All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool’s full-backs have been some of the major talking points ahead of the summer transfer window, with Arne Slot needing to add to his squad to sustain their recent success.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to depart Anfield this summer after announcing he won’t be extending his current contract with the club, looking set to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Andy Robertson has been the Reds’ main left-back over the last few years, but at the age of 31, he’s entering the back end of his professional career, with reinforcements needed in such an area.

Kostas Tsimikas is Slot’s backup to the Scotsman, but both could yet depart the club this summer, opening the door to added investment from the hierarchy to improve the department.

Multiple names have already been tipped to strengthen their defensive unit, with various names in the mix ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new defenders

Centre-back Dean Huijsen is a player who has been on Liverpool’s radar over the last couple of months, even holding talks with the defender’s representatives over a move to Merseyside.

However, it appears as though they’ve fallen behind in the race for the Spaniard’s signature, with Chelsea edging ahead by making a proposal to land his services ahead of 2025/26.

He’s not the only player who’s appeared on their shortlist as of late, with Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri the latest name to emerge as an option for Slot’s side, according to The Telegraph.

The report claims that the 23-year-old is admired by the Reds, but that Vitor Pereira’s side are wanting to hand him a new contract to prevent any interest in his services.

However, if they are unable to come to terms over a new deal, they would have to sell the Algerian international, but would demand a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the talented ace.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be the dream Kerkez alternative

Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez is a player who’s been at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list over the last few months, as Slot looks to add depth to the left-back department.

The Hungarian has been a star in the Cherries’ unlikely push for European football, starting every single game throughout the 2024/25 Premier League season – the most of any player in the squad.

After such consistent showings, Andoni Iraola’s side have placed a £40m price tag on the youngster to part ways with him during the off-season.

He could be an excellent option and one that could nail down the role for many years to come, but the club may be better off targeting a move for another star instead.

When comparing Kerkez’s stats to those of Ait-Nouri’s, the Wolves star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the Reds.

The Algerian, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Gary O’Neil, has registered more combined goals and assists this campaign, whilst also notching more key passes – showcasing the attacking threat he carries.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted, aiding players in forward areas to improve their own tallies.

Games played

34

35

Goals & assists

11

7

Pass accuracy

84%

75%

Key passes completed

1.2

0.9

Tackles won

1.6

0.7

Blocks made

1.3

1

Take-ons completed

1.8

0.5

Aerials won

42%

34%

However, Ait-Nouri has been just as impressive, winning more tackles and making more blocks per 90, handing Slot the added defensive solidity to win the division for a second successive year next season.

Whilst Kerkez will remain many supporters’ number one option for this summer, it’s evident that the Wolves star has all the qualities to thrive in the left-back role on Merseyside.

He could be the answer to their long-term ambitions at the back, potentially allowing the fans to forget about the Hungarian and take the side to the next level in the process.

Better signing than Sesko: Liverpool plot move for "world-class" £64m ace

Liverpool appear to be making a huge move to land a new striker for Arne Slot this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign is all but over as they cannot be relegated, and they cannot push on to finish in any of the European positions.

The Red Devils, who were beaten 4-3 by Brentford on Sunday, are now 15th in the table and only have the Europa League to play for before the end of the season.

It has not been good enough for Ruben Amorim’s side on the domestic front, which could lead to some business in the summer transfer window to improve the squad.

In fact, United have already been linked with potential targets to bolster the team, including one player who currently plays in the Championship.

Man Utd target Championship star for summer move

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Sunderland central midfielder Jobe Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that both the Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are both eager to sign the England U21 talent in the summer window.

Transfer Focus

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

It also reveals that Borussia Dortmund are eyeing up the English midfield star and that Sunderland have set a valuation of £20m for the promising youngster.

Manchester United should now push to win the race for his signature in the summer window because he is an exciting prospect who has shades of Paul Pogba.

Jobe Bellingham has shades of Paul Pogba

The 19-year-old starlet is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, having only played in the Championship for the Black Cats so far, but he has already shown plenty of promising signs.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once stated that Jobe “carries the ball with such elegance” and that the teenage gem is a “top athlete” and “box-crasher”. Remind you of anyone?

Ryan Giggs once said that Paul Pogba was physically “immense” and that the France international had “everything” in his locker to succeed, as the midfield maestro offered a physical presence to go along with his technical qualities.

Jobe, who stands at 6 foot 2, has shades of the former United star about him as he mixes physical and technical attributes to offer an all-round presence in the middle of the park.

Appearances

40

xG

3.14

Goals

4

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

Duels won per game

5.9

Duel success rate

52%

As you can see in the table above, the £20m-rated dynamo has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also winning almost six duels per game, and winning the majority of his physical battles, despite being just 19.

The Sunderland star, who was described as a “freak of nature” by teammate Dan Neil due to his physicality, has already shown that he can compete physically against senior professionals, which suggests that he could deal with the step up in intensity that comes with a move to the Premier League.

Like Pogba, Jobe could offer physicality, goals, assists, and drive in midfield for Manchester United and Amorim, whilst also having plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player at the age of 19.

He's more prolific than Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks for £60m "monster"

Manchester United are in regular contact over a deal to sign a £60m star who has outscored Mbeumo and Cunha.

ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Whilst he may not be an instant success at Old Trafford, due to his age and room to grow, the English youth prospect could be a future star in Manchester due to the technical and physical qualities that he possesses.

Chelsea are now racing to sign an “incredible” forward from one of their bitter Premier League rivals, who are now willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new forward

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to do the business in front of goal, the Blues have now set their sights on signing a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they have a number of top-level targets in mind.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who has been extremely impressive in the Champions League this season, is one of the latest strikers to be targeted, with the 29-year-old joining the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres on the shortlist.

Not only are the west Londoners looking to bring in an out-and-out striker, but there have also been suggestions they could look to bolster their wide options, with fellow Dortmund star Jamie Gittens well-liked, alongside Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

Chelsea eager to sign £40k-p/w full-back who's "one of the best" in Europe

The Blues are set to battle it out for a defender, who has been in very impressive form this season.

ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025

However, according to a report from Caught Offside, there may be an option from much closer to home, with Chelsea now keen on signing winger Mohammed Kudus, who currently plays for bitter rivals West Ham United.

The Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Kudus, however, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race, alongside Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who have reportedly already submitted a £87m bid for the Ghanaian.

Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to make any moves to sign the forward, but there are some indications they could be successful if they choose to formalise their interest, as West Ham are now willing to cash-in to fund their own summer transfer business.

"Incredible" Kudus impressing at West Ham

The 24-year-old’s debut campaign at the London Stadium last season certainly caught the eye, picking up 14 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a key player under former manager David Moyes.

In light of his impressive performances, the Ghana international received high praise from journalist Raj Chohan, who believes the right-winger would be able to make the step-up to a top club.

The Accra-born attacker has been less impressive this season, failing to score and picking up just one assist in his last 15 Premier League games, but it is difficult to stand out in a very poor West Ham side, who sit in 17th place.

Kudus, who ranks in the top 2% of all wingers for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, as per FBref, could be an exciting signing for Chelsea, but given his goal and assist return this season, it would be unwise to match Al-Nassr’s £87m offer.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is on borrowed time, with tonight’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt vital for his future.

The Aussie has the opportunity to end a dismal season on a high by claiming European glory, which would undoubtedly allow supporters to forget about their lowly league standing.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 15th place in the Premier League, with their only hope of securing another season in Europe coming down to any triumph in this season’s Europa League.

His side come into the clash level with the Bundesliga outfit after a 1-1 draw in North London seven days ago, with Pedro Porro scoring the goal to ensure they enter the second leg level.

Make or break is a phrase you could describe tonight’s meeting as, with rumours rapidly building over a deal to land a new manager should the 59-year-old fail to deliver later on this evening.

An update on Spurs’ hunt to replace Postecoglou

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been high up on the hierarchy’s list to replace Postecoglou should he get sacked between now and the end of the season.

The Spaniard has led the Cherries to 8th place in England’s top-flight, potentially securing the side European football – an incredible feat for a side who are punching way above their weight.

However, it’s been reported this week that the 42-year-old has held positive talks with the Bournemouth hierarchy over extending his stint at the Vitality.

Such a decision would be a huge blow to the Lilywhites’ pursuit of landing the manager, potentially needing to target alternatives to replace Ange should he depart.

It appears they’ve wasted no time, with TEAMtalk claiming that the hierarchy will make contact with Brentford over a deal to land manager Thomas Frank during the summer.

The Dane has a £10m buyout clause in his deal at the Bees, with the club willing to trigger such a price tag during the off-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Frank would be an upgrade on Ange and become Poch 2.0

Mauricio Pochettino is arguably Spurs’ best manager in recent memory, with the decision to sack him back in 2019 undoubtedly a huge mistake by the hierarchy.

The Argentine was appointed as the club’s manager in the summer of 2014, arriving from Southampton and exceeding the expectations of all supporters during his five-year stint at the helm.

The 53-year-old achieved a 55% win rate during his tenure, notching a record of 1.8 points per game, helping the club reach the Champions League final back in the 2018/19 season.

In his five full seasons in charge, he did a superb job, with his lowest league finish being 5th place during his maiden year, with a Champions League finish a distant dream for supporters in the present day.

However, 10 years on from Poch’s appointment, the club could land the next version of the Argentine in the form of Frank, who could follow suit by taking his biggest step in his career by moving to Spurs from a less established top-flight outfit.

When comparing the Dane to current boss Postecoglou, Frank has massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be an upgrade on the Aussie in North London.

Games played

32

32

Wins

12

11

Draws

7

4

Losses

13

17

Points per game

1.34

1.15

Points total

43

37

Net spend

£24m

£120m

The Bees boss, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has picked up more Premier League wins than Ange this season, subsequently achieving a higher points per game average.

He’s also led the side to a higher league standing, doing so whilst having nearly a £100m lower net spend throughout the 2024/25 season – highlighting the impressive job he’s done on a budget.

From the stats mentioned, it’s evident that Frank would be a huge upgrade on Postecoglou, potentially being the man to catapult the wide back towards the hunt for a Champions League spot.

If he were to be appointed over the summer and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Poch, he would go down in the club’s history forever, with his £10m buyout potential a bargain if he can take the club back to where they belong.

Bigger star than Bergvall & Moore: Spurs have struck gold on "monster" gem

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could surpass the levels achieved by Lucas Bergvall & Mikey Moore.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Nottingham Forest could now look to hijack a rival Premier League club’s move for an “unbelievable” player, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Forest's summer transfer plans taking shape

Forest still have plenty to play for this season, with Champions League qualification still very much on the cards despite the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, while they will also have dreams of winning the FA Cup.

However, with the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is important Nuno begins to lay the groundwork ahead of next season, and the manager appears to be particularly keen on signing a new striker.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha are some of the biggest names on the shortlist, with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin also emerging as an option in recent days.

Nottingham Forest very keen on signing £26m USA international this summer

The Tricky Trees have set their sights on a midfielder, who is now likely to leave his club this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 8, 2025

Bolstering his attacking options appears to be a priority for Nuno, but there have also been suggestions the manager could look to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with replacements being eyed for Matz Sels, despite his impressive form.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is one of the names on the shortlist, with the 26-year-old set to be available for £25m, now the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest News, transfer expert Bailey has now confirmed Burnley’s James Trafford is also of interest to the Trickly Trees, saying: “They have been delighted with how Sels has performed, he has been superb but I know they are looking at the market.

“There are some very good goalkeepers going to be available – Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher amongst them, and Forest like those three – and that isn’t including the plethora of foreign options. It is not definite but they are looking at it.”

Trafford could be "unbelievable" signing

Sels has been reliable for Forest between the sticks this season, starting all 31 of their Premier League matches, but there are clear indications Trafford could be an upgrade on the Belgian.

Burnley have shipped just 12 goals in the Championship this season, which is by far the best defensive record in the league, and he has received high praise from minority owner JJ Watt, who lauded the goalkeeper as “unbelievable”.

That description is fully justified, given that the 6’6″ colossus ranks extremely highly on a number of key metrics for goalkeepers over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals against

0.30 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

86.0% (99th percentile)

Save % (Penalty kicks)

100% (95th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

70% (99th percentile)

Trafford has long been expected to sign for Newcastle United this summer, and it may be difficult to hijack the move for the goalkeeper, but if Champions League football is on offer at the City Ground next season, moving to Forest could be an attractive proposition.

Liverpool are now in a race to sign an “outrageous” attacker, who has been compared to Lionel Messi, but there could be fierce competition from a number of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Reds eyeing forwards amid doubts over Salah and Nunez

Mohamed Salah is still yet to commit to a new contract to remain at Anfield, while there is major doubt over Darwin Nunez’s future on Merseyside, with the Reds now happy to sanction the Uruguayan’s departure in the summer transfer window.

Nunez has been very disappointing this season, netting just seven goals in all competitions, and Nottingham Forest are believed to have made a £50m bid.

As such, the Reds have started looking at new forwards, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is the latest striker to be linked with a move, with contact being made to gauge whether the Brazilian would be interested in heading to Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side have also approached Brighton & Hove Albion over Joao Pedro, who is viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Nunez, while Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is able to play on both wings and at centre-forward, is another option for the Merseysiders.

He'd be a dream with Isak: Liverpool open talks to sign £45m Madrid target

Liverpool are ready to spend liberally in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025

It would be very difficult for any new signing to replicate Salah’s numbers, but Liverpool have now set their sights on another player who has been in incredible form, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are interested in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

Cherki has really kicked on this season, quashing previous concerns that he did not have the correct attitude to make it to the very top, and he has struck an agreement with Lyon to leave for less than £25m this summer.

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the forward, while there are a whole host of other potential suitors from the Premier League, namely Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

"Outrageous" Cherki impressing in France and Europe

It is little wonder the Frenchman is starting to attract attention from a number of Europe’s top clubs, given that he has been in fantastic form for Lyon this season, amassing eight goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

Eight of those assists have been in the Europa League, with the 21-year-old leading his side’s charge to the quarter-finals, and journalist Dean Jones has lauded his skill level as “outrageous”.

Not only that, but former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has compared the playmaker to one of the best players of all-time, saying: “Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

As such, £25m could be a bargain price for Cherki, whose performances this season indicate he has developed considerably this season, and at just 21-years-old, he may still be some way off his prime.

Liverpool are keen to see an upturn in performances under Arne Slot, and they could be set to target a free agent manager familiar to supporters if they fail to improve over the coming weeks.

Arne Slot looks to revive Liverpool's Premier League season

Credit in the bank goes a long way, and the Anfield hierarchy won’t forget Slot’s exploits last season as he took the Reds to a second title of the Premier League era. However, they have failed to claim the desired results in recent times, causing anxiety among their support.

Regardless, the Dutchman has vowed to fight for his future at Liverpool and appears uncompromising in his vision to help the club rediscover their form, claiming that his side will find the answers to their problems before too long.

He said before his side took on West Ham United: “We’ve had the same conversations we’ve had since I am here. We fight on. We will try to improve. You try to find the answers of what is needed to win a game of football but in the end it is about doing what this club is about.

“We have to keep fighting, fight together. But it would also be nice if we rewarded ourselves in the moments we play well. People are focused correctly on the parts where we don’t play well.”

However, Liverpool appear to be in the process of profiling potential alternatives to Slot, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique high on FSG’s radar should they eventually decide to make a change.

Nevertheless, the Reds could be about to go in a totally different direction, one that will surprise supporters if recent developments do indeed come to fruition.

Liverpool cast attention to Brendan Rodgers and Andoni Iraola

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool could replace Slot with former boss Brendan Rodgers or Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, as the Dutchman’s future on Merseyside becomes increasingly unclear.

A return for Rodgers would be remarkable considering he previously served as manager of the English giants between 2012 and 2014, coming incredibly close to delivering their first Premier League title before leaving the season after. Described as “world-class” by Gabriel Agbonlahor, he has since won multiple league titles with Celtic.

Matches – 312

Matches – 89

Wins – 139

Wins – 33

Draws – 71

Draws – 24

Losses – 102

Losses – 32

Points per game – 1.56

Points per game – 1.38

Meanwhile, Iraola’s stint at Bournemouth has won plenty of plaudits across the nation, and both coaches are willing to listen to Liverpool should they be approached over taking on the potential vacancy.

He'd unlock Wirtz: Liverpool considering Klopp 2.0 who's “best coach in PL”

Arne Slot is under intense pressure after Liverpool lost a ninth time from 12 matches.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

FSG aren’t in a rush to make a decision, suggesting Slot will be given time to revive the Reds’ fortunes as they look towards a heavy period of festive fixtures.

Either way, there is pressure on the Dutchman, and it may be a telling sign that they already have replacements in their eyeline should their patchy form continue.

Liverpool head into the Champions League tonight against PSV Eindhoven looking like a bruised animal once more.

Last time out at Anfield, Arne Slot’s Reds were convincingly beaten by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in a 3-0 loss, with the match preceding this humbling defeat on home soil also seeing the Merseyside giants lose by the same emphatic scoreline, away at Manchester City.

Thankfully, the Champions League has been a temporary sanctuary for the reigning Premier League champions, as was evident in their 1-0 win against Real Madrid, the last time they did battle in the illustrious competition.

Therefore, Liverpool will be hoping they can lick their wounds again and beat their Eredivisie opponents later on this evening.

If form doesn’t pick up, though, the January transfer window will be a very apt time to try and find upgrades on the underperformers consistently letting the side down…

Transfer latest at Liverpool

Despite their poor form as of late, the Reds will still see themselves as a significant superpower in any transfer window to come.

After all, a colossal £415m was spent just this summer on a raft of new signings, with fresh rumours now indicating that the Slot and Co. could be prepared to drop another £123m on Bayern Munich ace Michael Olise.

Moreover, Antoine Semenyo remains in their sights as another attacking signing that could boost a side let down by the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to date.

On top of signings to add to their attacking arsenal, Liverpool are also allegedly looking to do battle with Real Madrid over the services of midfield talent Vitinha, according to emerging reports from Spain.

Indeed, the report elaborates that the La Liga giants are preparing a €150m (£131m) bid for Luis Enrique’s prized asset.

Yet, Liverpool are keen to accelerate a deal, as well, by matching the Los Blancos’ amount, ensuring they could actually eclipse the £125m club-record capture of Alexander Isak.

A next step to the Premier League is noted as being very appealing for the Portugal international, if a statement move were to whir into motion.

Vitinha’s arrival at Anfield might not be the news Ryan Gravenberch wants to read, however, with the classy Paris Saint-Germain number 17 a clear upgrade on the Dutchman, as the 23-year-old has noticeably struggled as of late.

Why Vitinha is a clear upgrade on Gravenberch

Alongside the vast majority of his teammates, Gravenberch has suffered from a notable dip in his performance levels in recent matches.

Transfer Focus

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

Once labelled as being “vital” to the way Liverpool tick earlier in the season by ex-Reds midfielder Steve McManaman, the former Ajax prodigy turned Anfield first-teamer struggled to be an influential presence in back-to-back defeats at the hands of City and Forest, with only four ground duels won in total across 14 attempts, as per Sofascore.

To make matters worse, the underperforming number 38 would also fail to notch up a single key pass, leaving him on just the one paltry assist for the campaign.

While Gravenberch has shown visible signs of decline, Vitinha has continued to stand out on some pressurised stages for Enrique’s men, with this wonderful move – which was kickstarted by the 25-year-old’s fierce burst of pace – in last year’s Champions League final, just one reason why his national team manager in Roberto Martinez has glowingly labelled him the “best midielder in the world.”

In league action for PSG, too, this season, he blows his immediate competition out of the water, with one goal and six assists from 12 games – among other numbers – sticking out immediately to Slot, as he attempts to make Liverpool a vibrant and attractive watch in attack this campaign, again, rather than sticking by their current stifled appearance.

Games played

12

10

Goals scored

1

3

Assists

6

1

Touches*

113.8

74.8

Accurate passes*

98.2 (94%)

54.8 (89%)

Key passes*

1.5

0.7

Big chances created

6

2

Ball recoveries*

4.9

3.5

It’s not just in the attacking department where Vitinha could improve the downbeat Reds, with the 5-foot-8 playmaker also averaging 4.9 ball recoveries so far this season in Ligue 1, next to Gravenberch’s lesser 3.5.

Of course, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether from the French top division, which PSG consistently dominate.

But, Vitinha has actually shown off his swagger against Liverpool at Anfield, with the “incredible” midfield general – as Enrique has also labelled him – dictating play during PSG’s slim 1-0 away win in the Champions League last campaign when amassing a ridiculous 103 accurate passes.

Worryingly, his Dutch counterpart receded into his shell, with zero accurate dribbles registered, and possession was lost a costly 12 times.

The one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee won’t be moving to England on the cheap, but it could be a splurge worth signing off on, as Slot attempts to reinvigorate his options all over the pitch.

Perfect for Isak: Liverpool make £122m sensation their "dream target"

Liverpool need to make changes in the transfer market once again.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

Chelsea kept their unbeaten November form going in both the Premier League and Champions League with a straightforward 2-0 victory away at Burnley on Saturday lunchtime.

Pedro Neto picked up his sixth goal contribution of the league season when handing the travelling Blues the 1-0 lead, before Enzo Fernandez made sure of all three points late on when he gobbled up a chance on the 88th minute that was all Marc Guiu’s making from off the bench.

Away from the goalscorers mentioned, Andrey Santos also stood out in the midfield ranks, with Enzo Maresca no doubt ready to select the 21-year-old more often, off the back of such an assured showing at Turf Moor.

Santos' performance in numbers

The number 17 was thrown into the starting XI in Lancashire, with Moises Caicedo rested back in Premier League action, after lining up for Ecuador deep into the international break.

Thankfully, Caicedo’s absence wasn’t felt whatsoever, as Santos’ individual showing was described as “outstanding” at the full-time whistle by former Stamford Bridge great Joe Cole.

Indeed, the 21-year-old came into the side and looked right at home in Caicedo’s midfield anchor role, winning seven duels and two tackles to really boost the Blues centrally when Burnley attempted to work openings.

On top of that, Santos looked assured and comfortable on the ball, too, without ever really looking flashy with 34 passes accurately registered.

While Maresca will take plenty away from Santos’ polished showing, with one Chelsea content creator stating that he was “everywhere”, he did need the likes of Neto to come up trumps with a moment of quality in attack to seal the win, away from the Brazilian, allowing the visitors to tick.

While Santos has previously showcased an eye for goal and demonstrated his qualities as a box-crashing 8, he’s not the only Blues star evoking memories of Stamford Bridge royalty in Frank Lampard.

Chelsea star could be Maresca's Lampard

Come the end of his illustrious Premier League career, Lampard would bag 177 top-flight goals, with the former Blues captain having a great habit of sneaking into the box and finishing off chances expertly.

Romelu Lukaku would even hail Lampard as an “unbelievable” finisher of chances when reminiscing about his brief time in the Chelsea first team alongside the modern great.

In the here and now, the aforementioned Fernandez also has a similarly impactful knack to be able to finish off chances, with Guiu playing a late pass into a dangerous space up against Burnley, knowing that his captain could be there to kill the game off.

After all, that’s amazingly Fernandez’s fourth Premier League goal of the season already, meaning the World Cup-winning star is now Chelsea’s joint-top goalscorer in league action for the season with Neto, which is an accolade Lampard would regularly claim during his celebrated stay in West London.

Yet, there is far more to both the Argentine’s game and Lampard’s game away from scoring big goals, with pundit Micah Richards going out of his way to hail the £107 man as having “everything” in his locker now to be a “leader” at Chelsea earlier in the season.

Games played

11

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Touches*

70.7

Accurate passes*

46.5 (85%)

Shots*

2.2

Big chances missed

4

Key passes*

1.8

Big chances created

4

Ball recoveries*

3.9

Total duels won*

3.9

The table above very much backs up Richards’ assessment of Fernandez being a complete midfield talent worthy of wearing Chelsea’s club armband, with an energy present in his game that matches that of Santos, with 3.9 ball recoveries averaged and 3.9 duels won per game this season in league action.

However, it is his ability to fashion chances galore and score plentiful goals that really does make that comparison to Lampard even stronger, with Fernandez beating the likes of Cole Palmer to the top prize when it comes to most goal contributions tallied up for the Blues over the last year, as the 24-year-old now sits on a weighty 21 goal contributions, next to the Englishman’s 15.

Fernandez also has a taste for silverware now, too, having lifted the Club World Cup in the summer, as he strives to lift Premier League titles like those before him, with Santos also wanting to mature into a consistent first-team star next to him.

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ByDominic Lund Nov 23, 2025

Everton are reportedly pushing hard to complete the signing of Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, but there is more Premier League interest in him, too.

The 22-year-old is an exciting young talent who has already won an Olympic gold medal with Spain, winning a total of four caps for his country and hoping to be a part of their 2026 World Cup squad.

Juanlu emerged as a target for Wolves during the summer transfer window, with talks opening at one point and a move to Molineux potentially looking on the cards.

In the end, he rejected their advances, however, and decided to remain at Sevilla for the time being, continuing to be an influential player for the Spanish giants this season.

Juanlu has made 10 La Liga appearances in 2025/26 to date, assisting once in the competition, but it looks as though his long-term future may lie away from the club, with Everton seemingly in the mix to acquire his signature.

Everton applying "strong pressure" to sign Juanlu

According to Diario de Sevilla [via Sport Witness], Everton are putting “strong pressure” on to sign Juanlu from Sevilla, with Crystal Palace also in the same boat.

Sevilla’s financial issues could see them forced into selling the wide man, with as much as £17.6m possibly needed to prise him away from Spain.

Juanlu looks like such a shrewd target for Everton, with the Spain international possessing the versatility to add so much depth to David Moyes’ squad, being able to thrive on the wing and even in midfield alongside his natural right-back role.

Still only 22, his best years are ahead of him, with former manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta heaping praise on his qualities as a player in the past.

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

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ByDominic Lund Nov 17, 2025

The lure of Palace may be big, given their status as reigning FA Cup holders, but Everton are enjoying life in their sparkly new stadium, with Jack Grealish a big-name loan signing, and Juanlu will hopefully see them as the more exciting proposition.

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