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Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised to a 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty, bouncing back from their derby defeat to Atletico. Xabi Alonso hailed the Frenchman as “decisive in every game” while stressing that Vinicius Jr. and Arda Guler are still “catching up” to his rare pace as Madrid’s new front line begins to click at European level.

Mbappe hat-trick powers Real Madrid to emphatic win

French hero Mbappe delivered a masterclass with a hat-trick as Madrid eased past Champions League debutants Kairat Almaty in a 5-0 away victory. The French forward converted a penalty in the first half before adding two more after the break, a chip over the goalkeeper and a thunderous strike from distance. Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz also played their part in a dominant team display as Los Blancos bounced back emphatically from their 5-2 La Liga defeat against Atletico Madrid.

AdvertisementAFPXabi Alonso praises Mbappe’s rare ‘pace’ and influence

After the win, Madrid boss Alonso was full of praise for his star forward, saying: “He’s decisive in practically every game. He’s clinical in front of goal. He also scored a spectacular goal the other day in the derby. We need his quality to flourish. Not just for the goals, but for everything. For his influence. He can have a spectacular season.” 

Alonso described Mbappe’s rhythm as “difficult to achieve” and admitted that few players can keep up with his level of impact in Europe.

Vini and Guler told they are ‘catching up’

While Mbappe stole the spotlight, Alonso also addressed the roles of Vinicius and Guler, noting their importance but stressing the difference in levels. "I'm left with Kylian's great form, not just the goals, but many other things he's doing and helping the team with. The team is looking for him, we're progressing. Kylian's pace is hard to match, and comparisons are complicated, but others are gradually catching up, Vini, Arda… It's just that Kylian's pace is very high," the coach said.

He highlighted how Guler’s positioning between the lines unsettled Kairat’s defence and praised his link-up with Mbappe, while downplaying the fuss around Vinicius’s substitution, stating: “Another day, maybe, but today wasn’t a rebound.”

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Getty Images SportSpain challenge next

The win leaves Madrid in a commanding position in the Champions League table, with Mbappe already scoring five goals in two European matches. Alonso insisted the Frenchman’s dominance must be complemented by the rest of the attack, as Madrid seek balance after relying heavily on their new talisman. The focus now shifts back to La Liga, where Real will be expected to prove their resilience in the title race following their derby setback, they are going to challenged by Villarreal CF next in Spain. With Vinicius, Guler and Rodrygo putting up a strong show, Alonso believes his side is building the depth needed to compete on all fronts.

تحصل المدير الفني السابق لفريق ليفربول، يورجن كلوب، على منصب جديد في عالم كرة القدم، حسبما أُعلن بشكل رسمي اليوم الجمعة، بخلاف دوره الحالي.

كان يورجن كلوب قد رحل عن تدريب ليفربول، صيف 2024، حيث خلفه في منصبه الهولندي آرني سلوت الذي قاد الفريق نحو تحقيق لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في موسمه الأول.

ولم يتول كلوب منصبًا تدريبيًا ولكنه ظل في عالم كرة القدم، بعدما أصبح المدير العالمي لكرة القدم في ريد بول، حيث يشرف على عدة أندية مثل لايبزيج وسالزبورج.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كلوب: لا داعي للقلق بشأن لاعب ليفربول.. إنه استثنائي

من جانبه، أعلن المدير الإداري لرابطة الدوري الألماني لكرة القدم، مارك لينز، اليوم، أن كلوب سيتولى منصبًا جديدًا في البطولة المحلية في ألمانيا.

وذكرت صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية أن كلوب سينضم إلى رابطة الدوري الألماني ضمن فريق يضم خبراء بهدف تطوير كرة القدم الألمانية.

ويضم الفريق كذلك نجم ريال مدريد وبطل كأس العالم، سامي خضيرة، إلى جانب عدد من رؤساء الأندية.

وقال مارك لينز: “نحن مقتنعون بضرورة وضع الأطر المالية والقانونية والرياضية المناسبة للحفاظ على تنافسية الدوري الألماني وكرة القدم الألمانية بشكل مستمر، علينا التوصل إلى استنتاجات صحيحة معًا”.

وأضاف: “ستقدم مجموعة الخبراء إسهامات قيمة في هذا الصدد، ستعمل المجموعة أيضًا على تطوير المواهب الشابة وتحسين معايير الأندية في جميع أنحاء الدوري الألماني لكرة القدم”.

وأفادت الصحيفة أن كلوب سيظل في منصبه مع ريد بول أثناء توليه مهامه الجديدة في الدوري الألماني لكرة القدم.

Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hailed manager Vincent Kompany as the "driving force" behind the club's sensational start to the season. While praising star striker Harry Kane's incredible form and humble attitude, Rummenigge credited Kompany with restoring unity at the Allianz Arena.

• Who is Bayern's driving force?

  Rummenigge has credited manager Kompany as the "driving force" behind the club's perfect start to the Bundesliga season. After winning the league title in their first season under the Belgian's leadership, Bayern have won their first five matches, scoring an incredible 22 goals while conceding just three to establish a dominant position atop the table. Speaking to the club legend lauded the impact the new coach has had in galvanising the squad at the Allianz Arena.

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  Kompany hailed as 'the driving force'

  Rummenigge was effusive in his praise for the Belgian manager, who has guided Bayern to a formidable start in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. He believes Kompany has successfully restored a crucial element to the team. "The coach, it must be said clearly, is the driving force behind it; he's doing a great job," Rummenigge stated. He added that Kompany has "re-formed the team into a unit."

• Kane praised for on and off-pitch impact

  While crediting the manager for the team's collective improvement, Rummenigge also singled out Kane for his immense contribution since arriving from Tottenham. The England captain has been in blistering form, scoring 15 goals in his first seven appearances in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League combined.

  "He's not only a great player on the pitch, but he's also a very pleasant person in his private life," Rummenigge said. "He's not an arrogant guy who doesn't sign autographs or pose for selfies. He does everything. A really nice, likeable guy, too."

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  What next for Kompany's Bayern?

  With the team firing on all cylinders, the immediate challenge for Bayern is to maintain the high standards set in the opening weeks of the season. The restored unity under Kompany will be tested by a demanding schedule of domestic and European fixtures as they look to assert their dominance in the Bundesliga and progress through the Champions League group stage. Kane's goalscoring form will be vital to sustaining their challenge on all fronts.

Find out the top 26 best women's players featured in EA Sports FC 26.

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• It's available across PC, PlayStation and Xbox
• Features over 20,000 players, 750+ teams, over 120 stadiums, and 35+ leagues
• Experience Manager Career like never before with all-new Manager Live Challenges

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Ultimate

Ultimate Edition

• Cover featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic recreating a photo of his younger self
•  You’ll get up to 6,000 FC Points over two months, a Season 1 Premium Pass and an additional Player Evolution slot
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+ Pre Order Bonus

Standard Edition + PO Bonus

• Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions
• Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career Players
• Will also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content

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Standard

Standard Edition

• It's available across PC, PlayStation and Xbox
• Features over 20,000 players, 750+ teams, over 120 stadiums, and 35+ leagues
• Experience Manager Career like never before with all-new Manager Live Challenges

From

$69.99

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Ultimate

Ultimate Edition

• Cover featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic recreating a photo of his younger self
•  You’ll get up to 6,000 FC Points over two months, a Season 1 Premium Pass and an additional Player Evolution slot
• Untradeable Icon Player item included

From

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+ Pre Order Bonus

Standard Edition + PO Bonus

• Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions
• Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career Players
• Will also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content

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Standard

Standard Edition

• It's available across PC, PlayStation and Xbox
• Features over 20,000 players, 750+ teams, over 120 stadiums, and 35+ leagues
• Experience Manager Career like never before with all-new Manager Live Challenges

From

$69.99

Buy

Ultimate

Ultimate Edition

• Cover featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic recreating a photo of his younger self
•  You’ll get up to 6,000 FC Points over two months, a Season 1 Premium Pass and an additional Player Evolution slot
• Untradeable Icon Player item included

From

$89.99

Buy

+ Pre Order Bonus

Standard Edition + PO Bonus

• Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions
• Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career Players
• Will also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content

From

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With EA Sports FC 26 set to launch, attention is turning to player ratings – and women’s football is once again front and centre.

EA has revealed the top women’s players in the game, showcasing the stars with the highest overall ratings. From Champions League winners to World Cup icons, these are the athletes who stand out as the very best in FC 26.

Here, we break down the top 26 women’s players on EA Sports FC 26, giving you the full list of names to watch out for on the virtual pitch.

Read more EA Sports FC 26 news

• Complete guide to EA Sports FC 26
• Full list of new ICONS in EA Sports FC 26
• EA Sports FC 26 stadiums list

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  Alexia Putellas | OVR: 91 | POS: CM | Barcelona

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  Aitana Bonmati | OVR: 91 | POS: CM | Barcelona

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  Caroline Graham Hansen | OVR: 90 | POS: RW | Barcelona

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  Alessia Russo | OVR: 89 | POS: ST | Arsenal

Squads for Bangladesh’s tour to the West Indies in November are yet to be announced

Mohammad Isam01-Nov-2024The BCB had named Najmul Hossain Shanto as the Bangladesh captain for the three ODIs against Afghanistan in Sharjah next week. The announcement follows the discussion between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed on Thursday evening after the Chattogram Test, as Shanto had informed the board of his reluctance to continue as Bangladesh’s all-format captain. BCB however hasn’t announced the squads for the West Indies tour later in November where Bangladesh will play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.Faruque told the media on Thursday that Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was named Shanto’s deputy for the Afghanistan series, and Taskin Ahmed are “front-runners” in the BCB’s captaincy discussion.All three are in the Bangladesh ODI squad. Nahid Rana, the 22-year-old tearaway quick, is only uncapped player in the side. Rana has played five Tests so far, impressing with his pace and bounce. He has taken 26 wickets at 16.46 in ten List-A matches.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe selectors have also recalled opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. The left-handed Zakir has played just a single ODI last year to go along with 12 Tests. Nasum, meanwhile, played the last of his 15 ODIs in the World Cup in India last year.There was no room for Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud. Mahmud is out due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the ongoing National Cricket League.Bangladesh are also without Shakib Al Hasan, who Faruque said voluntarily pulled out of reckoning for this ODI series. Litton Das is also missing due to fever which kept him out of the Chattogram Test against South Africa.The Bangladesh team, which will depart for Dubai in two groups on Saturday and Sunday, will play the three ODIs on November 6, 9 and 11 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Bangladesh’s ODI squadSoumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

Derby County are on the lookout for additions after escaping relegation last term and John Eustace could now be set to swoop for a star he has previously worked with, according to a recent report.

Derby County make strong start to the summer window

There is plenty of excitement at Pride Park ahead of the new season, and a common theme has emerged within the Rams’ summer recruitment that may paint an intriguing picture.

Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth have both arrived from Blackburn. Richard O’Donnell, alongside Carlton Morris, come in from Blackpool and Luton Town, respectively.

John Eustace took over at Derby from Rovers in a surprise turn of events earlier this year, and new signing Batth has pointed out why the Rams boss is the man he wanted to work for, above all.

He explained: “We have got a good relationship. We speak about football and get on well generally. I like the way the manager works with his team and obviously I know what I am getting into coming here.

“I am sure he will be really pushing forward with the team this season, and to be a part of that is a great privilege.”

Offer submitted: Derby make £5m+ bid to sign "great" new player for Eustace

He wants to join the Rams.

2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 2, 2025

Determined to keep building on what has been an encouraging start to the window, Derby are in talks to sign free agent midfielder John Swift and he has already met Eustace amid rumours that he could be set for Pride Park.

Three other clubs in the EFL will provide competition for his signature, but there can be no doubt that the Rams are on the right track when profiling where to add fresh blood. Now, Eustace could be set to repeat his trick of raiding Blackburn for new additions by reuniting with a star he rates highly from his time in Lancashire.

Derby plotting move for Callum Brittain

According to Football Insider, Derby are plotting a move for Blackburn full-back Callum Brittain amid an impasse in talks over a new deal for the 27-year-old at Ewood Park.

Eustace is said to be a huge fan of the defender and previously labelled him “one of the best full-backs in the league” alongside talking up his qualities as a ‘real leader’ on and off the pitch.

Callum Brittain in 2024/25 – EFL Championship (Fotmob)

Successful dribbles

32

Touches in opposition box

51

Tackles won

34

Recoveries

110

Aerial duels won

40

Enjoying a productive time of things last term, Brittain registered two goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, predominantly featuring on the right-hand side of their backline.

However, he is also capable of featuring further up the flank when needed. He may be set for a new challenge under a familiar face if reports are to materialise into something more concrete.

Derby avoided relegation by a solitary point in 2024/25 and seem determined to avoid a similar fate this time around. Their pursuit of Brittain could be a statement of intent on that front.

Tottenham Hotspur and their recruitment plans under Thomas Frank are evolving by the day, with the Lilywhites currently involved in a transfer saga with La Liga champions Barcelona.

Spurs are expected to utilise the significant financial windfall from their Champions League qualification over the coming months.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge recently stated that Daniel Levy and the recruitment team want to strengthen in all areas of the squad bar their goalkeeper, so it appears they’re determined to back their new manager ahead of his first full season in charge.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

This apparently includes a new right-back, despite the emergence of previous outcast Djed Spence in a more regular first-team role and Pedro Porro’s place in the squad.

Spence became a fixture under Ange Postecoglou and finished 2024/2025 as one of Tottenham’s breakout stars of the campaign, and there is reason to believe that Frank will be keen to work with the Englishman given Brentford’s attempts to sign him in the past (Alasdair Gold).

While the north Londoners won’t need to adopt a ‘sell to buy’ policy this summer after their qualification for the Champions League (Michael Bridge), reports have suggested that Spence’s evolution could motivate Levy to offload Porro for a decent fee.

As well as this, Porro is attracting rumoured interest from former club Man City, so the Spaniard could well look to end his Spurs stint on a high after winning the Europa League.

If he does end up leaving Spurs, Frank will still need a replacement who can rotate with Spence, and Monaco defender Vanderson could be a very adept choice. A report from UOL earlier this week stated that Tottenham are ready to invest significantly on Vanderson’s signing, but Barcelona’s talks for the 23-year-old proved a major obstacle in their way.

Tottenham "best placed" to sign Vanderson from Monaco

However, as per an update from Spanish newspaper Sport, this is no longer the case.

Barca have decided to cool their interest in Vanderson, due to Eric Garcia’s excellent performances at right-back when Jules Koundé was out injured towards the back end of 2024/2025. This has opened the door for Spurs, who could now have a free run at signing the South American wing-back.

Tottenham are apparently “best placed” to sign Vanderson, and Monaco are convinced that Frank’s side will meet his £30 million asking price.

Despite his fairly young age, the defender boasts top-level European experience and his Ligue 1 performances over the last 12 months have earned him five starts for the Brazil national team.

He also put in an excellent display against Barca in the Champions League early last season, grabbing two assists for Monaco in a 2-1 win against Hansi Flick’s side.

“Every day he wants to be better than the last,” said his former manager, Philippe Clement.

“That can give him a lot of pressure, lots of stress with all of the ambition that he has. We need to manage that more for him. If I left him to it, he would train for 18 hours a day. He is like that. Sometimes we need physical and mental breaks and he is a young player that needs to manage that. He will do it, because he has such a positive frame of mind.”

The coming season feels like the start of a new era for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North Londoners finally ended their trophy drought under Ange Postecoglou this year, and now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, they can carry on building a team for the future.

However, to ensure the Danish coach succeeds in North London, Daniel Levy and Co must get the summer transfer window right.

That means that, on top of keeping their best players, the North Londoners need to sign those who can help them improve their Premier League form next season, and it looks like they’ve identified someone who could do just that, someone who’s been compared to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Tottenham transfer news

Given Spurs’ frankly terrible performances in the league and FA Cup this season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the team linked with a host of potentially game-changing players in recent weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names who seem to be mentioned alongside the North Londoners is Eberechi Eze, while the Brentford duo of Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo are also unsurprising targets, given their form and connection to Frank.

However, with how sought-after those three appear to be this summer and the price of buying from the Premier League, the Lilywhites appear to be looking further afield, in the Bundesliga, for possible signings.

According to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Tottenham are indeed interested in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

Jacobs claims that the club “like the player” and that a possible move to the Premier League is “one to watch” this summer.

While a potential transfer fee is not mentioned, it has been fairly widely reported earlier this month that should the Dutchman move this summer, then he’ll likely cost around £67m.

It would be a costly and likely complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ immense ability and the fact he’s won comparisons to Maddison and Kulusevski, it’s one worth fighting for.

How Simons compares to Kulu & Maddison

With Kulusevski racking up a haul of 21 goal involvements in 50 games and Maddison amassing a tally of 23 in 45, it wouldn’t be too dramatic to claim that the pair have been some of Spurs’ better players this season.

Therefore, it’s undeniably impressive and encouraging that Simons has been compared to both of them, although with that said, where have said comparisons come from?

Well, they both stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before making a list of the ten most comparable for each, and according to this list, the Englishman has been the second most similar midfielder to the Leipzig star across the last 365 days, while the Swede comes in as the seventh most similar.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.48

0.50

Shots on Target

0.96

0.85

Passing Accuracy

78.6%

81.3%

Expected Assists

0.25

0.29

Key Passes

2.13

2.04

Shot-Creating Actions

4.52

4.73

Now, the best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at some of the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, and in the case of the former Leicester City star, that includes things like non-penalty expected goals plus assist, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Stockholm-born maestro, similar metrics include progressive passes received, goals per shot on target, goal-creating actions, interceptions, tackles won and more, also all per 90.

Progressive Passes Received

7.74

7.92

Goals per Shot on Target

0.43

0.41

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.17

0.23

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.34

Tackles Won

0.88

0.87

Interceptions

0.50

0.49

However, there are, unsurprisingly, other reasons why Spurs should be looking to sign the former Paris Saint-Germain gem this summer, such as his raw output.

For example, even though he was limited to just 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes this season, the 22-year-old, who one analyst proclaimed “one of the best 10s in the world”, was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists.

That means the Amsterdam-born dynamo was able to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 this season, and that is the sort of productivity that could get the Lilywhites moving up the table next year.

Ultimately, while he won’t be cheap, Spurs should do what they can to sign Simons, as he’d instantly add more dynamism to the first team, and given his age, he could remain a leading figure for the next decade or so.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs enter talks to sign "unbelievable" CF

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move to land an attacker who could star in North London.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

As Rangers look to commence their summer business, the 49ers are now reportedly chasing a deal to sign an international defender for a bargain price in the coming months.

Rangers could rehire Steven Gerrard

Top of the 49ers’ list of priorities at Ibrox will undoubtedly be finding the next Rangers manager. With the Scottish Premiership season now over, the Gers will be desperate to put an end to any speculation and appoint what they hope to be a long-term appointment. A number of names on that front have already been mentioned too, but it’s Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard who are seemingly the leading candidates.

What is quite the indication that Ancelotti is among the candidates is the fact that he hasn’t joined his father, Carlo Ancelotti, at the Brazil national team as he looks to get his own managerial career underway.

Meanwhile, Gerrard needs no introduction. The Liverpool legend ended Rangers’ long wait for another league title in 2021, but then jumped ship to join Premier League side Aston Villa. Since then, however, things have only gone downhill. Sacked by Villa, who have gone on to become a side battling for European football, Gerrard then joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq only to face the same fate that he suffered in the Midlands.

A free agent once more, Gerrard could now have the opportunity to head back to Ibrox and make up for leaving four years ago. Whether the Scottish giants are in the mood to offer a shot at redemption is the big question, however.

It’s an appointment that Rangers cannot get wrong after Philippe Clement, but one that they must conclude sooner rather than later. What the appointment of Gerrard would at least do is hand the Gers a potential advantage in the race to sign one of their summer targets.

Rangers chasing £1m George Bello deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a deal to sign George Bello from Austrian club LASK this summer. The USA international is reportedly valued at just £1m and represents the type of deal that the Gers could afford in the coming months.

What’s more, Bello is represented by the same agency as Gerrard, John Souttar and Danilo, which could hand the 49ers an unexpected opportunity to simplify any potential contract negotiations this summer.

The left-back would certainly be an interesting addition. Having initially come through the Atlanta academy, Bello decided to join Arminia Bielefeld in 2022 before struggling to adapt in Germany. But he didn’t give up his stint in Europe from there, opting to join LASK in 2023 and getting back to his best level ever since.

A new left-back would be no bad thing for Rangers, either, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo set to return to parent club Feyenoord this summer and Jefte in need of competition down that side.

Whilst appointing a new manager – be it Gerrard, Ancelotti or another name – will be Rangers’ priority in the coming weeks, players like Bello will be ones to keep an eye on this summer.

Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke.

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have already been linked with replacing the Leeds manager ahead of their top flight return due to concerns about his previous record with Norwich City.

In what would be a ruthless call from the Elland Road board, Leeds are also likely to be very busy in the transfer market to bolster their squad with quality on the pitch to remain a Premier League side.

Latest Leeds 2025 summer transfer targets: in pictures

Kalvin Phillips

29

Man City

Manor Solomon

25

Tottenham

Sam Johnstone

32

Wolves

Julian Weigl

29

Borussia Monchengladbach

Evan Ferguson

20

Brighton

Tomas Soucek

30

West Ham

Caoimhin Kelleher

26

Liverpool

Nico Elvedi

28

Borussia Monchengladbach

George Hirst

26

Ipswich Town

Aaron Ramsdale

26

Southampton

Nicolas Raskin

24

Rangers

Hidemasa Morita

29

Sporting CP

Abdoulaye Doucoure

32

Everton

Angus Gunn

29

Norwich City

Tammy Abraham

27

AS Roma

James Trafford

22

Burnley

Djordje Petrovic

25

Chelsea

Modibo Sagnan

26

Montpellier

Zaidu Sanusi

27

FC Porto

Dembo Saidykhan

21

Vancouver Whitecaps

1 Kalvin Phillips Man City

Former Whites midfielder Kalvin Phillips has found life difficult after leaving Leeds for Man City in 2022. Recent loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town haven’t worked out for the defensive midfielder, who could now be on the search for another new club this summer.

Reports have linked Phillips with a return to Leeds, saying that he is keen on the idea of heading back to his boyhood club.

Appearances

234

Goals

14

Assists

13

Yellow cards

54

Red cards

4

Minutes played

18,257

2 Manor Solomon Tottenham

Loanee Manor Solomon has helped Leeds into the Premier League with some crucial displays during the run-in, and he is expected to become a permanent Whites player this summer.

The Israel international could cost around £15m, with claims he is set to be Leeds’ first signing of the window.

3 Sam Johnstone Wolves

A new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier could be high up on the to-do list for Leeds, and Sam Johnstone of Wolves is thought to be of interest at Elland Road.

A goalkeeper with plenty of Premier League experience now after stints with West Brom, Crystal Palace and Wolves, Johnstone was actually on the books of rivals Man Utd early in his career and starred against Leeds back in 2023.

4 Julian Weigl Borussia Monchengladbach

Farke has previously worked with midfielder Julian Weigl at Borussia Monchengladbach and recent claims have suggested that initial contact has taken place over a move to Leeds.

The Monchengladbach captain has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and has even played in the Champions League, so he could add that extra bit of quality in midfield for the Whites.

5 Evan Ferguson Brighton

With doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the Premier League, a new striker looks set to be signed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson a target.

The Irishman has been on loan at West Ham for the second half of the 2024/25 season, and by the looks of things, Leeds could try their luck with a forward who could be the “next Harry Kane”.

6 Tomas Soucek West Ham

Towering West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is another Premier League player to be linked with Leeds, especially after falling out of favour under Graham Potter recently.

The Czech Republic international is wanted by Leeds and Everton with the 49ers even willing to pay him a whopping £120,000-a-week, an increase on his current Hammers deal.

Europa Conference League

2023

Czech First League

2017, 2019, 2020

Czech Cup

2018, 2019

7 Caoimhin Kelleher Liverpool

Another goalkeeper who could replace Meslier at Elland Road is Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be a man in demand over the coming months.

Kelleher has impressed when called upon at Anfield and may well become number one for the first time in his career in Yorkshire.

Premier League

2020, 2025

Champions League

2019

FA Cup

2022

EFL Cup

2022, 2024

UEFA Super Cup

2019

8 Nico Elvedi Borussia Monchengladbach

Another Borussia Monchengladbach player who Farke knows well is defender Nico Elvedi, who has been with the Bundesliga side since 2015.

Reports claimed that Leeds were preparing a £10m offer to sign the experienced Switzerland international if promotion was secured, something they can now do.

9 George Hirst Ipswich Town

Leeds could look to raid the teams coming down from the Premier League, with recent rumours of a move for Ipswich Town forward George Hirst.

The Tractor Boys are looking to keep the attacker at Portman Road with a new deal due to interest from the Whites and fellow promoted side Burnley.

10 Aaron Ramsdale Southampton

Another Premier League relegated target is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who reportedly has a £25m release clause in his Southampton contract.

The Englishman has admirers from Leeds and the likes of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, although he could get regular game time at Elland Road.