Queens Park Rangers are now plotting a move to sign a 14-goal striker as a possible replacement for Charlie Kelman, who has been strongly linked with a move away this summer.
QPR line up attacking overhaul
It’s been a steady transfer window for the Hoops so far, as they’ve added four new players to their squad, two of whom are Kwame Poku and Karamoko Dembélé, who are both well known in the EFL and are considered exciting attacking additions.
QPR plan to make 21 year-old international striker Stephan's first signing
QPR are now closing in on a new manager as well as a new signing for the first team.
1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 19, 2025
However, QPR and manager Julien Stephan are in the market to further strengthen their forward line, this time by bringing in some out and out goalscorers. Indeed, it’s been reported that QPR are now in advanced talks over a deal to sign Pape Meissa Ba from German side Schalke 04.
The Rs are also planning on letting a few of their own strikers leave the club in what remains of this transfer window – West London Sport reports young forward Alfie Lloyd is set to leave the Championship club on loan.
Meanwhile, League One side Luton Town have made an offer to sign Charlie Kelman, who spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient. QPR are said to be ready to cash in on Kelman should they receive an attractive offer, and already have his possible replacement in mind.
QPR plotting move to sign 14-goal EFL striker
According to West London Sport, QPR are interested in signing striker Samson Tovide from Colchester United.
The 21-year-old joined Colchester at an early age and has since come through their academy set-up to play for the first team. Tovide has been a regular in the first team in the last three campaigns, during which he has scored 13 goals in League Two and one in the EFL Trophy.
Despite missing two months of last season through injury, Tovide scored seven goals and impressively recorded six assists in 29 League Two games, as Colchester missed out on the play-offs. His performances in the fourth tier of English football have now caught QPR’s attention as well as several other unnamed teams.
The Rs are looking to add some youthful exuberance to their frontline, and they believe Tovide fits the bill.
Apps
101
Goals
14
Assists
12
There is no mention of how much the young striker could cost, but given he is under contract until 2027, Colchester will look to try and maximise the fee, especially as it is a Championship side that is lurking with interest.
Tovide’s potential arrival could be as a direct replacement for Kelman, who has struggled to nail down a starting spot at QPR, playing just 26 games and failing to score a single goal.
Nottingham Forest are working hard to secure new arrivals and could be given a helping hand by claiming a sizeable windfall from one of their first-team assets, according to reports.
Nottingham Forest remain in deadlock over Morgan Gibbs-White
Truthfully, nothing of note has changed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s precarious situation at Nottingham Forest after they threatened to take legal action against Tottenham Hotspur following the latter triggering the England international’s release clause.
While it remains to be seen whether the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man stays in the Midlands, the Tricky Trees have reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a replacement.
Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey in action
Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder, though Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Bilal El Khannouss is another Nottingham Forest option.
Addressing their interest in the Leicester City playmaker, he stated: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.
“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”
Dream Elanga replacement: Nottingham Forest in contact to sign £25m "menace"
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ByJoe Nuttall Jul 15, 2025
Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have arrived at the City Ground from Botafogo, albeit Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to follow up on bringing in the duo as the marketspace becomes increasingly competitive.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of time left to secure new arrivals, offering optimism that he will eventually put together the components needed for Nottingham Forest to have a successful window, though he will also need to sell players to balance the books.
Botafogo agree deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo
According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo have agreed to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo and only the final details of a deal remain to be ironed out before his transfer back to Brazil is sealed.
An agreement is in place between all parties, and it is said that the value of his move equates to around £19 million. The former Palmeiras man will sign a four-year contract after negotiations accelerated due to Gregore’s departure to Al-Rayyan.
Danilo’s record at Nottingham Forest
Appearances
62
Goals
6
Assists
4
Labelled “wonderful” by Nuno after unfortunately breaking his ankle, the Salvador-born man has struggled to get back to his best form since and now appears set to reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.
It should be noted that he was initially hesistant to commit to Botafogo amid his association with their rivals, Palmeiras, but he is now ready to take the plunge under Davide Ancelotti’s stewarship.
Nottingham Forest may be losing a talented squad player, though his exit may offer up further funds to pursue reinforcements in the engine room once all documentation is signed and sealed.
It might sound like it, but it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to state that this summer has been one of Chelsea’s best in a very long time.
Enzo Maresca’s men came into it as Conference League champions and with Champions League football secured, only to then go and demolish Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
On top of the successes on the pitch, the West Londoners have been incredibly busy off it, welcoming in a host of brilliant players, including striker duo Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Yet, the Pensioners are not done there, as reports have now linked them with a goalscoring monster who is so dangerous he could be bad news for the two forwards.
Chelsea's summer business
To ensure Maresca’s side can kick on next season, the board have gone out of their way to back the manager over the last month or so.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
On top of the £60m for Pedro and the £30m for Delap, the West Londoners splashed £48m on the dynamic Jamie Gittens, who racked up 17 goal involvements in 49 games for Borussia Dortmund last season.
However, the Blues may have saved their most audacious transfer for last, as they’re now being linked to an incredibly in-demand forward who would possibly be bad news for Pedro and Delap: Hugo Ekitiké.
Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs who admire the Eintracht Frankfurt star.
Newcastle United are currently leading the race for his signature and have seen a £70m offer rejected, but Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the player, alongside the Blues, per Jacobs.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
In terms of how much he’d ultimately cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed that an offer of around £85m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.
It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, even if it would potentially be bad news for Pedro and Delap.
Why Ekitike could be bad news for Pedro and Delap
The first thing to say is that both Delap and Pedro are incredibly talented forwards, with the former already racking up a goal and an assist in six games for the Blues and the latter doing even better, scoring three goals in three games.
However, when it comes to pure output, the pair pale in comparison to what Ekitike was able to produce last season, and that ultimately is why his arrival could be bad news for their future game time.
For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.
In other words, the 23-year-old machine was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.
In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.
Appearances
48
30
40
Minutes
3644′
2136′
2670′
Goals
22
10
12
Assists
12
7
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
0.56
0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement
107.17
125.64′
190.71′
Likewise, the former Ipswich Town gem did well, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, but that still comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 190.71 minutes.
Then, on top of his vastly superior output, the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has the advantage of more top-level experience.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
He has made four appearances in the Champions League and 12 in the Europa League, compared to six for the Brazilian and none for the Englishman.
Ultimately, there are enough games in a season for all three to get game time, but should Chelsea sign Ekitike this summer, his outrageous ability in front of goal would surely see Pedro and Delap relegated to second and third choice, respectively.
PL rivals eyeing £100m Chelsea star; his exit could make room for Ekitike
It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.
Serie A heavyweights AC Milan have identified one Tottenham star as a potential priority signing this summer, and they’ve been given some encouragement by his stance on joining Massimiliano Allegri at the San Siro.
Tottenham pull U-turn over signing "beautiful" player amid Thomas Frank issue
Spurs’ manager faces a headache.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025
Spurs boss Thomas Frank already faces the prospect of losing a couple of noteworthy names before deadline day on September 1.
Atlético Madrid are not easing up on their interest in Cristian Romero, according to recent reports, with Spanish newspaper AS stating earlier this week that the La Liga side are in ongoing negotiations to sign the Argentine.
Cristian Romero
Daniel Levy remains a significant roadblock in Diego Simeone’s pursuit of Romero, but Atlético are very keen on signing the 27-year-old, so this could be one to watch all the way to the latter stages of this summer.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min could bring an end to his decade-long stay at Spurs too.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Son has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC recently, with Levy reportedly placing a £50 million price tag on the South Korean’s head. An offer too good to refuse will surely strike debate among the Spurs hierarchy, considering Son has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
This window represents the final chance for them to make any money back off Son’s sale, and despite his cult hero status, the north Londoners could be forced into a purely business decision.
Tottenham Hotspur'sSonHeung-minreacts
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Tottenham striker Richarlison, as it is believed by some South American news sources that Frank’s side are actively trying to sell him after an injury-ridden campaign (Jorge Nicola).
Frank’s squad could look fairly different by the start of his debut campaign in the dugout, with Milan now expressing a serious interest in left-back Destiny Udogie.
AC Milan identify Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as top target
As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, the Italy international has shot right to the top of the Rossoneri’s target list, and Milan are “dreaming” of signing him.
Tottenham do not wish to part company with Udogie given his first-team status, but the prospect of a return to Italy with Milan is said to be tempting the 22-year-old.
Udogie is very open to joining Milan, and having the opportunity to work with Allegri is particularly appealing to the left-back. That being said, the seven-time Champions League winners may still need to fork out a substantial fee.
The ex-Udinese starlet’s agent, Stefano Antonelli, told TUTTOmercatoWEB that Spurs will likely demand a fee north of £43 million to even consider selling Udogie.
He could still have a crucial role to play for Frank as well. The tactician would need to turn to either Djed Spence or Ben Davies to fill the void left by Udogie’s potential exit, unless Spurs sign a replacement, so Levy will be taking this into account amid Milan’s admiration.
Udogie enjoyed a phenomenal debut 2023/2024 season under Ange Postecoglou too, with pundit Ian Wright heaping praise on the player.
“You know someone who has to get some love as well for going under the radar, Udogie,” explained the Arsenal legend on his Wrighty’s House podcast in late 2023.
“You watch Spurs and they have put together some players that you look at and think it’s a team that are shutting up everything. He has given them stability and a progression of the ball that is very impressive. The man is going under the radar. I cannot wait to see this guy, I can’t wait to see him live.”
Sheffield United are under new management in Ruben Selles, and he could now look to bring one of his former players to Bramall Lane in an intriguing deal, according to a report.
Ruben Selles aiming for success at Sheffield United
Many onlookers were surprised when Sheffield United parted company with Chris Wilder during the off-season, but sometimes there is a need for change to keep things moving in the right direction.
Selles is now in the door at Bramall Lane and promised a traditional recruitment style despite the rise of AI in the context of talent identification, indicating that he may look to strike a balance in his hunt for new arrivals.
Southampton manager Ruben Selles andKamaldeenSulemana
He explained: “We need to understand there are tools to be more efficient and that’s how we need to look at it. They are not tools to tell us what to do, they can give advice and point us in directions.
“We understand, we interpret and make decisions from that together with some other tools. The main thing will always be the football eye, the way that we see the game, the way we identify the players. Obviously, we want those marginal gains to be on our side and we need to work with different technology that will give us that.”
Making a valid point, it now remains to be seen where he will look to strengthen. Sheffield United are targeting Tottenham duo Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine, which would be a good starting point with both having significant EFL experience.
Ruben Selles’ managerial record in English football
Wins
22
Draws
10
Losses
19
Emil Riis Jakobsen could also join the Blades on a free transfer, and they are now said to be eyeing a player who enjoys a fruitful pre-existing relationship with Selles to shore up their backline.
Ruben Selles eyeing Tyler Bindon reunion at Sheffield United
As relayed by The Guardian’s rumour mill, Sheffield United could look to sign Tyler Bindon from Nottingham Forest.
Selles coached Bindon at Reading from 2023 to 2024, and it is believed the Blades’ new manager personally wants to reunite with his ex-defender at Bramall Lane. Enjoying an injury-free campaign last term, the New Zealand defender scored three times in 47 appearances across all competitions for the Royals.
Forest actually signed the 20-year-old on a permanent deal in the January window, before sending Bindon back out on loan to Reading to finish the season, and he’s since reported back to the City Ground.
"Awesome" Sheffield United star could leave with Hamer after playoff defeat
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ByHenry Jackson May 25, 2025
Labelled “unbelievable” by Noel Hunt, Bindon has three years left on his contract in the East Midlands, and it is unclear at this point whether Forest would be willing to sanction another exit for the 20-year-old during the window – where that be on loan or permanently.
One thing is clear – Selles simply has to sign central defenders, so they may be willing to push the boat out to land his services. Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson are in need of support, and there may be scope for several arrivals to max out squad depth.
Selles arrives with a tough act to follow in Wilder, so bringing some familiar faces to South Yorkshire could help the Spanish boss to put his own stamp on the team.
Florian Wirtz’s medical is scheduled for Friday, and Liverpool supporters are surely now confident that they will get their man.
Despite all the noise regarding obscene transfer fees, Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz will sign for an initial £100m fee, with a further £16m achievable through add-ons.
Florian Wirtz
No doubt, Arne Slot can’t wait to bring the German playmaker into his team, adding some truly world-class quality to ensure the Premier League champions stand a great chance of defending their belt.
Of course, Liverpool need a new centre-forward to dance to the creative tune Wirtz will play from number ten. Darwin Nunez’s time on Merseyside is at an end, reported interest from Serie A rising.
Multiple names have been bandied about, but Hugo Ekitike’s has held the most weight over the past several weeks.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Liverpool need a striker, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike has been billed the perfect fit, not just a budding goalscorer of a high class but also a dynamic and rounded player whose strength lies in his elegance and flair.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The 22-year-old completed his first full season in Germany last year, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.
But with a deft touch, selfless link-up play and intelligent off-the-ball movements all front and centre of Ekitike’s skillset, there’s little question that he has a “very complete offensive range”, as noted by one French reporter.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed Ekitike “one of the best strikers out there”, but he’s not the best. That particular player lingers elusively out of reach for all who might want him this summer, but Liverpool haven’t given up hope.
Liverpool still in for Ekitike alternative
As per the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, Liverpool are still huge admirers of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and are attentive to his situation.
Even though The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the 25-year-old would not be moving this summer after qualifying for the Champions League, Liverpool chiefs are looking to raise funds through the sales of existing players, and the summer is still young.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
For their part, Newcastle categorically don’t want to sell. Isak is the cream of Eddie Howe’s crop and has been valued at more than £150m.
Why Alexander Isak would be perfect
Isak is one of the best players in the Premier League, with analyst Raj Chohan even declaring him “the best striker in the world” after his extraordinary 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle signed the marksman from Real Sociedad three years ago in what remains a club-record £63m move, but Isak has shaken away the injury issues of seasons past to have enjoyed his finest year yet, bagging 27 goals and six assists over 42 matches in all competitions.
In the Premier League, his 23-goal return was surpassed only by that man Mohamed Salah, and with Isak missing only 18 big chances and creating 11 golden opportunities for his teammates, as per Sofascore, he’d help Liverpool’s Egyptian star and the rest in creating a layered attacking game next year.
Isak’s goalscoring is second-to-none, sure, but that’s not why Liverpool have a vested interest. Instead, it’s the player’s underlying quality, so rounded and technically impressive.
His physicality and robustness (when swerving the injury front) have established the rangy forward to become one of the best in the world, with his goal against Liverpool at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup in March underscoring his value.
Maybe that was the game that convinced FSG of this star’s prowess, for rumours of his potential cross-country summer switch have persisted ever since.
It’s hardly surprising. Liverpool clearly want a certain type of centre-forward, with FBref’s data-driven model revealing Ekitike to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.
Let’s have a look at how they match up.
Goals scored
0.75
0.53
Assists
0.20
0.28
Shots taken
3.10
4.00
Shot-creating actions
3.00
3.55
Touches (att pen)
6.17
6.88
Progressive passes
2.87
1.86
Progressive carries
2.71
3.27
Successful take-ons
1.37
1.83
Ball recoveries
1.80
3.06
Tackles + interceptions
0.49
0.81
What’s interesting is that Ekitike is a bit more active in his ball carrying and in his recoveries, but he also unleashes strikes on goal with greater regularity, with xG (expected goals) tally reaching 0.76 per 90.
Isak’s xG tally, conversely, amounted only to 0.66 per 90, which basically means he scored more frequently than he should have from the chances he found himself at the centre of.
Ultimately, we’re not going to see both players under Slot’s wing, but one of them should suffice. Given Ekitike’s stylistic similarities to Isak, though, you could argue that he’s little more than an imitation of the Swede, pastiching his style of play but not to the same effect.
Ekitike and Isak
The 6 foot 3 star has a wealth of experience as a top striker in the Premier League, so it’s understandable that Liverpool would have to pay a premium.
Would the £150m mark be too much for the Reds? It’s likely, but then such a figure is potentially overinflated. Wirtz, it must be said, was touted at €150m (£127m), right up into Liverpool announced themselves the finances involved in a deal that leaves the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal with bigger outlays on single-player transfers at this stage.
To fork out what would likely reach the £100m ballpark once again in the same transfer window would be a big ask of FSG, but the American owners have established a self-sustainable model that has bred illustrious success, and with the right player sales, this might just be one to keep an eye on.
Their new Mo Salah: Liverpool favourites to sign "incredible" £84m striker
Liverpool are planning to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer market.
If there is one area of the team Arsenal need to strengthen this summer, it’s the attack.
While Mikel Arteta’s side finished a distant second to Liverpool in the Premier League this season, they ended the campaign with a better defensive record than anyone in the league but with 17 fewer goals scored.
So, with this apparent weakness compared to their title rival, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers, like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins, in recent weeks.
However, the North Londoners could also do with more options off the left, which would help to explain the links to a player who could be their next Lukas Podolski.
Arsenal's winger search
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wingers who have been linked with Arsenal this summer, like Nico Williams and Rodrygo.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been a long-term target for the club and has a release clause worth around £50m, which doesn’t seem too unreasonable for a 22-year-old international who racked up 18 goal involvements in 45 games this season.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost as much as £85m, but considering he’d be moving from Real Madrid and has produced 24 goal involvements in 51 appearances this year.
However, while both players would be excellent additions to the Gunners’ squad, neither one can really be compared to Podolski, unlike Leroy Sané.
Interestingly, according to a recent report from German outlet BILD, the Bayern Munich star, who is out of contract this summer, could be on the move, and when it comes to English clubs, he would only be interested in joining Arsenal, with his desire to join North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur ‘low.’
It would appear as if there is some degree in the player from the Gunners as well, as earlier this week, it was fairly widely reported that talks had taken place between his representatives and the club.
It might not be the most exciting transfer, but Sané has more than proven himself over the years, and there are certain elements to this potential deal that could make him become a new Podolski for the club.
Why Sané could be Podolski 2.0
So, before getting into some of the other reasons why Sané would be a good signing, it’s worth addressing why we look at him as a potential Podolski 2.0.
Leroy Sane for Bayern Munich
The first is that both players would have joined the club from the Bundesliga as German internationals, and furthermore, while the former Gunners ace joined from Koln in 2012, he too had spent time and won titles with Bayern Munich.
Secondly, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bayern star mainly playing off the left but being able to play off the right as well, while the 40-year-old was also primarily a left-winger at the Emirates but has spent more time up top in his career.
On top of that, the pair are both left-footed, and while they can easily create and score goals, they have tended to favour the latter throughout their careers.
For example, the former Manchester City ace, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “world-class,” has scored 133 goals and provided 125 assists in his 496 appearances, while the Koln legend has found the back of the 238 times and provided 138 assists in 700 games.
Appearances
200
210
Minutes
12501′
15482′
Goals
51
70
Assists
47
37
Goal Involvements per Game
0.49
0.50
Minutes per Goal Involvement
127.56′
144.69′
Appearances
90
60
Minutes
6089′
3268′
Goals
25
19
Assists
30
12
Goal Involvements per Game
0.61
0.51
Minutes per Goal Involvement
110.70′
105.41′
Last but not least, given the fact he’s 29 years old and would be joining for free, the Essen-born international could have a similar impact as his senior compatriot did at the club, in the sense that he could come in, spend a couple of seasons as a useful offensive option and then move on, without being a significant financial burden.
Ultimately, Sané is still a brilliant footballer, and considering he’d be available for free, bringing him to the club feels like a no-brainer for Arsenal.
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Full-backs in today’s game are a crucial position of the pitch, with modern-day managers wanting to see them effect the game in attack, while also being solid defensively.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best right-backs the Premier League has seen, but he has now left Liverpool for Real Madrid. But where does he rank in regards to best right-backs in Premier League history?
Ranking factors Appearances Longevity Titles Goals Clean sheets What others have said about them 20 best right-backs in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Dan Petrescu Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford, Southampton
Starting the countdown is Romanian icon Dan Petrescu, who was an attacking full-back best known for his time at Chelsea.
Petrescu cost the Blues a then-club-record £2.3m from Sheffield Wednesday back in 1995, but he starred at Stamford Bridge across a five-year spell before also featuring for Bradford and Southampton in the top flight, contributing to more than 50 league goals along the way.
Games
215
Goals
23
Assists
33
Clean sheets
42
19 Antonio Valencia Wigan, Man Utd
Starting out as a winger when he moved to England with Wigan, Antonio Valencia was slowly moved back to an attacking right-back role under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He still had that attacking output and was called a player who “has got everything” by Ferguson, with the Ecuadorian winning two league titles at Old Trafford.
Games
325
Goals
24
Assists
46
Clean sheets
105
Titles
2
18 John O’Shea Man Utd, Sunderland
Versatile defender John O’Shea would turn out as a right-back on numerous occasions for Man Utd and was also used as a centre-back and left-back during his career.
The Irishman, called a “great professional” who “never complains” by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a reliable performer and made more than 250 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before going on to spend seven years with Sunderland.
Games
445
Goals
13
Assists
13
Clean sheets
115
Titles
5
17 Wes Brown Man Utd, Sunderland
Continuing the trend of right-backs to have played for Man Utd and Sunderland is Wes Brown, who won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils between 1997-2011.
Like O’Shea, Brown was used in a variety of defensive roles during his career and could excel at right-back. Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew his stuff, was also a big fan, calling Brown “the best natural defender in the country” back in 2009.
Games
308
Goals
4
Assists
9
Clean sheets
98
Titles
5
16 Seamus Coleman Everton
Arguably the best value-for-money signing in Premier League history, Seamus Coleman has been crucial for Everton since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009.
Costing just £60,000, the Irishman has gone on to make more than 350 league appearances for the Toffees, coming in for praise from Frank Lampard who called Coleman “amazing”.
His longevity has been brilliant, and in his prime, Coleman has also been a real threat in the final third, contributing to 46 top flight goals.
Games
371
Goals
22
Assists
24
Clean sheets
96
15 Paulo Ferreira Chelsea
One of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at Chelsea back in 2004, Paulo Ferreira would enjoy a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles.
The Portuguese defender sometimes went under the radar but played 29 times in the 2004/05 season which saw the Blues concede just 15 times in the league campaign.
Games
141
Assists
4
Clean sheets
56
Titles
3
14 Kieran Trippier Burnley, Tottenham, Newcastle
After coming through the Man City academy, Kieran Trippier made a name for himself in the Premier League with Burnley before spells with Tottenham and Newcastle.
A set-piece specialist from right-back, Trippier was dubbed as the perfect modern-day full-back by defensive icon Roberto Carlos and has scored and created numerous goals in the top flight.
Games
210
Goals
6
Assists
38
Clean sheets
52
13 Joao Cancelo Man City
Another brilliant attacking full-back, Joao Cancelo’s stay in the Premier League was relatively short, but he made a big impact at Man City under Pep Guardiola with his eye for a pass.
He won three titles in four seasons at the Etihad and was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, while also being dubbed one of the best right-backs in the world by Nigel de Jong.
Games
98
Goals
5
Assists
11
Clean sheets
41
Titles
3
12 Gary Kelly Leeds
A one-club man with Leeds United, Irishman Gary Kelly was one of the best right-backs in the early years of the Premier League and made more than 300 top-flight appearances for the Whites.
Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, Kelly was defensively sound but would also get forward when he could, averaging an assist every 10 appearances at Elland Road.
Games
325
Goals
2
Assists
31
Clean sheets
103
11 Stephen Carr Tottenham, Newcastle, Birmingham
Another old-school right-back, Stephen Carr made an appearance in 15 separate Premier League campaigns but will best be remembered for his time at Tottenham, where he was included in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.
Although he never got near to winning the title, Carr was extremely reliable and was a right-back who “had everything” according to Irish teammate Kenny Cunningham.
With Fabio Paratici set to return to the club, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly in constant contact with an impressive defender who’s also found himself on the radar of Real Madrid.
Fabio Paratici set for Tottenham return
Having left the North London club in 2023 following a two-and-a-half-year ban by FIFA which he is still serving, Paratici has reportedly agreed to return to Tottenham. The Lilywhites have plenty of work to do this summer and the return of an experienced sporting director may well go a long way towards things finally changing for the better under Ange Postecoglou.
How much room Spurs have to manoeuvre in the transfer window is the big question. Should they miss out on winning the Europa League and, subsequently, a place in next season’s Champions League, those in North London are unlikely to have a large budget to spend. After taking one leg in the final with a 3-1 first leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, however, Europa League victory is still very much a possibility.
Many will be quick to assume that a place in Bilbao is now firmly in Spurs’ grasp and Postecoglou reiterated that a repeat of his side’s performance on Thursday night next week will see them advance.
He told reporters: “Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it’ll be enough for us to get through.
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A lot is on the line.
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“Yeah, I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today, I thought our performance was everything it needed to be, really well organised and disciplined defensively and really calm going forward and created good opportunities for ourselves.”
Europa League victory would no doubt help to turn the narrative of their season on its head, perhaps saving Postecoglou’s job in the process and even luring top transfer targets to the club.
Tottenham in constant contact with Jonathan Tah
According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are in constant contact with Jonathan Tah over a summer switch following the expiry of his current Bayer Leverkusen deal at the end of the season. The Lilywhites are far from alone, however, with Manchester United and now even Real Madrid also looking to convince the defender into a move.
As Paratici plots his first transfer back, those in North London could end the summer having landed a true bargain. The Leverkusen defender played a pivotal part in last season’s invincible domestic double and has impressed once again throughout the current campaign.
A player who’s earned plenty of praise over the years, former Germany boss Joachim Low told reporters after handing Tah his international debut at the beginning of his career: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”
Arsenal could now be handed the chance to sign yet another Bayern Munich player, following their recent talks with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
Arsenal make contact with Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman
Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly keen to bring in a new winger this summer, prompting the Gunners to reach out to Bavaria in search of quality options.
Arsenal convinced they'll sign "world-class" player by June, talks ongoing
He could be Andrea Berta’s first major signing as sporting director.
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At the beginning of April, it was reported that Arsenal held “fresh talks” with Sane over joining on a free transfer.
However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Vincent Kompany’s side have tabled a formal contract proposal to Sane, who was recently named Bayern’s Player of the Month for March amid his sensational end to the campaign, and it is highly likely the German will extend his stay – dealing a blow to Arsenal in their pursuit.
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After seemingly missing out on the 29-year-old, Arsenal then turned their attention towards Coman, who has expressed a desire to leave Bayern and is far more likely to seal a departure.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, not to mention arch rivals Tottenham, are also believed to be expressing an interest – so it won’t be plain sailing for Berta.
Bayern Munich's KingsleyComancelebrates
“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.
“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”
Since then, Arsenal have moved to open talks with Coman’s representatives, and this communication is said to be “ongoing” as the north Londoners seek to tempt him with a move to N5.
Amid these discussions, it is now believed another Bayern ace could be on the table for Arteta – £165,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Arsenal likely to be offered Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha
According to CaughtOffside, Palhinha is likely to be offered to Arsenal, as his representative seeks a new landing spot just one year after he joined Kompany’s side – following a lengthy Fulham transfer saga.
The Portugal international has made just 21 appearances in all competitions, partly due to a muscle injury, with Liverpool and Man United also set to be handed an opportunity to strike a deal for the former Premier League star.
The Bundesliga frontrunners could be open to selling Palhinha, as they’re currently prioritising a contract extension for Leon Goretzka, so the 29-year-old’s availability is on the cards.
“He’s been absolutely sensational this season,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on the midfielder in 2023.
“You need someone like that in front of you as a defender.”