Ruben Neves ‘destined’ to join Barcelona

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is ‘destined’ to move from Molineux to Barcelona this summer, according to journalist Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Neves linked with Wolves exit

The 25-year-old has proven to be a wonderful player for the Old Gold, producing moments of magic from midfield and maturing into a formidable player.

Unfortunately, Neves’ superb form this season has seen him linked with a summer move away, with numerous clubs keen on acquiring his signature.

Barcelona are arguably the front-runners to sign the Portuguese maestro, as Xavi looks to build a successful new era at the Catalan club.

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The Latest: Journalist drops Barcelona claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland claimed that Neves’ rumoured move to the La Liga giants feels inevitable. He stated:

“The history and the name Barcelona, that’s pulling power in itself. And you look at what Xavi is doing at the club, there’s always going to be the whole if he goes and works with Xavi, how good will he be?

“No disrespect to Wolves, but you’d rather live in Barcelona than Wolverhampton. I think that’s more or less destined to happen.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time

As great as it would be to see Neves remain at Wolves, there almost seems to be an acceptance that he will trade Molineux for Camp Nou this summer.

The lure of playing for such a special club could be too great to turn down, especially for Portuguese players, with past legends such as Luis Figo and Deco representing the Blaugrana.

The hope is that Neves will extend his stay at Wolves, but with European football looking unlikely for Bruno Lage’s team next season and elite clubs interested in the 25-year-old, it seems as if the Molineux faithful should be prepared for the midfielder’s exit.

In other news, Wolves are interested in signing an exciting wide player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic pulled a blinder with Samaras move

Celtic are not far away from snatching the SPFL title away from their Old Firm rivals this season.

In Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Hoops, the Parkhead club are currently six points clear of their Glasgow enemies with 35 games played.

This wouldn’t be the first time the Bhoys have taken something away from their neighbours.

Looking back to 2008, the Gers had reportedly agreed a fee of £2.5m with Premier League club Manchester City to sign striker Georgios Samaras.

However, it was the Hoops that ended up securing the Greece international’s signature in the January transfer window as he made the move to Celtic Park on loan before signing permanently in the following summer.

During his time with the Bhoys, the centre-forward made 243 appearances for Celtic across all competitions with his record for the club being celebrated by Neil Lennon who dubbed him “unplayable.”

In those appearances, the striker found the net 71 times in total and delivered 49 assists along the way, equalling 120 goal contributions.

To highlight how much of an attacking threat he was for the team, he managed to rack up 163 shots on target during his time in a Celtic shirt.

To further rub salt in Rangers’ wounds, in the 22 games he played against the Ibrox side, Samaras scored three goals and provided five assists.

In the 2014 summer transfer window, the striker called an end to his time in Scotland and made a move back to England, this time to West Bromwich Albion.

The attacker left Parkhead with four league titles, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup, making Celtic the only club he played for where he won silverware.

After spells in America, Spain and Turkey, the former Hoops star retired in 2018 with a total of 118 goals under his belt in 490 club appearances.

Taking into account what they got out of him on the pitch, as well as the bragging rights over their rivals, it’s safe to say that Celtic pulled a blinder by bringing Samaras to the club when they did.

With all of that in mind, it undeniable that the Bhoys had the last laugh over Rangers on this occasion.

In other news: “Celtic will..”: Insider drops big Lennoxtown transfer claim, it’s great news for Ange

Leeds assistant manager could leave

Leeds United assistant manager Franz Schiemer could depart Elland Road and join the Austria national team, with a decision expected on Friday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Schiemer a key backroom member

Jesse Marsch has enjoyed an impressive coaching career to date, excelling at RB Salzburg, in particular, before taking the Leeds job earlier this year.

While the American was clearly the main influence at former clubs, Schiemer was a trusty deputy, implementing his own methods and playing his part in the team’s success.

The 36-year-old has now continued working alongside Marsch at Leeds, joining the Whites in March, but it appears as though his departure from the Premier League could now be close.

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The Latest: Austrian job beckoning?

According to Die Presse [via Sport Witness], Schiemer has held talks over becoming Austria’s new assistant manager, with as many as 20 candidates spoken to.

Austrian FA sporting director Peter Schottel is believed to have travelled to England to speak to the Leeds man personally, with the report stating a decision will be made before the weekend:

“The course for the Austrian national team will be set this afternoon at the Courtyard by Marriott Vienna Prater. The OFB holds its executive committee meeting there. The question to be clarified is: Who should head the national team as team boss in the future?”

Ralf Rangnick has since been confirmed as the manager, so we will surely find out in the coming hours who his coaching staff are, once this meeting concludes.

That means, if Schiemer is indeed their man, he could be signed on the dotted line before Leeds take on Manchester City on Saturday evening, a distraction the squad definitely don’t need.

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The Verdict: Potential big loss for Marsch

Schiemer has been a hugely effective member of Marsch’s backroom team for several years now, as mentioned, so this could be a big blow to the Leeds boss.

A manager is often only as good as those around him, as even the world’s best coaches such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola attest to, so it is vital that Marsch’s assistant is sufficiently replaced if he leaves – Klopp even claimed this week his decision to stay at Liverpool was only possible because his right-hand man, Pepijn Lijnders, agreed to stay also.

If this move does happen in the coming days, it would be a huge shame not to have seen Schiemer have longer to make an impact, having been hailed as ‘very, very important’ by Marsch himself.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a Leeds transfer claim. Read more here.

Man Utd considering Darwin Nunez swoop

Manchester United are strongly looking into the possibility of signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Nunez’s rise to stardom

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a continued upwards career trajectory ever since arriving in Europe from South America in 2019.

Originally signed by Spanish second-tier outfit Almeria, Nunez scored 16 times and provided three assists in just 32 outings before being snapped up by Benfica.

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Having since netted 48 goals in just 84 appearances for the Portuguese giants, a host of Europe’s elite clubs are looking on with intent…

The latest: United keen on Nunez

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that the Red Devils are ‘100 per cent’ weighing up a move for the dynamic frontman.

He stated: “Darwin Nunez is 100 per cent somebody that they are looking into right now. He’s very likely to land in the Premier League in the summer, and Manchester United are taking his availability very seriously. And they think that he might be just the guy that they need for next season.”

The verdict: Sign him at all costs

As statement signings go, few are likely to turn heads like the eventual winners of the race to sign eight-cap Uruguay star Nunez this summer.

So far this season, the man who was branded ‘world class’ by his Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has scored 34 times and provided four assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

With the immediate futures of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nunez’s compatriot Edinson Cavani all in doubt, bringing the Uruguayan youngster to Old Trafford would be a sensational early piece of business from new Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here

Striker greenlights January exit with West Ham bid expected ahead of immediate move

West Ham are expected to make an offer to sign one striker who’s ready to green-light an immediate January exit, according to reports this week.

West Ham target new striker in January

The east Londoners have identified recruiting a forward as one of their primary objectives for the January window as Nuno Espírito Santo battles to steer the club away from relegation.

Currently languishing in 18th with just 10 points from 15 Premier League games, the Hammers have managed a meagre 17 goals this season — the fourth-lowest amount in the top flight.

Callum Wilson’s recent form has been a major positive, but with 2024 summer flop Niclas Füllkrug expected to depart, West Ham quite simply need another option up top.

The German international has mustered just three goals in 29 appearances across all competitions whilst battling persistent injury problems since his move from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Niclas Füllkrug is set to leave the London Stadium in January following his lacklustre stint in England, so West Ham are believed to be looking at strikers to replace him.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

His lacklustre displays indicate a mutual desire for separation, with Hamburg and Stuttgart reportedly monitoring his availability for a potential Bundesliga return.

West Ham have compiled an extensive shortlist of potential striker targets spanning multiple leagues.

West Ham ready to take huge loss on mainstay who's 'failed to impress Nuno'

The Hammers are willing to sell for a cut-price fee.

ByEmilio Galantini 6 days ago

Santiago Gimenez remains under consideration at the London Stadium, despite his struggles at AC Milan following his January 2025 move from Feyenoord, with intermediaries actively offering the Mexican international to multiple clubs.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has also been linked with a move to Rush Green, while it is believed that West Ham are big fans of Union Saint-Gilloise forward Promise David too.

Now, as per Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio striker Taty Castellanos is another forward attracting their interest.

West Ham bid expected for Lazio striker Taty Castellanos

West Ham were linked with a move for the Argentine all the way back in 2022 during his time at New York City in the MLS, and that fondness for Castellanos hasn’t gone away.

Lazio's Taty Castellanos vs Atalanta.

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio are actively anticipating an offer worth between £22-26 million from West Ham for the 27-year-old forward.

Lazio desperately need funds to avoid another transfer ban as they continue battling severe financial difficulties.

Crucially, the report indicates Castellanos is prepared to join West Ham, or any other suitor, “straight away” as he looks to greenlight an exit from Rome next month.

The striker’s growing dissatisfaction with life under Maurizio Sarri at Lazio, particularly struggling to adapt to his manager’s tactical approach, means he’s quite keen to leave.

His desire for regular football stems from World Cup ambitions with Argentina, making a January departure increasingly attractive.

Castellanos would apparently give immediate approval to any Premier League approach, though La Liga clubs are also monitoring developments.

West Ham initially registered their interest during the summer transfer window when they made preliminary enquiries about the forward’s availability, with Nuno identifying striker reinforcements as his main January priority.

Lazio have already identified Atlético Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori as a potential replacement, and the Italy international has told his representatives to explore opportunities within Serie A.

This preparation could prove instrumental in facilitating Castellanos’s London switch, with the clubs potentially willing to conduct business once suitable alternatives are secured.

Arsenal's "colossal" star is the modern-day Patrick Vieira & it's not Rice

Arsenal have had a testing and trialling start to the new season. They’ve already visited Old Trafford, Anfield and St James’ Park. They’ve also faced Manchester City. Therefore, to come away with 13 points from their opening six matches isn’t bad at all.

They’ve spent most of the campaign watching Liverpool come up with late goals. The Reds have galloped to the top of the Premier League by scoring late goals aplenty. It was in the 83rd minute that they scored the winner against Arsenal while against Burnley and Newcastle, they left it until injury time.

Well, in response, Mikel Arteta’s men have delivered late drama themselves. They needed Gabriel Martinelli’s injury-time equaliser a week ago and against Newcastle on Tyneside, it required an 84th-minute header from Mikel Merino and another header from Gabriel Magalhaes in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

It was dramatic, it was chaotic, but for Arsenal, it was oh so lovely.

Merino and Gabriel were the heroes but a special mention must go Declan Rice’s way for the manner in which he helped power the away side to victory.

Declan Rice's performance vs Newcastle in numbers

Towards the end of last season, Rice firmly established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Europe.

That stunning pair of free-kicks against Real Madrid put him on the map, with Rio Ferdinand remarking that the England star was one of the finest players on the park.

In comparison, the former West Ham star has had a slower start to 2025/26 but he’s beginning to motor now, really proving that in Sunday’s win over Newcastle.

Truth be told, Rice was playing far too deep in the opening 45 minutes of the game but as he began to move further forward in the second period, he came alive.

It was Rice’s perfectly weighted delivery from the left-hand side that led to the Gunners’ equaliser, playing the ball into Merino who glanced home.

The club-record signing’s display was much more than just that assist, however.

Indeed, it was a display in which he showcased why he is “one of the best midfielders in world football” in the words of analyst Raj Chohan.

Throughout his 90 minutes on the field, the 26-year-old did it all, completing 88% of his passes and amassing 104 touches. He also completed three key passes and won seven of his nine duels.

It was an imperious performance from Rice, a player who is perhaps proving to be the club’s most complete midfielder since the days of Patrick Vieira.

He’s not the only one evoking memories of the great Frenchman, though.

Arsenal's "colossal" star is showing shades of Patrick Vieira

Rice has continued to prove that he’s one of the most important players in the squad. He’s also demonstrated why he’s one of the most clutch players at Arteta’s disposal. He simply comes alive in the big moments and in the big games.

Another player who embodies that is Gabriel. The Brazilian has been an enormous part of Arsenal’s rise during Arteta’s reign and nothing summed up his time at the club more than Sunday’s win against Newcastle.

It actually didn’t start particularly well for the central defender, who was certainly at blame for the game’s opening goal.

The ball was swung in toward the Toon’s towering striker, Nick Woltemade. The German gently leaned on Gabriel who, instead of challenging for the ball, threw himself to the floor in a wildly embarrassing moment.

However, Gabriel responded emphatically with a phenomenal second-half performance, in particular, that culminated in the game’s winning goal.

While the centre-back’s late header sparked pandemonium among the Arsenal players and staff, it was certainly no surprise that he popped up when he did.

After all, like Rice, like Vieira 20 odd years ago, Gabriel is one of the most clutch players we’ve seen at the club. He’s scored 18 Premier League goals, at least six more than any other defender since he made his English top-flight debut back in September 2020.

Like Vieira he’s a warrior, a leader, a titan and a gladiator amongst men. In the words of Statman Dave, via X, his display against Newcastle was “colossal”.

Minutes played

90

Touches

81

Accurate passes

51/60 (85%)

Clearances

9

Blocks

2

Interceptions

3

Tackles

3

Ground duels won

4/4

Aerial duels won

7/11

Woltemade goal aside, it certainly was sublime. Gabriel won more duels (11), made more clearances (9) and won more aerial battles (7) than any other Arsenal player at St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, no player in red or white made more than the defender’s three tackles and three interceptions.

While it would have been easy for the 27-year-old to get carried away after being bundled over easily for the opener, the way in which he bounced back was characteristic of the way he plays his football.

Like Rice, he’s Vieira-esque, a warrior with the heart of a lion, somebody you can never write off. If Arsenal win the league come May, then Gabriel will have had a huge say in that triumph.

Arteta must drop Arsenal star who's been their "Player of the Season"

Arsenal sealed a remarkable late win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 28, 2025

Tottenham pull agreement U-turn after Levy exit with big move now in limbo

Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s exit is having a huge ripple effect, with his departure now leaving a previous agreement to potentially collapse.

Levy resigned as Spurs chair after 24 years, leaving his long-term hands-on role at the club as the Lewis Family and ENIC attempt to usher in what they describe as a new era.

During his tenure, Levy was a polarising Tottenham figure who attracted huge criticism and disdain from sections of the fanbase — specifically over their lack of success on the pitch with just two major trophies since 2001.

In that time, Spurs were often chastised for not spending anywhere near as much as their Premier League rivals on transfers, with Levy also overseeing some disastrous decisions like certain managerial appointments.

Off the field, Levy did work wonders — transforming the Lilywhites into a revenue-generating powerhouse and overseeing the move to their brand-new state-of-the-art stadium.

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

There is no doubt that Spurs’ commercial appeal increased ten-fold during Levy’s stay, but the focus for ENIC, and particularly Vivienne Lewis (the daughter of Joe Lewis), is now to deliver more silverware.

Reports claim that Levy was pushed out by Tottenham and didn’t find out about his resignation until hours before it was announced (The Times), with the news leaving influential footballing figures “stunned” (Miguel Delaney).

Levy’s exit is also having an effect on Tottenham’s potential re-appointment of popular ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

Tottenham U-turn over Fabio Paratici agreement with return now in limbo

The Italian has now served his worldwide ban from football and acted as an unofficial advisor to the club as recently as the last transfer window.

Paratici had reached an agreement to return to Tottenham in his previous managing director role from the start of next month, according to talkSPORT, but now the 53-year-old is being left in “limbo”.

As per the outlet and journalist Alex Crook, Levy’s ally may not be returning to Spurs after all, as the move to bring him back was largely driven by the club’s now-former chair.

Paratici’s appointment at Tottenham is now in serious doubt, which will come as upsetting for some supporters who were fans of the director famed for his incredible work ethic.

The former Juventus chief played a key role in the signings of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, among others, with Levy previously hailing Paratici as a man who “lives and breathes” football.

Arsenal: Gunners now contacted over summer move to sign £50m+ Man Utd star

Arsenal have now been contacted by the entourage of a Manchester United star, ahead of a potential summer move, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up winger pursuit

With Mikel Arteta’s side poised to finish second for the third year on the bounce, the board are set to spend big in the upcoming window, and The Mirror’s John Cross has revealed there are two key areas in which the manager is looking to strengthen.

Bukayo Saka’s lengthy spell on the sidelines this season underlined his importance to the Gunners, but there may be some concerns about Gabriel Martinelli’s attacking output, with the Brazilian hardly setting the world alight in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old picked up just eight goals and four assists in the 2024-25 campaign, and the north Londoners could now be presented with the opportunity to raid one of their Premier League rivals for a potential replacement.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, the agents of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho have now been in contact over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the left-winger set to be sold.

Garnacho is frustrated about not being included in the starting XI for the Europa League final, and having accepted he needs to leave Old Trafford this summer, the Argentine is keen on a switch to Atletico Madrid, while Napoli are also in the picture.

It remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old is tempted by a move to Arsenal, but any deal is expected to amount to around £51m.

£359k-per-week striker would join Arsenal "immediately", Berta wants him

He’s apparently very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Generational" Garnacho needs summer move

Much like a whole host of other top players, the Argentina international’s career has stalled at Old Trafford, picking up just six goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, but there are plenty of signs the youngster could be a success elsewhere.

Lauded as “generational” by Statman Dave, the starlet holds the record for most goal involvements by a teenager in United’s history, while he has also received praise for his ability to create chances.

That said, Arsenal have identified a number of other winger targets, and it would be a risk to take a punt on Garnacho, rather than a player who is more proven at the top level.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Rafael Leao

AC Milan

£145m

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

£49m

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta

£55m

Rodrygo

Real Madrid

£85m

Tottenham hold negotiations over signing 6 foot 5 defender in last few days

Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.

Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th

Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.

£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win

He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.

3 ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2025

According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.

The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.

“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.

“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.

“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”

A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.

Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola

Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi

The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.

The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.

That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.

Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.

£3m Rangers flop must be first player Ancelotti axes & it's not Tavernier

Glasgow Rangers face Hibernian this weekend in their final match of the Scottish Premiership season before all focus can turn to the summer transfer window.

Getting a new head coach through the door should be the priority for the Light Blues, and it was recently reported that Davide Ancelotti, currently assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is closing in on the job.

It would be the Italian tactician’s first job as a first-team manager and he would be immediately faced with a number of big decisions, including whether or not to cash in on James Tavernier.

Why James Tavernier could stay at Rangers

The English full-back is reportedly a target for teams in Italy and the MLS ahead of the summer transfer window, with his contract at Ibrox expiring in 2026, and this means that there is doubt over his future at the club.

Ancelotti, as a new head coach, could look to lean on Tavernier’s experience, with 512 matches played for Rangers, and his leadership, as the captain, to help him in the role.

The right-back, who has scored 130 goals for the club, could be the link between the manager and the players, using his experience at Ibrox to ensure that the rest of the team are onboard and pulling in the right direction.

One player who should immediately be axed as the first departure of Ancelotti’s reign, should the coach complete a move to Ibrox this summer, is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.

Why Cyriel Dessers should be sold

The Nigeria international should be the first player axed by the Italian head coach because the manager should want a reliable and consistent number nine who can fire them back to glory in domestic football against Celtic.

Chalkboard

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

Unfortunately, Dessers, who has only scored two goals in ten matches against the Hoops, has not been a reliable centre-forward for the Gers since his move from Cremonese in the summer of 2023.

The £3m-rated flop, who was described as “awkward” to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, has proven himself to be excellent at getting into goalscoring positions, but has not provided enough quality with his finishing.

Appearances

35

34

Goals

16

17

Big chances missed

27

21

Big chances created

8

2

Assists

4

2

Duel success rate

33%

33%

As you can see in the table above, he has got in enough positions to score 33 league goals since the start of last season, yet has also missed 48 ‘big chances’, and been unreliable out of possession, losing 67% of his duels overall.

This shows that Dessers does not make enough of the quality opportunities that are created for him, which is why he is not the reliable striker Rangers need to kick on and end Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership. That is further backed up by his dismal goal return against the Hoops.

His lack of quality has been particularly telling in the Europa League as well. The striker scored three goals from 5.49 xG and missed a whopping ten ‘big chances’ in nine starts in the competition this term, which shows that he is not cut out to help the side kick on in European competitions.

Three Italian sides, Monza, Cagliari, and Empoli, were linked with the forward in January, and Ancelotti should push for the club to explore potential deals with any interested sides to move the striker on this summer, in order to create space for a new centre-forward to come in.

Dessers does not appear to be suited to leading the team forward as their main number nine, given his dismal finishing and struggles out of possession, and that is why the new head coach should instantly axe him from the team.

He'd kickstart Ancelotti era with a bang: Rangers in talks for first signing

Rangers could kickstart the Davide Ancelotti era with a bang by signing this star.

ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

Whereas Tavernier, another one of the senior players at the age of 33, could be kept around because of his experience at Rangers and the leadership he could provide.

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