Wilfried Zaha’s first-half penalty was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Crystal Palace against ten-man Watford, which ultimately saw the Hornets relegated from the Premier League this afternoon.
Patrick Vieira’s men dominated the match, finishing with 68% possession whilst also having 15 shots on goal, and seven on target, compared to Watford’s six (one on target).
The victory also saw Palace climb into the top half of the table, although Aston Villa are just one point behind with a game in hand.
Although it wasn’t the prettiest of victories, it was another three points on the board nonetheless for the Eagles. However, another below-par display from Conor Gallagher will certainly be alarming.
Gallagher was poor for Palace again
The Chelsea loanee’s future still hangs in the balance, with it unclear as to whether or not the 22-year-old will return to south London next season, whether that be on another loan or permanently.
However, the midfielder was perhaps Palace’s worst player against Watford with a 6.6/10 match rating from Sofascore, the lowest out of any of his fellow starters.
Moreover, the Englishman lost 63% of his duels whilst also completing just 15 passes. With just 33 touches during his 63-minute spell on the pitch, Gallagher also lost the ball on 14 occasions, amounting to an average of losing possession once every 2.4 touches.
The only positive contribution was a 100% long ball accuracy, although just one was attempted.
This isn’t the first time the midfielder has been off-colour lately, with the 22-year-old averaging a Sofascore match rating of just 6.52 in his last five outings for Vieira’s side, with two of those being 6.3 and 6.2 respectively.
On the whole, Gallagher’s loan from Chelsea has been a major success, with the Englishman scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
However, Palace fans may be concerned that a recent dip in form could suggest a lack of interest in proceedings at Selhurst Park, with the midfielder perhaps assuming that he will be part of Chelsea’s plans next term.
Regardless, it was another afternoon where Vieira was let down by the 22-year-old.
AND in other news: Vieira may finally axe “inevitable” 142-goal Palace dynamo as twist emerges
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has been dealt a major injury blow as pre-Leicester City team news emerges.
The Lowdown: Spurs men absent…
The Lilywhites have had to contend without a fair few players recently as Conte aims to guide his side to a top Premier League four place and qualification for the Champions League.
Spurs sensation Oliver Skipp, most recently ruled out for the rest of 2021/2022, joins the likes of youngster Japhet Tanganga and Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty on the sidelines (Transfermarkt).
Having to improvise without those defensive options, it appears Conte will be without yet another player from his backline as news emerges on Sergio Reguilon.
The Latest: Conte without Reguilon…
As confirmed, the Spaniard will miss today’s clash against Leicester with a groin injury.
His absence leaves Conte with Emerson Royal and Ryan Sessegnon as the most likely starts at wing-back, while the Italian could also turn to January signing Dejan Kulusevski in a makeshift role.
The Verdict: Hammer blow…
Being without yet another option comes as a hammer blow for Spurs given their crucial chase for a coveted European qualification spot.
The riches that come with Champions League participation could help to back Conte in the summer transfer market and ultimately convince him to stay in north London amid his links to Paris-Saint Germain.
Tottenham making a top-four place is absolutely vital ahead of next year and being without Reguilon, who has been called a ‘quality’ player by ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, will not be the best start to May.
In other news: Spurs ready to make major bid for ‘world-beater’ who told friends he was keen to join! Find out more here.
An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares…
What’s the talk?
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Magpies are one of the clubs plotting a deal to snap up the Portuguese defender this summer.
The report claims that Porto are also in the running to land his signature and have submitted a bid of €5m (£4.2m) as they look to tempt the Gunners into cashing in on the 30-year-old.
A move to St James’ Park has not been completely ruled out but the player is said to prefer a stay at the Emirates Stadium over a transfer away from the north London club.
He’d be brilliant for Eddie Howe
The Telegraph’s Sam Dean dubbed Cedric’s crossing “brilliant” earlier this season, and that perfectly describes what he would be for the Magpies next season as he is an experienced and versatile gem of a player.
Cedric has been playing in England since 2015, for Southampton and Arsenal, and he knows what it takes to perform at this level. He has racked up 151 Premier League appearances to date, scoring twice and setting up 12 top-flight goals from full-back.
In that time, he has played in a number of positions – left-back, right-back, right midfield and left midfield. This shows that he is capable of adapting to a multitude of roles for Howe in the Newcastle team, which would make him a valuable asset to have when dealing with injuries and suspensions throughout a campaign.
The 30-year-old has been a solid option for Mikel Arteta to call upon this term. Last month, Alan Hutton heaped praise on the defender’s role with the Gunners as he said: “[Cedric Soares] has done really well, but he’s gone under the radar because of Tomiyasu.
“When you are going for the European spots and trying to challenge, you need competition for places. He knows the style of play, he knows what Arteta wants. He’s a good deputy for Tomiyasu.”
In the Premier League this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.79 across 16 appearances. This shows that he has been dependable for Arsenal, as he has put in respectable displays when he has been needed at either left-back or right-back, and this is why he would be brilliant for Howe.
Matt Targett is out? Cedric comes in. Kieran Trippier is out? Cedric comes in. It would be a superb deal for Newcastle if they can get a player of his quality, versatility and experience for a meagre fee of £4.2m, so PIF must ensure that they can convince the Gunners to part ways with the defender.
AND in other news, “I’m told”: Insider reveals deal NUFC are set to complete, supporters will be buzzing…
Southampton and Sport Republic have seemingly made their permanent St Mary’s manager decision during the international break.
Southampton's manager targets
The Saints are yet to announce Will Still’s full-time successor after parting ways with the 33-year-old following the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End earlier this month.
A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, including former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, Stoke City’s Mark Robins and even Frank Lampard at league leaders Coventry City. There have also been suggestions that former West Brom and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray could be an option on a short-term basis.
Tonda Eckert has been in caretaker charge of the Saints following Still’s exit, recording back-to-back Championship victories against QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to steer Southampton clear of the relegation zone.
He was quizzed on taking the role on a permanent basis prior to the win over the Owls, to which Eckert said:
Eckert is still in his role as interim manager during the international break, and by the looks of things, it could get even better for the 32-year-old.
Southampton on course to appoint Eckert as full-time manager
According to talkSPORT, ‘Eckert is going to be given the job full-time’ at St Mary’s after impressing in his two games in charge.
The Saints are seriously considering their caretaker and appear to have made the decision, should this claim prove accurate.
1.FC Koln U17
Assistant manager
2013-2016
RB Salzburg YL
Assistant manager
2016-2017
RB Leipzig YL
Assistant manager
2017-2019
FC Bayern U17
Assistant manager
2019-2020
Barnsley
Assistant manager
2020-2022
Genoa
Assistant manager
2022-2025
Eckert has already impressed supporters with back-to-back victories, and he has also come in for praise from Saints star Finn Azaz, who called him “top level”.
“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.
“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”
Southampton can land Still upgrade by hiring manager who's won 13 trophies
Manchester United are preparing to send scouts to watch an “incredible” player ahead of a potential move for him in the January transfer window.
Man Utd eyeing January signings
The Red Devils had a productive summer overall, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all big-money signings who should add a huge amount of quality to the attack.
That said, United’s squad is still far from perfect, following a hit-and-miss start to the new Premier League season, they also exited the EFL Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town, so further new faces could be looked at when January arrives.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
Atlético Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher was linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer window, and he is still reportedly a target for the Red Devils midway through the season, with a loan-to-buy option mooted.
Meanwhile, highly-rated young Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has also been mentioned as a transfer option for United in the coming months, with added quality and depth badly needed in the middle of the park.
1
Paul Pogba
£89m
Juventus
2016
2
Antony
£81.3m
Ajax
2022
3
Harry Maguire
£80m
Leicester City
2019
4
Romelu Lukaku
£75m
Everton
2017
5
Jadon Sancho
£73m
Borussia Dortmund
2021
6
Bryan Mbeumo
£71m
Brentford
2025
7
Benjamin Sesko
£66.4m
RB Leipzig
2025
8
Rasmus Hojlund
£64m
Atalanta
2022
9
Matheus Cunha
£62.5m
Wolves
2025
=10
Angel Di Maria
£60m
Real Madrid
2014
=10
Casemiro
£60m
Real Madrid
2022
12
Bruno Fernandes
£56m
Sporting CP
2020
13
Mason Mount
£55m
Chelsea
2023
=14
Anthony Martial
£52m
AS Monaco
2015
=14
Leny Yoro
£52m
Lille
2024
16
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
£50m
Crystal Palace
2019
17
Lisandro Martinez
£48.3m
Ajax
2022
18
Fred
£47m
Shakhtar Donetsk
2018
19
Andre Onana
£43.5m
Inter Milan
2023
20
Manuel Ugarte
£42m
PSG
2024
Man Utd sending scouts to watch "incredible" ace
Now, according to Give Me Sport, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Sporting CP centre-back Zeno Debast in January, with Ruben Amorim knowing him well from their time together.
In fact, the Red Devils are even preparing to send scouts to watch him in action, as they look to bring in the 21-year-old as an important long-term member of their defence.
Debast is a player with so much potential, and with United not wholly convincing at the back, he could provide great competition for places.
The 21-cap Belgium international is already a key man for club and country, despite his tender years, and scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as “incredible” in the past.
The fact that Amorim knows the £70m-rated Debast so well as a player can only be a good thing, and he could be viewed as the defensive partner for the likes of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign an “exceptional” defender, who was at the City Ground yesterday to finalise the move, it has been revealed.
Forest looking to strengthen squad amid Nuno "concern"
Nuno Espirito Santo has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to bring more new signings through the door before the upcoming transfer deadline, recently saying: “There are things that I myself cannot control. What I said is, and I had a long thought about it, is my concern for the squad,”
“These boys last season achieved something fantastic. If we as a club don’t help them in terms of numbers, in terms of quality and talent, everything will go.”
The need for more fresh faces was underlined yesterday, with Forest suffering a shock 3-0 defeat at home against West Ham United, which is unlikely to have done the manager any favours heading into clear-the-air talks with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis watches on.
There is also well-known to be a rift between Nuno and Edu, with the two falling out over which players to bring to the City Ground this summer, but there is now one deal thought to be edging towards completion.
According to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke on X, Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal to sign Linfield and Northern Ireland U21 defender Matthew Orr, who was at the City Ground to watch the clash against West Ham on Sunday and finalise the move.
At just 18-years-old, the youngster is likely to be one for the future, but he has already started to catch the eye for Linfield at senior level.
Nottingham Forest submit huge £50m+ package to sign "complete" PSG star
They’re eyeing one last blockbuster move…
ByTom Cunningham Aug 31, 2025 "Exceptional" Orr could become "top player"
Linfield midfielder and coach Chris Shields has been left very impressed by the Forest-bound defender in the past, saying: “I remember Matty training – he was a sleight kid then, so I had to do a double take when he came into senior training. I was questioning if it was the same person because he had filled out over a couple of years.
“He’s met everything head on and his skill level at one-on-one defending is one of the best I’ve seen. He’s exceptional.”
Shields is not the only person who has singled the Linfield starlet out for praise either, with manager David Healy saying: “Matthew is a great young talent with a lot of potential to develop into a top player. He has taken his opportunities and his dedication and hard work have paid off.”
Despite still being a teenager, Orr, who shares the same CAA Base agency as Chris Wood, has already established himself as a first-team regular for Linfield, making 37 first-team appearances, so he is clearly a top prospect, who could be capable of pushing for a starting spot at Forest within a couple of years’ time.
Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.
Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.
He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.
He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.
However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.
Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.
However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.
It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.
His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.
However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.
As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.
Xavi Simons celebrates
He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.
Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.
Games played
25
34
Goals scored
10
8
Progressive carries
3.6
2.4
Progressive passes
5.9
3.3
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
27%
Pass accuracy
79%
74%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.7
Carries into final third
3
1.6
The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.
Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.
It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.
There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.
A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.
Chelsea look certain to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, especially if Enzo Maresca can guide them to the Champions League next season.
While the squad is filled with quality in several areas, a lack of depth, plus a shortage of a truly world-class centre-forward has impacted the Blues at times this term.
The Stamford Bridge side have scored 63 times in the Premier League this term, a tally bettered by the likes of Brentford (ninth) and equalled by Tottenham Hotspur (17th) throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
As such, adding goals to his side will be Maresca’s main priority once the summer transfer window opens in just a couple of weeks.
Chelsea have been linked with their fair share of targets, no doubt about that, but how much will the manager be willing to spend to bolster his first-team squad?
Chelsea’s search for a new striker
One name that is on the list is Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. Following his club’s relegation from the top flight back into the Championship, his release clause drops down to £30m, which makes him an attractive prospect.
Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen, but is the talented Englishman a player who could spearhead a potential title challenge? That much remains to be seen.
Another target, and one with a higher ceiling than Delap, is Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea have been routinely linked with a move for the RB Leipzig frontman following his exploits on the continent.
Sesko
Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen remains a target, although he could be an expensive signing should he make the move to London in the summer.
Finally, Alexander Isak is a player who has also been mentioned with regard to a move to the capital. The Newcastle striker is arguably one of the finest players in the top flight, and signing him would signal a major statement of intent.
Isak is approaching the peak years of his career. But if the Blues wish to sign a striker who is just like the Swede, but a few years younger, then they could turn to the Bundesliga.
Chelsea eyeing move for Bundesliga striker
It appears as though Maresca will stop at nothing in order to bring in someone who has a track record for scoring goals.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to French news outlet RMC Sport, it is claimed that several clubs have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike with regard to a potential move.
Chelsea are certainly in the hunt, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the transfer window.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Due to his strong performances that have led Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga, thus securing Champions League qualification, Ekitike is now valued at €100m (£85m), which represents a massive change of fortunes from just 18 months ago.
Back then, he was struggling to make inroads at PSG. Now he is one of the most desirable forwards in Europe.
He has proven his worth in a top-five league. Would a move to Chelsea help him continue his development?
Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike this summer
Nicolas Jackson has endured a campaign to forget, scoring just 12 goals all season. Marc Guiu is the only other senior centre-forward in the first-team squad and while he netted six goals and showed a lot of promise prior to injury, he isn’t at the level to lead the club’s attack consistently.
Making a move for Ekitike, therefore, is of the utmost importance to Maresca over the next few weeks, that’s for sure.
Analyst Ben Mattinson delivered some high praise on the Frenchman in March this year, saying: “A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode.”
You might say he has already exploded. Throughout the 2024/25 season, Ekitike has scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt.
He ranked sixth in the top flight for goals and assists (23) for the club, while also ranking third for shots per game (3.5) and fifth for big chances missed (16). This last stat is something that will get better with age, as his abilities in the penalty area should improve over the coming years.
Given how well he has performed in the Bundesliga, especially compared to players such as Harry Kane, Ekitike is finally looking like he will fulfil his potential.
The sky is certainly the limit. If he made the move to London, Ekitike could become Maresca’s own version of Isak, especially considering the pair of strikers share similar sorts of qualities.
Why Ekitike could be a younger version of Alexander Isak
According to WhoScored, both Isak and Ekitike like to dribble, while they can count key passes and dribbling as their main strengths. As per FBref, the Newcastle centre-forward is the fifth-most comparable player to the French sensation, across Europe’s top five leagues.
The pair have also registered similar statistics across a range of attacking metrics domestically this season, including goals and assists (23 vs 29), shots on target per 90 (1.55 vs 1.32), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.55 vs 3.07), touches in the opposition penalty area (196 vs 186) and successful take-ons (52 vs 42) for their respective teams.
Metric
Isak
Ekitike
Goals
23
15
Assists
6
8
Shots per game
2.9
3.5
Big chances missed
18
16
Goal conversion percentage
24%
13%
Key passes per game
1.6
1.3
It is evident that the two are extremely similar not only in their playing style but also in their attacking output in 2024/25.
Like Isak, the Frankfurt striker has an insatiable eye for scoring at every possible opportunity. That’s not to say he is selfish, however, as the youngster can also create opportunities for his teammates with ease, evidenced by his 12 assists across the whole season.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
He might cost the club around £85m, but as someone who has the potential to get better and better as time goes on, it may turn out to be a wise investment.
Of course, securing a place in the Champions League is imperative. If so, one of the continent’s most in-demand strikers could be on their way to London.
Chelsea already have a bigger talent than Enzo Fernandez in £18m "monster"
Reports have suggested that Chelsea might lose Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer
Liverpool have “made contact” with a rival Premier League attacker over a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool in need of Nunez and Jota upgrade
The Reds are expected to have one of their busiest summers in years, with upgrades needed in various positions, despite their Premier League title win.
In attack, a new centre forward is badly needed, with neither Darwin Nunez nor Diogo Jota representing the solution in that area now. The former simply hasn’t kicked on enough in three seasons, while the latter is an injury-prone player who cannot seem to stay fit for a whole season.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Liverpool various times, and could stand out as the most exciting No.9 option this summer, especially considering Newcastle United look highly unlikely to allow Alexander Isak to leave.
Brighton attacker Joao Pedro has also been mentioned as an option for the Merseyside, as has Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, who could potentially be used in a false nine role, even though it isn’t his most common position. Now, a big claim regarding the Reds signing another attacking player has emerged.
Liverpool make contact with Premier League attacker
According to Foot Mercato‘s Santi Aouna on X, Liverpool have made contact with Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku over a summer move to Anfield.
There would have to be question marks about Liverpool signing the £195,000-a-week Nkunku, considering he hasn’t exactly been a roaring success in a Chelsea shirt since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, only making nine starts in the Premier League this season.
Signing the 27-year-old would feel like a gamble by the Reds – one they don’t need to take – even though Thierry Henry has admitted he loves watching him play, and he has been lauded by former Chelsea and England centre-back Gary Cahill, who hailed him as a “very strong” player.
If Richard Hughes and Arne Slot truly feel that Nkunku is the best option to bring in this summer, they need to be trusted, but given his injury record and form at Chelsea, it would be a surprise if that was the case.
A better signing than Wirtz: Liverpool ramp up move for "the next Mbappe"
Liverpool’s primary goal this summer remains signing a new centre-forward.
ByAngus Sinclair May 16, 2025
Liverpool would be far wiser to look to sign Ekitike, who is five years his junior and seemingly on an upwards trajectory, following a great season for Frankfurt that has seen him score 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga starts.
Former Tottenham Hotspur managing director, Fabio Paratici, has reportedly pushed one manager to chairman Daniel Levy, and the tactician in question has now officially left his club.
Ange Postecoglou still expected to leave Tottenham this summer
Spurs are gearing up for their most important clash of the 2024/2025 season on Wednesday, with Ange Postecoglou’s side taking on fellow Premier League underachievers Man United in a blockbuster Europa League with everything on the line.
Tottenham in transfer talks with "superstar" who's confirmed he's leaving
Spurs sense a serious opportunity to strengthen their squad.
1 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025
The victor will seal a place in next season’s Champions League draw, and for the north Londoners, it also represents an unmissable chance to clinch their first piece of major silverware in nearly two decades.
Son Heung-min
7.00
Pedro Porro
6.98
James Maddison
6.98
Dominic Solanke
6.85
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
After a torrid domestic campaign of record-breaking lows, where Tottenham have even lost their highest number of Premier League games in a single season, and currently sit a lowly 17th in the table, Europa League glory could hand supporters something to smile about at long last.
Postecoglou could even save some face and make good on his early-season statement that he ‘always’ wins trophies during his second season in charge.
However, regardless of what happens in the Bilbao final, the consensus is that Postecoglou is likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season.
Tottenham have been linked with a host of managers to replace the 59-year-old ahead of 2025/2026, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all mentioned by reports as potential successors to Postecoglou within the last month.
Ex-Sky presenter Richard Keys also recently claimed that Tottenham held talks with former Barcelona boss Xavi, so there appears to be a number of options under consideration by Levy.
There is another readily-available option following a significant development this week – ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.
The highly-rated young tactician, who guided Ajax back to the Champions League, also suffered heartbreak at the end of the Eredivisie season – having blown a seismic nine-point lead to surrender the Dutch title to PSV Eindhoven.
Francesco Farioli exit confirmed after Fabio Paratici tells Tottenham to hire him
Reports in the English media recently claimed that Paratici recommended Farioli to Levy and Tottenham, with the club now handed a chance to appoint the 36-year-old.
In an official statement published on Monday, it has been confirmed that Farioli has decided to leave Ajax. The Italian informed officials of his desire to leave, just one year after taking charge, and Spurs have the chance to move for him without having to negotiate with Ajax.
Farioli is very popular within Premier League circles, and some media sources even suggest that he’s shot to the top of their managerial shortlist. Dutch media have also branded Farioli as an “amazing” tactician, and the general Ajax reaction to his exit has been one of disappointment.
“I find this incredibly disappointing. Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us,” said Ajax director Alex Kroes.
“It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful. This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”