Liverpool star Mo Salah now leaning towards contract extension

Liverpool are once again flying under Jurgen Klopp, sitting top of the Premier League at the halfway stage and three points clear of closest challengers Aston Villa, and five clear of champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Reds looked down and out last season, before a summer overhaul gave the Anfield side new life ahead of the current campaign.

The good news could just keep coming their way too, with reports suggesting that they could now keep hold of one of Klopp's biggest stars to end any fears over a potential departure in the coming months.

Mohamed Salah contract update

After missing out on a Champions League place last time out, not many would have expected Liverpool to make their return to the title race. Here they are, however, not just competing, but even leading the way.

Of course, there's still a long season ahead and the January transfer window must still play its part, but the Reds deserve credit for how they've bounced back from disappointment in such style. The arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have certainly played a part, yet it could be internal transfer news which hands Liverpool the ultimate boost.

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According to Football Transfers and Anfield Watch, Mohamed Salah is now leaning towards signing a contract extension at Liverpool to ease any fears that he could leave the Merseyside club.

It's a bit of a twist from previous rumours, as FSG had reportedly been planning for life without the Egyptian. Given Salah's consistent Saudi Arabia links, it was easy to worry for Liverpool, who have now scaled back their contingency plans in the case of his exit. Some credit deserves to go to FSG for that too, with their willingness to pay Salah's reported £18m a year contract more than playing its part.

luis-diaz-mohamed-salah-liverpool-opinion

Top of the Premier League, in a Carabao Cup semi-final and predictably through in the Europa League, the news that Salah is leaning towards a contract extension sums up what could be a season to remember for Liverpool.

How many goals has Salah scored for Liverpool?

There is no doubting the fact that Salah is one of the best players to ever play for Liverpool in the Premier League. The 31-year-old has won it all in English football and has picked up plenty of records along the way. With three Premier League Golden Boots to his name, there's an argument that Salah is the greatest winger that the Premier League has seen.

Salah's Premier League goals tally of 153 is impressive enough (two for Chelsea), but his overall contributions in red stand at 204, with 88 assists thrown in for good measure.

Liverpool's top Premier League goalscorers (via LFC History)

Goals

Mohamed Salah

151

Robbie Fowler

128

Steven Gerrard

120

Michael Owen

118

Sadio Mane

90

Klopp will certainly be relieved about the potential contract news, recently lauding Salah, saying via TNT Sports: "A player with his numbers I’m not sure I will ever coach again. His whole development from the first talks we had to the talks we have now, as a man, is an incredible and very impressive development and growth – and as a player as well. Absolutely exceptional player, all-time great. No shadow of a doubt. I was blessed to have a few good ones, to be honest, but he is right up there and the numbers are super special.”

Celtic dealt Ola Solbakken transfer blow

Celtic have now ended their 2021/22 season as Premiership champions after securing a 6-0 victory over Motherwell in their final match of the campaign on Saturday afternoon.

Now that the season has come to an end, the Hoops can turn their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window and getting their squad ready to take on the 2022/23 campaign.

With that in mind, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes development has emerged regarding one potential transfer deal with which the Bhoys have been mentioned recently.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Il Romanista (via Roma Press), Serie A giants AS Roma have reportedly agreed a deal with Bodo/Glimt winger Ola Solbakken for a potential summer transfer. This comes after the Parkhead club were linked with a move for the attacker last month.

The 23-year-old joined Bodo/Glimt in January 2020 from fellow Norwegian club Ranheim IL. Since then, the winger has gone on to make 72 appearances for his current employers, scoring 17 goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

This season has seen the £1.8m-rated talent play in 19 matches across all competitions, finding the net eight times and delivering five assists for his team-mates. He has played on both the left and right wings, highlighting his versatility in attack.

Bad news for Postecoglou

Taking into account how Solbakken scored three goals in as many Europa Conference League games against Jose Mourinho’s side, along with one goal against Celtic in the same tournament this season, it’s easy to see why the winger is a man in demand this summer.

This also shows why an attacking team like Celtic, who have scored 92 goals in their recent Premiership campaign, would be looking at adding a prolific player like Solbakken to their ranks.

However, now that it has been reported that the Norwegian has apparently made an agreement with Roma for a potential summer move, this will be a big blow for the Hoops and come as bad news for Ange Postecoglou.

Having been mentioned with a move for the Bodo/Glimt star as a potential backup option for the Bhoys if they aren’t able to sign Jota on a permanent deal, this update could either ramp up the club’s need to sign the Portuguese gem or make then move on to another potential target they can look at bringing to Glasgow.

In other news – Forget Kyogo: “Mouth-watering” Celtic dynamo with 77 touches ran the show at Parkhead on Saturday

Sunderland face battle to keep Dan Neil

League One play-off Finalists Sunderland may face a battle to keep hold of their highly-rated midfielder Dan Neil in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That is according to a report from Football Insider who state that the 20-year-old could depart from the Stadium of Light this summer, amidst links to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke, has added further fuel to the fire. Speaking to Football League World, he said: “Obviously right now with Dan Neil to go to Spurs he wouldn’t fit straight in.

“A League One player coming straight into a Premier League side is never going to happen really.

“But with a bit of nurture and care and training-up at such a high facility club, I do think he could get at a level where, one day, he could play Premier League football.”

Disaster if Neil leaves

Whilst it seems like a big ask to get a League One footballer to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, it is something that we’ve seen Spurs do before with Dele Alli.

Albeit, Alli’s trajectory has changed as of recent, but the case study that he created when he burst onto the scene with his ten goals and nine assists – in what was his debut season – serves as a model that League One prospects can look to follow.

Whilst he has started 67% of the Black Cats’ games in League One this season, his three goals and seven assists along the way have been integral in helping the side reach the play-offs. Couple that with his young age – he is still only 20 – and it would simply be a disaster if he left the club.

His potential is huge and as the Mackems aim to reach the Championship, he is the type of player that Neil should be building his side around, not losing to the jaws of the Premier League’s elite.

That happened time and time again under the reign of Stewart Donald with the likes of Bali Mumba, Josh Maja, Logan Pye and Joe Hugill all leaving for higher echelons.

As of early April, the mere £1.4k-per-week earner has seen his minutes dry up and if Spurs were to come calling, the North London club could surely convince the Englishman who has been dubbed a “major star”, by reporter Ross Gregory to join up with Antonio Conte’s squad.

If a Premier League side are reportedly interested in acquiring his services, then interest will most certainly be high in the summer. Black Cats boss Neil will surely face a battle to keep the young prodigy.

In other news: Neil can unearth Sunderland’s new Pritchard as Speakman plots bid for £450k-rated gem

The next John Barnes: Liverpool make contact with £69m star alongside Isak

It hasn’t always been this way. There was a time, not too long ago, when Liverpool were scraping to qualify for Europe, or indeed failing to qualify for Europe.

The Luis Suarez-led Premier League title charge of 2013/14 will forever remain an incredible, awe-inspiring season, but it stood as a lonely outlier across a number of years of strife and disappointment.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez celebrates

But Jurgen Klopp changed all that, remoulding Anfield and placing Liverpool back among the big-hitters on the global stage. For many, it was a return to the old days of excitement and glory at the top.

Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were joined by another in the shape of the larger-than-life German manager, who signed and grew, organically, a team capable of challenging for the biggest prizes year on year.

Liverpool had created superstars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino. They joined the likes of John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish and the like from an era of old.

And now, there’s a new wave.

Slot's Liverpool rebuild

Arne Slot led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in five years last season, and in the first year since Klopp stepped down too.

Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph

He did it without any proper transfer investment, only bringing Federico Chiesa, who scarcely played for several reasons, over in a £12.5m deal.

He’s since been rewarded. Liverpool have spent a British-record £116m sum on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, and are looking to smash their own record with a bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Sweden striker wants to sign for the Reds, and a first informal approach has been made.

Such players have the potential to evoke nostalgia on Merseyside, for sure, but Liverpool are planning to sign yet another high-class footballer this summer with something of a stylistic connection to a former icon.

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Indeed, the aforementioned Barnes was quite the player back in his heyday, and Liverpool have a similar player in their sights.

Liverpool make contact with CL superstar

As per Spanish journalist Siro Lopez, Liverpool have been in contact with Real Madrid star Rodrygo as Slot looks to replace Diaz.

The Brazilian forward, 24, is anticipated to leave Xabi Alonso’s fledgling project after falling out of favour, but he remains one of the game’s most talented wingers and could be available for a fee in the region of £69m.

Rodrygo has also been coveted by Arsenal this summer, and with Leandro Trossard rumoured to be leaving the Emirates, FSG might want to act swiftly with this one.

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

Like Barnes, Rodrygo is an elegant and dynamic forward, though he’s, of course, more accomplished at this stage of his career than when Dalglish agreed a £900,000 fee with Watford to bring the now-retired great to Anfield in 1987.

Rodrygo's Real Madrid career (timeless)

The Los Blancos sensation has scored 68 goals and supplied 51 assists across 270 senior showings in the Spanish capital, winning the full gamut.

Rodrygo is a big-game player and could prove a fantastic Diaz replacement in that regard, filling in a void and ensuring that Liverpool have the technical quality and firepower to make an impact on the grand stage.

His talismanic approach adds a further level to the argument that he’s apt as the club’s new Barnes.

Barnes, when operating on the left side of the midfield, was a powerful and direct player, renowned for his speed and athleticism, his purposeful strides and (at times) clinical finishing.

He led a storied career, but it was at Liverpool that Barnes enjoyed his finest hours, notably winning two top-flight titles, two FA Cups and leaving as a two-time Liverpool Player of the Year.

Liverpool

406

107

92

Watford

237

64

9

Newcastle

41

7

1

Charlton

11

Though it’s unlikely Rodrygo would take a leaf from Barnes’ book and relocate to a deeper-lying midfield role in the deeper stretches of his career, there’s little question that the Brazilian shares some of the 61-year-old’s one-time versatility and cleverness on the pitch.

Former England international Tom Finney once said, “Players like John Barnes come along just once in a lifetime.” His pace, power and sheer will to win allowed him to thrive as one of the game’s elite, and these are traits also found within Rodrygo’s skill set, for sure.

As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his mix of sharp passing and high-speed, controlled running with the ball.

The right-footer might not have enjoyed his best season in 2024/25, only scoring six times in La Liga, but he was routinely played out of position and could find a permanent home on the left flank in Slot’s Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti might have hailed his “special striker” for being able to “play in all positions”, but coming off the left flank, his potency and creativty are maximised.

Rodrygo stats

Should sporting director Richard Hughes pull this one off, perhaps we will see the spirit of Barnes reborn in Slot’s Liverpool, adding that extra bit of quality to take this illustrious project to the next stage.

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Arsenal: Arteta update on White injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an update regarding the fitness of defender Ben White, ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the Spaniard revealed that it remains uncertain as to whether the former Brighton man will be fit to feature against Antonio Conte’s side, having been absent since the win over Manchester United at the end of April.

Asked about the injury latest regarding his squad, the Gunners boss stated that: “Thomas [Partey] is still out, Kieran [Tierney] is still out, “Ben [White] is a doubt. We’ll have to assess him he’s feeling much better and Bukayo [Saka] is the same.”

The 40-year-old went on to add that it will be a close to call as to whether both White and teammate Bukayo Saka will be able to feature: “Very difficult to rate (a chance) with injuries, it’s just how they feel today,” he said. “That’s the last day we can assess them so we’ll have to see.”

White has missed the wins over both West Ham United and Leeds United due to a hamstring injury, while Saka was withdrawn late on against the Elland Road outfit. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney remain on the sidelines.

Fingers crossed

Arteta will be praying that the England centre-back will be fit to feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with it set to be a titanic tussle between two bitter rivals going toe-to-toe in the race to secure fourth spot.

For the Gunners, however, the motivation is clear, with a win confirming their Champions League qualification ahead of their north London neighbours, with the Emirates outfit currently four points clear and with just two games left to play following the meeting with Spurs.

The club are on the cusp of a return to Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2017 following a largely promising season, although defeat would ensure a nail-biting end to the campaign.

Should White be absent for that encounter, it would no doubt serve as an almighty blow, with the 24-year-old having been in imperious form since his £50m arrival last summer.

The £36m-rated man, previously dubbed “exceptional” by pundit Jamie Redknapp, has been a real force of nature at the back so far this term, averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90, while also winning a solid 59% of his total duels and keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets from 31 league outings.

Comfortable as both a central defender and at right-back, the £93k-per-week gem also offers his manager valuable versatility and flexibility, with his ability to also feature as part of a back three – as he did under Graham Potter last term – potentially useful up against Conte’s 3-4-3 system.

It would appear, however, that the one-time Leeds loanee faces a race against time to be fit, with it simply set to be a case of crossing fingers ahead of a game of such long-term importance. Should he miss out, though, the manager will understandably be gutted.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

For many fans, Arsenal have acted in an unrecognisable manner this summer.

Instead of sitting idly by and waiting until the closing stages of the transfer window to try and complete their deals, the Premier League runners-up have been incredibly proactive.

There is still well over a month left in the window, and the club have already announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke, with Cristhian Mosquera to be announced any day now.

On top of that, Mikel Arteta looks to have finally got his number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and now the North Londoners look set on adding another attacker to the squad, someone who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Swede.

Arsenal move for a more exciting signing than Gyokeres

Arsenal’s hunt to sign Gyokeres over the last few weeks has undoubtedly been one of the biggest stories of the window thus far.

Transfer Focus

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

It was clear for some time that the Swedish international was desperate to join the North Londoners, and while a base fee of £55m was agreed upon well over a week ago, talks over the significant add-ons dragged on.

Fortunately, fans were able to finally celebrate their new striker yesterday afternoon when the deal received the ‘here we go’ treatment from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

There can be no denying that this is one of the most exciting moves of the summer, at least for the Gunners faithful, but now it looks like the club could do one better.

At least that’s according to Romano, who, in a recent update, revealed that Arsenal are still very interested in signing Eberechi Eze.

The Italian journalist has reported that the Crystal Palace star remains the North Londoners’ “top target” for that position on the pitch, and that they’ve already had positive talks with his camp.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, though, as the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.

Yet, it’s one Arsenal should pursue, as Eze’s more than proven he’s ready to step up and fight for titles, and for our money, his signing would be more exciting than Gyokeres’.

Why Eze would be a more exciting signing than Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say here is that we aren’t disputing that Gyokeres is an incredibly exciting signing, as he most certainly is.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their first goal

However, there are several reasons why we’d lean towards Eze being that bit more this summer, with the first being his experience.

For example, while the Sporting star has played in the Champions League, the Championship, and the Primeira Liga, he has never actually played a minute of football in a top-five league.

In other words, we have no idea just how well his numbers will translate to what is officially the toughest league in the world, especially when the one he’s spent the last two campaigns playing in ranks as just the eighth.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

In stark contrast, the Palace star has more than proven his ability in the Premier League, as he racked up eight goals and eight assists last season alone, despite playing for a mid-table side at best.

Moreover, FBref ranked him in the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shots last season, the top 10% for successful take-ons, and the top 11% for shot-creating actions, all per 90.

What those statistics tell us is that the Englishman is a creative machine, and aside from goals, what tends to get fans on their feet? Players who take on and beat opposition defenders.

Finally, while we expect the former Coventry City star to help the Gunners over the line in at least one competition next season, his lack of experience in the toughest competitions means we must have faith that he’ll do so.

On the other hand, the former QPR gem, who analyst Ben Mattinson described as a “superstar,” showed us he’s capable of doing that last season, when he scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the FA Cup to win his side their first-ever major trophy.

Ultimately, Gyokeres is an excellent signing for Arsenal, and he could be the missing piece for them in attack. However, given his own record and body of work, we’d argue that Eze would be a more exciting signing.

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Chelsea really looking at signing £25m "new name" who agreed to join Arsenal

Chelsea are now “really looking” at signing a “new name” in the market who was reliably believed to have agreed terms on a switch to Arsenal last year, but the move to their London rivals ultimately fell through.

Chelsea's transfer plans amid chase for Premier League top five

Enzo Maresca’s sole attention right now centres around Chelsea’s bid to seal a top five Premier League finish this weekend, and the result of this is set to have a profound effect on BlueCo’s plans for next season.

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Chelsea play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with Nuno Espirito’s men also firmly in contention for Champions League qualification, so it is quite simply a must-win game for both sides.

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7. Nottingham Forest

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A draw would gift Aston Villa an opportunity to go above them both, so there is absolutely no room for error, and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition will be crucial when it comes to determining Chelsea’s transfer plans for this summer.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurellacelebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

Competing in the Champions League would not only hand Chelsea a major pull when it comes to attracting the continent’s most high-profile players and their desired targets, but it would also gift the Blues a major financial windfall via revenue to help get those stars through the door.

The west Londoners are looking to bring in a centre-back, winger and striker, while funds generated through Europe and player sales may also allow Chelsea to go for a left-back, second central defender, versatile attacking player and a new goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).

Some doubts have surrounded both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez throughout 2024/2025, leading to Chelsea reportedly expressing an interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, among others.

A shot-stopper is still believed to be on the agenda of Stamford Bridge officials heading into June 1, and they’ve now got a fresh target under consideration.

Chelsea "really looking" at signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia has made his way onto Chelsea’s shortlist, following two excellent seasons at the La Liga side.

“A new name added to Chelsea’s shortlist, and one we are really looking at, is Joan Garcia from Espanyol,” wrote the reporter, via his Substack.

“The 24-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and Arsenal for a summer move, but you can add Chelsea to his list of potential suitors now as well. The rumoured fee of £25m to sign him this summer is appealing to all interested clubs.”

Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano reported last summer that Garcia agreed terms on a move to Arsenal, but his switch to the Emirates eventually collapsed, and it would appear that Chelsea could try to succeed where Mikel Arteta failed.

The 24-year-old is already making quite a name for himself in Spain, with Football Analyst Ben Mattinson calling him an “exciting” keeper with a great physical profile. Garcia would also fit the mould of a good-value, young signing with a potentially high ceiling, and Chelsea are widely known for targeting that kind of player, especially since the takeover.

This one could definitely be one to watch as we fast approach what will be a busy summer for the club.

Not Engels: Rodgers has already found Celtic's new McGregor in teen star

Celtic provided the perfect response to their 3-2 defeat to their rivals before the international break with a 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.

The Hoops had allowed their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to be cut down to 13 points by losing to Rangers, but immediately bounced back with a convincing win over the Jam Tarts.

Daizen Maeda took his tally for the season to 30 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys with his two strikes against Hearts, whilst Jota added another goal to his collection since his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Whilst many will focus on the attacking talent that was on display, as Jota and Maeda stole the headlines with their goals, the presence of Callum McGregor in the middle of the park was equally as important.

Why Callum McGregor's performance was important for Celtic

The retired Scotland international missed the 3-2 defeat to Rangers before the break through injury and returned to show the Hoops what they missed with a sublime display in midfield.

Celtic’s captain lined up alongside Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the midfield three against Hearts on Saturday and stood out as the star performer in that area of the pitch.

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Dribbled past

1x

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0x

As you can see in the table above, McGregor outperformed his positional peers in the match with his exceptional use of the ball and his reliability defensively.

This illustrates why his display was so important for Brendan Rodgers against Hearts because it highlights the quality he brings in and out of possession.

The left-footed star provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield for Celtic with his ability to complete passes efficiently under pressure, completing 94% of his passes overall in the division this season.

McGregor, who completes 73 passes per game on average, can control games for the Hoops by dictating the tempo of matches with his passing quality, whilst also frustrating opposition teams because of his press resistance on the ball, forcing them to drop back deeper.

This is part of the reason why Celtic struggled without their captain when they faced Rangers at Parkhead before the break, as Engels is not best suited to that role as the number six.

Why Arne Engels struggled against Rangers

The former Augsburg star started at the base of the midfield, with Luke McCowan and Hatate in the number eight positions, and struggled against the Gers.

Engels is usually tasked with playing as one of the more advanced midfielders, looking to score and create goals, but had to step up in a deeper role against Rangers because of his captain’s injury.

Pass accuracy

88%

94%

Touches

76

89.1

Passes

51

73.2

Ground duel success rate

20%

59%

Possession lost

14x

7.2x

Tackles + interceptions

0

1.7

As you can see in the table above, the Belgium international failed to live up to the standards that the skipper has set for that position in or out of possession, losing the ball far too frequently and offering little protection to the back four.

The 21-year-old starlet should not be expected to be as effective in that role, though, because he is an attack-minded player who has a future as a number eight for Celtic, rather than as a deep-lying conductor of play.

Engels has racked up ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, which shows that he has excelled at his natural game – scoring and creating goals.

The former Bundesliga whiz is not the long-term successor to McGregor, because that is not his natural game, and that is why he struggled in the game against Rangers before the break.

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Rodgers, though, may have already unearthed his next version of the Celtic captain by bringing 19-year-old academy starlet Jude Bonnar into the first-team group.

Why Jude Bonnar could be the next Callum McGregor

The teenage dynamo has been in the matchday squad on five occasions in all competitions since the start of February, and got ten minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in the Premiership.

That ten-minute cameo, in which the Scotland U21 international completed all four of his attempted passes, was his first-team debut for the Hoops and the manager spoke to his suitability for the team after the match.

Rodgers told the Daily Record: “He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”

This suggests that the Northern Irish boss sees potential in Bonnar and believes that the teenage talent has the technical skills and know-how to suit the way that his team lines up, with a number six and two eights in a midfield three.

Brendan Rodgers

The B team star, whose ability was described as “unbelievable” by former coach Alan McGrillen, spoke to Celtic TV after the game and admitted that he looks up to McGregor as a role model, because of how he acts on and off the pitch every day.

Bonnar has already shown a tiny glimpse of his metronomic qualities, completing 100% of his passes in his cameo against Aberdeen, and Rodgers could look to help him develop and refine that ability to mould him into the new version of McGregor in the future.

The Scottish youngster has also shown the potential to offer a goal threat, as the captain has with eight goals in 28 league matches this term, with a return of ten goals in 46 B team games.

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This is only the start of the road for Bonnar, though, and there is plenty more time left for him to progress as a player and forge his own way in the game, hopefully at Celtic.

The very early signs, however, are that the potential is there for him to develop into McGregor 2.0 for Rodgers as a composed and controlling midfield star who can also provide a goal threat.

Levy open to selling £60m Tottenham star as Real Madrid discuss signing him

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are believed to be changing their minds about selling a star player this summer, with La Liga giants Real Madrid also holding internal talks over a potential deal for him.

Tottenham stars attracting interest ahead of this summer

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, if he is indeed still in the job by next season, will likely have to contend with elite clubs attempting to poach his key squad members this summer.

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The Lilywhites chairman personally met with him yesterday.

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The Lilywhites, according to TEAMtalk, are mindful of AC Milan and Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur as one example. Both European heavyweights are apparently considering a swoop for the Uruguay international this summer, and Spurs are set to open formal new contract talks with Bentancur as they look to stave them off.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

The £75,000-per-week ace’s contract expires in 2026, meaning time is running out for Tottenham to tie him down with fresh terms, and if they can’t, then a sale this summer could be a real possibility.

Meanwhile, there have even been suggestions that Bayern Munich are weighing up a surprise move for Son Heung-min this summer. Tottenham recently triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract, meaning he won’t be leaving until next year, but Bayern could apparently try and tempt Levy into an early transfer.

A lot of speculation has also surrounded star centre-back Cristian Romero and his long-term future at N17, with Atlético also said to be expressing an interest in the Argentine World Cup-winner alongside Bentancur.

Romero is apparently prepared to leave Tottenham this summer as well, following the club’s dismal 2024/2025, but Atlético are not the player’s only temptation.

Tottenham stance on selling Cristian Romero as Real Madrid eye move

According to GiveMeSport, Diego Simeone’s arch rivals Real are also eyeing up a move for the South American. The Galacticos are widely rumoured to be on the hunt for a big-name central defender this summer, and Romero is on their list of star-studded targets.

The outlet reports that Tottenham are now tempted to sell Romero, following a significant U-turn behind-the-scenes, and Real have held internal talks over a swoop for the 26-year-old.

While the club have relaxed their stance over an exit deal for him, Spurs have most recently demanded £60 million to let go of Romero, and Atlético in particular are set to fall short as things stand.

Simeone’s side want to open talks over a transfer worth £33 million, but this is set to fall short of Levy’s demands. While Real haven’t yet made contact with Tottenham or Romero’s camp, there is a distinct possibility they could do, if they decide he is indeed the right man to bolster their backline.

Arsenal struck gold on amazing star worth more than Trossard & Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal came into this season hopeful of getting their hands on the Premier League title at the third time of asking, but unfortunately, that now seems incredibly unlikely.

Mikel Arteta’s side have not been the same team that looked almost unstoppable last year, and while injuries have undoubtedly played a part in that, some of the team’s stars just haven’t performed well enough.

Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, for example, have all left a lot to be desired this year, with the latter only amassing a total of 13 goal involvements in 43 games, compared to the 19 he managed in 46 games last season.

However, it’s not all been doom and gloom, as some players have stepped up for Arteta in a big way, including Myles Lewis-Skelly, who’s now a part of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.

Why Lewis-Skelly deserved his England call-up

At the start of the season, you’d be hard-pressed to find a non-Arsenal fan who knew who Lewis-Skelly was, and yet, seven months later, the 18-year-old is one of the most talked-about youngsters in the country and is a part of the senior England squad.

Tuchel-England-squad

It’s certainly been a rapid rise for the Islington-born gem, but it’s one that is entirely deserved, as despite being so young, the exceptional talent has looked completely at home in the senior game.

For example, the Hale End star has made 26 first-team appearances this season, 16 of which have been starts, and of late, it would be fair to say he’s overtaken summer signing Riccardo Calafiori as the manager’s go-to left-back, despite the fact that his natural position is in central and defensive midfield.

What makes the youngster so impressive is the fact that he’s unfazed by everything, can outmuscle far more experienced players and, on top of having a sensational left foot on him, he’s unafraid to have a go at goal himself, as we saw in the game against Manchester City.

Finally, it’s not just on the pitch where the 18-year-old’s stock has risen according to Transfermarkt, he is now worth around €28m, which comes out to around £23.5m and is a sensational price tag for someone who only made his first team debut this season.

Arsenal's MylesLewis-Skellyin action with PSV Eindhoven's Guus Til

In all, Lewis-Skelly looks set to be a star for Arsenal and England for years to come, but even then, he’s worth considerably less than one of his teammates who didn’t get a call-up.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Lewis-Skelly

When it comes to the other clear breakout star for Arsenal this season, you don’t need to look any further than fellow Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri.

The 17-year-old phenomenon has already established himself as one of the team’s most dangerous attackers, which is reflected in his Transfermarkt valuation of €55m, which is about £46.2m.

That means he is now worth around £22.7m more than Lewis-Skelly and about £21m more than fellow winger Trossard, who has seen his valuation drop to €30m – £25.2m – this season.

Now, that is an extraordinary price tag for someone so young, but just like his academy teammate, the Enfield-born dynamo has more than proven his worth this season.

For example, in just 29 first-team appearances, totalling 1087 minutes, the often “unplayable” attacker, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, has scored eight goals and provided one assist.

Appearances

29

Minutes

1087′

Goals

8

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.77′

That means the incredible talent is averaging a goal involvement every 3.22 games or every 120.77 minutes.

Moreover, the “special” number 53, as dubbed by respected football analyst Ben Mattinson, isn’t just scoring simple tap-ins; he’s been firing them in from range, dribbling past opponents and proving that he can be a genuine threat anywhere near the opposition’s penalty area.

Ultimately, while this season has not gone to plan, Arsenal have at least found two potentially world-class talents in Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, who, in years to come, could each be worth a king’s ransom.

Worth £36m more than Guimaraes: Arsenal struck gold with "world-class" star

The exceptional big-money star is one of Arsenal’s best players.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 18, 2025