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West Ham United could be set for an important upcoming window and Graham Potter could ring the changes this summer after a frustrating campaign in East London.

West Ham looking to climb the table ahead of important summer

Compared to their recent Premier League seasons, it is fair to say that West Ham have fallen below expectations. Julen Lopetegui tried and failed to appease the hierarchy and supporters, leading to Potter’s appointment back in January.

Since the Englishman’s arrival, the Hammers have taken 11 points from a possible 27 in the English top-flight. That has been enough to see off the threat of relegation, while there is still scope to finish above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Crystal Palace if they can string together a timely run of results.

However, there is an overwhelming feeling among the fanbase that their recruitment last summer hasn’t entirely worked out, something that could lead to movement in both directions during the off-season.

Evaluating the forward line, Evan Ferguson is unlikely to stay at West Ham beyond his loan stint. The Republic of Ireland international hasn’t delivered a single goal since joining from Brighton, which may pave the way for Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto to come in for a fee of £21 million.

West Ham’s unfortunate circumstances in attack

Evan Ferguson

0 goals in 5 appearances

Michail Antonio (injured)

1 goal in 15 appearances

Niclas Fullkrug

2 goals in 11 appearances

Danny Ings

1 goal in 15 appearances

Defensively, the Irons also want Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, furthering suspicions that Potter could put his foot down in search of a new-look starting line-up ahead of next season.

Arming his group with exciting options is set to be a priority for Potter, that much is certain, but supporters may now have a glimmer of who could make way to fund his rebuild over the coming months.

Graham Potter set to put West Ham quartet up for sale

According to Claret and Hugh, West Ham could allow Kostas Mavropanos, Emerson, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug to depart. Maxwel Cornet may also be permitted an exit once he returns from his loan spell at Genoa.

Referring to the quartet mentioned, they claim a combined £310,000 per week total in wages at the London Stadium, which could help to fund a summer of spending should they all find suitable destinations.

97th percentile for passing: West Ham step up pursuit of "incredible" star

The Hammers have now accelerated their plans to sign a midfielder, who could be perfect for Graham Potter’s system.

ByDominic Lund Mar 20, 2025

Carlos Soler is another loan star unlikely to earn a permanent stay in East London, indicating that Potter has decided to rip up parts of his squad to start afresh in what is set to be a new dawn under his stewardship.

West Ham fans will be happy to hear progress is underway ahead of the summer. Now, it is up to the remaining crop to prove they deserve to be a part of his long-term plans by delivering consistent Premier League results.

If Champions League football is secured at the City Ground for next season, it could be a very busy summer, and plans are already being put in place as Nottingham Forest are eyeing a move for a “sensational” £20m player, according to a recent report.

Update on Morgan Gibbs-White’s Nottingham Forest future

It has been an outstanding season for the Reds, and at the heart of that success has been midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has not only been an excellent captain but has produced moments of quality that have helped Forest remain in the race for a Champions League place.

Club in contact with Nottingham Forest "monster" who has uncertain future

He’s found minutes hard to come by this season.

ByBarney Lane Mar 17, 2025

The 25-year-old, who has five goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games, has gained admirers from top teams in England given his performances this campaign, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Forest are going to “do everything they can” to keep hold of Gibbs-White this summer.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been mentioned as teams interested in the midfielder and will hope they have the resources to lure him to their clubs. However, if the Reds do secure Champions League football this season, then O’Rourke states that the Midlands side would be well-placed to retain their best players for next season.

Gibbs-White has just earned a call-up to the England squad, despite missing out initially, and Forest will be hoping that his international recognition doesn’t mean it will become harder for them to keep hold of their star player.

Nottingham Forest eyeing move for "sensational" £20m star

As the Reds and owner Evangelos Marinakis plan to keep hold of Gibbs-White, they are looking at players who could form a good partnership with the Englishman in the middle of the pitch, and according to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest and Marinakis are eyeing a move for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report states that Forest are among the four Premier League teams who are all watching and tracking the young midfielder, with Manchester United, Brentford, and Brighton also keen on Bellingham. All four clubs would be interested in a deal should the Black Cats fail to seal promotion to the Premier League.

The 19-year-old, who has been labelled “sensational” by journalist Josh Bunting, would be interested in a move, as he is looking to play at the highest level. Meanwhile, the Black Cats are not interested in negotiating any deal for the midfielder, and they will demand a high fee for the player, with it being previously reported that they want £20 million. Bellingham is under contract until 2028, meaning the Black Cats do hold the power when it comes to negotiating a transfer.

Apps

34

Starts

34

Goals

4

xG

2.61

Shots per game

1.4

Assists

3

xAG

2.24

Touches per game

56.3

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

1.3

Bellingham’s potential arrival at the City Ground would see him provide competition for the likes of Elliot Anderson, Danilo, Nicolas Dominguez, and Ryan Yates. But given how highly he is rated and obviously how well his brother Jude has done, Bellingham could be a starter wherever he moves to, as he will want to continue developing his career.

As Arsenal go in search of attacking reinforcements, Arsenal Invincible Philippe Senderos has revealed the trait that Matheus Cunha has that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta loves.

Senderos reveals why Arteta would love Cunha signing

Although the name Alexander Isak has been threatening to steal the headlines in recent months, Arsenal could yet turn towards the cheaper Matheus Cunha. When signing a new contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers instead of completing a move to North London in January, the Brazilian made sure that a release clause worth £63m was included – allowing the Gunners to potentially swoop in.

Compared to Isak’s reported £120m price tag, Cunha could quickly turn into a bargain deal if he completes a move to The Emirates before solving Arteta’s biggest problem.

The Spaniard has been desperately searching for an attacking solution all season, even turning towards defensive midfielder Mikel Merino in the face of several injuries. It’s a problem which has all but ended their title hopes, with Liverpool sitting 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, but one they simply must fix this summer.

If it is to be Cunha those in North London turn to, then Arteta could instantly benefit if Philippe Senderos’ verdict is anything to go by. The former defender believes that the forward carries a trait the Arsenal manager loves.

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ByEmilio Galantini Mar 27, 2025

In an exclusive chat with Football FanCast, Senderos said: “I know Matheus Cunha well. He was in Switzerland when he first came to Europe and then moved to Germany. So I’ve seen his progression over the years and he’s a great player.

“You don’t really know what’s gonna happen next with Matheus Cunha, he’s gonna do dribbling, the way he uses his body, the way he gets into positions is really really interesting and this fact that he’s not predictable is very very exciting. I think that’s what you want from a striker.

“Does he fit into this current Arsenal squad? I’m sure at Arsenal there is people who are more qualified to be able make this judgement and to see if it is a target for Arsenal. What I like about him is that he can play multiple positions as well.

“He can play on the wing or up front and I think that’s also something that would suit Arsenal in this current side because Mikel likes to have players who are flexible.”

"Great" Cunha could solve Arsenal's problems

With 15 goals in all competitions for a struggling Wolves side, Cunha is only just getting started in the Premier League. A top move undoubtedly beckons for the former Atletico Madrid man who looks destined to make his return to the big stage at long last. And Arsenal should make sure it’s Arteta’s side who reap the rewards for that return.

Next to the likes of Bukayo Saka and the emerging Ethan Nwaneri, Cunha could form the deadly attack that the Gunners have lacked all season. Then, and perhaps only then, will they be in position to finally end their wait for another Premier League title.

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been vital to their success over the last few years, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in world football.

The Dutchman, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, has won five major honours during his time at Anfield, including a Premier League and Champions League triumph.

The 33-year-old will go down in club history for his showings in Merseyside, making over 300 appearances for the first team, with many hoping he can add to his tally next season – but the hierarchy will need to sort his contract scenario out as soon as possible.

Whilst the £75m forked out for his signature back in January 2018 may have appeared to be a mammoth sum, he’s been worth every penny, catapulting the Reds to their various levels of success.

His big-money move is one of the biggest deals in the club’s history, but they could be about to land a move just as impressive in the summer, massively strengthening Arne Slot’s first-team squad in the process.

Liverpool preparing £115m bid for Premier League star

According to one Spanish outlet, Liverpool are preparing a £115m bid to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer, but face huge interest from elsewhere.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in recent times, with the Magpies massively reluctant to offload their key man this summer.

The Swede has thrived this campaign, notching 24 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, including in the Carabao Cup final against Slot’s side – denying him his first trophy since taking the reins.

The report states that Eddie Howe’s side do not want to sell their star man this window, but understand the Reds’ interest is serious, with the 25-year-old potentially able to leave should they fail to achieve Champions League qualification.

Whilst it would be a club-record transfer, matching the English record in the process, a move for Isak would massively improve the current attacking department, making Slot’s side an even bigger threat in 2025/26.

How Isak compares to Liverpool’s current striker options

Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have often shared the responsibility of leading the line for Liverpool in 2024/25, but have often struggled during key moments.

The Portuguese striker may have notched the winning goal in the Merseyside derby last week, but has failed to deliver on a consistent basis, only scoring nine goals across his 31 appearances in all competitions.

As for Nunez, he’s also been a disappointment this campaign, evidently not being the man to take the Reds to the next level under the guidance of the Dutchman.

His tally of seven goals in his 42 appearances throughout this season, works out to just one in every 4.5 outings – a record simply not good enough if the club are to continue their dominance in the Premier League.

Such form could see Slot turn to Isak in the summer window, with the 25-year-old massively outperforming the aforementioned pair this year – highlighting the elite-level talent he possesses.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “the best striker in the world” by one analyst, has massively outscored the pair, offering another dimension to the club’s forward line.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and also completed more passes he’s attempted, offering an all-round number nine, something which the Reds have desperately lacked in recent years.

Games played

26

20

25

Goals & assists

25

9

7

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

30%

39%

Pass accuracy

74%

70%

71%

Shot-creating actions

3.3

3

2.2

Take-on success

49%

39%

38%

Progressive passes

2.8

2.6

2

Whilst the touted fee would be a mammoth investment from the hierarchy, it would be a deal that would be worth every penny – taking the side to new heights under Slot.

Although competition will be high for his signature this summer, the club’s current league standing and European qualification could give them the edge in the race – making him the biggest deal since Van Dijk and arguably the most important for their ambitions of reaching the next level.

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Liverpool, heading for the Premier League title, are set for a summer of change.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2025

Leeds United’s Saturday lunchtime couldn’t have gone any better, with the Whites recording a priceless victory in the ongoing automatic promotion tussle in the Championship against Preston North End, whilst one of their rivals for the top two spots succumbed to a third straight defeat in the league.

That was Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United who shockingly fell to a late defeat at bottom-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle, with Leeds’ emotions very different at the final whistle away from the dour mood in Devon from the away stands.

The picture above encapsulates the mixture of both relief and jubliance inside Elland Road when the full-time whistle was sounded, with Manor Solomon standing out throughout as a top performer after gifting his promotion-chasing side the lead after just four minutes.

Solomon's performance in numbers vs Preston

With Daniel James confirmed to be out of the lunchtime clash when the lineup filtered through, Solomon must have been even more aware that he could be a hero for his team down the flanks, away from the energetic Welshman.

He instantly threw himself into the contest and was rewarded with a stunning early effort, with the Tottenham Hotspur loanee managing to curl this delightful effort past the opposition goalkeeper after the Whites’ patient passing approach paid off.

Preston would instantly fight back with an equaliser, but thankfully, the Championship’s table-toppers had more than enough in their system to get over the line and win, with Solomon a lively customer across the frantic 90 minutes.

Indeed, the 25-year-old winger would also turn provider when assisting Jayden Bogle’s winning goal, with the Spurs loan ace further completing four accurate crosses to try and make Leeds’ slim victory more comprehensive.

Whilst the attacking players in Daniel Farke’s ranks do often steal the plaudits with breathtaking displays of quality, there was also a resilient side to Leeds on show against Paul Heckingbottom’s visitors, with this defender a colossus throughout.

The 8/10 Leeds star who has become undroppable

It could be argued that the centre-back star in question was even better than Solomon across the full duration of the bumpy 90 minutes, with the 6 foot 4 titan having to remain alert throughout, away from his attacking teammate stealing the show early on.

Joe Rodon would come away from this nervy encounter with his head firmly held high, considering the Welsh enforcer would trudge off the Elland Road turf at the close of the contest with all but one of his seven duels won, among other standout numbers.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

59

Accurate passes

47/51 (92%)

Key passes

1

Shots

2

Clearances

4

Tackles

1

Total duels won

6/7

Looking at the table above, it’s clear Rodon was a man in control throughout his near-faultless 90 minutes, with the ex-Swansea City man only misplacing four of his 51 passes on the day.

Whilst he followed a worried trend of Leeds being wasteful in front of goal with two chances spurned of his own, Rodon would still rightly be praised post-match, leading to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth dishing out a high 8/10 rating to the dominant number six, labelling his forceful showing as simply ‘no-nonsense’.

Already undroppable before this tense fixture – considering Farke has started him in every Championship game this season to date – his importance to the cause has only been heightened now off the back the unfortunate backdrop of his usual centre-back comrade, Pascal Struijk, being ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

Rodon will hope more authoritative performances defensively, such as this one against the Lilywhites, leads to more invaluable victories coming his side’s way, with just one misstep in the automatic promotion race in the Championship proving to be very costly.

He's playing like a £50m star: Leeds sold Struijk successor for just £4m

Leeds United must wish they never sold this defensive star now.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 11, 2025

Aston Villa are now ready to pay the release clause of an “elite” goalkeeper, who is also wanted by Manchester United, according to a new report.

Aston Villa suffer FA Cup semi-final heartbreak

The Villans had a very good chance of ending their drought as they reached the FA Cup semi-final this weekend, but it was Crystal Palace who sailed to a 3-0 win. Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr sealed Palace’s place in the final, and while Villa created chances to get back into the game, Unai Emery felt Palace deserved to win.

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Aston Villa could reach their first FA Cup final since 2015 against Crystal Palace.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

“When they scored the first goal, it was more difficult for us, and we only reacted after 2-0. Then we created more chances to score, and we didn’t score. In transition, they are very good, and they deserved to win,” Emery told BBC Sport.

“After the first goal, we pushed some corners. We had our moments, but we have to accept defeat. We were motivated for the semi-final, and we lost, but we keep going. Two years ago, when I arrived here, we were in a really bad moment. We are improving, and our level is going up so quickly. Yes, of course, we lost in the Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos as well.

“Everything we are doing is increasing our demands, and today the loss is something we have to accept. Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to be quick to react because in the league we have the most important objective. Today we lost, thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to Crystal Palace, and we keep going. Now it is finished, and we focus on the next match.”

Villa and Emery will now put full focus on the Premier League, as they still have work to do to finish in the top five and secure Champions League football once again for next season.

Aston Villa are ready to pay release clause of £21m Joan Garcia

As well as turning their attention towards their remaining league games, the club’s hierarchy are already looking ahead to the summer and are trying to get their business done early. That is because, according to Cadena Ser, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa want to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia by paying his release clause.

The report states that Villa do not want to waste any time and want a “fast-track deal” for Garcia, and they hope the fact they are willing to pay his release clause means they can win the race for his signature. The 23-year-old’s release clause is said to stand between €25-30 million, which is roughly £21-25 million.

However, the Villans are not the only side chasing the Espanyol shot-stopper, as Manchester United are also keen, and the Red Devils have made contact with the player’s entourage in recent days over bringing him to Old Trafford. Garcia, who has been described as “elite” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has played every La Liga game for his side this season, conceding 42 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Apps

62

Goals conceded

63

Clean sheets

20

Garcia’s arrival at Villa Park would see him join a team that already has an established number one in Emi Martinez, whereas if he were to join Man United, he would likely become their number one goalkeeper given the doubts about Andre Onana.

West Ham United could cash in on one of their key players this summer, in order to fund a major summer rebuild, according to a report.

Hammers now seven games without win after Brighton loss

Luckily for West Ham, last season’s three promoted Championship sides have found it very difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, which means they are now mathematically safe, but it has been a season to forget.

After the 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, the Hammers are now seven games without a win, and they are sitting 17th in the table with just four games left to play, which indicates a major revamp of the squad could be needed.

In light of the poor results, questions are now being asked about manager Graham Potter, who admitted he was in “pain” after his side capitulated against the Seagulls, conceding two late goals to lose the game 3-2.

It remains to be seen whether Potter is given time to turn the situation around, but there could be a major rebuild regardless of which manager is in the dugout next season, although the Irons may have to cash-in on a star player to fund it.

That is according to a report from The Express, which states West Ham are now considering the sale of Lucas Paqueta to fund the overhaul of their squad this summer.

Mohammed Kudus’ departure could also be sanctioned, amid interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who will have the opportunity to sign the Ghanaian for £85m.

As such, Paqueta and Kudus’ futures at the London Stadium appear to be up in the air, but one player who the Hammers are unwilling to sell is Jarrod Bowen, with the England international deemed to be untouchable.

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ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025 "Incredible" Paqueta underperforming this season

The Brazilian has been a key player for the Hammers this season, making 30 appearances in the Premier League, but he has largely been ineffective, picking up just four goals and failing to record an assist.

The attacking midfielder is without a goal contribution in his last ten outings, and he is clearly finding it difficult to rediscover his best form, having previously been lauded as “incredible” in a West Ham shirt.

That said, the whole team has fallen way short of expectations this season, and the 27-year-old may flourish in a better side, should the Irons make the correct additions to their squad this summer.

It may be a little early to cash-in on the £150k-a-week maestro, and his sale is unlikely to raise a great deal of money regardless, with recent reports suggesting Paqueta could be sold for just £20m.

Liverpool fans are loving life after being crowned Premier League champions and could now be set for another reason to get excited after landing a boost ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool enjoying life at the top of the tree

Truthfully, it is hard for Liverpool fans to have too many gripes at the minute after their side were crowned champions last weekend, trouncing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Arne Slot and company took it all after enjoying the occasion at Anfield, but they will already have one eye on the summer in order to stay one step ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have both committed their future to the Dutchman’s project. However, the same can’t be said for Real Madrid-linked star Trent Alexander-Arnold. Intriguingly, Liverpool are keeping informed on Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as a potential replacement, which may paint a picture regarding whether their top academy product will stay or leave the club.

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda is also on the radar at Anfield. The Japan international is attracting further interest from Arsenal and Aston Villa in light of his excellent form north of the border.

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Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2025

FSG have their work cut out in the coming window to ensure that Liverpool stay top of the pile, with the suspicion that a tighter title race will be in store circa 2025/26 once managers have had a chance to rectify squad flaws.

Of course, the Reds’ priority will be padding out each position with enough depth to handle the strain of both domestic and European competitions, and they have now received a boost in the hunt for a classy midfield operator.

Liverpool look to strike deal for Genoa star Morten Frendrup

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Genoa’s Morten Frendrup and have been informed that the Serie A outfit plan to sell the midfielder for around £26 million this summer. Reds officials have turned out to watch the Denmark international several times this season and they have been mightily impressed by his performances, especially from a defensive standpoint.

Morten Frendrup’s Serie A statistics – 2024/25

Successful passes

963

Shots on target

9

Chances created

12

Tackles won

59

Duels won

168

Goals

2

Assists

0

Frendrup himself is ready for a new challenge and has formed part of Liverpool’s mission to find a defensive midfielder for over a year. Nevertheless, they aren’t alone in pursuit of the 24-year-old amid further interest from Italian top-flight clubs Atalanta, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina.

Ryan Gravenberch has excelled despite not being a natural number six, something which may have prompted Slot to have a look for alterations on the market.

Strength in numbers will be key if Liverpool have designs on retaining a well-earned title next term, so it won’t come as a surprise to see that they are already proactive in their efforts to land reinforcements.

Birmingham City ended up coasting to the League One title in style with five straight victories to close out the season seeing the Blues end on a record-breaking 111 points.

This was the first honour added to the St. Andrew’s trophy cabinet since Birmingham’s dramatic League Cup win over Arsenal in 2011, but the Tom Wagner-backed Blues will be hungry for more successes of this kind when heading up to the Championship.

Back-to-back promotions will be the dream goal for Chris Davies’ men upon their re-entry into the tricky division, with some new statement signings needed to boost their chances of immediately feeling at home in the EFL’s elite league.

One of those major buys could be Che Adams, with the hectic rumour mill suggesting Birmingham are keen on snapping up their former star to add even more firepower to their ranks.

Birmingham's hunt for Che Adams

Late last month, Football Insider broke the news that Davies and Co were eyeing up a spectacular move to tempt Adams back to the West Midlands club.

They further stated that Birmingham were looking to add the 28-year-old back to their roster in order to possess a Championship ready goal machine, with Adams boasting 49 career goals in the difficult division.

But, both Jay Stansfield and Alfie May arguably deserve a crack at the level after firing home the goals to seal promotion for their side.

Moreover, Birmingham could seal a better and more worthwhile purchase than landing Adams by signing an EFL star who might make the likes of Stansfield and May even more prolific.

Birmingham eyeing a more exciting signing than Adams

Luring Adams back to St. Andrew’s won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, considering he once joined former employers Southampton for a reported £15m.

On the other hand, snapping up the services of Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku could be a lot cheaper, with a compensatory fee needing to be agreed between both the Blues and Posh as the Ghanaian ace’s contract is now expired in Cambridgeshire.

Whilst Adams’ impressive goal record might well justify whatever bumper fee Torino want, Poku would come in and offer far more than just goals for Davies’ men, with the excellent delivery in the video above proving the 23-year-old’s calmness under pressure to pick out an inch-perfect pass for a teammate.

Of course, Poku’s blistering game does also focus in on his ability to fire home strikes, considering he bagged a potent 12 league goals last season for Darren Ferguson’s men.

But, he can also be unselfish and creative marauding through the centre or down the right channel, meaning the likes of Stansfield and May could have chances galore put on a plate for them if the 5 foot 10 star does finally join.

On top of that, it’s not also guaranteed that Adams would return to the Blues and be an instant rip-roaring success, considering he fired home just 12 goals during his first two seasons at the level when last donning a Birmingham strip.

Games played

27

37

44

Goals scored

12

19

16

Assists

8

3

8

Touches*

46.3

29.0

21.9

Shots*

2.4

2.7

1.6

Scoring frequency

172 mins

142 mins

148 mins

Accurate passes*

20.3 (80%)

8.1 (69%)

10.9 (79%)

Big chances missed

3

13

13

Big chances created

9

6

7

Whereas, looking at the table above, it appears that Poku, Stansfield and May could become a terrifying trio for Championship defences to contain, with the “top drawer” talent – as he’s been lauded by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony – chomping at the bit to prove himself as an attacking force in the far tougher league.

Also, reunions often just don’t go to plan either. Whereas, if Poku’s League One numbers are anything to go by, he could be the exact fresh blood Birmingham need to become an more formidable outfit stepping back up a division.

Birmingham closing in on signing their next Iwata for Davies

Birmingham City could soon snap up their next Tomoki Iwata with this summer purchase.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now seriously considering a bid for a £22m “magician”, who could be brought in to replace Matheus Cunha this summer, according to a report.

Cunha closing in on Man Utd move

Cunha is set to join Manchester United in a £62.5m move, with the deal likely to go through despite the Red Devils making a late attempt to pay the fee over five years rather than two. The 26-year-old has, of course, been a key player for the Old Gold in the Premier League, netting 15 goals in 33 games in 2024/25, and his departure will leave a hole in the squad, but a new statistic highlights the fact the Brazilian isn’t exactly the hardest of workers.

That said, the forward’s attacking output is by far the most important thing, and Vitor Pereira is now tasked with bringing in a replacement capable of recording a similar number of goal contributions next season.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Wolves now have an attacking midfielder in mind, having set their sights on Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss, with a serious bid for the 21-year-old now being considered.

Contact made: Wolves launch move for £34m Brazilian requested by Pereira

Pereira is looking to make his mark this summer.

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025

El Khannouss is being targeted as a direct replacement for Cunha, and there is a belief he could be the Old Gold’s new talisman heading into the 2025-26 campaign, but it will take a bid of around £22m to prise him away from Leicester.

Pereira’s side are very keen on wrapping up a deal for the Leicester ace, having found it difficult to land Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, but there could be serious competition for his signature, with Arsenal also considering a move.

"Magician" El Khannouss could be ideal Cunha heir

The 21-year-old found it difficult to make a name for himself in a poor Leicester side during the 2024-25 season, but he is still very young, and there are some signs he could thrive at Molineux as a replacement for Cunha.

Lauded as a “magician” for his performance against Southampton earlier this month, the Moroccan has shown real signs of quality on occasion, picking up an assist and an 8.0/10 SofaScore rating courtesy of a very impressive display against the Saints.

Statistic

Number completed

Assists

1

Duels won

5

Successful dribbles

3

Accurate crosses

2

The maestro’s play-style is also easy on the eye, having become known for trivela passes during his time with Genk, and he could be an exciting player to watch for Wolves supporters.

With Cunha’s departure set to generate £62.5m, Wolves should have ample funds to replace the Brazilian international, and El Khannouss could be the ideal heir.