Leeds United have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for an “explosive” forward, with his current employers setting an asking price of €40m (£34m), according to reporter Santi Aouna.
Leeds eyeing ambitious targets after sealing Premier League return
Playing in the Premier League is, of course, an attractive proposition for players all over the world, and having sealed a return to the top flight, Leeds have now set their sights on some ambitious targets for the summer transfer window.
Amid widespread reports suggesting Illan Meslier could be replaced after a difficult campaign, one of Daniel Farke’s most important tasks this summer may be bringing in a new goalkeeper, and the Whites have set their sights on Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
Peretz impressed at times for Bayern during the 2024-25 campaign, perhaps most notably putting in a solid performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, which indicates he could be ready to be a regular starter elsewhere.
Leeds make contact to sign free agent star who scored 23 goals this season
The Whites are looking for some attacking flair after claiming promotion to the top-flight.
BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025
The Israeli is not the only player with Champions League experience on Leeds’ radar, however, with Aouna recently taking to X to reveal they have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.
The Whites may need to spend big to seal a deal for Paixao, however, with the Dutch club holding out for a fee of €40m (£34m), and there could be stiff competition for his signature, given that Brighton & Hove Albion and Napoli have also made contact.
Igor Paixao for Feyenoord.
The Brazilian is “highly appreciated” by Feyenoord internally, and it is clear to see why he is held in such high regard, given the level of his performances both domestically and in Europe this season.
"Explosive" Paixao impressing in the Champions League
Feyenoord ultimately finished 11 points adrift of Eredivisie title-winners PSV Eindhoven, but the left-winger’s displays were certainly of the standard of a title-winning side, collecting 18 goals and 19 assists in all competitions, which is a whopping 37 total goal contributions.
Perhaps most significantly, the 24-year-old put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League, receiving the Man of the Match award after shining against AC Milan back in February.
The Feyenoord star impressed analyst Ben Mattinson with his performance that day, saying he’s “a creative winger who’s an instinctive shooter”, while he has also caught scout Jacek Kulig’s eye in the past, who described him as “explosive”.
Paixao is undoubtedly an ambitious target, given that he has already proven himself against some of Europe’s top clubs, and may not want to be involved in a relegation battle next season, but the forward could be a real statement signing if Leeds are able to seal a deal.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to build on winning the Europa League last term and could turn to a recognisable face in their hunt to strengthen their defensive line.
Tottenham look to bring in more reinforcements after Mathys Tel
Spurs fans will be heading into the new week with a spring in their step after the club announced Mathys Tel on a long-term deal that will run until the summer of 2031 following his loan spell.
Kevin Danso has also completed his move to North London from Lens, signaling that Thomas Frank is keen to stockpile high-pedigree stars to max out squad depth to cope with a heavy fixture schedule to come.
Speaking after selling Tel to Tottenham permanently, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl said: “Mathys Tel came to FC Bayern as a very young player and took his first steps into top-level international football here.
“He was a popular figure in our team, always giving his all for the club and the team. It has become clear that the move to Tottenham was the right one for his development.”
Looking to strike while the iron is hot, Tottenham are preparing a surprise bid for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as Frank looks to reunite with an old flame in North London.
Tottenham star very close to Spurs exit after receiving £195k-p/w proposal
Spurs could be set to let an iconic figure depart…
1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025
Despite his familiarity with the man in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it may prove to be a difficult deal to pull off as the Bees hold out to retain their captain.
Frank is ready to put his own stamp on Spurs once he fully gets his feet under the table, and what better way to do that than raid his former club for a number of stars?
Tottenham Hotspur enter race to sign Nathan Collins
According to TBR, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Nathan Collins from Brentford in another swoop that could see Frank link up with one of his former men in North London.
Arsenal are also said to be keen admirers of the Republic of Ireland international, as are Liverpool, though Spurs see the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man as a potential replacement for Cristian Romero if the Argentina international departs this summer.
Nathan Collins in the Premier League – 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Duels won
194
Aerial duels won
119
Pass completion rate
86.3%
Recoveries
162
Interceptions
34
Commended for his “fantastic” work ethic by former Ireland Under-21 boss Jin Crawford, Collins registered an impressive two goals and five assists last term under Frank across all competitions.
Admittedly, the battle for his signature may become heated, but the advantage Spurs hold in the dugout could well be enough to tip the scales in their direction if Brentford are willing to come to the table.
Now, it remains to be seen if the Dane can force a deal over the line to bring the Irishman to N17, which would be a statement early into his reign at Tottenham.
As their goalkeeper search goes on, Manchester United have now reportedly received the green light to sign an impressive shot-stopper in a cut-price deal this summer.
Onana keen to fight for Man Utd place
Amid links to the likes of Emiliano Martinez, it is expected that Andre Onana could face an uphill battle to keep hold of his No.1 spot next season. The former Inter star has been a liability for some time at Old Trafford and whilst they’re in the mood to spend big it looks as though INEOS have set their sights on an upgrade. Onana, however, isn’t keen to give up that easily.
Reportedly under the impression that he will stay put at Old Trafford, Manchester United could yet decide to burst Onana’s bubble by welcoming his replacement in the coming months.
To that end, Martinez would certainly be an impressive arrival. Weakening Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the process, United would be signing a World Cup winner who the Villans may be forced to sell amid their PSR concerns.
The Argentine star isn’t the only name on the Red Devils’ radar, however. The likes of Andriy Lunin have also threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks. The Real Madrid No.2 could yet decide to leave the Spanish giants in pursuit of a starting role and that would open the door for United to come swooping in.
He's better than Nkunku: Man Utd make huge offer to sign "sensational" star
Manchester United appear to be moving one step closer to landing a key target this summer.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025
A Champions League winner who has experience at the very top level, it’s no surprise that Lunin has found himself in United’s sights this summer. But they may still opt for an alternative option and one who is now reportedly pushing to leave his current club.
Man Utd receive green light from Diogo Costa
According to A Bola, Manchester United have now received the green light from Diogo Costa over a summer move from FC Porto. The goalkeeper is reportedly pushing to leave the Portuguese club and they are now willing to accept a cheaper offer than his €75m (£64m) release clause.
Costa is expected to leave Porto this summer and his desire to experience life outside of Portugal should place Old Trafford high up on his list of options. Given that he’s available at a cut-price too, it’s a deal that INEOS would be wise to pursue in the coming months.
Starts
32
34
Clean Sheets
16
9
Saves P90
1.78
2.59
Save Percentage
74.1%
68.9%
Described as “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Costa would be a clear upgrade on Onana. Whilst the latter maintained a 68.9% save percentage last season, the Porto man thrived with a record of 74.1% to keep 16 clean sheets in 32 league appearances.
For the right price, a move to sign the Portugal international would represent yet more impressive business by INEOS this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur may end up waving goodbye to another fan-favourite star before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
At the start of June, The Telegraph reported that club captain Heung-min Son could move on from London after leading the team to the Europa League trophy this season.
Tottenham Hotspur'sSonHeung-minreacts
The outlet claimed that the South Korea international could be sold by Spurs in order to generate funds to bolster the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, amid interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League.
Son has racked up an eye-catching haul of 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances in all competitions for the club since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015.
The experienced forward’s departure this summer would mean that all three of Mauricio Pochettino’s iconic attacking line-up will have moved on, following Dele Alli and Harry Kane’s exits from the club in recent years.
All three stars were key players for the former Spurs head coach at the top end of the pitch, and Alli’s contributions should not be overlooked.
Why Dele Alli was a star for Spurs
The London-based club reportedly splashed out a fee of £5m to sign the attacking midfielder from League One outfit MK Dons in 2015, and Pochettino brought him into the first-team squad for the 2015/16 campaign.
Alli hit the ground running in the Premier League, bypassing the Championship, with a return of ten goals and eight assists in 33 top-flight games in his first season with Spurs.
The England international went on to plunder 67 goals and 59 assists in 269 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham before his move away from the club in 2022.
These statistics show that the former MK Dons talent provided plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Spurs during his time in London, whilst he also offered Pochettino a lot of flexibility in the way that he could be deployed within the starting line-up.
Attacking midfield
158
42
40
Central midfield
48
9
5
Left midfield
36
14
8
Centre-forward
8
2
1
Defensive midfield
2
0
2
As you can see in the table above, Alli was deployed in several different positions for Tottenham, mainly playing as a central or attacking midfielder, or off the left flank.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Como in Italy, was a star for Spurs due to both the quality he provided at the top end of the pitch and the versatility he offered the manager.
Spurs may now be about to unearth their next version of Alli, who was a key member of the attack that included Son and Kane under Pochettino, as they are expected to sign a Premier League star.
Spurs expected to sign Premier League midfielder
West Ham United outlet HammersNews reports that the Premier League side expect Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey to sign for Tottenham this summer.
The Hammers are interested in a deal to sign the former England U21 international to bolster their own squad this summer, but the club believe that the 24-year-old talent is on his way to another team in London.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking to HammersNews, the ‘top spokesman’ for the West Ham owners said: “I think the player (Ramsey) is going to Spurs.”
Spurs were recently linked with an interest in the Villans starlet, who could be on his way out of Villa Park this summer, and this latest update suggests that they are set to win the race for his signature.
Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey
Earlier this year, The Boot Room reported that Manchester City are also interested in the attacking midfielder, who is valued at a fee of around £50m by Aston Villa.
However, it remains to be seen exactly how much Spurs will end up paying for the English talent if they do end up signing him, as West Ham expect.
Why Spurs should sign Jacob Ramsey
The Lilywhites should push ahead with a deal to sign the 24-year-old star in the coming weeks because he could arrive at the club as Thomas Frank’s own version of Dele Alli.
Ramsey may not seem like an obvious signing for Spurs, given that he has only scored two Premier League goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but his form in the past for Villa suggests that there is a quality player who could be unearthed.
The Villans maestro’s performances in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns suggest that he has the potential to develop into a top performer for Tottenham if Frank can get the best out of him.
Ramsey, who was once dubbed “sensational” by Seb Stafford-Bloor, plundered 12 goals and eight assists in those two seasons, and was particularly impressive in front of goal in the 2022/23 campaign, with six goals and seven assists to his name that term.
Non-penalty xG
0.20
Top 16%
Non-penalty xG
0.17
Top 14%
xAG
0.17
Top 14%
Assists
0.24
Top 6%
Shot-creating actions
2.77
Top 40%
Progressive carries
3.21
Top 9%
As you can see in the table above, the English star caught the eye as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Villans, ranking highly among midfielders in the Premier League in several key attacking metrics.
Like Alli, Ramsey’s top three most played positions are central midfield, attacking midfield, and left midfield, which means that he can offer Frank the same positional flexibility that the former Spurs star did for Pochettino, as a playmaker who can play centrally or come in off the left.
Jacob Ramsey in Premier League action for Aston Villa.
His form in the 2022/23 season also suggests that he has the potential to provide an impressive threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from those three positions, which is exactly what Alli did throughout his time in North London.
Therefore, Frank could unearth his own version of the former England international by securing a deal for Ramsey, before helping him to get back to the kind of form he displayed at the start of his Villa career.
A bigger talent than Eze: Spurs make enquiry for "sensational" £40m star
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for another Premier League talent.
Chelsea have signed plenty of attacking players from fellow Premier League clubs over the years.
Some have performed well and lived up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, whereas others have struggled.
Fernando Torres cost the Blues £50m when he joined from Liverpool in January 2011. Considering he was one of the finest forwards in Europe, the expectation was enormous.
A return of just 45 goals in 172 matches didn’t exactly see him shine at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling was another attacking player who failed to star at the club, despite a big transfer fee, ultimately shipped out on loan to Arsenal after being excluded by the manager.
In comparison, Cole Palmer has been a massive hit, registering 68 goal contributions across 94 matches for the Blues since joining from Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole and Eidur Gudjohnsen have all made the move from other Premier League sides to Chelsea since the turn of the century and significantly impressed in their own way.
Now, Enzo Maresca is looking to wrap up a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro.
If a deal can be sealed in the coming days, the manager will be hoping he will turn into a Palmer 2.0 rather than a Torres.
Chelsea closing in on signing Joao Pedro
The Italian has made no secret that he is looking to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options this summer.
Jamie Gittens is someone whom the Blues have been tracking for quite some time, and they even had a bid rejected a few weeks ago.
Their £55m bid a few days ago was accepted, however, and the English winger is set to undergo a medical in London.
Jamie Gittens
Could Pedro follow suit in the coming days? According to The Athletic, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton regarding a move for the Brazilian, and it is in excess of £50m.
His medical looks set to take place over the next few days, and the Blues are closing in on adding another top-class forward ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Pedro has scored 22 goals and grabbed ten assists across 88 Premier League games in his career. This is perhaps a decent record rather than spectacular, but Pedro offers more than just a clinical threat in front of goal.
Goals
10
Assists
6
Big chances created
11
Key passes per game
1.1
Successful dribbles per game
1.1
Shots per game
1.7
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.
Additionally, the Brazilian forward also ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 while also ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
These statistics indicate that Pedro could be an exciting signing indeed, especially with his wonderful attacking traits.
Combine this with the fact that he can operate either as a centre-forward or as a shadow striker will give Maresca plenty of flexibility in where he deploys the Brighton star.
With a move close to completion, Pedro could link up extremely well with another Chelsea target – Mohammed Kudus.
Chelsea exploring move for Premier League star
While Gittens looks like he is closing in on a move to the Stamford Bridge side, he isn’t the only winger Maresca is eyeing up.
Blues insider Simon Phillips provided an update on the Blues’ pursuit of Kudus on X, saying that “Chelsea still trying for Kudus as well” amid the recent speculation.
Indeed, the club had made a proposal worth around £50m to West Ham United regarding the Ghanaian winger, yet this was rejected rather swiftly by the Irons as the player has an £85m release clause.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
Maresca appears keen on landing the player, however, and he could well go back in and make an official bid to test West Ham’s resolve.
If he can land both Pedro and Kudus this summer, the pair could work well together. That’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Mohammed Kudus
Pedro will be signed to challenge Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a centre-forward role, with Maresca keen on making use of his strengths in the opposition penalty area.
As such, Kudus would be deployed on the flanks, where he can deliver crosses and provide a host of chances for the Brazilian.
During his two seasons with West Ham, Kudus has scored 19 goals and recorded 13 assists across 80 matches. This works out as a goal contribution every 2.5 games, which is a more than respectable figure.
In the Premier League last term, the former Ajax starlet succeeded with an impressive 2.9 dribbles per game, while also creating four big chances and averaging one key pass per match.
His ability to beat his opposite man was certainly on display throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Indeed, he ranked in the top 3% for successful take-ons (3.2) per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues.
Furthermore, Kudus also ranks in the top 17% for crosses into the penalty area (0.52) per 90 and in the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90.
Journalist Gary Al-Smith hailed the African winger as a “generational talent” back in 2023, just a few months after he made the move to West Ham and while his second season might not have been as impressive as his maiden one at the London Stadium, Kudus would still be an excellent signing for Chelsea.
Not only would he add some competition to the wide areas, but his abilities would work in tandem with Pedro, allowing the duo to flourish in the Premier League and Champions League next season.
That ability to beat a man won’t only open up more goalscoring opportunities for Chelsea’s forward line, but it would also drag more players towards him, thus opening up more space in the final third for the likes of Pedro and Co.
Much will depend on the fee West Ham demand, especially if the Blues are paying over £100 to sign both Gittens and Pedro in the coming weeks.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
If several players, such as Christopher Nkunku and João Félix, can be moved on, this will give Maresca the money to spend on bringing Kudus to Stamford Bridge.
If he manages to get all his transfer targets in the door before the start of next season, Chelsea could be a team to watch, that’s for sure.
A better signing than Gittens: Chelsea offered "world-class" £45m PL star
Chelsea could seal a better deal than Jamie Gittens joining the Stamford Bridge ranks by winning this £45m star.
Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “world-class” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.
Spurs' Gibbs-White pursuit takes twist
It appeared as though Tottenham were very close to getting a deal for Gibbs-White over the line, having triggered the £60m release clause in his contract, but the saga has recently taken a twist.
Nottingham Forest have now reported Spurs to the Premier League, with the Tricky Trees threatening legal action, as they believe an illegal approach was made for the midfielder, which means the deal has stalled.
However, Fabrizio Romano has since provided a positive update on the situation, with the transfer expert saying: “Tottenham maintain their position. They are convinced about their behaviour. They want to proceed with the deal, they want to sign the player. Nottingham Forest are prepared to fight. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there.
“But, for sure, the Gibbs-White deal now has an issue to be solved between the two clubs. That’s going to be one to watch in the coming days and hours, with Tottenham still hopeful and confident to get the player.”
Not only are the Lilywhites vying to sign a new attacking midfielder, but they are also keen on a more defensive option, and a report from GiveMeSport has revealed Spurs have also made an approach to sign Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
Tottenham have made initial contact over a deal for Palhinha, who joined the German club from Fulham in a deal worth around £47m last summer, and Daniel Levy is prepared to launch a bid if it becomes apparent the Portuguese midfielder is available.
It may take a sizeable bid to tempt Bayern into a sale, however, and the 30-year-old’s wage demands are likely to be high, considering he rakes in £200k-a-week at the Allianz Arena when bonuses are triggered.
"World-class" Palhinha could be ideal Spurs signing
Tottenham struggled defensively for large parts of the 2024-25 campaign, shipping 65 goals in the Premier League, and the Portugal international could provide some stability in midfield, given that he is exceptional at winning back possession.
Chief flies to London for transfer talks with £100k-per-week Tottenham star
He could leave Spurs this summer.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 13, 2025
During the 2023-24 Premier League season, no player won more tackles than the former Fulham man, and he has continued to catch the eye at times for Bayern over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
3.19 (93rd percentile)
Aerials won
2.34 (96th percentile)
Blocks
1.49 (79th percentile)
Pass completion %
92.4% (97th percentile)
Having already proven himself in the Premier League, during which time he was lauded as “world-class” by journalist Dom Smith, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer, but it may be a slight concern that he is now in his thirties.
Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has told Football FanCast that the Gunners should be prioritising the signing of another high-profile forward, if a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres falls flat.
Latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres
Will he, won’t he? There’s been more twists and turns in this transfer saga than a Formula 1 race.
At one stage having seemingly been behind RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko on the north Londoners’ striker shortlist, Gyokeres has emerged as the leading target for Andrea Berta and co in recent weeks, amid the need to end the club’s lengthy wait for a new number nine.
After netting 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon, the 27-year-old Swede appears to be edging ever closer to moving to the Emirates, albeit with the situation having dragged on of late.
Indeed, while a £63.5m agreement with the Portuguese outfit is nearing completion, following Gyokeres’ public dispute with his current side, the final details have yet to be resolved.
There had even been whispers in Portugal that rival suitors Manchester United were keen to hijack the deal, amid Ruben Amorim’s desire for a reunion, although that reported interest from the Red Devils has seemingly been overblown.
Regardless, those of an Arsenal persuasion won’t rest until the former Coventry City man is signed, sealed and delivered, with it perhaps wise to still be considering alternatives – as Pennant suggested…
Pennant suggests "big-money" alternative to Gyokeres
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Adventure Gamers, the one-time Gunners academy graduate outlined that if his former club can’t get a deal done for Gyokeres, then a more fluid forward – in the mould of Gabriel Jesus – should well be considered, namely Real Madrid’s wantaway star, Rodrygo:
The 24-year-old wideman has been heavily linked with an exit from the Bernabeu this summer, having played a limited role at the recent Club World Cup under new boss Xabi Alonso, with Arsenal believed to be one of the clubs interested in capitalising on the uncertainty surrounding the £85m-rated talent.
2024/25
30
12
2023/24
34
15
2022/23
34
18
2021/22
33
8
2020/21
22
7
2019/20
19
2
Rodrygo wouldn’t be the only option to consider, however, with Pennant also tipping the Emirates hierarchy to renew their approach for the aforementioned Sesko:
The Slovenian is fresh off the back of the campaign in which he scored 21 times in all competitions for Leipzig, while Rodrygo scored 14 times across all fronts for Los Blancos.
Those returns fall shy of Gyokeres’ mammoth 54-goal haul in 2024/25, although as Pennant suggested, any of that trio would be a worthy addition to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
50% duels won, only 6 passes: 5/10 Arsenal star must now be axed for Eze
Arsenal started their pre-season with a 1-0 win over AC Milan.
Tottenham Hotspur have completed a shrewd signing indeed with Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, who joins Thomas Frank’s side on a season-long loan deal with a buy option inserted for £26m.
He joins Mohammed Kudus down at N17, and it’s starting to feel like the new era is shaping up, even with skipper Heung-min Son leaving for LAFC in a deal worth £20m.
33-year-old Son’s departure was anticipated, but the loss of James Maddison to a knee injury in pre-season was not part of the script, and Frank is now forced to contend with the absence of one of Spurs’ most important creative forces for a long stretch of the impending campaign.
Spurs considering James Maddison replacements
Tottenham’s fruitless bid to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month emphasises Frank’s desire to shore up his Tottenham midfield with a new playmaker.
That need has only been aggravated by Maddison’s agonising setback, having endured such torrid luck on the injury front since leaving Leicester City and joining Tottenham for £40m in 2023.
Expect the Lilywhites to take action, moving for a midfielder who could add some creativity and flair.
And the man potentially arriving might be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, with Sports Mole revealing that an immediate enquiry was posted to the Etihad Stadium following Maddison’s injury. Antonio Conte’s Napoli are also in the race, although the report suggests that the Serie A side are ‘no longer frontrunners’.
Grealish is expected to leave Man City this summer after falling out of favour, and he’s previously been transfer-listed at £40m, some way below the then British-record £100m fee the Citizens paid Aston Villa for his services in 2021.
Why Spurs should sign Jack Grealish
On a personal level, Grealish has fallen by the wayside at Manchester City.
But the Three Lions man remains a “magician” of a player, as he has been called by former Premier League star Ashley Cole, and he might even prove to be an upgrade on Maddison, should he rediscover his finest form away from City.
FFC in-text wider Maddison vs Grealish
Grealish has won the gamut in sky blue, but he’s only scored 17 goals and laid on 23 assists across 157 matches for the club. Never billed as a prolific wide player, he has still struggled for purchase too often in recent years, limited to just 17 Premier League starts across that period.
The 2024/25 campaign was hardly one of success for either midfielder on an individual basis, but Maddison thrived during his debut year with Tottenham (albeit he was still blighted by injuries), while Grealish operated at an absurd level with Villa, attracting City’s attention.
Matches (starts)
26 (24)
28 (26)
Goals
6
4
Assists
10
9
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.7)
2.1 (0.8)
Big chances missed
4
4
Pass completion
83%
87%
Big chances created
14
11
Key passes*
3.2
2.4
Dribbles*
2.5
1.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.7
Total duels (won)*
8.9 (61%)
5.1 (57%)
There are some intriguing similarities between the Englishmen, but, as you can see above, Grealish is capable of more impressive and complete displays when on his A-game.
Even though Grealish has endured some difficulties in Pep Guardiola’s squad over the past couple of years, he remains a hardy and fleet-footed player. A maverick, he’s unplayable when at his best.
As per FBref, the 29-year-old ranked among the top 1% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for progressive carries, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, highlighting his deep-seated elite quality.
Frank could rekindle his fire and allow him to bounce back toward that once remarkable level. Tottenham, for sure, could hit the jackpot by signing Grealish for a cut-price fee.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has just watched Spurs legend Son Heung-min confirm that he will be leaving the club in an emotional press conference, with the north Londoners poised to continue making headlines this transfer window.
Tottenham talks "underway" to hijack deal for PSG player alongside Palhinha
Spurs are after another player after sealing the Portugal international.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 1, 2025
It has been a fairly eventful summer at N17 thus far, having spent over £110 million in total on the signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.
Their recruitment expenditure would’ve been £170 million if Morgan Gibbs-White had sealed his £60 million move to Spurs – as was widely expected around three weeks ago. However, after a very unexpected chain of events, including legal threats from Nottingham Forest, his transfer was blocked, and he’s since signed a new contract at the City Ground.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Tottenham are still in the market for a new playmaker and alternative to Gibbs-White, with chairman Daniel Levy also reportedly considering an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
Their need to sign a new left-winger is also emphasised by Son’s now-imminent departure.
The South Korean burst into tears after he announced that this year would be his last in a Tottenham shirt, and the Lilywhites must now begin the search for his potential replacement after Son’s stellar decade in north London.
“Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer,” said Son.
“Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.
“I have been here for 10 years. It’s a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. I just felt like I need a new environment to push myself to get more out of me. I think I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time.”
As one big name looks set to depart, another comes through the door.
Joao Palhinha completes Tottenham medical with "formal steps" to follow
According to Fabrizio Romano, midfielder Joao Palhinha is on the verge of completing his move to Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich.
The Portugal international agreed a temporary deal with an option to buy for around £26 million next summer, and Romano claims that Palhinha has now completed his Tottenham medical with “formal steps” to follow between the clubs.
Palhinha’s debut campaign at Bayern, after he sealed a long-awaited move there from Fulham last year, wasn’t exactly ideal.
The 30-year-old fell down Vincent Kompany’s pecking order following a season blighted by injury and suspension, with Palhinha now returning to London just 12 months after waving goodbye to Craven Cottage.
Spurs will cover his full £166,000-per-week salary, but Frank is apparently “really excited” about signing Palhinha as he’s exactly the type of player Tottenham’s new head coach has been looking for (Fabrizio Romano).
Aston Villa are reportedly in talks to sell a £40m-rated player along with Jacob Ramsey in the summer transfer window, with manager Unai Emery ready to move him on.
Ramsey’s spell with the Villans is reaching its conclusion this summer, in a decision that could arguably split opinion, considering he is a talented player who is still relatively young. The English midfielder is heading to Newcastle United in a move that could eventually be worth £43m, as he seals a move to one of Villa’s Premier League rivals.
It remains to be seen if selling Ramsey is the right decision, but if he isn’t deemed a key starter moving forward, cashing in on him and generating funds for other signings before the end of the current transfer window makes sense.
Now, it looks as though Villa have also sanctioned the exit of another established player this summer, following a significant update regarding his future.
Aston Villa in talks to sell £40m ace
According to a new report from The Boot Room, Aston Villa are in talks with Roma over the signing of winger Leon Bailey, with journalist Graeme Bailey adding that Emery is happy for him to leave.
“Bailey is that one player who Villa have been looking to move on all summer. Unai Emery has not been happy with his progress since he signed his new deal in 2024 and that is a big reason. Villa and Emery want Bailey out the door, he is not staying and won’t play for the club again. They also want him out now as it will give them a chance to spend that money in this window.”
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey in action with Juventus'AndreaCambiaso
This feels like the right time for the £40m-rated Bailey to leave Villa, especially as Emery doesn’t consider him an important part of his plans moving forward.
The 28-year-old only started 14 of his side’s 38 Premier League matches last season, showing that he was invariably considered more of a squad player, and that seems unlikely to change in 2025/26.
Bailey also isn’t getting any younger now, so to potentially receive £40m for him, or an amount around that figure, could ultimately be too good to turn down.
Emery's new Asensio: Aston Villa hold talks over signing £18m "wizard"
Aston Villa are looking to sign another attacker this summer
ByJoe Nuttall Aug 14, 2025
If he does depart before the end of this month, he will be remembered as a gifted player who contributed plenty, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists, but also one who didn’t always manage to find great consistency in his game.