Tottenham have emerged as favourites to sign a “game-changing” forward as the Lewis family make their sporting intentions for Spurs clear this week, having pumped £100 million worth of capital into the club.
Tottenham given £100m cash boost after Lewis family injection
On Thursday, the Lilywhites made an official announcement of their owners’ call to back the club with fresh funding, with Thomas Frank’s side receiving nine figures which will be spent on the day-to-day running of Spurs.
CEO Vinai Venkatesham, alongside new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, will now decide where specifically this new money will be invested — and some of this cash may well go into their transfer planning.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman DanielLevyand Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol shared news last month that the Lewis family were planning to inject funds into Tottenham, and suggested that these finances could be reinvested into their recruitment drive.
With January on the horizon, Frank may well be backed with key reinforcements, amid reports that the North Londoners want to sign a new centre-back and winger (TEAMtalk).
Tottenham missed out on a deal for Man City winger Savinho in the summer after having two bids rejected, and he’s since put pen to paper on a contract extension at Eastlands running until 2031.
Spurs are also admirers of Brentford captain Nathan Collins, Franks’ former star at the Gtech Community Stadium, amid their pursuit of new defensive options.
Given the Lilywhites club-record signing Dominic Solanke has proved unreliable when it comes to fitness since his £65 million move from Bournemouth last year, not to mention doubts surrounding Richarlison, it is reported elsewhere that Tottenham could even bring in another number nine.
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Dominic Solanke
£65m
Bournemouth
2024
2
Tanguy Ndombele
£62.8m
Lyon
2019
3
Richarlison
£60m
Everton
2022
4
Xavi Simons
£52m
RB Leipzig
2025
5
Brennan Johnson
£47.5m
Nottingham Forest
2023
Frank has reportedly contacted former Brentford star Ivan Toney about the possibility of a loan move to Tottenham in January, but while this is yet to be backed up by reliable media sources, it is clear that Vasco de Gama sensation, Rayan, is on their radar.
Tottenham in pole position to sign Vasco de Gama star Rayan
Multiple reports from South America in the last month have claimed that Tottenham could open talks for Rayan, who’s just become the youngest Vasco player to reach 10 Brazilian top flight goals since Dinamite in 1973.
The highly-rated teenager is one of Brazil’s rising stars right now, scoring 14 goals in all competitions this season, and his contract is rumoured to contain a tantalising £35 million release clause.
Rayan’s deal also expires in December 2026, meaning he can agree a pre-contract in July, and Vasco chiefs are working to protect themselves by agreeing a new contract to raise his exit clause, potentially to as high as £52 million.
That is according to journalist Jorge Nicola, who reports that Tottenham are currently in pole position to sign Rayan and are prepared to bid around £26 million as things stand, which would apparently meet Vasco’s expected price.
Aston Villa, Barcelona, Chelsea, Brighton, Porto, Fiorentina, Zenit and even Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the 19-year-old, so he’s currently a man in demand, with the possibility of an auction also there.
Vasco boss Fernando Diniz has lavished the right-winger’s incredible potential already, calling him a “very rare” breed of player.
The managerial saga surrounding Rangers has been a mess at Ibrox, not just during their hunt for a new head coach but during Russell Martin’s ill-fated stint in Glasgow.
The former defender was relieved of his duties just hours after Rangers’ final game before the international break and the Gers hierarchy have been rather stressfully and frantically trying to find a replacement.
At first, it looked like Steven Gerrard would head back to Scotland. That move ultimately did not come to fruition. Next on the list was Danny Rohl, but he rejected advances.
So, the top brass at Rangers focused on Kevin Muscat instead. Currently with Shanghai Port, he had made it clear he was not willing to move before the Chinese Super League season had finished.
Yet, he was the clear frontrunner and was all set to take on the reins until things collapsed on Sunday.
Consequently, the Ibrox outfit headed back towards Rohl and thankfully, this time around they avoided any late twists. He was officially unveiled on Monday afternoon.
What does the future hold for them under the German? We’ve predicted what his starting lineup could look like, and there may be one or two new additions too.
1 GK – Jack Butland
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland
Last season, during Barry Ferguson’s mixed interim tenure, he actually dropped previously undisputed first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland, favouring Liam Kelly, who started both legs of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club in April.
This season though, Butland has very much been restored as first-choice, starting 17 of the 18 fixtures, the League Cup win over third-tier Alloa the sole exception.
The highlight of his campaign, so far, has been saving a penalty from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu against Genk, even if the Gers did lose that game anyway.
Butland has certainly been busy so far this season, particularly in the eight European ties, underling his quality, giving Rohl no reason to make a change.
2 RB – James Tavernier
He may divide opinion, but James Tavernier is a bona fide Rangers legend and, whatever supporters may say about him, he remains an integral figure in this team.
Already this season, the right-back has scored five goals across all competitions, netting four of the eight they have bagged in the Premiership.
Last Saturday, the club captain took his tally to 531 appearances and 135 goals for the club, still a pivotal figure in this team, at both ends of the pitch.
The 33-year-old was controversially left on the bench by Martin for crucial Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, but he has since reiterated that he is undroppable.
3 CB – John Souttar
John Souttar
On paper, Rangers do actually have the makings of a solid centre-back pairing, not that they’re showing it very much this season.
Everyone connected with Scottish football has to be pleased to see John Souttar doing well given the injury misery he has endured, rupturing both anterior cruciate ligaments during his time at Hearts.
Last season, the 29-year-old managed to stay fit, accumulating 40 appearances, the most he’d ever managed in a campaign, so continues to be a solid contributor for both club and country, and should remain first-choice under Rohl.
4 CB – Derek Cornelius
Many of Rangers’ summer signings have been, to put it politely, underwhelming, underlined by the fact few feature in this dream XI.
However, one signing who, in the long run, will prove to be an excellent addition is Derek Cornelius.
After arriving on deadline day, before even making his debut in light blue, he gave Rangers supporters an amuse bouche of what he is capable of by scoring a sumptuous free-kick for Canada against Wales in Swansea.
Cornelius arrived from Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille, following one season at Stade Vélodrome, having become something of a globe trotter, even at just 27 years old, having already played in Germany, Serbia, Canada, Greece, Sweden, France and now Scotland.
Since his debut against Hearts, Cornelius has started every match, instantaneously establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, and he should very much remain that going forward.
5 LB – Max Aarons
If we’re being truthful, there is no dream solution to Rangers’ left-back conundrum.
Jayden Meghoma has started pretty much every match since arriving on loan from Brentford, but the 19-year-old has appeared out of his depth, really underlining his inexperience.
So, for now, Max Aarons would be the most solid solution, having filled in at left-back both during his career in general and this season.
In truth though, this’ll surely be one of the positions any manager seeks to strengthen come January.
6 CDM – Pierre Ekwah: new signing
According to a recent report, Rangers and Celtic are both interested in signing Pierre Ekwah.
The 23-year-old can play at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, and will certainly want to be on the move come January.
He spent last season on loan at Saint-Étienne from Sunderland, with les Verts making the move permanent for £5m over the summer, but this came after they had been relegated to Ligue 2.
Thus, reports claim that Ekwah has refused to play in France’s second-tier, thereby yet to feature at all this season, leaving him in the proverbial wilderness.
Highly rated from his time in Chelsea and West Ham’s academy, he may prove to be available at a cut-price and would represent an upgrade on someone like Joe Rothwell.
7 CM – Mohamed Diomandé
Ahead of the start of the new season, big things were expected of Mohamed Diomandé, who has so far endured something of a campaign to forget, albeit he’s not the only one.
The 23-year-old was sent off against Genk on the opening night of the Europa League, and his absence was felt as they were beaten 2-1 by Sturm Graz a week later.
He also sat out Saturday’s draw with Dundee United due to injury, but has certainly shown his quality in the past, so they’ll want him back in the line-up as soon as possible, possibly at the expense of Thelo Aasgaard.
8 CM – Nicolas Raskin
Likely to be World Cup-bound, Nicolas Raskin, has started four of Belgium’s last six qualifiers, including each of the last three, starting alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who isn’t bad, is he?
Despite this, Russell Martin decided he was surplus to requirements, leaving him out of four matches, not even on the bench for home games against Celtic and Hearts, with supporters choosing to side with Raskin, which is when the anti-Martin protests really ramped up.
Setting all that aside, the Belgian is clearly Rangers’ most talented player, named the club’s player of the year last season, so the new manager has to make him a central figure.
9 RW – Bobby Clark: new signing
It was actually reported earlier this week that Celtic were set to sign Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg for £6m, only for Brendan Rodgers to very much shut down those rumours. So, could the former Liverpool midfielder end up on the other side of Glasgow?
The 20-year-old, who made his senior debut at Liverpool, is currently on loan at Derby County, after a forgettable spell in Austria.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes him as a “roaming playmaker” who possesses “amazing technical quality” and can operate anywhere behind a striker, which sounds like exactly the type of player this Rangers team is lacking, does it not?
The fact he’s also been described as “the new Gazza” should also help convince those of a Rangers persuasion of his natural talent. He looks a fine replacement for Oliver Antman on the right flank.
10 LW – Djeidi Gassama
If only one Rangers player has shown glimpses of genuine quality this season, it has to be Djeidi Gassama.
After arriving from Sheffield Wednesday where he was managed by Rohl, he announced himself in style, scoring four goals in his first four appearances for the club, on target home and away against Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying, before also bagging a double against Viktoria Plzeň in the following round.
The Frenchman has only scored once since, this also in Europe against Sturm Graz just before the international break, but is clearly a talented player that this current Rangers set-up is failing to get the best out of.
They might have dropped points last time out, but Arsenal are flying this season.
They sit four points clear atop the Premier League table and second in the Champions League, with four wins and four clean sheets in as many games.
One of the stars of the Gunners’ impressive campaign so far has been Declan Rice, who has been as crucial going forward as he has been in keeping those clean sheets.
Therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them with another top-quality international who’d be a Rice-type signing.
Arsenal target Rice-Type signing
The transfer window is still over a month away, but Arsenal are starting to be linked with some exciting players again.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, stories are once again touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to the Emirates following a disappointing start to the season.
A cheaper, lesser-known, but nonetheless exciting wide option the Gunners have been linked with is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has been catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, while either attacker would be an exciting addition to the team, neither could be described as particularly Rice-esque, unlike Elliot Anderson.
Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the Nottingham Forest star.
In fact, the report has revealed that North Londoners are set to enter the bidding war for the England international, who has a price tag of between £100m and £120m.
It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Anderson’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as it would be a Rice-type signing.
Why Elliot Anderson would be a Rice repeat for Arsenal
Now, there are obviously some differences between Rice and Anderson, from their playstyles to career paths, but were the latter to join Arsenal, there would be many parallels with the former’s move as well.
For example, it would be another example of the Gunners going out and spending north of £100m on a top-quality central midfielder from a non ‘big six’ Premier League team.
Moreover, like the former West Ham United captain was at the time of his move, the Forest ace is now an established and vitally important player for England.
In fact, ahead of his side’s win over Serbia, Thomas Tuchel described the 23-year-old as a “key player” for the Three Lions and “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”
The fact that he is such an incredible central midfielder is another obvious trait he shares with the Gunners’ number 41, as is his versatility.
For example, since moving to the City Ground, the former Newcastle United gem has made 25 appearances in central midfield, 20 in defensive midfield, five in left midfield and three in attacking midfield.
In other words, like the former Hammers star, the “world-class” ace, as dubbed by one commentator, could play wherever Arteta wanted him to in the middle of the park, and as a result, form relationships with a host of Arsenal players.
Finally, on top of also taking corners, the Whitley Bay-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has some incredible underlying numbers to his name, proving that the comparisons to Rice are fully justified.
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 3% for tackles in the defensive third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Ball Recoveries
7.42
Top 1%
Dribbles Challenged
3.32
Top 2%
SCA (Defensive Action)
0.16
Top 3%
Tackles (Def 3rd)
1.61
Top 3%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.70
Top 4%
Fouls Drawn
2.14
Top 6%
Outswinging Corner Kicks
1.18
Top 7%
Successful Take-Ons
1.21
Top 7%
Penalty Kicks Made
0.03
Top 9%
GCA (Defensive Action)
0.03
Top 10%
Tackles
2.89
Top 11%
SCA (Take-On)
0.16
Top 12%
Corner Kicks
1.96
Top 13%
SCA (Fouls Drawn)
0.16
Top 13%
Tackles Won
1.61
Top 13%
Dribblers Tackled
1.39
Top 13%
Crosses
3.35
Top 14%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
0.64
Top 14%
Penalty Kicks Won
0.03
Top 15%
Ultimately, while it would cost a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Anderson, as he’s an excellent player and could have a Rice-type impact on the team.
Arsenal lost 'one of the world's best', now he's outperforming Saka & Eze
The incredible international is now playing better than Arsenal’s Eze and Saka.
Tottenham Hotspur’s preferred price to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been revealed, with manager Thomas Frank a big fan.
Despite both Mathys Tel and Richarlison getting on the scoresheet against Manchester United in Tottenham’s final match before the international break, journalist Henry Winter has made it clear he believes Frank needs to sign a new centre-forward.
Richarlison is Spurs’ top scorer in the Premier League this term, having netted four goals, but the Brazilian has been inconsistent throughout his time in north London, as pointed out by Ben Foster, who questioned his work ethic earlier this season.
Foster said: “He’s a very, very good player. He’s a Brazilian international, for God’s sake. He’s a world-class player, right? But I just think sometimes he goes, ‘Right, I’ve probably done enough for a little while now. Now I’ll settle down.”
With Jamie O’Hara also singling Tel out for criticism earlier in the campaign, Frank may be keen to bring in a more consistent goalscorer in the near future, and the north Londoners are very much in the race for a Premier League star.
Tottenham's preferred price to sign Bournemouth star Semenyo
According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are one of four Premier League clubs willing to pay €60m (£53m) for Bournemouth star Semenyo, in light of the impressive start the forward has made to the season.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are also willing to spend big to get a deal for the Ghanaian over the line, but the Cherries should be in a strong position to demand a big fee, considering he is contracted until 2030.
Spurs have requested updates on the 25-year-old’s performances, deciding to target him because they are keen to bring in an elite-level forward who is capable of playing both out wide and through the middle.
Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie might have something to say about his teammate leaving, given that the Scot recently made it clear just how highly he rates the former Bristol City man, describing him as “scary good.”
The 32-time Ghana international has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season, having already amassed nine goal contributions, and he is currently sitting pretty right near the top of the goalscoring charts in joint-third place.
2025-26 Premier League top scorers
Number of goals
Erling Haaland
14
Igor Thiago
8
Danny Welbeck
6
Jean-Philippe Mateta
6
Antoine Semenyo
6
Frank is also a big fan of the winger, who is capable of operating on both flanks, saying last season: “Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He’s a fantastic player. I think he’s been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season.”
Amid doubts over a number of Tottenham’s attacking players, Semenyo could be the ideal addition to Frank’s squad, and a £53m fee seems reasonable, given the level of his performances this season.
Barcelona's stance on selling Ferran Torres as Tottenham make £57m bid Barcelona chiefs debating selling Ferran Torres as Tottenham make £57m bid
Spurs have submitted an official offer for a new forward, having struggled in front of goal at times this season.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl took on an unenviable task when he decided to join the club to replace Russell Martin, who had won just five of his matches in charge.
The German head coach has had to take over a side that was incredibly low on confidence and turn things around without any signings, which he did with four straight Scottish Premiership wins.
However, the Gers were unable to make it five after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday, and the manager made it clear that underperforming players will face consequences.
One of the team’s underperforming flops who will not make the starting line-up for the clash with Dundee United on Wednesday is Oliver Antman, who has been ruled out for two months through injury.
Why Danny Rohl must replace Oliver Antman
Even without the injury, the Finland international should have been dropped by Danny Rohl because he failed to deliver a quality performance for his side from the start against Falkirk.
Antman ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of seven goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Go Ahead Eagles, per Sofascore, yet his time at Ibrox has been barren in comparison.
In 20 appearances for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, the Finnish forward has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 18 different games, providing three assists in the other two outings.
The 24-year-old flop played 57 minutes against Falkirk on Sunday without registering a shot on target or creating a ‘big chance’ for his teammates, per Sofascore, and his absence through injury will now provide others with an opportunity to nail down that position.
The Rangers talent who could end Antman's Ibrox career
The Light Blues head coach could end Antman’s Ibrox career by finally unleashing academy graduate Findlay Curtis as a starter on the flank, as the Scottish youngster could nail down that position and leave the ex-Eredivisie star starved of minutes.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Rohl must give the 19-year-old star his first senior start in the Premiership this season on Wednesday night because his output this year suggests that he deserves more minutes on the pitch for the Gers.
Minutes
15
Crosses attempted
1
Fouls won
2
Pass accuracy
100%
Clearances
3
Tackles won
1/1
Ground duels won
3/4
Aerial duels won
1/2
Curtis, as shown in the table above, showed that he has the physicality to compete at first-team level in his cameo off the bench on Sunday, winning four of his six duels and winning two fouls.
The teenager starlet, who was dubbed a “Boy Wonder” on Premier Sports against Panathinaikos in July, has also shown glimpses of his exciting quality at the top end of the pitch this term, with three goals in 259 minutes of action.
Curtis, who scored off the bench against St Mirren in the Premiership in August, has not started a game for the first-team since he started both of the games against Panathinaikos in July, despite scoring two goals since then.
His lack of minutes, as a starter or off the bench, has been fairly surprising, particularly given Antman and the team’s general form, which is why now is the time for Rohl to finally unleash him from the start.
If the Scotland U21 international can get a run in the side and provide goal contributions on a regular basis for the Light Blues, the underperforming Antman would surely struggle to get back into the team given his lack of form this season.
Therefore, Curtis, who delivered four goals and three assists in eight B team matches at academy level, could be the player who ends the Finland international’s career at Ibrox, as the winger, who can play either flank, could snatch his place in the squad away from him.
A "spell on the sidelines" is needed for the "best player" at Rangers
This Glasgow Rangers star who was called the team’s best player should be dropped from the starting line-up.
ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025
However, it is, firstly, down to the Rangers manager to provide the academy graduate with the platform that he needs to kick on and end Antman’s career at the club, starting with the league clash with Dundee United on Wednesday night because of Antman’s injury.
It was a typical Bruno Fernandes display on Sunday afternoon, with the Manchester United skipper shaking off a stodgy first-half display to ultimately prove the difference-maker yet again for Ruben Amorim’s side.
In that opening 45 at Selhurst Park, both Fernandes and his ageing midfield partner Casemiro were given the run around by Crystal Palace’s boy wonder, Adam Wharton, with United heading in at the break having once again seen their midfield unit woefully exposed.
Fast forward to just past the hour mark, however, and the visitors had completed a creditable comeback, with the captain first teeing up Joshua Zirkzee – à la Anthony Martial in the March 2020 Manchester Derby – before then reacting swiftly to lay the ball for Mason Mount to dispatch what proved to be the winner.
Now fourth on the all-time list for Premier League assists for the Old Trafford side with 56, ahead of Paul Scholes, the 31-year-old remains United’s beloved maverick.
But for how much longer will he be the main man still?
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Having been refreshingly open about his discussions with Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, Fernandes suggested that no further talks would take place over his future until after next summer’s World Cup, with his existing deal set to expire in 2027.
Amorim has already suggested that the Portuguese playmaker may have to adjust to more “rotation” next season, should the club return to European competition, while reports this season have even suggested that INEOS could look to cash in on the club’s number eight to fund a midfield rebuild.
In any case, depth and competition is certainly needed in the centre of park heading into 2026, with the likes of Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson all deemed to be leading targets.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Equally, however, reports in Spain are even suggesting that United have lodged a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Real Madrid sensation, Federico Valverde, with the Red Devils said to have taken the ‘first step’ toward trying to seal that marquee move.
As to be expected, the LaLiga giants won’t allow their Uruguayan star to depart on the cheap, with the report outlining that Xavi Alonso’s side are likely to demand in excess of €100m (£88m) if they are to even consider sanctioning a sale.
United will then have to up their bid if a deal is to be struck, with Valverde’s existing deal set to run until 2029, although this is certainly a pursuit worth continuing.
How Valverde compares to Bruno Fernandes
If Amorim – and INEOS – is to persist with this much-discussed 3-4-2-1 set-up, then acquiring a figure like Valverde might just be the perfect solution, with the 27-year-old lauded as the “most complete player in football” not too long ago by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
That assessment is certainly warranted considering the versatility that the Montevideo-born talent has showcased in recent times, having frequently flitted between operating in central midfield or at right-back for Los Blancos.
Like Fernandes – who has missed just three games through injury or illness since joining United, as per Transfermarkt – one of Valverde’s key strengths is that he’s “always available”, in the words of Ancelotti, while willing to perform to his best no matter the position he is deployed.
While not a natural creator or playmaker like Fernandes, the one-time Penarol man does still boast four assists in LaLiga this term, only just behind the United skipper’s return of five in the Premier League.
As indicated below, Valverde’s all-round quality can be evidenced in his superior record with regard to pass completion and duels won, in particular, while he is also far less erratic in possession, losing the ball less than half as many times per game as Fernandes.
Games (starts)
14 (12)
13 (13)
Goals
0
2
Assists
2
5
Big chances missed
1
4
Big chances created
2
3
Pass accuracy*
90%
84%
Total duels won*
58%
50%
Dribbled past*
0.4
1.6
Possession lost*
7.4
15.8
Equally too, the Madrid man’s physical superiority can be seen in how little he is dribbled past per game in LaLiga, whereas Fernandes – seemingly unsuited to a deep-lying role – is regularly outpaced or outmuscled by his opposite number.
What also sets him apart from Fernandes is his proven, consistent quality at Champions League level, winning the competition on two occasions to date, alongside his three Spanish titles and various other domestic or continental honours.
He may not rank as the outright best midfielder in the world right now, but he seemingly warrants his status as among the top ten – arguably even above Fernandes.
Now approaching almost 350 games for his current side, the 71-cap international is about as proven as they come, while at 27, he would still be an asset for the long-term, were he to arrive in Manchester.
Of course, Fernandes – as was evident at the weekend – is still a majestic, creative genius, but for this system and for this current iteration of the Premier League, Valverde would surely represent the perfect midfield upgrade.
Anderson upgrade: Man Utd set to bid for "the best English CM since Scholes"
Manchester United look set to make a huge move for a new midfielder in the January transfer window.
Spending big money in the transfer market is one way to bring about success in the modern game, but it’s not a guaranteed marker that trophies will follow.
Manchester United have spent upwards of £800m in the last three years alone, but they are currently on a 12-month drought without any form of silverware under Ruben Amorim.
Another option football clubs desperately rely on is their youth systems, with the use of top-level academies often presenting a constant conveyor belt of talent for the future.
The Red Devils have been known for their success in producing elite-level stars, with the Class of ’92’ arguably one of the most iconic groups of prospects to make the jump into the professional game.
One other player has also successfully made the jump and impressed at Old Trafford in recent seasons, after massively impressing through the ranks as a youngster.
Marcus Rashford’s youth record at Man Utd
Many of United’s young prospects join the club at a young age and spend the majority of their youth years as part of the Red Devils’ infamous academy system.
Attacker Marcus Rashford was no different after joining the club at the age of seven and enduring a remarkable rise and progression through the ranks as a youngster.
It’s unclear how many goals he scored before reaching the U18 age group, but he did make himself a household name as he edged towards the end of his scholarship.
The Englishman scored 13 goals for the U18s during the 2015/16 season – sitting at the top of their goalscoring charts until he was handed his first-team debut.
At 18 years and 113 days, Rashford was handed his first start against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League – subsequently taking advantage of the opportunity handed his way.
Despite being a teenager, he netted twice against the Danish outfit in February 2016, which made him an instant hit with the Red Devils’ supporters at Old Trafford.
He’s since racked up over 450 appearances for his boyhood club, but has had to move away on a temporary basis to gain regular football after falling down Amorim’s pecking order.
The United gem who could be their next Rashford
The decision to offload Rashford by Amorim has been one that has been called into question over recent weeks, amid his form on loan at Barcelona from United.
He scored within the first few minutes of the Amorim tenure against Ipswich Town, but it would be one of the few highlights for the forward after a fallout with the 40-year-old.
The 27-year-old has since joined Hansi Flick’s side on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, scoring five times and registering four assists in his 12 outings for the LaLiga outfit.
However, he still has the chance to resurrect his career in the near future, but he could find it tricky to secure his place in the first-team if Chido Obi is handed a chance to thrive.
The 17-year-old generated huge excitement last season with his phenomenal goalscoring record at youth level – with the Dane thriving with valuable minutes at Carrington.
He scored 17 times in just 20 appearances, often featuring for the club’s U18 and U21 sides and helping the former finish second in the youth Premier League.
As a result, he was handed multiple substitute appearances in the first-team setup, registering seven league outings, but only appearing for a total of 160 minutes.
Arsenal U18s
21
32
Arsenal U21s
2
0
Man Utd U18s
11
13
Man Utd U21s
18
8
Man Utd first-team
8
0
Despite not scoring, Obi was highly praised by many for his performances – leading to one analyst labelling him as a “homegrown Oshimen” – a huge compliment given the Nigerian’s record of 37 goals in 41 appearances throughout 2024/25.
At just 17, it’s crucial that Amorim and various other staff behind the scenes manage the youngster in the right way to help him reach his full potential at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, the similarities to Rashford are there for all to see, given his time in the youth system, but he’s yet to score as early as the Englishman did in the first-team.
At present, the Dane is still 12 months younger than the former academy graduate when he made his first-team bow, showcasing how much time he has to make an impact under Amorim.
However, if Obi can replicate Rashford’s form with the Red Devils, he may have a huge bearing on any success the side manages to achieve in the near future.
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Chris Sutton took aim at one Leeds United star after spotting an “odd” moment in the Whites’ dramatic 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
Leeds lose late on at Man City
It was very nearly an unforgettable afternoon for Leeds, who came from behind to level things up at 2-2 in the second-half, courtesy of Lukas Nmecha’s reactions to rebound from his own penalty.
As so many have experienced at the Etihad over the years, however, it simply wasn’t to be for Daniel Farke’s men. The Citizens’ simply had too much quality and, for a split second, Phil Foden had too much time. The England international fired home his second goal of the day in the 91st minute to break Leeds’ hearts.
Upon reflection, Farke will be wishing that he started with Dominic Calvert-Lewin rather than setting up to frustrate Man City. It took just 59 seconds for Foden to give the hosts the lead, before Josko Gvardiol’s goal looked to be the beginning of a thrashing.
Farke soon changed things at the break, though, and Calvert-Lewin’s effort from the bench set the tone for Nmecha to then go and convert the rebound of his own spotkick.
The Yorkshire side certainly deserved at least a point, but simply felt the harsh reality of the Premier League in its full extent instead. From here, they must pick themselves up and go again against Chelsea at Elland Road.
Things won’t be getting any easier for a Leeds side who could be three points adrift of safety if other results go against them this weekend.
Chris Sutton, covering the game for BBC Sport, was particularly critical of Pascal Struijk in the first-half after spotting an “odd” moment from the Leeds defender.
Sutton slams "odd" Pascal Struijk moment
Taking aim, Sutton slammed Struijk for how he was “content” with entering the break at 2-0 down, wasting time at the end of the first-half. The defender’s aim was damage control and, to his credit, it worked in his favour as Leeds soon came from behind.
The moment, which sparked Sutton’s frustration, may well have helped Leeds stay in the game. It was an absolute onslaught from Man City in the first period and Farke desperately needed to get his side back into the game without letting the hosts out of sight. And the £50,000-a-week defender was well aware of that.
The visitors can take a lot of positives, despite their defeat. It’s very rare that sides come to the Etihad, find themselves 2-0 down and don’t find themselves on the end of a battering. Leeds, however, showed plenty of fight.
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On Sunday, Danny Röhl’s perfect start to life in the Premiership continued, making it three league wins out of three, with goals from Nicolas Raskin, Mikey Moore and then Djeidi Gassama downing Dundee at Dens.
Despite this, the Gers remain fourth in the table, level on points with Hibs, five points below fierce rivals Celtic and a whopping 12 adrift surprise leaders Hearts.
Goals though remain a problem for this team, having bagged only 15 in 11 Premiership outings to date, netting just 31 times in 24 fixtures across all competitions, with Sunday only the fourth time they’ve scored three or more in a match, despite doing so on 21 occasions last season.
Strikers Danilo, Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti continue to be, at best, inconsistent, but could Rangers’ youngster with “huge potential” solve this attacking issue?
Rangers' recent loan stars
While Rangers’ recent recruit has rightly come under scrutiny, with serious questions being asked of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the club remain excellent in one particular area; identifying attackers on loan.
Vaclav Cerny
In the last four seasons, Rangers have signed a high-quality attacker on loan each time, as the table below documents.
52
18
9
39
16
2
43
12
5
13
3
Zero
As the table highlights, in each of the last four seasons, Rangers have brought in a high-class attacker on a season-long loan.
Amad is probably the outlier on this list, making little impact during his six months in Glasgow, albeit he’s since become a key figure for Rúben Amorim at Manchester United.
Since, Malik Tillman, Abdallah Sima and Václav Černý have all registered at least 17 combined goals and assists during one season at Ibrox, with the latter the most productive of the lot, starring during a season on loan from Wolfsburg, a major loss having joined Beşiktaş instead of returning this summer.
Now, could a current member of the Rangers squad keep the streak of outstanding attackers on loan going?
Rangers' latest loan star
Of course, the entire Rangers team has improved since Röhl replaced Russell Martin last month, an admittedly low bar, but the player who has thrived the most is Mikey Moore.
The teenager scored his first goal for the club at Dens on Sunday, doubling the Gers lead with this strike which flew into Jon McCracken’s bottom corner.
Even before opening his account, the Englishman had looked sharper since Röhl’s arrival in Glasgow.
Speaking during Sky Sports’ Coverage, Chris Sutton asserted that he is “flourishing” into his full potential under Röhl, while James McFadden notes that he is enjoying a lot more freedom with the German coach at the helm, forecasting that he will only continue to get better in the coming weeks.
When the 18-year-old arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in August, he did so with a massive reputation for someone who had only played 815 minutes at senior level.
Upon joining, then manager Martin praised his “huge potential”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him “the English Neymar”.
Despite his slow start to life at Ibrox, only two Rangers players, namely Gassama and Thelo Aasgard, have registered more successful dribbles on a per 90 basis in the Premiership, early signs that he is ready to make a significant impact.
As already alluded to, scoring goals is one of this team’s primary issues.
Across all competitions, only captain James Tavernier, Gassama, Danilo and youngster Findlay Curtis have bagged more than two goals thus far, with that strike against Dundee the first of Moore’s campaign.
Thus, there is a spot up for grabs for the 18-year-old to take responsibility and become a truly integral figure in this team’s attack, following in the footsteps of Sima, Tillman and Černý, the other high-class loan attackers who have come before.
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Liverpool are now expected to launch a 2026 offer to sign a key defensive reinforcement, who pocketed Cody Gakpo in the Champions League earlier this season.
Salah set to be excluded from Liverpool squad
Just days after his stunning rant, Mohamed Salah is set to be left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Inter Milan, according to reports. The Egyptian left no stone unturned, claiming that the club have thrown him under the bus and revealing that he no longer has a relationship with Arne Slot.
In many ways, he left Slot with no choice but to exclude him. However, Liverpool are still reportedly keen to keep hold of Salah and see his omission as a logical step rather than a punishment.
What happens next is the big question. The arrival of AFCON should at least take the headlines elsewhere, but when Salah returns Liverpool have a problem on their hands.
The 33-year-old is arguably the best player to ever play for Liverpool in the Premier League, but Anfield chiefs are unlikely to pick any star over their manager at this stage.
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There is reported interest from the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, coupled with Liverpool’s own interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which could result in a big January shake-up.
Alas, the Reds also have other problems to solve. They’ve been far below expectations this season, it’s not just been Salah. Far from it, in fact, and have already set their sights on welcoming the likes of Wilfried Singo as a result.
Liverpool expected to launch Wilfried Singo offer
According to Fotomac, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are expected to launch an offer to sign Singo worth as much as €43m (£38m) in 2026.
The Premier League champions could reportedly offer €28m (£25m), plus a maximum of €15m (£13m) in potential bonuses. It would, therefore, be a hefty offer but one they should pursue to solve their right-back problem.
Slot should be well aware of the 24-year-old’s quality too, given that he pocketed Gakpo in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray earlier this season.
The right-back made four recoveries, four clearances and won over half of his ground duels. Gakpo, meanwhile, was hooked after 62 minutes, having failed to take a single shot.
Whilst concerns surround Salah’s situation and Liverpool’s need for a centre-back, the right-back position has also become a problem. Neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong have truly claimed it thanks to form and injuries, with Dominik Szoboszlai often filling in, and Slot needs a permanent fix.
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