All posts by z3u9t.icu

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Frenchman is poised to seal a transfer in the coming months as the Magpies and Borussia Dortmund battle it out for his signature.

The teen striker recently explained why he rejected the chance to sign for the Premier League outfit in January, saying: “I have a lot of respect for that big club. But it was all happening very quickly, the timing wasn’t right. It was better to stay here, to play a full season, to establish myself.”

Romano Tweeted: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race. Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

Supporters will be excited

Toon fans will be excited by this claim from the Italian reporter for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the claim that Ekitike is ‘expected’ to leave his current club is a boost to Newcastle as it suggests that Reims are open to doing a deal. This means that there is a realistic possibility that the club can strike an agreement for his services, although they will still need to beat off competition from Dortmund.

The supporters will also find this claim exciting because the Frenchman would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

He ended the Ligue 1 campaign with ten goals and three assists in 15 starts as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.89 in the division. The forward ranks in the 92nd percentile in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 at 0.64 and this suggests that he has been one of the biggest goal threats from open play this season.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson ranks in the 66th percentile and Chris Wood in the 5th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90. Ekitike can, therefore, be a huge upgrade on what Howe currently has to work with at the top end of the pitch, in terms of finding the back of the net without needing spot-kicks.

At the age of 19, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve over the years. This means that he would be a signing for the future as well as the here and now and the fans would be able to look forward to watching him grow over the course of a number of seasons on Tyneside.

AND in other news,  Newcastle now “interested” in signing £42m star, he could be Howe’s next “hero”…

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr has been left stunned by some news that he has now hears from St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament in the US, which the Magpies were supposed to be taking part in, has now been cancelled ‘at short notice’.

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They are thought to be ‘furious’ over the decision to cancel it so suddenly, as they now have to scramble to make last-minute plans for their trip.

The Latest: Scurr stunned

Taking to Twitter, Scurr of The Shields Gazette was left stunned by the cancellation, claiming that it is a ‘disappointing blow’ for the North East club:

“Given Howe’s meticulous approach, this is a disappointing blow for NUFC with pre-season plans now uncertain. Matches against Wolves, Villarreal and Valencia would have been ideal. Now it’s a case of arranging a new schedule while most other clubs already have theirs in place.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that the Tyneside outfit will not be able to test themselves against the likes of Wolves, who will finish above them in the Premier League table, and UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

Eddie Howe would have had all of his plans nicely in place for pre-season in America, including what kind of squad he would want to take there, but now he will be rushed into making a compromise.

Nonetheless, one would have to question whether it is still worth going to the US without the friendly games in place, unless they can arrange for other matches at short notice.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

Manchester United are working on contract details over a move for Ajax assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Van der Gaag links

Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager last month, with the Dutchman penning a contract at Old Trafford through to 2025.

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He quickly gave the green light to Red Devils chiefs to secure a move for Van der Gaag, who has served as Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax for 46 games.

However, despite Van der Gaag accepting a position in Manchester, a deal is yet to be sealed, but it looks as if United are getting closer.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to provide an update on United and Van der Gaag.

He revealed the club are working on contact details for the assistant manager to join Ten Hag, labelling it as an ‘important addition’ with an ‘agreement getting closer’.

“Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.

“Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Ten Hag is seemingly keen to bring Van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford, so this update appears to be good news ahead of the transfer window opening, where the United boss will more than likely be extremely busy with incomings and outgoings.

A move for the Ajax assistant would be Ten Hag’s first and perhaps most important piece of business as United manager, and it looks as if it could be just a matter of time until a deal is over the line.

Of course, there could still be hiccups, with reports last month suggesting Van der Gaag could succeed Ten Hag as Ajax manager, but Romano’s latest update points to an Old Trafford move.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal

Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the transfer window, and now another name has been added to the long list of potential new Anfield additions this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to German news outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Jurgen Klopp is ‘keeping a close eye’ on Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.

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However, the report suggests that fierce rivals Manchester United are also in pursuit of the Bundesliga star, and Liverpool will need to compete with their fellow Premier League club to secure his signature this summer with what would be a ‘mega offer’ in the words of the report.

There is currently a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) on Baumgartner, which is reportedly a figure that won’t put off the potential suitors.

Klopp’s next Bobby Firmino

When Liverpool first acquired the impressive services of Roberto Firmino he was being deployed as a goal-scoring attacking midfielder at Hoffenheim, and with Baumgartner offering similar attributes from his midfield position Klopp may be eyeing up the Brazilian’s successor.

With Firmino set to be out of contract at the end of next season when he will be almost 32-years-old, it could be an amazing coup for Klopp if he could secure a young replacement to work alongside the impressive false nine to learn the role before he departs in the summer of 2023.

The £19.8m-rated ace who was hailed as “dangerous” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen, has clearly impressed the Liverpool manager and when you look at his output this season it will come as no surprise why.

Baumgartner has scored six goals and contributed one assist so far in 27 appearances for the Bundesliga club in the league, with six big chances created and 0.7 key passes on average per game, proving that at just 22-years-old the Austrian attacking midfielder has bundles of potential that Klopp can unleash in his team.

Ultimately, now that the German coach has committed his future with a two-year extension on his contract he will need to make some ruthless decisions on the ageing players in the squad, and if the reports are true on the interest in Baumgartner he could be well on his way to rebuilding key areas of his team with youth.

AND in other news: Romano: Liverpool in talks to sign “extraordinary” £83m machine, Klopp would love him…

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has cast doubt over the availability of a number of key players for the Premier League meeting with Newcastle United. 

The lowdown: No room for manoeuvre

The Reds are once again involved in a neck and neck title race with Manchester City that could see the two clubs repeat their exploits from 2019/20 and win all their remaining games with just one point separating the sides.

It’s Liverpool’s turn to set the tone for match-day 35’s round of fixtures as City awaits the result before they face Leeds United at Elland Road.

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Fresh off the back of signing a new deal that will see Jurgen Klopp remain at Anfield until 2026, the German manager has admitted that there are some fitness concerns ahead of the trip to St James’ Park…

The latest: Firmino out

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, as relayed by the Liverpool Echo, the 54-year-old confirmed Roberto Firmino will miss the trip to the North East.

“It’s not a serious injury but it takes now a little bit longer than we all thought. We will have to find a way of getting him back.”

Klopp also suggested both Kostas Tsimikas and Curtis Jones are doubtful, having suffered from illness this week, albeit the former returned to training on Thursday.

The verdict: No risks required

Given the options currently at the German’s disposal, there is no need for an unnecessary risk on any player that could jeopardise fitness for what looks set to be a tantalising run-in.

At present, the Reds have Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and Sadio Mane all fit, firing and available and ready to play centrally of a front three against an in-form Newcastle. Lesser seen forward Takumi Minamino could also be viewed as a viable option from the substitutes bench were alternatives to be required.

With an FA Cup final, four more monumental Premier League clashes and potentially a UEFA Champions League final still to come, getting Firmino – who was hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Joe Cole – back to full fitness following this protracted foot issue is more important than rushing the Brazilian back now.

Furthermore, Jones and Tsimikas have made a combined 45 appearances this term, primarily in domestic cup competitions and would likely be amongst the substitutes at full tilt for this fixture.

In other news, reliable journalist confirms Liverpool interest in Ligue 1 star. Read more here.

Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League right now. Four points clear at the summit, Mikel Arteta’s squad are so steely in defence, so well organised and so well oiled across the park.

However, they don’t have Erling Haaland at the front of their system, and the Manchester City centre-forward seems set on challenging the Gunners almost single-handedly for the league title this season.

But this is an elite outfit, and no mistake. Arsenal also sit second in the Champions League, four wins from four and the only side left in the competition to have maintained an impregnable defence.

But Arsenal have an unfair reputation, in a way. They are not just strong protectors of the goalmouth, but among the most dynamic and intelligent when on the ball too.

Arsenal

1st

40

Liverpool

8th

36

Man United

7th

35

Man City

2nd

33

Aston Villa

6th

30

No team has played more successful through balls than the Emirates side in the Premier League this season, and this underrated progressiveness stems from the centre of the park, with Declan Rice proving – again – that he is the main man.

Why Declan Rice is Arsenal's main man

When Arsenal paid West Ham United a club-record £105m fee for Rice’s signature in 2023, some felt it was excessive. For sure, that’s a lot of money. But Rice has repaid the faith and finances invested in him.

You might even say he’s spearheading Arteta’s side in their bid for the Premier League title, having been described as “the best of the best” by statistician Statman Dave.

A big improvement he has made this season is his accuracy in progressing play, not only with his body but his feet too. As per FBref, Rice actually ranks among the top 10% of Premier League midfielders for progressive passes, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for touches made per 90.

He also ranks among the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, unsurprisingly, and has notched seven goal contributions across all competitions, his ability to produce a show-stopping strike as firmly intact as it has ever been.

Many players comprise a brilliant team in north London, and Arsenal absolutely have what it takes to lift that elusive title this season. Rice is the cream of the crop, though, the driving force in the centre.

However, having finished as runners-up for three years in a row, it was crucial that technical director Andrea Berta got it right this summer, and he has succeeded in bringing in a player who is now rivalling the Three Lions superstar as the best addition in recent years.

The best Arsenal signing since Rice

Rice was once a centre-back. He has also played plenty of football in a deep-lying midfield berth, but a roaming, off-the-leash midfield role is where he finds his most fruitful form.

That’s where Martin Zubimendi comes in, welcomed in July to sit at number six and organise Arteta’s ball-playing vision. The Spain international arrived with a weight of expectation, and he has not let the club’s fanbase down thus far.

Arsenal signed Real Sociedad’s Basque star for about £60m. He rejected Liverpool last summer, but was won over by the Londoners’ vision, and made the move to England, where he has since been thriving at the heart of a title-challenging project, hailed as the club’s “signing of the summer” by content creator Adam Keys.

It is perhaps a marker of Rice and Zubimendi’s connection in the middle of the park that captain Martin Odegaard has now missed four Premier League matches (and more across tournament fronts) due to the knee injury sustained against West Ham United in October, and yet Arsenal remain

That’s good coaching, but it’s also an illustration of the effectiveness of the midfielders. Each Premier League manager has an understanding of how he wants his team to play, but the symbiosis between coach and player doesn’t always click in a fluent manner.

The 26-year-old is among the most intelligent deep playmakers of his generation. In this, he is “world-class”, as has been acknowledged by Spanish football writer Alexandra Jonson.

Zubimendi is not a player who is defined by statistics, but he has still shone on the data front at Arsenal this season, dominant in the air and composed and active on the ball, at the heart of the Gunners system.

Sofascore record that he has actually won 67% of his aerial duels thus far, completing 89% of his passes and averaging 1.9 tackles per game.

It is the deeper meaning behind Zubimendi’s role that suggests he is the best signing in recent years. His influence and control in the centre of the park has seen him occupy those spaces and feed through those surgical passes, which have added a dimension to Arteta’s tactics, keeping things fresh, maintaining progression and evolution.

The likes of Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres are welcome additions to a high-flying Premier League team. But neither has enjoyed the same impact as Zubimendi across the past several months.

Perhaps we should draw attention to David Raya, or maybe Mikel Merino or Riccardo Calafiori. Fantastic players, the lot of them. But if Arsenal manage to get their mitts on the Premier League title this season, with Zubimendi orchestrating from the middle, the loudest praise must surely fall onto Zubimendi’s back.

After Saka & Rice: Arsenal can hand Tuchel the "biggest talent in England"

The incredible Arsenal gem could become a bigger star for England than Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 14, 2025

Celtic are thought to be in pole position to complete the signing of an international attacker, with the individual in question a new target for the Scottish Premiership giants.

Sutton makes demand to Celtic manager Rodgers

The Hoops are back in action this weekend, during what has been a tough period for the club, with doubts surrounding the future of manager Brendan Rodgers.

Writing for The Daily Record, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has demanded that Rodgers make a decision about his next step either way, with it acting as a distraction currently.

“I think Rodgers will simply now have to come out and tell everyone if he’s going to be staying or going. If he’s going at the end of the season, so be it. We saw it at Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp and it’s happened elsewhere. There needs to be some clarity – for everyone.

“It could be that he’s not made his mind up yet, or even that the club wants to go down a different route, which is another matter altogether. You look at the muck being thrown around with claims about Rodgers trying to engineer an exit, which wasn’t mentioned in the statement.

“Are they going to stumble on with a manager who doesn’t want to be there and a club that feels the same? How is that going to work?”

Rodgers made it clear that he wasn’t happy with Celtic’s business in the summer transfer window, but a new update suggests they are in a strong position to possibly make a new signing in 2026.

Celtic in pole position to sign international forward

According to reports from abroad [via The Celtic Way], Celtic are leading the race to sign winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, who could join on a free transfer in the January window, with the winger a new target for them.

The 22-year-old Kazakhstan international is out of contract at the end of December 2025 and the Hoops are thought to be at the front of the queue to snap him up, having sent scouts to watch him in action.

Not a huge amount will be known about Kenzhebek, considering he is currently plying his trade at homeland club Yelimay Semey, but the fact that he is an international winger immediately outlines his pedigree.

In fact, he has registered six goal contributions in only seven appearances for his current club, with four goals and two assists coming his way, and he can play on either side.

Celtic are in need of some attacking inspiration, given the lack of reinforcements that came their way this summer, and Kenzhebek could ultimately be a shrewd and cheap option midway through the season.

Celtic have struck gold on Ange signing who's now worth more than Engels

One Celtic star has seen his value soar since his move to Parkhead back in 2022…

ByRobbie Walls Sep 11, 2025

For Rodgers, that would be a welcome shot in the arm, during a period in which all is not well at Parkhead, but that is assuming the Northern Irishman is still in charge of Hoops by the time the January window arrives.

Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur has been the home to numerous incredible attacking midfielders – many of whom have captured the hearts of the fanbase during their respective periods at the club.

James Maddison is just one of the current players who has starred in such a role, racking up 16 goals and 19 assists for the Lilywhites in 75 outings – with six of his efforts last campaign helping them towards Europa League glory.

Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen both shared the responsibility in such a role during the Mauricio Pochettino era, with the latter undoubtedly going down as one of the club’s best-ever additions.

The Dane cost just £11m back in 2013 and helped the club reach the Champions League final back in 2018/19 – registering 27 goal contributions in his 51 appearances that season.

However, current boss Thomas Frank now has his own version of a young superstar to rely on – with the talent potentially able to add himself to such a list in the years ahead.

Spurs’ move to land Xavi Simons this summer

After a summer of disappointment in trying to land a new number ten, the fanbase’s patience was rewarded late on in the window, after completing a £52m transfer to sign Xavi Simons.

Whilst it appears as though the Dutchman may have been third choice, a deal for his signature could prove to be a bargain if he can build on his recent success with RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old has registered over 15 goal contributions in each of his two full seasons in Germany – handing Frank the ammunition he’s craved within forward areas.

A move for his signature was only made possible after missing out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, potentially being a blessing in disguise, with Simons a player with huge potential to improve, given his tender age.

However, he may have found first-team minutes hard to come by – especially if the hierarchy has kept hold of a player who was previously on the books in North London.

The former Spurs star who was the original Simons

Since taking the reins during the off-season, boss Frank has struggled to rely upon a recognised number ten, with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both currently out with injuries.

Pape Sarr has often filled the void over the last couple of weeks, but has done so in featuring in an unfamiliar role, with the Senegalese star more suited to a deep-lying role.

However, a deal for Simons could allow the youngster to return to his natural position, which in turn could offer a more balanced midfielder for Frank’s 4-3-3 system.

The manager may have been able to navigate such injury woes in the early stages of the campaign had the club kept hold of Giovani Lo Celso a couple of years ago.

The Argentine originally joined the Lilywhites on loan for the first half of the 2019/20 campaign – before linking up on a permanent basis just a few months into his spell. It was a colossal deal, signed for £55m, the same price the Lilywhites shelled out to land Mohammed Kudus this summer.

He does possess a similar career path to Simons, subsequently being on the books of PSG before moving to another European outfit, which led to their respective transfers to join Spurs.

Lo Celso racked up 90 appearances over a three-year spell in North London – scoring a crucial goal against Manchester City a couple of years ago, which helped the side claim one of their famous results against Pep Guardiola’s men.

The Argentine featured 24 times in his final year at the Lilywhites – before being sold in an £8m deal to return to his former outfit Real Betis.

Such a move has allowed for the 29-year-old to recapture his best form, scoring ten times and registering four assists in the last two years – helping the LaLiga side reach the Conference League final in 2024/25.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

12

Pass accuracy

85%

Chances created

2.7

Shots taken

2.1

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

1.4

Duels won

59%

Successful crosses

1.5

Whilst he ultimately failed to reach the levels many expected him to in North London, he was still a superb option for the first-team, potentially being offloaded too prematurely.

Many supporters will be hoping Simons doesn’t suffer the same fate – needing to replicate such form from his time in the Bundesliga if he is to be a success during his time playing under Frank.

Levy let Spurs star leave for £0, now he could've been Frank's new Mbeumo

Tottenham Hotspur may have offloaded one of their former stars way too prematurely.

4 ByEthan Lamb Sep 3, 2025

Celtic have brought the curtain down on another successful campaign at Parkhead and could now be set to let go of one of their long-serving stars, per a report.

Change could be in the wind for Celtic this summer

Brendan Rodgers will feel disappointed that his side weren’t able to see a domestic treble over the line, but a double and tangible progress in the Champions League isn’t to be sniffed at in the grand scheme of things.

Nevertheless, the end to a long campaign has come at a good time for Celtic, who are already beginning to make decisions on the personnel that will prop up their talented squad next term.

Greg Taylor is now out of contract and may depart following an excellent six years of service, while talks are ongoing to resolve Jeffrey Schlupp’s future at Parkhead as his loan spell draws to a close.

Given his parent club Crystal Palace are currently paying him £60,000 per week, it remains to be seen if a deal will be thrashed out to take the Ghana international to Glasgow on a permanent basis.

Looking ahead, Rodgers has urged Celtic to use their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen as fuel for next season: “Looking at the bigger picture, we won the league title, won the League Cup, sadly we just couldn’t go that next step. It’s been a really good season for us. This will hurt. That’s your motivation, that drives you going into next season.”

Celtic could sign Idah upgrade in £40m star who's "guaranteed goals"

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ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

Supporters will hope that extends to their transfer business, and they are already beginning to make tough decisions if recent reports are anything to go by.

Scott Bain set to leave Celtic on free transfer

According to The Herald, Scott Bain is set to be allowed to leave Celtic on a free transfer despite having a year left to run on his contract at Parkhead.

The 33-year-old will now seek first-team football elsewhere after becoming a distant back-up option to Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks.

Scott Bain’s trophy-laden career at Celtic

Appearances

78

Clean sheets

40

Trophies won

7x Scottish Premiership, 5x Scottish Cup, 4x Scottish League Cup

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan is out of contract and is set to replace Bain at Celtic, which will help their homegrown quota in line with UEFA squad registration rules due to being a club-trained player.

Cutting his deal short may be an abrupt end to former Dundee star Bain’s time in Glasgow, but he has enjoyed some memorable success and filled in admirably when called upon by Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou and current boss Rodgers.

However, he hasn’t played a single minute since a 3-2 victory over St Mirren at the tail end of last campaign, so it makes sense for the former Scotland international to try his luck as a number one elsewhere.

It is make or break for Sunderland this afternoon as their 2024/25 campaign will be defined by the outcome of today’s Championship play-off final clash with Sheffield United.

The Black Cats beat Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the play-offs, thanks to a dramatic late winner in extra-time from central defender Dan Ballard, sending the Stadium of Light into raptures.

Regis Le Bris now faces the unenviable task of selecting the right starting XI to take to the field against Sheffield United this afternoon at Wembley, and Chris Rigg is one player who should be brought back in.

Why Chris Rigg should start

Sunderland know that this is a high-stakes game and that any small errors could be the difference between another season in the Championship or playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 campaign.

Therefore, it could make sense to bring in another midfielder who can provide solidity just ahead of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, making it even harder for the Blades to break them down.

In the regular Championship season, Rigg won four duels per game on average, winning 47% of his battles overall, and averaged 1.6 tackles and interceptions per game, without a single error that led to a goal or a penalty for the opposition.

Chalkboard

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

This means that the teenage midfielder would add another layer of defensive insurance ahead of the back four by coming into the side, but it would also mean that Eliezer Mayenda would have to drop to the bench to make way for the English ace to play behind Wilson Isidor.

Why Eliezer Mayenda should be dropped

Le Bris should ruthlessly drop the 20-year-old starlet to the bench for today’s final in order to make room for Rigg to provide a reliable presence at the top of the midfield.

This would also provide Mayenda with the opportunity to come on as an impact substitute, which suits his style of play with his directness and pace on the counter-attack, as he could cause problems for a tired Sheffield United defence late on.

His disappointing performance against Coventry in the second leg of the semi-final, though, suggests that it may be too much of a gamble to play him from the start.

Minutes

120

Goals + assists

0

Successful dribbles

2/6

Pass accuracy

29% (2/7)

Duels won

6/18

Key passes

0

Possession lost

15x

As you can see in the table above, Mayenda played the full 120 minutes against the Sky Blues and only completed two passes, without creating any chances, and lost the vast majority of his duels.

This suggests that he could be a liability in the final from the start if he produced a similar kind of performance, as the Sheffield United players could find it too easy to beat him in duels and to intercept his passes.

Therefore, dropping him for Rigg, who has won 47% of his duels and completed 79% of his passes in the Championship, could increase Sunderland’s chances of being solid from the start.

Le Bris would then have the option to bring Mayenda’s pace off the bench to make an impact late on, by taking Rigg off to play the Frenchman in a front two with Isidor, which is why this could be a good tactical move for multiple reasons.

Le Fee 2.0: Sunderland set sights on signing "fantastic" star from France

Sunderland could be about to pick up their next Enzo Le Fee with this summer buy.

ByKelan Sarson May 21, 2025