All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool already have two trophies to their name and still have the chance to win the Premier League and Champions League in the coming weeks.

One figure in Jurgen Klopp’s squad that has played a big part in getting the team in this position is winger Mohamed Salah.

With 49 games under his belt for the Reds across all competitions, the attacker has scored an impressive 30 goals and delivered 16 assists along the way.

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Despite his rampant goalscoring form on the pitch, there has been a big distraction going on behind the scenes regarding the Egyptian potentially signing a new deal with the club.

If the 29-year-old doesn’t put pen to paper on a new contract and leaves the club, the Reds will need to identify potential replacements. That said, they may already have one in mind.

Back in April, it was reported that Liverpool have an interest in signing Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

After joining the Spanish club from AFC Bournemouth back in the previous summer transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £21.3m, the winger has become a pivotal figure for his new club.

In 23 appearances in La Liga, the 25-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided three assists, whereas, in 11 Champions League appearances, he’s found the net six times and delivered one assist.

To further highlight how much of an attacking threat he has been, the former Cherries star has averaged 2.7 shots, the highest in Villarreal’s squad, and 1.4 dribbles per game in the league.

Labelled as a player that is “a nightmare for defenders” as well as being someone who “can hurt any defence with his pace and directness,” by Kevin Phillips, Danjuma is now reportedly available for a fee of £45m.

While he may not be as deadly as Salah has been this season, there aren’t many players in world football that have or could reach the levels he’s been at in this campaign.

However, as a potential replacement for the Egypt international, the Villarreal star could be a suitable option.

In other news: Liverpool eye bid for exciting wonderkid, he could become a “scary” £127m-rated talent

Ange Postecoglou has the chance to win his first league title in charge of Celtic tonight as a single point will be enough to secure the trophy for the Bhoys.

The Hoops are six points clear of their rivals with two games left to play and this means that it would take a staggering collapse from them to throw their lead away at this stage.

Celtic travel away to face Dundee United in the Premiership and Postecoglou may look to make a few changes to his team to keep players happy with their minutes.

One player who must finally be unleashed from the start of the match is Greek centre-forward Giorgos Giakoumakis.

He has not started a league game for the Hoops since the 9th of April in a 7-0 win against St. Johnstone and must now come back into the team.

A-League writer Sacha Pisani claimed that month that Giakoumakis is one of the Celtic players who can “dominate headlines” and it is easy to see why when you look at his goal return. The gem has found the back of the net ten times in as many Premiership starts, playing 19 games in total for the club in the division.

The £8.2k-per-week earner has also created four ‘big chances’ in that time as he has proven that he carries a major threat at the top end of the pitch. The Greece international has the quality to score and create goals in the Premiership, which means that he can be a match-winner for the Hoops.

Postecoglou previously dubbed him “hugely important” to Celtic and explained why he can be crucial for the club, saying: “The way a lot of opposition set up against us with a lot of bodies in the box, you need presence in there, it’s not as if we have a lot of space to run into.

“I know that’s where his strengths lie and it is just a matter of him gaining a little bit of confidence -which he has.”

Dundee United are currently fourth and one point above Motherwell in the table and this means that they will be fighting hard for a result to keep their own European hopes alive.

Therefore, they may set up with ‘bodies in the box’ to keep Postecoglou’s side at bay for as long as possible. This is why Giakoumakis, who was dubbed a “phenomenon” by Ronald de Boer, can be the perfect man to bring into the XI to give Celtic the best chance of securing the three points with his knack for finding the back of the net.

AND in other news, Forget Maeda: Celtic must unleash “frustrated” ace today, he’ll fire them to the title…

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Juventus midfielder Arthur this summer, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

What’s the word?

As per German outlet Wettfreunde, the Sky Sports transfer guru revealed that the Brazilian playmaker “could come to Arsenal” in the upcoming window, with his current side potentially set to try and cash in as they pursue other targets.

The report suggests that the north Londoners were keen on a deal for the 25-year-old in January – as backed up by claims at the time – and could continue that interest again at the end of the season.

Di Marzio does, however, suggest that Max Allegri’s side could ask for centre-back star Gabriel in return, with the Serie A side seeking a replacement for long-serving stalwart Giorgio Chiellini, who is set to leave the club in just over a month or so.

Supporters will be buzzing

If they can avoid having to let their current gem depart as part of the deal, a move for his compatriot Arthur would no doubt prove to be an astute piece of business for both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu.

The 22-cap international – who joined the Turin outfit in a swap deal involving Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona two years ago – has found game time hard to come by at the Allianz Stadium so far this season, making just ten league starts, although has shown enough quality previously to warrant the hype.

Even amid a difficult stint in Italy, the £18m-rated man has still produced some impressive statistics, ranking in the top 3% for completed passes among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in top 15 % for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Such quality in possession has previously seen the former Gremio man likened to Spain icon Xavi by former teammate Lionel Messi, while pundit Kevin Campbell also dubbed him a “baller” for his technical talent.

At present, Arteta’s men are crying out for new additions in the centre of the park, with a playmaking, midfield metronome seemingly required alongside the more defensive-minded Thomas Partey. As a result, any move for a player like Arthur would surely have supporters beaming from ear to ear.

He may be slightly older than last summer’s additions – with all six signings made under the age of 23 – although he still has plenty of time ahead of him to thrive in the Premier League, with links to both him – and 25-year-old Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus – perhaps illustrating an exciting change of tack in the transfer market from Edu and co.

IN other news, Forget Laca: Arsenal already have their new Saka in “deadly” 17-goal Hale End starlet…

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, at least one of Southampton’s three senior goalkeepers will leave the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Goalkeepers out of contract

Fraser Forster has played every minute for the Saints since coming back into the side in December as a result of Alex McCarthy picking up a long-term thigh injury,

However, he could now be on the move following news that the club are reportedly committed to keeping McCarthy as their first-choice shot-stopper, having only put pen to paper on a new deal at St Mary’s at the end of last season.

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Willy Caballero’s time could also be coming to an end under Ralph Hasenhuttl following a lack of game-time, with the 40-year-old having made just four appearances since joining the Saints.

All but McCarthy will be out of contract in June, and Barclay has suggested that at least one of them will be on the move over the summer.

The Latest: Saints likely to let one leave

When asked how he believes Southampton’s transfer business will pan out, Barclay told GiveMeSport:

“I’m not sure about a rebuild, because there’s a lot of good stuff being done, but adding a few and letting a few go would help. When you look at it, the goalkeepers, at least one of them will go.”

The Verdict: Johnstone an ideal replacement

While there seems little doubt that McCarthy will be in control of the gloves at the start of next season, Hasenhuttl will need to sign a suitable replacement should one of the existing goalkeeping trio depart, and that person could be West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer following the expiry of his contract with the Baggies, and it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the Saints are said to be interested in his services.

Johnstone has kept 15 clean sheets for the Championship outfit this season and has previous top-flight experience having been in the Premier League with Albion last term, so a possible move to a mid-table team like Southampton could have the potential to revive his career for both club and country.

In other news… the Saints have joined the transfer race for this ‘big player

Swedish newspaper Expressen, relayed by Fotboll Skanalen and translated by Sport Witness, has provided an update regarding Celtic and a pursuit of Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze. 

The lowdown: Hoops’ interest

This comes following a report earlier this week claiming that the Parkhead outfit were keen on bringing the Iraq international to Glasgow.

The 25-year-old is under contract in Sweden until 2023 (Transfermarkt) and is believed to be on the radar of a number of clubs across Europe.

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Now a fresh update has emerged from Sweden that will delight the Celtic hierarchy…

The latest: Bargain deal

As per Expressen, relayed by Fotboll Skanalen via SW, the Hoops are ‘prepared’ to sign Jeahze for as little as €1.44-1.93million (£1.2-1.6million) in the summer transfer window.

Albeit the report states that there has been ‘no concrete bid’ for the three-cap ace, it appears that the interest from Lennoxtown is genuine.

Born in Sweden of Iraqi heritage, Jeahze represented the Scandinavian nation at various youth levels before making a senior international debut for Iraq in November 2021.

The verdict: Get it done

Despite the upturn in form of Greg Taylor this season, Ange Postecoglou is almost certain to seek out reinforcements in the window as Boli Bolignoli appears ready to move on.

So far this season Jeazhe has scored once and provided five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions and earned a remarkable 7.74/10 match rating from five Allsvenskan outings, making 2.6 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 2.6 key passes on average per game (Sofascore).

To put those numbers into perspective, no Celtic player with more than two appearances averages more than 1.5 tackles or 1.6 interceptions per Premiership game, while only David Turnbull creates more chances in the current Hoops squad.

Holding a perceived market value of £900,000, signing the Iraq star for anything around the mooted fee would be a superb coup for the Hoops.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is in awe of one Celtic player’s development. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United managed to return to winning ways in the Premier League last night, after a dominant 4-1 thrashing of bottom-placed side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ruben Amorim’s men produced one of their best performances of the campaign to date, to put themselves into sixth place and just a point off the top four.

Hearts will no doubt have been in the mouths of all supporters at the break, after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde ensured the game was level going into the break.

However, three goals in the second half secured a seventh league victory of the 2025/26 campaign for the Red Devils – now extending their run to just one loss in the last nine outings.

One player deserves massive credit for his showing at Molineux on Monday night, with the first-team member massively excelling during the well-deserved triumph.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats against Wolves

Bruno Fernandes has often struggled throughout the ongoing campaign, as Amorim has decided to utilise him in a deeper-lying midfield role rather than the number ten position.

It’s required the Portuguese international to think more defensively, which has no doubt had an effect on his output within the final third in the Premier League.

However, his showing against Rob Edwards’ men was arguably his best of the season to date, with the 31-year-old notching two goals and an assist in the triumph.

Such a tally takes him to 10 combined goals and assists in his first 15 appearances of the season, but it was his underlying figures that highlighted his impressive display.

He featured for the entirety of the contest and registered 55 completed passes, whilst creating five chances for his teammates – with both the highest of any player in the meeting.

Bruno also completed 12 passes into the final third, and only misplaced eight passes in total, further highlighting his incredible performance with the ball at his feet.

However, without the ball, the midfielder was just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 100% tackles won, seven recoveries made and a total of five combined aerials and ground duels won.

The United player who is as undroppable as Bruno

As seen by his tally of 15 starts out of a possible 15 in 2025/26, there’s little denying that Bruno is undroppable and certainly one of Amorim’s most important players.

Numerous other players are starting to force themselves into such a bracket, with Bryan Mbeumo just one player who should be a starter week in and week out.

The Cameroonian international netted once again in the clash in the West Midlands, subsequently taking his league tally to six this campaign – the most of any player in the squad.

He registered four shots on target against the hosts, whilst also completing two dribbles – largely being a menace to the Wolves backline during the victory last night.

However, the backline has been a cause for concern over the last couple of weeks, especially with the absence of centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in the last two matches.

As a result, youngster Ayden Heaven has been thrown in at the deep end, but he’s managed to impress – with his showing at Molineux certainly one to remember.

It was just his second start of the season, but the 19-year-old appeared unfazed and produced numerous impressive figures that could make him undroppable within the manager’s current side.

The teenager registered 36 passes during his minutes on the pitch, subsequently achieving a completion rate of 100% – the highest of any player who started the match.

Minutes played

69

Touches

49

Passes completed

36

Pass accuracy

100%

Blocks made

1

Clearances made

7

Duels won

100%

Fouls won

2

He also made seven clearances, three of which were with his head, whilst making three recoveries, which enabled him to be in the right place at the right time when called upon.

Heaven’s dominance at the heart of the three-man defence was further highlighted by his impressive tally of six combined duels won – also at a success rate of 100%.

It’s no mean feat for such a young defender to start in the middle of a Premier League defence, but Heaven has made it look routine over the last couple of weeks.

Given his tender age, expectations will no doubt need to be managed by Amorim, but it is certainly hard not to get excited by the youngster after his showing at Molineux.

He’s certainly done enough to cement his place in the starting eleven for the run-up to Christmas, potentially being a huge asset for the club in their hunt for Premier League glory in the years ahead.

Bad news for Mainoo: INEOS make £70m "passing machine" Man Utd’s no.1 target

Man United’s need for a new centre-midfielder is as pressing as ever.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 8, 2025

It’s been a gruelling start to the season for Arsenal so far.

In their five Premier League games, Mikel Arteta’s side have played Liverpool and Manchester United away from home, and hosted Manchester City at the Emirates.

Then, in the Champions League, they kick-started their campaign away to Athletic Bilbao, who finished fourth in La Liga last season.

Fortunately, the Gunners’ opening League Cup fixture tonight is against what should be easier opposition in Port Vale. As such, Arteta has the chance to make some changes, including the dropping of Viktor Gyokeres, but not for Mikel Merino.

Why Gyokeres should be dropped

Now, while there are undoubtedly going to be some fans who want to see Gyokeres start tonight, there are several reasons why we think that is a bad idea, notably the state of the squad.

Jesus

Knee

01/26

Havertz

Knee

11/25

Madueke

Knee

11/25

Odegaard

Shoulder

09/25

Hincapie

Groin

N/A

Arsenal are already going through an injury crisis at the moment, and one of the players who is out of action and looks set to be out for some time longer is Kai Havertz.

So, while other players could start league games up top, the former Sporting CP star is the only natural option who plays there, and therefore, should be protected in a game like this.

Moreover, while some might argue that it’s the perfect fixture to help play the Swede into some form, the struggles of other top sides against lower opposition in recent weeks should serve as a warning that it may not be as easy as some expect.

In other words, if the Stockholm-born star starts and then doesn’t score against Port Vale, the narrative around his ability and suitability in this side will reach new levels and could totally derail his integration into the team.

Anyway, should the Gunners find themselves a couple of goals to the good late on in the game, Arteta could always bring him off the bench for 25 mins or so to run at a tired defence and grab a goal or two that way.

With all that said, then, the Spaniard has to drop Gyokeres to the bench tonight and go with another one of his attacking stars and not Merino.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start in place of Gyokeres

So, if Arteta does decide to start Merino in place of Gyokeres tonight, it wouldn’t be a terrible move, as we’ve already seen that he can do well up top.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, we think that the far better option for this game would be Gabriel Martinelli.

Yes, it’s not something he’s done all that often over the years, but the manager should play the former Ituano gem through the middle, and there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, the Brazilian is probably the club’s most inform attacker at the moment, as coming off the bench in Spain, he scored the opening goal and then provided an assist for Leandro Trossard to get the second.

Then on the weekend, as it looked like Man City were going to get all three points, he once again came off the bench to score a wonderful chip and prevent what would have been a minor disaster so early on in the campaign.

So with the 24-year-old being directly involved in the team’s last three goals, the manager should reward him with what would be just his second start of the season.

Another reason why he should be in the starting lineup is that, over the last few years, the rapid “monster,” as journalist Mark Mann-Bryans once dubbed him, has proven himself to be a real confidence player.

In other words, not only would starting him be the right thing to do as a reward for his form, but it’d also be best for the squad overall, as Arteta would have another inform free-scoring option he can call upon on the bench in league games.

Ultimately, Gyokeres should be rested tonight, and while Merino would likely do a fine job leading the line, Martinelli is in red-hot form in front of goal and deserves his chance to lead the line – it might just prove to be a game-changing development for Arsenal.

Saka rival: Arteta has another Madueke to unleash in "insane" Arsenal star

Arteta could turn to the incredibly exciting talent for Arsenal’s game tonight.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 24, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s ability to pull top-level talent in the transfer market has been reflected by their move to land Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer.

The Ghanaian has been a key threat in the Premier League over the last couple of years, scoring 13 times in his two seasons across the capital with the Hammers.

Before moving to join the Lilywhites, the 25-year-old was on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich – but decided in favour of a move to join Thomas Frank’s men.

He’s already made an immediate impact with his new side, registering two assists in his first four Premier League outings – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

Whilst it’s still early days for Kudus in his career in North London, he has already adhered himself to the fanbase – potentially benefitting from one player’s talents had the board kept hold of him.

Harry Kane’s record-breaking spell as a Spurs player

No Spurs fan would have ever expected Harry Kane to have had the impact he did in North London after making his senior debut for the club as a youngster back in August 2011.

He would have to wait three years for his first start, but once he forced himself into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, there was no looking back for the former academy star.

Fast-forward to the present day, the 32-year-old managed to rack up 280 goals for the Lilywhites in his 435 appearances – scoring over 30 goals in 50% of his decade-long spell in the first-team.

Such a record makes him the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, whilst also sitting second in the Premier League’s all-time scoring chart – with only Alan Shearer scoring more at present.

However, despite his phenomenal nouse for scoring goals, he was unable to catapult the Lilywhites to any silverware, which led to his transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for £82m.

Since joining the Bundesliga outfit, the Englishman has netted 93 goals in his 102 outings, further highlighting his talent in attacking areas – undoubtedly going down as one of the best English forwards in football history.

His move away from North London has left a huge void over the last couple of seasons, with new boss Frank hoping that one player can step up to the plate over the next couple of campaigns.

The Spurs player who could be their best forward since Kane

Whilst Kane was more often the man to finish off chances for Spurs, he also struck up an incredible partnership with Heung-min Son in the final third over countless years.

The Englishman and the South Korean linked up for 47 Premier League goals throughout their time together, sitting at the top for the most goals created by a single two-player partnership in Premier League history.

However, the latter of the pair also departed the Lilywhites this summer, joining LAFC in a £20m transfer – leaving yet another huge hole for Frank to fill in his first year at the helm.

As a result, the hierarchy delved into the transfer market and completed the £52m signing of forward Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old can either operate in a central role behind the striker or off the left-hand side, subsequently offering the Dane a versatile option within attacking areas.

The Dutchman has arrived in England with huge expectations, and understandably so given his record in Germany last campaign, with the youngster registering 19 goal contributions in just 33 outings.

Whilst he’s yet to notch his first goal for the Lilywhites, he’s already caught the eye in his first two outings – even registering an assist for Pape Matar Sarr in the 3-0 triumph over West Ham United last weekend.

Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already racked up over 160 senior appearances despite his tender age, with his underlying stats from his first handful of Spurs games already catching the eye.

The Dutchman has already created three chances in his first two outings – the most of any Lilywhites player in that time – showcasing the creative spark he possesses despite his youthful age.

Games played

2

Minutes played

148

Assists

1

Shots taken

3

Pass accuracy

80%

Successful passes

52

Chances created

3

Dribble success

75%

Dribbles completed

4

Fouls won

3

He’s also completed 75% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst winning three fouls – tallies which highlight the danger he has already caused to the opposition during his bedding-in period.

Simons’ tally of 1.5 shots per 90 also highlights he’s more than capable of going alone when needed, but he just needs his first goal in English football to help kickstart his spell under Frank.

£52m may appear to be a mammoth investment by the board, but it’s one that could be worthwhile if he can continue producing the calibre of performances he has in the early stages of his Spurs career.

Given the levels produced by Kane in North London, he certainly has a long way to go before getting near his cult hero status, but there’s no disputing he has bags of time on his hands.

If he can carry on his superb start in England, there’s no reason why he can’t be the club’s best attacker since the English international – potentially able to write a new history for the side under Frank’s guidance.

Spurs flop was prematurely sold by Conte, now he's outperforming Kudus

One former Tottenham Hotspur star has recaptured his best form after leaving the club under Antonio Conte.

3 ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025

Arsenal continue to be busy planning their next moves, with five days remaining to register new players early doors before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.

Arsenal striker search ongoing with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko targeted

The consensus among reliable media outlets is that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are Arsenal’s two priority striker targets – amid some whispers the club are still debating Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as well (The Athletic).

Arsenal discuss signing £80m Sesko and Gyokeres alternative who'd love to join

The Gunners’ striker search is an ongoing fascination.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

As per the BBC and journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are discussing the frameworks of deals for both Gyokeres and Sesko, before sporting Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team formally decide which number nine to go for.

What is absolutely non-negotiable, though, is the club’s glaring for a prolific striker.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal scored just 69 goals in the Premier League last season – a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns – and their struggle to break sides down resulted in them drawing more games than any other side in the top half.

The stats never lie, and these numbers tell a story that Arteta is in dire need of a vocal point up front.

One of Arsenal’s options, Sesko, is fresh off the back of 21 goals in all competitions, and “concrete talks” have been held. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they’re the “only” side to go this far, despite Man United’s interest.

Arsenal could advance Benjamin Sesko deal in "next few days"

Speaking on The Football Terrace this week, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the north Londoners’ complex pursuit.

Arsenal could advance on a deal for Sesko in the next few days, but it would require Leipzig to be flexible on his asking price. The Gunners ideally want to strike an agreement for around £59 million, whereas his release clause is currently nearer the £70m mark.

“They’ve made contact with Leipzig in the last three days,” said Jacobs.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.

“I think, if Leipzig show flexibility, there is a concrete possibility that one advances in the next few days. The earlier contact with Leipzig in January is very key to this, because they were respectful of the player wanting to see out the season, and of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season.

“That strengthens Arsenal’s position in Sesko negotiations, because now Leipzig have a good relationship with Arsenal.”

The Slovenia international is gaining a reputation as a very “underrated” option in the market, and while his goal record is modest, Sesko’s speed, power and height arguably make him tailor-made for Premier League football.

With Liam Delap on his way to Chelsea, Ipswich Town are now reportedly looking to sign a former Championship forward worth over £20m, and he’s already scored at Portman Road.

Ipswich looking to replace Delap

It’s a big summer for the Tractor Boys. After suffering relegation at the first time of asking in the Premier League, those at Portman Road must reassess and go again in the Championship. On that front, Kieran McKenna will of course have his sights set on earning a place back in the top flight, avoiding any further drop-off in the process next season.

If "sensational" Ipswich star leaves, it would be as disastrous as Delap

Ipswich Town could also lose this sensational star away from just Liam Delap leaving Portman Road.

ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

In pursuit of that, however, the Ipswich boss will have to cope without star man Delap. The talented striker is reportedly set to join Chelsea this summer after the Blues triggered his relegation release clause ahead of the summer transfer window. Landing a bargain deal worth just £30m, it seems only a matter of time before Delap is presented as Enzo Maresca’s latest signing.

Just how Ipswich replace Delap is the question that they must now consider this summer. Already, names such as Divin Mubama have threatened to steal the headlines, but whether the Tractor Boys go two for two when it comes to signing talented Manchester City gems remains to be seen.

The young forward has struggled to gain first-team opportunities at the Etihad, but is valued at around £10m nonetheless. Given how successful their deal to sign Delap was last summer, Ipswich may see Mubama as an ideal opportunity to splash out again on Premier League talent.

Mubama isn’t the only option on Ipswich’s radar, however, with those at Portman Road also reportedly setting their sights on an MLS star.

Ipswich now looking to sign Latte Lath

According to EFL Analysis, Ipswich are now looking to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Atlanta United this summer. The 26-year-old left Middlesbrough to join the MLS side for a reported £22.5m during the January transfer window, but could already be on his way back to the Championship courtesy of the Tractor Boys.

Having been interested in signing Latte Lath during the last summer window, themselves, Ipswich’s interest reportedly remains following their Premier League relegation. Given how proven the forward is in England’s second tier too, that interest certainly makes sense.

Appearances

59

Goals

27

Assists

4

It was during his time in the Championship that the Atlanta striker proved his goalscoring prowess in front of McKenna and Ipswich when he found the back of the net in a 1-1 draw at Portman Road in the 2023/24 campaign.

It was also a spell in which Latte Lath found himself at the centre of Michael Carrick’s praise. The Middlesbrough manager told reporters back in October: “We’ve got really good players in the squad and there’s times when players are going to be in or maybe don’t start the game.

“But I thought Manu coming off the bench, fresh and sharp like he is, would be a big benefit for us tonight. I was delighted with him, his reaction to not playing was also fantastic as you’d expect and hope for. Everyone shared that love.”