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Aston Villa came away from their encounter with Sunderland with their third point of the season, albeit they will feel a major sense of frustration after adding to their winless run in the Premier League.

Despite Reinildo’s dismissal on 33 minutes, the visitors took until midway through the second half to break the deadlock courtesy of a sweet Matty Cash strike that deceived Robin Roefs.

However, Sunderland weren’t to be denied after Wilson Isidor latched onto a weighted Granit Xhaka header to fire home in smart fashion, and the Black Cats skipper praised their fight against a man advantage: “Of course the red card changed the plans we created during the week, but in the end I believe the one point is much more than deserved.

With the Villans’ run without a win extending to six matches, supporters will be feeling irate, and they are unlikely to experience a lift in their mood amid Ollie Watkins’ role in the Black Cats securing a point against Emery’s men.

Ollie Watkins' role in Sunderland's equaliser against Aston Villa

Post-match, Emery admitted that his side were ‘lazy sometimes defensively’ against Sunderland, and it is hard to disagree when watching the hosts’ equaliser back with the benefit of hindsight.

Watkins wasn’t the only one culpable as Emery’s side shipped a decisive Isidor effort, but the England international was caught short as Xhaka’s unchallenged header morphed into an assist despite the Aston Villa striker and several other teammates having plenty of time to contest for the ball.

Ultimately, a lapse in concentration that managed to infiltrate several players has left the Villans with a point, which they will view as an opportunity missed due to holding a man advantage for the majority of Sunday’s encounter.

Nevertheless, Sunderland racked up a better Expected Goals total (1.05) than the away side (0.71) and also took on more shots, heightening the cause for concern at the club after yet another unconvincing performance on the road.

Watkins could hold key to Aston Villa revival

Undoubtedly, Aston Villa are lacking inspiration in the forward areas and need someone to step up and take responsibility, which has left the door ajar for Watkins to become a leading light through the middle following his exploits last season.

Six appearances and no goals so far in 2025/26 represents an unconvincing return for the Three Lions international. Regardless, form is temporary and class is permanent, as shown in his performances across 2024/25.

Ollie Watkins in the Premier League – 2024/25

Goals

16

Assists

8

Shots

84

Shots on target

40

Chances created

25

All statistics courtesy of Fotmob

Evann Guessand has failed to live up to expectations since arriving during the window, while Youri Tielemans’ injury concern has left a creative void needing filled in the engine room.

Watkins will thrive if the chances fall his way across the season. However, Emery’s men have scored once in their first five Premier League matches, illustrating their stark lack of threat in the final third.

The USL has added an investor with significant capital as it aims to compete with MLS with a first division of its own starting in 2028. BellTower Partners, a private investment firm run by ex-Carlyle Group CEO Kewsong Lee, has purchased a minority equity stake in the North American soccer league. Lee reportedly has a net worth of $28 billion.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Pushing forward with promotion/relegation

  The investment was reportedly made with an eye on helping the USL launch its yet-to-be-named Division One league and its announced plan of having promotion and relegation across its men's leagues, according to the Guardian. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. 

  While promotion and relegation is common in global soccer, it hasn't taken effect in America yet. MLS has used a single-entity structure since its launch in 1996. 

  As part of the investment, Lee will sit on the USL's Board of Directors as vice chairman, serving alongside league CEO Alec Papadakis and chairman Rob Hoskins. Papadakis expressed his excitement about having Lee on board. 

  “Kewsong and BellTower are joining the USL at a moment of tremendous opportunity,” Papadakis said in a statement.  “The investment underscores their confidence in, and alignment with, our vision for the future of the USL. It strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise by advancing top-tier Division One, introducing promotion and relegation, and aligning American soccer more closely with the global game.

  "As we enter this next chapter, we have charted a bold course for the sport in the United States. With Kewsong’s strategic perspective, operational acumen, and proven leadership, we gain an invaluable partner in the ongoing effort to bring that vision to life.”

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Previous success and ties to USL

  Lee founded BellTower Partners in 2022, shortly after leaving his role as CEO at Carlyle Group. He spent more than two decades as an investor at Warburg Pincus, where he was a partner and member of the executive management Group. 

  Since starting BellTower Partners, Lee has been involved in a number of investments, including sports. The firm bought into Patricof Co, which helps athletes identify investments and counts Travis and Jason Kelce, along with former NFL star J.J. Watt, among its clients.

  Patricof notably guided Watt’s stake in English club Burnley. For the USL, BellTower’s most relevant tie is to United Sports Development Partners, the Connecticut developer behind Rhode Island FC’s Centreville Bank Stadium.

• Getty Images
  

  'Significant upside'

  Lee noted the USL's significant potential and his commitment to helping the league reach the next step in its development. 

  "The USL has built something rare in American sports – an independent, multi-tier league system of scale that is both high-growth and impactful,” Lee said in a statement. “We see durable demand for authentic, community-focused clubs; a favorable environment for public-private partnerships; and significant upside for all stakeholders as the USL continues to expand its men’s and women’s pathways. 

  "We are excited to partner with the USL’s management team and share their commitment to realizing the USL’s next phase of its journey.”

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• Timing is pivotal

  The league noted in its statement that the investment comes at a time of "rapid momentum" as it aims to capitalize on the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics to expand.

  The USL currently has a ecosystem with the Championship, League One, League Two on the men's side, and the  Super League and W league on the women's side.

Matthijs de Ligt continues to endure marriage woes, it is being reported, with the Manchester United defender seeing his estranged wife continue with her "exaggerated" spiritual journey. Netherlands international De Ligt tied the knot with model AnneKee Molenaar in June 2024, but said relationship is said to be on the verge of collapse due to the couple's lifestyle differences.

Social media posts tell story

AnneKee’s interest in all things spiritual is said to have driven a wedge between her and De Ligt. Her social media channels regularly feature posts relating to crystals, tarot cards and self-affirming quotes. It has previously been suggested, by , that De Ligt can "no longer handle AnneKee’s exaggerated spiriwiri-content".

It first emerged in July that tension in the De Ligt marriage was threatening to drive Matthijs and AnneKee apart. Dutch news outlet reported that their relationship was "definitely over". United centre-half De Ligt was said to have jetted off for a holiday in Ibiza by himself, having already spent a week alone in Barbados.

claimed: "Initially, there was talk of 'some time for themselves' and holidaying separately, but it is now reportedly definitely over. Matthijs is said to have travelled to Ibiza alone this week and was recently in Barbados."

AdvertisementDe Ligt's marriage to Dutch model

De Ligt and AnneKee dated for several years before tying the knot, having first got together when the former was making his senior breakthrough as a talented teenager with Eredivisie giants Ajax. The couple moved to Manchester together when a transfer to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich was completed in 2024. AnneKee’s interests should come as little surprise to her husband.

AnneKee is, however, said to have stepped up her spiritual interests since launching "Annie’s Alchemia". Her content relating to that line of work has intensified of late. She has revealed to her followers that she recently attended her first "cacao ceremony" – a gathering that involves drinking ceremonial-grade cacao, which is supposed to help nourish the heart and mind. She has also been promoting products connected to "Annie’s Alchemia" and tarot card reading. AnneKee has not featured on Matthijs’ feeds for almost two months.

One quote to feature in AnneKee’s posts reads: "Sometimes the universe takes you on a journey you didn't know you needed, to bring you everything you ever wanted. Trust the plan." According to the latest reports, she is heading down that path on her own.

Getty Images SportCancelled anniversary plans in Italy

The couple were said to be planning a party in Italy over the summer of 2025 to celebrate their wedding anniversary, with friends and family being invited along for the ride. Said event was cancelled as De Ligt soaked up sun elsewhere.

Late revision of plans is nothing new for the couple, with De Ligt having been forced to leave his own wedding early as he had to link up with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024. AnneKee once told Dutch : "It's actually funny because the way the planning for our civil wedding went is a reflection of our relationship in general. At first, we planned to get married at the end of May, on our anniversary, but then it looked like Matthijs would make it to the Champions League final with Bayern Munich. So, we had to reschedule everything at the last moment."

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De Ligt's on-field struggles

De Ligt is into his second season as a Manchester United player, having moved to Old Trafford for £39 million ($52m). He endured a testing debut campaign in England, as the Red Devils did as a collective, with inconsistency costing Ruben Amorim’s side a place in European competition for 2025-26.

More struggles have been endured at the start of the current campaign, leading to questions being asked of Amorim’s future, but United did return to winning ways last time out in a battling 2-1 victory over Chelsea. They will – with seven points being picked up from five games so far – be back in action on Saturday lunchtime when taking in a trip to Brentford.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has now approved the sale of three first-team players after the very disappointing opening day defeat against Sunderland, according to a report.

Potter left frustrated by opening day defeat at Sunderland

West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light in their opening Premier League game of the season, and Potter subsequently admitted his side’s performance wasn’t up to par.

The Hammers boss said: “The second half was not good from us in terms of the basics. First half was quite good, we controlled the crowd and were unfortunate not to score. The first goal was always going to be important. Basics of football we have to really improve.

“It is the first day, we know these things can happen as much as we don’t like it to happen. We have a big game on Friday, we have to react and do a lot better.”

Even though we are only one game into the new campaign, pressure is arguably already mounting on Potter, given that the 50-year-old was unable to oversee a major improvement last season either, having averaged just 1.0 points per match during his time at the London Stadium.

As such, the Englishman is now looking to reshuffle his squad before the transfer deadline, and there may be some drastic action, with the West Ham manager now willing to sanction the departure of three first-team players.

That is according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (via West Ham Zone), which states Potter has approved the sales of Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez and Andy Irving, who will all now be allowed to leave for the right fee.

The midfield trio, who rake in a combined £180k-a-week, clearly haven’t done enough to impress the Solihull-born manager, and a number of new central midfielders have been identified as potential replacements.

Target

Current club

League G/A in 24/25

Aleix Garcia

Bayer Leverkusen

7

Eljif Elmas

RB Leipzig

4

Andrey Santos

Chelsea

14

Mateus Fernandes

Southampton

6

Potter needs to make major changes before transfer deadline

It is a good sign that Potter is willing to take radical action to improve his squad, given that there have been very few promising signs ever since the former Chelsea manager’s arrival at the London Stadium, amassing just 43 points last season.

Rodriguez failed to have any impact on the match against Sunderland, with the defensive midfielder not making a single defensive action, while he was also dribbled past on one occasion.

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Irving, on the other hand, came on as a late substitute, having failed to establish himself as a regular starter ever since his arrival, while Alvarez didn’t even make it off the bench, amid well-documented interest from Ajax and Monaco.

As such, West Ham fans are unlikely to be too disappointed to see any of the trio leave the club this summer, and some exciting potential replacements have been identified, with Chelsea’s Santos scoring ten league goals on loan at Strasbourg last term.

Chelsea are seriously weighing up the prospect of player exchanges, to both trim their bloated squad and reinforce Enzo Maresca’s own options.

£90m star very open to joining Chelsea with Nicolas Jackson swap possible

The Senegalese faces an uncertain future.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2025

Fresh off their impressive Club World Cup campaign in the USA, where they won six of their seven matches en route to a statement 3-0 win over PSG in the final, BlueCo continue their attempts to reshape the side ahead of a vital Premier League season.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season	Average match rating
Cole Palmer	7.33
Moises Caicedo	7.02
Enzo Fernández	6.95
Nicolas Jackson	6.88
Noni Madueke	6.82
via WhoScored

Chelsea are under some pressure from UEFA to sell players after being fined for breaching FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to personally want more attacking options as well (Simon Phillips).

As a solution to Chelsea’s need for player sales, and their desire to bring in more signings after a trio of deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, it is reported that ‘unofficial swap deals’ are being pondered at Stamford Bridge.

“The Blues are still weighing up a number of new targets in attack and other areas,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips on Substack this week.

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules. They make sense really and help both clubs and help deals get done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals.

“Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this. And although my top source is still hearing nothing at all on Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, something that has been backed up by Fabrizio Romano this week who says there has been no bid or even talks between Chelsea and United for Garnacho as of now, our source does also say that the only way it would happen is part of a ‘swap’ deal.”

Interestingly, Phillips also reported in the aforementioned Substack update that a player who could leave Cobham, in exchange for someone like Garnacho, is versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman still faces an uncertain future, despite impressing at the CWC, and has been told that he’ll only have a squad role next season.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix is widely expected to leave and has held talks over a return to boyhood club Benfica (Standard Sport).

Chelsea offer João Félix and Christopher Nkunku in exchange for Rodrygo

Now, as per Spanish news website Real Madrid Confidential, Chelsea are continuing to express an interest in £207,000-per-week Los Blancos forward Rodrygo.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Maresca’s side were plotting to use Nicolas Jackson in a potential swap for the Brazil international, and now RMC claim that Chelsea have proposed Nkunku and Felix in exchange for Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old is yet to make a final decision about leaving Real this summer, after scarcely being used by new manager Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, but it appears west London is emerging as a serious potential landing spot amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him the most “underrated” player in their squad.

واصل ريال مدريد سلسلة انتصاراته بعد أن حقق الفوز على إسبانيول بهدفين نظيفين على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في إطار منافسات الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وجاء هدفي ريال مدريد في الشوط الأول عن طريق إيدر ميليتاو بتسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء في الدقيقة 22، وعزز كيليان مبابي بتسديدة أخرى بصناعة من فينيسيوس جونيور في بداية الشوط الثاني في الدقيقة 47.

وقد ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد للنقطة 15 في المركز الأول، بعد أن حقق 5 انتصارات متتالية من 5 مباريات، ويأتي خلفه برشلونة ب10 نقاط.

بينما تجمد رصيد إسبانيول عند النقطة العاشرة في المركز الثالث، بعد أن تعرض للهزيمة الأولى إلى جانب ثلاث انتصارات وتعادل واحد.

أاقرأ أيضاً.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد هدف مبابي في مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول

وكان ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد قد دخل لقاء اليوم بتشكيل مكون من: كورتوا، كارفاخال، أسينسيو، ميليتاو، كاريراس، ماستانتونو، فيدي فالفيردي، تشواميني، فينيسيوس جونيور، جونزالو جارسيا، كيليان مبابي.

وأشرك تشابي ألونسو في الشوط الثاني كلًا من جود بيلينجهام وإدواردو كامافينجا ورودريجو وأردا جولر وإبراهيم دياز. رجل مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول في الدوري الإسباني

حصل النجم الفرنسي كيليان مبابي على جائزة رجل المباراة بين ريال مدريد وإسبانيول بعد أن قدم مستوى رائعًا وسجل هدفًا عزز به انتصار فريقه ووصل للهدف الخامس ليتربع على صدارة هدافي الليجا.

Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.

This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.

However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.

And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.

Spurs in contact for new midfielder

Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.

With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.

Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.

Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.

Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha

It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.

Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.

This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.

1.

Joao Palhinha

Fulham

152

2.

Joao Gomes

Wolves

128

3.

Vinicius Souza

Sheffield Utd

125

4.

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

106

5.

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

105

This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.

Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.

The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.

Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.

In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.

And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.

By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.

There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.

However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.

Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.

Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.

Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.

Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.

Perfect alongside Palhinha: "Phenomenal" star has agreed terms with Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one talent this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2025

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has a massive task ahead of him, there is no doubt.

His first few interviews since being unveiled as the new Ibrox boss have been positive, and it is clear the former Southampton manager has a distinct style of play.

This is something that the club have lacked under previous managers, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement. Those two set up teams well in Europe, but domestically was a different story.

It may well be the opposite in Martin’s case. But given how poor the Gers have been in the Premiership since winning the title in 2021, this could well be a sacrifice many of the supporters are willing to make.

Martin will need every department to click at the start of next season, as a good start is imperative.

He needs his defence to be solid and reliable. A midfield full of players simultaneously able to win the ball back and move it forwards into the final third, and a front three able to get the better of a low block and take their chances.

In that regard, having someone of Alfredo Morelos’ ability would work wonders next season, especially as he would shine in Martin’s system.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian talisman was a scourge for defenders, both domestically and in Europe, across his five years at Ibrox.

Between 2018 and 2023, he played 269 matches for the Light Blues, scoring an impressive tally of 124 goals for the club. Add in another 57 assists, and it is clear that Morelos was not only a clinical finisher, but he was also able to link play with those alongside and behind him.

Not since he departed have Rangers been able to call on a player with these abilities. Sure, Cyriel Dessers may have scored 51 times in just over 100 games, but the Nigerian striker often takes two or three chances to get on the scoresheet.

Morelos refined his game after a productive opening few seasons at Ibrox. Indeed, when the club won the domestic title during 2020/21, Morelos ‘only’ scored 11 league goals.

He played slightly deeper than in previous seasons, linking up with the likes of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in order to create chances for them too.

Danilo has shown glimpses of his deep-lying abilities when given a chance, but the Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run in the team to make a proper difference.

In Morelos, Rangers had a striker who established himself as a cult icon during his spell at Ibrox.

If Martin wishes to get the fans onside quickly, signing a player who is similar in style and stature to Morelos might be a good start.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers stats

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

45

12

7

2021/22

42

18

8

2020/21

44

17

13

2019/20

47

29

9

2018/19

48

30

12

2017/18

43

18

8

Via Transfermarkt

He could well have some money to spend this summer thanks to the 49ers investment. This should allow the new manager to bring in several transfer targets, which will bolster the squad.

Could his first signing be a young striker who is ready to take the next step in his career?

Rangers search for a new striker

While Dessers, Danilo and Hamza Igamane are all options for Martin, it is likely one is sold this summer.

Now, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have made Maccabi Tel Aviv centre-forward Dor Turgeman their number one target this summer.

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The youngster could be available for a fee in the region of £4m, and reports from Israel claim that the Glasgow side have already opened talks with the player regarding a move to Scotland.

Getting deals done over the line quickly will be key for Martin, especially as the Gers face a Champions League qualifier in six weeks.

Could Turgeman be a dream first signing? He certainly has all the tools required to succeed in Europe.

Why Rangers must sign Dor Turgeman

Last season, the highest scorer for the club was Dessers with 29 goals across all competitions. The next best tally from a striker was 16 by Igamane. While Danilo could only muster six goals through another injury-ravaged campaign.

Adding in another player who has the ability to score 20 or more goals next season is vital, especially if Martin wishes to challenge for the league title.

On that note, Turgeman would be an ideal signing this summer. The 2024/25 campaign was arguably his breakout for the Israeli side. Across 44 matches, the 21-year-old netted 20 goals and grabbed six assists for his club side.

He was praised by analyst Kai Watson as far back as February 2024, who said: “He’s played mostly as a striker but can definitely do a job on the wing. He’s quick, agile and has brilliant balance when driving with the ball.

“A very exciting player to watch and one that would have fans off of their seats.”

Last season certainly proved exactly what he can do and now is the chance for him to make a move and perform at a club like Rangers.

The club needs players who are willing to fight for every ball and win every duel. His manager, Zarko Lazetić, claimed that Turgeman was a “beast on the pitch”, and this sort of profile fits in with Martin’s style.

Like Morelos, the Israeli striker is capable of dropping deeper and generating chances for his team. Indeed, in the top flight last term, Turgeman created ten big chances for Maccabi, while he also recorded three assists and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.

For a fee of £4m, it is evident that Rangers would be getting a striker who closely resembles Morelos, perhaps without the disciplinary issues.

By selling Dessers in the coming weeks, Martin will be able to clear room for the youngster, who will be hoping to make his mark on Scottish football.

If the new owners and manager are serious about taking Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, signing Turgeman should be a priority. That’s a certainty.

Related Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time

Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Dec 26, 2024

Defensively, West Ham United have struggled in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Hammers, now led by Graham Potter, have one of the worst records in the top flight when it comes to conceding goals. There are only four sides that have shipped more than the East Londoners, with three of those the relegated sides.

As per Understat, West Ham have let in 59 goals this term, averaging 1.68 goals conceded per game. That overall number is actually more than three better than their expected goals against total, which is currently 62.73 xGA.

With that in mind, it might not be too much of a surprise that the Hammers are chasing some defensive reinforcements this summer.

The latest on West Ham's hunt for new defenders

One of the more ambitious defensive signings West Ham could try and make this summer would be to bring David Hancko to the club.

The Slovakian international seems destined to leave Feyenoord in a few weeks time, and Dutch publication Voetbal International report there is interest from Atletico Madrid, Al Nassr and Chelsea, as well as the Hammers.

The left-footed defender can play both left-back and left centre-back, and would add plenty of experience at the heart of the Hammers’ defence. He has made 44 appearances this term, for a Feyenoord side who have conceded just 33 top-flight goals.

Another defensive player who West Ham seem like they could be in for this summer is Kyle Walker-Peters. The Southampton man was part of a relegated side this season, but has been an important player for the South Coast side.

A report from journalist Greame Bailey suggests the Hammers are one of the sides trying to sign Walker-Peters on a free transfer this summer. However, they will face competition from his former club, Tottenham Hotspur and South London side Crystal Palace.

Despite the leaky defence at St Mary’s, there is no denying Walker-Peters’ quality. Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl once said he is an “unbelievably smart footballer”, and compared him to legendary right-back Phillipp Lahm.

The Hammers will certainly need to raise funds to afford the wages of both of these players. There is one obvious candidate who could leave the club to make room in the wage budget.

The defender West Ham must axe this summer

One player who has had no involvement in a Hammers shirt this season is Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman, who hails from Lyon, is currently out on loan at Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah and has not played for West Ham at all this season.

In fact, the former Chelsea player has not had too much first-team football for his temporary side Al-Orobah, either. He has only featured 16 times in all competitions, with 15 of those games coming in the Saudi Pro League.

At one stage, the centre-back was viewed as a vital cog in the works at the London Stadium. He joined the club in 2021 for £25m after leaving Chelsea, and was described as the club’s “first choice” signing at by former manager David Moyes at the time of his arrival.

The 30-year-old made just over a century of appearances in the famous claret and blue shirt, specifically reaching 103 games for the club. Zouma even skippered the club on 37 occasions and scored six times, including one goal in a 2-1 win away to Luton Town last term.

The Frenchman was also an important figure in the Hammers’ Conference League triumph back in 2022. As per Sofascore, he played seven games in that competition, averaging 2.8 aerial duels won and 1.9 tackles won per game.

Minutes played

68.1

477

Pass accuracy

85.5%

85.5%

Long balls completed

1.7

9

Tackles and interceptions

1.9

10

Aerial duels won

2.8

15

Overall, it does seem as though Zouma’s career has petered out at the London Stadium. His contract will expire in a few weeks’ time, and it seems unlikely to be renewed, given his current loan move to Al Orobah.

Not only will that free up money on the wage budget for the Hammers, but they will also be able to reinvest it into new signings that could include Hancko and Walker-Peters.

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ByJoe Nuttall May 4, 2025

Leeds United are thought to be “well-placed” to complete the signing of a £6.8m-rated midfielder this summer, as the Whites eye key reinforcements to stay in the top flight.

Leeds eyeing Premier League-ready signings

Daniel Farke’s men are basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, following two seasons in England’s second tier. It appears to be harder than ever for promoted teams to avoid the drop at the first attempt, highlighting the importance of Leeds and 49ers Enterprises nailing their summer transfer business, bringing in players who are ready to hit the ground running.

With the error-prone Illan Meslier no longer feeling like the Whites’ long-term solution between the sticks, a top-quality goalkeeper will be required this summer, and Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road. Meanwhile, FC Augsburg ‘keeper Finn Dahmen has also been mentioned as an alternative option to the Englishman.

In terms of possible outfield additions, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a switch to Leeds, which would be an eye-catching piece of business. Granted, the Dane has struggled at Old Trafford this season, but he still has 25 goals in 90 appearances for the Red Devils overall, and seven in 22 caps for Denmark.

Leeds "well-placed" to sign Hidemasa Morita

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Leeds are “well-placed” to sign Sporting CP ace Hidemasa Morita at the end of the season, potentially snapping him up for just £6.8m.

The 29-year-old has to decide if he wants to sign a new Sporting deal this summer, with his current contract there expiring in the summer of 2026, leaving the Portuguese giants running out of time to cash in. He is believed to be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Morita could be such a strong signing for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight, having now racked up 112 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title last season. He is also a 40-cap Japan international.

At 29, he could add great experience and competition for places at the base of the Whites’ midfield, making them as hard to play through as possible, as they prepare to face some of the best teams in Europe in 2025/26.

Playing time has been more limited for Morita this term, with only 11 starts coming his way in the league, so he may feel that now is the right time for a new challenge, testing himself in the Premier League.

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Morita is statistically a similar player to Kalvin Phillips and Ao Tanaka, according to Football Transfers, which could excite Leeds fans, given the latter’s popularity at Elland Road and Phillips’ incredible time in Yorkshire.