Aston Villa could win the race for an “incredible” £100m forward, whose club may now be willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.
Villa's summer transfer plans
It was a valiant effort against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, with Villa overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 on the night, but the result wasn’t enough for Unai Emery’s side to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.
Having had their first taste of Champions League football in quite some time, however, Villa will be eager to have more special nights in Europe in the future, and they could go even deeper in the competition if they strengthen their squad this summer.
After selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr back in January, the Villans are keen on bringing in a new striker, and they are now ready to spend £75m on Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.
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Not only are Emery’s side pursuing an out-and-out striker, but they are also keen to bolster their wide options, and they remain in a strong position to complete the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Aston Villa could also win the race for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with Pep Guardiola’s side giving indications they could be willing to cash-in on the Englishman this summer.
The 29-year-old joined City in a £100m deal back in August 2021, but he has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, which could open the door for a return to Villa Park.
However, there is widespread interest in Grealish’s signature, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also in the picture, while Serie A giants AC Milan headline the interest from abroad.
"Incredible" Grealish may need to leave City
The former Villa man probably has no regrets about joining Man City, given that he played a major role in their treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, but there are signs he may need to leave this summer for the good of his career.
Theo Walcott has particularly scrutinised the impact Guardiola’s coaching methods have had on the “incredible” winger’s ability to express himself on the pitch.
The Birmingham-born forward has amassed just two goal contributions in the Premier League this season, although he has impressed on some other key metrics over the past year, most notably ranking in the top 1% for progressive carries, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
8.08 (99th percentile)
Pass completion %
88.1% (99th percentile)
Progressive passes
5.75 (86th percentile)
A move back to Villa Park could be exactly what Grealish needs to reignite his career, and Emery should definitely consider making a move, should he be available for a suitable fee.
Liverpool are believed to be planning talks with an “extraordinary” player over a move to Anfield at the end of the season, according to a new transfer claim.
Liverpool win historic 20th league title
The Reds clinched a 20th league title on Sunday afternoon, being crowned Premier League champions after an unforgettable 5-1 win at home to Tottenham. Despite falling behind to a goal from former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke, Arne Slot’s side turned things around in style, putting on a show in front of a euphoric Anfield and celebrating in emotional fashion after the final whistle.
It is a stunning achievement by Slot in his first season in charge of the Reds, with the Dutchman not allowing himself to feel the pressure of replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer, guiding his team to glory in the process.
Once the dust has settled on a memorable season, however, Liverpool will be well aware that a busy summer transfer window is required. The newly-crowned champions may be an excellent side, but there are still areas of focus ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with reinforcements required to help them defend their title.
Liverpool planning talks to sign Ademola Lookman
According to an update from Caught Offside, Liverpool are “planning to hold talks” with Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman over a summer switch to Anfield. They are not alone, however, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal all mentioned in the update, too. The 27-year-old’s club will be demanding up to £55m for his services.
Atalanta's AdemolaLookmanin action
Lookman has been mentioned as a target for Liverpool in the past, and it is easy to see why Slot and Richard Hughes could view him as a strong addition this summer. The former Everton attacker has excelled in an Atalanta shirt, most notably scoring a hat-trick in their 3-0 win against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final.
The Nigerian has scored 50 goals in just 115 appearances for the Serie A side, as well as registering 24 assists, and his current manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has lauded his ability in the past.
‘He’s [Lookman] a top player. In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal. Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”
Lookman has generally operated as a centre forward for Atalanta, even though he can also shine out wide, and if Liverpool’s recruitment team believe he is an upgrade on the likes of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to lead the line next season, they need to be trusted.
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He would be a cheaper option than Newcastle star Alexander Isak, for example, and the fact that he already knows the Premier League well would be an added bonus.
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to enter discussions as they plan an offer to sign an astute Man United and Chelsea target, and he’s viewed as a potential snip if they can get a deal done this summer.
Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty
Amid the uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team must also get to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window.
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Contact has reportedly been made already.
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This year, a special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10 – which gives some clubs the opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup begins. It could also be an opportunity for Levy to strengthen early doors, but it is unclear whether the Lilywhites plan to make use of this early window.
What’s crystal clear, though, is Tottenham’s need to strengthen certain areas of the squad.
Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Their 2024/2025 campaign has been overshadowed by a plethora of injuries to key players, leaving Postecoglou with precious few options at times, and it has undoubtedly contributed to their lowly 16th-placed position in the Premier League table.
Spurs are reportedly in the market for a new striker to bolster their forward line, among other transfer priorities, with Richarlison’s long-term future also in question after a season blighted by injury for the Brazilian.
This week, reports claim Tottenham are targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, following the German’s exceptional Bundesliga campaign, and they’re ready to pay up to £30 million for his signature (CaughtOffside).
However, he is by no means the only centre-forward being looked at, with Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap coming as another name on their radar.
Tottenham preparing to enter talks for Ipswich striker Liam Delap
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are planning an offer for Delap and preparing to enter talks for the Englishman’s signature – but face competition from West Ham, Chelsea, Everton and United in pursuit of him.
The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise torrid campaign for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, and reports claim Delap’s contract includes a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich dropping back down to the Championship.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Delap is viewed as a “bargain” behind-the-scenes, according to GMS, but a major obstacle could still form in the ex-Man City starlet’s wage demands. Indeed, it is believed Delap wants around £150,000-per-week from any new suitor, which would actually make him one of Spurs’ highest earners.
This could be tricky to navigate for Levy, who has managed to keep control of Tottenham’s wage bill, and may be reluctant to green-light moves for players with extortionate requirements when it comes to personal terms.
That being said, Delap is a homegrown player of serious quality and sky-high potential, so it could be worth the concession in this instance.
“He is a quality player,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson.
“He led the line on his own against Chelsea. At times, Chelsea were playing a back five with four players in front, and they defended resolutely, but he was always an outlet.
“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.
TheChampions League is the pinnacle of club football, with some of the best players of all time starring in the competition, previously known as the European Cup. But who is the top goalscorer of all time in the famous club competition?
Football FanCast has listed the top 20 Champions League scorers, with a detailed look at the top 11.
All information correct as of 14th May 2025.
Champions League top goalscorers of all time
Rank
Player
Goals
1
Cristiano Ronaldo
141
2
Lionel Messi
129
3
Robert Lewandowski
105
4
Karim Benzema
90
5
Raul
71
6
Ruud van Nistelrooy
60
7
Andriy Shevchenko
59
8
Thomas Muller
57
9
Kylian Mbappe
55
=10
Mohamed Salah
51
=10
Thierry Henry
51
12
Filippo Inzaghi
50
=13
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
49
=13
Alfredo Di Stefano
49
=13
Erling Haaland
49
=16
Eusebio
47
=16
Sergio Aguero
47
18
Didier Drogba
44
=19
Neymar
43
=19
Alessandro Del Piero
43
=19
Antoine Griezmann
43
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Here is a detailed look at the top 11 Champions League goalscorers:
11 Thierry Henry 51 goals
Thierry Henry celebrating for Arsenal.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry got his first taste of Champions League football with AS Monaco, helping the French side to the semi-finals in 1997/98.
The Frenchman would go on to turn out for Juventus and then Arsenal, where he suffered heartbreak in the 2006 final against Barcelona. However, Henry would finally get his hands on the trophy after joining Barcelona, defeating Manchester United in the 2009 final.
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ByMark Marston May 15, 2025 10 Mohamed Salah 51 goals
Mohamed Salah has been at the top of his game for a while now, so reaching a half-century of Champions League is a more-than-deserving accolade for a player of his stature.
The majority of his CL strikes have come for Liverpool, with whom he won the Champions League in 2019, thanks in part to the Egyptian scoring early in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, as well at numerous stages along the way.
9 Kylian Mbappe 55 goals
Kylian Mbappe has been around for ages, and yet he is barely into his mid-twenties. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Frenchman has already racked over 50 Champions League goals – overtaking the likes of compatriot Thierry Henry in the process.
Now at Real Madrid, we can maybe expect the goals to continue to flow for the striker, and with more group stage games these days, there’s every chance he’ll reach triple figures before too long.
8 Thomas Muller 57 goals
Thomas Muller has been a fantastic servant for Bayern Munich over the years, notching 57 goals for the Bavarians at the highest level of European competition.
The German made his Champions League debut back in 2009 and won the competition on two occasions, in 2013 and 2020.
Only Robert Lewandowski has more goals (69) in a Bayern shirt than Muller, putting him in some healthy company.
7 Andriy Shevchenko 59 goals
Best known for his time with Dynamo Kyiv and Milan, Andriy Shevchenko netted 59 times in the Champions League, including a famous hat-trick at the Nou Camp against Barcelona for Kyiv.
Shevchenko, who also turned out for Chelsea, won the tournament with Milan in 2003. The Ukrainian retired in 2012 and went on to manage his country between 2016 and 2021.
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ByFreddie Taylor Sep 25, 2023 6 Ruud van Nistelrooy 60 goals
Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Powerful Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy turned out for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Upon retiring in 2012, Van Nistelrooy scored 60 goals in the competition and was the top scorer in three separate editions of the tournament, though he never managed to win the Champions League.
5 Raul 71 goals
Real Madrid icon Raul held the record as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League for a number of years and averaged a goal every other game in his 142 appearances in Europe.
The Spaniard lifted the trophy on three occasions with Madrid and became the manager of Real Madrid’s B side in 2019, so he could potentially be a future first-team boss at the Bernabeu.
4 Karim Benzema 90 goals
Another Real Madrid legend who scored plenty of Champions League goals at the Bernabeu is Karim Benzema, who also netted a number of his 90 goals in Europe for Lyon.
Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Benzema netted in a record 18 consecutive Champions League seasons, winning the tournament five times, as well as the top scorer award in 2021/22.
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1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 3 Robert Lewandowski 105 goals
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski became the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals during his time at Barcelona, with the ton secured in their league phase win over Stade Brest in November 2024, 13 years after his CL debut.
Previously of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski is Bayern’s top scorer in European football, scoring 15 times in 2019/20, when he lifted his only Champions League trophy.
2 Lionel Messi 129 goals
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi comes in as runner-up on the list, with 120 of his 129 Champions League goals coming for the Catalan giants.
Messi scored against 40 different teams in the competition, which is a record, but it was against Arsenal that he was most prolific, netting nine times against the Gunners.
The Argentine has also represented Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, winning the tournament with Barcelona on three separate occasions, the last coming in 2015.
A Premier League club are reportedly desperately trying to keep hold of a key player this summer, with Newcastle United linked with a move for him.
Newcastle need a new centre-back this summer
After a disappointing 2023/24 season, the Magpies have roared back into form this term, winning the EFL Cup and on the verge of sealing a return to the Champions League.
The summer transfer window has to be a productive one for Newcastle, as the likes of Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe look to work their magic without so may restraints from PSR, with at least one new centre-back at the top of their list of priorities.
That’s not to say that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn haven’t performed excellently this season, with the latter scoring in the EFL Cup final win over Liverpool, but both are now in their 30s, as is the case with Jamaal Lascelles. Sven Botman has also had serious injury problems, so he needs to be managed with care.
Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has been linked with a move to Newcastle, having confirmed that he will leave the Bundesliga club on a free transfer this summer. At 29, he also isn’t getting any younger, but he could still be a strong signing on the cheap. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw has also emerged as a potential target in the past month or so.
Bournemouth trying to fend off Newcastle's interest
According to a new update from Give Me Sport, Newcastle “admire” Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, as they eye a summer move for him, in order to bolster their defence.
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Due to recent developments the Cherries are desperately fending off interest in the 22-year-old, however, having just lost fellow centre-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m.
Zabarnyi stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle ahead of the 2025/26 season, considering how impressive he has been at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence. His partnership with Huijsen has been a big reason why the Cherries have impressed, with Joe Partington heaping praise on them as a pairing.
For that reason, it is wholly understandable why Bournemouth are so hesitant to sell Zabarnyi this summer, considering they would have to completely change their centre-back options.
Hopefully, though, Newcastle can still persuade them to accept a potential offer this summer, with the Ukrainian an ideal young target who has proven himself in the Premier League, even winning 4-1 away to the Magpies earlier in the season.
Tottenham Hotspur were thrashed by Brighton & Hove Albion to finish a miserable Premier League campaign that has been salvaged and then some overseas.
Indeed, Ange Postecoglou’s side dared to dream in midweek, beating Manchester United in Bilbao to seal the Europa League title and end 17 interminable years of rotten luck on the trophy front.
A hangover was expected, but this bruising defeat was not an outlier for the Lilywhites, who have wrapped up the 2024/25 league campaign languishing in 17th place.
There’s much for chairman Daniel Levy to chew on over the coming months, with several players doing themselves few favours down N17 this weekend.
Spurs' worst performers vs Brighton
Tottenham lost their 22nd top-flight match of the season, marking the end of their worst-ever Premier League campaign.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou
The defensive capitulation underlined the crux of Postecoglou’s woe this season, with pitiful performances from the newly-promoted trio proving the tenuous barrier between Tottenham and a true relegation dogfight.
There were more than a few tired legs after the interval, and Dominic Solanke’s early penalty was too little to give Tottenham the strength they needed to finish the term off on strong footing, with Pedro Porro and Archie Gray lacking their usual enthusiasm, substitute Wilson Odobert inefficient when welcomed after the break.
Yves Bissouma made a hash of things when brought off the bench, giving away the penalty after bringing down Diego Gomez in the box, leading to Matt O’Riley’s spot-kick to make it 3-1. A fourth would follow in stoppage time.
Tottenham's Yves Bissouma gives away a penalty
It was a performance to forget, all told. Certainly not the fixture of the week that will be remembered in years to come.
One man in particular failed to replicate his sparkling midweek form, shining a light on his ability to emerge at the biggest moment, reminiscent of former hero Lucas Moura.
Spurs' new Lucas Moura
Lucas played an important role for Tottenham after signing from Paris Saint-Germain for £23m in 2018, posting 39 goals and 27 assists across 221 appearances in all competitions.
However, he didn’t always maintain the requisite levels for a reputation in English football as a truly deadly forward, one who can maintain their output invariably.
Lucas Moura – Tottenham Stats by Competition
Competition
Apps
Goals
Assists
G/A Rate
Premier League
152
20
16
0.24
Champions League
22
6
1
0.32
FA Cup
17
5
6
0.65
League Cup
12
2
0
0.17
Europa League
10
4
1
0.50
Conference League
4
1
2
0.75
UEL Qualifiers
3
1
1
0.66
UECL Qualifiers
1
0
0
–
Stats via Transfermarkt
Now, Brennan Johnson is in danger of adopting a similar reputation, proving Tottenham’s hero on a big night but struggling to project his finest form with the desired degree of consistency.
Make no mistake, this has been a promising term for the former Nottingham Forest man, who joined for a £47.5m fee in July 2023 and has sharpened his goalscoring sense this year, bagging 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
He failed to add to his haul against the Seagulls, however, unable to influence proceedings for his struggling and, frankly, sapped side.
Football.london’s Alasdair Gold saw the funny side, branding the Welshman with a 5/10 match rating but quizzing why he was permitted the full 90 after such frenzied celebrations only days earlier, bundling in the only goal against United on Wednesday.
Like Johnson, Lucas liked to make a key contribution on the continental scene for Tottenham, miraculously scoring that hat-trick to send Mauricio Pochettino’s side through to the Champions League final way back when, but he lacked consistency, and that’s something Ange’s star needs to work on.
Underscoring this, the Wales international has only netted in three of his past 20 Premier League games, emphasising an up-and-down nature that Lucas carried through his career in English football too.
The good thing is Johnson can be afforded some leeway, of course, after his goal on Wednesday night, but he still saw a chance go begging after being played into space and struggled to impose himself, albeit working hard defensively, making two clearances as he found himself hemmed in the defensive third, as per Sofascore.
Johnson also completed only nine of his 17 attempted passes, a success rate of just 53%, failed to make a dribble, failed with all three attempted passes from range, and didn’t even attempt a trademark dribble.
Still only 24, mind, he’s got plenty of time to hone his talent and reach the level those around him know he is capable of.
One thing’s for sure: he has already left a bigger legacy than his Brazilian positional peer and could reach higher still with a few improvements over the coming season.
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Tottenham Hotspur have now held direct talks to appoint an “outstanding” manager, with Ange Postecoglou heading for the exit door, according to a report.
Ange could be set to leave despite Europa League triumph
One year ago, INEOS arguably made the mistake of keeping Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United job after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup, and it appears as though Daniel Levy doesn’t want to make the same error this summer.
Indeed, widespread reports are now suggesting that Levy is set to sack Postecoglou, despite the historic Europa League triumph against Manchester United last month, which puts captain Son Heung-min among some esteemed company.
It may be a divisive decision to sack the manager responsible for leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, but appointing a top-quality replacement could go some way to getting the fans back on side, and contact has now been made with a coach who could be in that category.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on X, Tottenham have now made “direct contact” with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who spoke about his project and potential targets for the summer transfer window.
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Several candidates are said to be under consideration as potential replacements for Ange, but Frank is believed to be “high” on the list, and Spurs have now made their first move to appoint the Danish manager.
In another report from France, it is detailed that Ange’s future remains very much up in the air, with talks to discuss his position as manager due to take place at some point in the next week.
Frank could be "outstanding" Ange replacement
Deciding whether to sack the 59-year-old will no doubt be a difficult decision for Levy, given that Tottenham’s torrid Premier League form cannot be ignored, finishing 17th as a result of collecting just 38 points across the entire 2024-25 campaign.
However, the former Celtic boss has suggested his side’s first experience of success will make them more eager to make sure they’re in the same position again, saying: “I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know — don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”
Should Levy decide to sack Ange, there are signs Frank could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “outstanding” manager by Troy Deeney, while leading Brentford to a very respectable 10th-placed finish last season.
Brentford managerThomasFrankbefore the matc
Having transformed the Bees from a Championship club into a solid Premier League side, the 51-year-old, who utilises a 4-3-3 formation, has earned the opportunity to prove himself at the top level, showing a knack for turning attacking talents into some of the biggest stars in their division.
Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay all thrived under his guidance, with only Watkins able to replicate that form elsewhere, while current forwards Yoane Wissa (19) and Bryan Mbeumo (20) combined for nearly 40 top flight goals this season.
When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk’s contract, they did more than just tie their star defender down to a new two-year deal.
Van Dijk is more than a world-class centre-back; he’s more, even, than a peerless skipper. The Netherlands icon has transcended his post as one of Liverpool’s star players, immortalising his name in Liverpool lore, right up there alongside Alan Hansen.
Liverpool legends Alan Hansen and Virgil van Dijk
Yes, yes, he turns 34 next month. And, well, yes, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain’s minutes as he reaches the autumn days of his illustrious Premier League career.
But Van Dijk leads by example, and that’s on and off the field. He’s more than a defender; he’s a leader and rousing force. Tune in to Liverpool on the television, and you’ll hear the 6 foot 4 star baying at his teammates before heading out of the tunnel, switching them into gear.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Let’s enjoy him while we can, because FSG’s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already hard at work trying to secure a long-term heir.
Liverpool's efforts to sign the next Van Dijk
Dean Huijsen was written in the stars to succeed Van Dijk at Anfield. After a stunning breakout campaign at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, hailed for his incredible potential.
Van Dijk left Southampton to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have followed a similar path, each proving a cut above. Moreover, Huijsen, while a Spanish international, was born and reared in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before relocating to Spain when he was five.
It felt like the perfect move for the player, moving to Liverpool, emulating one of the greatest defenders of his generation – and technically a countryman at that.
Well, Real Madrid clearly turned a blind eye to such a poetic story, for they brushed Premier League competition aside to activate the prodigy’s £50m release clause and bring him home.
Arne Slot still needs a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a one-of-a-kind talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, having been of a vested interest to Liverpool in the past.
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Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, 23, once again, having been routinely linked with the dynamic defender across the past couple of years.
The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but suitors are optimistic that they can engineer a more agreeable figure.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United thought to be interested too, FSG will need to up the ante if they wish to find a fitting long-term Van Dijk heir.
What Goncalo Inacio would bring to Liverpool
Inacio has yet to compete away from his Portuguese homeland, but he hasn’t exactly done that badly in Portugal, appearing 213 times for Sporting after graduating from their academy.
Goncalo Inacio in action for Sporting Lisbon
Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Inacio’s “insane” range of passing, and that’s corroborated by the data, for Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes across his senior career, as recorded by WhoScored.
Moreover, Inacio’s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of ability in that regard as Huijsen, whose rangy frame and composure, leading to expert timing, is something that would have seen him exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk’s boots at Liverpool.
His modern-tailored style is exactly what Liverpool are looking for, and he’s a left-sided centre-back besides. To add further substance to the argument, this is a player who has been tracked by Liverpool for a number of years, and he’s only got better and better.
Having been an influential member of a two-time Liga Portugal-winning backline in recent years, Inacio has fostered the perfect mentality for a place in Liverpool’s first team, and he’s also blessed with a technical level that most other central defenders across Europe can only dream of.
Most, but not all. Huijsen can certainly throw down with the Portuguese ace on that front, and when racking up the respective players’ skills against each other, you can see that both offer similar qualities.
Goncalo Inacio vs Dean Huijsen (24/25)
Stats (per 90)
Inacio
Huijsen
Goals + assists
0.20
0.19
Touches
91.48
74.94
Pass completion
89.7%
83.4%
Passes attempted
83.61
60.26
Progressive passes
7.34
4.89
Progressive carries
1.28
1.52
Shot-creating actions
1.72
1.59
Ball recoveries
4.67
3.89
Tackles + interceptions
2.75
3.23
Clearances
2.91
7.34
Blocks
1.08
1.48
Aeriel duels won
2.04
2.52
All data via FBref
Huijsen is a strong defender, but his range of passing and creativity, his ability to play through the lines, are the facets which define him as a future superstar.
Inacio perhaps outperforms him in that regard, and if placed in Slot’s high-flying Liverpool system, you can only imagine the progress he could make, following the likes of Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in making remarkable progress under the Dutchman’s wing.
Further to the point, Inacio made only one defensive error across his 28 top-flight appearances last term, whereas Huijsen made four playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit playing at what is considered a higher level, in more intense and rigorous conditions.
Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio
He’s not perfect, but the Portugal international has the making of an elite-level defender, and he could prove the dream Huijsen alternative if signed this summer, learning from Van Dijk over the next couple of years before breaking away from the Reds legend’s shadow and becoming a sensation in his own right down the line.
The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives
Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.
Manchester United are thought to be close to signing a second major transfer target of the summer after Matheus Cunha.
Man Utd targeting more attacking signings after Cunha
The Red Devils and INEOS made an early start on their summer transfer business by securing the services of Matheus Cunha.
Those at Old Trafford triggered the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause to sign him from Wolves, and after signing for Man Utd, Cunha said:
Cunha may well be used by Ruben Amorim in one of two attacking number 10 positions behind a striker in a 3-4-2-1 system, so more firepower in the final third is on the agenda at Old Trafford.
Amorim's own Haaland: Wilcox in talks to sign "world-class" CF for Man Utd
Manchester United appear to be making moves towards a new centre-forward this summer.
2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025
On the search for a centre-forward, Man Utd have been linked with Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Meanwhile, another versatile attacker that has been wanted for weeks is Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo. Despite interest from Spurs and new manager Thomas Frank, Man Utd are the ones who have had a verbal agreement in place to sign the Cameroon international.
Indeed, INEOS have been preparing a huge salary offer worth £13m per season to lure the forward to Manchester, a wage that works out at £250,000-a-week. Now, a new development has emerged, and one that will be music to the ears of many Man Utd supporters.
Man Utd now “very close” to signing Mbuemo after talks intensify
According to reports from Spain, Man Utd are now “very close” to signing Mbuemo from Brentford.
It is claimed that ‘contacts with the player’s entourage and with Brentford itself have intensified from Manchester’ and that ‘negotiations, which have been ongoing for weeks, have progressed significantly’.
Amorim has also given the green light to a deal, but no fee is mentioned in the new update. As many will know, Man Utd had an initial offer rejected for Mbuemo worth up to £55m as the Bees value their star at more than £60m.
Premier League 24/25
Mbeumo
Cunha
Games
38
33
Goals
20
15
Assists
8
6
Presumably, a deal, should it go through, will be around that figure, and it looks like a transfer is on course to be completed imminently following this latest update.
It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.
Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star
He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025
New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.
Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.
“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.
“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.
“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”
Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.
However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.
Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat
According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.
Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.
It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.
However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.