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Work is already underway to improve Celtic’s squad in the upcoming summer transfer window as they go in search of a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title next term.

The Hoops secured their fourth league title in as many seasons with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at the end of last month, whilst they also have a chance to complete a domestic treble with an SFA Cup final clash with Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers has already sealed one new signing for the summer in the form of Kieran Tierney, who will officially return to Celtic when his contract at Arsenal expires at the end of June.

Kieran Tierney's current market value

At the time of writing (11/05/2025), the Scotland international is valued at a whopping £8.5m by Transfermarkt, which suggests that the Hoops have landed a bargain by signing him on a free transfer.

As you can see in the graphic above, Tierney was sold for a staggering £25m after his terrific first spell at Parkhead after coming through the academy, as he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

This shows that the Scottish giants have played a blinder with the experienced left-back because they sold him for a huge transfer fee and are now signing him back for nothing, whilst he is still valuable, albeit not as valuable as he once was.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Celtic, though, have developed their own full-back who is now worth just as much as Tierney, after they signed him for a fee of just £3.5m back in 2023, in the form of Alistair Johnston.

Alistair Johnston's soaring market value

The Hoops swooped to sign the defender from CF Montreal for a fee of £3.5m in the January transfer window at the start of 2023 to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s options at right-back.

Johnston has been a regular starter at right-back when fit and available for Celtic since his move, and has proven himself to be an excellent performer at Premiership level by combining solid defensive work with outstanding attacking contributions.

The Canada international has the strength and positioning to win the majority of his physical duels to stop opposition wingers, whilst also having the drive and stamina to constantly bomb down the flank to deliver high-quality balls into the box.

Appearances

32

30

Goals

1

4

Big chances created

11

15

Assists

5

9

Duel success rate

58%

56%

Clean sheets

11

12

As you can see in the table above, Johnston has been a star for the Hoops in his two full Premiership seasons in Glasgow, creating 26 ‘big chances’ in 62 matches.

This has helped his market value to soar way above the £3.5m that the club initially paid for his services at the start of 2023. At the time of writing, the Celtic sensation is valued at £8.5m by Transfermarkt, which means that his value has soared by £5m in a little over two years at Parkhead.

Johnston, whose work ethic was dubbed “phenomenal” by Rodgers, is now worth as much as Tierney, who was once sold for £25m, and is a highly-valuable asset for the club, thanks to the brilliant performances that he has put in on the pitch.

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Therefore, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the Canadian defender because he is an excellent player and a star who could be sold for a profit in the future, given that his value has soared during his time in Scotland so far.

Manchester United and INEOS are now preparing an offer worth £40 million to sign a “brilliant” defensive addition this summer, according to a recent report.

Amorim hails United display at Bournemouth ahead of massive semi-final

The Red Devils played another relatively meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, and it looked as though they were going to be on the end of another defeat. However, a 90+6 minute equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund secured a point for United against 10-man AFC Bournemouth.

Amorim must surely drop 4/10 Man Utd dud who lost the ball every 4 touches

Manchester United managed to salvage a point away at AFC Bournemouth courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

It was a game that came right before United’s very important trip to Spain on Thursday, where they will play Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg. The game against the Cherries was not important in the sense of nothing being on it for United, but Ruben Amorim felt his side deserved the point and did have chances to win the game.

“I think we deserved it. In the first half, we suffered with their high-intensity press, but we created chances. We had quite similar chances near the box with a lot of shots,” Amorim told BBC Match of the Day.

“I think we deserved at least one point if you look at the game. If you look at our last games, it is always like this – we do something to help the opponent get an advantage. Then it is really hard to score goals, but the players did really well to get at least one point.

“We have the ability to push our opponents. There are small things I think we can do better. We need to understand these moments better, but if you look at the 20 minutes [after Evanilson’s red card], we had situations to score, which is really important.”

Man Utd preparing £40m bid for Inter star Denzel Dumfries

The Red Devils winning the Europa League would not only see them play in Europe’s biggest competition, but it could help them when it comes to their transfers this summer and getting players Amorim wants. According to Inter Live, Man United are now keen on signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer.

The report states that United are not just showing an interest but are willing to make a £40 million offer to sign Dumfries, along with a £60 million bid to sign Yann Bisseck in what would be a mega deal. It goes on to add that Giuseppe Marotta, who is chairman of Inter, is not against offers coming in for Dumfries, and he is preparing to evaluate everything. However, United are not alone in their pursuit of the defender, as Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to bring him to London.

The 29-year-old, who renewed his contract at Inter until the summer of 2028 earlier this season, has been a key player this season. Dumfries has played a total of 39 matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering three assists.

The Dutch international had missed the last few weeks of football with a hamstring injury but returned to play 27 minutes against AS Roma on Sunday afternoon. United’s interest in Dumfries is particularly intriguing given he rates very similarly to Patrick Dorgu according to FBRef’s statistical profiling, perhaps making him the ideal fit on the other flank.

Dumfries

Dorgu

Apps

26

29

Starts

19

28

Goals

6

3

Assists

2

1

Progressive carries

46

93

Progressive passes

47

74

Progressive runs

159

169

Tackles (Won)

25 (18)

68 (44)

Interceptions

6

21

Blocks

25

32

Unlike Dorgu however, Dumfries is a player who has been performing at the top level for a long time now, and back in 2022 BBC pundit Micah Richards labelled the defender “brilliant” for his World Cup performance against the United States.

“Denzel Dumfries. What a player he is. I just thought his whole game was brilliant. It was his timing of his runs… He didn’t sort of mix it up too much, but when he did, it was the right moments. Down this right-hand side, he was just breathless.”

Manchester United will, unsurprisingly, be focused on potential incomings this summer, albeit with manager Ruben Amorim having already confirmed that the club will need to sell to buy, amid their concerning financial situation.

Talk has already been rife in recent months regarding the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – following January interest from rivals Chelsea – while there have also been suggestions that LaLiga giants, Real Madrid, are plotting a £90m offer for Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker – who revealed he turned down an “offer” to leave last summer – has warranted those admiring glances following what’s been another fine campaign on an individual basis, with the United skipper leading the way at Old Trafford for both goals and assists in 2024/25 to date.

Those rumours have, however, subsequently been put to bed by Amorim, with the 40-year-old outling that his compatriot is “not going anywhere”, particularly with his current deal not set to expire until 2027, plus the option of a further 12 months.

In truth, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to be without their captain and their talisman, with the former Sporting CP hero representing a real outlier with regard to the club’s recruitment over the last decade.

While there have been promising signs from recent arrivals such as Noussair Mazraoui, not since Fernandes has a marquee signing truly hit the ground running in a United shirt – perhaps that could be set to change…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer interest

The arrival of Amorim and the change to a 3-4-3 has ensured that specialised targets will need to be considered this summer, albeit with CEO Omar Berrada having only recently outlined that the club will look to acquire versatile players who can play in “multiple positions”, amid the potential of a possible change in the dugout later down the line.

While that approach may be sensible considering the Red Devils have too often been led by the manager on the transfer front – as indicated by Erik ten Hag’s raft of Eredivisie or Dutch signings above – the Old Trafford hierarchy do still need to ensure that Amorim is handed the appropriate tools to fit his preferred system.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United are among the clubs who are interested in prizing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the England international currently operating in Oliver Glasner’s own 3-4-3 set-up.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that INEOS are preparing to make an offer to land the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the Eagles set to accept nothing less than his reported £60m release clause.

The former Queens Park Rangers starlet – who moved to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal in the summer of 2020 – is also reportedly the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, with United thus facing a real fight if they are to land his signature.

Should Berrada and co move to the front of the queue, however, landing this ready-made, proven Premier League sensation could represent the club’s best move since acquiring Fernandes back in January 2020.

Man Utd could be eyeing their best signing since Fernandes

Having been linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Fernandes eventually made his way to England less than six months later, with the Red Devils forking out an initial fee of around £46m.

From a Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portugal star simply hasn’t looked back, registering 95 goals and 82 assists in 278 games in all competitions.

What has been a particular feature of the £300k-per-week star’s game, excluding his creativity and availability, is also his willingness to slot into a variety of roles, having lined up as a deep-lying midfielder, a number ten or even on the flanks in recent years.

Those traits are no doubt shared by Eze, with the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee comfortable in either of the two number ten berths in Glasner’s system, as well as part of the midfield two. Equally, on international duty, the in-demand playmaker scored for the Three Lions against Latvia, having been introduced off the left flank.

Described as a “frightening” talent by teammate Joel Ward, at 26 – just a year older than Fernandes was when he moved to Old Trafford – Eze could well be entering his prime years, having stayed put in south London despite persistent speculation regarding an exit in recent times.

As previously stated, his proven quality in the Premier League should ensure he is able to slot straight into Amorim’s ranks and make an immediate impact, in a similar mould to Fernandes, having registered 58 goals and assists in 156 games for Palace to date.

In 2024/25, meanwhile, Eze boasts six goals and nine assists in all competitions, with that tally including a return of two goals and six assists in the top flight to date for Glasner’s in-form outfit.

Games

25

Goals

2

Assists

6

Big chances created

9

Big chances missed

7

Key passes*

2.0

Touches*

52.4

Pass accuracy*

82%

Successful dribbles*

2.1

Possession lost*

14.5

Those numbers may not be too eye-catching, yet dig a little deeper, and it is easy to see the Englishman’s quality, as outlined by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% among his Premier League peers for successful take-ons, as well as in the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

That dribbling prowess was on show in last week’s FA Cup win over Fulham as Eze weaved his way past a sea of defenders before curling home a stunning effort into the far corner, having also teed up teammate Ismaila Sarr following a delightful jinking run down the left wing.

Previously described as a “Champions League player” by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, the £100k-per-week genius is – as Fernandes was five years ago – ready to make that next step. United should welcome him in with open arms…

Lukaku 2.0: Man Utd holding talks over signing £40m "wrecking ball"

Man Utd are on the hunt for a new striker this summer…

ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025

Thrilling century stand with Seren Smale reels in revised target with five balls to spare

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Sep-2025Lancashire 172 for 5 (Lewis 75, Smale 47) beat Warwickshire 283 for 7 (Freeborn 60, Surenkumar 49, Kalis 43) by five wickets (DLS method)Lancashire Women won an exciting rain-affected Metro Bank One Day Cup match against Warwickshire Women at Sale by five wickets.Warwickshire had posted 283 for 7 from their 50 overs but the Lancashire innings was halted halfway through the sixth over with the score 20 for 1 due to increasingly heavy rain. Set a revised target of 172 to win in 22 overs, a thrilling partnership of 106 off 73 balls between Gaby Lewis and Seren Smale set Lancashire on their way with victory achieved with five balls to spare.That outcome leaves Lancashire, who had already clinched a top-four spot, in third place, one point behind second-placed The Blaze going into the final round of group games on Saturday when they travel to face leaders Hampshire, who they trail by four points. Warwickshire finish their campaign with a trip to Taunton to face Somerset.Emma Lamb and Lewis began the Lancashire reply just as light drizzle began to fall and the pair had made 13 when Lamb drove Phoebe Brett to Issy Wong at mid-on for 4 midway through the fourth over. The rain began to fall more heavily at that point and after twelve further deliveries had been bowled the umpires halted play with Lancashire 20 for 1.Play resumed after a two-hour delay with Lancashire now needing a further 152 off 16.3 overs, and Lewis and Smale put bat to ball in emphatic fashion, reaching their 50 partnership off 45 balls with Lewis reaching her half-century off 42 balls.The century stand arrived just 25 balls later as Warwickshire struggled to contain the pair, Lewis smashing ten fours in making 75 off 53 balls before hitting Amu Surenkumar to Sterre Kalis at point with Lancashire 119 for 2 and five runs ahead on DLS.Fi Morris added a whirlwind 14 off eight balls while Smale was bowled by Georgia Davis for 47 off 39 balls to reduce the hosts to 143 for 4 with 29 needed from 23 balls.Ailsa Lister and Ellie Threlkeld steered Lancashire to within two runs of that target when Lister was caught for 16, but Threlkeld (13 not out) hit the winning runs at the start of the last over to seal victory.Warwickshire had built a strong-looking total of 283 after being put in to bat, built on a series of good partnerships.Abbey Freeborn top-scored with 60 and marshalled the visitors innings beautifully, while Surenkumar and Kalis contributed 49 and 43 respectively before captain Davis thumped a rapid unbeaten 31 over the closing overs.After Kate Cross had Ellis caught at midwicket with her fourth delivery, Meg Austin and Surenkumar fashioned a good recovery with 61 runs in 11 overs until Austin was drawn forward by left-arm spinner Hannah Jones and smartly stumped by Threlkeld for 32.Surenkumar had driven and pulled effectively in hitting eight fours before lbw for 49 after misjudging the length to pull against Fi Morris with Warwickshire 115 for 3 midway through the 20th over.Kalis was quickly into her stride, hitting her fourth ball faced for six off Morris, to up the tempo alongside Freeborn as the pair struck the ball positively in posting their fifty partnership off 65 balls.Kalis was undone by spin and bounce from Emma Lamb’s second ball and bowled for 43 off 52 balls, but Freeborn and Nat Wraith quickly established another good partnership to take the visitors past the 200-mark in the 38th over.The pair had added 52 inside nine overs before Wraith attacked the first ball of Jones’ second spell and was stumped for 29 with Warwickshire 220-5 in the 42nd over.And the visitors lost further wickets in the quest for late runs. Issy Wong made 12 while Freeborn – Warwickshire’s leading run scorer this season in the competition – reached her half century from 74 balls before falling for 60 off 86 balls.But Davis added a final flourish by hitting an unbeaten 31 off 21 balls alongside Hannah Hardwick to set Lancashire a challenging target.

Bo Bichette may not be back for a while.

The Blue Jays' star shortstop had arguably the best season of his career in 2025, but is currently on the shelf due to a knee injury. Toronto was hoping to have him back for the American League Championship Series if it gets there, but 's Ken Rosenthal doesn't think the 27-year-old is close to returning.

During an appearance on , Rosenthal gave a pessimistic view of Bichette's status when asked if the Blue Jays were concerned.

"In my opinion, they have to be concerned," Rosenthal said. "It's not so much what I'm hearing but what I'm seeing being by their dugout. He is not walking like a guy who is fully healthy. He's got a bit of a limp. And to my knowledge, he has not begun running yet, so it doesn't seem to me that he's all that close."

Rosenthal noted that there's still time for Bichette to get healthy, but that he doesn't look like a guy who is close to returning.

Toronto left Bichette off its roster for the American League Division Series after he missed the team's final 20 games of the season. He last played on September 6.

Bichette was injured during a collision at home plate with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. He remained in the game, but hasn't entered a game since.

Despite Bichette's absence, the Blue Jays have dominated the Yankees in the ALDS, taking a 2-0 lead by outscoring New York 23-8 in the first two games. If they reach the ALCS and, potentially, the World Series, they'll need all their stars back and playing at their best.

Bo Bichette's Career Year Before Free Agency in 2025

Bichette finished the 2025 campaign with full-season career-highs in batting average (.311), on-base percentage (.357), wRC+ (134), and xwOBA (.364). Despite missing the final 20 games of the season, he finished tied for second in hits leaguewide with 181, three shy of the lead. It was an outstanding campaign.

While his future may not be at shortstop, Bichette will be one of the top hitters available in free agency this offseason. If it is his final year with the Blue Jays, the team has to be hoping he's back to help them make a serious run at a championship.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri believes Mason Greenwood shouldn't be "judged" on his past rape allegations. The Marseille forward had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault dropped in February 2023, at which time he was still on the books at Manchester United.

• Greenwood's past 'mistakes'

  Nearly six months after charges against the forward were dropped, Greenwood admitted to "making mistakes" as Man Utd confirmed he would not be reintegrated into the squad following their own internal investigation into his conduct away from the pitch. 

  He said in August 2023, shortly before joining Getafe on a season-long loan: "I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I'm focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner. Today's decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch."

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• AFP
  

  Greenwood defended by Nasri

  United sold Greenwood to Marseille outright in the summer of 2024, and he has since become a key player for the club, while also welcoming two children with his partner, Harriet Robson. The topic of the ex-United man has sprung up again in light of Marseille hosting Newcastle United, a game the French side won 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Before that, former Marseille star Nasri gave his thoughts on the public perception of Greenwood, who was forced to rebuild his career abroad after the lengthy legal case.

  He said on Canal+: "If she (Harriet Robson) has forgiven him… who are we to judge? That's the point… If your wife has forgiven you, we can forgive you. If she hadn't forgiven him and he had been found guilty and had received that sentence in England, she would have said it was normal."

• 'What happens to him saddens me'

  Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has also come to the aid of the 24-year-old. The Italian called the forward a "good person", who paid a "heavy price" for what happened.

  "I never delve into the players' private lives. But what I can say is that he's a good person. He paid a heavy price for what happened. He arrived in the right environment and behaved well. He has a very reserved personality. It saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England," said the former Brighton head coach. 

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• AFP
  

  What comes next for Greenwood?

  After a prolific season at Marseille last term, Greenwood is continuing to impress this season for the French giants. He has scored 11 goals and added four assists in 17 appearances and will hope to add to that when Marseille, who are second in Ligue 1, host Toulouse on Saturday. The ex-Red Devils man was linked with some top European clubs earlier this year, and while a big-money move may happen one day, for now, he will be focusing on delivering for De Zerbi's side – who are just two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United’s transfer business has left the supporters with a lot to be desired over the last couple of years, with numerous of their high-profile additions failing to impress at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have spent nearly £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022, with former boss Erik ten Hag spending around £600m of the sum on his own.

Current boss Ruben Amorim has already splashed over £200m since his arrival last November, in an attempt to try and lead the club back to the glory achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson.

No manager has been able to win the Premier League title since the Scotsman retired back in 2013, but the added investment in recent years could help Amorim become the first man to achieve such a feat.

There’s no denying he needs added reinforcements in the months ahead to provide him with the all-round quality that he needs to take the club back to the top of England’s top-flight.

United’s hunt for added reinforcements in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been strongly linked with a move for Angelo Stiller, with the German seen as an option to bolster the midfield ranks.

The 24-year-old is also said to be on the shortlist of Real Madrid ahead of the January transfer window, which could present a fierce battle between the sides for his signature.

However, it’s also been reported that he could be available for a fee in the region of £53m, a potential bargain for a youngster who has bags of time to develop further in the years ahead.

He’s not the only Bundesliga star currently in the Red Devils’ sights, with forward Karim Adeyemi another player who the hierarchy are considering a move for in January.

According to Sky Sports, Amorim’s men have reportedly made contact with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for the 24-year-old, who’s scored three goals in 2025/26 to date.

German outlet BILD also claim that Niko Kovac’s men currently value the German international at around the £70m mark, but it’s unclear whether United would pay such a figure during the winter window.

Why United’s £70m target would be another Mbeumo

During their recent summer spending spree in the transfer market, United splashed a mammoth £71m on the signature of forward Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League side Brentford.

Such a price tag generated huge excitement within the fanbase, not to mention his incredible goalscoring ability last season, which saw him end the year on 20 league goals.

The Cameroonian has already made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford, scoring five times in his 11 league appearances – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

The 26-year-old has operated on the right-hand side in behind the striker, often catching the eye with his impressive left-footed efforts – subsequently winning the October Player of the Month award.

He may have cost a pretty penny, but there’s little denying Mbeumo has massively transformed the club’s frontline and made the side a force to be reckoned with once again.

However, they could be about to land another version of the forward with a deal for Adeyemi in the months ahead, with the German possessing numerous similar qualities.

He also operated off the right-hand side and likes to cut inside onto his favoured left-foot, which has also allowed him to hit the ground running in the early stages of 2025/26.

His underlying stats also showcase the talent he possesses, with the 24-year-old able to add further depth and quality into Amorim’s already impressive frontline.

Adeyemi, previously been dubbed “incredible” by former Red Bull Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle, has completed 2.3 dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga to date, whilst also notching 6.8 touches in the opposition’s box per 90.

Karim Adeyemi – Bundesliga stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

75%

Successful dribbles

2.3

Touches in opposition box

6.8

Shots taken

2.8

Duels won

5.9

Aerial success rate

60%

Stats via FotMob

Both of the aforementioned tallies showcase his incredible ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, potentially handing Mbeumo the chance to improve further at Old Trafford.

The youngster has also registered 2.8 shots per 90 this campaign, showcasing his ability to add the end product to his mazy runs when taking on the opposition.

Other numbers, such as 5.9 duels won per 90 and a 60% aerial success rate, highlight his all-round nature in the final third, which could make him a hugely exciting addition.

There’s no doubting that it would be a surprise to see another mammoth sum forked out for an attacker after Mbeumo’s move, but the pair could well offer a deadly threat in front of goal.

Should Adeyemi make the move to Old Trafford, he could reach the next step in his career, potentially leading the club to new heights during Amorim’s tenure in charge.

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In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side’s win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.

Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.

As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.

The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season

It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.

Chalkboard

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

For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.

On top of being a “colossus” at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition’s penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.

Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners’ team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.

Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.

On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman’s passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.

However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.

The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season

Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team’s best player this season.

The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a “different dimension” entirely this year.

On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a “monster” performance in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.

For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.

However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he’s become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.

More than that, though, he’s also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.

Through Balls

0.91

Top 1%

Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Tackles

3.52

Top 4%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.25

Top 4%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.80

Top 4%

xG: Expected Goals

0.23

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.02

Top 7%

Shots on Target

0.57

Top 7%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.59

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.18

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.64

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.34

Top 9%

Shots Total

1.25

Top 9%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal’s best player, but arguably the best in the league.

Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.

He's like Saka & Odegaard: Arsenal star is one of the "best in the world"

The incredible international is starting to perform like Saka & Odegaard for Arteta & Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2025

Speculation about surprise comeback had been rife, but ultimately Australia opted for discretion

Andrew McGlashan04-Dec-2025

Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, George Bailey and Andrew McDonald discuss their selection options•Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Pat Cummins became a genuine option for a recall in Brisbane over the past week as he surprised everyone with the speed of his recovery. However, Australia’s selectors ultimately decided there was too much risk attached in playing a bowler whose overs would still need to be managed, but are very confident in him being ready for Adelaide.Chair of selectors George Bailey said his panel had not been “playing silly buggers” in leaving Cummins out of the squad but refusing to officially rule him out of contention in the lead-up to the second Test. However, he did admit a hug between Cummins and Andrew McDonald during a pitch inspection on Wednesday had been “for laughs”.Bailey said that there had been no expectation of Cummins being available when the group was selected but it became a realistic prospect as he ramped up his training in Brisbane, which included two spells on Monday and his first bowls on back-to-back days.”We weren’t playing silly buggers with him not being in the squad and in the mix. But I think once we got up here, saw his training, got as much of the background medical information as well, it became a live possibility,” he said. “Then it was just working through the permutations of what would that look like in terms of the amount of overs, what would it look like going forward from that as well.Related

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The world where Lyon doesn't play at the Gabba

“I don’t think we thought he was going to be as close, it really changed through the week. Then risk tolerance became the conversation around what could he take on. Yes, he could have played. There would have been some restrictions around the overs and then obviously just the permutations [around that].”There was also consideration into what bringing Cummins back for this Test could mean going forward, and the added pressure it could leave on the rest of the attack. “Being in a really controlled environment [in] the nets where you can be really structured around the breaks and how you want it, then it’s just that risk of maybe going into a game,” Bailey said. “There’s some things you can control and probably some things that do get taken out of your control.”Meanwhile, Bailey said that the selectors had not got to the stage of debating whether Usman Khawaja would retain his place for the Gabba because he had never been passed fit to play. Khawaja batted on Tuesday before being ruled out of the Test the following day, having not recovered from the back spasms he suffered in Perth. He returned to the nets on Thursday. Travis Head, who made 123 in Australia’s chase in the opening match, will continue in the opening role during the second Test.”He hadn’t got his back back to baseline,” Bailey said. “And if you’re not back to the starting point then it’s obviously a heightened risk. There’s obviously your own performance, but when you’re injured and you feel like you’ve let the team down, I think that was something he was just conscious of; if it happened again, it would be an awful feeling. So sitting this one out buys time.”For now, Head is not being locked in at the top beyond this Test, and there has even been discussion of having in-match flexibility to batting orders.”We’ve gone into this series so far very much with a Test-by-Test focus,” Bailey said. “I imagine we’ll get another look at it here and see what that looks like and see that combination. We can cross that bridge [and] make that decision as and when we need to make that decision, but it’s an interesting one. What’s the threshold now for it to be a specialist opener, what’s that look like?”

Marnus Labuschagne made it five centuries in eight innings for Queensland to start the summer, after helping them to a 96-run One-Day Cup win over New South Wales.Labuschagne hit 101 from 111 balls at Sydney’s Cricket Central on Monday, leading Queensland to 287 for 9 before NSW were all out for 191 in reply.All but certain to return to Australia’s Test team for the Ashes this month, Labuschagne will enter the series as the form batter in the country. Axed from Australia’s side midway through the year, Labuschagne is back playing with the same intent that made him the world’s best batter as recently as 2023.The 31-year-old is clipping the ball off his toes again with precision, driving well, and on Monday swept legspinner Tanveer Sangha for three fours. He also hit Sangha over long-off for a big six, on a day when the spinner was otherwise NSW’s best with 3 for 64 having been released for Australia’s T20I squad for the match.Labuschagne’s near-chanceless century marked his third this season in the one-day format, where he is currently outside of Australia’s first-choice XI.He has also hit two centuries in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland, with all of the hundreds coming batting at No. 3. But it is expected he will be asked to open in the first Test against England in Perth, in a move that will allow allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to both fit in the team.In reply, NSW were never really in the chase on Monday, but Sam Konstas did hit a measured 47 before being caught behind when he gloved a hook shot off Benji Floros.Floros had Jack Edwards caught behind next ball in similar fashion, before finishing with 4 for 22 in his best outing for Queensland.Labuschagne also claimed two wickets with his medium pace, with Chris Green skying an attempted pull shot, before Sangha fell lbw.