da bet vitoria： As concerns over Alexander Isak’s future continue to rumble on, Newcastle United are reportedly poised to join the race in pursuit of signing a forward who has matched their star man for goals this season.

Newcastle braced to stand strong in Isak saga

da pixbet： As much as they’ll be desperate to avoid it, the Isak rumours aren’t going away anytime soon. Instead, Newcastle are likely to face a summer-long saga which will end one of two ways. The Swedish star is one of the most wanted strikers in European football and with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly on his list of suitors, there is no doubt that he’ll have a decision to make in the coming months.

That said, his price tag certainly reflects the amount of interest in his signature. Reportedly pricing their star man at as much as £160m this summer, Newcastle are keen to at least get bang for their buck if Isak departs or preferably simply scare away the suitors.

Related As good as Murphy: Newcastle star just proved he's as undroppable as Isak

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When asked about his future and a potential new deal at St James’ Park, Isak told reporters in the build-up to Newcasle’s Carabao Cup final success: “That will probably be a talking point once the season finishes, but we will really see because no talks have been held yet.

“Really, about my future, it is not really something I think about. During a season I just focus on the job and it’s probably the worst time to think about anything else. All of our focus is just on Sunday, doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle.“

Until he puts pen to paper on a new deal, then the anxiety around Isak’s Newcastle future is likely to remain in Tyneside. It does at least look like the club are preparing for the worst, however, having identified a potential replacement who’s arguably as good as the former Real Sociedad man.

Newcastle poised to battle for Vangelis Pavlidis

According to reports in Portugal, as relayed by Sports Witness, Newcastle are now poised to battle Chelsea to sign Vangelis Pavlidis from Benfica this summer, who has a release clause worth as much as €100m (£87m).

The forward has stepped into Darwin Nunez’s role ever since he left Benfica for Liverpool in 2022 and has exceeded the struggling Anfield star ever since. Now, he may have done enough to earn himself a Premier League move of his own, especially if Isak calls it quits at Newcastle this summer.

24/25 stats

Vangelis Pavlidis

Alexander Isak

Appearances

46

35

Goals

24

24

Assists

10

5

Involved in more goals than the 29 that Isak has managed, Pavlidis has also matched the Swede’s total of strikes in all competitions and looks like a player destined for great things this summer.

Dubbed “decisive” by analyst Data Foot on X, the 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers and could yet become Benfica’s most successful recent export by doing what Nunez has failed to do in the Premier League.

Newcastle, meanwhile, could splash the cash to welcome a potential replacement for Isak should he depart this summer.

da dobrowin： Manchester United are now determined to sign an “incredible” Barcelona star, having identified him as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Man Utd in need of summer rebuild

da fazobetai： Harry Maguire’s late winner to send Man Utd through to the Europa League semi-final was undoubtedly the best moment since Ruben Amorim’s arrival, but the high was short-lived, with a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers following at the weekend.

With United just two points clear of 17th place, it is clear a rebuild will be needed this summer, and with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to deliver in front of goal, a new striker is of particular interest.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are among the potential targets, but striker is not the only position in which Amorim is looking to strengthen this summer.

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Signing a new central midfielder is also on the agenda, and there have even been suggestions they could make a move for Scott McTominay, who has been thriving since moving to Napoli last summer.

According to a report from Spain, however, Man United’s top target for the summer transfer window is Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, and they are determined to get a deal done, which means they are willing to make a huge offer for his services.

De Jong has been identified as the ideal option to upgrade United’s midfield, and there are plans to force Barca to the negotiating table with a tempting offer, despite the La Liga club’s insistence that he is not for sale.

The Red Devils are set to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks, but for a deal to transpire, the Dutchman’s entourage would have to change their stance, with the move not currently of interest.

"Incredible" De Jong impressing at Barcelona

It is no surprise to see the 27-year-old being linked with a move to Man Utd once again, given that he has been a long-term target, and he has continued to impress for Barcelona in La Liga this season.

After overcoming an ankle injury early in the season, the Netherlands international has received regular game time for the title-chasers, picking up two goals and two assists in La Liga, while he also ranks highly on some other key metrics for midfielders over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Pass completion %

93.7% (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.19 (90th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.05 (85th percentile)

Former United boss Erik ten Hag is also a huge admirer of his compatriot, saying: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.”

That said, a move does not seem likely this summer, given that Barcelona are unwilling to part ways with their £313k-per-week midfielder, so Amorim may be forced to move on to alternative targets.

da 888： A full-back’s role has changed significantly in recent years, with managers now wanting more than just defensive stability from their right-back.

da lvbet： The best of the best have to be just as good going forward, building attacks and contributing to goals all while stifling wingers coming back the other way… but who is the top right-back around today?

Ranking factors

To help rank the right-backs in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their team’s performances Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others say about them Best right-backs in the world right now: in pictures

Top 15 right-backs in the world

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

26

Real Madrid

England

2

Jeremie Frimpong

24

Liverpool

Netherlands

3

Achraf Hakimi

26

PSG

Morocco

4

Jules Kounde

26

Barcelona

France

5

Denzel Dumfries

29

Inter Milan

Netherlands

6

Pedro Porro

25

Tottenham

Spain

7

Dani Carvajal

33

Real Madrid

Spain

8

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

31

Napoli

Italy

9

Jurrien Timber

24

Arsenal

Netherlands

10

Tino Livramento

22

Newcastle

England

11

Malo Gusto

22

Chelsea

France

12

Marcos Llorente

30

Atletico Madrid

Spain

13

Vanderson

24

Monaco

Brazil

14

Diogo Dalot

26

Man Utd

Portugal

15

Daniel Munoz

29

Crystal Palace

Colombia

15 Daniel Munoz Crystal Palace and Colombia

Starring under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace in 2025 has been Daniel Munoz, with the Colombian an ever-present in a 3-4-2-1 system at Selhurst Park.

The 29-year-old really impressed in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, which has resulted in interest from Pep Guardiola and Man City. Munoz has also chipped in with some important goals for Palace, with Glasner calling him “amazing”.

Daniel Munoz: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

FA Cup

2025

Belgian Cup

2021

14 Diogo Dalot Man Utd and Portugal

Named Man Utd’s Player of the Year in 2024, Diogo Dalot has continued to impress at Old Trafford. The Portugal international has featured regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, who has hailed the full-back’s pace and “qualities” at Old Trafford.

Capable of playing on either side, Dalot, who is ranked among the top 15 right-backs by Transfermarkt, could benefit massively in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Diogo Dalot: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

Nations League

2025

Liga Portugal

2018

FA Cup

2024

League Cup

2023

13 Vanderson Monaco and Brazil

Brazil have had some brilliant full-backs down the years, and it looks as if Vanderson could be the next star right-back for the Seleção.

Vanderson, who has been compared to iconic right-back Maicon, has starred for Monaco, which saw him become a top transfer target for Barcelona.

Vanderson: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

Campeao Gaucho

2021

12 Marcos Llorente Atletico Madrid and Spain

Marcos Llorente has starred for Atletico Madrid since joining from Real Madrid back in 2019 and has been used regularly as a right-back under Diego Simeone, who has called him “indispensable”.

The Spain international can play in a variety of positions all across the pitch and has been hailed as a ‘modern football machine’ due to his ‘relentless engine’. At 30 years of age, Llorente is showing no signs of slowing up.

Marcos Llorente: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

Champions League

2018

FIFA Club World Cup

2018, 2019

La Liga

2021

UEFA Super Cup

2016

Spanish Super Cup

2017

11 Malo Gusto Chelsea and France

Malo Gusto has found his feet at Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge in 2023. Now a regular when fit ahead of Reece James, the French full-back is still in the early stages of his career.

Under contract until 2030 with the Blues, Gusto is into double figures for Chelsea assists and has been called “fantastic” and “top” by Enzo Maresca.

10 Tino Livramento Newcastle and England

Versatile Newcastle star Tino Livramento can play as a right-back or as a left-back at St James’ Park and looks to be Kieran Trippier’s long-term replacement on the right-hand side of the back four.

The Magpies star is going from strength to strength with the Magpies since joining from Southampton and is now valued at a career-high figure by Transfermarkt.

He’s also been called “outstanding” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer and even pocketed Mohamed Salah in the 2025 EFL Cup final.

9 Jurrien Timber Arsenal and Netherlands

Jurrien Timber has been making up for lost time as an Arsenal player after missing the majority of his first season through injury.

Signed from Ajax after starring for the Dutch giants, Timber has been starring under Mikel Arteta and has nailed down a right-back role at the Emirates.

Now valued at a career high €50m, Timber also kept Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr quiet in the Champions League.

Jurrien Timber: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

Eredivisie

2021, 2022

KNVB Cup

2021

Community Shield

2023

8 Giovanni Di Lorenzo Napoli and Italy

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been a consistent performer for the Serie A side in recent seasons and will soon close in on 300 appearances for his current employers.

Also a regular for Italy, Di Lorenzo has been hailed for his composure on the ball in the final third alongside his ability to read a game, which has resulted in him being regarded as one of Serie A’s best and most dependable players.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

European Championships

2021

Serie A

2023

Coppa Italia

2020

7 Dani Carvajal Real Madrid and Spain

Iconic right-back and Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal is next on the list. The 33-year-old has made more than 400 appearances for the European giants over the past 12 years and has called himself a “total killer”.

Unfortunately, Carvajal has missed the majority of the 2024/25 season with a cruciate ligament injury, but has vowed to be in his “prime” when he returns.

Dani Carvajal: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

European Championships

2024

Nations League

2023

Champions League

2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024

FIFA Club World Cup

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023

La Liga

2017, 2020, 2022, 2024

Copa del Rey

2014, 2023

UEFA Super Cup

2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024

Spanish Super Cup

2017, 2019, 2021, 2023

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

6 Pedro Porro Tottenham and Spain

If an attacking right-back is what you want, then Tottenham’s Pedro Porro is a standout candidate after being labelled as the “best” in the Premier League over the last 12 months.

The “titanic” Spain international is averaging an assist every five games at Spurs and a goal every 10 games, showing his attacking qualities.

Pedro Porro: Major titles won

Trophy

Years won

Europa League

2025

Liga Portugal

2021

Taca da Liga

2021, 2022

da luck： Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season pulled cascades of tears from many of a Liverpool persuasion.

da betano casino： But, in a documentary chronicling the German’s last hurrah at the helm, he issued a sharp closing statement that proved to presage Arne Slot’s incredible Premier League triumph.

“They will be fine, or maybe even more.” Maybe Klopp knew that he was doing something drastic when stepping down, something that would create not ripples but waves across Merseyside and beyond. Rivals tittered, and why not?

After Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger left their respective long-held posts, both Manchester United and Arsenal fell by the wayside. Surely the same would be true for Liverpool, whose resurgence was crafted almost single-handedly by Klopp’s brilliance?

It hasn’t proved to be true. Liverpool have equalled the Red Devils’ 20-time title-winning record as they consolidate their position as England’s most successful club.

Slot replaced Klopp and Liverpool went up a level. The fact that transfer investment has been so minimal over the past 20 months bears testament to FSG’s model, but fresh faces are now required to defend their crown and challenge down other lanes.

Liverpool's budding search for a striker

After Liverpool failed in their bid to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer, FSG made the bold decision to cease efforts to add a player to Slot’s midfield. This was met with dismay from some circles of the fanbase, but it paved the way for Ryan Gravenberch to make his name.

Instead of redoubling their efforts, Liverpool turned toward the frontline and signed Federico Chiesa for a cut-price £12.5m fee. The injury-prone Italian hasn’t started a Premier League game and he’s the only arrival of the Slot era so far.

Chiesa has been linked with a move back to Italy after his disappointing term, while the under-fire Diogo Jota could also leave.

Liverpool need forwards. Darwin Nunez is also expected to depart at the end of the season and Alexander Isak has been listed as the perfect signing to front Slot’s project.

He’s so far ahead of Nunez that it’s clear to see why Liverpool are keen. Salah, soon to be 33, will need some assistance next year, after all.

Prem 24/25 – Alexander Isak vs Darwin Nunez

Stats (* per game)

Isak

Nunez

Matches (starts)

31 (31)

26 (8)

Goals

22

5

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.3)

1.2 (0.5)

Big chances missed

18

6

Pass completion

76%

71%

Big chances created

11

3

Dribbles*

1.4

0.3

Duels won*

3.0

2.2

Stats via Sofascore

While Nunez has featured infrequently from the starting whistle this season, it’s clear to see the disparity in quality between him and Isak, one of the best in the business.

If Liverpool can bag the Sweden striker, they could leap even higher next year, but with Chiesa’s future uncertain and Jota’s too, FSG look ready to invest in another attacking player who could prove perfect for the Anfield side.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Liverpool ready to bid for new forward

Liverpool are interested in signing West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen this summer, with Caught Offside revealing that the Merseysiders are considering submitting an offer in the coming months.

Though Bowen is the centrepiece of Graham Potter’s plans, West Ham have fallen by the wayside following David Moyes’ departure last summer, languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old, who can play off the right in a central striking berth, wouldn’t come cheap, with the east Londoners set to face bids of €60m (£51m) for the England international.

It won’t be a one-horse race either with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be keen.

Why Jarrod Bowen could be a fantastic signing

West Ham’s talisman over the past five years, Bowen has been synonymous with the club’s rise into European competition and, indeed, glory, scoring the winning goal to seal the Conference League title in 2022/23.

Regarded as a “club legend” by his former Irons teammate Declan Rice, Bowen has paid his dues at the London Stadium but is sure to be disgruntled by the club’s regression this season, and Liverpool present an attractive package for sure.

If he were to join an already deep and devastating frontline that may yet add a number nine of Isak’s ilk, it’s got to be a no-brainer for the £150k-per-week talent, whose leadership and experience would be exactly what the Reds need to compete across multiple fronts.

Bowen might be regarded as something of a natural goalscorer, but he’s far more dynamic than that, ranking among the top 8% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

This could see him serve well in Salah’s stead when rotation is needed, providing the clinical Isak with a flowing stream of creative support that has been proven in its consistency over the past years at West Ham.

Jarrod Bowen’s West Ham Career by Season (PL)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

30 (30)

9

9

23/24

34 (34)

16

6

22/23

38 (36)

6

6

21/22

36 (34)

12

12

20/21

38 (35)

8

5

19/20

13 (11)

1

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

Such a consistent and balanced attacking player would be perfect for Liverpool’s system. It’s not likely he would start all the time, with Salah nailed down on the right wing, but Bowen has ample experience at centre-forward too and could finally play in the Champions League with a move to Merseyside.

He’s certainly got the ability to do so. In fact, Bowen was remarked in the past to have joined the “Salah club” by talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino, owing to his skill in swerving inwards and curling unstoppable strikes into the back of the net.

He’s cut from the same cloth as the Egyptian King. Of course, Bowen isn’t on Salah’s level, but he shares similar base properties that Slot could make excellent use of.

If a striker such as Isak is brought in, a dynamic partnership really could be forged over the coming years, with the Newcastle man not just a goalscorer either, actually hailed as “a better all-round centre-forward” than Erling Haaland by pundit Ally McCoist.

Fruits could grow from such a dynamic duo, completing Liverpool’s frontline and filling in the gaps which prevented Slot from winning multiple pieces of silverware this season.

Still, bagging the Premier League in your first year is nothing to be sniffed at.

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da winzada777： Tottenham want to sign a “special” Man City player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly, with the man in question thought to be keen on an exit from Eastlands when the summer transfer window reopens.

Tottenham battle Man United for Europa League after tough seasons

da 888： After cruising past Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals, Spurs now face Premier League rivals Man United in the Europa League final – where both sides will be battling to save their respective seasons.

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Ange Postecoglou has led the Lilywhites to a dismal 19 league defeats this campaign, equalling the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season, with United suffering from a similar run of form.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

May 11th

Aston Villa (away)

May 16th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

The Red Devils are 15th in the league and winless in their last five encounters, but their fortunes are drastically different in Europe, having just impressively knocked Athletic Bilbao out in the semis with a 7-1 aggregate win over the La Liga side.

Now, either team could end their regrettable 2024/25 campaigns on a major high with silverware on a spot in next season’s Champions League group draw on the line.

“Who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?” said Postecoglou on Tottenham and United’s critics ahead of the final in Bilbao later this month.

“It’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn’t been great.

“We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final.

“Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven’t made finals. Why should that be diminished? I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.”

Tottenham eyeing move for Man City attacker James McAtee

Winning the competition and confirming their place in the Champions League next term will also play a key role in attracting desired transfer targets, and one of them is believed to be Man City playmaker James McAtee.

McAtee has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and other sides ahead of the summer, with The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Spurs are also in the mix for his signature.

Overall, the Englishman has struggled to stake his claim as a regular in Guardiola’s starting elevens, which is hard to do, but McAtee has still impressed when given the opportunity – scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Bailey reports that Tottenham are keen on signing McAtee this summer, and the 22-year-old is eager to pursue more game time away from the Etihad.

While Guardiola hasn’t quite found enough room for the ex-Sheffield United star, he’s still lavished McAtee with praise when it comes to ability.

“I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat-trick is not easy,” said Guardiola about McAtee earlier this term, after a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup.

“He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score, and I am very happy for him.”

da supremo： The Champions League is the biggest competition in club football. It is a chance for the world’s best to prove their calibre against the finest leagues and teams in Europe for the ultimate prize of ‘Old Big Ears’ come May or June every year.

da marjack bet： As is the case with any competition, it is a marathon rather than a sprint, and Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for most Champions League goals, with 141 in 183 appearances.

However, the way a club starts can often foretell their chances of glory at the end. This came to pass in the first season of the brand new league phase in 2024/25, with three of the top four clubs reaching the semi-finals.

With this in mind, Football FanCast takes a look at the top 12 goalscorers in the Champions League group stage/league phase.

Stats correct as of 14th May 2025.

Top 12 Champions League group stage/league phase goalscorers

Rank

Player

Goals

1

Lionel Messi

80

2

Cristiano Ronaldo

73

3

Robert Lewandowski

71

4

Karim Benzema

56

5

Raul

53

6

Ruud van Nistelrooy

50

=7

Thierry Henry

38

=7

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

38

9

Mohamed Salah

35

10

Antoine Griezmann

34

=11

Alessandro Del Piero

33

=11

Erling Haaland

33

12 Erling Haaland 33 goals

The newest entrant to this list has wasted little time making a name for himself, with Erling Haaland racing into the record books thanks to his incredible knack for goals.

His first Champions League strikes came for RB Salzburg in the 2019/20 season, scoring a hat-trick on his group stage debut against Genk, before scoring five more in the four matches that followed.

Continuing his hot streak for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City – with whom he won the competition in 2023 – Haaland has already become one of the competition’s best strikers, yet he’s barely 25. If there’s one challenger to the top scorers, it’s him.

11 Alessandro Del Piero 33 goals

Known as one of the great one-club legends, Alessandro Del Piero is another whose talent perhaps deserved more than the sole winners’ medal he earned in 1996. He always favoured loyalty over glory with Juventus, but his 33 goals in the group stages of the Champions League prove his devotion was bettered by his goal-getting instinct.

In the competition’s history, Del Piero is the highest-scoring Italian, with nine goals in the knockouts bringing his total to 42 on the continental stage.

10 Antoine Griezmann 34 goals

Antoine Griezmann may not have got his hands on the Champions League trophy, but his exploits for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have ensured his place in the competition’s history.

The Frenchman came closest to the trophy in 2016, when his Atletico side were beaten on penalties by city rivals Real. Griezmann missed a penalty in normal time before Los Rojiblancos found an equaliser, though he made up for it somewhat by scoring in the shootout.

With a further nine goals outside of the group stage, he remains one of the best goalscorers that the Champions League has eluded in the modern era.

9 Mohamed Salah 35 goals

Mo Salah was pivotal to Liverpool’s sixth European triumph when his early penalty against Tottenham set Jurgen Klopp’s men on the way to victory in 2019.

On top of this, he has become the club’s top goalscorer in Europe, while across all UEFA club competitions, he holds the record for most goals scored for an English club, previously set by Thierry Henry in 2006.

In the Champions League, Salah has edged ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero in the group stage, with his contributions for Basel, Roma and Liverpool making him a legend of the competition.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic 38 goals

Europe’s finest journeyman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is known on and off the pitch for his confidence and distinctive maverick personality.

In front of goal, he was a monster, and from 38 group stage goals for seven different clubs, there weren’t too many that weren’t absolutely 10/10 spectacular.

Whether it be with his head, left foot, right foot, or through a volley, rocket, or a swerving, curling strike, Zlatan could score any type of goal from any angle or range.

7 Thierry Henry 38 goals

Also on 38 goals, Thierry Henry had a long and successful time playing in the Champions League.

Before Kylian Mbappe tore up the record books, the Arsenal Invincible was the youngest Frenchman to reach the 40-goal mark, while he remains the competition’s all-time second-highest goalscorer from France with half a century – second only to the marvellous Karim Benzema.

Henry crowned his fruit-bearing European adventure in 2009 when he lifted the trophy with Barcelona after brushing Manchester United aside in the final.

6 Ruud van Nistelrooy 50 goals

50 goals in the Champions League group stage is quite the jump from 38, especially since there were only six such games each year. But perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only Dutchman to make the top 12.

Despite the Oranje boasting a successful bloodline of special footballers, it is the striking endeavours of the Eindhoven product turned Man United and Real Madrid superstar that stand at the very top.

The Ruud Devil, however, is another who never lifted the famous trophy. But in 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2004/05, he finished as the competition’s top goalscorer.

Remarkably, he only ever scored six goals in the knockouts, but everything adds up to an impressive overall tally of 60 Champions League goals.

5 Raúl González 53 goals

Raúl is the highest-ranking Spanish player to feature and is one of his nation’s most decorated footballers.

Raúl became the first player to score 50 Champions League goals when he scored in a 2-1 group stage win over Olympiacos in September 2005 and was also the first to make 100 appearances in the competition. He was also the first player to score in two Champions League finals since the competition’s rebrand, notching in the finals of 2000 and 2002.

It is no surprise, then, to learn that the Spaniard is the fifth-highest goalscorer in the competition’s history, while he is joint-fifth in terms of winning the famous trophy thanks to three triumphs with Real Madrid – the benchmark football club on the continent.

4 Karim Benzema 56 goals

Somewhat overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, in his own right, is one of the greatest out-and-out strikers of all time.

He is France’s top goalscorer in European competition with 90 goals in 140 games, and he is the first in this ranking to have won both the Champions League (five times!) and the Ballon d’Or (2022).

3 Robert Lewandowski 71 goals

Robert Lewandowski’s entire career has been enmeshed in near-misses when it comes to silverware. He should have won the Ballon d’Or in 2020, robbed by a pandemic. Yet, his record proves he’s one of the greatest number 9s ever.

Nowadays, he aims for more glory with Barcelona, even in his mid-thirties. The Poland international will hope to add to his tally group stage goals in 2025/26.

Across all stages of the Champions League, Lewandowski has 105 goals – third in the overall ranking once more.

da casino： Arsenal have now received the green light to sign their “number one striker target” for a fee of just over £60m this summer, with talks now advancing, according to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke.

Gunners ramping up striker pursuit

da apostebet： In many ways, Mikel Merino has done an impressive job since being forced to fill in as a makeshift striker, scoring at Anfield in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, while also assisting both goals in the 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

However, with the Spaniard more accustomed to being a midfielder, it is looking increasingly likely the Gunners will bring in a new striker this summer, and there are signs that £75m-rated RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko could be a huge upgrade on Kai Havertz.

Sesko is believed to be one of the north Londoners’ top targets, alongside Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with sporting director Andrea Berta understood to be a huge fan of the Swede, who recently led his side to Liga Portugal title glory.

There has since been a new update on Arsenal and Berta’s pursuit of Gyokeres, with O’Rourke telling Football Insider: “For Gyokeres, talks are advancing between Arsenal and his representatives,“

“[Gyokeres] is emerging as the number one choice for Arsenal, and it seems there’s a willingness from all parties to get the deal done.

“The player is happy to come and Sporting CP are happy to sell for just over £60million.”

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In the same report, it is revealed that Mikel Arteta isn’t totally sold on the idea of signing the 26-year-old, which indicates that Berta is driving the move.

Despite the manager’s concerns, however, it appears as though the deal is edging closer to completion, having received the green light from Sporting.

"Sensational" Gyokeres could be final piece of the jigsaw

Arsenal’s reluctance to sign a new striker in recent transfer windows has been much-maligned, with the decision arguably costing Arteta’s side in their Premier League title pursuit this season, considering they have had to make do without an out-and-out striker since February.

Havertz being ruled out for the rest of the season was a major blow for the Gunners, particularly considering he is not the only player to spend a long period of time on the sidelines, with Bukayo Saka also missing large parts of the season.

Player

PL matches missed

Kai Havertz

13

Bukayo Saka

13

Gabriel

9

Gabriel Jesus

17

As such, Arsenal should undoubtedly be looking to bring in a new striker this summer, and it is exciting news that a deal for Gyokeres, who was once lauded as “sensational”, is now edging closer to completion.

The Sporting star has been simply incredible in front of goal this season, netting 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal games, while also scoring six times in the Champions League, indicating that he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.

da poker： Only one game now remains of Ipswich Town’s fleeting Premier League campaign.

da bet7k： At points, the Tractor Boys have shown glimpses of their quality with Liam Delap thumping in the goals, but ultimately, the Tractor Boys have lost a worrying 23 clashes from 37 overall games with relegation now confirmed.

This immediate slip back down to the Championship will result in Delap leaving Portman Road after just one season lining up for Kieran McKenna’s men.

The Suffolk side now have the back-breaking ordeal ahead of them in attempting to replace the 12-goal star with a few names already being linked to fill the ex-Manchester City man’s expected void.

Ipswich's potential Delap replacements

Of course, the Tractor Boys might not feel compelled to go all out and actually buy a new star to replace Delap. Rather, McKenna and Co could rely on George Hirst to come good again, dropping down to the EFL.

After all, despite being second in command to the breakout Ipswich ace all of this season, the Sheffield-born forward has still chipped in with five goals of his own. Last time out in the Championship, too, Hirst would also tally up seven goals and six assists as automatic promotion was achieved.

Moving away from what McKenna already has at his disposal, however, Ipswich are being linked with a move for Swiss Super League menace Willem Geubbels.

Leeds United are also sniffing around for the St. Gallen striker’s services according to reports, and for good reason, considering Geubbels has fired home 17 goals for his current employers across 2024/25 to date.

Amazingly, however, there’s one name that hasn’t even been mentioned yet who could go on to be as potent as Conor Chaplin has proven in the past for Ipswich in the Championship.

Ipswich could now sign Chaplin 2.0

Ipswich’s rapid rise up from League One to the Premier League saw various different stars come into their own jumping up the divisions.

The aforementioned Chaplin is definitely one of those who has never looked back whilst McKenna’s men soared up to the top-flight, with the former EFL journeyman scoring a hefty 13 league strikes across the memorable 2023/24 season to help clinch promotion.

Lawrence Shankland has been through a similar upward journey plying his trade in Scotland, with a new report from EFL Analysis suggesting that the Tractor Boys are ‘looking closely’ at the striker in a bid to soften the blow of Delap’s impending exit.

It would surely be a no-brainer decision on the end of Ipswich to move for Shankland, with the report further clarifying that the recently relegated team could land the “ruthless” Hearts marksman – as he was once lauded by Chris Sutton – on a free transfer off the back of many a goal-laden season up and down the Scottish leagues.

Shankland’s G/A record by Scottish division

League

Games

Goals scored

Assists

Premiership

160

64

24

Championship

120

62

12

League One

45

34

13

League Two

33

11

2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

After all, Chaplin once had to cut his own teeth too in the lower reaches of English football, with a respectable 17 strikes coming his way in League Two before he exploded into life the more he ventured up the pyramid.

Shankland is very similar in this regard when looking at the table above, considering the Glasgow-born ace is now up to a bumper 64 goals in the Scottish Premiership after once experiencing such humble beginnings on the books of Queen’s Park.

There will be a lingering worry that Shankland has never proven himself in the English game, but McKenna might well work his magic again on getting even more out of an exciting striker.

As Chaplin was last season, perhaps Shankland can be the man to deliver the goals in the Championship. Time will tell.

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da jogodeouro： Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market over the past several weeks. Well, the transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet, but that’s a credit to Richard Hughes’ savvy negotiating.

da pinup bet： Arne Slot created something special this season, but the Dutch coach is no fool, and knows the importance of strengthening whilst ahead. Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, and are now ringing the changes.

There’s been a concerted focus on strengthening the flanks, over these past weeks: Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, while discussions with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez are ongoing, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool enquire about new defender

Improving the defence is very much the order of the day for Slot and Co this summer but their efforts may not stop with the full-backs.

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As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial enquiries to RB Leipzig as they consider a move for Castello Lukeba, with the left-footed defender earning Slot’s nod of approval.

Though Lukeba, 22, has a €90m (£74m) release clause in his contract, FSG would be hoping to bag him for a cheaper fee. However, while Slot is personally keen on a move, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both known admirers too.

Liverpool have already made it known they would be open to signing a centre-half this summer, having failed in their bid to sign Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, but in Lukeba, they could score the perfect fallback.

Why Liverpool want Castello Lukeba

A defensive hybrid, Lukeba is a naturally central defender, though bears an athleticism and energy that has seen him weave out onto the left flank, which is an interesting proposition for Slot to chew on.

He’s powerful, yes, but not overbearing in the backline, playing his role consummately. Lukeba missed three months of the campaign with muscular difficulties, but featured prominently across the latter phase of the year.

Liverpool will be frustrated they missed out on Huijsen, who has been regarded as a “world-class” player in the making by analysts, but in Lukeba, the dream alternative has been identified.

Leipzig have fostered Lukeba, pulled him to the fore, but now he should take the next step in his career and join the Liverpool fold. After all, he’s got the balanced skill set to make Slot forget all about Huijsen.

League Stats 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Castello Lukeba

Stats (* per game)

Huijsen

Lukeba

Matches (starts)

32 (26)

23 (18)

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

0

Touches*

63.9

65.4

Pass completion

84%

87%

Key passes*

0.5

0.2

Dribbles*

0.1

0.9

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

2.0

Clearances*

6.1

3.0

Duels (won)*

3.6 (56%)

4.0 (65%)

Data via Sofascore

He might not be quite as attack-minded or silky on the ball as Huijsen, but Lukeba is still crisp and collected. Moreover, he’s a veritable machine when it comes to defensive duties, so commanding in the duel.

And that’s not to say Lukeba isn’t good on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe this season for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90.

With only four of his 23 Bundesliga outings coming from the flank, it’s clear he could play the role envisaged for Huijsen, especially given both are left-footers.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the Frenchman’s “freak profile,” drawing positive awareness to the dynamic and powerful set of skills. He even went on to say that transferring to Anfield would be a “perfect move” for Lukeba, and given that Huijsen is now out of bounds, Slot must throw the kitchen sink at getting it done.

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da casino： Aston Villa are now ready to hijack AFC Bournemouth’s transfer to sign an “outrageous” up and coming defender, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa identify replacement for key star

da lvbet： Since making the move to Villa Park, goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s career has gone from strength to strength, as he’s established himself as one of the best keepers in England and the world, given his heroics for Argentina, where he won the Golden Glove award in the 2022 World Cup.

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Now at the age of 32, Martinez may feel it is the right time for him to leave Villa and move to the next stage of his career. The Argentine is still under contract until 2029, but transfer speculation is continuing to mount, as Manchester United have reportedly made an approach over a possible move this summer. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have also been in the mix, and the Villans’ need to balance sales with incomings could create the perfect storm for his departure.

So as Martinez weighs up his future, Unai Emery and co. are looking at options to replace the 32-year-old, and OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka is someone club chiefs have identified. He is believed to be Villa’s first choice to replace Martinez, but they do face competition for his signature, as Marseille are also interested in signing the shot-stopper.

Aston Villa ready to hijack Bournemouth transfer to sign £20m defender

As the Villans look to strengthen their goalkeeper department, Emery also wants a new defender, and according to The Sun, Aston Villa are ready to join the battle to sign Adrien Truffert from Rennes.

The report states that Emery is in the market for a new left-back despite having Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen at his disposal, with the former now in his thirties and out of contract in 2026. However, Bournemouth are already chasing a deal for the defender, and it is claimed they are close to agreeing a £20 million deal with Rennes.

Villa will have to match the Cherries’ offer to stand a chance of signing the 23-year-old, but before they can do that, they will have to move a player on to abide with PSR.

Adrien Truffert’s Rennes stats

Apps

191

Goals

9

Assists

23

In fact, the defender has yet to earn a senior international call-up, and his thinking may be that a move to the Premier League could open that door. Bournemouth do appear to be ahead in the race, but Villa may have a way of beating the Cherries to a deal, with Truffert represented by the same agency as current Villa defender Enzi Konsa, perhaps allowing the Villans a smoother path in negotiations.