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Tottenham’s statement signing of the summer was undoubtedly their £52 million deal for Xavi Simons, and he apparently has something never seen before.

Xavi Simons tipped to shine for Tottenham

The 22-year-old trained with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar at PSG in his youth, after coming through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy too, and he’s widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest young playmakers.

After two excellent seasons at RB Leipzig, Simons rejected Chelsea in favour of a move to north London during the final days of the summer window, and the cost of this deal could set the Lilywhites back £125 million, when factoring in wages and transfer cost, over a potential seven-year deal (Paul O’Keefe).

Appearances

25

Minutes played

2,157

Goals

10

Assists

7

Bookings

5

Shots at goal per 90 minutes

2

Passing accuracy

82.9%

Average match rating

7.32

via WhoScored

It was quite the investment in what was one of ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s final acts leading the club before he resigned a fortnight ago, with Simons already showing some promising signs.

Thomas Frank has chosen to utilise the Dutchman out wide on the left in his first two games against West Ham and Villarreal.

Simons has already notched his first assist for the Lilywhites, setting up Pape Sarr’s header against West Ham with an in-swinging cross from a corner, and he impressed at the London Stadium overall.

While the young attacking midfielder attracted some criticism after his Champions League debut, given he was arguably fortunate not to get sent off (GiveMeSport), Simons is widely tipped to shine for his new club in the Premier League.

Members of the media tip Simons to be a “sensation” under Frank, and former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has already said that the ex-Bundesliga gem has something he’s never seen before.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said Xavi Simons' mentality is "unprecedented"

Speaking to Voetbal International in 2022, van Nistelrooy hailed Simons’ “unprecedented” mentality, having worked with the player during his loan spell in the Netherlands back in 2022/2023.

Interestingly, this contradicts rumours from Germany that Simons’ attitude is questionable, but Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard was quick to suggest that there may not be anything to these claims about Tottenham’s signing.

Thomas Frank is the latest man to be tasked with the responsibility of leading Tottenham Hotspur to potential Premier League glory – taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou during the off-season.

The Dane has already made a superb start to life as the Lilywhites boss, winning two of three league matches – including a sensational victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

He will undoubtedly want to forget about the recent defeat to Bournemouth on home soil, losing his 100% start to life in the role as manager in North London.

The international break may be a blessing in disguise to the new boss, getting an added period to work with some of his players to fully get his ideology across to the squad.

However, there’s no denying the 51-year-old would’ve wanted to rely upon one player who caught the eye under his guidance at his previous job in charge of Brentford.

Bryan Mbeumo’s time under Frank at Brentford

During his seven-year stint in charge of Brentford, Frank managed to develop numerous top-level talents, including winger Bryan Mbeumo, who managed to take his career to the next level under his guidance.

The Cameroonian scored 70 times for the Bees in his 242 appearances for the club, with 20 of which came in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Such a year was the best of his professional career, leading to huge rumours about his future during the recent summer transfer window – with the Lilywhites touted as a potential destination.

However, he decided to join Manchester United instead this summer, linking up with Ruben Amorim in a staggering £71m deal – already opening his account for the Red Devils in the recent clash with Burnley.

Frank will undoubtedly have wished that he could’ve secured a reunion with the 26-year-old this summer, but he also could’ve had his next version of the forward had the club kept hold of one talent.

The former Spurs player who could’ve been Frank’s next Mbeumo

Numerous players have caught the eye at Spurs over recent years, with many often cutting inside off either flank and striking dangerous efforts at goal.

Gareth Bale was arguably the best at doing so during his time in North London, often beating the opposition before finding the top corner with his left foot.

Such a skillset led to him scoring 71 times across his two spells as a first-team star – something which led to him leaving for Real Madrid in a £85m deal back in 2013.

However, another player who possessed a singular skill was winger Ivan Perišić, who joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving on a free transfer under Antonio Conte after his release from Inter Milan at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Croatian made 44 appearances during his first season at the club, notching one goal and 12 assists, but he would be unable to make such an impact during his second season in North London.

He would tear his ACL in the early stages of 2023/24, featuring in just six matches, before moving to Hajduk Split on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024.

Despite his lack of first-team action in North London, he did show glimpses of being able to create danger by cutting off the flank – able to find a teammate or even the back of the net.

The Croatian, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, may now be 36, but he’s continued to thrive in Europe, helping PSV Eindhoven win the Eredivisie last season – notching 16 goals and 10 assists – a tally higher than that of Mbeumo.

His two-footed ability has made him such a threat in the Dutch top-flight, potentially showcasing to the Lilywhites the mistake they made in allowing him to depart.

Most G&A’s at PSV in the Eredivisie (2024/25)

Player

Tally

Luuk de Jong

22

Ismael Saibari

22

Guus Til

21

Noa Lang

21

Ivan Perišić

17

Malik Tillman

14

Ricardo Pepi

13

Johan Bakayako

10

Stats via FotMob

Perisic has had a superb career at the very top level, with credit needing to be directed his way, especially after recovering from his serious injury and producing some incredible goal contributions.

His unpredictable nature in forward areas is extremely similar to that of Mbeumo, which has seen Frank’s side miss out on possessing either of the talents due to their failures in the market.

Related Spurs struck gold signing "phenomenal" star who's worth more than Simons

Tottenham Hotspur have already conducted excellent business with the addition of one player.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 2, 2025

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton are expected to make big progress in their efforts to sign a priority target in the “next 24 hours”.

Grealish delighted after impressive Everton debut

The Blues made a perfect start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon, beating Brighton 2-0, thanks to goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner.

It was debutant Jack Grealish who caught the eye the most, however, with the Englishman assisting both goals and speaking of his happiness after the game.

“It was massive, our first game at the new stadium and we wanted to put on a show for the supporters. I think we certainly did that. I always say playing against Brighton is one of the toughest games with the way they play, so we’re very happy to get the win. It was great.

“I absolutely loved my time at Man City – I had a great four years there and won a lot of things, but this summer I felt like it was time for a change and, as I’ve said before, as soon as I spoke to the manager, David Moyes, on FaceTime, I knew this was the place I wanted to come. There were a lot of reasons why I wanted to come here – and today shows why.”

It was a huge win for Everton, especially after the defeat at Leeds United to begin their 2025/26 season, and it’s now a case of them completing more transfer business before the window closes next Monday, with David Moyes proving he can get the best out of limited squad depth during his tenure so far.

Everton closing in on "world-class talent"

According to Romano on X, Everton are on the verge of signing Tyler Dibling after a breakthrough in the deal, with a medical expected to take place imminently.

Dibling has the potential to be such an exciting signing for Everton, during a summer in which much-needed creativity has been added to the squad, from Grealish to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

England Under-21s

2

0

England Under-19s

6

1

England Under-18s

5

0

England Under-17s

15

3

England Under-16s

1

1

The 19-year-old Saints ace is a player with so much ability, invariably taking a right-sided role and cutting onto his left foot, with Southampton’s academy manager Andy Goldie heaping praise on him.

While Grealish is another exciting addition, he turns 30 next month and doesn’t represent the long-term future, whereas Dibling falls into that bracket perfectly.

The teenage attacker can mature into a wonderful player over time, should Moyes get the best out of him, and it looks like a case of when the deal is announced now, rather than if.

R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, is set to receive a special award

PTI31-Jan-2025Sachin Tendulkar is set to receive the Colonel CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI’s annual awards ceremony on February 1. Jasprit Bumrah has been chosen for the Polly Umrigar Award for the best international cricketer for 2023-24 in the men’s category while Smriti Mandhana has been picked for the corresponding women’s trophy.Tendulkar will be the 31st recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was instituted in 1994 in honour of India’s first captain CK Nayudu. Tendulkar retired from international cricket having played for more than two decades after debuting as a 16-year-old in a 1989 Test against Pakistan. His 200 Test and 463 ODI appearances are the highest by any player in history, as are his runs tally in both formats: 15,921 in Tests and 18,426 in ODIs. He also played one T20I, India’s first ever, against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006.Bumrah, who was also named the ICC Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, was India’s standout bowler in the assessment period, playing a pivotal role in India lifting the T20 World Cup in June. He picked up 15 wickets in eight games at an economy of 4.17 and was named the Player of the Tournament. Apart from that, he was also instrumental in India’s Test series win against England at home.Mandhana, who was named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, was India’s best woman batter across formats. Apart from scoring 149 against South Africa in the one-off Test in Chennai, she notched up 117, 136 and 90 in successive ODIs against the same opponents.Ashwin set to receive special awardR Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, will be given a special award. Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and played a defining role in India’s 12-year domination in the longest format at home wherein they won 18 series on the trot.Sarfaraz Khan was picked for the Best International Debut Award among men for his quick-fire fifty against England in the Rajkot Test in February 2024.Among women, Asha Sobhana has been chosen for the award for Best International Debut for her 4 for 21 against South Africa to help India win by 143 runs in the first ODI at Bengaluru in June 2024. Offspinner Deepti Sharma will be awarded for finishing as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs in the awards period.Mumbai allrounder Tanush Kotian, meanwhile, will be awarded for the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Trophy. He scored 502 runs and took 29 wickets in ten games to help Mumbai win Ranji Trophy 2023-24.

Sunderland have finally concluded a deal for Granit Xhaka, but they are far from done this summer with notable additions.

Up next, it looks as if Robin Roefs will join the building from NEC Nijmegen as the Black Cats’ brand new goalkeeper for the Premier League, having kept a promising ten clean sheets in Eredivisie action last season.

From that point on, it’s anybody’s guess as to who will be following the Dutchman in through the door, as the rumour mill continues to be active on Wearside.

Sunderland agree deal to sign new striker

Regis Le Bris and Co could well be diving straight back into the options at their disposal at Bayer Leverkusen, with Amine Adli a name that keeps popping up from the German giants.

Reports suggest that the Black Cats, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all locked into a race to try and snap up the Moroccan winger, who is valued around the £26m price range.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, it was reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie that Sunderland had opened talks to snap up Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu on a loan deal, having approached the 19-year-old who has previously been linked with Leeds United.

Fabrizio Romano has since followed that up by revealing that a deal has been agreed for the youngster, with Guiu set to join on a temporary move, with no option to buy for the Black Cats.

The Spanish teenager is yet to get up and running in the Premier League with the Blues, but it’s clear that he is seen as a gem for the future, with Danny Welbeck once viewed in the same light when he arrived to the Stadium of Light in 2010, only then to get his top-flight career off the ground on Wearside.

Why Guiu could be Sunderland's new Welbeck

Heading into his formative stint with the Black Cats, Welbeck only had three senior strikes to shout about, having been previously loaned out to Preston North End in the Championship away from parent side Manchester United.

Guiu can boast double that amount for Enzo Maresca’s men already, but it’s clear that he needs more consistent minutes in the top-flight, away from wreaking havoc in the much-maligned Conference League.

Sunderland could now be willing to give him that opportunity, much like when they extended their hand out to a far more raw Welbeck 15 years ago.

The now well-established 34-year-old would first make a name for himself donning Sunderland red and white, with the ex-Black Cats number 17 even getting in on the goalscoring act during his solitary season with the club, when downing Chelsea 3-0 in a surprise away win.

In total, Welbeck would bag a promising six strikes from 26 games before then going on to become a first-teamer at Old Trafford, with the Premier League veteran now up to 77 goals in the testing division when featuring for the likes of Arsenal, Watford, and Brighton and Hove Albion, away from the Red Devils and the Stadium of Light.

Welbeck’s heroics for Sunderland would help them to secure a comfortable tenth-place finish in the final top-flight standings, with Guiu hopeful he can be that same spark that makes survival a breeze, having already made quite an impression on the Stamford Bridge masses from limited starts.

Indeed, despite making just four starts overall for Maresca’s side, the ex-Barcelona youth product has a blistering six strikes next to his name, leading to Guiu being dubbed a “nightmare” to come up against by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Further showing off his ice-cold finishing ability on the international stage with Spain when powering home 11 goals for the U17s and U19s, on top of even having two senior Barca strikes next to his name, it’s no shock that one of his former youth coaches, Jose Lana, has stated that Guiu can “score goals from nowhere.”

It might be a tall order for Guiu to instantly break into the first-team fold, however.

But when he is unleashed into the action, the 19-year-old will surely be eager to make an impact, knowing full well that an electric loan stint on Wearside could finally kickstart his Premier League journey in style.

Bigger talent than Adingra: Sunderland race to sign "outstanding" £26m star

Sunderland could be about to win themselves a bigger talent than Simon Adingra by signing this £26m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 31, 2025

Earlier, O’Rourke completed his five-for as Sri Lanka folded for 305 in their first innings

Madushka Balasuriya19-Sep-2024

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham added 73 for the second wicket•AFP/Getty Images

Partnerships were the name of the game as New Zealand strung together several of significance to come within 50 runs of Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 305 at stumps on day two in Galle.There were breezy fifties from Tom Latham and Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra also put forward an aggressive cameo. By the time an extended final session ended 15 minutes early due to bad light, there were more names on that list, as Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell had put together an unbeaten stand of 59 off 105. Theirs was the fourth 50-plus stand of the innings on a day that belonged almost in totality to the visitors.All this happened despite a rain-curtailed morning session during which only 15 minutes of play were possible. But that was all it took for New Zealand to pick up the remaining three Sri Lanka wickets.Related

Latham's sweeping success shows NZ will not get bogged down on turning tracks

Sri Lanka’s best moments of the day were just that – moments – as their bowlers struggled to put together any periods of concerted pressure. Despite the surface offering turn, none of the four spinners used by the hosts were able to find consistent lines and lengths – either due to the strong breeze across the stadium or the New Zealand batters’ proactiveness in using their feet as well as a variety of sweeps.The hosts were also unable to build on any of the wickets to fall, with each new batter settling in quickly. Only a burst from Dhananjaya de Silva, when he dismissed Williamson and Ravindra in the space of two overs, offered a glimmer of Sri Lankan dominance, but that hope was snuffed out quickly by Mitchell and Blundell.Kusal Mendis took an excellent catch to send back Kane Williamson•Associated Press

The rest of the spinners’ figures told a story. Prabath Jayasuriya toiled for 31 overs for figures of 99 for 1, easily his worst in Galle thus far, while Ramesh Mendis’ 17 overs went for 69 and brought a solitary scalp. Kamindu Mendis was used only for one over that went for eight.Earlier in the day, it was Latham and Williamson who proved to be Sri Lanka’s tormentors. Latham, in particular, provided the blueprint during his 111-ball 70, both with his footwork and, more potently, prolific use of the sweep and reverse sweep.While Devon Conway never really looked anywhere close to his flowing best, labouring his way to 17 off 59 deliveries, Latham was more than making up for it at the other end. This ensured a solid opening stand of 63, one brought to an end against the run of play – and upon review – with Conway missing one from Ramesh Mendis that straightened after pitching.Instead of bringing Sri Lanka back into proceedings, the wicket only hastened New Zealand’s advancement as Williamson easily matched Latham’s urgency. Within his first 14 deliveries, the former captain had cut, pulled and lofted two boundaries and a six, and while that rate of scoring was never going to be maintained, the Sri Lanka spinners’ wayward lines allied with expert manoeuvring from both Williamson and Latham meant dot balls were rarely strung together.Daryl Mitchell attempts a reverse sweep, a shot New Zealand’s batters used quite often against spin•Associated Press

That Sri Lanka eventually broke the 73-run stand, which took only 120 balls, was down to the batter’s error more than the bowlers’ effectiveness, as Latham’s most potent weapon – the sweep – became his undoing, when he top-edged to backward square leg off Jayasuriya at the stroke of tea.There was no respite for Sri Lanka in the final session either, as Ravindra managed to further up the ante over the course of a 48-ball 39. His expert use of the depth of the crease also meant any error in length was punished square of the wicket on either side.The Williamson-Ravindra stand of 51 took just 84 deliveries, and were it not for a piece of brilliance from wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis – leaping forward past the stumps to hold on to a leading edge of Williamson – it was hard to see where a breakthrough might have come from. Ravindra himself fell shortly after, leaving an arm ball that clattered into his off stump and punching his bat in disgust on the way back to the dressing room. But Sri Lanka’s joy was short-lived as Mitchell and Blundell negotiated safely whatever was thrown at them, including a period of short-ball barrages from Asitha Fernando.During the heavily rain-affected morning session, William O’Rourke starred once more, adding two further wickets to his overnight tally, to end with figures of 5 for 55 as Sri Lanka were bowled out adding just three runs to their overnight total.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League next season and riding high off their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month, with new head coach Thomas Frank now preparing to build upon their fantastic end to 2024/2025.

The Dane is tasked with picking up where Ange Postecoglou left off, and he stands to inherit an awkward dressing room atmosphere considering just how popular his predecessor was with the Spurs squad.

Tottenham eyeing experienced £9m club captain after public exit admission

Daniel Levy has been made aware of a potential bargain.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2025

James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were among the players who spoke out in support of Postecoglou, but that wasn’t enough to convince chairman Daniel Levy not to part ways with the 59-year-old who ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

The Lilywhites cited their torrid domestic form as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dismissal, and it is hard to argue with a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats which handed them a lowly 17th-placed finish in the table.

Frank must now win over the members of his new team in quick fashion, and it is very likely that the former Brentford favourite will bring in new players of his own.

Right now, Spurs are being repeatedly linked with a vast array of wingers, including the likes of West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

However, while the signing of another wide forward could be imperative, especially given Son Heung-min’s potential exit to Saudi Arabia, it is also believed that the north Londoners are keen to strengthen at centre-half again.

Tottenham were seriously hamstrung by repeated injuries to their backline last term, with Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero all sidelined for extended periods, which even required teenage midfielder Gray to provide cover at one point.

The 19-year-old filled in excellently, and you’d think the arrival of Danso in January would negate the need for another body in that area. However, Romero could well leave Spurs for Atletico Madrid, so Frank would need a replacement for the Argentine.

Tottenham preparing bid for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni

As per CaughtOffside, towering Parma defender Giovanni Leoni is now on their radar as a possible new defensive addition.

The Italian has been called a “rising star” by sources within the industry, as quoted by this report, and the young 6-foot-5 colossus is a man in demand. Antonio Conte’s Serie A champions Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all expressing Serie A interest, while Bournemouth and Wolves are believed to be keen on tempting Leoni with a move to England.

Tottenham are even understood to be preparing a £21m bid for Leoni, but this won’t be enough as Parma demand closer to £30 million at least. The teenager was a regular in the top flight last season, and Parma are aware that they have a real talent on their hands, even if the right offer could put them under some pressure to sell.

Serie A has been a fruitful pool of talent for Levy in recent years, so this could be one to watch over the coming weeks, if Spurs decide to go in with a bigger bid.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans include the signing of another new winger, as chairman Daniel Levy looks to back Thomas Frank this summer with more fresh faces in preparation for their journey back to the Champions League.

Related Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Spurs, despite a torrid 2024/2025 domestically, where they lost a record-breaking 22 Premier League games, have suddenly found themselves among Europe’s most elite next term after their historic Europa League final triumph last month.

This has suddenly exacerbated the need for Levy and technical director Johan Lange to reinforce weaker areas of the squad.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham have already signed Mathys Tel in a £30 million permanent deal from Bayern Munich, whilst also sealing a £5 million agreement for Japanese sensation Kota Takai, but Frank may find himself in need of more wide attackers very soon.

Timo Werner’s return to parent club RB Leipzig, combined with Son Heung-min’s potential move to Saudi Arabia, could leave their new manager pretty short of quality wingers, even when taking into account Tel’s stay.

Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo are just some of the names to be linked with moves to N17 recently, with Frank also recommending Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen to the Spurs hierarchy.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also remains high on Tottenham’s radar, as per reports this week, but interest is also still firmly there when it comes to a possible swoop for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Tottenham plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks in the last week

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, the Ghanaian is a serious option, and West Ham would be prepared to sell their star winger for a fee north of £60 million.

Tottenham have apparently held talks with Kudus in the last week, and Frank’s side are now thinking about making a bid for the ex-Ajax star after these discussions. His release clause is actually around £80 million, but given West Ham’s need to sell, they’ve reduced his asking price by a significant amount as they look to raise funds and reshape Graham Potter’s squad.

Chelsea are noted as contenders for Kudus too, but they’re yet to go back in with a bid after seeing their proposal for a player-exchange rejected earlier in the window.

The 24-year-old didn’t exactly hit the heights of his debut campaign in east London during his second season, but he still ranked as one of the best dribblers in the Premier League per 90, according to WhoScored.

Kudus can be a truly devastating player on his day, as echoed by his teammate, Aaron Cresswell, in 2024.

“I’ve just trained with him and you don’t want to go anywhere near him,” Cresswell told the Iron Cast.

“I’m up against him all the time and I’m like: ‘Mo, go on over to the left!’. He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Will Regis Le Bris etch himself into the Sunderland history books at Wembley?

The Frenchman could well be the much-loved manager to finally catapult the Black Cats up to the Premier League after a long eight-season exodus, but Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United wait in their path, attempting to ruin a memorable day out to the English capital.

The Blades were even in the automatic promotion reckoning in the Championship before a late collapse, meaning Le Bris’ men will have to thwart many a dangerous United shirt if they want to return to the big time.

How Sunderland can stop Sheffield United at Wembley

if it hadn’t been for an extremely damaging late patch of losses, Wilder’s men could well have been in the hunt for a space inside the top two right up until the final day.

Instead, they’ve had to make do with a spot inside the nerve-wracking playoffs, but their 6-0 win against Bristol City over two legs to reach the final was done with an unbelievable swagger.

The Wearside giants will have to keep the likes of Callum O’Hare quiet who scored twice over the course of the two action-packed legs, alongside ensuring they’re aware of Harrison Burrows when he bursts forward from left-back after he picked up a goal and three assists himself.

Moreover, Le Bris will pray Wilson Isidor packs his shooting boots for the trip to Wembley, as Michael Cooper added two more clean sheets next to his name against the Robins to boost his already sturdy pile of 21 during the regular season.

That’s before you even mention the constant heroics of Gustavo Hamer, with the former Coventry City attacking midfielder picking up a hefty total of ten goals and seven assists from 47 games this campaign.

This scintillating form for the Blades has been recognised, considering Hamer was awarded the esteemed honour of Championship Player of the Season recently, but Sunderland do currently possess an equally bold midfielder who now has a higher transfer worth than the United number eight.

Sensational Sunderland star now worth more than Hamer

Wilder’s men are no doubt worried that failing to win promotion could see some of their top stars leave, with Sunderland also in the same anxiety-ridden boat.

Le Bris’ camp is overloaded with entertaining youngsters, as seen in 17-year-old Chris Rigg previously being on the shopping list of Manchester United, alongside Jobe Bellingham now attracting interest from the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt.

It will be a very tough ask on Sunderland’s end to keep Bellingham around past this season, therefore, with plenty more expected of the 19-year-old gem if he was to move onto more luxurious pastures after picking up four goals and three assists under Le Bris.

Bellingham could be the bright spark the Black Cats need to win a one-off tie at Wembley, but if they were to fall at the final hurdle, they should at least be able to sell on the 19-year-old on for a far higher amount than his original £3m price-tag.

Bellingham’s overall Sunderland numbers
Stat	Bellingham
Games played	89
Goals scored	11
Assists	4
Champ TOTS	1x
Champ YPOTS	1x
Value when joining	£3m
Value now	£22m
Sourced by Transfermarkt/Football Transfers

Now, according to Football Transfers, any suitor this summer attempting to land Bellingham will have to dish out a steep £22m. To add context, Hamer is worth a far lesser £13m according to the same source.

That’s the case despite Hamer’s glowing achievements to date in South Yorkshire

Indeed, the “sensational” Sunderland midfielder – as he’s been lauded in the past by journalist Josh Bunting – potentially possesses the ability to be a world-class performer in Germany if he does depart the Stadium of Light.

Before any big summer move occurs, however, Wembley will be the grand stage for the two attacking midfielders to battle it out, with only one being able to triumphantly head up to the Premier League.

He was saved by Ballard: Le Bris must axe 5/10 Sunderland star at Wembley

Sunderland sealed their dramatic place in the Championship playoff final courtesy of a last-gasp header from defender Daniel Ballard.

3

By
Kelan Sarson

May 14, 2025

Chelsea are leading the race for a £67m “monster”, and they are now pushing hard to get a deal over the line, according to reports.

Blues set sights on another striker after Delap

The Blues are looking to make improvements to their squad prior to the Club World Cup later this month, and they now appear to be closing in on an early deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the signing set to be announced imminently.

However, perhaps given that Delap is still relatively inexperienced, the Blues remain keen on bringing in another striker this summer, and they continue to battle it out for the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

RB Leipzig centre-forward Benamin Sesko is another name to have regularly been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed that Chelsea are leading the race for the Slovenian, alongside competition from Arsenal.

Leipzig are set to hold out for a fee of €80m (£67m) for Sesko, with the Blues among the frontrunners, having identified the 22-year-old as the perfect fit for BlueCo’s long-term project, given his eye for goal and raw power.

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An exciting forward has now set his sights on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer…

1 ByDominic Lund Jun 1, 2025

The Gunners could provide competition for the striker’s signature, however, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a fan, and sporting director Andrea Berta has already held direct talks with the German club over a potential deal.

"Monster" Sesko could be fantastic signing for Chelsea

The deal for Delap may well be edging closer to completion, but it would not be a bad idea to bring in another top striker this summer, and the Blues are now believed to be pushing hard to get a deal for the Leipzig star over the line.

With Enzo Maresca’s side set to return to the Champions League next season, the manager could do with greater strength in depth, and the Slovenia international is held in high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who described him as a “monster”.

The 6-foot-5 forward also maintained a solid record in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign, regularly finding the back of the net in all the competitions he featured in for Leipzig.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

33

13

5

Champions League

8

4

0

DFB-Pokal

4

4

1

As such, Sesko could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, as they look to build on the 2024-25 campaign and start competing for major trophies once again.