Tag Futebol

The attacking department at Tottenham Hotspur has been subject to somewhat of an overhaul this summer, especially after the departure of fan favourite Heung-min Son.

The South Korean departed in a £20m move to join MLS outfit LAFC, ending his Lilywhites career on a high after claiming the Europa League title at the end of last season.

However, it was an emotional departure, bringing an end to his decade-long stint in North London – a period that saw him amass over 400 appearances and become the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

At 33, it was undoubtedly the right call to allow him to move on to pastures new, but it’s left a void in the forward area – something which Thomas Frank will want to fill before the end of the summer window.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already been added to such a department, the new boss has made it abundantly clear that he wants added reinforcements to help him in his quest to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Spurs preparing another big move after Eze

A deal for Eberechi Eze has been in the pipeline for numerous weeks now, but a deal seems to be edging closer to completion, after key moves were made by Daniel Levy.

It was reported that the Spurs owner held face-to-face talks with Steve Parish over a move for the Englishman, which has seen a verbal agreement of £55m plus £5m in add-ons be reached in recent days.

A deal for the 27-year-old could see the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number ten finally come to an end, subsequently turning their attention to Monaco star Magnhes Akliouche in an attempt to further strengthen the squad.

According to The Independent, Frank’s men have identified the winger as the latest attacking target this window, potentially pursuing a move for the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline.

Their report claims that the Frenchman is seen as an alternative to Manchester City’s Savinho after the lack of progress on a deal for the Brazilian, with Akliouche a cheaper option, currently available for around a bargain fee of £43.5m.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect alongside Eze

As previously mentioned, a deal for Eze appears to finally be edging towards its completion, in a deal that would be yet another excellent deal for Spurs this window.

The attacking midfielder was one of the most potent number 10s in the division last year, managing to register 26 combined goals and assists – subsequently firing the Eagles to FA Cup glory.

If he can replicate such numbers across the capital in 2025/26, it would be a signing that would go a long way to improving the options at Frank’s disposal – making the side a force to be reckoned with across all competitions.

Such a deal would also allow the Lilywhites to get one over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners also previously interested in a move for the England international.

However, the prospect of Eze operating in Frank’s side is scary enough, not to mention the potential partnership he could strike up with Akliouche, should he too make the move to join the club.

He may be an unknown quantity to many, but the 23-year-old enjoyed a season to remember in his homeland last campaign, notching seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, adding another dimension to the Lilywhites squad, offering another huge attacking threat in the hierarchy’s quest for added success in the near future.

Akliouche, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box and passes into the 18-yard box last campaign – highlighting his ability to create or be on the end of chances.

Such numbers would fit perfectly into the hands of Eze, who registered 12 assists last season, with the pair able to link up and improve their respective tallies in North London.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

15

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

6.5

Progressive carries

4.8

Touches in opposition box

5.4

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

Carries into final third

1.8

Take-on success

49%

Key passes made

1.9

The Monaco youngster also ranked in the 94th percentile for carries into the final third, whilst posting a 49% take-on success rate, subsequently able to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.

His talents are further reflected in his progressive passes per 90 rate, averaging 5.5 per 90, with such tools able to find Eze – who will be required to make third-man runs in behind the striker within Frank’s current system.

Whilst both players would set the club back over £100m, they are additions that need to be made if the club are to build on their recent European triumph in 2024/25.

Both players are extremely technical, having the talent to get out of tight spaces and create endless opportunities, with Akliouche in particular being an exciting addition for the immediate and long-term future in North London.

Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 19, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Designado como coordenador técnico interino da Seleção Brasileira, Ricardo Gomes opinou sobre os sucessivos casos de racismo sofridos por Vini Jr. no Campeonato Espanhol. Após a convocação do técnico interino Ramon Menezes, o ex-zagueiro exaltou a campanha “Com Racismo Não Tem Jogo”, promovida pela CBF.

No entanto, disse que a ação é feita de maneira tardia.

– Essa bela campanha está atrasada. Não é um caso do futebol. Entre nós, o caso do Vini Jr deu repercussão, mas esse é um problema da sociedade. É uma grande campanha, mas está atrasada. O futebol está dentro da sociedade, mas isso acontece em todos os setores, em todos os países, não é só na Espanha, mas sim no mundo inteiro… – disse.

O treinador Ramon Menezes, o coordenador Ricardo Gomes e o presidente da CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, vestiram a camisa “Com Racismo Não Tem Jogo”. O palco para a convocação também estampou a frase na mesa onde foram colocados os microfones.

A mensagem tem sido exibida nos telões dos estádios e em outros elementos das partidas deste fim de semana no Brasileirão. Árbitros e jogadores, em protesto contra o racismo, têm sentado no gramado logo após o apito inicial.

A Seleção Brasileira disputará em Barcelona um de seus amistosos do próximo mês. O racismo sofrido recentemente por Vini Jr. chegou a criar especulações em torno da manutenção do local. Porém, a CBF manteve o jogo em território espanhol após contato com o atleta.

Chelsea have now made an approach over a deal to sign a “special” Premier League player, according to a report.

Blues keen on new defenders after Colwill injury

After such a positive pre-season, during which the Blues emerged victorious in the new-look Club World Cup, the Blues suffered a major injury blow, with centre-back Levi Colwill set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury.

Consequently, Enzo Maresca wants to sign a new centre-back, although the Italian has revealed that club chiefs are hoping that one of the current players will be able to step up to the plate in Colwill’s absence.

Maresca said: “I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think.”

In the west Londoners’ Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah were given the nod at centre-back, and the Cobham academy graduates kept a clean sheet with the help of Reece James and Marc Cucurella on either side.

Maresca is very well-stocked at full-back, with the likes of James and Malo Gusto to choose from on the right, but the Blues have now stepped up their interest in a new signing, having lodged an enquiry over a deal for a Premier League right-back…

Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea have now made an approach to Manchester City over Rico Lewis, who is currently in talks over extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea verbally agree deal for £192k-a-week star but need Nkunku to leave

It’s a case of one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 16, 2025

Pep Guardiola is determined to keep hold of Lewis, amid widespread interest in the right-back’s signature, with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.

Nottingham Forest have already tabled a €30m (£25.9m) proposal for the 20-year-old, which was immediately knocked back, indicating it could take a significantly higher bid to tempt City into a sale.

"Special" Lewis held in high regard by Pep

It could be difficult for the Blues to get a deal over the line, given that Guardiola clearly rates the starlet very highly, having once suggested he is a very well-rounded full-back.

The City boss said: “In the training sessions we always thought this guy has something special. Defensive he is aggressive enough. He has the margin to improve but with the ball inside he is so good and outside we saw today, one v one good crosses and good finishing.”

The England international is an ideal fit for Pep’s system, and perhaps Maresca’s, given that he is a superb passer of the ball, averaging a pass-completion rate of 91.9% per 90 over the past year, which places the City ace in the top 1% of all full-backs.

Lewis also got off to a flying start to the new campaign, picking up an assist in his side’s 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he clearly has a huge future ahead, but given that Chelsea already have James and Gusto, the deal should not be a priority.

Glasgow Rangers completed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they confirmed the arrival of Djedi Gassama at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old winger has arrived at Rangers on a four-year deal to bolster Russell Martin’s options on the flanks, after he scored seven goals in 43 games last season.

Gassama will be hoping to provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis for the Scottish Premiership giants next term, and could be in line to make his debut against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier later this month.

The French forward may not be the only player to arrive at Ibrox this week, though, as there is another player who wants to make the switch to Glasgow in the coming days.

English star pushing to sign for Rangers

One of Martin’s transfer targets is said to be pushing for a move to Ibrox this week, and it could be an even better signing than Gassama if they can get it over the line.

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 the Daily Record, Leicester City central defender wants to complete a transfer to Rangers from the Championship side by the end of this week.

The report claims that the former England international is ready to plead with the Foxes to give him the green light to make the move to Ibrox, in order to be in the squad to face Panathinaikos later this month.

It adds that Martin is a big fan of Coady and that the player wants to join the club to be the ‘linchpin’ of the new defensive set-up at Ibrox next season.

Why Coady would be a better signing than Gassama

At least for next season, the veteran central defender could be an even better signing than Gassama because of the quality and experience that he could use to hit the ground running.

Gassama, at the age of 21, is a young and promising forward who may need time to adapt to Scottish football and to grow as a player, having only managed eight goal contributions in 43 games in the second tier in England last term.

Meanwhile, Coady is 32 and has made 198 appearances in the Premier League. He has proven himself at the very top level in domestic European football, and showcased his in-possession qualities when Leicester were in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

23/24 Championship	Conor Coady per 90	Percentile rank vs CBs
Passes completed	84.99	Top 5%
Pass accuracy	93%	Top 1%
Progressive passes	7.20	Top 1%
Passes into the final third	7.20	Top 2%
xAG	0.05	Top 16%
Progressive passing distance	556 yards	Top 3%
Through balls	0.26	Top 2%
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the English star is a centre-back who has the quality and mentality to be incredibly progressive with his use of the ball, helping his team to play through the thirds quickly and effectively in a ball-dominant team.

Off the ball, Coady won 64% of his duels that season for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign, which shows that he can also dominate opposition attackers in physical tussles.

The former Wolves captain, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, is a proven quantity who would be able to arrive at Rangers to provide instant, almost guaranteed, quality on the pitch with his abilities in and out of possession as a centre-back.

There is far less risk attached to signing a proven player like Coady, who was playing in the Premier League last season, than bringing in a 21-year-old from the second division in England.

Raskin repeat: Rangers racing to sign £9m "set-piece specialist" at Ibrox

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal for a star who could be their next Nicolas Raskin.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 14, 2025

That is not to say that Gassama will be a bad signing, or that he is not an exciting addition, but Martin also needs instant quality and that is why Coady may be an even better piece of business if they can get it over the line this week.

Stand-in manages just 30 runs in four innings, but looks to bounce back at The Oval

Matt Roller01-Sep-2024

All eyes on Ollie Pope as he walks out to bat on day three•AFP/Getty Images

Ollie Pope has pledged to “block out” criticism of his batting, as the scrutiny on him mounts following 30 runs in four innings against Sri Lanka. England may have a perfect record under his captaincy, but Pope has come under fire after failing to reach 20 across two Tests standing in for the injured Ben Stokes.Pope managed scores of 1 and 17 during England’s 190-run win at Lord’s, and the manner of his dismissals suggested that his bid to “compartmentalise” the captaincy had failed. In the first innings, he top-edged a wild pull to square leg; in the second, with England setting up a declaration, he was caught at deep point (the only man back on the off-side) when top-edging an uppercut.”I’m not going to put down my average shot to the fact that I was captain,” Pope said. “I’ll learn from it and move on, but I think I’ve managed my own game better throughout this match… The second innings was slightly different, because we were really trying to push the game forward, but I was very disappointed with the shot I played in the first innings so early on.”I’m not going to hide behind the fact that I’ve had two poor games with the bat. That’s the way cricket is sometimes and form comes and goes. But I think the best players are the ones who can draw a line under it and have a fresh start next week. Hopefully, I can put a score together.”Pope has long had a reputation as being frenetic early in his innings. Steve James of has labelled him “the worst starter since prawn cocktail”, and Pope has now been dismissed within his first 20 balls 32 times in 85 Test innings. Despite coming into the series in a decent vein of form, following a century and two fifties against West Indies, he conceded that his nervous starts are an issue that he is trying to address.Related

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Ollie Pope passes first captaincy test, though his own returns beg to differ

“The last two games I’ve had, they’re learning games for me,” he said. “It definitely is something that I’m still trying to improve in my game, and obviously the way that I start my innings especially is something that I want to keep on improving – and then when I do get in, it’s trying to cash in as well.”Michael Vaughan has been particularly critical, labelling Pope “an insecure human being” and “not the kind of personality” that should be England captain. Pope said that had expected to find himself under more scrutiny while in temporary charge, and that his primary aim was to avoid “overthinking” ahead of Friday’s third Test at The Oval.”I’m not surprised,” he said. “Chatting to Stokesy before this series, when you’re captain as well, you’re going to attract a lot more [criticism]. To be honest, it is just important to block it out and keep staying close with the people around you. There’s a lot of voices, a lot of guys who want to have their say – some past cricketers as well – and that’s completely fine.”Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but it’s important for us as a team and me to stay and keep trusting the people in the four walls, because that’s not going to help me get back into my best form. Sometimes, when you have two bad games, it can feel a lot worse than it is because of the noise that’s surrounding it.””For me, it’s just trying to stay as level as I can and keep on trusting the people around me, putting my work in, and not really overthinking it, to be honest. When I went and made good runs in that West Indies series, that’s exactly what I was playing like, so there’s no real need for me to get too involved in what people are saying.”Pope has sought advice from Joe Root, whose twin hundreds set up England’s series-clinching win at Lord’s, since taking on the captaincy. “Any batter in England can learn a fair bit off him,” he said. “Form is something that comes and goes… for me, it’s not overthinking it, keep training hard, and going into the next game, it’s a completely fresh week, a fresh start.”It will be Pope’s first Test at his home ground – where he has scored 11 first-class hundreds for Surrey – since 2022. “Obviously it’s a great place to bat,” he said. “It’s always special getting back to The Oval, where I’ve played all my county cricket, so hopefully there will be a great crowd in. Everyone will be excited to get to The Oval.”England have not won every Test in a home season since 2004, and will be pushing for a summer sweep. “It would be a pretty cool thing to look back on,” Pope said. “We’ve played some really good cricket throughout this summer, and obviously had a tough winter away in India where the results weren’t what we wanted on the return trip. So to get used to winning games back-to-back is really pleasing for us.”

Leeds United are now strongly considering a bid for a “brilliant” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside their move for Sean Longstaff this summer, according to a report.

Leeds stepping up pursuit of new midfielders

Leeds have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle United’s Longstaff, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the deal said to be edging closer to completion.

Widespread reports have suggested the Newcastle midfielder is free to leave his boyhood club this summer, with Eddie Howe sanctioning a departure, and a move to Elland Road appears to be an increasingly likely outcome.

However, Daniel Farke may not want to stop there, with some extra quality perhaps needed in the engine room if his side are to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season, and the Championship title-winners have now intensified their interest in a different midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now stepping up their interest in Shea Charles, with the Southampton midfielder catching the eye during a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season.

The Whites tracked Charles’ performances during his loan spell with the Owls, and they were clearly impressed by what they saw, as a move is now being strongly considered, although it is unclear what sort of fee it would take to prise him away from the Saints.

Will Still is also hoping to keep hold of the central midfielder beyond the summer, which could make it difficult for the Whites to get a deal for the £15m-rated maestro over the line.

Charles could be "brilliant" addition to Farke's squad

While the signing of Longstaff makes more sense, considering the 27-year-old is vastly experienced at Premier League level, the Southampton midfielder’s performances in the Championship indicate he could be capable of making the step-up to the top flight.

Not only has the 21-year-old hailed as “brilliant” by members of the media, but journalist Joe Crann believes he could go on to achieve big things in the game.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the Northern Irishman’s defensive ability, performing very well across some key metrics over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Shea Charles

Average per 90

Interceptions

1.46 (83rd percentile)

Tackles

2.68 (78th percentile)

Aerials won

1.54 (80th percentile)

However, having recorded five assists in the Championship last season, the former Sheffield Wednesday man is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, capable of contributing on the front foot.

Charles could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, but Longstaff looks to be a more attainable target, given that Newcastle are more willing to sanction a departure.

Arsenal’s summer transfer window appears set to undergo many twists and turns before Andrea Berta’s wishlist is fulfilled, with a surprise update now coming to light on one of the club’s top targets.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer transfer deals

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium back in March prompted much excitement, and he’s widely reported to have already laid serious groundwork on key summer deals for Arsenal.

BBC journalist shares "information" about Gyokeres or Sesko joining Arsenal

There’s been a significant update on the Gunners’ striker search.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Arsenal are working on deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which striker to formally make a move for (Sami Mokbel), and they’re believed to be firm contenders for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The north Londoners were believed to have sealed a deal for the latter, with Fabrizio Romano giving his famous ‘here we go’ and the BBC claiming a medical had been scheduled, but Zubimendi himself has now come out to deny reports that he’s set to become Berta’s first signing of the summer.

“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional, via Madrid Zone.

“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”

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

According to reliable media sources, Berta has also met with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, but his exit is far from certain as well.

The Spain international rejected a move last summer in favour of remaining in Bilbao (The Athletic), and despite many reports to the contrary, he could end up doing the same this year.

Nico Williams could reject Arsenal and sign new contract

According to GiveMeSport, Williams could now snub a move to Arsenal and sign a new contract instead, with Mikel Arteta dealt a significant blow in his pursuit of the winger, who’s privately refused to rule out remaining in La Liga.

Bilbao have apparently engaged in “fresh” talks with Williams over an extension, and Ernesto Valverde’s side are apparently aiming to keep him for a longer period whilst also raising the £50 million release clause in his contract.

Given Arsenal have long been tipped as serious suitors for the 22-year-old, with Berta personally holding talks, this comes as a real surprise considering Williams was thought to be closing in on an almost-certain exit from the Estadio de San Mames in 2025.

Chelsea held talks with Williams’ camp last week as well, according to journalist Simon Phillips, but the Gunners’ London rivals could also be facing a serious setback after this update.

The highly-rated forward bagged 19 assists in all competitions across 2023/2024, playing a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, and showcasing his talent often during the second half of last season with some dazzling performances.

While defences are supposed to win you leagues, that hasn’t been the case for Arsenal in recent seasons.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced the best defence in the Premier League for the second successive campaign this year but once again ended up in second place, this time miles off Liverpool in first.

So, to close the gap, the club need to go out and sign an effective forward this summer, someone who could finally get them over the line in the biggest competitions.

Fortunately, that seems to be the plan, as recent reports have linked the club to a striker who’s been compared to Kylian Mbappé and Alexander Isak.

Arsenal's striker search

Given the club’s comparative lack of firepower this season, the last few weeks and months have seen Arsenal linked with plenty of top-quality strikers, with perhaps the most consistent being Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sekso.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been on fire for Sporting Cp, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 games this season, and while he’s not proven himself in a top-five league, his reported price tag of around £54m doesn’t feel unreasonable.

On the other hand, Sesko could cost up to £75m, but he has that experience of playing in a top-five league, and in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig this term, he scored 21 goals and provided six assists.

Yet, recently, a more prolific striker than the Slovenian and someone younger than the Swede has been touted for a move to the Emirates: Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are among several sides keen on signing the Eintracht Frankfurt star this summer.

The report reveals that Arsenal and Manchester United have already made contact with the player’s camp, while fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are all ‘monitoring’ the Frenchman closely.

On top of dealing with the competition, the Gunners will have to stump up a hefty fee to get their man, with the report claiming that Frankfurt want up to €90m for the player, which comes out to about £76m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitike’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially considering his comparisons to Mbappé and Isak.

How Ekitike compares to Isak & Mbappé

So, before looking at why Arsenal might want to sign him and the similarities to Mbappé, it’s worth examining this comparison to Isak and where it comes from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Swedish international is the sixth most similar forward to the Frenchman across the last 365 days.

Expected Goals

0.76

0.66

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.20

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

75.3%

Expected Assists

0.19

0.12

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.09

1.01

Through Balls

0.21

0.20

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.46

Successful Take-Ons %

43.7%

46.2%

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to expected goals, goals per shot, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, through balls and more, all per 90.

On top of sharing a considerable number of statistical similarities with the Newcastle star, the Reims-born gem has also been described as the “next Mbappé” by many in France, per journalist Graeme Bailey, and while that might sound hyperbolic, it’s not too hard to see where they could be coming from.

For example, like the Real Madrid star, the Frankfurt ace is a brilliant goalscorer, finding the back of the net 22 times in 48 games this season, but is also something of a creator, producing 12 assists.

Moreover, according to FBref, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem sits in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 5% for expected assisted goals, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be a cheap transfer, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Ekitike this summer, as he’s proven himself capable of scoring plenty of goals, as well as creating some – just like Mbappé and Isak.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now chasing the signing of an “elusive” £30m forward, but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Forest pursuing new forwards as Nuno prepares for Europe

Forest’s Champions League aspirations have taken a hit in recent weeks, succumbing to back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, although they remain in a strong position to secure a top-five finish.

However, should the Tricky Trees achieve their goal of Champions League qualification, they may have to strengthen their squad in order to be competitive, and they appear to be particularly keen on strengthening in attacking areas.

Nuno’s side are eager to bring in a new striker, with owner Evangelos Marinakis now ready to pay £75m for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, given the Brazilian’s impressive campaign in the Premier League.

Ready to spend: Marinakis link could see Nottingham Forest sign 17-goal ace

He’s scored 17 this season.

2 ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025

There is also a desire to strengthen in wide areas, with Marseille’s Luis Henrique among the main targets, and there has now been a development in Forest’s pursuit of the winger, having made contact with his agents.

Henrique is not the only option, however, with a report from Turkey revealing that Nottingham Forest are now in the picture to sign Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, who has been a major target for West Ham United for quite some time.

The Hammers made a €25m (£21m) bid for Yilmaz back in January, which was knocked back, with the Turkish club looking to hold out for €35m (£30m), and the Tricky Trees are now positioning themselves to potentially hijack the move.

Napoli are also in the race for the 24-year-old, who is seemingly set to leave Galatasaray at the end of the season, with the report stating he is ‘set to pack his bags’.

"Elusive" Yilmaz impressing in Turkey

The left-winger has established himself as a key player for Galatasaray during their Turkish Süper Lig title push this season, making 28 league appearances and picking up ten goals and three assists.

Not only does the Turkey international have a keen eye for goal, but he has showcased his dribbling, aerial and tackling ability over the past year, ranking in a very high percentile on each metric when compared to others in his position.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

1.97 (88th percentile)

Aerials won

2.89 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.09 (85th percentile)

There are also clear signs the Galatasaray star could be capable of making an instant impact at Premier League level, given that he gave Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk a very tough time in the quarter-final of Euro 2024.

Van Dijk said: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive. It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Yilmaz could be an excellent signing for Forest this summer, and European qualification would surely give them the edge over West Ham in the race for his signature.

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Harigovind S23-Oct-2024