeaten during the youngster’s spell in the first-team, which is no coincidence given the struggles of those who have filled the void before him.

His stats from the early stages of his career at Old Trafford no doubt highlight his impressive start to life in England, which has seen the side rise up England’s top-flight.

Games played

4

Minutes played

360

Saves made

12

Goals prevented

0.4

Goals conceded

5

Clean sheets

1

High claims

5

Passes completed

48

Lammens has achieved a 71% save percentage to date, whilst making three saves per 90 – tallies which have certainly prevented the side in numerous key moments.

He’s also achieved a goals prevented xG of 0.38, ranking him in the top 8% of all ‘keepers in the league – which has led to one analyst tipping him to become one of the “best in the world”.

The Belgian’s ability to quickly transition the play has also aided Mbeumo and Bruno, with his tally of 8.8 accurate long balls per 90 able to quickly start a counterattack for Amorim’s men.

Given his tender age, it’s certainly frightening how exciting Lammens could be at United, with the 23-year-old able to fill the void between the sticks for at least the next decade.

Should he carry on his current path under Amorim, there’s no reason as to why he can’t play a vital role in any success endured by the Red Devils in the near future.

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