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A Super Bowl champion has offered to help Harry Kane achieve his NFL dream of becoming a kicker in American football. Kane is shining for Bayern Munich having maintained his flying start to the season with a brace against FC Koln in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday night. However, the England captain has made no secret of his love and desire to play in the NFL one day.

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  'I love it, so I would love to give it a go'

  Kane recently made history by becoming the fastest player to score 100 goals for a team in Europe's top five leagues. And while he continues to shine for the Bavarian powerhouse, the 32-year-old has previously stated that trying to become an American football kicker was "always something that is in the back of my mind".

  "I know it will be a lot of hard work. I'm not expecting to just rock up and start kicking field goals. It would be a lot of practice," Kane said in 2023. "The NFL is something I've been following for about 10 years now. I love it, so I would love to give it a go."

  Football journalist Henry Winter has also speculated that Kane would one day go on to play American football when he retires. Ahead of Kane's 100th-cap earning match for England, Winter speculated about what the future may hold for the former Spurs man.

  "If I was taking a punt, as it were, I would say that within three years he'll be a kicker in the NFL. He's talked about it, he's big mates with Tom Brady, and it has been done before," Winter said last year.

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• 'He would do fantastic'

  And one Super Bowl champion has offered to help make Kane's dream a reality. Dustin Colquitt was part of the Super Bowl winning Kansas City squad in 2020 having followed in his father's footsteps to become an NFL punter.

  Colquitt spent 15 years with the Chiefs, but grew up dreaming of playing in the Premier League. Having played football at high school, the 43-year-old remains a huge football fan and believes Kane would "do fantastic" if he tried his luck in American football.

  When asked if Kane could become an NFL kicker by BBC Sport, Colquitt said: "Absolutely, if he focused on it. He would do fantastic. I've seen some of his finishing skills.

  "I would love to actually work with him just because I love soccer, and his excitement. He's seeking this out – that's part of the fibre of his being, that he wants to try this NFL thing."

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  'When he's ready, I'm ready'

  A punter's job is incredibly important for an NFL kicker as the former holds the ball in place for the latter. As such, Kane would need an experienced punter in order to achieve his dream of playing American football professionally.

  "The guy that holds for those field goals, that is extremely important – knowing where the laces [on the ball] are, if you've got wind," Colquitt added. "So when he's ready, I'm ready."

  In 2021, Kane told The Overlap that the kicks an NFL kicker makes are "almost the equivalent to a penalty kick". "A lot of people can score penalties in training or kick it a long way, but can you do it under pressure when the moment's big, when the game's on the line?" Kane told Gary Neville.

  "That aspect is the bit where maybe I have a bit of an advantage over some younger people coming through."

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• Kane wouldn't be the first footballer to play in NFL

  Kane's hopes of playing American football are boosted in that a number of former footballers have made the transition from professional football to the NFL. Former footballer Toni Fritsch previously quit football at 26, while the Austrian received a 1972 Super Bowl ring despite being injured.

  Former Tottenham and England striker Clive Allen was 35 when he tried his lucky with the London Monarchs in 1997. Current NFL kickers Brandon Aubrey, Harrison Butker and Cairo Santos have all played football in the past.

  Kane is currently contracted to Bayern until 2027 but has been linked with a Premier League return in recent weeks.

It is undeniable that Celtic have lost a lot of attacking talent in 2025.

First, Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold in January, before both Nicolas Kühn and then Adam Idah departed during the summer, recouping around £33.5m in total.

Between them, the trio scored 138 goals for the Hoops, with supporters furious that they were not replaced by adequate quality.

Although, one player the club did sign has made a bright start to life in Glasgow, but would Brendan Rodgers’ attack be even stronger had they kept hold of a forgotten star?

Sebastian Tounekti's start to life at Celtic

Right before the transfer window slammed shut, Sebastian Tounekti joined Celtic for a reported fee of £5m from Hammarby.

Still only 23 years old, the Tunisian international has bounced around various European clubs, plying his trade in Norway, the country of his birth, the Netherlands and then Sweden, but looks immediately at home in Glasgow.

On Sunday, Tounekti opened his Celtic account, combining beautifully with Kelechi Iheanacho before slotting through Lewis Budinauckas’ legs as the Bhoys demolished Partick Thistle 4-0 in the League Cup quarter-finals at Firhill.

A week earlier, he had been named man of the match on debut against Kilmarnock, with George O’Neill of BBC Sport asserting that he has instantaneously become an integral figure, citing Rodgers who believes the winger has “got a bit of everything, he can beat a man, go either way, slip runners in as well, and it’s nice for him to get his goal.”

Of course, supporters are still furious the board did not act in the transfer market sooner, blaming this lack of activity for their ignominious exit from the Champions League play-off round against Kazakh champions Kairat.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Nevertheless, even if many would argue he came too late, the Celts seem to have landed an exceptional attacker, but there is a forgotten former Celtic winger, sold for just £1.7m, who is actually outscoring Tounekti in 2025.

Forgotten former Celtic forward in fine form

Given Celtic’s position in the global food chain, and their very successful player trading model, plenty of players pass through Parkhead, a fact that was no more so the case than during Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

Sead Hakšabanović epitomises this idea, joining from Rubin Kazan for £2.5m in August 2022, making just 42 appearances in hoops, loaned out to Stoke the following summer, before being sold to Malmö for £1.7m in June 2024.

The Montenegrin international didn’t make much of an impression in Glasgow, scoring just five goals, but he did start three Champions League matches, also departing as a treble winner.

It would be fair to describe Hakšabanović as a journeyman given that, at 26 years old, Malmö is the ninth different club he has represented: Halmstad, West Ham, Málaga, Norrköping, Rubin Kazan, Djurgården and the aforementioned Celtic and Stoke the others.

He only showed glimpses of what he is capable of in Glasgow but, at his peak, journalist Sacha Pisani believed he had “pace to burn”, while Stewart Ross of the Celtic Way praised his ‘quality and versatility’ upon his arrival.

Now though, Hakšabanović has been in the best form of his career at Malmö, scoring seven times in 2025 to date, including a brace to help his side beat Sigma Olomouc in last month’s Europa League play-off.

This means he is outscoring Tounekti in 2025, as the table below documents.

Of course, these two players, up until recently, were both plying their trade in the Allsvenskan, rated the 19th strongest league in the world by Global Football Rankings, eight places above the Scottish Premiership.

As the table documents, Hakšabanović​​​​​​​ has scored thrice more than Tounekti in 2025 to date, suggesting he is more of a reliable goal threat, albeit the Tunisian international has created more assists and exponentially more big chances, while also registering a higher dribble success percentage, suggesting he is an all-around more dangerous attacker.

Nevertheless, given how blunt Celtic’s attack has been in general this season, scoring just eight goals in five Premiership matches, failing to net in three and a half hours of play against Kairat, Hakšabanović sure could have been a useful asset, had he been given more of a chance.

"Phenomenal" Celtic star looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti's rise

This Celtic star may end up being the biggest loser from Sebastian Tounekti’s form.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 23, 2025

Two Premier League clubs are reportedly weighing up a controversial move for Mason Greenwood as the former Manchester United forward continues his dazzling form in France for Marseille. Greenwood left Old Trafford under a dark cloud in September 2023 after serious criminal allegations were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. He initially joined Getafe on loan before making a permanent switch to Ligue 1 giants Marseille last season.

• Greenwood’s career renewal

  Greenwood's career has seen a revival following a loan spell in Spain and a permanent move to France. After seeing charges of attempted rape and assault dropped in February 2023, he joined Getafe and began to regain form, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in 33 league appearances.

  He then joined Marseille in July 2024 for £26.6 million ($35.3m) and enjoyed an outstanding debut season, scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1 and providing six assists. This performance made Greenwood the joint-top scorer in the league, alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, and helped Marseille qualify for the Champions League. Greenwood has transferred his prolific form to the 2025-26 campaign, adding another eight goals to his Marseille tally.

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  Potential Premier League return

  According to , Tottenham and West Ham have now joined the race to sign Greenwood in 2026, exploring a possible return to the Premier League for the one-cap England international. While Spurs seek a dynamic, energetic player, West Ham see him as a potential game-changer and are desperate for new additions while languishing in the relegation places after a shocking start to the season, which has seen them change managers.  

  The challenge for the London clubs is not only the public perception of bringing him back to England, but also convincing Greenwood, who wants to play in top-tier competitions. Barcelona are reportedly leading the pursuit for Greenwood, with the club's scouts having recently watched him play. The Catalan giants view him as a dynamic addition to Hansi Flick’s attack and could set up a reunion with Marcus Rashford, who is currently impressing on loan from Manchester United.

  However, also indicate that Atletico Madrid were impressed with Greenwood during the loan spell at Getafe and are keen to bring him back to La Liga. Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are said to be preparing lucrative offers, though Greenwood's current preference is to stay in Europe and compete in the Champions League.

• Champions League hopes with Marseille

  Greenwood has rarely spoken to the press in recent years, but at the end of last season he made clear his desire to make a success of his time on the south coast of France. 

  He said: "I hope to be here next year for the Champions League. I feel at home here. I recently had a baby here with my girlfriend. Not a lot of people get to experience that kind of thing here and with all my team-mates and coaches I would like to thank them all."

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  International decision for Greenwood

  Greenwood's senior international career consisted of a single cap. He made his England debut in September, 2020, as a late substitute in a Nations League match against Iceland. However, his time with the squad ended immediately afterward when he and Phil Foden were sent home for breaching COVID-19 quarantine regulations. The pair invited women to the team hotel, violating the bio-secure bubble. The FA launched an investigation and both players were fined by Icelandic police, later apologising for their "serious lack of judgement".

  Greenwood's strong start to this season has reignited speculation about his international future. Though he received clearance to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica, he has not yet closed the door on playing for England again.

Form Virgil van Dijk to Alan Hansen, Liverpool have had some of the greatest centre-backs of all time, but striker Chris Wood once revealed the toughest defender he’s ever faced is not one of their decorated legends.

The role of the enforcer in football has changed as the game has changed, with referees nowadays taking a much sterner view on two-footed tackles and late challenges.

‘Let them know you’re there’ was once a common phrase used in football dressing rooms up and down Britain, whether it be Sunday league or the Premier League, as dominant centre-backs and tough-tackling midfielders used intimidation as a tactic.

Premier League's toughest players in pictures

For Liverpool, those tackles were often performed by the likes of Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano, with former Manchester United winger Nani once revealing why a tackle by Carragher left him in tears: “When I saw my leg for the first time, I thought my season was finished. That is why I was crying.

“Afterwards, the doctor saw my leg and said I had been lucky because it just needed stitches and I would be out for two or three weeks. He is surprised that I could recover even quicker.”

The Sky Sports pundit only received a yellow card for the tackle on Nani, which in today’s game would have been met with a straight red and a hefty ban.

Towards the end of Carragher’s Liverpool career the Reds signed several centre-backs with a view of becoming his successor, and perhaps one of the most beloved by fans was a 23 year-old from Slovakia called Martin Skrtel.

Chris Wood: Skrtel the toughest defender I've ever faced

Manager Rafael Benitez was thrilled when Liverpool signed Skrtel in January 2008 for a transfer fee of £6.5m, telling fans their new defender was “aggressive” and “very competitive”.

Wood, who played against Skrtel when he was a young striker at Leicester, went one further in an interview on the Premier League’s YouTube channel in 2021. He said that for all of the legendary centre-backs to grace Anfield and the Premier League as a whole, it wasn’t greats like Van Dijk who gave him his toughest test.

Skrtel left Liverpool in 2016 to sign for Fenerbahçe, and despite not winning many trophies during his time on Merseyside, is remembered fondly by Liverpool fans.

20 Best Centre-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Virgil van Dijk rank?

By
Charlie Smith

May 9, 2025

The former Slovakia international played 320 times for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals and winning the League Cup in the 2011-12 season. Interesingly, despite being yellow carded 51 times, he only ever received one red card in England, as he was sent off in a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham in September 2011.

Talks are now underway as Aston Villa look to complete the signing of a “world-class” player this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Asensio happy to stay at Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s side ultimately missed out on Champions League qualification this season, but it was still another productive campaign overall, with loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio making a good impression.

The 29-year-old Spaniard added proven quality and end product to Villa’s attack, scoring three goals in the Premier League and Champions League, and he spoke of his admiration for Emery.

“Unai is a coach that I’ve known for a while. He’s had a great career, he’s a top coach, he’s been key in me being able to come here because of his idea of how he wants to play football. I love it, it suits me perfectly and he’s a really important person as to why I’m here right now.”

Thankfully, Asensio is reportedly open to staying put at Villa and signing for good this summer, which will go down well with many supporters, considering the impact former Real Madrid man has made at times. Now, a new update has provided further news on the situation.

New Asensio to Aston Villa update emerges

According to Birmingham World, Aston Villa have held talks with PSG over the permanent signing of Asensio this summer, in a positive update. The Villans are “eager” to snap him up as soon as possible, no doubt to ensure that another team doesn’t get there first, and it is even claimed that Emery is “obsessed with the idea” of retaining his services.

Villa signing Asensio permanently is a no-brainer, with the Spain international still very much in his peak years, and capable of being a talismanic attacking player moving forward.

The £6m-a-year attacker is a match-winning footballer with a winning mentality, having scored in the 2017 Champions League final and won the competition three times during his Madrid days, and Matthew Upson has heaped praise on him.

“Marco Asensio is clever in where he positions himself. It’s a nightmare really. He comes on the pitch, and he has the knack to pick up the right areas. You need to get yourself in a mentality that, when it’s your turn to play your part, you’re at your best, and you’re delivering. That’s what world-class players do. He’s in that bracket. He’s a great signing for Villa, and he’s going to play a big part in the exciting finish to the season they have ahead.”

Martinez upgrade: Aston Villa eyeing "one of the best young GKs in Europe"

With Emi Martínez potentially poised to leave Aston Villa this summer, could they replace him with one of Europe’s “most talented young goalkeepers”?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 2, 2025

Signing Asensio would feel like a statement of intent by Villa, showing that they are capable of tying down world-renowned players on a permanent basis, even without Champions League football.

Hopefully, he can play a huge part in the next three or four years, potentially even becoming one of the Villans’ best attacking players of the Premier League era.

Celtic could be in the market for a new forward this summer and have now landed an unexpected boost with an ex-striker keen on a Parkhead return, according to a report.

Celtic prepare for a summer of movement in both directions

Brendan Rodgers is enjoying a brilliant second spell in Glasgow and could end the campaign with a fifth trophy from six attempts if his side see off Aberdeen this Saturday in the Scottish Cup final.

The Scottish Premiership title was lifted last weekend, and was accompanied by the Premier Sports Cup late last year after an intense penalty shootout victory over Rangers at Hampden.

While suspense dominates ahead of their latest outing at the national stadium, Celtic are expected to be busy in the market and have identified several targets to strengthen during the off-season.

Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Scotland and Celtic Park this summer after already reaching a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops when his contract at Arsenal expires.

He could be joined at Parkhead by Tyrhys Dolan, should the Blackburn Rovers winger decide he wants to seek a new challenge away from Ewood Park.

On the same token, Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller is a target for Celtic and could be thrust into the limelight if Reo Hatate chooses to leave the club this summer after three-and-a-half years in Glasgow.

Celtic could sign "terrific" star who's even more exciting than Tierney

Celtic could land an even more exciting signing than Kieran Tierney by swooping for this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 19, 2025

From the sound of things, plenty of work is going on in the background to make the reigning Scottish champions an even more competitive force by the time pre-season comes to an end at Lennoxtown.

However, Celtic supporters may be intrigued by recent developments ahead of the window opening for business after a former star striker admitted he would love to return to the club after Tierney.

Giorgios Giakoumakis open to sensational Celtic return

Speaking to The Daily Record, Cruz Azul striker Giorgios Giakoumakis has admitted he would love a return to Celtic after a successful spell at the club that yielded three trophies.

He stated: “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?

“Even if you don’t know what it feels like to be there, when you’ve already been there, you know exactly what it means.”

Later, he added when asked what it would be like to play in front of the Celtic supporters again: “Oh my God. That would be like an amazing dream. It would be amazing.”

In a career that has seen Giakoumakis become something of a high-profile journeyman, he has registered 118 senior goals for club and country, featuring at clubs in nations such as the Netherlands, Greece and the United States.

Truthfully, it is hard to know at this point whether there would be interest from Celtic, or the scope financially, to bring him back to Parkhead. However, he was a popular figure in Glasgow and is still revered by many supporters, so the saying ‘never say never’ would apply to this particular case.

Manchester City have been blessed with some incredible midfield gems over the years with the end of Kevin De Bruyne’s unbelievable journey with the Premier League giants now in sight.

With 108 goals and 177 assists next to his name, the Belgian will surely bow out as one of City’s modern day greats, with other stars that used to strut their stuff from the middle of the park in a similar dazzling way including David Silva and Yaya Toure among many others.

Now, it’s up to Pep Guardiola to find his next pool of exceptional midfield gems in the upcoming transfer window, with one target perhaps going down as a new take on Toure if everything aligns nicely.

Man City's pursuit of a new Toure

Before delving deeper into how City’s new target could go on to achieve greatness like the Ivorian, there are an extensive list of midfield names on Guardiola’s shopping list growing by the week.

Indeed, both German superstar Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White have been incessantly linked with a big-money move to the Etihad, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao also reportedly on City’s radar alongside arch rivals Manchester United.

Transfer Focus

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

But, their focus might now have switched to sealing the signature of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, with reports from Spain suggesting that Guardiola and Co have set their sights on landing the enigmatic Brazilian this summer.

The Irons midfielder has been on the club’s radar for a while now, notably seeing a £60m bid rejected back in 2023, before they registered further interest in 2024.

Paqueta has been embroiled in a whole host of controversies at the London Stadium, but when assessing his midfield capabilities in isolation, he has the potential to become the Spaniard’s next Toure, with the South American a skilful, but tough presence centrally much like the ex-City number 42.

How Paqueta could be Guardiola's next Toure

It will be extremely hard for the Hammers number 10 to ever become as beloved as the now-retired midfielder, considering Toure would end his esteemed stay at the club with three league titles next to his name after picking up 125 goal contributions in total.

But, Paqueta – now valued at £30m via Transfermarkt – could slot into Guardiola’s main XI as a similarly lively presence anyway.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has garnered a reputation for being an entertaining figure in the heart of the West Ham midfield ever since his move to the London Stadium in 2022.

After all, even with a betting scandal weighing heavily, Paqueta has still managed to chip in with five goals this season in all competitions for Graham Potter’s lowly Hammers, which included a nicely-worked move being finished off by the 55-time Brazil international during Potter’s debut match from the dug-out.

Toure’s goal tally was always grander than just five for Guardiola’s men – with his lowest for a season coming in at the heftier seven – but Paqueta’s 18 goals and 14 assists overall for his current employers definitely makes him stick out as a tenacious yet attacking presence in the centre of the park akin to the former City icon.

Much like the ex-Barcelona man before him too, Paqueta can either be unleashed as an attacking “maverick” – as he was once labelled by David Moyes – or slot into the side as a more defensively-minded midfielder, with his high tally of 6.3 duels won per game this season in the league sticking out in this regard.

City will just have to hope any scandals next to the Brazilian’s name begin to dissipate on his arrival to Manchester, with the serial trophy winners finding themselves burnt here in the past when Toure exited the club in 2018 after being reportedly shunned on his birthday.

Whilst it’s obvious the 27-year-old is a similarly flamboyant character, everyone at City will just pray the “incredible” talent – as he was also lauded by Moyes – lets his football do the talking like Toure also successfully managed.

Their answer to Wirtz: Man City preparing bid for "world-class" £85m star

Manchester City could still win their answer to Florian Wirtz by signing this superstar instead.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 8, 2025

Aston Villa are keen on completing the signing of a speedy attacking player who Virgil van Dijk has spoken highly of, according to a new transfer rumour.

Aston Villa edging towards Champions League

The Villans picked up another priceless three points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, winning 1-0 at home to Fulham to enhance their hopes of sealing a place in the Champions League once again.

It proved to be a good weekend for Villa away from their own result, too, with rivals Newcastle United only managing to draw 1-1 away to Brighton, further boosting their hopes of securing a top-five finish.

If Unai Emery’s side do achieve that goal, it will give them a better chance of signing top-level players in the summer transfer window, with Omari Hutchinson mentioned as an option this summer. The 21-year-old may wish to leave Ipswich Town ahead of their return to the Championship, and would be a long-term attacking signing.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been linked with a switch to Villa, potentially coming in as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, should the Argentine move on. The Ukrainian may like the idea of a fresh challenge, with Thibaut Courtois ahead of him in the pecking order.

Aston Villa learn Yilmaz price tag as Galatasaray make demands

According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Galatasaray attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer. West Ham and Napoli are also said to be in the race to sign the 24-year-old ahead of next season.

His current club have ‘contacted the player’s agent to inform him that they will only accept a non-negotiable offer’ of £30m for his signature.

Yilmaz is a gifted player who could be a superb signing for Villa, having scored 11 goals in 27 starts in the Turkish Super Lig matches this season, as well as bagging one goal and assist apiece in the Europa League. The Galatasaray ace has also netted twice in 26 caps for Turkey at international level, with Liverpool captain Van Dijk lauding him after facing him for the Netherlands.

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

At 24, Yilmaz is still a fairly young player, and his ability to thrive on both the left and right wing would make him a versatile option for Emery, adding depth and quality to his attack.

Aston Villa love "talented" £35m Rashford alternative as Monchi eyes move

There’s no guarantee that Rashford completes a permanent move…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 4, 2025

The fact that the Turk has been compared to Wales and Madrid legend Gareth Bale, in terms of playing style, says all you need to know about what an exciting signing he could be for Villa.

Cole Palmer will go down as one of Chelsea’s best signings in the modern day, impressing beyond all imagination after his £40m move from fellow Premier League side Manchester City in 2023.

Not many people knew what to expect from the young attacker, but it’s safe to say he’s demonstrated his quality at the top level over the last couple of seasons.

The 22-year-old has registered 62 combined goals and assists in his 84 appearances for the Blues, with one of his best showings coming against Brighton earlier this campaign, notching four goals in the first 45 minutes.

Whilst the England international has gone 16 games without a goal, his early-season form has put Enzo Maresca’s side in a great position to secure Champions League football – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he’s been.

However, if he is to return to the heights he’s previously showcased, the hierarchy may look to delve into the market to strengthen the side in key areas of the pitch.

An update on Chelsea’s hunt for new additions this summer

There’s no denying that a striker has been at the top of Maresca’s shopping list since his appointment in the summer of 2024, but as of yet, he’s been unable to land the talisman he craves.

In recent days, Liam Delap has once again been mentioned as a possible target this summer, potentially linking back up with the Italian after their time together at the Etihad.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times for relegation-threatened Ipswich Town this campaign, looking set to depart at the end of the season regardless, with his £30m relegation release clause in his contract.

However, despite their ambition to strengthen in forward areas, moves have also been made in the defensive area with a deal for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who currently has a £50m clause in his own deal.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Blues have made a huge financial offer to the player to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge – now leading the race for his signature this summer.

Why Huijsen would be Chelsea’s best signing since Palmer

There’s no denying that Palmer has been a sensational addition to the football club, undoubtedly now worth millions more than the figure forked out for his signature.

If they are to secure a place in the Champions League ahead of next season, Maresca will need his star player to recapture his best form in the coming weeks to help get the side over the line.

Regardless of the situation they find themselves in 2025/26, additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch, none more so than the backline, to bolster their chances of going one step further.

Huijsen could provide just that should he move to West London in the coming months, being the young star to lead the backline for many years to come – something which has been desperately needed in recent seasons.

At just 19, he has the potential to be a leading star for the club for at least the next decade, but his immediate impact could be one that could catapult the side to success next campaign.

When delving into his stats from 2024/25, he’s showcased how impressive he’s been for the Cherries, undoubtedly being the key player and one of the missing pieces in Maresca’s puzzle.

Huijsen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has won 70% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 2.7 aerials won per 90 – highlighting his ability in defensive areas, something which the side have lacked given their tally of 40 goals conceded.

He’s also starred in possession, completing 85% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 4.9 long balls per 90, potentially handing Palmer the opportunity to recapture his best form.

Such impressive young talents like the Spaniard don’t come around very often, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly if they are to secure his signature.

Any move for him would massively bolster the backline, potentially being one of the most important additions they can make this summer to give themselves the platform to succeed in 2025/26.

He can revive Palmer: Chelsea ready move for "the best player in the world"

Chelsea could look to revive Cole Palmer’s form by making a big-money signing.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 25, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s Blues started the season in red-hot form, dispatching teams and finding themselves second in the Premier League just before Christmas.

However, since then, Chelsea have struggled, dropping points to bottom-half sides and now finding themselves sixth and on the fringes of Champions League qualification.

Cole Palmer has struggled for form in recent months, playing in the middle of the park behind the striker, often dropping deep to receive the ball and aid Chelsea’s progression through the lines.

Whilst his goal-scoring numbers have dropped off, his creativity remains effective, having the joint highest xA (expected assists) in the Premier League this season with 7.9 xA.

With six games to go, it remains in the balance whether the Blues can obtain a precious top five spot, securing Champions League football for next season, in their ability to do so may well impact their ability to sign players this upcoming summer.

Chelsea favourites to sign Bundesliga sensation

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now leading the race and are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar, Jamie Gittens this summer.

Other Premier League clubs such as Liverpool have shown interest and scouted the 20-year-old winger, but it looks like the Blues may be ahead in the race.

With Jadon Sancho’s future currently in question, the Blues could opt to send the winger back to Manchester United, freeing up funds to acquire Gittens – who has been touted at around £85m – from Dortmund and reinvent the left side of their attacking unit.

Gittens has made 44 appearances for the German outfit this campaign, netting 12 goals, providing five assists and totalling 2,648 minutes played. The English winger came through Manchester City’s academy, much like another one of Chelsea’s superstars.

Gittens vs Palmer comparison

Palmer was, of course, signed from Manchester City back in 2023, joining the Blues for a fee of around £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons. That signing has proven to be well worth the investment made, with the 22-year-old already making 82 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals and providing 24 assists in 6,575 minutes played.

When comparing the underlying metrics of both young England stars, you can see how each of their games differ. Gittens clearly excels at carrying, looking to be direct with the ball at his feet, beating players 1v1 and attacking the box. Meanwhile, Palmer looks to express himself through creative passing, creating for himself and others, whilst also not being afraid to pull the trigger.

The 20-year-old has already been described as the “next English diamond” by Saul Morris, via Football Talent Scout, back in 2023. Since then, we have seen Gittens go on to produce some excellent form with Borussia Dortmund, thus earning him recognition from clubs back in England.

If Gittens does join Chelsea, the ex-Manchester City academy duo could be a lethal combination in attack, with Palmer dropping deep and finding those incisive passes in behind opposition defences, allowing Gittens to attack the box and get those shots off.

All the signs then point to this exciting deal proving to be the Blues’ best since snapping up Palmer in 2023.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 16, 2025