Everyone at Football FanCast is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to their friends, families, teammates and loved ones.
As Richard Hughes turns his attention towards bolstering Arne Slot’s midfield, Liverpool have reportedly made contact to sign a La Liga star worth just £35m this summer.
Liverpool working on Ekitike deal
Despite already spending big to sign Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez whilst also welcoming Freddie Woodman this summer, Liverpool are not done on the transfer front. The Reds still have their sights set on signing a striker and after reports earlier this week claimed that Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are all concrete options, it looks as though the latter has emerged as the most likely to arrive.
The Eintracht Frankfurt star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and it should come as no surprise that he’s so high up on Liverpool’s list of targets. As Napoli continue to work on a deal to sign Darwin Nunez too, the Reds could land an instant upgrade whilst putting an end to the South American’s nightmare Anfield spell.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Darwin Nunez
Minutes
2,563
1,133
Goals
15
5
Assists
8
2
Expected Goals
21.6
5.8
Although there will be concerns about Ekitike’s expected goals underperformance last season, his creative output should ensure that Liverpool are not put off a move to sign the Frenchman this summer.
With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Wirtz around him, that impressive output would only reach new levels at Liverpool. There’s still plenty of work left to be done for any deal to take place, however, and those at Anfield must ensure that they fend off interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
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After Ekitike, meanwhile, Liverpool could turn their attention towards midfield reinforcements and a Barcelona talent.
Liverpool submit Marc Casado offer
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have now made contact to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona, even submitting their first offer. The midfielder is considering an exit away from the Nou Camp in the hope of more game time next season and has attracted the interest of Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and the Reds as a result.
The deal wouldn’t break the bank for Liverpool or Chelsea either, given that Barcelona are reportedly demanding just €40m (£35m) to sell the 21-year-old in the coming months.
Included in a group of progressive passers described as “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig, Casado could provide Slot with the perfect alternative to transfer target Adam Wharton if the Crystal Palace man remains out of reach.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham in action with FC Barcelona'sMarcCasado
At just £35m too, the Barcelona man would likely go down as Liverpool’s biggest bargain in a summer which has seen them break the British transfer record to sign Wirtz.
أصدر نادي مانشستر سيتي بيانًا رسميًا منذ قليل، بشأن تفاصيل الإصابة التي تعرض لها عمر مرموش أمس الثلاثاء مع منتخب مصر.
عمر مرموش أصيب خلال مواجهة مصر وبوركينا فاسو، في تصفيات قارة إفريقيا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.
ولعب عمر مرموش بشكل أساسي في لقاء الأمس كمهاجم صريح، لكنه تم استبداله سريعًا بسبب الإصابة، حيث حل محله مهاجم الزمالك السابق والبنك الأهلي الحالي، أسامة فيصل.
اقرأ أيضًا.. عمر مرموش يضاعف قلق مانشستر سيتي قبل ديربي مانشستر يونايتد
وأكد مانشستر سيتي في البيان، أن النتائج الأولية للفحوصات الطبية التي خضع لها عمر مرموش في القاهرة صباح الأربعاء، قد أظهرت أنه لن يكون متاحًا للعب في لقاء ديربي مانشستر أمام مانشستر يونايتد يوم الأحد المقبل الموافق 14 سبتمبر، في قمة الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وأضاف أن عمر مرموش سوف يعود إلى مدينة مانشستر خلال الساعات المقبلة، وذلك من أجل إجراء المزيد من الفحوصات والعمل على إعادة التأهيل بعد إصابته في الركبة.
ويعتبر غياب عمر مرموش ضربة موجعة لمانشستر سيتي ومدربه بيب جوارديولا، والذي يعتمد على الدولي المصري بشكل أساسي منذ بداية الموسم.
وظهر عمر مرموش اليوم الأربعاء وهو يسير على عكاز، في إشارة سلبية على إمكانية غيابه لفترة أطول عن الملاعب.
South Africa play three T20Is in Chennai on July 5, 7 and 9
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024
Chloe Tryon’s last appearance for South Africa was in March•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Allrounder Chloe Tryon has been picked in South Africa’s squad for the T20I series in India after recovering from a back injury that had sidelined her since April this year.Delmi Tucker and Nondumiso Shangase will leave the tour after the conclusion of the one-off Test in Chennai.”She [Tryon] brings a lot of experience to the team and we can’t wait to see her back on the field,” SA women interim head coach Dillon du Preez said. “We have our last three T20I matches against India. This will give us some time to look at one or two options before we go home and start our final preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.”Clinton du Preez, the SA women convenor of selectors, said they had focused on “maintaining consistency” while picking the squad “to build on our strengths and cohesion”.”This approach allows us to refine our strategies and enhance team dynamics, which are crucial as we prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Our goal is to provide a platform for our players to gain valuable experience and showcase their skills, ensuring we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The return of Chloé Tryon is a significant addition, and we are confident that this squad will perform with the determination and excellence that defines Proteas Women cricket.”South Africa play three T20Is against India in Chennai on July 5, 7 and 9. They lost the ODI series 3-0 in Bengaluru and lost the one-off Test in Chennai by ten wickets.South Africa women squad for T20Is vs IndiaLaura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
Sunderland are in talks over completing the signing of a versatile player in the summer transfer window, according to a promising new update.
Who could Sunderland sign this summer?
The Black Cats are reportedly interested in snapping up Clermont midfielder Habib Keita before next season gets underway, but they will have their work cut out getting a deal over the line.
That’s because a host of English clubs are keen on acquiring his signature, with Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Crystal Palace all keeping tabs on him.
Elsewhere, Sunderland are said to be leading the race to sign Vladyslav Vanat this summer, with the Dynamo Kiev striker a potentially exciting addition for Regis Le Bris, as he looks to have enough firepower in his squad to aid their chances of staying in the Premier League and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
West Brom youngster Isaac Price has also emerged as a reported target for the Black Cats, with the 21-year-old a player who could have a bright future in the game. The midfielder has already scored six goals in 18 caps for Northern Ireland, summing up his potential.
Sunderland in talks over signing £2.5m midfielder
According to a new report from Africa Foot, Sunderland are in talks with the representatives of Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradja over a potential £2.5m summer move to the Stadium of Light.
The 24-year-old is looking for a new challenge after his team were relegated from the Swiss Super League last season, and the Black Cats are hoping to “reach an agreement” in the near future following contact.
Baradja isn’t necessarily a player who is well-known to the English audience, but he could be an astute signing by Sunderland, in what is such an important transfer window for them.
Perhaps the Frenchman’s greatest asset is his versatility, allowing him to thrive as a defensive midfielder and a more attack-minded one, as well as being able to do a job on the right wing.
This is sure to appeal to Le Bris, who knows the importance of squad depth ahead of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, and Baradja would likely come in as a relatively cheap addition, assuming they can get him for just £2.5m.
He has made 29 appearances for Yverdon Sport, chipping in with four goals and three assists in that time, and he will be able to offer quality at both ends of the pitch.
Granted, Sunderland also need to sign players who have proven themselves in the Premier League, but Baradji looks like shrewd business that could ultimately be effective over time.
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Sunderland is monitoring this promising midfielder who could be Regis Le Bris’ next Enzo Le Fee.
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Still only 24, he wouldn’t be coming in as a quick fix for the Black Cats, instead arriving as a squad player and hopefully becoming a key man as time passes.
With visitors having been 195 for 7, Glamorgan will feel they let their opponents back into the game
ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2024
Emilio Gay drives on his way to fifty•Getty Images
A well-constructed half-century from Emilio Gay was the mainstay of Northamptonshire’s batting efforts in the first day of their Vitality County Championship match in Cardiff.Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Northamptonshire reached 279 all out with runs for Luke Procter and Gus Miller helping them to recover from a middle-order collapse.Three wickets apiece for Timm van der Gugten, Andy Gorvin and James Harris were the highlight for Glamorgan with the ball but with Northamptonshire having been 195 for 7 they will feel they let their opponents back into the game.Glamorgan had seven overs to face before the close and they reached 36 without loss, 243 behind on first innings.Northamptonshire won the toss and chose to bat but were pegged back early on by two wickets for James Harris. The first was Ricardo Vasconcelos who was bowled for 7. Harris claimed his second wicket in his next over when Prithvi Shaw edged a ball to Sam Northeast at first slip to leave them 19 for 2.Gay continued his fine form with a patient and well-made 65 that included some lovely drives through the off side. He shared a stand of 90 with Proctor, the pair doing well against a Glamorgan seam attack that got the ball to move laterally throughout the day.Gay was dismissed by one of those moving deliveries when he edged Gorvin to Marnus Labuschagne at second slip to leave Northamptonshire 109 for 3. A stand of 48 between Proctor and Rob Keogh took the visitors past 150 before both departed at the start of a spell that saw Northamptonshire lose four wickets for 28 runs.Glamorgan’s bowlers were fantastic in the period before the tea break and made things very difficult for the batting side. There was a spell in the afternoon in which Lewis McManus faced 20 balls from Timm van der Gugten and he played and missed at eight of them, but it was Gorvin who trapped him lbw for 19.Liam Patterson-White combined with debutant Miller for a stand of 37 that slowed the Glamorgan progress, but Patterson-White chipped a ball from Gorvin to Eddie Byrom at point for 30 with Northamptonshire still 18 runs short of claiming their first batting bonus point.Miller and Raphael Weatherall managed to take Northamptonshire past 250 to claim their first point of the game as the old ball became a little easier to score against. Even after Glamorgan took the second new ball Miller continued to impress in his maiden first class match. His 40 included the only two sixes of the innings as he helped his team to what could prove to be a challenging total on this pitch.Eddie Byrom and Billy Root successfully saw out the seven overs that were left to bowl at the end of the day without too many alarms as the inexperienced pair of Miller and Weatherall didn’t get the same movement that Glamorgan managed with the ball. They will be hoping that changes when the game resumes on Monday morning.
The transfer window might be closed again for a few days, but it feels like Arsenal are starting to fall behind their rivals.
For example, Manchester City have already secured the services of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri and look set for more.
However, perhaps the most worrying development, at least in terms of the Gunners’ chances in the Premier League next season, has been Liverpool’s £116m capture of Florian Wirtz.
The German is about as perfect an example of a statement signing as you’ll ever see, but in some more positive news, reports have recently linked Arsenal to someone who could be their own version of the international superstar.
Arsenal transfer news
While Arsenal are yet to make any official signings this summer, they have been linked with a host of potentially game-changing stars, such as Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has a release clause reportedly worth around £68m in Crystal Palace contract, and while that is a sizeable sum of money, it would be a price more than worth paying for a Premier League-proven attacker who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.
Likewise, while Rodrygo could cost a whopping £84m this summer, his tally of 24 goal involvements this season and record of winning the biggest trophies in the game means he’d be a superb addition to the Gunners’ squad.
However, regarding the North Londoners’ answer to Wirtz, it looks like it will be Benjamin Sesko.
According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners have now made a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations and are expected to make an offer of €100m early next week, which comes out to around £85m.
It would represent an enormous vote of confidence in the young striker, but given his ability and potential, this is a transfer Arsenal should get done as soon as possible, as Sesko could be their own Wirtz.
Why Sesko would be Arsenal's Wirtz
Okay, so the first thing to say is that the two players are obviously not comparable in terms of position, as while Wirtz can play in a few other places, he is primarily an attacking midfielder, not a striker.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
However, their positions have little to do with why Sesko could be Arsenal’s version of the German.
The first actual reason is that, like Liverpool’s new creator, the Slovenian international has the potential to be a truly game-changing addition to the Gunners.
Sesko in 24/25
Appearances
45
Minutes
3258′
Goals
21
Assists
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.6
Minutes per Goal Involvement
120.66′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, even though he’s still just 22 years old, the former Salzburg gem was able to score 21 goals and provide six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes.
That means the Radeče-born “monster,” as dubbed by respected data analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes for a pretty poor Leipzig side.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
So, just imagine what he could do under Arteta with Bukayo Saka to the right of him, hopefully, a new left-winger on the other side and a rejuvenated Martin Odegaard behind him.
Moreover, despite standing a mammoth 6 foot 5, the 41-capped behemoth is still incredibly rapid and capable of hitting speeds of 35.69 km/h and then, to top it off, you only need to watch his clips to see how technical he is with the ball at his feet.
Finally, aside from the ways in which Sesko could take Arteta’s side to the next level, he’d also be arriving for huge money and from the Bundesliga, just like Wirtz.
Ultimately, even though the money involved is more than most expected, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Leipzig gem this summer.
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Questions have been asked about Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca during his spell in charge after being appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor last summer.
The Italian led Leicester City back to the Premier League, but jumped ship to take over at Stamford Bridge, with many wondering whether he would be the right man for the job.
However, nearly 12 months on from his appointment, he’s exceeded all expectations, showcasing he’s the right man for the job based on his success to date.
The 45-year-old has secured the Blues a place in the Champions League for next season, whilst also claiming Europa Conference League glory against Real Betis on Wednesday night.
It’s been a campaign to remember for Maresca, but if he wants to continue his progress in the role, he will need added funds provided by the hierarchy to help him in his quest.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last couple of hours, Chelsea have made huge strides in a deal to sign Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old agreeing to a move to join the Blues this summer.
It was confirmed that he has rejected offers from multiple other Premier League sides, leaving Maresca’s side to trigger his release clause and complete the formalities before announcing his move to West London.
However, despite the progress made on a deal for the Ipswich Town star, another name in the form of Viktor Gyokeres has once again entered the mix, according to Record Portugal.
The report claims that the Blues have made an enquiry to sign the 26-year-old this summer, after his stupendous record of 54 goals in just 52 matches across all competitions.
It also states that they face stern competition from Juventus for the Swedish international’s signature, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the talisman this window.
Why Chelsea’s £60m target would be a better signing than Delap
With Delap’s move appearing to be moving closer to completion, Maresca could finally be about to land the new striker that he’s been craving in recent months.
Liam Delap
Nicolas Jackson has been his main talisman since his arrival, with the Senegalese international scoring 10 times in the Premier League during the Italian’s first year in charge.
Such a record is respectable, but if the side are to reach the next level under his guidance, they will need that proven goalscorer to fire them towards the top end of the table.
Delap has shown he’s capable of doing just that, scoring 12 times in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with such a record being an impressive one given their relegation this season.
However, when comparing his stats to those of Gyokeres, the Swede has showcased that his performance levels are night and day – proving that he would be a far better addition than the Englishman.
The Swede, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored him in 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical nature he possesses.
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to hand other players around him the best chance of improving their own tallies.
How Gyokeres compares to Delap in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Gyokeres
Delap
Games played
33
37
Goals & assists
46
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
52%
43%
Pass accuracy
72%
61%
Progressive carries
4.3
2.1
Take-ons completed
1.9
1.3
Aerials won
51%
42%
Fouls won
2.5
1.7
Stats via FBref
Gyokeres has also won more of the aerials he’s entered and draws more fouls, offering Maresca that focal point he’s craved, something which Delap may struggle to provide.
Given the progress on the deal for the Ipswich talisman, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to complete a deal for Gyokeres, or they could potentially miss out on his signature.
Nothing suggests that the club may not target both talents in the coming months, handing the Blues an added dimension in forward areas that could bolster their title charge in 2025/26.
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With their Goodison Park farewell complete, Everton have reportedly turned their attention towards a new era and reportedly signing a defensive reinforcement for David Moyes’ side.
Everton bid farewell to Goodison Park
On an emotional day, Everton’s men’s team said their farewell to one of the most historic grounds in English football history in style, easing past relegated Southampton 2-0. Signing off in style, it will now be all eyes on a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and one that The Friedkin Group will be desperate to see become full of success.
The farewells haven’t ended there, however, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young also announcing that they’re set to leave Everton when the summer arrives.
Manager David Moyes was among those to share praise for Doucoure, telling Everton’s official website: “Doucs has been an influential player throughout his time at the Club, including since I returned as manager, and Evertonians will always be grateful for his dedication and crucial goals. Everyone at Everton thanks Doucs for his service and wishes him all the best for the future.”
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The Frenchman was full of emotion as he came off for the final time in an Everton shirt and there’s no doubt that he’ll be tough to replace in this summer’s transfer window.
The same, meanwhile, will be said for Jarrad Branthwaite if he departs in the coming months. Having often been linked with a move away throughout his Everton career, the rumours have already commenced ahead of this summer and there will certainly be nerves surrounding the centre-back’s future once again.
However, this time around, it does at least seem as though there is a plan in place in the event that the defensive star heads elsewhere in the coming months, with one Ligue 1 star reportedly on Friedkin’s radar.
Everton in talks to sign Diomande
According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have now opened talks to sign Sinaly Diomande from AJ Auxerre, with negotiations now well underway. The 24-year-old has popped up on the Toffees’ radar following a solid campaign at Auxerre, in which his side finished 11th in Ligue 1 despite only earning promotion to France’s first tier last season.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Sinaly Diomande
Jarrad Branthwaite
Starts
22
28
Progressive Passes
72
66
Tackles Won
19
20
Ball Recoveries
86
93
If there were any concerns that Diomande wouldn’t have the quality to ease any potential Branthwaite concerns, then this season’s numbers should put those to bed in an instant.
In possession, Diomande is particularly impressive when compared to Branthwaite – even outperforming the Everton man for progressive passes in less starts. If Everton are looking to step beyond relegation worries and mid-table mediocrity, then signing a defender capable of progressing that play at such a level could prove to be crucial.
Ahead of what could be a busy summer, signing Diomande may well be the perfect way for Friekdin and Everton to start.
Manchester United are now closing in on their first signing of the summer as they have agreed personal terms with Wolves star Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as they lodge multiple bids
This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils as they look to address what has been a very poor campaign and give Ruben Amorim the ingredients to become a success at Old Trafford. The summer transfer window isn’t even open yet, but United have already started to make moves in the transfer market.
A report from Spain has claimed that Man United have submitted a £55 million bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – Mbeumo is seen as a player who can improve United’s attacking options, and the hope from Old Trafford is that the offer is enough to tempt Brentford into selling one of their star players.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
As well as making an offer for Mbuemo, reports have claimed United have also lodged a staggering £113 million bid to try and sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.
The Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga side, and United hope he will ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. It is claimed that United are desperate to bring Simons to Old Trafford, and his signing would be a huge statement from INEOS in terms of them backing Amorim in the transfer market.
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ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025 Man Utd closing in on £62.5m Cunha deal after agreeing personal terms
Mbuemo and Simons appear to be top targets for the Red Devils, but they are not going to be the first signing the Premier League side make this summer. That is because, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are close to signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Romano reports that United are close to signing Cunha, as the Wolves star has now accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, which means the deal is now almost completed. Romano adds that just the final details need to be sorted between all parties ‘and then, here we go’.
United have moved very quickly to sign Cunha, who has been dubbed “sensational” by pundit Micah Richards. The Brazilian international has a release clause worth £62.5 million, and the Red Devils are expected to trigger that to reach an agreement.
It was claimed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks to sign Cunha from Wolves, perhaps prompting INEOS to act fast with their move for the versatile forward, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season.
Matheus Cunha’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps
31
Goals
15
xG
8.04
Shots per game
3.2
Shots on target per game
1.3
Chance conversion
15%
Assists
6
Big chances created
13
Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford will likely see him deployed as one of United’s number 10s in Amorim’s system. But his versatility means the Brazilian can also operate as a number nine, which Amorim may be more inclined to do, given the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund.
Glasgow Rangers have had their fair share of impressive loan signings over the past few years.
Last season, Abdallah Sima was excellent. After joining on a season-long loan deal from Brighton, he proceeded to score 16 goals across 40 matches for the Ibrox side, winning the League Cup in the process.
The season before that, Malik Tillman was the club’s standout loan performer. The American starlet showed plenty of promise at Bayern Munich, while he registered 17 goal involvements in 43 matches at Rangers.
Former Rangers loanee Malik Tillman.
Given how well the pair performed, there was next to no chance of the Gers securing them on permanent deals.
Ryan Kent, Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis did all make the move to Glasgow after shining on temporary deals, with all three contributing towards the club’s 55th title in 2020/21.
This season, Vaclav Cerny has impressed during his loan spell. The Czech winger made the move to Scotland from Wolfsburg and while it took him a few weeks to settle in, he has shown his true qualities in large spells.
Will the Ibrox side before able to afford a permanent deal? That much remains to be seen.
Vaclav Cerny's future at Rangers
At the time of writing, Cerny has played a total of 49 competitive matches for Rangers, scoring 17 goals and recording seven assists.
Among the squad, he trails only Cyriel Dessers with regard to total goal involvements (24) and it is evident that the former Ajax starlet has been one of the better signings made by the club last summer.
It was in the Europa League where the 27-year-old truly demonstrated his talents. Not only did the winger net six goals from 12 matches, but he also created three big chances, averaged 1.2 key passes and succeeded with 2.2 dribbles – a success rate of 57% – per game in the competition.
It was enough to lead Rangers to the quarter-finals, although they succumbed to Athletic Club.
The Light Blues do not have an option to buy clause for the Czech star in their current loan agreement, which could make it difficult to seal a permanent deal.
Wolfsburg paid £8m to sign Cerny in the summer of 2023 and the German side will likely be aiming to recoup the majority of this fee should they sell him.
Vaclav Cerny’s stats in the Premiership for Rangers
Goals
11
Assists
2
Big chances created
6
Key passes per game
2.4
Successful dribbles per game
1.4
Shots per game
2.8
Via Sofascore
Reports in Turkey claim that Besikas are reportedly keen on making a move for the player when the transfer window opens. He is part of a three-man shortlist and the Turkish outfit certainly have the funds to seal a deal for him in the next few weeks.
While he would make for a solid signing, especially given his form for the club throughout 2024/25, Rangers don’t want to be breaking the bank for just one player.
As such, could the Light Blues target another winger who wont cost nearly as much this summer? Forgetting Cerny in the process.
Rangers search for a new winger
Signing a winger or two this summer should be top of the priority list for the new manager. Of course, his budget will be determined by just how much money the 49ers Enterprises will make available.
According to Africa Foot – as reported earlier this month – Rangers are keen on signing Moussa Djenepo and have reportedly approached him regarding a potential move to Glasgow this summer.
The Standard Liege winger has spent the season on loan at Turkish side Antalyaspor, but the report says he doesn’t want to spend another campaign in the country.
This could open the door for the Ibrox side to make their move, especially as he would only cost a fee in the region of €2m (£1.7m), as this is his release clause.
Aged 26, he might not be one of the youngest members of the squad should he join Rangers, but the winger is approaching his peak years.
Why Rangers should sign Moussa Djenepo
Every African forward at one stage or another wanted to follow in the footsteps of Sadio Mané, who won the Premier League and Champions League for Liverpool.
Speaking in 2020, Djenepo said: “Sadio is a big inspiration for me. I like him, he’s a very big player. But I think I can be better if I work hard. Sadio is a very big player and I’m young and I need to learn more.
“In the future we will see. I will do my best to become the next Sadio Mane.”
He might not have reached those heights (yet), but the Mali international has done rather well for himself of late.
Indeed, the 26-year-old did make the move to Southampton, a club where Mane enjoyed plenty of success, going on to make 73 Premier League appearances at the Saints.
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He may have only registered seven goal contributions in the English top flight, but the experience has helped him become a better player.
His dribbling skills have been on display in the Turkish Süper Lig this term. He averages 2.1 successful dribbles per game – a success rate of 55% – and this is the second-best average in the entire league.
Furthermore, in the Belgian Pro League last season, the £1.7m dynamo registered excellent statistics in the final third.
When compared to his positional peers, the winger ranked in the top 1% for successful take-ons (2.96) and progressive passes received (8.87) and in the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.74) per 90 throughout the whole campaign.
He might not have Mane’s eye for goal, but Djenepo is a major threat in the final third, being able to successfully beat his man on a regular basis.
Add in the fact he is capable of making runs into the opposition penalty area, he certainly displays some of Mane’s traits, that’s for sure.
What the Light Blues need is a winger just like him, particularly if Cerny does not stay put permanently. The goals will come, but having a player able to take on their opponent and get into the box is a must for the club next season.
Enter Djenepo.
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