Amid doubts over Marc Guehi’s future at the club, Crystal Palace are now reportedly racing to sign a Serie A defender who they’ve already scouted throughout the current campaign.
Crystal Palace in form ahead of Wembley
In a week that could yet end in history, Crystal Palace couldn’t be in better form heading into this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The Eagles haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last five games and looked a class above Tottenham Hotspur last time out as they eased to a 2-0 victory against their London rivals.
Oliver Glasner is well aware that victory over Tottenham was just a good start in an all-important week, however, after revealing how Crystal Palace will prepare for the FA Cup final this week.
The Austrian told reporters: “Yes, we will meet tomorrow (Monday). The players who started (against Spurs) will recover, the others will have a good and intense session.
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“Then there will be Tuesday off. The players deserve to recover, and, of course, the staff have already started to prepare. We will watch a few Man City clips as well, and Wednesday will be the start with the preparation for Man City.
“But we can’t do something different. It also makes no sense (to do that). It’s (about) showing what we can (do), who we are on our best level, and this is how we will enter the final, and then let’s see. Then, it’s football and everything can happen.”
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Meanwhile, amid the chaos of potential silverware, Crystal Palace have also had to keep one eye on the fast-approaching summer transfer window. Amid reports that Guehi is set to be at the centre of interest from the likes of Newcastle United yet again, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement.
Crystal Palace scout Bologna defender Lucumi
According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now looking to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer after Steve Parish sent scouts on a fresh mission to watch the defender. Racing alongside the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United, those at Selhurst Park should push to sign the Serie A star as soon as they can, especially if Guehi does depart.
League stats 24/25 P90 (via FBref)
Jhon Lucumi
Marc Guehi
Starts
27
34
Progressive Passes
3.56
3.94
Tackles Won
1.04
1
Ball Recoveries
6.04
4.26
As the numbers show, Lucumi would be capable of stepping in and replacing Guehi in South London. What instantly stands out is how the Bologna defender has outperformed the Crystal Palace star when it comes to tackles and ball recoveries whilst almost matching him for progressive passes per 90.
Described as “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson last year, Lucumi looks destined for a move away from Italy. Whether that means a move to Crystal Palace is set to take place remains to be seen, however. It’s clear that he is talented enough for the Premier League, though.
Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been alerted to the price tag of a “gifted” attacker, and it has dropped by nearly half compared to last year, as the Gunners are presented with a £63 million discount.
Mikel Arteta praises Andrea Berta with Arsenal summer transfer update
Before their final game of the Premier League season, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s summer recruitment drive, which is now set to take centre-stage after a very disappointing campaign.
Obi-Mikel desperate for Arsenal not to sign "unplayable" Gyokeres alternative
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The Gunners end 2024/2025 with no silverware, despite being tipped to win this year’s Premier League title and mount serious challenges across other competitions as well.
Since Arteta’s appointment, there hasn’t exactly been a lack of investment in the squad, and some critics are beginning to wonder whether he is really the right man to end Arsenal’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a domestic league crown.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
However, 24/25 hasn’t been without major obstacles for Arteta either, with the 43-year-old lacking major firepower upfront for the majority of this term. Injuries to Kai Havertz – who has since returned to action – and Gabriel Jesus meant that Arsenal had been forced to deploy Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for months.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were also unavailable for extended periods at points during the campaign as well, proving very unfortunate, and it highlights the need for Arsenal to reinforce their squad with further attacking quality.
Speaking in his pre-Southampton press conference, Arteta expressed his desire for Berta to bring in more “firepower” this summer, all while sharing his high expectations for the ex-Atletico Madrid chief, who officially joined in late March.
“I think he’s going to be a big contributor with his experience, and the fact that he’s already won in very difficult contexts and the way he’s built teams, he is exceptional,” said Arteta about Berta.
“I think we have to share that responsibility and Andrea is going to be a key part to driving the plans and the ideas we have and try to execute them, and we are here to support him.”
Andrea Berta handed £63m Rodrygo discoCunt after Arsenal open talks
A key target who has emerged this week comes in the form of versatile Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who England star Jude Bellingham thinks is “underrated” and the “most gifted” player in their squad.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated earlier this week that Arsenal have opened talks over signing Rodrygo, and the Brazilian has shot to the “very top” of Berta’s transfer wishlist for the wide area.
Reports last year claimed Real president Florentino Perez was demanding around £130 million to sell the 24-year-old to Man City, but according to journalist Anton Meana, this price has dropped by nearly half.
Meana, speaking on Cadena SER show El Larguero this week, shared news that Real’s asking price for Rodrygo is now £67 million – meaning Arsenal can sign the South American star for £63 million less than previously believed.
£67m for a player of Rodrygo’s quality seems extremely tempting, and this potential deal has been made all the more doable by this latest financial update on an increasingly developing story.
Had Tottenham Hotspur not won the Europa League final against Manchester United last week, this campaign would’ve been a real failure for the club, falling way below the levels they’ve set for themselves.
Ange Postecoglou has been a man under pressure throughout 2024/25, with their European success handing the Aussie a lifeline to resurrect his time in North London.
The 17th-place finish in the Premier League this campaign highlights the need for improvement next season, with Ange running the risk of losing his job should he fail to do so.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou
However, the summer presents another opportunity to invest and improve the first team squad, possibly able to attract some top-level talent given their Champions League qualification.
Even though the window has yet to open, numerous names have been touted with a switch to North London in an attempt to bolster the options at the manager’s disposal.
The latest on Spurs’ move to land a new striker
Liam Delap is a name that has been on Spurs’ shortlist over the last couple of weeks, monitoring his situation and preparing a move after his £30m relegation release clause became active.
However, it appears as though the Lilywhites are set to miss out on the 22-year-old this window, after it was confirmed he has agreed a move to join London rivals Chelsea.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Such a move could prove to benefit Ange’s side over the coming months, potentially allowing Christopher Nkunku to depart Stamford Bridge after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
The Frenchman has been the subject of an enquiry from Daniel Levy, opening the door to a potential £50m switch across the capital to link up with the Lilywhites in North London.
It’s evident that a new forward is on the agenda this summer, but one player who previously plied his trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has thrived since his departure over the past few seasons.
The former Spurs player who’s outscored Delap & Nkunku in 2024/25
Over the last 12 months, Spurs have had numerous attackers who have contributed to their various levels of success, helping them in their quest for European glory.
Brennan Johnson has proved the doubters wrong in recent times, scoring 18 goals across all competitions – including the all-important strike against United that secured the club’s first trophy in 17 years.
The Welsh international has thrived under Postecoglou, now being a key player and registering over three times more goals than he did during his first year in North London.
However, the side could’ve benefited further had they kept hold of Ivan Perišić, with the Croatian winger thriving for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands despite being 36.
He joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving on a free transfer under Antonio Conte after his release from Inter Milan at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The Croatian made 44 appearances during his first season at the club, notching one goal and 12 assists, but he would be unable to make such an impact during his second season in North London.
He would tear his ACL in the early stages of 2023/24, featuring in just six matches, before moving to Hajduk Split on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024.
Most goals & assists from players over 35 in Europe (2024/25)
Player
Team
Games
G+A
Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona
34
29
Dušan Tadić
Fenerbahçe
35
25
Ciro Immobile
Besiktas
30
19
Edin Dzeko
Fenerbahçe
35
18
Ivan Perišić
PSV
27
18
Tjaronn Chery
Royal Antwerp
29
17
Iago Aspas
Celta Vigo
30
15
Stats via Transfermarkt
However, Perisic, who was labelled a “massive waste of money” by The Athletic’s James Maw, has thrived at PSV this campaign, registering 16 goals in all competitions – tallies higher than Delap and Nkunku, who’ve scored 12 and 14 respectively.
Given his age and the long-term injury he sustained at the club, it’s understandable that the club would allow him to leave – especially considering he was on £180k-per-week, as per Capology.
Ivan Perisic for Tottenham
His return to form, even scoring in the Champions League, is a credit to Perisic, making Spurs rue their mistake in allowing him to depart and showcasing his elite-level talents despite his entering the back end of his career.
He'd send Son packing: Spurs eyeing a £67m "game-changing signing"
Tottenham Hotspur could seal a “game-changing” signing for big-money.
Liverpool have ridden into the summer transfer window on the crest of a wave, having won the Premier League under Arne Slot in the first term since Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left.
And who can say the Reds have since been resting on their laurels? Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but they swiftly replaced him with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, then maintaining their line of communication with the German side to agree a deal for Florian Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m.
Florian Wirtz
With Milos Kerkez looking set to arrive from Bournemouth in the coming weeks, Liverpool will likely complete the lion’s share of their business nice and early, although one of the most pressing concerns, bringing in a new striker, will continue to hang over Anfield’s summer for the time being.
That’s because Slot’s title winners cannot advance on that front until the future of Darwin Nunez has been sorted out.
Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future
When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64m fee in 2022, they purchased one of the most talented young centre-forwards in Europe.
But the Uruguay star’s confidence and spark have eroded away against the unrelenting tide of Premier League football, swallowed and spat out by the intensity of Liverpool’s and the English game. This season, under Slot’s wing, he’s only scored seven goals, starting just one top-flight fixture since December.
Silky and stylish, Nunez was supposed to emulate his countryman Luis Suarez and former Liverpool sensation Fernando Torres in becoming one of the meanest goalscorers on the block, but it hasn’t worked out, and Slot is instead searching for a new focal frontman who could produce performances on the level of someone like El Nino.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
However, it hasn’t worked out for him, and with suitors from Italy and the Saudi Pro League sniffing around, it’s probably for the best that the maverick moves on.
After all, Liverpool have already held talks with their dream successor.
Liverpool chasing new striker
As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have been locked in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of Hugo Ekitike, and have been told his price tag is €100m (£84m).
However, FSG feel they have a fantastic chance to secure the 22-year-old striker’s signature despite rival interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, which suggests that they are confident that they can win the race for his services.
Though sporting director Richard Hughes needs to finalise Nunez’s departure before a concerted effort can be made to sign Ekitike, who is said to be aware of the situation.
What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool
Ekitike might not be the finished article, but he’s already established himself as one of the most talented forwards in the game, with analyst Ben Mattinson even hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there.”
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Might it be that Slot could secure his own version of Torres in Frankfurt’s dynamic striker? Liverpool’s iconic marksman was an incredible ball-striking talent, but his intelligence, sharpness and off-the-ball movement all combined to leave the likes of Steven Gerrard marvelling at his quality, the skipper even once saying he was the “best striker in the world.”
At Liverpool, the Spaniard scored 81 goals and supplied 19 assists across 142 appearances, so it’s a pretty high bar that Ekitike is going to have to reach for, but then he, too, is more than just a goalscorer, described by journalist Graeme Bailey as being “the new Mbappe.”
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Ekitike has what it takes, just look at the underlying data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.
And that’s without even addressing his return across the 2024/25 campaign: over 48 appearances in all competitions, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect scored 22 goals and supplied 12 assists. Clearly, he will be grateful for his move to Frankfurt.
Moreover, his 15-goal return in the Bundesliga surpassed that of any other player across Europe’s top five leagues aged 22 or younger.
His step-by-step progress appears to have borne dividends, and Ekitike is showing no sign of letting up. In a Liverpool team consisting of superstars like Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, there’s no telling how impressive the French forward could be next season.
Ekitike should take this leap, joining a Liverpool side who are in need of a high-class number nine. He might be young, but there’s already a lot of talk about this man being one of the brightest stars of his generation.
And let’s not forget, Liverpool signed Torres from Atletico Madrid when he was still in relative professional infancy, joining aged 23 in a deal worth £20m. This was back in July 2007, mind, so such a figure was considered a pretty penny indeed.
Clearly, Liverpool could hit the jackpot by sealing a deal for Ekitke, who has also been courted by the club’s divisional rivals but is surely tempted by moving to a team with such a high ceiling, Slot and Hughes bringing together a variety of different styles in a melting pot that could breed sustained success at the top of the European ladder.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Sure, Ekitike’s finishing could do with a bit of work, but he’s already established himself as a talented forward, earning acclaim for his complete performances, which would align perfectly with Liverpool’s wider vision.
If Nunez is sold in the coming weeks or months, and Liverpool bank a healthy sum for their flagging forward, if FSG can redirect the transfer cannon toward the Bundesliga’s Frankfurt, we could be in for some exciting seasons ahead on Merseyside.
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They have also retained a host of their experienced domestic players like Russell, Pollard, Narine and Bravo
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2024
Tim David had a middling IPL season•AFP/Getty Images
Trinbago Knight Riders have signed Tim David and Jason Roy for the Caribbean Premier League 2024 season. They have also retained their core of experienced West Indies stars in Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Dwayne Bravo.Akeal Hosein, who recently became the first spinner to register a five-wicket haul for West Indies in T20Is during their T20 World Cup 2024 game against Uganda, has also been retained by Knight Riders, along with seamers Jayden Seales and Terrance Hinds and batters Mark Deyal and Keacy Carty. TKR’s squad currently comprises 15 members and they have space to add two more in the draft in July.Fast bowlers Josh Little and Ali Khan, and left-arm wristspinner Waqar Salamkheil are the overseas players retained by Knight Riders.Related
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While this will be the first stint in the CPL for Roy, David has past experience in the tournament, having made his debut for St Lucia Kings in 2021. He was also roped in as a replacement player during CPL 2023 by Knight Riders.Last year, Knight Riders made the final having finished second in the league stage, but lost to Guyana Amazon Warriors. Knight Riders are the most successful team in the CPL, with four titles. Their last trophy, however, came in 2020. They will begin their 2024 campaign against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Basseterre on September 1.
Russell Martin’s mass-squad overhaul at Rangers is in full swing.
So far this summer, the Ibrox side have signed Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons, but plenty more arrivals are forecast in the coming weeks and days, with the start of Champions League qualifying just over three weeks away.
Now, centre-forward has to be a priority position for the Light Blues, so have they identified their dream target?
Rangers targeting a new striker
Rangers’ selection of centre-forwards could look rather different come the start of next season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As has been widely reported for weeks, AEK Athens are attempting to sign Cyriel Dessers, with the Greek side having bid £5m for the Nigerian international, while Rangers are holding out for £6m.
Meantime, Hamza Igamane appears poised to depart too, with Lille leading the race to sign him, but Foot Mercato claim that fellow Ligue 1 clubs Strasbourg and Rennes are ‘still in the running’ to secure the Moroccan’s signature.
Thus, potentially in the market for two new strikers, Israeli outlet 5 Sport claim that Rangers are ‘willing to pay’ Maccabi Tel Aviv’s £5m asking price for Dor Turgeman.
They add that a deal will not be finalised until either Dessers or Igamane are sold, but that Turgeman ‘has expressed a desire’ to join the Glasgow giants.
Most expensive SPFL signings (timeless) Rangers Celtic
Blair Meikle of the Glasgow Times also notes that the Israeli Premier League champions have already signed Ion Nicolaescu from Heerenveen this summer, further evidence that they’re preparing for life after Turgeman, but what would he bring to Rangers?
Why Dor Turgeman could be Rangers' next Alfredo Morelos
It’s pretty impossible to dispute the fact that, since Rangers won promotion back to the Premiership nine years ago, Alfredo Morelos is the best striker they have had.
After joining from HJK Helsinki for a reported fee of £1m in June 2017, the Colombian international scored 124 goals in 269 appearances for the Gers, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe, breaking Ally McCoist’s long-standing record.
So, let’s take a look at how el Bufalo compares to the club’s other strikers from the past decade.
Selected Rangers strikers (2016-present)
Players
Tenure
Appearances
Goals
European goals
Cyriel Dessers
2023-present
109
51
6
Hamza Igamane
2024-present
46
16
4
Danilo
2023-present
48
12
1
Alfredo Morelos
2017-22
269
124
29
Jermain Defoe
2018-22
74
32
3
Kemar Roofe
2020-24
102
38
5
Antonio Čolak
2022-23
39
18
3
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, none of Rangers’ other centre-forwards come close to Morelos when it comes to longevity, as well as his sheer volume of goals in UEFA competitions; only Henrik Larsson, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have ever scored more than his 32 goals in the Europa League, when qualifiers are included.
So, could Turgeman replicate his success?
Well, writer Kai Watson labels the Israeli “quality”, adding he has “room to improve”, while adding elsewhere that he is “lethal inside the box” and an excellent ball carrier.
So, let’s assess Turgeman’s recent career statistics.
Dor Turgeman’s season-by-season statistics
Statistics
Appearances
Goals
Assists
2024/25
44
20
6
2023/24
49
11
2
Turgeman’s international career
Israel U21
7
2
0
Israel senior team
10
1
1
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table underlines, Turgeman took his goalscoring exploits to new heights last season, finishing as the third-highest scorer in Ligat ha’Al.
He has also earned international recognition, a key figure in the Israel team that reached the semi-finals of the U21 Euros two years ago, scoring against Germany during that tournament, before opening his senior account against Norway back in March.
Pertinently, with regards to the Morelos comparison, the 21-year-old does have five goals in UEFA competitions to his name so far, netting against Panevėžys, TSC Bačka Topola, Celje and, most notably, Real Sociedad in either the Conference League or Europa League across the last two seasons.
Nene Afadzinu of Football Talent Scout outlines how Turgeman operates best as a ‘focal point’, while praising his ‘excellent first touch’, hold-up play and pressing.
Thus, the Israeli has already shown plenty of quality at a young age, meaning he appears to have all the attributes to be a success at Ibrox and prove to be the perfect Igamane replacement.
Dessers upgrade: Rangers exploring Ibrox move for "complete" £6.5m starlet
Rangers could be set to make another move in the transfer market
Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their second signing of the summer after their permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and the fee Spurs are about to pay for their newest arrival has set a record.
Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter
Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
Spurs missed out on FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji earlier this week, with Barcelona ultimately winning the race for his signature, but Thomas Frank is still expected to be backed with more forward additions.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
One of their key aims before deadline day on September 1 is signing another proven winger, and one who could replace Son Heung-min if he does in fact leave the club for Saudi Arabia after 10 years.
“Son will get a big-money contract if he moves to Saudi Arabia,” said ex-Lilywhites scout Bryan King to Tottenham News recently.
“Everyone else who has gone there has received a big-money offer, so why would a player of Son’s stature not receive that same kind of offer.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Tottenham receive a similar fee for Son as they did for Harry Kane. Son has been at Tottenham for 10 years, and he’s been a marvellous servant to the club. He has one year left on his contract, and Tottenham could cash in, as could the player.”
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked recently, as has Lazio’s Gustan Isaksen, with Frank reportedly very keen to sign the Dane (Lalaziosiamonoi.it).
However, they could also bolster their ranks with fresh young defensive talent, and that is expected to be the case with Kawasaki Frontale gem Kota Takai.
The 20-year-old, standing at a towering 6 foot 4, is apparently on the verge of joining Spurs from the J-League.
Tottenham agree £5 million fee to sign Kota Takai
Tottenham will pay around £5 million to sign Takai, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and this is apparently a J-League “record” for a Japanese player from that division.
Sharing further background on their surprise move for the talent, which practically came out of nowhere, reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Takai was personally identified by technical director Johan Lange as a promising young player for the first-team, and one who could make a similar impact to the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr after a brief settling in period.
Takai has already won four senior caps for Japan at international level, and captained Kawasaki against Yokohoma F. Marinos back in April – a game where he also got on the scoresheet in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
He also played a key role at the back for Kawasaki in their run to the Asian Champions League final, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-finals before they eventually lost out to Al-Hilal.
South East Stars seamer involved with senior team for first time as injury cover
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2024
Ryana MacDonald-Gay bowls for South East Stars•Getty Images
England have handed a first senior call-up to South East Stars seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay for their ODI series with New Zealand, ahead of the first match at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.MacDonald-Gay, 20, has represented England Under-19s and England A and is currently the second-leading wicket-taker in this season’s Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, with 12 at 11.75 and a best of 5 for 31 from four matches.She has been added as cover due to what head coach Jon Lewis described as “a couple of niggles” in the 14-player group, and will join up with the team in Durham on Tuesday.”Ryana has been a standout bowler in domestic 50-over cricket and had a good 50-over tour of New Zealand with our England A team,” Lewis said. “We have brought her in at this point as we have a couple of niggles in the squad. We have been really impressed with her skill level and accuracy.”She is an exciting young talent and we look forward to having her in the squad.”MacDonald-Gay made her Kent debut as a 15-year-old in 2019 and has also represented Oval Invincibles in the Women’s Hundred. She took six wickets in two 50-over appearances and five in two T20s on the England A tour of New Zealand in March.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his plans for the summer window have taken another turn, with the Spurs chief attempting to back new manager Thomas Frank ahead of his debut season in the dugout.
Tottenham in talks for £38m attacker who Levy thinks could be the next Mbeumo
Spurs are “advanced” in their pursuit.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025
Spurs kickstarted their recruitment drive with a £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and followed that up by agreeing a J League record £5 million deal for promising Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The plan for Takai, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, is for him to compete for a place in the senior matchday squad, and Tottenham are apparently hopeful that he can replicate the likes of Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr as young players who’ve staked their claim in the starting eleven.
Frontale have now confirmed the 20-year-old’s exit, with Takai looking set to become a new Spurs player after July 5, even if they didn’t explicitly mention Tottenham.
“We would like to inform you that Kota Takai will be leaving the team at the end of the activity on Saturday, July 5, in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club,” read a club statement.
“We will notify you further regarding future plans as soon as they are officially decided.
“After the match against Kashima Antlers in the 23rd round of the J1 League on Saturday, July 5, Kota Takai will be giving a speech to the supporters. In addition, Takai will not be participating in the Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 6.”
According to recent reports, Takai could well be followed by West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, if all goes to plan.
Fabrizio Romano says that talks are underway between all parties for the Ghana international, and he’s apparently open to making the switch across London.
Now, GiveMeSport have shared an intriguing update on the matter.
Daniel Levy holds talks with David Sullivan over signing Mohammed Kudus
GMS report that Levy has personally held talks with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over the signing of Kudus.
Levy apparently contacted his Hammers counterpart to discuss a deal for the ex-Ajax sensation, with Tottenham starting negotiations at £50 million for Kudus as they attempt to seal a quick deal ahead of rival suitors.
Spurs are wary of the competition for Kudus and have decided to move early for him. The 24-year-old, meanwhile, is actively seeking an exit from the London Stadium, but as things stand, West Ham are insistent that any offer made up to this point is unacceptable.
The Lilywhites will need to meet their capital rivals in the middle, even if West Ham are under some pressure to sell so they can begin their own summer transfer plans.
Kudus endured a mixed 2024/2025 when compared to his electric debut campaign in east London, but teammate Aaron Cresswell has perhaps already explained exactly why Tottenham are very keen.
“I’ve just trained with him and you don’t want to go anywhere near him,” Cresswell told the Iron Cast.
“I’m up against him all the time and I’m like: ‘Mo, go on over to the left!’
“He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet. I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball, I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming.
“You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”
Scotland international’s 17-ball 39 set Worcestershire an insurmountable target of 191
ECB Reporters Network05-Jul-2024
Jones struck four sixes in his innings•Getty Images
A brutal cameo from Michael Jones helped Durham to a 22-run win against the Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast.Jones smashed 39 from 17 balls at the Seat Unique Riverside to help Durham to a big total of 190 for 5, with the Scottish international capitalising on a good platform set by Ollie Robinson who made 41.The visitors’ chase was led by an impressive 45 from Kashif Ali, but a good Durham bowling performance spearheaded by Ben Raine meant that the Rapids fell short.Durham are now in a good position to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018, but the Rapids face an uphill challenge to qualify having lost their last six in the competition.Having won the toss, the hosts chose to bat and Graham Clark got the innings off to the perfect start as he carved one through the covers for four. Skipper Alex Lees then got the first six of the night when he smashed a Josh Cobb ball over the long-on boundary.The Rapids then fought back after a tough start with Lees and Clark departing for 22 and 24 respectively.Robinson and Colin Ackermann used the large dimensions at Chester-le-Street to their advantage, as the Rapids restricted the boundary count in the middle overs.Ackermann felt the run-scoring squeeze and Brett D’Oliveira was the beneficiary as the Durham man mistimed a slog sweep and was caught on the boundary for 19.Robinson started to tick and smashed a D’Oliveira ball for six as Durham passed 100, however the Rapids captain struck back as he bowled Ashton Turner for 20.Robinson then struck two sixes from a Brookes over but he went for one too many as he skied one to long-on for 41.That didn’t stop the hosts’ barrage as Jones smashed one out the ground and he then hit 24 from the final over to finish unbeaten on 39 and the hosts finished on 190 for 5.The visitors had a tough task to chase 191 and they struggled to get going initially, as they picked up just 10 runs from the first two overs.D’Oliveira then departed at the hands of Bas de Leede, who coaxed an edge from the Rapids skipper and Robinson was on hand to take the catch behind the stumps.Ali, who led his side to an impressive win at this ground in the County Championship earlier this week, looked to get his side going alongside Cobb and they started to make a dent into the target.Ali then smashed a Sowter ball down the ground for six and followed that with one into the stands.However, Raine picked up the key wicket of Ali for 45, with Durham’s top wicket taker bowling the impressive opener.Then the hosts got the dangerous Adam Hose for just seven, after he was brilliantly caught on the boundary by Ackermann off the bowling of Sowter.The experienced Cobb was then dropped on 25 by Sowter as the Rapids continued to live dangerously but the leg-spinner bounced back from the drop as he picked up the wicket of Brookes.Cobb then departed for 39 as he was bowled by Ben Dwarshuis, but Gareth Roderick hit a six over the legside boundary to give his side a chance however he fell to Raine for 18 to leave the visitors staring down the barrel of defeat.Late wickets from Dwarshuis, de Leede and Raine saw the hosts home comfortably, winning by 22 runs.