Rangers could seal bigger coup than Miovski with late move for £10m star

Glasgow Rangers have officially confirmed that centre-forward Hamza Igamane has moved on from Ibrox to complete a permanent transfer to Ligue 1 side Lille.

The Morocco international has left the club after 12 months in Scotland and put pen to paper on a long-term deal in France, days after Russell Martin revealed that the attacker claimed he was too injured to come off the bench against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Igamane produced some brilliant moments on the pitch in his first, and what turned out to be only, season at Ibrox, as he showcased his ability to be a real difference-maker for the side.

The 22-year-old star ended the season with 12 goals in the Premiership and four goals in the Europa League for the Light Blues, per Sofascore, including a stunning winner against Celtic.

This means that the Gers are going to need to find other sources of goals to replace what he provided at the top end of the pitch, and they appear to have made great progress with that.

Bojan Miovski has officially signed for the Scottish giants on a permanent deal from Girona, and will be hoping to replicate the performances he produced with Aberdeen.

What Bojan Miovski can offer to Rangers

The Macedonia international is a pure goalscorer. Supporters should not expect him to be incredibly physical with defenders or creative for his teammates, although there may be elements of both of those things.

What Rangers fans can expect from Miovski, though, is goals. His record speaks for itself: 32 goals in two seasons in the Premiership with the Dons in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.

xG

15.60

17.08

xG on target

18.36

17.60

Goals

16

16

Shots on target

36

44

Chances created

27

23

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed marksman is an efficient finisher who wants to take shots and hit the target with plenty of efforts on goal.

However, you can also see that Miovski is not particularly creative, with just two assists in each season, which places an emphasis on the creativity mainly coming from the midfield and wide positions.

Therefore, overall, Rangers fans should expect plenty of shots and plenty of goals from the former Aberdeen and Girona man, but they should not expect him to be a complete centre-forward who will provide quality in all phases of play.

That does not mean that he will not be a terrific signing for Martin’s side, though, because goals win games at the end of the day, and Miovski is a player who has the quality to score buckets full of goals.

Whilst the 26-year-old star, who is in the prime of years of his career, appears to be a big coup for the Gers, the club could land an even bigger coup by signing one of their targets from earlier in the window.

Rangers were reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace to sign Jesurun-Rak-Sakyi earlier this summer, but they have not since signed another winger with a similar profile to his.

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

Oliver Antman, a right-footed right-sided playmaker, came through the door, but Rak-Sakyi is a left-footed right-sided goalscoring threat, which means that there is still space for that kind of player to join the squad.

Now, with a few days left before the end of the summer transfer window, the Scottish giants should push to sign the English star, who was valued at £10m by the Eagles.

Why Rangers should sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

The Gers must swoop to sign the Palace youngster before the end of the summer transfer window on Monday because he would be a much-needed alternative to Antman on the right.

The Finland international, who signed from Go Ahead Eagles, has looked a little bit too one-dimensional as a right-footed player on the right wing against low blocks, with zero goals, one completed dribble, and zero ‘big chances’ created in two league games, per Sofascore.

Rak-Sakyi, as a left-footed player, could provide more incision for Rangers in league games when they are tasked with breaking down a low block, which is the majority of them, because he can comfortably drift infield to make things happen centrally or go down the line and test his full-back that way.

That is why a lot of managers tend to lean towards ‘inverted’ wingers, who cut inside onto their favoured foot, because it adds more dynamism and versatility to the way that you can attack.

The left-footed star could be a bigger coup for Rangers than Miovski because of his ability to impact games as both a scorer and a creator of goals, rather than just as a scorer.

Appearances

43

34

Starts

40

22

Goals

15

7

Minutes per goal

233

248

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes per game

1.3

0.9

Assists

8

2

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi has provided ten assists to go along with 22 goals in his two full senior seasons, starting 62 matches in that time.

These statistics show that he is a young talent who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a fairly regular basis if given the opportunity to start week-in-week-out in a dominant Rangers team that is looking to win consistently.

This means that the Eagles winger, who was described as “devastating” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could provide a more varied threat in front of goal than Miovski, scoring when he is not at his best creatively, or creating when he is not at his best as a scorer.

Whereas, if the opposition find a way to prevent Miovski from getting shots away, there is not much else that he offers to the team, unlike Rak-Sakyi.

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At the age of 22, Rak-Sakyi is also four years younger than Miovski and, therefore, has more potential to grow and develop with more experience under his belt, which is yet another reason why he would be a bigger coup than the Macedonia international.

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal only lost Ballon d'Or to Ousmane Dembele because of his age, claims La Liga president

La Liga president Javier Tebas believes that Lamine Yamal only missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or because of his age. The Barcelona superstar was pipped to the post by Paris Saint-Germain ace Ousmane Dembele, but Tebas believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager picks up the prize as the world's best footballer.

  • Yamal beaten by Dembele

    Dembele was crowned the Ballon d'Or winner on Monday evening as a reward for leading Paris Saint-Germain to treble glory in the 2024-25 campaign. Yamal finished second in the voting, at the age of just 18, and Tebas believes that the Barcelona superstar was only overlooked because of his youth.

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    Yamal's superb season

    The teenager scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists in 55 games in all competitions last season, as Barca won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and he was crowned the winner of the Kopa Trophy; the prize given to the best player under the age of 21. Yamal is the first player ever to win the award twice. 

  • Tebas predicts the future

    Tebas told reporters: "If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I'm sure, but since he was younger, they gave him the other one [Kopa trophy]."

    He added: "If he continues at the level he's at, which seems likely, I think there's no doubt he'll win the Ballon d'Or."

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    Yamal nearing return from injury

    Yamal has been battling back from a groin injury, and could be given some minutes when Barcelona play Real Oviedo on Thursday. Hansi Flick's side are currently five points behind leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga table, but do have a game in hand on their arch-rivals.

Idah upgrade: Rodgers would love Celtic to sign "world class" star for free

Do Celtic lack attacking firepower?

So far, Brendan Rodgers’ side have started the Premiership campaign with two wins out of two, albeit they’ve been made to work hard for these victories, requiring a late Luke McCowan strike to overcome St Mirren 1-0, before a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Only once since 2012 have the Hoops scored three goals or fewer across their opening two league fixtures, doing so in 2018, albeit they did then demolish Falkirk 4-1 in the League Cup on Friday night.

Nevertheless, ahead of Wednesday night’s season-defining Champions League play-off against Kairat at Parkhead, supporters are concerned that Rodgers’ squad lacks the top-end talent to compete at European level.

With that in mind, could the Scottish champions sign a “world-class” striker, available on a free, that Rodgers knows rather well?

Celtic's need for attacking reinforcements

Since Rodgers returned to Celtic two summers ago, nine players have scored ten or more goals for the club, of whom four are no longer there, namely Kyōgo Furuhashi (31 goals), Nicolas Kühn (24), Matt O’Riley (19) and Luis Palma (10).

Adam Idah is on that list with 29 goals, second only to Daizen Maeda in the current squad, but the Republic of Ireland international is yet to get off the mark this season, with his compatriot Johnny Kenny given the nod on Friday night.

Following a fruitful loan spell, Idah’s move to Glasgow was made permanent for a humongous fee of £9.5m, but he has largely flattered to deceive since, so could Celtic target an upgrade during the remaining weeks of the transfer window?

Well, according to a report by the Scottish Sun, Rodgers ‘would love’ Celtic to sign free agent Jamie Vardy this summer.

They claim that the 38-year-old has ‘his heart set’ on a move to Parkhead, adding that the England international is a ‘model professional’ who ‘believes he can play week in week out’ at the highest level for another two years at least.

Transfer Focus

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

So, will the Vardy party relocate from the East Midlands to Glasgow’s East End?

What Jamie Vardy would bring to Celtic

Earlier this year, Vardy waved goodbye to Leicester City after 13 years with the Foxes, during which time he won a Premier League title and the FA Cup.

He marked his final appearance for the club with a goal against Southampton, thereby bowing out with 200 goals in exactly 500 appearances, very satisfying for fans of symmetry.

Overall, Vardy netted nine times in the Premier League last season, a more than respectable feat for a generally woeful Leicester team, this representing 36% of their total goals.

However, as documented below, it is Vardy’s exploits during the Foxes’ promotion-winning campaign from the EFL Championship the year before that provide the biggest cause for optimism.

Goals

18

5th

Goals inside the box

18

3rd

Shots

53

51st

Shots on target %

50.9%

9th

Goals-per-shot

0.26

5th

Average shot distance

11.4 yards

1st*

Big chances missed

16

7th

Offsides

17

19th

Average Sofascore rating

7.02

14th**

*minimum 44 shots. **among strikers only.

As the table outlines, in the Championship, Vardy was prolific; the fact all 18 of his goals were scored inside the penalty area underlines his penalty-box poacher style of play, as does the fact his average shot distance was just 11.4 yards, so round about the penalty spot.

Also, impressively, these goals were scored from only 53 total shots, squandering a mere 16 Opta-defined big chances, emphasising that he still possesses that clinical edge.

Worth also noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the seventh-best league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is down in 27th, further suggesting Vardy would score goals for a dominant team in Scotland.

When the pair were together at Leicester, following a Premier League win over Arsenal in October 2020, Rodgers labelled Vardy a “world-class striker”, while then-Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy described him as a “living legend” prior to his Foxes farewell.

So, would he represent an upgrade on Idah?

Well, the Irishman did score 20 goals across all competitions last season, but his highest-ever total in an EFL Championship campaign was six, exponentially fewer than Vardy.

So far this season, starting both Premiership fixtures against St Mirren and Aberdeen, Idah has had five shots but missed three big chances, yet to find the back of the net and failing to make much impact, which has to be a concern with tougher tests to come.

Thus, it is clear that Vardy would score goals at Premiership level, and in Europe too, so signing the Englishman appears to be a no-brainer.

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Jamie Carragher hails Harry Kane as 'best striker England have ever had' and claims Bayern Munich talisman would have smashed Alan Shearer's Premier League goals record if forward had remained at Tottenham

Jamie Carragher has hailed Harry Kane as the “best striker England have ever had”, with the Bayern Munich superstar putting on another finishing masterclass in the Champions League. The former Tottenham Hotspur frontman has been told that he would have smashed Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goals record had he chosen to remain in his homeland.

  • Clinical Kane downs Chelsea

    England captain Kane was at his clinical best when bagging a brace for Bayern in their European showdown with Chelsea. He converted from the penalty spot before putting the seal on a convincing 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena.

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    Trophy curse lifted in Germany

    Kane headed to Germany in 2023 after deciding that his trophy curse could not be lifted at Spurs. He has become a Bundesliga and Supercup winner in Munich, with remarkable individual standards being maintained.

  • Passed up Premier League goal record

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    The GOAT! Carragher's opinion of Kane

    Ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher told : “He is one of the greatest goal scorers the game has ever seen. I believe he’s England’s best ever objective scorer. He’s carried it out in the Premier League with a team that aren’t one in every of the top groups. He’s gone overseas now with Bayern Munich. All eyes are on him and there is large stress.

    “You think of strikers England have had in the past and there have been some great ones, but he’s scored more goals for England than Alan Shearer. If he’d have stayed in the Premier League, he’d have got that record too. His numbers are off the scale. He can come deep, he can get on the ball and he can play people in. He’s the best striker England have ever had.”

'Champing at the bit to get out there' – Bartlett fit and raring to grab his opportunity

The fast bowler returns to action for the first time since a side strain in September, and will spearhead Australia’s T20I attack against Pakistan

Tristan Lavalette12-Nov-2024The return of Xavier Bartlett will be a welcome sight for the national hierarchy hoping to shore up fast bowling depth with a gruelling Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to test the fitness of Australia’s frontline quicks.Bartlett has not been sighted in domestic cricket so far this season after a side strain cut short his white-ball tour of the UK in September. He has recently returned to local cricket in Brisbane and is set to play in the T20I series opener between a shorthanded Australia – missing their Test players – and Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday.Showcasing immaculate upright seam positioning, enabling him to conjure menacing late swing with the new ball, Bartlett was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s BBL and a key in Brisbane Heat’s stunning title triumph.He subsequently claimed four-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs against West Indies and has taken 6 wickets from four T20Is at an average of 17.66.Bartlett has been on the hierarchy’s radar as they strive to build depth behind the big three quicks of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, who have been resilient over the years but face the tough challenge of five Tests against India within seven weeks.There have been fitness issues with Australia’s fringe quicks. Michael Neser suffered a hamstring injury in the recent Australia A-India A match at the MCG, while WA speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson have been working their way back through white-ball cricket. Scott Boland is Australia’s reserve quick for the first Test in Perth starting on November 22.Xavier Bartlett topped the bowling charts in the last BBL•Getty Images”Those main three [Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood] have been amazing for so long, unbelievable,” Bartlett told reporters in Brisbane. “Going forward there will be opportunities. Personally, the goal is always to try and play Test cricket for Australia.”There’s so much cricket and every time you get a chance to play for Australia it’s a childhood dream. Whether it’s [due to] people who are unavailable or available you just have to try to take your opportunity. And this is a great opportunity.”Everything is good [with my fitness]… champing at the bit to get out there.”Bartlett, 25, will be part of a second-string Australia team aiming to salvage some pride after their surprise ODI series defeat to Pakistan, which included successive thrashings in Adelaide and Perth.Australia’s batters had no answer for Pakistan’s four-pronged pace attack who relished favourable fast and bouncy conditions throughout the series. “They have been amazing, the last two games they only used four bowlers,” Bartlett said.”The 140 [kph] from both ends, been exciting to watch. They bowled some really great lengths and were really attacking. Hopefully we can emulate that. We’ve spoken about just trying to take wickets and try to make early inroads.”Bartlett is set to share the new ball with left-arm quick Spencer Johnson in a return in tandem for the pair who so often ignited Heat during their title run. Much like at Optus Stadium, the Gabba surface tends to be fast and bouncy but runs can flow quickly there in white-ball cricket.There has been stormy weather in Brisbane this week with showers forecast on Thursday. “It’s a really good cricket wicket, so it should make for entertaining cricket,” Bartlett said.While some eye-catching performances across the three-match T20I series could see Bartlett move up the pecking order of fringe Test bowlers, his Heat teammate Nathan McSweeney will make his debut in the first Test after being named as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner.”To see his journey from when we were about 11 or 12 [years of age] to where he is now, making his Test debut, it’s unbelievable – I’m absolutely stoked for him,” Bartlett said of McSweeney, who is from Brisbane but captains South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.”He’s worked so hard. I can’t wait to see him go out there and hopefully go well for Australia.”

فيديو | الأهلي يخطف تعادلًا مثيرًا من الهلال في الدوري السعودي

حسم التعادل الإيجابي مباراة الأهلي والهلال بثلاثية لكل منهما، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين” دوري روشن” موسم 2025-2026.

واستضاف الأهلي نظيره الهلال على ملعب الملك عبد الله الدولي “الإنماء” ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين” دوري روشن” موسم 2025-2026.

وافتتح الهلال أهداف المباراة مبكرًا في الدقيقة 12 بهدف سجله ثيو هيرنانديز بتسديدة قوية بعد تمريرة من مالكوم.

طالع.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري السعودي بعد ثنائية مالكوم في مباراة الهلال والأهلي

وأضاف مالكوم الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 24 بعد انفراد بإدوارد ميندي حارس الأهلي من صناعة داروين نونيز.

وعزز مالكوم التقدم مستغلًا تمريرة من سالم الدوسري سددها بشكل رائع في الدقيقة 41 مسجلًا هدفه الثاني في المباراة.

وقلق الأهلي الفارق بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة 75 عن طريق إيفان توني بعد عرضية من فراس البريكان.

وأشعل توني الأجواء بتسجيل الهدف الثاني له وللأهلي في الدقيقة 87 من كرة رأسية، وتعادل بعدها بهدف ميريح ديميرال في الدقيقة 90.

ورفع الهلال رصيده إلى 5 نقاط في المركز السابع من جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي خلفه الأهلي بنفس الرصيد من النقاط. أهداف مباراة الأهلي والهلال اليوم

هدف الهلال الأول

هدف الهلال الثاني

هدف الهلال الثالث

هدف الأهلي الأول

هدف الأهلي الثاني

هدف الأهلي الثالث

Needed more than Watkins: "Cantona of his generation" wants to join Man Utd

Back in November 1992, Manchester United completed the £1m signing of forward Eric Cantona, in a deal that will certainly be one of the best in the club’s history.

The Frenchman managed to score 64 goals in his 143 appearances over a five-year spell, but it was often his antics without the ball that made him as known as he was at Old Trafford.

In the 1994/95 campaign, the attacker infamously kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace supporter after receiving abuse as he exited the pitch after picking up a red card.

Eric Cantona

He was subsequently banned for eight months, before returning for the next campaign and spending two more years with the Red Devils before departing back in 1997.

However, in the present day, boss Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to land another star who’s been labelled a similar player to the iconic star due to his own antics.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this window

Over the last couple of days, United have been linked with a move to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, as Amorim looks to strengthen his front line ahead of 2025/26.

No bid has yet been made for the Senegalese international, who scored 13 goals across all competitions, but he could be allowed to leave after the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

However, other moves have also been made, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez firmly on their radar this window, according to La Nacion via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Argentinian international is already in negotiations over a move to join the Red Devils this summer, even stating his desire to move to Old Trafford during the off-season.

It also states that the 32-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £40m this window, with Unai Emery’s side prepared to allow him to depart if they can land a replacement.

Why United’s £40m target would be more important than Watkins

Ollie Watkins has been another player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of weeks, with the hierarchy wanting to hand Amorim the quality and depth he desires in the final third.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey

The 29-year-old has been linked with a £60m switch to join the Red Devils this window, after netting 17 goals for the Villans across all competitions in 2024/25.

However, it would be a huge investment in a player who’s evidently coming towards the back end of his professional career, arguably having no resale value if he stays at the club for many years.

Other options should be considered in such a department, which could make Martinez a more important addition to the club – especially considering the situation in such a department.

Current number one Andre Onana is out with a hamstring injury and could miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign, opening the door to added investment in such a department.

Martinez, who’s been labelled the “Cantona of his generation” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has constantly been a showman during his time in the Premier League, even having an infamous battle with striker Neal Maupay.

When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from last season, the Argentine has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he’d be a crucial addition to Amorim’s side.

The Argentine managed to concede fewer goals per 90, whilst also achieving a higher save percentage, handing the side the needed defensive reinforcements they desperately need next season.

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

Martinez has further impressed in recent times, claiming more crosses per 90 than the current United number one last season, offering Amorim a goalkeeper who can offer a commanding presence within his own box.

The 32-year-old is also a two-time FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year award winner, showcasing his ability to perform at the very top level of European football when required.

Such experience could be crucial in the club’s attempts to rise up the league table and challenge for a place in Europe again in the near future.

There’s no denying that Watkins would hand the side an added focal point, but Martinez would offer an immediate upgrade and fix to a problem position at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Bigger talent than Nygren: Celtic pushing to sign "creative" £5m star

This is set to be just the start of an influx of Celtic signings this summer.

On Friday, Benjamin Nygren was unveiled as a Celtic player, arriving from Nordsjælland for a reported fee of £1.3m.

He is the Hoops’ third recruit of the summer so far, after Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, but many more will follow, with Brendan Rodgers actually pushing to sign another winger, who might actually be a bigger talent than Nygren.

Celtic's search for new wingers

It could be all change in terms of Celtic’s wide attackers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

First, Jota will be sidelined until at least Christmas, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadice in April.

Meantime, Nicolas Kühn seems likely to leave the club during this window, given that RB Leipzig and Como are both currently battling for his signature, with reports outlining that the German is available for around £15m.

So, the arrival of Nygren alone is unlikely to be enough, hence why, according to a report by Dutch outlet Gazet van Antwerpen, via the Daily Record, Celtic’s ‘main focus’ is Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp.

They claim that the Belgian club have ‘lowered their asking price’ from around £5m to around £4.5m, with Antwerp ‘in need of a financial boost’.

The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Bosuilstadion, while the Reds also failed to qualify for Europe next season, defeated 2-1 in a play-off by Royal Charleroi back in May, leaving them far from in a strong negotiating position.

So, could Balikwisha become the eighth Belgian to play for Celtic, joining current midfielder Arne Engels, while following in the footsteps of the likes of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Charly Musonda, Dedryck Boyata, Jason Denayer and Joos Valgaeren?

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Balikwisha has actually just endured a pretty miserable year or so due to injury, first requiring knee surgery in January 2024, which actually scuppered his potential move to Glasgow back then, before seeing a miserly 149 minutes of action this season, before 9 March, due to a thigh issue.

Nevertheless, he did start each of Antwerp’s final ten Jupiler Pro League fixtures to end the campaign, scoring four goals, and has been a pivotal figure for the Reds in the past.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha against Porto in the Champions League.

Back in 2022/23, just 21 at the time, Balikwisha scored ten goals in all competitions as Antwerp won their first Belgian top-flight title since 1957, also picking up the Coupe de Belgique, the youngster on target during the final victory over Mechelen, before netting again against the same opposition in the Supercoupe de Belgique victory a few months later.

On top of this, Antwerp then qualified for the Champions League group stages for the very first time too, with Balikwisha bagging the clincher during the play-off round victory over AEK Athens, before also scoring when Shakhtar Donetsk visited during the group phase themselves.

So, it is clear that the Belgian wide attacker possesses plenty of high-level experience, but let’s assess how he compares to, potential, future teammate Nygren.

Appearances

44

32

Minutes

3,437

2,751

Goals

10

16

Assists

8

4

Shots on target %

38.2%

48.8%

Crosses

157

31

Big chances created

7

6

Take-on success %

54.65%

56.8%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.56

7.42

As already alluded to, the season before last was used for Balikwisha’s statistics, given that he barely featured during the most recent campaign due to injury.

What the table outlines is that these two wingers are actually, stylistically, very different, with Nygren much more of a goal threat, hence why he scored more goals and registered a higher number of his shots on target.

Balikwisha, on the other hand, is a creator from wide, accumulating more assists and big chances created, as well as an exponentially greater number of crosses, which is possibly the most telling statistic.

Analyst Will Glavin agrees with this, describing the Belgian as “creative, direct​​​​​​​ and technically sharp”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that he operates best as an “inside forward”, highlighting his “pace, dribbling and finishing” as his strengths.

Elsewhere, analyst Ben Mattinson labels him “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender either way”.

Thus, it is clear that Balikwisha is a high-quality talent that Celtic should do everything in their power to secure this summer.

When compared to Nygren, he is proven at Jupiler Pro League level which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the eighth-strongest division in the world, while the Danish Superligaen is a little bit lower at 13th.

Similarly, the Belgian boasts Champions League experience, something Nygren does not possess, having played in the Conference League, but no higher in terms of UEFA club competitions.

Thus, fitness permitting of course, this all suggests Balikwisha would be more likely to come in and have an immediate impact.

​​​​​​​

Dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic weighing up bid to sign "electric" £12m star

With Nicolas Kühn seemingly set to leave Celtic this summer, could Brendan Rodgers sign an “absolutely electric” replacement?

ByBen Gray Jun 27, 2025

Even better than Huijsen: Liverpool make £59m "beast" their top target

Liverpool will sign Jeremie Frimpong in the coming weeks (perhaps even sooner). The Bayer Leverkusen star was swiftly identified by FSG as the perfect player to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid when his contract expires next month.

Though some fans will point toward Frimpong’s advanced role in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side and reserve judgment until a personal gauge on his defensive ability can be delivered, there’s no question he’s an exciting profile, different to Trent but still a “monster in the final third,” as said by The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.

Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong

With the balanced Conor Bradley already making headway in Arne Slot’s team, this contrast of profiles on the right could work a treat for the Merseysiders as they look to defend their Premier League title and challenge for silverware across other fronts.

But it stings that Liverpool have been forced into replacing Alexander-Arnold all the same, with the atmosphere around the vice-captain souring since he intimated his decision to the world earlier this month.

Trent and Carragher

Especially when Los Blancos constantly prove to be the scourge of the Anfield side, with their success in signing Dean Huijsen proving a double whammy.

Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen

Liverpool have two of the finest defenders kicking about today in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but the skipper is nearing the twilight of his Premier League career and the latter has just one year remaining on his current deal.

And you can bet your bottom dollar Real Madrid have a vested interest in bringing him to the Spanish capital.

Huijsen was one of Liverpool’s top targets for the summer, but the Bournemouth centre-back has indeed agreed to join Alonso’s new crew, so will partner with Trent in the Madrid backline.

Slot’s side were thought to have had the lead in the young Spaniard, whose breakout campaign in England has drawn plenty of praise, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “extraordinary rise.”

Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.

The prototypical modern centre-half, Huijsen’s technical control, rangy physique and natural intelligence make him the perfect player to slot right into the Liverpool project – and he’s left-footed besides.

However, this one’s done, and FSG need to turn their attention elsewhere. Luckily, sporting director Richard Hughes is on the case.

Liverpool make new CB a top target

Liverpool need to sign a centre-back, to be sure. Konate’s actually the last senior signing in that area, arriving from RB Leipzig for £36m four years ago.

Slot needs a rising star, and he might just find one in Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, with the 23-year-old understood by Spanish sources to be the Premier League champions’ favourite now that Huijsen’s out of reach.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The defender still has four years left on his current deal and is a player of significant potential, with Chelsea quoted at £59m when asking about the Ecuadorian’s availability back in January.

What Piero Hincapie would bring to Liverpool

Hincapie has made 164 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring seven goals, assisting five more, winning an invincible domestic double last season.

Described as a “prodigy” by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz two years ago, Hincapie has made incremental progress in Germany, signing from Argentine club CA Talleres as a 19-year-old in 2021.

24/25

45

3

2

1x

23/24

43

1

1

2x

22/23

43

1

1

0x

21/22

33

2

1

0x

With Van Dijk set to stay for the next couple of seasons, Hincapie could make a shrewd career move by moving to Merseyside and serving as the defensive great’s understudy before ascending to superstardom himself.

He certainly has the attributes to make his mark. As per FBref, the 6 footer ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 16% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen

As you can see, he’s got the skill and gifted approach to make a real difference in Slot’s squad, capable even of becoming an even better player than Huijsen.

Also hailed as an “absolute beast” who “can become one of the world’s best centre-backs” by journalist Antonio Mango, Hincapie might have even outperformed Bournemouth’s star defender this term.

Matches (starts)

30 (25)

32 (28)

Goals

3

2

Assists

1

2

Touches*

64.4

78.5

Pass completion

84%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

3.4

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.6

Clearances*

6.0

3.3

Duels (won)*

3.8 (57%)

5.2 (62%)

Left-footed, he’d also be a suitable successor for skipper Van Dijk, who has renewed his Liverpool contract by two years but turns 34 this summer.

There’s indeed a case to be made that Hincapie is playing at a superior level to Huijsen right now. That’s not to discredit Los Blancos’ new recruit, who already coats himself with the trappings of something special, world-class, but rather, highlights the quality of Leverkusen’s rising star, whose dynamism and athleticism have even permitted him to play on the left flank 11 times this term.

Hincapie is more active in the duel and more accurate too, with several years more experience that have tuned his completeness to a degree that would see him thrive alongside Van Dijk before finally taking his place.

If Liverpool are able to engineer a deal for a figure not too far north of Huijsen’s £50m release clause, something they were willing to meet, this could prove to be an exceptional deal for the Reds.

Having proven himself and then some as one of the best young defenders in the game, Hincapie could veritably explode under Slot’s wing in the Premier League.

He'd be incredible with Kerkez: FSG want to sign £50m "tank" for Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair May 19, 2025

Arsenal now willing to match £30m price-tag to sign yet another full-back

Wasting no time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal are now reportedly ready to jump ahead of their rivals and match the price-tag to sign one particular gem.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

Arriving with plenty to do, there’s no doubt that new sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to make quite the statement at Arsenal this summer. Whilst injury issues have far from helped Mikel Arteta’s side this season, there is no denying that their squad simply hasn’t been strong enough – especially going forward. And that must change next season.

Bukayo Saka

1,454

6

10

Gabriel Martinelli

1,956

7

4

Kai Havertz

1,839

9

3

Leandro Trossard

2,264

8

5

Involved in 52 Premier League goals between the four of them this season, Arsenal’s struggles have far from been helped by a frontline which has been hit with injuries and disappointing form – making Berta’s first task in the job clearer than ever.

On that front the transfer rumours have already been coming thick and fast too, with names such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins just two options who have found themselves among the headlines in recent weeks.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Of course, Watkins is not a new name on Arsenal’s radar either. The Aston Villa striker found himself at the centre of their interest in the January transfer window, only for the Gunners to opt out of a move worth £60m.

Now, months on, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Berta decides to perform an Arsenal U-turn as his first act as sporting director. Watkins undoubtedly has the ability to transform Arteta’s frontline and may yet be the first of a number of new names arriving at The Emirates in the coming months.

Arsenal ready to match Wesley's price-tag

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to match Wesley’s €35m (£30m) price-tag in order to jump the queue ahead of the likes of Chelsea and secure the right-back’s signature. Having already reportedly made contact with the Flamengo gem, the Gunners must now make their official move when the transfer window swings open.

Dubbed “immense” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Wesley is certainly one to watch. At just 21 years old, he’s impressed enough for Flamengo’s senior team to earn the attention of the Premier League.

With a decision to make, the defender must assess his options and pick his next club. The big question will be whether he’d receive much-needed game time at Arsenal amid competition from Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Both players have the experience that Wesley lacks, as the youngster would become Arteta’s fifth full-back signing as Gunners boss.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the Flamengo gem looks likely to steal more and more headlines in the coming months.

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