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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank and CEO Vinai Venkatesham are in agreement over Spurs’ latest new deal, with another player penning a new contract with the club.

Tottenham sealing contract extensions for key players and prospects

This week, highly-rated young attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett became the latest player to commit his future to Spurs, signing his first professional contract with the club soon after making his senior debut against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

The teenager has been a standout in Spurs’ youth set up over the last 12 months, specifically for their Under-18s, and even won the Under-18 Premier League Goal of the Season award for an outstanding strike against Leicester City.

Williams-Barnett joins Tynan Thompson, Dante Cassanova, George Abbott, Yusuf Akhamrich and Callum Olusesi on the list of exciting Lilywhites prospects to pen extensions this year, while senior players are also being rewarded.

Indeed, Mikey Moore, Djed Spence and Cristian Romero agreed fresh terms to remain at Spurs in the last few months, with the latter’s deal proving to be a major boost for Frank after he was repeatedly linked to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Reports suggest that Tottenham are prepared to double Micky van de Ven’s wages in a bid to agree an extension for Romero’s centre-back partner too, amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid and even Chelsea.

Micky van de Ven’s best games for Tottenham in the Premier League so far this season

Match Rating

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

8.08/10

Tottenham 3-0 Burnley

7.44/10

Man City 0-2 Tottenham

6.76/10

Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

6.72/10

Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth

6.58/10

via WhoScored

The Dutchman’s deal expires in 2029 as things stand, so there is no great rush there with Spurs still in a very strong position, but the same couldn’t be said for mainstay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

The former Juventus star has impressed alongside summer signing Joao Palhinha in the middle of the park, and those within the club believe they’ve formed a stellar partnership since Frank’s arrival at N17 (Ben Jacobs).

Bentancur has started four out of Tottenham’s first six Premier League games this season, not to mention every cup game.

As such, Tottenham have been in talks with Bentancur over extending his stay.

Tottenham agree new Rodrigo Bentancur deal

Barcelona were believed to be keen on Bentancur earlier this year, going as far as to hold talks with the South American’s camp (The Boy Hotspur), but Hansi Flick’s side, alongside other suitors, have been dealt a blow.

Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, reported that Bentancur was close to signing a Tottenham contract extension after Frank and CEO Venkatesham reached an agreement with eachother that he should remain in North London.

Now, Spurs have announced the deal is complete, with the Uruguayan signing a “long term” contract and Frank “extremely happy” after his previous deal was due to expire in 2026.

Last season, he played a key role as Tottenham reached the Europa League final and ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy, and Bentancur has been equally useful to Frank this term.

The Dane, speaking to media in September, made his feelings about the former Serie A star crystal clear.

Bentancur also averaged more interceptions per 90 than any other Tottenham player in the Premier League last season (WhoScored), with his tenacity and robustness in the middle set to be pivotal for Frank over the coming years.

Kingsley Coman’s sudden exit from Bayern Munich after years of loyalty shocked fans and raised questions inside the club. The French winger has now broken his silence revealing that not everyone in Munich wanted him to stay, despite manager Vincent Kompany’s support. His move to Al-Nassr was the result of a fractured Bayern board and financial strain behind the scenes.

Coman sale was to ease Bayern's financial struggle

Bayern’s internal tensions reached a boiling point this summer when sporting director Max Eberl sanctioned Coman’s sale to Al-Nassr. The board was reportedly angered that Eberl approved the €35 million (£30m/$40m) deal without having a replacement ready, later returning to request funds to find one.

Coman, who spent 10 seasons at Bayern and won nine Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League, became a casualty of the club's cost-cutting drive. With a salary of €17m (£14m/$19m), his departure was seen as a financial fix rather than a footballing decision. But the internal split it caused within the club’s leadership reflected a growing disconnect between Bayern’s sporting ambitions and its financial pressures.

AdvertisementAFPKingsley Coman opens up on Bayern exit

Opening up on his summer move to Riyadh in an interview with , Coman admitted: "At the very end of the transfer, there were some things – which I don't want to go into detail – that complicated the situation. I wasn't pressured to leave, but I was told that the club was open to a departure due to its financial situation. I had the love of the coach, the fans, some people in the club management – but not everyone. Part of the club wanted me to leave. And that part bothered me a lot."

His strong form since joining Al-Nassr has also earned him a recall to the French national team, with Didier Deschamps calling him up to replace the injured Ousmane Dembele ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Adjusting to the Saudi Pro League

Coman’s new chapter in Saudi Arabia has begun brightly. In just nine appearances for Al-Nassr, he’s scored three goals and provided five assists, forming a dynamic partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo on the wings. His pace, creativity, and defensive discipline have added balance and energy to the side, earning praise for how seamlessly he’s adapted to the Saudi Pro League’s tempo.

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AFPComan speaks on playing for France in World Cup 2026

Reflecting on his future, Coman has shown humility beyond the pitch stating that he would rather prefer a young talent to thrive in the upcoming World Cup.

“I would prefer not to go to the World Cup and instead give a young player a chance if I can’t truly contribute,” he said.

His departure left a visible gap at Bayern, which they they eventually filled by signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, but for Coman, the move was about peace, not pay. Coman now eyes glory in the Saudi Pro League and has his mind set on guiding the next generation of France’s wingers.

اعترف زلاتان إبراهيموفيتش الأسطورة السويدية بخلافاته المتعددة مع ماسيمليانو أليجري في ميلان، لكنه أشاد بنجاحه مع فابيو كابيلو وتحدث عن بيب جوارديولا وجوزيه مورينيو أيضاً.

وقال إبراهيموفيتش عن علاقته مع ماسيمليانو أليجري في تصريحات نشرتها “فوتبول إيطاليا” :”لقد تشاجرت كثيراً مع أليجري وليس فقط مرة واحدة”.

وأضاف :”كانت هناك لحظة بعد لقاء آرسنال في لندن يتذكرها الجميع، عندما يكون لديك شخصان يتمتعان بعقلية الفوز فهذا طبيعي، ليس كل يوم مليئاً بالحب والعناق، لا بد أن يكون هناك جانب آخر لهذه المواقف، شخصيات مختلفة وعقليات مختلفة وقد يبدو الأمر غريب بعض الشئ عندما تنشر الأخبار لكن هذا طبيعي لنا ولي”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. إبراهيموفيتش: فضلت لاعبًا آخر للفوز بالكرة الذهبية على عثمان ديمبلي

وعمل إبراهيموفيتش مع العديد من المدربين العظماء في مسيرته وقال عنهم: “جوارديولا ومورينيو غيرا أسلوب لعب كرة القدم وكنت محظوظاً لأن كلاهما في فريقهما”.

وأتم: “كان جوارديولا في بداية مسيرته، بينما كان الآخر يعتمد على العقلية، أي التحكم في أفكارك، كلاهما كان ناجحاً ولكن بطرق مختلفة تماماً”.

وحول بداية مسيرته مع يوفنتوس تحت قيادة فابيو كابيلو قال: “لقد بدأت مسيرتي كلاعب عالمي، هذه خطوة لا ينجح في اتخاذها سوى القليل، تدربت عقلياً وجسدياً بشكل مختلف، كابيلو مدرب ينهض بك ويدفعك للأسفل بقوة، كان يجعلك تشعر بالدهشة ثم العجز في يومين متتاليين، أن تدخل بقوة في عقول لاعبيك، لقد حولني كابيلو من لاعب عادي إلى حيوان”.

New Zealand seamer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury meaning she will miss the series against Sri Lanka and Australia.Penfold, 23, sustaining a torn meniscus to her left knee while playing in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month and has undergone surgery with a recovery time of up to 12 weeks.Related

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“We’re all gutted for Molly,” Ben Sawyer, the New Zealand head coach, said. “It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to end, especially after strong contributions during the Rose Bowl series. The positive is that her recovery timelines should see her fit for our winter training schedule.”Penfold has taken nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is. In the ODI series against Australia last December she took a career-best 4 for 42 in the second match at the Basin Reserve.New Zealand will also be without Sophie Devine for the Sri Lanka matches as she continues her break from the game with her participation against Australia yet to be confirmed.New Zealand play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka next month followed by three T20Is against Australia.Chamari Athapaththu will leave the WPL early to take part in the tour but Amelia Kerr will remain in India.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is now facing an uncertain future at the City Ground, amid tension with maverick owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Nuno is a hugely popular figure among the Forest fanbase after guiding them back to a place in European football, with Crystal Palace’s demotion to the Conference League handing them a place in the Europa League.

Forest were in and around the top four all season long in 2024/2025, which nobody expected at the start of last term, and it is testament to the excellent job Nuno has done with very limited depth compared to his Premier League counterparts.

Losing the Portuguese would be a bitter one to take for Forest supporters, but it is a very realistic possibility, as Nuno cast doubt on his own future in a press conference this week – admitting that relations with Marinakis have soured.

These comments are believed to have escalated tension behind-the-scenes, especially since they came 48 hours before a heated clash with Palace after Forest took their place in the Europa (The Guardian).

While Forest have enjoyed a stellar last fortnight in the transfer market, sealing a plethora of deals with the latest one being Douglas Luiz from Juventus, Nuno’s potential exit is a worrying scenario amidst what is a vital campaign.

Nottingham Forest could replace Nuno with Ange Postecoglou

If Nuno were to depart, reliable media sources claim another ex-Tottenham boss in Ange Postecoglou would be a leading candidate for the job.

This is backed up by journalist Graeme Bailey, who also tells TBR Football that Forest could hire Postecoglou off the back of some key advice to Marinakis from the Greek tycoon’s family.

Postecoglou guided Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years with their Europa League triumph in May. However, the Australian, who’s won at least one piece of silverware at nearly every club he’s been at, also watched on as the Lilywhites slumped to a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

It is worth noting, though, that his Tottenham squad held the 59-year-old in very high esteem, and he was very popular at Hotspur Way, with Son Heung-min calling him a club “legend”.

Aston Villa are among a host of clubs to be fined by UEFA this week for breaking financial rules, which was confirmed just a few days after NSWE agreed to sell the women’s team in a bid to comply with PSR.

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That sale of the women’s side to V Sports “effectively solved the issue” regarding this summer’s PSR trouble (The Athletic), with Villa agreeing a deal right before the footballing financial year deadline on June 30.

However, it didn’t do enough to stave off sanctions from UEFA, who punished Villa for breaking a different set of financial legislations, including the squad cost rule. Unai Emery’s side have reached a settlement with the governing body, accepting a fine of around £17 million over a three-year settlement.

“Breaking: Chelsea, Aston Villa, Barcelona and Lyon are among clubs fined by UEFA’s CFCB First Chamber,” wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X this week in an extensive update.

“All four did not comply with the football earnings rule which was assessed for the first time in the 2024/25 season. The analysis covered the financial years ending in 2023 and 2024. Clubs have agreed settlements and fines. – Chelsea have agreed to a four-year settlement and a total fine of €80m, of which €20m is unconditional. Villa have agreed to a three-year settlement and a €20m fine, of which €5m is unconditional.

“Barcelona have agreed to a two-year settlement and a €60m fine, of which €15m is unconditional. Olympique Lyonnais have agreed to a four-year settlement and a €50m fine, or which €12.5m is unconditional. The CFCB First Chamber found that Chelsea and Aston Villa also breached the squad cost rule, having reported a squad cost ratio above 80% for 2024. This has resulted in a further €11m fine for Chelsea and a €6m one for Villa. Guaranteed fines are €31m (€20m+€11m) for Chelsea and €11m (€5m+€6m) for Villa.”

Villa consistently find themselves in a battle against spending outside their means, which is distracting them from their quest to become a successful club on the field.

Questions surely need to be asked about whether this creates a bigger gap between Europe’s established elite and the rest of the footballing pyramid, with Emery’s side potentially forced to sell more players over the coming summer, actively weakening themselves, just so they can comply with certain rules.

Aston Villa looking to sell right-back Matty Cash

£100,000-per-week Villa right-back Matty Cash is among those who the club wish to offload in an effort to bring in more funds.

Cash attracted criticism for some of his Villa performances last season, but he was a regular under Emery – playing 38 games in all competitions and starting nearly every match in their run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

As per former Villa scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, the club are actively looking to sell Cash and potentially bring in a quality replacement – as they believe their Poland international isn’t at the required level.

“Villa are looking to sell Matty Cash this summer,” he said.

“He’s an honest professional, and he’s done well over his time at Villa, but they don’t think he’s good enough for the level they want to play at. They’re still building the side, looking at each position and seeing if they can improve.

“The manager wants to improve at right-back, and they’ll use money from selling Cash to do it.

“It could be a busy summer at Villa because there are a few players being linked with moves away, but he’s one they’ve been looking to move on for a while.”

The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, so it’ll be difficult to raise a significant fee for him at this point, but Villa have been linked with Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingeuza as a potential replacement.

Tottenham have West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus at the very top of their transfer priority list, but he isn’t their only desired target this summer, as the Lilywhites open club-to-club discussions for another target.

Thomas Frank has already welcomed back some key players for his first-ever pre-season at Spurs, with Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, Deki Kulusevski, Djed Spence and Antonin Kinsky all returning to training four days ago as the Lilywhites manager assesses his new squad.

Tottenham in talks over selling "underrated" player with £60m offer made

Spurs are in negotiations.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 8, 2025

Frank has a key issue to deal with in regard to UEFA’s 25-man Champions League squad rule, with their lack of ‘locally trained’ assets to fill an eight-player quota proving problematic.

This could result in Spurs having to register a depleted Champions League squad whilst leaving senior players out, according to The Telegraph, but Frank’s side also need to strengthen as they look to compete on four fronts again next term.

Tottenham are widely reported to be in talks over a deal for Kudus, who is believed to be prioritising a move to N17 above every other potential landing spot (Fabrizio Romano), so terms don’t appear to be the issue here.

Finding a rare agreement with West Ham, 14 years after their last transfer deal, will prove the ultimate challenge.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

West Ham could demand as much as £70 million to let Kudus leave, and they’ve already rejected a £50 million bid from Spurs, so the Hammers won’t be pushovers in negotiations, despite their rumoured need to sell before they can kickstart Graham Potter’s own summer recruitment drive.

Tottenham are not giving up, though, with West Ham insider ExWHUemployee reporting that the east Londoners anticipate an imminent new bid from their rivals.

“We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update, and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW,” said Ex earlier this week, via West Ham Way.

“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.

“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man.”

While Kudus is the main target right now, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy are finding time to work on other targets as well.

Tottenham open discussions with Burnley over Maxime Esteve

That is according to French newspaper L’Equipe, who report that Burnley defender Maxime Esteve is back on Spurs’ radar after a failed £21 million January bid.

The 23-year-old was a mainstay for Scott Parker last season and one of the Clarets’ most reliable players as Burnley achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, and Tottenham are certainly interested.

It is believed that Tottenham have re-opened discussions with Burnley over signing Esteve, and the Lancashire side were demanding around £30 million to sell in the winter.

After a fantastic season, his price tag is unlikely to have dropped since then, so it is reasonable to assume the 6 foot 4 Frenchman could still command a similar fee.

In any case, L’Equipe report that Spurs are trying to find an agreement with Burnley, so this could be one to watch.

“I’ve been really impressed with Maxi,” said Parker about Esteve last season.

“First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well.”

Leeds United very much splashed the cash the last time a transfer window rolled around before a brand new Premier League adventure took off.

Indeed, before a ball was even kicked to start the memorable 2020/21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites had added Rodrigo to their attacking arsenal for a club-record £27m, alongside also welcoming in Raphinha before his Barcelona glory days.

This would help them finish in a spectacular ninth position that same season, with £30m-rated goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher now reportedly on their radar to try and replicate said successful spending.

Alongside Kelleher, Leeds could also be looking to the future in attempting to bring some up-and-coming starlets to Elland Road, with this potential new import from Turkey going down as the club’s next Wilfried Gnonto if all goes to plan.

Leeds holding talks to sign teen sensation

As relayed by Turkish outlet Fanatik, prior reports indicated that Leeds are keen to add Besiktas attacking star Semi Kilicisoy to their squad this summer, with Farke lodging a bid of around €12m (£10m) for his services.

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According to their new information, however, the Super Lig side intend to send their teenage sensation out on loan, rather than agree to a permanent deal.

Leeds are said to be ‘open’ to an initial temporary move, although they wish to include an option to buy as part of any deal, with negotiations set to continue.

With Kilicsoy also previously on the shopping lists of Newcastle United and Aston Villa allegedly, Leeds nipping to the front of the queue here could see them secure a seriously impressive youngster who might go for way more than £10m down the line.

After all, Gnonto only cost Farke’s side £3.8m to land from Switzerland all the way back in the summer of 2022, with the rest now history when it comes to the Italian’s prowess in the Championship and beyond.

Why Kilicsoy can be Gnonto 2.0

Gnonto was once an unknown name to Whites supporters before his major switch from FC Zurich three years ago. Now, he’s one of the most beloved figures in the camp.

The punt taken to bring the then-teenage sensation to English soil has more than paid off, therefore, with Gnonto now up to 22 goals and 13 assists donning Leeds white from 118 overall clashes.

Kilicsoy will hope he can make his transition to English football look as seamless as Gnonto’s, considering he has been scoring goals in and around the Besiktas first team since the tender age of just 17.

In total, the Black Eagles prodigy has fired home 16 strikes and picked up nine assists from 84 senior games, with his ability to line up either down the wing or through the centre throughout his Besiktas education also drawing obvious similarities to his diminutive counterpart.

ST

93

44

4

LW

45

7

11

RW

9

1

0

SS

1

1

0

Indeed, a large portion of Kilicsoy’s youth goals for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men came from a striker spot when glancing at the above table.

Gnonto has also lined up here previously, away from being a trusty option down the flanks, with six senior career appearances coming his way up top, alongside also being versatile enough to slot in as a second striker presence if necessary.

Therefore, the 19-year-old starlet might well be ready to become Leeds’ next Gnonto in offering Farke another flexible body in the attacking positions.

Hailed too as a “physical monster” by football analyst Ben Mattinson for his ability to wriggle free of Super Lig defenders, Kilicsoy could also be unfazed by the rough and tumble of Premier League football to come, as the German in the Elland Road dug-out prays all these signings work out in Leeds’ mission to beat the punishing drop.

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There are still two Premier League games to go, but for all intents and purposes, Arsenal’s season came to an end on Wednesday night.

Moreover, while Mikel Arteta and the players still have to give their all for those two games – Champions League football hasn’t been secured yet – it’s clear the club are looking ahead to next season.

For example, just a few days after the disappointment in Paris, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano finally gave Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumoured move to Arsenal the ‘here we go’ treatment.

The details still need to be finalised, but the Spanish international is now set to join the Gunners for around £51m in the summer, and while that’s tremendously exciting, he’ll have to hit the ground running to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates at the Emirates.

Why Arsenal want Zubimendi

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth examining why Arsenal are so keen to sign Zubimendi in the first place.

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Firstly, he helps to pad out the number six position in the squad, as while Thomas Partey is reportedly in talks with the club over a new deal, Jorginho is set to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer.

However, Arteta and Co are obviously interested in the Spanish international for far more than that, including his defensive nous.

For example, according to FBref, the “elite tempo controller,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for shots blocked and clearances, the top 7% for touches in his penalty area and percentage of aerial duels won, the top 15% for tackles in the attacking third and more, all per 90.

That’s not all, though, as on top of his defensive abilities, the “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, also has an abundance of experience and, more importantly, has proven himself in high-pressure games.

Appearances

333

17

Minutes

21215′

984′

Goals

10

1

Assists

9

0

Major Trophies

1

1

For example, he’s made 233 appearances for Sociedad’s first team, including 90 minutes in the club’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph, and won 15 caps for Spain, one of which came in the second half of the European Championships final, a game La Roja beat England in.

In all, Zubimendi’s technical and defensive ability, combined with his experience of winning when the pressure is on, makes him look like the ideal midfield acquisition for Arsenal this summer, even if he’s worth millions less than one of his future teammates.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Zubimendi

While Partey and Mikel Merino have both played significant roles for Arsenal this season, neither one has a higher valuation than Zubimendi, nor should they.

Declan Rice, conversely, does, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €110m, which is about £93m, or a whopping £42m more than the Sociedad star is set to cost the Gunners.

Now, while that is undoubtedly a lot of money for a central midfielder, it would be hard to say he’s not proven himself worthy of it this year, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher describing him as the club’s “best player this season.”

While it might sound a little hyperbolic, such comments are more than backed up by the midfield monster’s statistics this year.

For example, in 50 appearances, the “monster” Englishman, as dubbed by Arsenal writer Connor Humm, has scored eight goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.77, which is undeniably impressive for someone primarily playing as an eight.

Progressive Carries

2.70

Top 5%

Corner Kicks

3.10

Top 5%

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.56

Top 6%

Crosses

4.66

Top 7%

Assists

0.21

Top 8%

Goals + Assists

0.38

Top 10%

Touches (Att Pen)

2.73

Top 10%

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.32

Top 11%

Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 6% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for crosses, the top 8% for assists, the top 10% for goals plus assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, signing Zubimendi is incredibly exciting and shows real ambition from Arsenal, but he will have to be truly sensational in North London to see his valuation match Rice’s.

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Liverpool have yet to officially lift the 2024/25 Premier League trophy but already sporting director Richard Hughes is looking at ways to improve Arne Slot’s side.

There’s no question that the Merseysiders have put on a season-long clinic, deserving, runaway winners. However, it’s also true that the likes of Arsenal and dethroned Manchester City will be frustrated with their respective top-flight campaigns and will be determined to come back stronger next year.

However, FSG and Anfield’s senior figures will be sure to take comfort in the manner of their triumph: winning the Premier League after bringing only Federico Chiesa into the first team – and he’s yet to even start a league fixture.

The mastery behind Slot’s genius has been in his soft and significant tactical tweaks to Jurgen Klopp’s system, also shaping existing squad players into superstars.

Ryan Gravenberch is the standout star, going from drifting prospect to the “exceptional” midfield player for the Reds, so says The Athletic’s James Pearce, but he’s not the only one.

Cody Gakpo has also been a revelation in his own right.

Cody Gakpo's season in numbers

Gakpo’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, expertly taken to make it 3-1 and put Liverpool within an inch of sealing the title, was his 17th of the season.

What’s telling is that that goal saw him beat last year’s 16-goal haul, and in over 600 fewer minutes at that.

Klopp utilised Gakpo’s dynamic talents in his own way, throwing him around the park like an erratic darts player across a board. This may well have proved fundamental development for the Netherlands international, but there’s no question he’s gone up a gear in a more structured role for his new coach on the attacking left flank.

Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed earlier in the term that the 25-year-old has “gone up a level,” and it’s exciting to think that Gakpo can ascend higher still.

Gakpo’s success this season owes largely to Slot’s tactical acumen, but there’s more still to come. The likes of Gakpo and Luis Diaz are bound to find more stable results with a high-class goalscorer in the centre.

However, Liverpool could also find another way to elevate Gakpo’s game even further, preparing to bid for one of the most talented young playmakers in the business.

Slot driving exciting Liverpool deal

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer, with the Dutch playmaker emerging as one of FSG’s top targets.

Aged 21, Simons is one of the most exciting young talents in the world and would cost the Anfield side £60m, should they wish to advance their interest into something more solid. Manchester United are also sniffing around.

However, with Slot personally driving the deal for yet another Dutchman to join Gakpo, Gravenberch and co, it’s one to keep an eye on for sure.

Imagine Gakpo & Xavi Simons

Should Trent Alexander-Arnold leave Liverpool as expected when his contract expires this summer, Liverpool will lose one of their primary (if not the primary) creative sources.

Simons could prove to be the new playmaking hub, reorienting Liverpool’s creativity from the right channel and into the centre. Given that Simons has already forged something of a “symbiotic partnership” with his international peer, in the mind of journalist Bence Bocsak, it might prove to bear dividends.

The duo played together during their time at PSV Eindhoven, during the 2022/23 season, before Gakpo earned himself a £35m transfer to Anfield after his performances for his nation at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Ranking among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers cross Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 20% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for ball recoveries made per 90, as per FBref, Simons could certainly add some panache from the middle, bearing the athletic energy to cover for Dominik Szoboszlai too.

Looking at his statistics in the Bundesliga this season, you get a closer look at why Simons is such hot property, prolific, creative and combative in a way which would work a treat in Slot’s squad.

Matches (starts)

21 (21)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

2.2

Dribbles*

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.4

While Liverpool will need to sign a striker to complete the set, a player such as Simons would go a long way toward cementing a peerless level of attacking fluency at Liverpool, connecting the dots together and allowing Gakpo to continue his rise as one of the Premier League’s finest wingers.

Gakpo already ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals scored (0.52) per 90, also ranking outside the top 20% for shots taken, which effectively means he’s making the most out of the chances that fall his way.

With a playmaker like Simons, who has been dubbed a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, one he has already formed a prosperous on-field relationship with, taking a seat as the central creative force in Slot’s Liverpool project, there’s no telling how high Gakpo could reach.

Or Simons, for that matter. Having made his name known over the past several years, it’s easy to forget that the diminutive Dutch player is still so young. Given the direction Liverpool are going and the success Slot has already had with elevating his countrymen to new levels, this could be one to keep an eye on as the market looms large.

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