New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge seems intent on following up on historic 2024 season by putting together an even better one this year and couldn't be happier about the uniform he's wearing and organization he's playing for while chasing those gaudy numbers.
Bob Nightengale of caught up with Judge as he was continuing his power surge over the weekend on Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Judge spoke glowingly of the Yankees and his decision to stay there amid his frenzied free agency courting in late 2022.
Soto, Judge's teammate on a run to the World Series last season, opted for another borough and the New York Mets this past offseason. The swing-swinging outfielder has been under tremendous pressure to deliver in the opening chapter of his 15-year $765 million deal with the aspiring franchise. He was greeted with a cascade of boos at every opportunity from the Bronx crowd when the two club's played a series earlier this spring.
The expectations for Soto are sky-high. If he were putting up the same type of stats that Judge is currently, the transition and acclimation might have been smoother to this point. Problem is, there aren't many players in the history of the game who posted those—even through the first two months of a season.
The pressure is really ramping up on Liverpool boss Arne Slot after losing nine of the last 12 matches and now the Dutchman has been warned former boss Jurgen Klopp could be ready and poised to return to the Anfield dugout. It's been claimed Klopp and would be carried "shoulder high" by Reds fans who are desperate for the team's current disastrous run to finally come to an end.
Klopp backed for sensational return
The boos rang out around Anfield after yet another defeat, another poor performance and another four goals conceded as Liverpool slumped to a 4-1 defeat to PSV on Wednesday evening, the latest chapter in a horror show of a season for the English champions. Defeat in the Champions League came after back-to-back 3-0 defeats by Nottingham Forest and Manchester City and followed the Reds' 3-0 capitulation to Crystal Palace which dumped them out of the League Cup. Slot has stated the club hierarchy still support him, but the wolves are circling a manager who is failing to fix defensive frailties or improve the form of summer signings who are still struggling to integrate into the team. And prominent German journalist Michael Reif has backed Klopp to make a sensational return to Merseyside, if Slot fails to end the dismal run of results. The German boss enjoyed a trophy-laden nine years at Anfield, winning multiple domestic and European titles before leaving in 2024 and is currently the Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull Group.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportReif: 'Klopp's hovering over Anfield like a UFO'
Reif told : "Liverpool isn’t just in a mess. It’s practically burned to the ground!. The timing of this statement (Klopp's appearance on Diary of a CEO) is terrible for Slot. He's hovering over Anfield like a UFO. All of Liverpool would carry him back on their shoulders. And it would be negligent if they didn’t try to bring Klopp back. In Liverpool, the scar from his departure is far from healed. I don’t know what it’s like being Global Head of Soccer, and whether you ever start to wonder, ‘Is this really me?’ He was exhausted after that time. It took its toll. Now he looks very rested. Almost as if Arne Slot has to watch out…"
Under-fire Slot on borrowed time
Anfield legend Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the debate and handed a stark warning to the Dutch boss, saying he has as little as seven days, across three fixtures to save his job.
Carragher told : "Arne Slot has a week to save his job. It is hard to believe that sentence is being written, but Liverpool’s next three games are against West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United. Anything fewer than seven points will make an already unacceptable situation untenable. No matter how much goodwill the manager has, Liverpool Football Club cannot sustain the drop in standards witnessed over the past three months. No one knows better than me how much that reality will be hurting everyone connected with my old club. Liverpool do not willingly sack coaches, especially those that bring great success."
He added: "Nobody saw this drop-off coming, and there must always be caution about making statements with the benefit of hindsight. However, there were hints that the team was going in the wrong direction from March last season onwards, most notably in the performance away to Paris St-Germain and in the Carabao Cup Final loss to Newcastle United."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportLondon calling for beleaguered Reds boss
Slot knows he can buy himself some breathing space if his side can secure three points when they head to West Ham on Sunday afternoon. But the Hammers are on an upward curve after the dreadful start to the season under previous boss Graham Potter, and are unbeaten in their last three under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. But history is on the Reds’ side; West Ham have won just one of their last 18 Premier League games against Liverpool. Slot will be desperate for that run to continue at the London Stadium.
Bangladesh have run England and South Africa close in the tournament, but now need to cause an upset if they want to enter the top four
Vishal Dikshit15-Oct-20253:13
Australia waiting for their batting to click as a unit
Big Picture: Can Bangladesh give Australia a scare?After the puffing and panting England and South Africa were forced to do in their modest chases this World Cup, Bangladesh’s next target is the biggest fish of them all – world champions Australia. Playing only their second ODI World Cup, Bangladesh would want to drop the seven-time champions a reminder of how their meeting in the 2022 edition had unfolded, when Bangladesh had given Australia a few stutters while defending 135 in a truncated match in Wellington.Three-and-a-half-years on, Bangladesh have grown by leaps and bounds by running England and South Africa close in this edition, nearly winning on both occasions. Their bowlers had England on the ropes in a modest chase of 178 while their batters set the stage nicely against an experienced South African attack a few days back. However, their fielding let the match slip through with dew around in Visakhapatnam.Three days on, Bangladesh need to ensure they put their best foot forward in all aspects against the defending champions, if they hope to turn their dream of entering the top four on the points table into reality.Australia started their campaign with two collapses before rescue acts saved them against New Zealand and Pakistan. Their top order – primarily driven by Alyssa Healy – then got among the runs in their slightly tense win over India, but a few late wickets also had them break into a sweat. Bangladesh will be keen to punch a few holes early into that batting order, for that’s their best chance.Form guide Australia WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)Bangladesh LLLWL1:44
Sutherland: Our bowling attack covers all bases
In the spotlight: Marufa and LitchfieldMarufa Akter will hold the key to Bangladesh’s hopes with the new ball. She has had two poor games after her early wickets against both England and Pakistan in the early stages of the tournament. Her hooping inswingers become unplayable when pitched correctly well outside off, which she was unable to do against South Africa. She didn’t get her rhythm right that day, her captain said, and Marufa will hope her mojo is back on Thursday, and keep the inswinging threat going by taking a leaf out of Fatima Sana’s book from her spell against England on Wednesday.Related
England's lucky break masks deeper batting issues
A big-hitter in a small world – new-age Shorna turns heads
Top-order turbulences, left-arm spin traps and catching concerns
'It was very difficult' – dew and drops dampen Bangladesh's spirits
Healy: Batting collapses 'not a worry' but it's 'something we'd like to rectify'
For the kind of promise she has shown so early in her career and at such a young age, 22-year-old Phoebe Litchfield is always among the young players to watch out for heading into a big tournament. She got to face only 45 balls in the middle and lower order in the T20 World Cup last year in the UAE, and now her maiden ODI World Cup has had a slightly lukewarm start. Her quick knock against India had all the signs of a big score before she fell for 40. However, the conditions in Visakhapatnam, where runs are on offer and quick bowlers are getting dispatched, might favour her.Team newsAustralia won’t feel the need to tinker with their winning XI that beat India on the same ground, covering all bases with their spin and pace attack. Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry had walked off against India with cramps in hot and humid conditions, but there was nothing serious with their injury concerns. Only if Sophie Molineux needs a break, since she has returned to international cricket after ten months because of a knee surgery, will Australia make a change by bringing back Georgia Wareham.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (cap & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux/Georgia Wareham, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King, 11 Megan SchuttBangladesh nearly pulled off a victory against South Africa on this ground a few days ago, and they seem to have the right balance – with a swing bowler and plenty of spinners – to suit the conditions, which don’t offer much for pace bowlers.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Fargana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 5 Shorna Akter, 6 Sobhana Mostary, 7 Rabeya Khan, 8 Ritu Moni, 9 Fahima Khatun, 10 Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter2:01
Mostary: The younger players just try to give their best
Pitch and conditions: Runs aplenty expectedThe pitches used in the three matches in Visakhapatnam so far have all offered runs, some swing early on and purchase for the spin bowlers, when they aren’t bowling too much over 80kmh. There was plenty of dew in the last game when the Bangladesh bowlers struggled to control the ball while trying to defend 232 against South Africa, and similar conditions could be expected for Thursday. There has been intermittent rain in the build up to all the matches here. For a change, Thursday looks completely clear for the heat and humidity to dominate.Stats and trivia Shorna Akter scored the fastest half-century for Bangladesh in ODIs, against South Africa, off just 34 balls Australia and Bangladesh played a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh in March 2024 which Australia won 3-0 Annabel Sutherland’s five-for against India was only the third five-wicket haul for an Australian player in ODI World Cups. The first two were by Tina Macpherson and Lyn Fullston (twice) Alyssa Healy has the joint-most hundreds (three) in ODI World Cups, along with Meg Lanning and Karen Rolton. Nat Sciver-Brunt leads the overall list with five centuries. Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter are the only Bangladesh players to have won Player-of-the-Match awards in ODI World Cups.Quotes “I think we had a really good series against them a little bit over a year ago, which sort of gave us some really good insight. Pretty similar team that they’re coming out with in this World Cup so far. So we’ve got some really good intel on that and can obviously look back at the games so far.” “After the last match (against South Africa) there was no negative talk. Everyone – senior, junior and the team management – spoke only about the positive things.”
Middlesbrough are already working on Kim Hellberg’s first signing and are now reportedly in pole position to sign a Ligue 1 winger for their new manager.
Hellberg: Championship promotion is the "clear aim"
After hijacking Swansea City’s move, Middlesbrough unveiled Hellberg earlier this week and watched on as their new manager instantly set his sights on promotion to the Premier League. The 37-year-old will be desperate to simply pick up where Rob Edwards left off and secure a win on his debut against Derby County this weekend.
Speaking to reporters for the first time, Hellberg outlined his Premier League ambition, saying: “To get to the Premier League, that’s the clear aim,” said Hellberg in his first press conference. “If it’s this year or next year, it is of course difficult to say.
“It’s an opportunity when you’re in this position, to aim for it and to work as hard as possible to get into that spot that gets you to the Premier League. That’s nothing to hide from.”
It is, of course, easier said than done to achieve promotion from the Championship, but Boro have certainly put themselves in a strong position to do exactly that.
Despite defeat against Coventry City late on in midweek, those in Riverside only sit third on goal difference and could move into the automatic promotion place if results go their way this weekend.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the playoffs, Boro have given themselves a four-point gap inside the top six. Everything is set up for Hellberg to make a promotion charge, before potentially welcoming his first arrival at the club in 2026.
Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Cheikh Sabaly
According to Africa Foot and relayed by Sport Witness, Middlesbrough are now in pole position to sign Cheikh Sabaly from FC Metz in 2026. The winger is set to become a free agent next summer and has also attracted the interest of Southampton, but it is Boro who are currently most likely to seal a bargain deal.
The Senegal international is certainly talented and England fans saw that talent for themselves back in June, when he scored in a stunning 3-1 victory for his country against Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Now, Sabaly could get the chance to become the star of the show every week in England, courtesy of Boro. Whether the promotion contenders wait until the winger is a free agent to make their move is the big question.
In Ligue 2 last season, Sabaly scored 15 goals and provided four assists. Whilst he has struggled to make the same mark in Ligue 1, there’s every chance he would rediscover his best form in the Championship.
Hellberg starts instant Middlesbrough overhaul as Viveash handed new role
Rob Thomson caught some flak from Philadelphia Phillies fans and pundits for not emerging from the dugout to argue a controversial called strike three on catcher J.T. Realmuto in a 10-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. So contentious was home-plate umpire Tony Randazzo's call that both the Phillies and Giants broadcasts were in agreement on its seeming egregiousness.
Speaking to reporters in the dugout at Citizens Bank Park before the second game of the series against the Giants on Tuesday, Thomson explained why he didn't risk an ejection to argue the call against Realmuto.
"I generally don't let things that I can't control bother me," Thomson said, per Devan Kaney of Philadelphia’s 94WIP. "And I think it's important to stay in the game and stay calm for your club. There's a time when you may want to rally the troops a little bit, but I didn't feel like that was the time."
"Not necessarily," Thomson said when asked if April was too early to light a fire under a team with an ejection. "But, I mean, it was a ball but it wasn't egregious I didn't think. And I can't tell from the side anyway."
Umpire Scorecards, which uses MLB's advanced pitch tracking data to rate the accuracy of home-plate umpires, in its evaluation of the Phillies-Giants game showed that the called strike on Realmuto was well off of the plate. The site also determined that the call was among the most impactful in terms of largest changes in run expectancy.
The controversial call occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning with the Phillies mounting a two-out rally down 8-4. Philadelphia had two men on base—and the tying run would have came to the plate had Realmuto walked instead of being called out on strikes.
The Phillies (9-7) have lost two straight games and are 4-6 in their last 10 contests.
Hampshire finish as runners-up again, one day after the men fell short against Worcestershire
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay21-Sep-2025Lancashire bookended their season with trophies as Gaby Lewis’ century secured the inaugural Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition over Hampshire.Ireland international Lewis led a brilliant chase of 289 with 141 off 143, helped by an exceptional 72 from Seren Smale – with whom she put on 144.Lancashire started the season by winning the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, and added a second piece of silverware of 2025 when Ailsa Lister sprinted through a single with nine balls to spare.For Hampshire, whose total was underpinned by Maia Bouchier and Georgia Adams’ fifties, it was a double One-Day Cup heartbreak – after they lost to Worcestershire Rapids in the men’s competition final on Saturday.Chasing 289, Alice Clarke was run out by a Freya Kemp direct hit in the fifth over, but it was a blip before Lewis and Smale seized the initiative and put their side on the winning march.Despite never pulling away from the required rate, the pair oozed control as they both serenely scored half-centuries as they added 144 together to break the back of the chase.Both survived strong run-out shouts in their 60s before Smale was brilliantly caught at short midwicket by Kemp, and then Fi Morris was undone by a Naomi Dattani direct hit from the boundary.Threlkeld copied Smale’s low-thrills approach to guide Lewis to three figures – brought up after 121 balls and celebrated with a modest fist pump the moment the ball left her bat for a single.Lewis never looked in trouble, blocking where appropriate but also finding the ropes in all areas of Utilita Bowl – striking 16 fours in total.Lancashire skipper Threlkeld got her side even closer to the winning line before flailing to midwicket – handing former England bowler Freya Davies the final wicket of her career before retiring.But Lewis and Lister ticked the final 46 runs off with relative ease to spark the celebrations.Earlier, having been stuck in, Bouchier and Rhianna Southby got Hampshire off to a flier as they found the boundary at will in a 70-run opening partnership.Southby was caught at mid-on, but Adams continued to keep the momentum with Bouchier – the pair putting on 48.Bouchier came into the season with low confidence after a nightmare Women’s Ashes campaign, but has been crucial for Hampshire at the top of the order.She passed 1,000 runs across the Vitality Blast and One-Day Cup on her way to a run-a-ball fifty – her eighth of the season – in an innings of high-quality.Bouchier chipped to mid-on, but again it didn’t impact Hampshire’s impetus, as Freya Kemp bashed a quick-fire 41, with Adams supporting in a 75-run alliance.Even when Kemp squirted to cover, Abi Norgrove found runs flowing with Adams – who followed her semi-final century with a classy 77.With 300 on the cards, Lancashire pulled Hampshire back with regular wickets at the death. Grace Potts had already dismissed Southby, and added Norgrove and Nancy Harman to take three for 47.
Leeds United left it late on the final day of the Championship season but Manor Solomon’s dramatic strike right at the death would secure Daniel Farke’s men the title.
Amazingly, both the Whites and their nearest competitors in Burnley would end their mightily impressive campaigns on 100 points each, but Leeds’ sturdy goal difference would hand the esteemed honours over to Farke and Co, instead of more party celebrations taking place at Turf Moor.
But, as much as the West Yorkshire titans have been able to blow teams away with ease in the second tier, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether.
Therefore, some potential attacking recruits are now being linked with a switch to Elland Road to help navigate the tricky step-up in quality.
Leeds' list of attacking targets
Already, Leeds have been linked with a whole host of new faces up top, with reports suggesting that the newly crowned champions might look to snap up Omari Hutchinson from recently relegated Ipswich Town.
Moreover, other rumours indicate that Leeds are intrigued by the prospect of bringing AZ Alkmaar goal machine Troy Parrott back to England, meaning the striker department would also be given a potential facelift.
Yet, there’s one name that sticks out as a top buy away from both Hutchinson and Parrott, with TBR Football revealing that Farke and Co are looking at a number of targets from Celtic, including Hoops attacking hotshot Nicolas Kuhn.
The Whites have had success when shopping from the Glasgow giants in the past, with Whites legend Mark Viduka once plying for his trade for the Scottish titans before becoming a fan’s favourite at Leeds. So, there’s clearly a proven recipe for success right here.
How Kuhn could be even better than James
If Kuhn can lift his game to be on the same level as Viduka’s – who would score a colossal 72 strikes for Leeds – he would further go down as a more impressive winger than Dan James over time, even with the Welshman fresh off just winning the Whites’ Player of the Year accolade.
James should be commended for how he’s managed to turn around his up-and-down stay at Elland Road, with the ex-Manchester United attacker undoubtedly a top-drawer talent in the EFL having previously struggled in the top-flight.
Indeed, the blistering number seven has tallied up a sizeable 41 goal contributions in league action over the last two seasons, but there will be a concern in the air lingering that the 56-time Wales international isn’t cut out for the bright lights of the Premier League.
Indeed, his best tally for a campaign up a division currently sits at a mere four goals and five assists.
On the flip side, Kuhn has proven again and again for Brendan Rodgers’ men – albeit in a far less strenuous top division in the Scottish Premiership – that he can dazzle defences under immense pressure. He’s even scored in the Champions League.
Staggeringly, across all competitions this campaign, including on Europe’s grandest stage, the German forward has amassed a bumper 34 goals and assists from 47 clashes, with a chance in the Premier League to come a deserved next step for the former RB Leipzig winger.
SPL
29
12
8
Champions League
10
3
1
SFA Cup
4
0
1
League Cup
4
5
4
In contrast, James accumulated a lesser 21 from ten fewer clashes, meaning he could take a back-seat now down the right flank for the “breathtaking” winger, as he’s been lauded in the past by pundit Marvin Bartley, to take over.
Obviously, it isn’t set in stone that Kuhn will be able to instantly acclimatise to the pressures of the Premier League, but history might well repeat itself here, especially if the Hoops number 10 can prove he belongs at the daunting level like Viduka before him.
Rio Ferdinand 2.0: Leeds want to sign "extraordinary" £20m defender
Leeds United are keen on signing a £20m star who could be the next Rio Ferdinand at Elland Road.
Burnley are now interested in signing an “outstanding” Fulham player who has worked and won promotion under Scott Parker before, according to a recent report.
Burnley already planning summer transfers
The Clarets confirmed their promotion to the Premier League on Monday evening after beating Sheffield United, and not even 48 hours later, already Burnley’s chiefs are working on transfer business ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
Sky Sports: Burnley set to sign 25 y/o after promotion in new £8m update
Burnley are now set to sign an exciting forward with a new price-tag emerging.
ByBrett Worthington Apr 23, 2025
It’s been claimed by former footballer Lee Hendrie that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey won’t be at Turf Moor next season. Shelvey’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Hendrie believes a new deal will not be offered.
Hendrie told Football League World: “I’m not sure that they will secure a deal for him. To be quite honest, I think that going into the Premier League, I think that the squad has to be a lot stronger. Jonjo obviously hasn’t featured too much, so I don’t think that will be one that they’ll be looking to make permanent and keep him there again. With his contract expiring, I think he’ll move on.”
Meanwhile, it’s been reported by Sky Sports that Burnley are now set to sign Jaidon Anthony on a permanent basis, with the Clarets securing his services for £8 million, rather than the £10 million that was originally reported during the summer transfer window.
Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who has worked with Parker
Anthony could be the start of a long list of players potentially arriving at Turf Moor during the summer. According to Give Me Sport, Burnley now want to sign Harrison Reed from Fulham, a player Parker knows very well.
Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed.
The report states that Burnley are keen to land the 30-year-old midfielder if Fulham are willing to do a deal. The Premier League side do have a few options in the middle of the pitch, and that has resulted in Reed falling down the pecking order this season, playing just 11 times in the league.
It’s claimed that Fulham and Marco Silva are looking to strengthen their midfield once again this summer, and therefore, Reed could be one that is moved on to make room in the squad.
Given his status in the Fulham team and the fact he has worked with Parker before, during his time in charge at Craven Cottage, Burnley are keen to explore a deal, but at this stage it remains unclear how much Fulham will want for the midfielder, who is under contract until 2027. During the 2019/20 campaign in the Championship, Reed played 28 games, including the play-offs for Parker, as he played an important role in the Cottagers’ promotion.
Apps
123
Goals
3
Assists
8
In that promotion-winning campaign, Parker labelled Reed “outstanding” for his performances. He said: “I was really impressed with him. I thought he was outstanding. We brought him in against Cardiff last week – a tough team – and it was difficult for him, and I thought against WBA he was immense, really.”
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is now very eager for the Bundesliga giants to sign a top Chelsea transfer target, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing even more competition for one player they are seriously pursuing.
Chelsea target new centre-back with summer names identified
The Blues are reportedly planning to reinforce the centre-back area this summer, following Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury and an evident shortage in that position.
Chelsea now very keen on signing "superstar" striker; may submit £39m offer
The Blues could be willing to launch a move for a forward, who may now be allowed to leave his club this summer.
ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025
Chelsea activated the recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, rather than sign a completely new name mid-season, but the Cobham academy graduate isn’t expected to have a long-term future under Maresca.
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 10th
Man United (home)
May 18th
It is believed Chelsea are likely to let Chalobah go permanently in the summer (BBC), so the west Londoners will be in need of another centre-back to reinforce Maresca’s defensive options, ahead of his second season in charge, where they could be competing in the Champions League.
According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to ‘go big’ on the signing of a new defender, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen on their radar.
Stamford Bridge chiefs, according to The Mirror, are even contemplating the possibility of a £50 million part-exchange bid for the former, and could offer Chalobah as part of the deal to re-sign their ex-player.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Meanwhile, Huijsen’s excellent season at Bournemouth, combined with the fact he’ll be available for the value of his £50 million release clause this summer, has piqued interest from Chelsea and other elite Premier League sides.
According to the reliable David Ornstein, Chelsea have reached out to Huijsen’s camp for talks ahead of the summer window, so it appears the Spain international is a firm target for Maresca.
However, following these discussions with Chelsea, competition is growing for the “sensational” 20-year-old’s signature, and Maresca now faces a serious threat from Bayern in pursuit of Huijsen.
Vincent Kompany tells Bayern Munich to sign Dean Huijsen
According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Kompany is “pushing” Bayern to sign Huijsen this summer, and the Bavarians have joined the hotly-contested race for his services as a result.
Kompany is said to be a “huge fan” of the former Juventus defender, and they’re believed to be really pressing for Huijsen alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle – with Tottenham also believed to have made contact (David Ornstein).
However, all of them may even be left disappointed, as Huijsen reportedly favours a move to Real Madrid.
In any case, the Spaniard’s next destination is fast becoming one of this summer’s most intriguing transfer stories, and it isn’t hard to see why so many clubs are keen on him after his hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League.
“He is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level,” said Fenerbache boss and former Blues manager José Mourinho.
Celtic made a bold decision in the January transfer window when Rennes came knocking to sign their star striker Kyogo Furuhashi on a permanent deal.
The Japan international had scored 85 goals and provided 19 assists in 185 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, including an incredible return of 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite his fantastic record for the club, Celtic agreed to sell the Japanese centre-forward for a reported fee of £10m to the French side, leaving Adam Idah as the team’s only natural number nine.
Instead of dipping into the market before the end of the January transfer window, Brendan Rodgers opted to put his faith in Daizen Maeda as a striker, saving the club millions on a new signing.
The Japanese forward has stepped up to be the alternative to Idah up front, whilst also still being an option on the flanks when needed, and has been a star for the Hoops with his goals this season.
Why Daizen Maeda is Celtic's most important player
The Celtic star, who was described as “electric” by John Collins, is the team’s most important player because of the quality he can provide in front of goal, as well as his incredible work rate out of possession.
Last season, Rodgers claimed that the forward “has the work rate of two players” and this speaks to how important he is to the side off the ball, as the versatile attacker can constantly close down opposition defenders and midfielders when they have the ball to win it back for the Hoops.
The 27-year-old attacker has also been the biggest threat at the top end of the pitch for the Scottish giants, with 30 goals and nine assists in 44 matches in all competitions.
He has scored at least 12 more goals than any of his teammates, with Nicolas Kuhn in second with 18, and has been directly involved in at least seven more goals than any other player in the squad, with Kuhn in second again with 32 goal contributions.
Appearances (starts)
29 (25)
Goals
15
Big chances missed
15
Conversion rate
30%
Key passes per game
1.2
Big chances created
8
Assists
7
As you can see in the table above, Maeda has provided a constant threat in the final third in the Scottish Premiership, with 23 goals and assists in 25 starts.
These statistics illustrate how important the Japan international is to Rodgers’ side with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, which is why he is the most important player in the squad when you couple that with the work he does off the ball to help out defensively.
Despite his importance to the side and his sensational performances on the pitch in all competitions this season, Maeda is not currently in the top three earners at Parkhead.
The top ten earners at Celtic
Per Salary Sport, Kyogo was in the top three with £19k-per-week before his £10m transfer to Rennes was completed in January, whilst Maeda is currently on £18k-per-week.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor are reportedly the two highest-earning stars at Parkhead on £37k-per-week, significantly more than the Japan international’s £18k-per-week.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
£37k
Callum McGregor
£37k
James Forrest
£19k
Daizen Maeda
£18k
Alistair Johnston
£16k
Reo Hatate
£16k
Arne Engels
£16k
Adam Idah
£16k
Luis Palma
£16k
Greg Taylor
£15k
As you can see in the table above, Maeda is currently fourth in the wage bill, still ahead of the likes of Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, and Alistair Johnston, and is behind James Forrest.
The long-serving academy graduate is reportedly on a wage of £19k-per-week, earning more than a handful of first-team stars, despite being a squad player, at best, this season.
Celtic winger James Forrest.
With this in mind, Rodgers must consider ruthlessly axing the Scottish forward from the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, as there could be a better use for the money they are spending on his wages.
Why Celtic should move on from James Forrest
The 33-year-old winger is heading into the final year of his current contract at Parkhead and it may be best for the club to either move him on permanently or to send him out on loan for the season to go and play regular football, recouping a percentage of his wages for the campaign in the process.
Forrest has not done enough on the pitch in the current term to justify being one of the top three earners at the club, or to justify a regular place in the team in the 2025/26 campaign, which is to be expected at his age.
Celtic winger James Forrest.
The experienced dud showed signs of life in the 2023/24 season, with a very respectable return of seven goals in 28 appearances in all competitions, but he has failed to deliver on the pitch this year.
Forrest cost his side in the 1-0 defeat to bottom-of-the-table St. Johnstone last weekend when he failed to beat the goalkeeper from close range after Adam Idah put the ball on a plate for him in the middle of the box, with Celtic losing 1-0 at the time.
Appearances
22
17
Goals
6
0
Big chances missed
6
3
Conversion rate
16%
0%
Big chances created
3
3
Assists
1
4
As you can see in the table above, the Scottish forward has not scored a single goal in the Premiership this season, despite having three ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net.
In fact, Forrest has not scored a single goal in 25 appearances in all competitions this term. The likes of Greg Taylor, Auston Trusty, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Alistair Johnston – who all play in defence – have outscored him by scoring once in all competitions.
Celtic winger James Forrest warms up with Kyogo Furuhashi.
This illustrates just how poor the experienced winger has been in front of goal, which was on full display when he missed a chance to draw Celtic level at the weekend.
There is no doubt that Forrest has been an excellent servant for the club, scoring 109 goals in 520 matches to date, but his form this season suggests that this summer would be the right time to ruthlessly ditch him, whether permanently or on loan, due to his high wages compared to other players who play week-in-week-out and contribute more in the final third.
Celtic already sold "outstandingly basic" McGregor upgrade for just £1.5m
Celtic cashed in on the talented midfielder before he had the chance to develop into the long-term Callum McGregor upgrade.
ByDan Emery Apr 8, 2025
When you consider that Maeda has scored 30 goals in all competitions, playing in a similar position, and reportedly earns less than him, it seems to be the right call to move on from Forrest this summer.