All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal are now keen on signing an “incredible” £50m forward, who could be a “great fit” for Mikel Arteta’s side, but there is set to be competition from Liverpool, according to a report.

Gunners set to strengthen attacking options

The Gunners have done incredibly well to reach the Champions League semi-final, given that they have been without a striker since Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury in February, but it is near certain a new forward will be brought in this summer.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has now stated a new striker “will arrive” at the Emirates Stadium, with the north Londoners identifying the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as potential targets.

Not only that, but Arteta is seemingly eager to strengthen out wide too, with a bid for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams now in the works, while they could also snap up Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman for a fee of just £30m.

Arsenal hold initial talks to sign bargain striker with 176 career goals

Mikel Arteta’s side have reached out to another player.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 20, 2025

There is certainly no shortage of targets for Arsenal, and a report from The Sun has now revealed they could look to raid one of their Premier League rivals, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo of interest, but there will be competition for his signature.

Newcastle United and Liverpool are also keen on a move for the 25-year-old – he is thought to be Magpies director Paul Mitchell’s dream target so the Gunners could throw a spanner in the works by hijacking a move instead of going for Isak.

Mbeumo’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and he will not come cheap with the Bees looking to receive a fee of around £50m for his services, while there is an option for the Cameroonian to extend his stay by an extra year.

"Incredible" Mbeumo could be "great fit" for Arsenal

Amid links with a move to north London in the January transfer window, Robbie Lyle from AFTV stated he could be a “great fit” for the Gunners, and his performances this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing.

The France-born forward has scored a remarkable 18 goals in the Premier League, the joint-fourth highest total in the division, while also providing six assists, indicating he is more than ready for a move to a top club.

Most recently, the right-winger showcased his finishing ability by picking up a brace and an assist in his side’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lauded as “incredible” by reporter Dom Smith, Mbeumo could take Arsenal’s attack to the next level, but he may have to move to the left wing if he is to receive regular game time, given that very few players in the world are capable of displacing Bukayo Saka.

With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to depart Liverpool this summer, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land a replacement this summer.

The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with Real Madrid over a move to join the Spanish giants at the end of the season upon the expiration of his current deal.

His goal against Leicester City at the weekend may have been his last for his boyhood club, edging Arne Slot’s side one step closer to Premier League glory.

Conor Bradley has been the man to step up and fill the void in Trent’s injury absence in recent weeks, staking his claim for a regular starting role should he leave in the summer.

Regardless of whether the Northern Ireland international becomes a regular starter, depth is needed in such a department, offering depth to Slot throughout 2025/26.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong this summer

In recent weeks, Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool in the right-back department, offering a replacement for the departing Trent.

The Dutchman, who currently plies his trade with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no offer has been submitted for his services as of yet.

The interest is understandable given his form in 2024/25, registering four goals and nine assists across all competitions – including the Champions League.

It remains unclear how much the club would have to fork out for the Dutch international, but given his form and his tender age of just 24, he could cost a pretty penny in the coming months.

However, despite the interest in his signature, the hierarchy are also huge admirers of Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, opening the door to a potential summer move.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Reds have already started work over a move for the 28-year-old, who may well be out of contract come the end of June.

Why Liverpool should forget about Frimpong with a move for a PL RB

This summer is a crucial one for Liverpool if they are to maintain their success at the top of England’s top flight, with additions needed in various positions to boost Slot’s chances of further success.

New attackers are undoubtedly on the list, potentially partnering with Mohamed Salah within the final third after the Egyptian’s contract extension in recent weeks.

However, it remains to be seen how much funding the hierarchy will hand the manager to make his desired transfers, having to potentially work on a restricted budget.

Such a situation could see cheaper alternatives considered, with a move for Aina potentially being just that, but the club would still be getting themselves one hell of a player.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of Frimpong’s, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to the current first-team squad.

The Forest star, who’s been labelled as “one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season” by European football expert Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has notched a higher take-on success rate, and more progressive passes – highlighting the threat he possesses in possession.

He’s also completed more of his passes, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering an all-round presence on the right-hand side of Slot’s backline.

Defensively, Aina has been phenomenal, massively outperforming Frimpong in such an area, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more interceptions – showcasing the qualities he could add to the already impressive defensive unit.

Whilst the Dutchman is likely to be their main target, a deal for Aina desperately needs to be explored, having all the tools to be a success at Anfield.

It certainly could be a cost-effective deal for the Forest star, allowing for added investment elsewhere, whilst also massively improving the situation should Trent depart.

Huge upgrade on Jota: Liverpool set to bid for the "best striker in Europe"

Liverpool appear to be readying a mammoth bid for a new attacking talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 23, 2025

Celtic clinched their 55th top-flight title when they won the Scottish Premiership with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Saturday.

An own goal from Ryan Strain put the Hoops ahead before Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah both netted braces to secure a comprehensive victory for the away side, and one that wrapped up the title.

One player who was not involved in the matchday squad for the crowning moment, however, was Maik Nawrocki, who has fallen out of favour despite a couple of impressive outings recently.

Why Maik Nawrocki's time at Celtic might be over

The Polish defender, signed from Legia Warsaw, has only played two games in the Premiership this season, despite being available for every match, and they both came in March in back-to-back games against Rangers and Hearts.

The rarely-seen star stepped up in those matches, as shown in the table above, with dominant defensive displays, whilst also being reliable in possession.

However, he was then an unused substitute in the next two games and was not named on the bench against Dundee United, with Liam Scales preferred as a starter and Auston Trusty preferred on the bench.

Nawrocki has only played 12 Premiership matches in almost two seasons at Parkhead and that may be why his time at the club could be over heading into the summer window, as the defender may want to go and play regular football.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 24-year-old ace may not be the only centre-back to move on from Parkhead this year, though, as Celtic must ruthlessly bin Stephen Welsh as well.

Why Celtic should sell Stephen Welsh

Once dubbed “excellent” by Brendan Rodgers, the 25-year-old flop was sent out on loan to Mechelen in Belgium during the January transfer window but he’s done very little to suggest he deserves a future at Parkhead, something the player clearly wants.

Welsh has started 11 matches in the Pro League during the second half of the campaign, and his team are yet to keep a single clean sheet – conceding 25 goals in the process.

Those statistics do not suggest that the Scottish dud is likely to return to Parkhead to challenge for a starting berth next season, given how poor his current team’s defence has been with him in the side as a starter.

His disappointing form is reflected in his current market value of £700k, as per Transfermarkt, which is even lower than Nawrocki’s valuation of £1.7m, despite him having only played two league games this season.

Welsh’s current contract at Celtic does not expire until the summer of 2027. However, the decision to send him out on loan, coupled with his market valuation and his dismal defensive numbers with Mechelen, suggests that he does not have much of a future at Parkhead.

Therefore, the club must ruthlessly bin the central defender by cashing in on him in the upcoming summer transfer window, and Nawrocki may follow him out of the door if he wants to play regularly next term.

Celtic can bin Idah by signing "absolutely sensational" £10m star

Brendan Rodgers could land an instant upgrade on Adam Idah by signing this star for Celtic.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 28, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the representatives of a forward once tipped to bag 40 goals per season, as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team aim to make him their first signing of the summer window.

Ange Postecoglou praises Spurs squad ahead of Bodo/Glimt

The Lilywhites are set to take on Bodo/Glimt in their vital Europa League semi-final second leg this evening.

£8m manager "wants the Tottenham job" with Postecoglou under threat

The Australian faces a very uncertain future as he chases silverware.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

Ange Postecoglou and the squad travel to Norway knowing that, if they avoid a humbling defeat, Tottenham will book their place in the Europa final and present themselves with a golden opportunity to win the club’s first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke handed Spurs a crucial win at home in the first leg, and despite a late consolation goal from Ulrik Salnes, the 3-1 victory means Postecoglou’s side go into tonight with an important two-goal cushion.

However, Bodo/Glimt’s very impressive home record is a cause for concern for Postecoglou. The Aspymyra Stadion, located above the Arctic Circle in freezing-cold temperatures, has become an icy fortress for the Scandinavians, with Kjetil Knutsen’s side winning 28 of their last 34 European matches hosted on their artificial turf.

Postecoglou will be wary of this, but the Australian has praised his team’s mentality in Europe so far when it comes to these big knockout games.

“I think all the lads have done well and right through the campaign,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s European form.

“Particularly through the knockout stages in the second legs, whatever we’ve needed to do, they’ve done it, within the confines of our game plan and being organised, whether that was when we had to beat AZ at home and it could have got nervy and the boys handed that really well.

“We had to go to Frankfurt and win and tough venue and imposing atmosphere, and again I think the lads handled it really well, so it’ll be a similar sort of mindset tomorrow.”

Tottenham open talks with Mathys Tel over permanent deal

Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel will likely play a role in tonight’s clash, and behind-the-scenes, work has begun on making his stay at Spurs permanent.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, Tottenham have opened talks with Tel’s camp and are suggesting they want the 20-year-old to remain in north London.

The club have an option to buy him worth around £45 million inserted into his loan deal, but it is believed they aim to whittle down this price tag and re-negotiate more favourable terms with Bayern.

For their part, Vincent Kompany’s side are open to selling him for good this summer, though it is unclear what their final demands would be for Tel at this point if they agree to make concessions on the initially agreed £45m fee.

Dubbed “very quick” and “strong” by ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, the tactician also once claimed Tel could become one of the best strikers in world football, all while backing him to eventually score “40 goals a season”.

Tel has taken a while to get going in a Spurs jersey, but immediate adaptation to Europe’s most competitive league can often be challenging. Despite his slow start, there is reason to believe the exciting starlet could go on to become an excellent player.

Stood on the side of the pitch after Arsenal’s 1-0 win on Sunday, Mikel Arteta issued a rallying cry.

Hopefully the people upstairs do their job, he essentially pleaded, urging the Kroenke’s to put their money where their mouth is and give the Gunners the tools to finally win the Premier League again after 20 long years. It was rather telling.

Josh Kroenke, Stan’s son, does at least seem on board, acknowledging in his programme notes for the Newcastle game that “investment” will be made to improve the playing squad.

Time will tell, of course, but there’s a lot to do this summer. That includes signing a striker, a winger, a new back-up goalkeeper and a midfielder too.

Proceedings look set to begin with the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.

Why Arsenal are signing Martin Zubimendi

Back in January reports emerged that Arsenal were working on a deal to bring the Real Sociedad midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.

After signing Mikel Merino from La Real last summer, the relationship between the two is clearly civil and that’s shone through here.

Still, it’s a surprise that the Spaniard has chosen Arsenal as his next destination. After all, it was Premier League title winners, Liverpool, who fought so hard to bring him to England a year ago.

Zubimendi reportedly turned down the Reds’ advances and despite interest from Real Madrid too, the Gunners look set to win the race.

Transfer Focus

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

So, why are they signing him? Well, there’s two principal reasons; Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract at the end of the season. The second is that Zubimendi is rather good at football and the third involves Declan Rice.

With Partey and Jorginho leaving it means Arsenal need a no.6 and in the Sociedad star, they will be signing one of the best in that position in the world.

In the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Spaniard’s “ball temperament is better” than Partey’s, meaning that a combination of Zubimendi and Rice “could be special.”

The Spain international will never be someone to gallivant forward. He only ranks in the worst 14% of midfielders in LaLiga for shot-creating actions and the worst 44% for goals.

What he does do well is sit, dictate and evade the press. Zubimendi sits inside the top 20% in Spain’s top-flight for progressive passes, the best 9% for dribblers tackled and the best 13% for interceptions, rubber stamping his credentials to play at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.

As a consequence, it would free Rice up to play as an 8 on a more regular basis. As we saw during two Man of the Match displays against Real Madrid where he ran the show, he’s really rather good at that.

Yet, Arsenal did actually already have their own Zubimendi.

Arsenal’s very own Zubimendi is set to leave

This is due to be a summer of change in N5 with a batch of players hopefully set to be welcomed to the Emirates and another crop saying their farewells.

On Sunday, we saw Kieran Tierney given one final run out at Arsenal’s home stadium and it’s also likely to have been Jorginho’s final match in the club’s colours.

Indeed, having been brought on as a very late substitute and handed the captain’s armband, it looked like a goodbye from the Italian who is on the verge of moving to Brazil.

Jorginho’s £110k-per-week contract will soon expire and consequently, he has now “sealed” a deal to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup according to Fabrizio Romano.

The former Chelsea midfielder has enjoyed a great time of it at Arsenal. Initially the fanbase couldn’t get their heads around why they were signing him but he quickly proved everyone wrong. He’s one of the most consistent and reliable players we’ve seen at the Emirates during its near two decades of existence.

A tempo setter, few have been better in that regard over the last few years. Indeed, during 2022/23, only Rodri made more passes (2,831) in the Premier League than Jorginho (2,404) when compared to Moises Caicedo, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice.

At dictating play, Jorginho is one of the best we’ve seen in recent years in the English top-flight.

It’s for that reason that similarities to Zubimendi emerge. Described as an “elite tempo controller” by the aforementioned Mattinson he’s already suggested that the Spain star is a “deep-lying playmaker like Jorginho”.

As a result, there really does feel like there is no one better suited in Europe’s top leagues for replacing the qualities that the Champions League and Euros winner brought so successfully to Arsenal for a couple of years.

It’s reported that Zubimendi will cost around £51m to bring to England but that certainly feels like money well spent. Arsenal need a midfielder and they need someone to give Rice more freedom in attack. This is the signing that allows that to happen.

More exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal fighting to sign £48m "level-rasier"

The incredible international would get the Arsenal fans on their feet.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 13, 2025

Manchester City may have one eye on the Club World Cup this summer, though they are refusing to relent in their pursuit of additions and could now be in a position to land one of PSG’s leading stars.

Man City's changing dynamics this summer

The end of a trophyless campaign for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City appears to have only fueled his desire to ensure his side doesn’t end up empty-handed next time out.

Fortunately, the Club World Cup will offer a quickfire chance to atone for a year without silverware alongside a bounty of nearly £100 million for the eventual winners of the competition.

Of course, Manchester City are hardly struggling for cash. Still, a sizeable extra windfall would allow more room for manoeuvre in their quest to rejuvenate a squad that will see some experienced figures depart over the summer.

Kevin De Bruyne appears to be on his way to Napoli and bows out as possibly the Citizens’ greatest ever player, leaving a void to be filled not only in the engine room but in terms of leadership.

Jack Grealish could be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur after becoming a spare part. Although his influence has waned in recent times, there is no doubt that his experience has helped to set a culture of success inside the Manchester City dressing room.

Hugo Viana makes £40m+ Man City offer to sign Brazilian ahead of Man Utd

The Citizens are looking to steal a march on their rivals…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri could arrive to work under Guardiola. Nevertheless, their prospective moves don’t undermine the need for stars capable of producing match-winning moments to arrive, no matter where they may feature on the pitch.

Man City eye surprise Gianluigi Donnarumma move

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have made contact over a move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if number one Ederson is sold this summer.

The Brazil international is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and could be allowed to leave for just over £25 million if appropriate offers come in.

On the other hand, former AC Milan star Donnarumma is in the middle of a contract wrangle with Paris Saint-Germain and is also being tracked by Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Juventus, with City also registering their interest.

Intriguingly, he has been labelled a “top goalkeeper” by Guardiola back in 2017 and won’t have done himself any harm after picking up the Champions League trophy last weekend.

Speaking about his future at the French giants, Donnarumma stated: “New deal or leaving? We will see what happens… I don’t know.

‘It’s time to enjoy this magic season now. I will go on holiday and then we will see.”

From a Manchester City standpoint, that doesn’t sound like a man who has completely ruled out the prospect of playing elsewhere next term. Now, it is over to their recruitment staff to try and tempt the £205,000 per week earner to English shores.

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third season running, but you’d be blind not to see the progress that Mikel Arteta has driven across the years of his tenure.

Injuries, contentious officiating and plain bad luck all played their part in the Gunners’ setbacks in front of goal this term, but there’s also been a yawning hole at the front of the ship which has impeded Arteta’s pursuit of silverware.

To be sure, Arsenal will be frustrated with having failed to secure a new number nine across the past several transfer windows, but there’s so much to like about this team, balanced, dynamic and youthful.

However, to emerge from the looming market without a brand-new centre-forward would be a travesty. Luckily, Arteta, Andrea Berta and co are on the case.

Why Arsenal need a striker

The fact Mikel Merino has been forced into 12 matches as a makeshift striker this season emphasises the injury crisis and need for more firepower at the Emirates Stadium.

Saying that, the fact Merino scored six goals and laid on three assists across those fixtures underscores his quality and Arteta’s tactical expertise.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have missed much of 2025 with respective injuries, and Arsenal are ready to sign a new marksman.

Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the principal targets, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing two months ago that the Gunners have been developing strong interest in the Sweden international. Sporting director Berta, in particular, is felt to be championing the potential addition.

However, Arteta feels Arsenal’s future is best served in a different direction. Indeed, there’s another name on the list. You know who it is.

Arsenal reach agreement for new ST

As per Arsenal sources, an agreement on personal terms has been reached for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with Arsenal no doubt buoyed by the revelation that exorbitant claims of a £93m price tag are wide of the mark.

Talks are also ongoing between Arsenal and the Bundesliga club, who want a swift resolution after giving Sesko a gentleman’s agreement he could leave in a year when the Premier League outfit came knocking last summer.

With a €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, as per Sky Germany, Arsenal will need to wrap this one up swiftly, especially with rivals Chelsea and Liverpool both registering their interest too.

What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Arsenal

Arsenal have been searching for a prolific goalscorer for several years now. You’d have to date back to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to find the last time a Gunner surpassed 20 goals in a single Premier League season.

Aubameyang might not be too fondly remembered in north London after joining Barcelona on a free transfer in February 2022, having been stripped of his captaincy due to a disciplinary issue, but who could argue against the Gabon forward’s prowess?

He scored 92 goals and provided 21 assists across just 163 appearances for Arsenal, worth the club-record £60m outlay that was paid to Borussia Dortmund for his four years of service.

To have such a prolific star back in the mix would be a brilliant move for the development of Arteta’s project, and Sesko might just be the man for the job.

While Sesko, 22, has yet to reach his peak, the signs of greatness are there. This season alone for Leipzig, he has scored 21 goals and added six assists from 45 appearances, 40 starts.

There’s a reason the 6 foot 5 striker has been dubbed “the next Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his rangy profile, sinewy strength and electric pace all combining to make him the prototypical modern striker for a top outfit worth their salt.

He’s raw, full potential as yet untapped, and thus there would be an element of risk in Arsenal sealing a deal. However, Sesko is one of the most exciting young forwards on the map, hailed as a ball-striking “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

But the potential is indeed staggering, and there’s every chance he could become the club’s best striker since the days of Aubameyang, who was one of the most prolific players in Europe during his finest days in an Arsenal shirt.

Perhaps he could even eclipse the former talisman. The Slovenia international has missed 18 big chances across his two campaigns in the German top flight, but he’s also put away 27 goals, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, this term he has averaged 4.1 successful duels per game, indicating an energy and combativeness that will serve him well in the harsh environs of the Premier League.

That and his brutish power. Frankly, the ingredients are all there for a superstar, and if Sesko is already serving prolifically in the Bundesliga, backed up by impressive underlying data, there’s every reason for Arsenal fans to start getting optimistic about a deal being completed.

With the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all serving chances for him on a silver platter, this might be a move that is lauded across years to come, should Arteta get his man and provide his side with their finest centre-forward since Aubameyang.

Better than Sane: Arsenal in talks to sign £50m star alongside Sesko

Arsenal could be about to make multiple key signings within the attacking department ahead of 2025/26.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

May 30, 2025

One of the top priorities for Celtic in the summer transfer window might be finding a winger to replace Jota until the Portuguese star returns from his long-term injury.

The Hoops swooped to sign the exciting forward from Rennes during the January window, re-signing him 18 months on from his move to Al Ittihad, and he made a fast start to life back in Glasgow.

Jota racked up four goals and two assists in 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, despite starting just seven of those matches, after returning to the club at the start of the year.

Unfortunately, though, he suffered a knee injury against Dundee United that is now set to keep him out of action for the start of next season, and possibly into next year.

It was stated at the start of May that Jota had suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is going to see him sit on the sidelines for between six and nine months.

Celtic may look to go out and sign another winger before the end of the summer transfer window because Brendan Rodgers could be without the forward’s talents for half of next term.

Why Jota's injury is a big blow for Celtic

As aforementioned, Jota made a fast start to his second spell at Parkhead and showed that he can still make a big impact at the top end of the pitch at Premiership level, 18 months on from his first exit from Glasgow.

The 26-year-old whiz did not play a competitive match under Rodgers during his first spell, as he left in the same summer that the manager returned, but the attacker quashed any concerns that the style would not suit him as well as Ange Postecoglou’s did.

As you can see in the table above, Jota immediately became one of the top attacking wide players in the Premiership after his return to Parkhead, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key metrics as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

That form would not have come as a big surprise to many in Glasgow, though, as the winger had produced 21 goals and 21 assists in his two seasons in the Scottish top-flight under Postecoglou’s management in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

Jota, as shown in the highlights above, found the back of the net 15 times in all competitions for the Scottish giants in his second season under the Australian boss, which led to his move to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023.

His form across his two spells at Celtic so far illustrates why it is such a blow to lose the forward to a long-term injury heading into the 2025/26 campaign, because Rodgers’ side will not benefit from the goals and assists that he can provide for several months.

This is why the club may look at their options in the summer transfer window to potentially bring in a new player to compete for a spot out wide, to ensure that the manager is not left short at the top end of the pitch before Jota returns.

However, Celtic could save themselves millions by unearthing a surprise replacement for the Portuguese wizard in the form of Marco Tilio, who has been out on loan in his home country this season.

Why Marco Tilio could be a surprise Jota replacement

The 23-year-old winger signed for the Hoops from Melbourne City in the summer of 2023, but arrived at Parkhead with an injury that meant that he started his career at the club on the back foot.

Tilio only made two appearances in the Premiership as a substitute after coming back from his injury, before being sent out on loan to Melbourne for the second half of the season.

The left-footed star did not fare much better in that initial loan spell back in Australia, though, as he missed a further 13 matches through injury, and managed just one goal in four league appearances.

Tilio then re-joined Melbourne City on loan for the 2024/25 campaign and was absent for 12 games during the first half of the season with a hamstring injury, which left the forward in a difficult situation after 18 months of constant injury problems.

However, the Hoops loanee, who was once described as a “phenomenal” talent by A-League striker Bruce Djite, has not suffered a single injury since returning to action in January, and has caught the eye with his impressive performances.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once compared Tilio to Manchester City superstar Phil Foden, describing them as “similar” players, and the left-footed playmaker is finally starting to live up to that hype with his form in the A-League for Melbourne City during the 2024/25 campaign.

Whilst he may not be on the same level, quality-wise, as the Premier League star, the Celtic loanee is similar in the sense that he is also a left-footed and diminutive playmaker who can play on either flank or centrally in the attack.

As you can see in the table above, Tilio was on fire in Australia in the second half of this season with an eye-catching haul of 14 goals and ‘big chances created’ combined in just 19 appearances.

These statistics show that the potential is there for him to provide quality in front of goal on a regular basis when fit and available to play, whilst playing on the left or the right flank, like Jota.

Interestingly, he also won possession back in the final third 1.4 times per game in the final third, which suggests that he would be brilliant for the way that Rodgers wants his team to counter press and win possession back off the opposition in their defensive third.

Daizen Maeda, for example, only won the ball back in the final third 0.4 times per game in the Premiership this term, which speaks to the kind of pressing quality that Tilio could offer.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2

By
Dan Emery

May 31, 2025

Overall, Celtic could save themselves millions by utilising the Australia international as a short-term replacement for Jota until he returns from injury, as he would not cost a penny to bring into the squad and his form out on loan suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting option for the Hoops moving forward.

It is SPFL fixture release day and as Premiership champions, Celtic will have a home game on the opening weekend, 2/3 August.

But, how many new signings will Brendan Rodgers have on board in time for his team’s first pre-season match on 4 July?

Well, Celtic have already added Kieran Tierney to their ranks, re-signing the left-back after he became a free agent, while they’ve also reportedly agreed a fee of £1.7m to land winger Benjamin Nygren in the coming days.

The Hoops are not content with just one attacking signing, however.

Celtic chasing a new winger

According to a report by RMC Sport, talks between Celtic and Royal Antwerp are “underway” as the Hoops seek to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who he claims is ‘keen on the move’ to Scotland.

Transfer Focus

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

Meantime, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has previously reported that Celtic are ‘well-placed’ to make this deal come to fruition, describing the winger as a ‘long-term target’.

Balikwisha, who is 24 years old, began his senior career at Standard Liège, before joining Royal Antwerp in July 2021, making 141 appearances for the Reds to date, scoring 29 goals and registering 17 assists.

He was a key figure in the Antwerp team that won the domestic treble in 2023, the club’s first Jupiler Pro League title for 66 years, then scoring the goal against AEK Athens that saw them qualify for the Champions League for the very first time, also on target against Shakhtar Donetsk at Bosuilstadion in the tournament’s group stages.

This season though, Antwerp missed out on European qualification altogether, disastrously beaten 2-1 by Royal Charleroi in a European play-off last month, fuelling speculation that he could be on the move, and hence why the club are looking to cash in.

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Celtic are in the market for a new winger this summer, partially due to the fact that Jota will be sidelined for between “six to nine months” after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadice in April.

So, would Balikwisha be a good replacement? Let’s assess his statistics.

Worth noting that the 2023/24 season was chosen because, similar to Jota, Balikwisha is coming off a long-term injury, requiring knee surgery just over a year ago, before a meniscus injury saw him make just three appearances this season before 9 March.

After that, he did enjoy a run of games, starting each of Antwerp’s final 11 matches to conclude the campaign.

Despite his injury issues, analyst Ben Mattinson labels him an “amazing” talent, describing him as “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender either way”. That certainly suggests he’d be a great replacement for the injury-stricken Jota.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes he operates best as an “inside forward”, praising his “pace, dribbling and finishing”, which he believes to be his strongest attributes.

Said to be one of the most ‘talented attacking players’ in the Belgian top-flight by Lee Scott of Total Football Analysis, that’s high praise considering Global Football Rankings believes the Jupiler Pro League to be the eighth-strongest division in the world; for context, the Scottish Premiership is all the way down in 43rd.

Given that Balikwisha has just one year remaining on his contract at Antwerp, it would appear as though Celtic will be able to sign him at a cut-price, and he seemingly has all the qualities to thrive in Glasgow’s East End.

Dream Miller alternative: Celtic ramping up move to sign £1.6m star

Celtic are reportedly keen on signing a star who would be a dream alternative to Lennon Miller.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 18, 2025

Celtic are back in pre-season training with the new campaign on the horizon and could be set to add a fresh face to their camp imminently, according to reports.

Brendan Rodgers looks for Celtic to make more additions

The Bhoys are back in action this Friday against Queens Park and Brendan Rodgers has already hinted Celtic are set to make further signings after the arrivals of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren.

He stated: “We’re not needing a major overhaul of the squad, but freshness is so important. Some of these guys have been here a long time. It’s so important, even in a winning squad, that you refresh that and reset the competition in the squad.

“We’ve done some really good business up until now. I see us doing more to get us set up for hopefully what will be a really exciting season.”

While not a direct first-team arrival, Cork City winger Cathal O’Sullivan could be next in line to join Celtic, and they will have the added bonus of being able to witness him live in the flesh when both sides meet in a friendly at Páirc Uí Chaoimh next Tuesday.

Former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski has also been linked with a move to Parkhead, potentially adding more SPFL pedigree to their forward line following 44 goals in 98 outings for the Dons before his move to the North East.

It'd be Ryan Christie 2.0: Euro club open talks to sign £2m Celtic ace

A European team are interested in a deal to sign a star from Celtic this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2025

Planning ahead for the defence of their Scottish Premiership title and featuring in the UEFA Champions League playoff round will be of immediate concern for the Hoops, so it will come as no surprise that they are closing in on yet another signing.

Celtic-bound Hayato Inamura spotted ahead of medical

According to Sky Sports, Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura has travelled for his Celtic medical and was spotted boarding a plane to London on Wednesday before conducting the formalities needed to ratify his move to Glasgow.

His club have already announced his departure, and a fee in the region of £250,000 is said to have been agreed between both sides ahead of the transfer becoming official.

Primarily a centre-back, Inamura can also feature on the left of a back three or at left-back if needed, which could offer cover now that Greg Taylor has left the Scottish champions to join Greek Super League outfit PAOK.

Beginning his professional journey at Albirex Niigata, the Tokyo-born man has registered a goal and two assists across 36 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Celtic have been in the hunt for a defender this window and Inamura could prove to be a bargain if he manages to replicate his exploits in the J League once he settles in at Parkhead.