Player ratings via Sofascore

Well, last night’s Premier League game just about summed up Tottenham Hotspur’s season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side came into the match against Nottingham Forest likely still ecstatic off the back of their Europa League quarter-final triumph away to Eintracht Frankfurt, but instead of building on that momentum, they fell back into old habits.

It took all of five minutes for the visitors to go one-nil up courtesy of a long-range effort from Elliot Anderson that rebounded off Rodrigo Bentancur.

Then, just 15 minutes later, Chris Wood doubled the Tricky Trees’ lead with a well-taken header helped by some terrible goalkeeping from Guglielmo Vicario.

While it wasn’t the worst performance of the Lilywhites’ season, there were still plenty of starters who left a lot to be desired, including Richarlison.

Richarlison's game vs Forest

Now, before the pitchforks come out, it’s only fair to commend Richarlison on the goal he scored in the 87th minute – a lovely header from a pinpoint Pedro Porro cross.

However, if we are being honest, that was pretty much the only good thing he did in the entire game, and had he been on song, he could and probably should have got, at the very least, a couple more.

In fact, aside from a few missed chances, he was practically anonymous for the majority of the game and offered very little in the way of build-up play or support for his teammates.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

It was a display in stark contrast to what we saw from Dominic Solanke on Thursday night.

It might sound harsh, but London World’s Toby Bryant shares this opinion, as he gave the Brazilian a 6/10 match rating at full-time and wrote that he ‘needs to be available to receive the ball so much more.’

Richarlison’s game in numbers
Minutes	95′
Expected Goals	1.48
Goals	1
Expected Assists	0.00
Assists	0
Touches	21
Key Passes	0
Big Chances Missed	3
Passing Accuracy	3/6 (50%)
Dribbles (Successful)	4 (0)
Duels (Won)	9 (0)
Crosses	0
Fouls	2
Lost Possession	10
All Stats via Sofascore

His statistics don’t make for pleasant reading either, as in 95 minutes of action, he scored just a single goal from an expected goals figure of 1.48, didn’t even register 0.01 expected assists, missed three big chances and failed in 100% of his dribbles.

Player ratings via Sofascore

In short, it wasn’t a great night for the former Everton star, although he did at least get on the scoresheet, which cannot be said about another of the starters who put in a terribly disappointing display.

The Spurs star worse than Richarlison

Unfortunately, you could name quite a few players here, from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero to Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr.

Still, when it comes down to it, Dejan Kulusevski was potentially the most disappointing of the lot.

Like Richarlison, the Swedish international was mostly a passenger last night, but unlike the Brazilian, he wasn’t able to pop up with a goal, as his effort in the second half was cleared off the line.

Moreover, apart from that one effort, it’s hard to think of a single positive thing the former Juventus star did, which is made all the worse by the fact the North Londoners had 70% of the possession.

Again, this is an opinion shared by Bryant, who awarded the midfielder just a 5/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he was ‘generally sluggish,’ which is not what you want to hear about someone considered to be one of your very best players. Truth be told, it was perhaps one of his poorest nights of the campaign.

Kulusevski’s game in numbers
Minutes	67′
Goals	0
Assists	0
Touches	38
Key Passes	1
Big Chances Missed	1
Dribbles (Successful)	2 (1)
Duels (Won)	11 (3)
Crosses	0
Long Balls	0
All Stats via Sofascore

Unsurprisingly, his statistics from the night back up this assessment, as in 67 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.10 to rubberstamp how mediocre a night it was for one of their star men.

Furthermore, his touch count of only 38 meant he had 15 fewer than Van de Ven and six fewer than Romero, a stat that’s made worse by the fact the defensive duo left the field at the interval.

Ultimately, Richarlison and Kulusevski looked like players who were still getting back to full fitness, but with a must-win game coming up next Thursday, they need to get there quickly, especially the Swede.

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Liverpool are in the market for elite talent this summer and could now be prepared to take a step closer to landing one of their priority targets, according to a report.

Liverpool's summer begins with Alexander-Arnold bombshell

Despite a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, you would be hard-pressed to find too much discontent among Liverpool supporters following their Premier League title triumph.

That discontent may have increased ever so slightly however with the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid. Albeit a poorly kept secret, the official confirmation on Monday to follow on from Sunday’s result certainly suggests that Arne Slot has some work to do in the summer window.

According to reports, Liverpool could replace Darwin Nunez with Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also on the agenda, but the Italy international may be a more affordable alternative at £50 million.

Despite potentially costing £100 million, the Reds are also keen on a swoop for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, even if Manchester City and the Magpies also remain in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

From a Liverpool perspective, their remaining three Premier League matches are dead rubbers. Pride is at stake, though there is a wider acknowledgement that changes are set to engulf the squad this summer.

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Excitement is in the air as FSG prepare to spend a considerable chunk on fresh blood, while departures are likely to unfold in the other direction to streamline Slot’s talented group of players.

With anticipation building ahead of a big window for all involved, Liverpool could now take one step closer to signing a talented import from one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool prepare offer for Xavi Simons

According to Empire of the Kop, Liverpool are preparing a £51.1 million offer to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, though his current employers are more likely to sell the 26-cap Netherlands international for between £59.6 million and £68.1 million.

Labelled “amazing” by Dani Olmo, the former Barcelona star has registered ten goals and eight assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season – the exact same number of created goals as Alexander-Arnold this term.

Xavi Simons’ importance to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga

Chances created

48

Shots on target

19

Completed dribbles

29

Pass accuracy

83.1%

Successful crosses

20

Intriguingly, Liverpool’s case to land Simons could be helped if RB Leipzig fail to qualify for the Champions League between now and the end of the campaign.

Capable of playing on either flank, in central midfield or behind the striker, Slot is confident that his large Dutch contingent of players could convince the Amsterdam-born man to make a move to Merseyside.

Versatility and end product from midfield are Simons’ main attributes, and he could now be destined for a shot at Premier League stardom as part of a Liverpool side that aims to conquer all in years to come. Now, it remains to be seen whether they can negotiate a package that suits all parties once the window opens.

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.

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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.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

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.

“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.”

One Tottenham Hotspur star is attracting very serious interest from a Premier League rival, who are also set to open talks over his signing “in the coming weeks”.

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in crunch Europa League semi-final

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s sole focus right now is on the club’s potentially fruitful Europa League campaign.

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The north Londoners travel to Bodo/Glimt knowing they’re just 90 minutes away from their first European final since Mauricio Pochettino took them to the brink of Champions League glory in 2019, and if they avoid an embarrassing defeat against the Norwegian minnows, Spurs’ spot will be confirmed.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Winning the Europa League would be a perfect end to an otherwise dismal campaign for Postecoglou, who has led the Lilywhites to 19 Premier League defeats as Tottenham languish 16th in the table.

Not only would it mean lifting their first piece of major silverware since 2008, but Spurs also have a golden opportunity to book a place in next season’s Champions League draw, so quite a lot is on the line tonight as Postecoglou seeks to rescue the season in dramatic fashion.

“I think the fact it is a semi-final and such a big game irrespective it is always going to be a bit tight and tense throughout the whole game,” said Postecoglou on the challenge of Bodo/Glimt.

“I think it is just the nature of the competition you’re in and being in a semi-final, whether it was at our place first or at our place second, it would have been the same kind of scenario of two teams who know there is a big prize at the end of getting to a final. Yeah, we’ll have to perform.”

Everton set to open talks for Richarlison

Their success in the competition may also determine Tottenham’s transfer plans for the summer, with recent reports suggesting they’re set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer window as things stand (The Telegraph).

One of the men who could be sacrificed to make room for new signings is £60 million striker Richarlison, who hasn’t featured as often as he would’ve liked this term due to a 24/25 campaign blighted by injuries.

The Brazil forward also faces losing his spot in the national team, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who also told The Boot Room that Everton are set to open talks for Richarlison “in the coming weeks”.

The Merseysiders could offer Tottenham’s “underrated” attacker a route out in pursuit of more minutes, and it is believed Richarlison views the brand-new Everton Stadium as an ideal landing spot.

“I’m told that he has been made aware that he needs to be playing next season,” said Bailey.

“Brazil have a host of options competing with him – Real Madrid’s Endrick but also a host of Premier League rivals – Joao Pedro, Rodrigo Muniz and Evanilson – and they will all be starting for their respective clubs.

“Richarlison needs to be playing, he knows this and that is just why Everton are in such a strong position. They can offer him that chance of first-team football.

“Everton want him back, as we revealed earlier this year, and I believe there is confidence from their side, but also a belief from Richarlison and Spurs’ end that this is likely the best option.

“As it stands a permanent deal will be tough, but that is what the talks in the coming weeks will be aimed to work out.”

Richarlison is also believed to be attracting interest from Brazilian Serie A sides, and it will be intriguing to see where his future lies.

The 27-year-old has been a real mixed bag since making the move to London, enduring spells of bad form and unavailability whilst also going through real purple patches, like the one midway through 2023/2024, when he was seemingly scoring goals for fun.

Nottingham Forest are still in the hunt for a European place and look to be showing the same ambition in the transfer market as they circle for a talented defender, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest hopeful of statement summer window

Form has dipped at the City Ground over the last few weeks, and some supporters could be forgiven for getting a little twitchy over the Tricky Trees’ chances of Champions League qualification.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo has remained stoic in the face of Premier League rivals’ momentum, and there is still belief that a special ending could be in store for the Nottingham Forest faithful.

Regardless of how the rest of the campaign goes, there is optimism that an exciting summer window could be on the cards to help bridge the gap further after a valiant effort this term.

Showing their ambition, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is on Forest’s radar amid his £30 million relegation release clause, which has also attracted the eyes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

James McAtee could join his former Manchester City teammate after enduring a frustrating campaign at the Etihad Stadium that has resulted in limited minutes for the England Under-21 international.

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While the market is becoming increasingly globalised, proven Premier League operators appear to be the type of profile Nottingham Forest want to attract to enrich their playing squad.

There is also the carrot of arrivals from their own division potentially being homegrown, which is a vital component when it comes to meeting UEFA registration rules.

With that in mind, Nottingham Forest have now spotted another opportunity to try to land a Premier League star who could be on the move this summer.

Nottingham Forest closely pursuing Liverpool's Jarell Quansah

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are now closely pursuing Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, who is also on the radar of Newcastle United this summer.

The Reds are said to value the England international at £29.7 million and could look to cash in on his services should they add another body to their rearguard during the off-season.

Pass accuracy

91.9%

Tackles won

8

Duels won

19

Aerial duels won

6

Recoveries

16

Interceptions

6

Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by journalist David Lynch, Quansah has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season, becoming a reliable contributor on Liverpool’s journey to claiming the Premier League title.

Nevertheless, he hasn’t been in the limelight as much as he would’ve hoped, which has left the door ajar for a potential exit to put himself in with a chance of regular minutes in 2025/26.

The 2026 World Cup isn’t too far in the distance, potentially amplifying urgency from his own perspective to make sure he is noticed by Thomas Tuchel in the lead-up to the finals.

Nottingham Forest are in a brilliant position to offer him that pathway. Now, it is about whether they can fend off competition from elsewhere for his signature.

Chelsea could look to bring back a former player in the summer transfer window, and it is believed he’s very much open to a Stamford Bridge return.

Chelsea seal huge Champions League boost after win over Liverpool

Enzo Maresca was a happy man after Chelsea sealed their arguably most important win of the Premier League season on Sunday.

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Chelsea’s 3-1 home win over English champions Liverpool handed the club an almighty boost in their race for Champions League qualification, with goals from Enzo Fernández, Jarell Quansah (OG) and a late Cole Palmer penalty sealing a vital three points.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures	Date
Newcastle (away)	May 11th
Man United (home)	May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)	May 25th

The west Londoners are now in the top five, and as things stand, they’re on course to seal a place in next season’s Champions League draw with a minor gap now bridged between Chelsea and sixth-placed Nottingham Forest.

“I really think that Liverpool deserve to win the Premier [League],” said Maresca on Chelsea’s win over Liverpool.

“First of all because they have been consistent. Second of all because they had consistently the [whole] squad available, something that unfortunately the rest [of the teams] have not.

“Today again they show the reason why the have won the Premier League. We did not plan, I promise you, the game to defend deep. We plan the game to high press in the way we always [do] but sometimes the opposition is so good that you have to defend deep, and you have to adapt, and the players dealt with that very good.”

This result could be looked back on as the match which helped them on their way to Europe’s most prestigious competition, with Champions League qualification also set to have a big impact on Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a new centre-back will be altered by their success in sealing a top five place, with many names reportedly on BlueCo’s agenda heading into the next transfer window.

One of them, according to numerous media sources, is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The England international’s contract is set to expire in 2026, opening the door for his potential sale this summer, but Palace could still demand up to £60 million for Guehi regardless.

Reports have claimed that Chelsea chiefs are confident they can strike a deal for Guehi and lure him back to west London, following the Cobham academy graduate’s departure to Selhurst Park in 2021.

Marc Guehi open to making Chelsea return this summer

As per journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his Substack, Guehi is open to making a Chelsea return this summer, but the 24-year-old is yet to make a final decision.

He’s also believed to be waiting on the results of this year’s race for Champions League qualification, adding further importance to Chelsea’s goal of sealing their spot in the competition, while Newcastle are seriously tempting Guehi as well.

As per Phillips, Chelsea haven’t laid as much groundwork on a move for Guehi as they have for alternative centre-back target, Dean Huijsen, either.

That being said, there is little denying the Three Lions ace, called a “sensational talent” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, would be a stellar addition to Maresca’s backline.

Birmingham City ended up coasting to the League One title in style with five straight victories to close out the season seeing the Blues end on a record-breaking 111 points.

This was the first honour added to the St. Andrew’s trophy cabinet since Birmingham’s dramatic League Cup win over Arsenal in 2011, but the Tom Wagner-backed Blues will be hungry for more successes of this kind when heading up to the Championship.

Back-to-back promotions will be the dream goal for Chris Davies’ men upon their re-entry into the tricky division, with some new statement signings needed to boost their chances of immediately feeling at home in the EFL’s elite league.

One of those major buys could be Che Adams, with the hectic rumour mill suggesting Birmingham are keen on snapping up their former star to add even more firepower to their ranks.

Birmingham's hunt for Che Adams

Late last month, Football Insider broke the news that Davies and Co were eyeing up a spectacular move to tempt Adams back to the West Midlands club.

They further stated that Birmingham were looking to add the 28-year-old back to their roster in order to possess a Championship ready goal machine, with Adams boasting 49 career goals in the difficult division.

But, both Jay Stansfield and Alfie May arguably deserve a crack at the level after firing home the goals to seal promotion for their side.

Moreover, Birmingham could seal a better and more worthwhile purchase than landing Adams by signing an EFL star who might make the likes of Stansfield and May even more prolific.

Birmingham eyeing a more exciting signing than Adams

Luring Adams back to St. Andrew’s won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, considering he once joined former employers Southampton for a reported £15m.

On the other hand, snapping up the services of Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku could be a lot cheaper, with a compensatory fee needing to be agreed between both the Blues and Posh as the Ghanaian ace’s contract is now expired in Cambridgeshire.

Whilst Adams’ impressive goal record might well justify whatever bumper fee Torino want, Poku would come in and offer far more than just goals for Davies’ men, with the excellent delivery in the video above proving the 23-year-old’s calmness under pressure to pick out an inch-perfect pass for a teammate.

Of course, Poku’s blistering game does also focus in on his ability to fire home strikes, considering he bagged a potent 12 league goals last season for Darren Ferguson’s men.

But, he can also be unselfish and creative marauding through the centre or down the right channel, meaning the likes of Stansfield and May could have chances galore put on a plate for them if the 5 foot 10 star does finally join.

On top of that, it’s not also guaranteed that Adams would return to the Blues and be an instant rip-roaring success, considering he fired home just 12 goals during his first two seasons at the level when last donning a Birmingham strip.

Games played

27

37

44

Goals scored

12

19

16

Assists

8

3

8

Touches*

46.3

29.0

21.9

Shots*

2.4

2.7

1.6

Scoring frequency

172 mins

142 mins

148 mins

Accurate passes*

20.3 (80%)

8.1 (69%)

10.9 (79%)

Big chances missed

3

13

13

Big chances created

9

6

7

Whereas, looking at the table above, it appears that Poku, Stansfield and May could become a terrifying trio for Championship defences to contain, with the “top drawer” talent – as he’s been lauded by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony – chomping at the bit to prove himself as an attacking force in the far tougher league.

Also, reunions often just don’t go to plan either. Whereas, if Poku’s League One numbers are anything to go by, he could be the exact fresh blood Birmingham need to become an more formidable outfit stepping back up a division.

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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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“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.”

A “quality” Liverpool player’s agents have reportedly held multiple discussions with the sporting director of a huge European club over a move there this summer.

Liverpool players who could leave this summer

The Reds’ attack is in need of being bolstered in the summer transfer window, with an elite-level No.9 required to come in and make the Premier League champions even more formidable ahead of next season.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota don’t represent the long-term solution leading the line for Liverpool, while Luis Diaz isn’t a natural in a central role, even though he has performed well there at times in 2024/25, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

The Reds need to sign a striker who is strong in terms of both end product and availability, with Nunez lacking in the former and Jota a constant issue in the latter, taking them to the next level and easing some of the pressure on Mohamed Salah, who has carried the attack at times.

The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko have all been mentioned as options – in fact, journalist Ben Jacobs has only recently talked up the Merseysiders’ chances of signing RB Leipzig ace Sesko, saying he has “become high” in Liverpool’s thinking.

Napoli sporting director in touch with "quality" Liverpool ace

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has spoken to Nunez’s representatives about a summer move to the club.

It is claimed that he has had “more than one contact” with the Uruguayan’s agents, seeing him as a backup option to Lille star Jonathan David, who they are finding it hard to sign. The report also states that Nunez has decided he wants to leave Anfield this summer.

An exit for the 25-year-old feels like the ideal outcome for all parties in the coming weeks and months, with Liverpool’s No.9 simply not at the level required.

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The £140,000-a-week Nunez may be a popular figure among the fanbase, due to his personality, but patience has now worn thin with many, even though Jurgen Klopp said of him last year: “He had absolutely more than an OK first season but he had to adapt, that’s done, and he is settled in the middle of the team.

“He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”

Appearances

29

Starts

8

Minutes played

1094

Goals

5

Assists

2

Key passes per game

0.3

Dribbles per game

0.3

Pass completion rate

70.9%

Ultimately, Nunez’s Liverpool career has been disappointing, considering the expectations of him when he arrived in 2022, with his finishing far too unpredictable and his all-round game lacking intelligence and subtlely. A summer farewell is a no-brainer, with a big upgrade on him required.

Manchester City will end this season without a major trophy added to the cabinet after they were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The Cityzens still have Champions League football to fight it out for in their last two matches in the Premier League, but a goal from Eberechi Eze ensured that their cup campaign ended in failure.

Pep Guardiola’s side did have a golden chance to draw level with the Eagles in the first half, however, when Omar Marmoush stepped up from the spot.

Omar Marmoush let Manchester City down

The Egypt international, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in the January transfer window, was given the ball by regular penalty taker Erling Haaland to shoot from 12 yards for the first time in his Manchester City career.

Marmoush, after a long wait whilst VAR confirmed the decision, struck his penalty low to Dean Henderson’s right, not far enough in the corner to prevent the goalkeeper from getting a strong hand to it.

The former Bundesliga star went on to be substituted in the 76th minute without atoning for his missed penalty, which ultimately let the side down in the end as they lost 1-0.

Marmoush was far from the only poor performer on the pitch for the Cityzens, though, and Jeremy Doku just proved why Pep Guardiola must axe him this summer.

Why Jeremy Doku should be sold this summer

Manchester City should be aiming to win every competition they play in when they start a season and they need players who can provide consistent quality at the top end of the pitch in their forward ranks in order to do so.

Doku, simply, does not offer enough in the final third to be a regular starter for City, with six goals in 35 appearances in all competitions this season. In fact, Marmoush has offered more than him in the Premier League for the club despite only joining in January.

24/25 Premier League

Jeremy Doku

Omar Marmoush

Appearances

27

14

Goals

3

6

Conversion rate

13%

15%

Key passes per game

8

6

Assists

6

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Egyptian star has produced 12 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 14 appearances, compared to Doku’s 12 in almost twice as many games.

Doku, who was given a player rating of 5/10 by the Manchester Evening News, was also just as bad as Marmoush in the defeat to Palace, as he played the full 90 minutes without creating a ‘big chance’, and only one of his five shots found the target.

Chalkboard

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

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The moment that summed up his performance, the day for City, and his season overall, was when he cut inside onto his weaker left foot and dragged a shot well wide from distance in the 110th minute, which was the last kick of the game for the Cityzens.

Ultimately, he lacked the quality to make a difference in the final third and that has been a feature of his career at City, as evidenced by the aforementioned statistics, on the left flank.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025

Therefore, Guardiola must ruthlessly move on from the Belgium international in the summer transfer window, and attempt to replace him with a forward who can provide goals and assists on a consistent basis moving forward.