Celtic signing who Rodgers has snubbed sends cryptic social media message

Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.

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By
Dan Emery

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Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.

However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.

Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey sends cryptic Instagram message

Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.

Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.

For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.

Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.

What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?

Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.

He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”

Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.

Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة وجيرونا اليوم في الدوري الإسباني.. والمعلق

يستعد فريق برشلونة، بقيادة المدرب هانز فليك، لخوض مباراته في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم عصر السبت، وذلك ضد نظيره جيرونا.

ويستضيف ملعب “مونتجويك” مباراة برشلونة وجيرونا، في خضم منافسات الجولة التاسعة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة، في حين أن جيرونا لديه 6 نقاط حيث يحتل المركز السابع عشر.

ويسعى برشلونة إلى مصالحة جماهيره بعدما خسر في مباراتين متتاليتين، حيث سقط أمام باريس سان جيرمان بهدفين لهدف في دوري أبطال أوروبا، قبل هزيمته الثقيلة على يد إشبيلية بأربعة أهداف لهدف. موعد مباراة برشلونة وجيرونا اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 5:15 عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة وجيرونا اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة برشلونة وجيرونا اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

سيعلق أحمد البلوشي على أحداث مباراة اليوم.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

خاص | تفاصيل إصابة محمد شريف وموقفه من المشاركة مع الأهلي في السوبر المصري

كشف مصدر داخل النادي الأهلي عن تفاصيل إصابة محمد شريف مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، ومدة غيابه المتوقعة، بعد تعرضه لإصابة خلال مواجهة فريق إيجل نوار البوروندي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وكان الأهلي قد حل ضيفًا على إيجل نوار في ذهاب الدور التمهيدي (دور الـ32) من البطولة القارية، ونجح في تحقيق الفوز بهدف دون رد خارج الديار.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب إيجل نوار لـ”بطولات”: لم نستحق الخسارة أمام الأهلي.. وسنذهب إلى القاهرة من أجل التأهل

وأوضح المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، أن محمد شريف تعرض لإصابة بشد في العضلة الضامة، وسيغيب على إثرها لمدة تقارب ثلاثة أسابيع، مؤكدًا أن اللاعب بدأ بالفعل برنامجًا علاجيًا وتأهيليًا تحت إشراف الجهاز الطبي للفريق.

ومن المقرر أن تُقام مباراة الإياب بين الأهلي وإيجل نوار يوم السبت المقبل في القاهرة، حيث يكفي المارد الأحمر التعادل أو الفوز بأي نتيجة لحسم التأهل إلى دور المجموعات.

يُذكر أن بطولة السوبر المصري ستنطلق في 6 نوفمبر المقبل بدولة الإمارات، وأصبح من الوارد عدم لحاق محمد شريف بالمشاركة في البطولة بسبب الإصابة وفترة الغياب المحددة له.

Fernandes will love him: West Ham "exploring" deal for "superb" £25m star

After a pretty miserable couple of weeks in which West Ham United lost games against Sunderland, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, there is finally reason to be optimistic about this season.

Yes, after weeks of stories about offers being made and rejected, Graham Potter has finally been handed his new midfield star in Mateus Fernandes.

The former Southampton ace cost the club in excess of £40m, but considering how well he played in his first Premier League season last year, that’s not bad value at all.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the Hammers are now keen to add another signing to the squad, someone Fernandes would love to play with.

West Ham target perfect teammate for Fernandes

While things aren’t looking great on the pitch at the moment, West Ham’s summer is starting to look like a decent one, at least from an incomings perspective.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, in addition to Fernandes, the club have signed the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Soungoutou Magassa, who is should be announced before the team play Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon.

Moreover, the East Londoners appear keen to make further additions to the squad and are eyeing a move for someone who’d be a brilliant teammate for Fernandes.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who has claimed West Ham are interested in Quinten Timber.

The German journalist has revealed that the Hammers are now “exploring” a deal to sign the Netherlands international, who Feyenoord value at £25m, per reports from earlier this summer.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his quality, Timber would be more than worth it, especially as he’d be a great teammate for Fernandes.

Why Timber would be a great teammate for Fernandes

So, the first, and arguably one of the most important reasons Fernandes will love playing with Timber is his surprisingly decent level of output.

We say surprisingly decent for the simple fact that the Dutchman is primarily a central midfielder, but as his numbers from last season show, he is more than capable of producing goals and assists.

For example, in his 26 appearances last season, totalling 2054 minutes, the “extraordinary” midfielder, as dubbed by Mikel Arteta, scored six goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.71 games, or every 293.42 minutes.

Timber’s 24/25

Appearances

26

Minutes

2054′

Goals

6

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

Minutes per Goal Involvement

293.42′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

While those aren’t ground-breaking numbers, it will be reassuring for the Hammers’ new Portuguese manager to know that the responsibility of producing goal involvements won’t fall solely on his shoulders.

The next reason the Dutchman would be such a brilliant teammate for the Irons’ new ace is his experience and leadership.

Despite still being just 24 years old, the former Ajax prospect has made 105 appearances for Feyenoord and 33 for Utrecht, and has won five senior caps for the Netherlands.

Moreover, he’s also the captain of De Stadionclub, so, in addition to knowing he can contribute with goals and assists, the former Saints gem will be able to rely on the “superb” midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, for guidance and leadership.

Ultimately, Timber would be an excellent signing on his own, but by playing him alongside Fernandes, West Ham could maximise the potential of both.

Their new Rice: West Ham now exploring move for £17m star after Magassa

The combative star would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 28, 2025

'Better than the treble season' – Pep Guardiola in awe of Erling Haaland after derby-day brace, hails 'the heart of the club' Phil Foden

Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland as “better than ever” after the striker’s derby double inspired Manchester City to a 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United. Haaland’s ruthless brace, alongside a crucial opener from Phil Foden, saw the Citizens dominate at the Etihad. Guardiola later labelled Foden as “the heart of the club” in a glowing tribute to the Englishman.

Manchester City destroy United at the Etihad

Haaland scored twice to take his Premier League tally to five goals in four matches this season. The Norwegian also surpassed Didier Drogba in the league's top scorers list, underlining his lethal form in front of goal. Foden opened the scoring in the 18th minute, netting his first Premier League strike since January to set City on their way. Guardiola has now praised both the goalscorers after the Manchester derby win.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALHaaland on fire this season — Foden picking up pace

Haaland has now netted 16 times in his last 10 appearances for club and country. Guardiola believes the 24-year-old is performing at an even higher level than during City’s treble-winning season. With Foden rediscovering his form, City’s midfield and attack look sharper and more balanced than ever.

Guardiola praises Haaland and Foden after goals

“Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us,” Guardiola told reporters.

On Foden, he added: “We missed him so much and the season before he was the best player in the Premier League so we need him, he has a work ethic. Phil is the core, the heart of the club, from the academy and he loves City. To have him back is good news.”

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Getty Images SportMan City preparing for duel with Kevin de Bruyne

Manchester City have eyed Foden as the final replacement for Kevin de Bruyne; however, the Englishman will now have to go toe-to-toe with the Belgian when City take on Napoli in the Champions League opener on Thursday, September 18.

Shades of Kalvin Phillips: Leeds make contact for "exceptional" £26m gem

Leeds United have made a couple of much-needed signings in midfield this summer. After their incredible 100-point campaign in the 2024/25 Championship season, the Whites have made two new additions in the middle of the park to replace Josuha Guilavogui and Joe Rothwell, who have now left.

The first midfielder Leeds signed this summer was Newcastle United academy graduate Sean Longstaff. He joined for a reported fee of £12m from the Magpies. Daniel Farke’s side also signed German midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. He cost a reported £17.4m up front, with further add-ons.

Hoffenheim'sAntonStach

However, the Yorkshire outfit are not seemingly done there when it comes to signing new midfielders this summer. They have recently been linked with a further man in the middle of the park.

Leeds’ next midfield target

So, there is a clear transfer policy at Elland Road this season, for the midfield to be strengthened ahead of a huge season back in the Premier League. With Longstaff and Stach through the door, it seems Leeds have identified their next target.

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 a recent report from journalist Gianluigi Longari, Leeds are one of the sides who ‘have come forward’ about signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis. The Portuguese midfielder is a player who his club ‘might consider the departure of’ in the coming weeks.

However, this is not going to be an easy deal to do. Benfica have also ‘had inquiries from Serie A clubs in the past’, and recently other Premier League sides have shown interest. Fellow newly-promoted side Burnley are one side in the race, as are Everton.

It was reported last May that the Toffees made a bid of around £26m for Luis, so perhaps he would cost Leeds a similar fee.

Why Luis would be a good signing for Leeds

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder played an important role in the Benfica side last season. He’s become an established player for his boyhood club in the last few seasons, after having a couple of loan spells, including one for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

florentino-luis-nottingham-forest-transfer-news-premier-league

Last term, he made 45 appearances in all competitions, slotting in at the base of their midfield. In 26 appearances in the Portuguese top flight, he played 90 minutes in 15 of those games, helping to steer his side to a third-place finish.

The former Portugal under-21 international, who is yet to make a senior appearance for his country, was described as an “exceptional talent” by former boss Rui Vitoria.

As well as his strong defensive contributions, he also chipped in with two goals and one assist.

Luis is certainly consistent as a defensive midfielder. It could be argued that the 25-year-old has shades of former Leeds hero Kalvin Phillips. Although his career has taken a downward trajectory since departing Elland Road, his impact at his boyhood club was superb.

In 234 games for the Whites, the England international became a pivotal figure at the base of their midfield, scoring 14 goals and assisting 13, too. He was once described as ‘the best English midfielder there is by far’ by Gary Neville.

The statistics between Phillips’ debut campaign in the Premier League back in 2020/21, and Luis from Benfica’s most recent season, further reinforce the fact he is so similar to Leeds’ homegrown hero.

When looking at the numbers on FBref, the Benfica star averages 6.12 tackles and interceptions and 5.8 progressive passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, Leeds’ former midfielder averaged 4.41 tackles and interceptions and 5.07 progressive passes each game.

Progressive passes

5.8

5.07

Blocks

1.51

1.81

Tackles and interceptions

6.12

4.41

Aerial duels won

1.23

1.11

Ball recoveries

5.66

7.93

Not only will Luis bring quality out of possession, but his progressive nature will aid Leeds in build-up, too. There are certainly aspects of his game that are similar to Phillips’, especially his defensive work.

For a fee of around £26m, this could be a fantastic deal for Leeds to further enhance the quality in midfield.

The new Dallas: Leeds make £11m-rated England international a key target

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Dream Guehi alternative: Liverpool enter race for £23m "high-quality CB"

Liverpool are less than one week away from returning to action. On Sunday, Arne Slot’s side will commence the 2025/26 campaign against Crystal Palace at Wembley for the Community Shield.

The season’s curtain-raiser counts for very little, but it does provide a chance for Liverpool to set the tone for the term, and for the fans to see some of the new signings in a competitive showing for the first time.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing at £100m (which will rise to a British-record £116m with add-ons), is sure to have a few eyes on him, while Hugo Ekitike may well start up top with Luis Diaz sold to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez anticipated to sign for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

But it’s not only the Redman that fans will be eager to see in action. Indeed, one subplot on the afternoon will be the performance of Marc Guehi, with the Premier League champions having a vested interest in the central defender.

Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi

Last month, Liverpool allowed Jarell Quansah to leave for Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal. The 21-year-old was one of the club’s own, but he never found his footing in Slot’s system, and leaving was for the good of his career.

However, his departure has heightened the need to bring a refined talent like Guehi in.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match

The 24-year-old has become a regular for the Three Lions over the past year, and Liverpool have made it clear to Palace that they want to get a deal done this summer, with Guehi having entered the final year of his contract.

However, Newcastle United are also keen, with it having been reported that they are eager to snap him up after failed bids in 2024. Palace are holding out for £50m, a figure that the Anfield side are unwilling to pay.

However, news has broken that the Magpies are setting their sights on AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, which might have something to say on their pursuit of Guehi.

Guehi would be the dream for Slot’s side, but there’s no certainty that he will join Liverpool or even leave Selhurst Park this summer. If sporting director Richard Hughes fails to get this one over the line, an alternative option has at least been lined up.

Liverpool lining up Marc Guehi alternative

As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are monitoring Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins as Hughes continues to quest for more defensive depth ahead of the new season.

Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds

However, the Bees won’t want to engage in talks with suitors as they prepare for life without Thomas Frank at the helm. Brentford signed Collins, now 24, from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a £23m fee in 2023.

Though Brentford want to keep their star defender, we’ve seen how Liverpool making their interest known can entice players, and this is certainly one to keep an eye on, should Guehi remain away from Anfield this summer.

Why Liverpool want to sign Nathan Collins

Republic of Ireland skipper Collins has made 77 appearances across all competitions for Brentford since joining them two years ago, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Last season in the Premier League, he was the only outfield player in the division to have played every single minute of the term.

Nathan Collins in action for Ireland.

Considered by those within Brentford circles to have gone under the radar at the Gtech Community Stadium, Collins is a “high-quality centre-back”, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with an even distribution of tough-tackling impetus and steady creative passing.

Hailed by journalist Sam Tabuteau for being a “future leader”, Collins would bring the perfect blend of defensive ability on the field and an influential presence on the training ground to ensure that Liverpool maintain their levels across all four fronts last term.

And with this in mind, he might even serve as Slot’s dream alternative to Guehi, who has been described as “England’s best centre-back” by one online analyst.

Premier League 24/25 – Marc Guehi vs Nathan Collins

Stats (* per game)

Guehi

Collins

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

38 (38)

Goals

3

2

Assists

2

3

Touches*

64.9

65.7

Pass completion

84%

86%

Big chances

5

3

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.3

4.3

Dribbles*

0.4

0.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

2.0

Clearances*

4.6

5.8

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

5.1 (61%)

Errors made

2

3

Data via Sofascore

Curiously, Guehi and Collins ranked up rather similarly in the Premier League last season, both proactive and hardy players with plenty of energy and a knack for organising teammates besides.

As per FBref, Collins ranked among the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League last year for assists, the top 3% for blocks, and the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90. This array of ball-playing and steely defensive qualities has actually seen Guehi listed as the Brentford man’s most statistically similar player.

With all this in mind, it’s clear that Hughes and the Anfield data analysts are targeting a specific defensive profile, and that Collins could be an astute alternative, should Palace remain firm on their £50m valuation.

He has, after all, proven himself capable against Liverpool’s frontline at their rip-roaring best, once winning 100% of his duels at Anfield while playing for Wolves.

It’s this kind of big-game mentality and willingness to step up in the face of adversity which differentiates Collins from the lion’s share of Premier League defenders; and which, indeed, led Frank to field him for every single minute of the recent campaign.

It’s a mindset Guehi wears on his sleeve, so commanding in the way he plays, but he’s not the only talented defender in the division, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing Collins instead.

Liverpool clearly want to sign Guehi above all other targets on the shortlist, but if they fail to secure their quarry, Collins has exactly what Liverpool and Slot are looking for.

Imagine him & Ngumoha: Liverpool enter race for "outrageous" £56m striker

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NZ women domestic contracts: Foreman, Court receive maiden contracts; Canterbury sign up Irwin

Central Districts

Uncapped right-arm seamer Grace Foreman has been awarded her maiden contract. Foreman, who hails from New Plymouth, has impressed through Taranaki and Central Districts’ pathway systems in recent years.She represented the team at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels and was part of the side that won the 2022 NZC Under-19 national championship. She debuted for a Districts A side last season and was also invited to a NZC Under-19 national camp last season.Related

  • Dodd opts out of Hinds' list, U-19 star Browning moves to Otago

Foreman joins right-arm quick Anna Gaging as the new face on the list and completes the Districts’ contracted player roster for the 2024-25 season.”I’m really grateful and honoured to get this opportunity with the Hinds,” Foreman said. “I was shocked when [head coach] Jacob Oram phoned me to offer me the contract as it has been a goal of mine for some time now. The prospect of playing with some of my role models is surreal, and I am really looking forward to joining the team.”Foreman hails from a cricketing family. Her elder sister Amy Foreman has coached the Taranaki women’s team in the past and was on NZC’s pathway-to-performance coaching scholarship last season. Their mother, Helen, has also been involved in Taranaki cricket.This list of 15 players also consists of two NZC-contracted players Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe who will represent the team when available. Captain Natalie Dodd was unavailable as she is expecting her first child later this year.Contracted players: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Grace Foreman, Anna Gaging, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Mikaela Greig, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Thamsyn Newton, Kerry Tomlinson
NZC contracts: Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe

Canterbury

Canterbury have signed batter Emma Irwin as their 13th and final signing for the season. This will be Irwin’s second stint with Canterbury. Irwin, 20, was part of the New Zealand Under-19 side at the World Cup in January last year.Contracted players: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Abigail Hotton, Laura Hughes, Frankie Mackay, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby Sullivan, Emma Irwin

Auckland

Fast bowler Sophie Court is Auckland’s final signing for the season. Court’s elevation to the contract list comes after her rise through Auckland Cricket’s Talent and Pathway programme, where she represented Auckland Under-19 and Auckland A. She was part of the Auckland Under-19 team that won the women’s national under-19 tournament in Lincoln earlier this year.”There were a lot of emotions when I got the call,” Court, 19, said. “I would like to thank my parents and all my coaches. Their support over the years has been great. It means a lot to me and I’m excited and honoured to be a part of this group. I’m looking forward to learning heaps and gaining lots of experience.”Contracted players: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Cate Pedersen, Josie Penfold, Saachi Shahri, Anika Todd, Sophie Court

Northern Districts

Allrounder Carol Agafili is Northern Districts’ 13th signing as they round up the contracts list for the season. Agafili has represented Districts in the past and also turned out for Samoa in three T20Is earlier this year.Contracted players: Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland, Holly Topp, Jess Watkin, Jesse Prasad, Kayley Knight, Marama Downes, Marina Lamplough, Nensi Patel, Shriya Naidu, Tash Wakelin, Carol Agafili

Wellington

Right-hand batter Gemma Sims is the final addition to Wellington’s roster. Sims played six Super Smash matches last season for Wellington but failed to deliver a big performance.Contracted players: Antonia Hamilton, Caitlin King, Hannah Francis, Jess McFadyen, Kate Chandler, Leigh Kasperek, Tash Codyre, Nicole Baird, Phoenix Williams, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Xara Jetly, Gemma Sims

Otago

Isy Parry has been awarded her maiden Otago contract and is their final signing for the upcoming season.Contracted players: Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Harriet Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Molly Loe, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson, Isy Parry

Rangers fans wowed by £5m target who plays like the "reincarnation of Luis Suarez"

Rangers are “weighing up” a move for a striker who loves doing “special things” on the pitch, according to a new update from Sky Sports journalist Luca Bendoni.

This is expected to be a summer of plenty of ins and outs at Ibrox, with new manager Russell Martin of course keen to get in the right players to suit his own system, offloading those who he doesn’t see a future for.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has emerged as an exciting target for Rangers, with the 27-year-old surely not wanting to be in the Championship with Saints next season. With the 2026 World Cup looming next summer, he will want to have as good a chance as possible of making England’s squad by starting on a big stage this term.

Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale.

Meanwhile, Peterborough United centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has also been talked about as an option for the Gers, following an impressive 2024/25 campaign that saw him average six clearances and 3.5 aerial duel wins per game in League One.

On the downside, Hamza Igamane’s time as a Rangers player looks to be nearing its conclusion, with the striker said to have agreed personal terms with Lille, heading to the Ligue 1 side as Jonathan David’s replacement.

Rangers eyeing move for attacking ace

According to Bendoni on X, Rangers are now “weighing up” a move for Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Don Turgeman this summer.

Turgeman is an exciting attacking talent who would be a long-term signing for the Gers, considering he is still only 21 years of age. He has already won 10 caps for Israel, scoring once for his country in the process.

He has spoken about the brilliance he likes to produce on the pitch, while Gers fans are already getting excited and even comparing him to the great Luis Suarez.

Turgeman could be an ideal direct replacement for Igamane, coming in as a key starter and hopefully taking to the Scottish Premiership with ease, and 32 goals in 109 appearances for Tel Aviv bodes well.

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ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

He should only get better as he matures as a player, and the fact that he likes to entertain could make him an immediate crowd favourite among Rangers supporters.

Their answer to Mbeumo: Newcastle holding talks over signing £70m "monster"

Newcastle United swerved past PSR ramifications last summer and are now ready to make some proper investments in Eddie Howe’s team.

Though the mood was dour on Tyneside across the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign, with form at a low ebb after key targets were missed across the closing weeks of the transfer window, the Magpies ended up flying high.

Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match

Liverpool were thrashed at Wembley, the 2-1 scoreline flattering the losers in the Carabao Cup final, and a Herculean effort to seal fifth in the Premier League unlocked the gates back into the Champions League.

St. James’ Park presents an attractive project, for sure, but Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo threw a spanner in the works when rejecting the Magpies’ interest due to a desire to move to Manchester United.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Newcastle, as always, will adapt, and indeed have found the perfect alternative.

Newcastle open talks for Mbeumo alternative

Mbeumo might be out of reach, but at least Newcastle have got the funds to launch on a top right-sided forward, with Brentford demanding around £60m for their talisman.

And if The Athletic are worth their salt (they are), the Toon have been having discussions behind the scenes about signing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as they look to complete Howe’s frontline.

Semenyo, 25, was a revelation on the south coast last season, providing a prolific and dynamic threat.

Having proven himself across two seasons in England’s top flight, the Cherries would be looking for a £70m fee if they are to cash in, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.

What Antoine Semenyo would bring to Newcastle

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from the Championship’s Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023, and he’s since gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola’s leadership.

Antoine Semenyo in Premier League action for Bournemouth.

The aforementioned Athletic report states that while Howe is determined to add some firepower to Newcastle’s right wing, balance and multi-positionality are factors which will play into the manager’s reckoning. Semenyo, luckily, embodies such tactical principles and could be a fantastic fit.

Having been shuffled about the frontline last season, the two-footed talent has demonstrated an aptitude across different areas, always retaining a strong degree of potency.

Left winger

20

5

4

Right winger

19

6

1

Centre-forward

1

1

0

Moreover, he’s been hailed as a “workhorse” and a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, owing to an underlying tenacity that speaks of his combativeness, his desire to win.

It is for these reasons that he might prove to be an ideal Mbeumo alternative. As per FBref, Semenyo ranked among the top 5% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers last year for shots taken per 90, and his unrelenting search for goals led the data-powered site to list Mbeumo as one of his most comparable players.

Semenyo’s incremental progress over the past two years makes a telling comment on his chances of succeeding in Howe’s Newcastle system.

He has the underlying qualities to mirror those of Semenyo, who finished the campaign having scored 20 goals from 38 Premier League appearances, but also having averaged 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 4.7 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

If Semenyo can tune that ball-striking hunger, streamline it, he might become a sensational part of a Newcastle side that just continues to exceed expectations.

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