All posts by h79snht.top

da brdice： Liverpool and Manchester City have been the Premier League’s top two sides in recent years, battling it out for the title in what has proven to be a great modern rivalry.

da pinup bet： Despite pressure from Arsenal, it was Arne Slot’s side who reigned supreme over their two top-flight rivals, winning back the Premier League trophy in 2024/25.

But have you ever wondered who has played for both the Reds and the Citizens in the Premier League era?

In total, 15 players have turned out in red in Merseyside and City’s sky blue. We have taken a detailed look at every player who has played for both clubs.

Related Magic from Salah & Sane: Ranking the 7 best Liverpool v Man City matches

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Players to play for Liverpool and Man City in the Premier League

#

Player

Liverpool debut

Man City debut

1

Nigel Clough

1993

1995

2

Mark Kennedy

1994

1999

3

Nicolas Anelka

2001

2002

4

Robbie Fowler

1993

2003

5

Steve McManaman

1990

2003

6

David James

1992

2004

7

Dietmar Hamann

1999

2006

8

Albert Riera

2008

2006

9

Craig Bellamy

2006

2009

10

Daniel Sturridge

2013

2006

11

Kolo Toure

2013

2009

12

Mario Balotelli

2014

2010

13

James Milner

2015

2010

14

Raheem Sterling

2011

2015

15

Scott Carson

2005

2021

1 Nicolas Anelka Liverpool 2001-2002, Man City 2002-2005

Talented French forward Nicolas Anelka first made his mark in England with Arsenal before heading abroad with Real Madrid and former club PSG.

However, Anelka would return to the Premier League, joining Liverpool on loan in December 2001 until the end of the 2001/02 season. He scored five goals during that time but the Reds didn’t pursue a permanent move, opening the door for Man City.

Anelka cost Man City around £13m and scored in the last ever Manchester Derby at Maine Road, as well as in a 2-1 win at Anfield against Liverpool to dent their top-four hopes. In total, the striker scored 45 times in 103 games for City.

2 Mario Balotelli Man City 2010-2013, Liverpool 2014-2016

Man City and Liverpool were the only clubs Mario Balotelli played for in the Premier League, and the Italian certainly made an impact on and off the pitch in England.

After reuniting with Roberto Mancini at the Etihad, Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award with City and the Premier League and FA Cup. His only Premier League assist in a sky blue shirt was for Sergio Aguero’s memorable title winner against QPR in 2012.

He spent one year away from England before returning in 2014, with Liverpool bringing in the Italian as a replacement for Luis Suarez. Balotelli only scored four times for the Reds, though.

3 Craig Bellamy Liverpool 2006-2007, 2011-2012; Man City 2009-2011

Another controversial forward during his playing days was Craig Bellamy, who had two 12-month stints with Liverpool and a two-year spell with Man City.

The Welshman lifted the League Cup with the Reds in 2012 but failed to win silverware in Manchester. Bellamy scored 18 league goals in total for Liverpool and netted 15 times in the top flight for City.

4 Scott Carson Liverpool 2005-2008, Man City 2019-present

Goalkeeper Scott Carson has won the Champions League with both Liverpool and Man City, albeit without playing a regular role for either side.

After coming through Leeds United’s academy, Carson joined Liverpool in 2005 to provide competition for Jerzy Dudek, but he failed to break into the Reds’ first-team plans and left permanently three years later.

In 2019, Carson signed for Pep Guardiola’s star-studded City side as their third-choice goalkeeper. He has been a popular figure behind the scenes but has made just two Etihad appearances, making his debut in May 2021.

5 Nigel Clough Liverpool 1993-1996, Man City 1996-1998

Son of iconic manager Brian Clough, Nigel Clough was a versatile forward during his playing days and was sold by Liverpool to Man City during the 1990s.

After coming through at Nottingham Forest, Clough cost Liverpool £2.25m in 1993 and scored twice on his Reds debut. However, things didn’t work out at Anfield and three years later, Liverpool took a slight loss by selling Clough to Man City.

The attacker couldn’t save the Citizens from relegation during his time there, and will be remembered for his days at Forest and Burton Albion.

6 Robbie Fowler Liverpool 1992-2001, 2006-2007; Man City 2003-2006

Striker Robbie Fowler is best remembered for his time as a Liverpool player, penning professional terms after coming through the Reds’ academy in 1992.

He played an important role in Liverpool’s cup treble in 2000/01 and after a spell with Leeds United, joined Man City in 2003. Fowler made just under 100 appearances for City, but a return to Liverpool on a free transfer materialised in 2006.

In total, Fowler scored 183 times and provided 50 assists in 369 Liverpool games.

7 Dietmar Hamann Liverpool 1999-2006, Man City 2006-2009

Defensive midfielder Dietmar Hamann arguably enjoyed the prime of his career as a Liverpool player, making 283 appearances for the Reds and winning eight major honours at Anfield.

Bizarrely, Hamann left Liverpool and spent a day as a Bolton Wanderers player after penning pre-contract terms with the club in 2006, but he had second thoughts on a move and was allowed to join Man City for £400,000 in compensation.

The German spent three years with City before ending his career at MK Dons.

8 David James Liverpool 1992-1999, Man City 2004-2006

Goalkeeper David James made more appearances for Liverpool (277) than any of his nine other clubs during his career. After seven years at Anfield, James was sold to Aston Villa and then played for West Ham before moving to Man City.

Famously being brought on as a centre-forward on the final day of the 2004/05 season with City looking to qualify for Europe, James made 100 appearances for City.

9 Mark Kennedy Liverpool 1995-1998, Man City 1999-2001

Mark Kennedy, who played as a left-midfielder or left-back during his career, is best known for his time as a Wolves player, but also turned out for Liverpool and Man City.

The Reds paid around £1.5m to sign Kennedy from Millwall when he was just 18, but he made just 20 senior appearances across three years.

The 34-cap Republic of Ireland international then had time with City over the millennium and helped them win promotion, but he was also a part of the squad that was relegated.

10 Steve McManaman Liverpool 1990-1999, Man City 2003-2005

A winger during his playing days, Steve McManaman came through Liverpool’s academy and spent nine years as a professional on Merseyside. McManaman won two trophies with Liverpool and made more than 350 appearances before joining Real Madrid in a high-profile free transfer.

Now known for his role as a co-commentator, McManaman ended his playing career after being released by Man City in 2005 at the age of 33.

da esport bet： Chelsea’s season is in danger of spiralling out of control.

da jogodeouro： On Saturday evening, the Blues suffered a third successive Premier League away defeat, this time beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa.

Enzo Maresca’s side have now won just two of their last ten league outings, relinquishing their place in the Champions League spots.

Out of both domestic cups too, this season, which seemingly promised so much, could ultimately be deemed a failure, with the Blues’ ongoing centre-forward crisis once again a talking point.

Chelsea's continued striker issue

As noted by Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport, despite spending in excess of £1.5bn since Todd Boehly’s takeover, Chelsea are ‘threadbare’ in attack ‘with no fit strikers to call upon’.

That’s because Chelsea are enduring a striker shortage, given that Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined until April ‘due to a muscular injury’, while Marc Guiu suffered a ‘bad knee injury’ against West Ham.

Even before this, there were question marks over Chelsea’s centre-forward position, with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports stating he believes they do not have a striker good enough to win the Premier League title.

So, for now, Christopher Nkunku is leading the line, but he certainly isn’t earning rave reviews.

Louis Sealey of the Metro described his display at Villa Park on Saturday as ‘non-existent’, while Barry Glendenning of the Guardian outlines how he spent the majority of the evening ‘gesticulating in frustration’.

Meantime, Malik Ouzia of the Evening Standard notes that he continues to be the ‘least threatening of Chelsea’s attackers’, which is far from ideal considering the Blues’ lack of alternatives.

So, given Chelsea’s ongoing search for a reliable goalscorer, do they regret allowing one to leave?

Former Chelsea striker now among the goals

Many may have actually forgotten that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a Chelsea player not too long ago. Described as “world-class” upon his arrival at the Bridge by Behdad Eghbali, he ended up making just 21 appearances for the Blues, scoring only three goals, before quickly departing for Olympique de Marseille a year later.

During one season with les Phocéens, the Gabonese striker actually scored 30 goals in just 51 appearances, but departed OM to become the latest big-name player to move to the Saudi Pro League, joining newly-promoted outfit Al-Qadsiah.

Well, with Aubameyang spearheading their attack, Al-Qadsiah are currently third in the Saudi Pro League which, according to Hussain Almaskati of New of Bahrain, is ‘defying expectations’, with a Saudi Gazette report describing his performances as ‘sensational’.

So, let’s see how Aubameyang compares to Chelsea’s two most-used strikers: Nkunku and Jackson.

Aubameyang vs Nkunku & Jackson 24/25

Statistics

Auba

Nkunku

Jackson

Appearances

21

33

24

Minutes

1,863

1,493

1,778

Goals

12

13

9

Minutes per goal

155

115

198

Assists

2

4

5

Shots per 90

3.54

2.72

3.27

Shots on target %

45.5%

55.3%

47.6%

Big chances missed

10

13

15

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com & Sofascore

As outlined in the table, it’s actually Nkunku who boasts the best statistics, but this must be caveated.

The Frenchman has scored 13 goals this season, but only two have come in the Premier League, on target seven times in the Conference League, as well as bagging a hat-trick against Barrow in the EFL Cup.

Of course, Aubameyang is plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the 31st best league in the world, while the Premier League is top of these rankings, which provides some perspective.

Nevertheless, the fact the 35-year-old has missed fewer Opta defined big chances than both Nkunku and Jackson this season suggests he could have helped the Blues had he stayed.

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da esoccer bet： Manchester United has several exciting youngsters coming through the ranks at Old Trafford who are hoping to establish themselves as the club’s next generation. Some of these players have been involved in Ruben Amorim’s matchday squads of late.

da betway： That includes midfielder Sekou Kone, who featured on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton last month. Academy Scoop said on X that he has shown “glimpses of promise” in a United shirt since his summer move.

Another player who could break through is young left-back Harry Amass. The former Watford academy star was most recently on the bench against Real Sociedad in midweek, and he is “one to keep an eye on” according to Academy Scoop via X.

However, arguably the most exciting United talent breaking through is Chido Obi.

Obi’s United career so far

What a whirlwind few months it has been for Obi, since his move to United from Arsenal over the summer. He has made a brilliant start to life in the Red Devils academy, scoring 12 goals in nine games for the under-18s so far this term.

This electric form resulted in Amorim giving him his first team debut, a three-minute cameo away to Spurs. He has since gone on to play twice more for United’s first team, in the Premier League at Goodison Park against Everton, and in the FA Cup against Fulham.

His 52-minute cameo against the Cottagers, which included extra-time, showed just how talented Obi is. He managed to fashion chances for himself and was a real nuisance for the Fulham centre-backs.

United legend Wayne Rooney said he was “really impressed” with the 17-year-old, and Alan Shearer explained, “I like what I see from Chido Obi”. The Denmark under-18 international has made a big impression so far.

It certainly seems like Obi could become a player Amorim utilises more going forward. However, if things had worked out differently, he could have had another talented young striker at his disposal.

Man Utd's original Chido Obi

United’s academy is a place where young stars can make a real name for themselves, like Obi has done in the short time he’s played for the club.

Where Are They Now

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Well, that was certainly the case for Charlie McNeill, who was a prolific goalscorer in the youth ranks. The now 21-year-old initially left United to join Manchester City in 2014, before returning to Old Trafford six years later, after racking up a real reputation for himself – much like Obi – having reportedly netted over 600 goals for the Citizens.

In 35 appearances for the United under-18s, the striker scored an impressive 34 goals and grabbed 11 assists. He also scored several times in the UEFA Youth League and for the under-23s during his time in the youth set-up.

One of McNeill’s biggest contributions in a United shirt came in the club’s impressive run in the FA Youth Cup in 2021/22.

Alongside now first-teamers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, he was a key player as United lifted the trophy at Old Trafford, scoring five goals and creating two others in six games.

McNeill record by round in 2021/22 FA Youth Cup

Round

Opponent

Score

Goals

Assist

3rd

Scunthorpe (h)

4-2

1

1

4th

Reading (a)

1-3

1

1

5th

Everton (h)

4-1

1

0

6th

Leicester (h)

2-1

0

0

Semi-final

Wolves (h)

3-0

2

0

Final

Nottingham Forest (h)

3-1

0

0

Stats from Transfermarkt

Football statistician Statman Dave once described the 21-year-old as a “natural goalscorer”, and it seemed like he could become a first-team player for the 13-time Premier League champions in the future.

However, he only played once for the club, a six-minute Europa League cameo against Real Sociedad, and was only on the bench once more. After loans to clubs in the EFL, specifically Newport County and Stevenage, McNeill left United permanently last summer, upon the expiration of his contract.

The former England under-16 international joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer, but things have not worked out for him there. He has played just five games, with just two coming in the Championship, scoring twice against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.

Now valued at just £167k, it has not been an easy ride for McNeill, who was so deadly for United’s academy. Of course, due to his age, there is plenty of time to get his career back on track and find his best form again.

However, if things had worked out differently, and he got the opportunity he arguably deserved in the United first-team, perhaps he would be competing with Obi for a spot in the matchday squad.

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da spicy bet： Tottenham Hotspur have approached a Brazilian transfer target via his representatives as they look to get a head start on the summer window, with north London rivals Arsenal also contacting him in the last seven days.

Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar in Europa League last 16

da bet esporte： Spurs take on Eredivisie giants AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their last 16 clash in the Europa League this evening, with manager Ange Postecoglou revealing that winger Dejan Kulusevski will miss the tie with a foot injury.

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Postecoglou could well benefit from the full returns of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, who have all been missing for weeks, but the Australian was coy over their chances of starting tonight.

“We’ll see, we’ll train today,” said Postecoglou in his latest pre-match press conference. “Obviously they’ve all out for significant amount of time so we’ll see when we reintroduce them but they’re all here and training today, so we’ll make decisions after that.”

Spurs’ boss will be eager to reintroduce as many first-team stars as possible before the next international break, and the Europa League represents their only chance of winning any major silverware in Postecoglou’s second season in charge.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

“I think it is fair to say the boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,” said Postecolgou on the Europa League. I think they’ve appreciated the fact that the guys who have been playing through are now able to recover and train and prepare themselves better for games.

“That’s coincided with seeing their teammates come back and certainly the guys that have been out injured, we’ve already seen with guys like Vic, Brennan, Madders to a lesser extent (due to time out) but Wilson, Destiny, they’ve come back with a real hunger and desire to help the team because I think they’ve all been frustrated to sit on the sidelines and see how difficult it has for the group of players who have been playing. They’ve just wanted to help and now they get that opportunity.

“Again, I think you sense that in the group that they appreciate they have some support and some help. There is a platform there for us to hopefully get back to playing our football and seeing how far we can progress.”

Tottenham open talks with Flamengo defender Wesley Franca

According to RTI Esporte, the Lilywhites are also preparing for next season by making enquiries over key targets, and one of them is believed to be Flamengo defender Wesley Franca.

As per their information, Tottenham have held talks with Franca’s representatives, but they’re by no means the only Premier League side who are keen on a move for the right-back.

Cross-town rivals Arsenal also made contact with his camp this week, to gauge the conditions of a potential deal, with Franca’s price tag believed to stand at around £29 million.

The 21-year-old, called “exceptional” by ex-Chelsea and Atlético Madrid defender Felipe Luis, can also play as a right-midfielder when required. After claims of Real Madrid interest in Pedro Porro, Spurs have been sporadically linked with a new full-back, and Franca could be an astute option.

da apostebet： A “sensational” Manchester United player is now one step away from an exit, amid a contract stand-off, and there is a feeling he could join a rival Premier League club, according to a new report.

Major rebuild needed at Old Trafford

da premier bet： Ruben Amorim has pulled no punches when talking about the squad he’s inherited, making a big statement after his side’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion back in January.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”

Since then, there have been very few signs of improvement, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th place and exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham, so it is clear that a major revamp will be needed in the summer.

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There have been widespread recent reports suggesting Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, while there is also doubt lingering over Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who haven’t exactly been prolific in front of goal this season.

However, Man United may also have to brace for another departure that is likely to sting a lot more, with a report from Spain revealing Kobbie Mainoo is now one step away from an Old Trafford exit.

There is an ongoing contract stand-off with Mainoo, who is keen on a big new contract as a reward for his solid performances, but the lack of progress could push him towards seeking a move elsewhere.

Chelsea could be waiting in the wings to sign the midfielder, having identified him as an ideal target, and former scout Mick Brown has revealed United could be willing to accept a £70m bid to raise funds for other transfers.

"Sensational" Mainoo would be a big loss

It is a major flaw of the PSR system that Premier League clubs are often forced to cash-in on their academy graduates for ‘pure profit’ to comply with financial rules, and if United do decide to accept a £70m bid, the 19-year-old could be a real loss.

Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson has lauded the central midfielder as “sensational” this season, having received regular game time whenever fit, although he’s had a stop-start campaign due to injury issues, which means he hasn’t really managed to kick on.

Mainoo’s performance in the FA Cup final last season showcased just how good he can be on his day, however, receiving the Man of the Match award after playing a huge role in United triumphing over rivals Manchester City.

Given the financial issues United are facing, it could be tempting to cash-in for a £70m fee, but it would be painful to see Mainoo in a Chelsea shirt.

da aviator aposta： Once again in his Manchester City tenure, Pep Guardiola will need to oversee something of a squad rebuild this summer, with the treble-winning side of 2023 looking to have perhaps run its course.

da supremo： When the Catalan coach arrived through the door in 2016, he inherited an ageing side that also needed revamping, with the likes of Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero slowly being phased out over the next few years.

History looks set to repeat itself in the present day, albeit with there more likely to be a swift mass exodus this time around, rather than a gradual transition.

Of those who helped the Citizens to treble glory less than two years ago, Kyle Walker has since moved out on loan to AC Milan, while reports have indicated that both Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne could follow suit at the end of the season.

A new goalkeeper could also be on the cards, while 2023 arrival, Mateo Kovacic, has also been heavily linked with a return to Spain, amid interest from former rivals, Atletico Madrid.

It also remains to be seen whether long-serving star, Bernardo Silva, will finally secure a long-awaited exit, with the Portuguese playmaker having endured a muted campaign at the Etihad.

Bernardo Silva's future at Man City

Once again, those of a City persuasion head into a summer window anticipating speculation surrounding the former Monaco man, with the 30-year-old having repeatedly been linked with an exit in previous years.

As per The Athletic, the midfielder’s contract – which is set to expire next year – is now ‘dealt with on a summer-by-summer basis due to his previous desires to leave’, with a move to Barcelona having long been touted.

Perhaps, the £300k-per-week star will actually depart this time around, with recent reports indicating that he may have even agreed terms over an exit, with Paris Saint-Germain viewed as a likely destination.

That potential switch to the French capital would bring to an end what has been a magical eight-year spell with the Citizens for Silva, with Guardiola memorably lauding the diminutive talent as “one of the best players [he’s] ever seen” back in 2023.

Since signing on a £43m deal back in 2017, the Lisbon-born genius has racked up 69 goals and 69 assists in 394 games in all competitions, playing a vital part in the string of major honours that Guardiola and co have claimed.

Bernardo Silva’s PL decline

Stat (*per game)

2023/24

2024/25

Games

33

26

Goals

6

2

Assists

9

4

Big chances created

13

8

Key passes*

1.9

1.6

Pass accuracy*

89%

89%

Tackles*

1.5

1.5

Interceptions*

0.5

0.7

Successful dribbles*

1.2

0.9

Stats via Sofascore

For all his majestic quality, however, Silva’s impact has been limited in 2024/25 it must be said, having contributed just three goals and four assists in all competitions, albeit while largely operating in a deeper role.

Even though he has previously been described as “irreplaceable” by his manager in the past, now might actually be the perfect time for City to cash in, with the club already boasting the ideal replacement.

Man City's in-house Bernardo Silva replacement

It’s fair to say that the Etihad outfit aren’t short of creative talents who could fill the shoes of Silva in the side, with Guardiola blessed with a raft of young stars, namely Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and James McAtee.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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That said, one man who could represent the “ideal successor to Bernardo” – as per analyst Ben Mattinson – is recent arrival, Claudio Echeverri, with the 19-year-old making his belated move to Manchester earlier this year.

The highly-rated Argentine was actually signed by City from River Plate back in January 2024, on a £12.5m deal, although he was immediately loaned back to the club for the year.

Now officially confirmed as a Man City player, the teenager is still waiting to make his first appearance for his new side, albeit while having been pictured pitchside for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Guardiola had previously teased that he would like to introduce the Argentina U20 international before the end of the season, or ahead of the Club World Cup, albeit with it set to depend on how quickly Echeverri can adapt.

City supporters may not have seen much of their new man yet, although, in the words of Mattinson, they now have a “proper superstar” on their hands, with talent scout Jacek Kulig previously suggesting that the playmaker is “destined for greatness”.

Much like Silva, Echeverri has typically operated in an attacking midfield role in his career thus far, having recorded four goals and eight assists for his former employers, from 48 senior outings.

It will take time for the teenager to adapt to life in his new surroundings, although if he can follow in the footsteps of another ex-River Plate star, Julian Alvarez, then the Citizens could well be on to a winner.

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da betobet： If Arsenal needed any more motivation to get over the finishing line next season, Tottenham Hotspur have just provided them with it.

da bet nacional： With second place in the Premier League now practically secured, the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta can turn their attention to the summer transfer window and the hunt for a new striker.

Two of the strikers most heavily linked with a move to the Emirates over the last few months have been Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, although, with the former lacking experience in a top-five league and the latter potentially costing upwards of £150m, other options have also been floated.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta and Co are now interested in an ideal Gyokeres alternative who has won comparisons to the Toon star.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other strikers who have been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former has enjoyed another impressive season with RB Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 games, although such a rate of return has reportedly seen his release clause increase to around £75m.

Delap, on the other hand, has a release clause worth just £30m in his current contract, although, with 12 goals and two assists to his name in 36 Premier League games this season, he’d represent more of a gamble.

Moreover, if Arteta and Co really want someone who’d be a genuine alternative to Gyokeres, they’d have to be a proven goalscorer, such as Julián Alvarez.

According to a recent report from journalist Matías Palacios via the Spanish football program El Chiringuito, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in the Atletico Madrid star.

In fact, the journalist claims that the Gunners, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all “want” the Argentine this summer and that “meetings with the interested clubs will begin” next week.

A potential price tag for the striker is not mentioned, but as he cost the La Liga giants around £82m only last summer, we wouldn’t be surprised to see his valuation hit nine figures, especially as the CIES Football Observatory price him at €125m, which is about £105m.

With that said, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Alvarez, as not only could he be an ideal alternative to Gyokeres, but he’s also won comparisons to Isak.

How Alvarez compares Isak

So, before we look at some of the other reasons Arsenal should be looking to sign Alvarez this summer, we should examine this comparison to Isak and where it comes from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and concluded that the Swede is the tenth most similar forward to the Argentine across the last 365 days.

We can better understand their similarities by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including, but not limited to, expected assisted goals, progressive carries, shots on target and goals per shot, key passes, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Alvarez & Isak

Statistics per 90

Alvarez

Isak

Expected Assisted Goals

0.17

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.79

2.77

Shots on Target

1.23

1.32

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.21

Passing Accuracy

74.6%

74.7%

Key Passes

1.45

1.39

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.47

All Stats via FBref for 24/25

On top of the clear statistical similarities, the former Manchester City star has also scored a similar number of goals as the Newcastle ace this season.

For example, in 53 appearances, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by City content creator It’s LB, has scored 29 goals and provided six assists.

In comparison, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 27 goals and provided six assists in 41 games for the Magpies this term.

Finally, on top of the goals and similarities to one of the best strikers in the world, the Gunners should seriously consider signing Alveraz because he’s a proven winner, having won the treble with City in the 22/23 season.

Therefore, whatever it costs, Arsenal should look to bring the World Cup winner to N5 this summer, even if that means not signing Gyokeres.

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da premier bet： While this season might have felt like one big disappointment for Arsenal fans, their team is still brilliant.

da betobet： In spite of injuries, suspensions and a lack of cutting edge at points, Mikel Arteta’s side still managed to finish second in the Premier League and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League and League Cup.

However, that lack of cutting-edge options up top and out wide was likely what ultimately prevented the North Londoners from getting over the line in any of their competitions this season and also explains the abundance of links to superstar attackers that have started popping up in recent weeks.

One of the links in question is particularly interesting, as it concerns an incredibly exciting English talent who has won comparisons to someone else touted for a move to the club: Rodrygo.

Arsenal's winger search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other wide talents linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like the aforementioned Rodryo and Kaoru Mitoma.

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The latter is reportedly available for around £80m, and while that is a lot of money, he might be worth it, as not only did he score 11 goals and provide four assists in 41 games this season, but he’s also Premier League-proven.

Yet, the Real Madrid star would undoubtedly be the more exhilarating addition to the team, as on top of producing a better tally of 14 goals and ten assists in 51 games this season, he’s simply the bigger name and would be joining the club from arguably the biggest team in the world.

However, at a reported £85m, not to mention the interest from other parties and the chance he might not even want to leave Los Blancos with Xabi Alonso at the helm, Artete a Co may have to look elsewhere, at a player who’s won comparisons to the Brazilian, such as Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in the Borussia Dortmund star, but they are in a race against time if they are serious about signing him.

This is because the report has revealed that Premier League rivals Chelsea have already submitted a £55m offer for the young Englishman and are already in talks over a potential deal.

It’s unclear whether that fee will be enough, but if it’s close, then the Gunners should be doing all they can to get ahead of the Blues, as the 20-year-old’s ability and potential are undeniable, and the comparisons to Rodrygo a big bonus.

How Gittens compares to Rodrygo

Before getting into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be signing Gittens this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Rodygo and where it has come from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Real Madrid star is the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Dortmund ace across the last 365 days.

Gittens & Rodrygo

Statistic per 90

Gittens

Rodrygo

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.31

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.51

Shots

2.64

2.52

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.21

Goal-Creating Actions

0.51

0.42

Successful Take-Ons %

45.0%

44.1%

Ball Recoveries

3.20

3.32

Aerial Duels Won

0.25

0.33

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, goal-creating actions, passes into the penalty area, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

However, this flattering and encouraging comparison to one of Europe’s most exciting wingers isn’t the only reason the Gunners should be after the 20-year-old.

Another is that, despite still being so young, the dynamic outlet, whom Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley dubbed “England’s best LW,” managed to score 12 goals and provide five assists in 48 appearances, totalling 2790 minutes this season.

That comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.82 games, or mre crucially, every 164.11 minutes of action.

Finally, per FBref, the Reading-born gem sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, at 3.57, which is just the sort of aggressively direct winger the Gunners could use to help them terrify teams next year.

Ultimately, while it might be hard to get ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal have to try, as Gittens looks destined to reach the very top of the game, at least based on the calibre of player he’s currently being compared to.

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da roleta： An “excellent” Newcastle United player is thought to be a priority target for one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs this summer.

Newcastle players who could leave this summer

da betsul： While the Magpies are expecting a busy summer transfer window in terms of new signings, especially if Champions League football is secured this weekend, there are plenty of current star names being linked with exits before next season gets underway.

Alexander Isak is the player that Newcastle will be most desperate to retain, but the Swede is believed to be the subject of interest from some huge clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Reds could reportedly be back in for Anthony Gordon this summer, having shown a willingness to snap him up last year. They see him as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz, although signing Florian Wirtz would surely put paid to their interest in the Magpies ace.

There are others who Newcastle want to ensure are still at the club in 2025/26, like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. However, another exit claim regarding another individual has emerged.

"Excellent" Newcastle player wanted by Man City

According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Manchester City are targeting a move for Newcastle defender Tino Livramento as their primary right-back target, with the 22-year-old potentially becoming the first player to leave St James’ Park this summer despite the rumours elsewhere:

Losing Livramento would be a setback for the Magpies, considering he has proven to be the natural heir to Kieran Trippier in his position, and still has his best years ahead of him.

The £50,000-a-week Englishman has enjoyed an impressive season for Newcastle, starting 31 of his side’s 37 Premier League matches and being lauded by Eddie Howe:

“Athletically, Tino’s excellent and we know that, and we’ve seen that since he’s come to the football club, but to have that responsibility of playing left-back on the opposite side to his natural foot and play the way he has and also build the relationship with Harvey [Barnes] that he has done.”

If Livramento ultimately decides that he would rather join City than stay at Newcastle, Paul Mitchell must do all he can to ensure that the club receives huge money for him in order to sign a top-quality replacement.

Tino Livramento’s 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

36

Starts

31

Minutes played

2752

Goals

0

Assists

1

Clearances per game

2.5

Tackles per game

1.5

Pass completion rate

87.2%

The 22-year-old isn’t out of contract at St James’ until the summer of 2028, putting the Magpies in a strong bargaining position, but hopefully, he will feel that his future belongs with his current team, seeing plenty more success coming their way.

da doce： Glasgow Rangers are still on the hunt for a permanent first-team manager. With each day passing, the Ibrox faithful will become more anxious about who it might be.

da bwin： Pre-season will likely start in late June, which doesn’t give the board much time to find the right candidate for the job.

The takeover by the 49ers Enterprises is showing plenty of progress, but will it be completed by the time preparation begins for the 2025/26 campaign?

That much remains to be seen. There have already been a few names linked with a move to Rangers. José Mourinho was reportedly keen on a move to Glasgow, according to TEAMtalk last month, but his massive wages, plus the fact that a compensation fee would have to be paid to Fenerbahçe, surely rule him out.

Elsewhere, former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose is another potential candidate, especially due to his connections with the Red Bull football group.

Again, his wage demands might prove to be out of reach, although things may change once the 49ers complete their takeover deal. One man who may or may not be returning to the club is Steven Gerrard.

Latest on Steven Gerrard's potential return to Rangers

The Englishman, who led the Light Blues to their last Premiership title in 2021, has been one of the favourites to become the next permanent manager.

On the surface, the move makes perfect sense. He is out of a job, knows what makes Rangers tick and most importantly, knows how to get the better of Celtic domestically.

There are differing claims over whether Gerrard is in the running to make an incredible return to Ibrox, however, with Chris Jack of the Rangers Review outlining: “It is understood that the appointment will be a manager with no previous involvement with Rangers. The new era will be a new beginning.”

That said, journalist Mike McGrath has suggested that Gerrard’s name is among the lengthy list of candidates being considered. In any case, with Athletic Club being knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage, the Gers will now enter the Champions League at the second qualifying stage.

Steven Gerrard’s stats in charge of Rangers

Season

Games

Wins

Points per game

2021/22

22

12

1.86

2020/21

56

44

2.52

2019/20

54

36

2.17

2018/19

60

32

1.9

Via Transfermarkt

Those ties begin towards the end of July, indicating how urgent it is to bring a new manager in as soon as possible.

Could Danny Rohl be an ideal fit for the role?

Rangers could turn to Danny Rohl as their new manager

German manager Rohl could be the man that the 49ers are targeting as the new head coach, if recent whispers are to be believed.

It was reported by talkSPORT that the manager has left Sheffield Wednesday just days after the end of the 2024/25 Championship season.

It was believed that he had a release clause of £5m in his contract with the Owls – a figure which surely would have ruled out a move by Rangers – but now it appears as though he is without a club.

Regarding his future, Rohl has always seen himself aiming higher than the English Championship, saying: “I’ve always said that I’m very grateful to Sheffield for the opportunity I’ve been given there. And I’m someone who always wants to develop the club further.

“And to do that, you have to weigh up how far that’s still possible or whether the maximum has perhaps already been reached under the current conditions.”

If Rohl is indeed a free agent ready to be snapped up, then the 49ers could do no worse than take a look at the 35-year-old.

Why Danny Rohl could be more exciting than Steven Gerrard

Gerrard’s spell at Ibrox will live long in the memory of the supporters, especially after ending a barren decade-long wait for a league title. There were difficult times, too, however. The first couple of seasons saw the Gers struggle, especially after Christmas.

After winning the Premiership crown, Gerrard wasn’t backed sufficiently and thus failed to kick on from that moment, allowing Celtic to return to the summit of Scottish football.

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows under the former Liverpool captain, and his exit still rankles with a few of the fans, that’s for sure.

In Rohl, what exactly would the Ibrox side be getting? He doesn’t have much experience managing at the highest level. Indeed, his only senior role was the Sheffield Wednesday job, where he took charge for 89 matches across all competitions, winning 34 games.

He tends to utilise a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would work out well with the players he could inherit at Rangers, no doubt about that.

Although his lack of managerial experience will be held against him, Rohl has won plenty as an assistant. Between August 2019 and June 2021, he was second in command to Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich.

Of course, the Bavarian side won the treble during the 2019/20 campaign and Rohl played a key role in this success as arguably the brains behind the trophy-laden season.

He followed Flick to the German national team, spending time as an assistant between August 2021 and September 2023. Germany failed to get out of the group stages at the 2022 World Cup, however.

Dubbed as “unbelievable” and the “best head coach” he played under by Josh Windass, it is clear Rohl has plenty to offer as a manager.

Under difficult circumstances at the Owls, he avoided relegation in 2023/24 and led them to 12th in the most recent season, missing out on a playoff spot by just ten points.

He might not be perfect, but the fact that he offers something fresh could be exactly what the 49ers group are after, instead of going over old ground with regard to Gerrard.

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By moving in a different direction, the Light Blues will look towards entering a new era this summer as they look to finally end years of hurt by challenging Celtic for the domestic title.

Will Rohl be in the dugout come July? Only time will tell.

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