All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur have now accelerated their pursuit of a “technically beautiful” Savinho alternative, with Manchester City reluctant to sanction the Brazilian’s departure.

Tottenham facing uphill battle in Savinho pursuit

With Son Heung-min exiting N17 and James Maddison set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it is imperative that Tottenham bolster their attacking options ahead of the transfer deadline, which is in just one week’s time.

Savinho has emerged as one of Spurs’ major targets, and the Brazil international is keen on a move to N17, but Man City are hesitant to sanction a departure, and are looking to hold out for a fee in the region of £70m – £80m.

Promisingly, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Thomas Frank’s side are prepared to spend big to secure the 21-year-old’s signature.

However, given that it is by no means a guarantee that City will be prepared to sell, the Lilywhites are continuing to run the rule over potential alternative targets, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs are now accelerating the deal to sign Akliouche, with Monaco prepared to accept a bid in the region of £47.5m, which could make the 23-year-old a more realistic target than Savinho.

Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke added: “He’s a top young player, 23 years old, probably one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1 right now – he can play as a winger, or as a number 10 as well.

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2 ByDominic Lund Aug 24, 2025

“If Tottenham aren’t able to resurrect their deal for Savinho, Akliouche would be a decent alternative, and it does seem that Monaco would sell at the right price.”

"Technically beautiful" Akliouche could be exciting Savinho alternative

Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Monaco star, having described him as a “dream to watch play football” and “technically beautiful”, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign.

The Frenchman amassed 19 goal contributions in all competitions across the season, perhaps most memorably finding the back of the net with a stunning overhead kick against Rennes.

Savinho should remain Tottenham’s top target, given that the starlet is already proven in the Premier League, chipping in with ten Premier League assists for City last season.

However, Akliouche has proven that he could be a fantastic alternative option, and an asking price of around £47.5m seems reasonable, given the forward’s exploits last season.

Aston Villa have now reached a “verbal agreement” to sign a new player for Unai Emery after having a big-money “bid accepted”, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa’s quiet summer so far

The Villans, Monchi and NSWE have been unusually quiet so far in the transfer window, bringing in four new players. Yasin Ozcan, Zepiqueno Redmond, Marco Bizot Brest and Modou Keba Cisse have been brought in from Kasimpasa, Feyenoord, Brest and LASK respectively.

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Ozcan has since been sent on loan to Anderlecht, and transfer activity looks set to increase between now and the September 1 deadline.

However, Emery has recently admitted that Villa “don’t have the same power economically” as some of their rivals at the top of the Premier League.

“We need to join some players in the level we want to achieve, but we don’t have the same power economically like seven other teams in the Premier League.

“We must be more intelligent and anticipate something. It is very exciting, the work for me and the club. We are really improving and meeting our objectives, but there is still work to do. We have to be demanding and intelligent.”

Despite Villa’s constant PSR concerns, they now look set to splash the cash on one particular target in their most expensive deal of the window.

Aston Villa have £30m+ "bid accepted" for Evann Guessand

Transfer expert Romano took to X on Monday to share a big transfer breakthrough out of Villa Park. He revealed that Aston Villa have reached a “verbal agreement” after having a “bid accepted” to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.

Guessand now has permission to travel to the Midlands, with a medical and contract signing the next steps ahead of a €35m (£30.4m) transfer.

An Ivory Coast international, Guessand is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required, so he’ll provide Emery with a versatile attacking option.

The 24-year-old is valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, so although Villa are paying over that figure, they are getting a forward who has just enjoyed his best season in front of goal.

He netted 12 Ligue 1 goals and registered nine assists in 33 appearances, while also playing in the Europa League, scoring once.

The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called Guessand an “unpredictable” attacker who is a “real physical handful”, while adding that he is “capable of knocking the ball past opponents and overtaking them through pace”.

It looks as if Villa will soon have an exciting new forward on the Villa Park books, providing real competition to Ollie Watkins in the process.

After a huge 4-1 win in the Summer Series last night, Manchester United are finally showing glimpses of the quality of a side that could achieve something under Ruben Amorim.

Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams all managed to get on the scoresheet, highlighting the talent the side possesses within the final third.

However, despite the four-goal haul, Benjamin Sesko still remains a key target for the Red Devils this summer, with talks being held for the RB Leipzig striker.

The 22-year-old registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, potentially being one of the key targets the hierarchy are pursuing at the top end of the pitch.

However, other targets are also being considered across other areas of the pitch, as the boss looks to make his side as competitive as possible ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The midfield department has been subject to interest in recent days, unsurprisingly so, given the lack of options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Morten Hjulmand, Eberechi Eze and Douglas Luiz all appear to be on their radar, but the latter could be going elsewhere after Nottingham Forest entered talks to sign him.

However, the goalkeeping department is also subject to investment this summer, with Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach for the German’s signature, after the 32-year-old was made free to leave the Etihad this summer.

It also states that the player himself is open to discussing a move to Old Trafford despite the rivalry, but no final decision has been made about his next destination.

Why United’s latest signing would be bad news for Onana

Andre Onana has been United’s number one option between the sticks in recent times, costing a staggering £47.2m from Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

The Cameroonian was seen as the perfect replacement for David de Gea, but his time in Manchester has been a disaster, subsequently being subject to anger from the fanbase.

He’s been massively prone to mistakes during his stint at Old Trafford, notching a tally of eight errors leading to goals – ultimately costing the side in numerous key areas.

Altay Bayindir was utilised as an alternative at multiple points of the recent campaign, which has highlighted the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Ortega would cost this summer, he could provide Amorim with an excellent option to help him improve the situation currently playing out in Manchester.

When comparing his stats to those of Onana in England’s top-flight last season, the German managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a great fit for their number one position.

Ortega, who’s been labelled “incredible” by teammate Rodri, managed to register more saves per 90, along with a higher save percentage – handing Amorim a more confident and reliable option between the sticks.

Games played

13

34

Save percentage

69%

68%

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Clean sheet percentage

27%

26%

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

% of long passes

32%

66%

Crosses stopped

7%

5%

Errors leading to goals

0

6

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer being long balls, having the ability to play out from the back should the side need that option.

The City star’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of fewer errors leading to goals, having the tools to massively improve such a situation ahead of next season.

The next few weeks will be interesting for the player if he is to move, with the Red Devils fanbase undoubtedly sceptical about the move given his status at their rivals.

However, it’s evident that the player himself would be an excellent addition this summer, ending any lingering doubts about the quality currently at the manager’s disposal at the back.

Bad news for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd hold talks to sign £68m star

Manchester United could land a player who could thrive in Ruben Amorim’s system.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 31, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are in competitive action for the first time in the 2025/26 campaign as they host Panathinaikos at Ibrox in the Champions League this evening.

The Light Blues welcome the Greek side to Glasgow in the first leg of their second round qualifier, in what will be Russell Martin’s first game in charge of the club.

Supporters will be hoping to see some new faces in the Rangers team for the first time, in a competitive setting at least, with the likes of Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and Djeidi Gassama all hoping to feature in some capacity.

Thelo Aasgaard, who signed for the club from Luton Town on a permanent deal this summer, missed training on Monday, though, and does not appear likely to be in the squad.

The Light Blues are still in the market for further reinforcements before the end of the transfer window, as well, but one player who may not be coming to Ibrox is Motherwell’s Lennon Miller.

Rangers were reportedly exploring a deal for the Scotland international last month. However, the Daily Record claims he has his ‘heart set’ on a move abroad.

Why missing out on Lennon Miller would be a blow for Rangers

Whilst the 18-year-old talent is still a Motherwell player and has not officially signed with another club, the latest claim that he is looking to move abroad suggests that the Gers are unlikely to land his signature before the end of the current transfer window.

This is a shame for Rangers, who were exploring a potential swoop for him, because he is an exciting young talent who has proven himself in the Scottish Premiership.

The teenage central midfielder started 32 matches in the Scottish top-flight for Motherwell in the 2024/25 campaign, and caught the eye with his impressive performances in the middle of the park.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists as an attacking force from midfield for his side, but it was his work off the ball that really showcased his best qualities.

Tackle success rate

68%

Top 28%

Duels won

5.84

Top 36%

Duel success rate

53%

Top 31%

Interceptions

1.38

Top 14%

Ball recoveries

6.52

Top 10%

Blocks

0.48

Top 28%

As you can see in the table above, the Scotland international ranked very highly among his positional peers in the Premiership in a host of key defensive metrics.

Miller’s contributions in and out of possession for Motherwell led to him being named the Scottish Premiership Young Player of the Year, which further illustrates why it would be a blow for Rangers to potentially miss out on him.

Rangers lining up move for new midfielder

However, the Light Blues are now interested in signing another teenage talent who could arrive at Ibrox as Martin’s own version of Lennon Miller.

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 Edinburgh News reporter Barry Anderson, Rangers are lining up a move for FC Cukaricki central midfielder Andrej Bacanin this summer.

The journalist claims that both the Gers and Celtic are keen on a potential deal for the Serbia U19 international, whilst Ajax and Udinese are also chasing a move for the impressive youngster.

Anderson adds that the Serbian side want a fee of around £2.6m, but that there is a feeling that the club would be willing to accept a fee of around £2.1m.

Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijašević had already confirmed that Rangers made an enquiry, but this latest report outlines how much a deal could cost the Gers if they decide to go in with an official approach for him.

Why Bacanin could be Rangers' own Miller

If Rangers secure a £2.1m deal to sign the 18-year-old talent, who is the same age as Miller, then Martin could have his own version of the Motherwell dynamo on his hands.

Of course, the Serbian youngster is not a proven Premiership performer who would be almost guaranteed to hit the ground running at Ibrox in the same way that the Scottish star would be.

However, Bacanin is another 18-year-old prospect who would arrive in Glasgow as an excellent midfield talent with the potential to be a star for the club in the future, although he may not be expected to make a huge impact in the short term.

With a return of one goal and two assists in 17 appearances in the Superliga, the Serbia youth international is unlikely to provide the goals and assists that Miller did for Motherwell last season. However, he caught the eye as a screener in front of his defence, making vital defensive contributions on a regular basis in his breakthrough campaign at senior level.

Appearances

17

Starts

10

Goals

1

Assists

2

Tackles per 90

2.3

Interceptions per 90

1.8

Aerial duels won per 90

1.3

Error led to goal

0

Penalties committed

0

As you can see in the table above, Bacanin averaged 4.1 tackles and interceptions per 90 in his first season for Cukaricki, which shows that he has the tenacity and reading of the game to constantly step in to break up attacks.

Serbian Football Scout, who is a professional scout for MLS side Colorado Rapids, hailed the teenage ace as a “true midfield controller”, and his defensive work plays a crucial role in that.

His ability to consistently win possession back for his side, through tackles and interceptions, allows him to control games by breaking up opposition attacks and creating new possessions for his own team to then create chances.

This suggests that he can offer similar qualities to Miller in terms of what he can do out of possession in the middle of the park, as they are both midfielders who can consistently stop the other team from building up play.

Perfect for Gassama: Rangers ready to step up move for "exemplary" CF

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He may not be a like-for-like replica of the Motherwell star, as he has yet to show as much quality as a creator, but they are both teenage midfield stars who can operate as impressive defensive enforcers, which is why the £2.1m star could be Martin’s own version of Miller at Ibrox.

Manchester United have held a meeting with the representatives of an “exceptional” player over a summer move to Old Trafford, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Man Utd eyeing more attackers after Mbeumo

It looks as though the Red Devils are gradually closing in on a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with a third offer of over £70m everything included reportedly accepted.

The Cameroonian will be an excellent signing for United, but Ruben Amorim will know that further attacking reinforcements are needed before the new Premier League season gets underway, in order to improve drastically on last year’s woeful showing in the top flight.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with an upgrade on the struggling Rasmus Hojlund required in the No.9 role, but it remains to be seen if the Blues would even entertain the idea of selling him to a Premier League rival.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has been mentioned as an alternative option to lead the line for United, with the 29-year-old now a hugely experienced and proven player at both club and international level. Now, another attacking player has been backed to come in for the Red Devils this summer.

Man Utd hold talks with "exceptional" ace's agents

According to a new report from Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have had a meeting with Xavi Simons’ representatives over a move to the club before the current window slams shut at the start of September.

Chelsea are also in the same position when it comes to the £67m-rated RB Leipzig attacker, who is desperate to seal a move away from his current club this summer.

Simons is a fantastic option for United, with the 22-year-old already achieving plenty in his career, being hailed by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund.

“He is a very good player. He had a very good European Championship and a great season with Leipzig. He’s developed really well. I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”

Simons impressed for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, not least scoring a stunning goal in the semi-final defeat to England, and he is adept at shining both as an attacking midfielder and out wide.

Appearances

25

Starts

25

Minutes played

2157

Goals

10

Assists

7

Key passes per game

2.0

Shots per game

2.0

Dribbles per game

1.3

Tackles per game

1.1

The Leipzig ace’s end product is highlighted by an impressive tally of 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga last season, and given his age, there would be so much time for him to mature under Amorim at United.

Celtic recently confirmed the arrival of Benjamin Nygren on a permanent deal from Danish side Nordsjælland on a permanent deal to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The Sweden international becomes the third signing of the off-season for Brendan Rodgers, following Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan through the door so far.

Nygren scored 15 goals in 30 Danish Superliga matches in the 2024/25 campaign, and will be looking to bring a goal threat to the flanks for the Hoops next season.

How much Celtic paid to sign Benjamin Nygren

Celtic have taken advantage of the fact that his contract with Nordsjælland was due to expire at the end of December this year, which means that they had to cash in on him now before losing the forward for nothing in January.

Because of that, the Hoops have only paid a reported fee of around £2m to bring the left-footed star to Parkhead, despite his impressive goal return in the Superliga.

This suggests that the club have struck a bargain to sign the 23-year-old talent, who has plenty of years ahead of him to develop and improve, for a fairly modest fee.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

In fact, Celtic currently have a number of other forwards who are worth even more than the £2m the club have paid to sign Nygren, including Irish striker Adam Idah.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Adam Idah

The Hoops opted to sign the Ireland international on a permanent deal from Norwich City last year, whilst he was valued at just £3m by Transfermarkt, after the forward had spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead.

Idah enjoyed a solid first full season in Glasgow with the Scottish Premiership champions, delivering 20 goals and one assist in all competitions for Rodgers.

The former Canaries star, whose talent was once described as “incredible” by Rodgers, was not a regular starter, with 19 league starts to his name, but still proved his worth to the team with his contributions on the pitch.

Non-penalty xG

0.71

Top 7%

xG on target

0.86

Top 6%

Goals

0.68

Top 7%

Shots

4.06

Top 12%

Shots on target

1.90

Top 8%

As you can see in the table above, Idah ranked very highly among forwards in the division in a host of key attacking metrics, despite his lack of starts, which shows the kind of quality he can provide when called upon.

His haul of 20 goals in all competitions for Celtic has led to his market value soaring. At the time of writing, the 24-year-old centre-forward is currently valued at £5.5m, which is £2.5m more than it was last summer and £3.5m more than the club have just paid for Nygren.

This shows that the Hoops have hit the jackpot with the Irish marksman because they have signed a young player who is growing in value whilst contributing with plenty of goals on the pitch.

The Scottish giants will now be hoping that he can take that next step to become a regular starter in the number nine position, to add even more goals to his name, and increase his value by millions more.

Premier League club may now submit imminent bid for "special" Celtic star

The Bhoys could have a proposal to field…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

Chelsea have missed out on a transfer target, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano sharing news that the player is poised to remain at his club instead.

Enzo Maresca has watched BlueCo orchestrate a fairly productive transfer market thus far.

Maresca is now pushing Chelsea to sign £150k-per-week World Cup winner

The Italian and his staff are big fans.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

The Blues sealed a £30 million move for highly-rated young English striker Liam Delap, who’s already got on the scoresheet with his first-ever goal for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, and it is believed that optimism is growing over a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

They haven’t had it all their own way, though, as Dortmund rejected three bids from Chelsea for the 20-year-old before the last transfer deadline on June 10.

Chelsea also failed with an attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with the Rossoneri insisting on a far higher price tag than Maresca’s side were willing to pay, and talks surrounding a pre-CWC move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké didn’t go anywhere either.

Maresca’s side are in the market for a centre-back too, but according to Romano, they’ll have to move on from Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who’s now been added to the list of players who Chelsea won’t be signing.

Jarrad Branthwaite set to reject Chelsea and sign new Everton deal

Earlier this month, journalist Simon Phillips reported that Chelsea were planning to push for Branthwaite, and there was a possibility that the 23-year-old could ask to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.

“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move.”

However, despite Chelsea’s intention, the £70 million-rated centre-back has just been put out of Maresca’s reach.

Romano confirms that Branthwaite will commit his future to Everton by signing a new long-term deal until 2030, dealing a blow to Chelsea and other suitors, who are poised to miss out on the Englishman tipped for a very bright future.

The former PSV Eindhoven loanee was also a wanted man at Tottenham, according to some reports, but any potential move to London will have to be put on the back-burner for a long while.

Arsenal are in advancing talks to sign yet another player for Mikel Arteta, following an already-hectic last seven days when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive.

Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Arsenal transfer decision as Berta agrees deal

The Gunners are shopping “at Asda”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi was in London this time last week to formalize his transfer to N5 and sign all documents as a new Arsenal player (Fabrizio Romano), with the 26-year-old becoming Andrea Berta’s first signing as new sporting director.

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

Almost immediately after Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also travelled to the English capital to complete his own Arsenal move, coming after Berta triggered the £5 million release clause in his Chelsea contract.

The Spanish duo were swiftly followed in their journey to N5 by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as well, with Arsenal agreeing an initial £10 million deal, plus a potential £5 million in add-ons (Ben Jacobs), to sign the Denmark international as a replacement for Thomas Partey.

Norgaard has been authorised to have a medical at Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), but according to recent reports, Berta may soon add yet another player to their growing list of very recent new additions.

Arsenal "set to sign" Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

On Thursday afternoon, news emerged that Arsenal have opened talks with Valencia over versatile centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

The 21-year-old could play at both right-back and at the heart of Arteta’s defence, if the Gunners can agree a potential £17 million deal, with Mosquera up for grabs at a cheap price considering he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

The news was originally shared by X account ‘HandofArsenal’, with credible media sources then reporting that Arsenal are now in pole position to sign the Spaniard ahead of RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for TBR Football, has shared a further update on the story.

Bailey reports that Arsenal are “set to sign” Mosquera, with talks reaching an advanced stage after “positive” negotiations, but it could spell the end for back-up defender Jakub Kiwior.

The latter impressed alongside William Saliba last season when Gabriel Magalhaes was out injured, but Mosquera’s possible arrival is “set to signal the departure” of Kiwior as he prioritises a return to Serie A.

Called a “sensational talent” by members of the media, Kiwior is apparently preparing to leave the Emirates as a result of this move for Mosquera, with GiveMeSport also reporting that personal terms have already been agreed.

While Mosquera will serve as a back-up option initially, Arsenal are said to believe that the defender has serious potential to become a first-team regular in the coming years.

Birmingham City were viewed as a side continuously stuck in a battle against the drop the last time they were situated in the Championship.

Indeed, the Blues haven’t finished inside the top half of the difficult division since tenth spot was clinched at the end of the 2015/16 campaign. However, that could soon change as Chris Davies’ men return to the testing league now brimming with confidence.

Amazingly, the West Midlands outfit lifted the League One title with a stellar 111 points next to their name, meaning they should instantly fit in when moving back up a division, having obliterated all their third-tier opposition.

Whilst the newly crowned champions will prioritise Championship-ready talents when shopping this summer, they will be prepared to gamble with some left-field choices in the hectic transfer market, with a potential new signing going down as their next Christoph Klarer.

​​​​​​Birmingham chasing deal for £2k-per-week star

As per a report by Football Insider, Birmingham are just one of several EFL clubs chasing the services of Arminia Bielefeld defender Louis Oppie.

Hull City and Norwich City are the other second-tier outfits named as taking an interest in the breakout 23-year-old, with the attack-minded left-back playing a key role in Bielefeld’s promotion to the 2. Bundesliga to generate this buzz for his services.

The £2k-per-week defender – as per Salary Sport – could well come in handy for Birmingham as they look to add depth in the left-back spot.

How Oppie could be Klarer 2.0

Klarer is the obvious example that Oppie will attempt to follow as another gem from Germany attempts to swiftly adjust to the demands of the English game.

Games played

43

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Touches*

91.8

Accurate passes*

68.4 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

3.5

Clearances*

5.6

Total duels won*

7.5

Clean sheets

18

After all, the former Darmstadt 98 centre-back made his own transition over from Germany look like a walk in the park last season, with the man mountain collecting 18 clean sheets on the way to Birmingham triumphantly lifting the League One title.

Oppie will hope he can follow in the Austrian’s footsteps very soon, with the in-demand Bielefeld number four amassing his own healthy clean sheet total of 16 last campaign in the German third division, away from also notching up a hefty nine goal contributions as an expansive face down the left.

Of course, Klarer only had to adjust to League One as opposed to Oppie now having to make a gigantic leap up to the Championship, but it could go down as another golden deal just based on how easy the coveted defender found the 3. Liga last season, with the exciting 23-year-old clearly in need of a new challenge away from his current employers.

He might well push Alex Cochrane all the way to a starting spot, as previously mentioned, with Cochrane the only left-back option in Davies’ camp currently.

24/25

47

5

11

23/24

42

6

3

Moreover, when looking at the table above, Oppie has been a standout performer for Bielefeld over many a season now, away from just his sterling 2024/25 output, with Klarer also a dependable figure in Germany too for both Darmstadt and Fortuna Dusseldorf before his EFL adventure began.

Therefore, everything seems to be coming together to suggest that Birmingham winning the 23-year-old’s signature would be a deal that’s looked back at with a lot of glee, especially if Oppie can play some significant role in the Blues competing near the top of the Championship again.

Their next Adams: Birmingham City ready to sign "unbelievable" free agent

Birmingham might not need to pursue a dramatic reunion deal for Che Adams if they can land this striker instead.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 17, 2025

A “really special” Liverpool player is potentially edging closer to the Anfield exit door this summer, following a new update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool players who could leave this summer

The futures of many Reds players are up in the air ahead of next season, not least Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a move away for a while now. In fact, the Premier League champions are even reportedly eyeing a summer move for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, potentially seeing him as a replacement for the Colombian.

Youngster Ben Doak could also leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window and the Scot has been mentioned as a shock option for Merseyside rivals Everton, who are believed to be among a number of clubs interested in signing him.

Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher is set to complete a move to Brentford at any point, while there are also doubts over the futures of defensive pair Kostas Tsimikas and Jarell Quansah.

Harvey Elliott has been mentioned as being part of a swap deal involving Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, as has Quansah for that matter, and the likes of Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez have all been linked with possible exits soon.

Barcelona in talks with Liverpool over £55,000-a-week attacker

Taking to X on Monday, Sky’s Plettenberg reported that Liverpool and Barcelona are now in “initial talks” over the signing of Diaz this summer, with Saudi Pro League clubs also showing an interest.

The £55,000-a-week Diaz has been an impressive signing for the Reds, scoring 17 goals in all competitions this season, and shining in both central and wide roles.

He was also lauded by Jurgen Klopp during their time together: “What a boy, what a story, what a player but he should have scored! He agrees probably. The speed he has is insane. He gets our football 100 per cent. We thought we saw that at Porto. He fits like a glove to our football and that’s really really special.”

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3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Despite this, Diaz has never quite broken into the world-class bracket at Liverpool, and at 28, it is hard to see that changing too much now. He is a very good player but not a truly great one, making him expendable this summer if the price is right.

Appearances

28

Starts

8

Minutes played

2413

Goals

13

Assists

5

Shots per game

2.0

Key passes per game

1.6

Dribbles per game

1.5

If he stays, the Colombia international could continue to be useful, but Arne Slot should consider big offers for him from Barcelona or elsewhere, using the money to bring in an upgrade or focus on a different position.