Since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in search of trophies back in 2013, Harry Kane, who has been named as one of the best strikers in the world, has continued his remarkable record in front of goal, having found the back of the net a whopping 108 times in 113 games for Bayern Munich.
Harry Kane’s goal return by season
Appearances (all competitions)
Goals
2023-24
45
44
2024-25
51
41
2025-26
17
23
Not only has the 32-year-old established himself as Bayern’s talisman, but he has also remained a consistent source of goals for England at international level, most recently scoring a brace in the Three Lions’ final World Cup qualifier in Albania.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in style, having won every single game in Group K without conceding a goal, and fans will be dreaming of football finally ‘coming home’, after two heartbreaking losses in finals of the Euros.
With one of the world’s best strikers leading the line, England certainly have a chance, and the captain recently surpassed a record set by three-time World Cup-winner Pele.
Harry Kane moves ahead of Pele for international goals
Indeed, courtesy of the brace against Albania, Kane has now moved ahead of Pele for international goals, while also going 25 clear of nearest-rival Wayne Rooney at the top of the Three Lions’ all-time goalscoring charts.
As such, it will come as no surprise that Thomas Frank has previously made it clear he wants to re-sign the former Tottenham star, saying: “He is an unbelievable player who did fantastic for Spurs and is doing fantastic for Bayern. Top player. I think there’s a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself, who would like to see Kane back.”
Frank’s comments came after learning about a clause in the Bayern Munich star’s contract, which means he will be available for just £54m in January, while Spurs also have a first option to sign the centre-forward, should they decide to open talks with the German club.
Kane is in the form of his life at Bayern, and will have aspirations of winning the Champions League this season, so it may be difficult to tempt him to return to N17, but if Tottenham were able to do so, he would undoubtedly be a fantastic signing, and could go on to break the Premier League goal record too.
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De volta aos gramados, o Botafogo ainda junta os cacos de um 2023 que parecia com um sonho e terminou como um pesadelo. Nesta quarta-feira (17), o Glorioso entrou em campo para enfrentar o Madureira no Nilton Santos e ganhou por 1 a 0, com gol de Jeffinho. Com essa vitória, o clube voltou finalmente a vencer no estádio, jejum que vivia desde o dia 27 de agosto.
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Destaque do jogo, Jeffinho retorna ao clube no qual viveu seu melhor momento na carreira. Além de marcar o gol da vitória, o atacante participou da maioria das jogadas promissoras do Botafogo, oferecendo perigo ao gol do Madureira.
Porém, mesmo com quase 20 finalizações no jogo, o sistema defensivo do Botafogo sofreu no jogo. Graças as ótimas atuações de Gatito Fernández e o estreante da noite, o zagueiro Alexander Barboza, o Glorioso saiu com a vitória, mas ficou evidente que o time ainda segue em ritmo de pré-temporada.
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➡️ Torcedores do Botafogo se surpreendem com atuação de Barboza: ‘Psicopata da zaga’
Outro ponto a ser destacado na partida, foi a onda de protestos aos jogadores e ao John Textor, dono da SAF do Botafogo. Marçal e Marlon Freitas foram os mais vaiados pela torcida. Marlon começou jogando e ao ser substituído, foi vaiado pelos mais de 7 mil botafoguenses que estavam no Nilton Santos. Marçal, capitão do time, entrou no segundo tempo, e a cada toque na bola, o coro de vaias reverberava pelo estádio.
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Apesar de ser início de temporada, o Botafogo vai ter que se provar e conquistar a confiança da torcida ferida de 2023. O jogo contra o Madureira, mostra que o elenco não está em 100%, mas ainda tem muito potencial a ser tirado da equipe.
Managers being hired and fired is very much a part of life in football, and the managerial merry-go-round is in full swing during the 2025/26 season.
There have already been sackings in the Premier League and Championship, with Ange Postecoglou’s 39-day tenure in charge of Nottingham Forest arguably the main managerial story of the season.
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ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025
Here is a full list of dismissals from the Premier League and EFL.
Every Premier League and EFL manager sacked in 2025/26
Manager
Club left
Date
1
Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest
9th September
2
Ruben Selles
Sheffield United
14th September
3
Mike Dodds
Wycombe Wanderers
18th September
4
Michael Flynn
Cheltenham Town
20th September
5
Graham Potter
West Ham
27th September
6
Steve Bruce
Blackpool
4th October
7
Matt Bloomfield
Luton Town
6th October
8
Paulo Pezzolano
Watford
8th October
9
Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest
18th October
10
Darren Ferguson
Peterborough United
25th October
11
Noel Hunt
Reading
26th October
12
Vitor Pereira
Wolves
2nd November
13
Will Still
Southampton
2nd November
14
Liam Manning
Norwich City
8th November
15
Alan Sheehan
Swansea City
11th November
16
David Hughes
Newport County
15th November
1 Nuno Espirito Santo Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo was the first manager sacked in the top four leagues, despite leading Nottingham Forest to Europa League football.
A breakdown in relationship with those above him at the City Ground resulted in his departure, with Nuno taking the West Ham jobs weeks later and Forest not having any luck with his replacement.
2 Ruben Selles Sheffield United
After parting ways with Chris Wilder, Sheffield United brought in Ruben Selles, believing he was the man to take the Blades back to the Premier League.
However, Selles lost all six of his games in charge and was out the door in mid September, with Wilder returning shortly after.
3 Mike Dodds Wycombe Wanderers
Former Sunderland assistant Mike Dodds was in charge of Wycombe for seven months. One win and five defeats in their opening eight League One games saw Dodds depart, with Michael Duff being named as his replacement.
4 Michael Flynn Cheltenham Town
Michael Flynn was sacked by Cheltenham Town in September after losing nine matches from 12 across all competitions.
Rock bottom of the 72 EFL sides at the time of his dismissal, Flynn was replaced by Steve Cotterill, who managed the Robins between 1997-2002.
5 Graham Potter West Ham
After taking over at West Ham at the beginning of 2025, Graham Potter couldn’t see the year out at the London Stadium after a woeful start to the 2025/26 season.
Sacked on a Saturday two days before a game, the Hammers moved quickly to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo.
6 Steve Bruce Blackpool
Steve Bruce’s return to management with Blackpool lasted 12 months, with the experienced former Premier League boss losing seven of 11 League One games in 2025/26.
The 64-year-old was replaced by Ian Evatt, who spent seven years as a player at Bloomfield Road.
7 Matt Bloomfield Luton Town
Matt Bloomfield couldn’t keep Luton Town in the Championship in the 2024/25 season, and a poor start to the League One campaign resulted in his sacking.
The Hatters moved swiftly after parting ways with Bloomfield, bringing in former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
8 Paulo Pezzolano Watford
It is very rare these days that Watford go through a season without making a managerial change, so Paulo Pezzolano’s departure wasn’t exactly a shock.
The Hornets, in one post on X, shared the news of Pezzolano’s exit and the return of Javi Gracia.
9 Ange Postecoglou Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge of Nottingham Forest was short and not so sweet at all, failing to win any of his eight games.
After a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea and just 39 days in charge, Evangelos Marinakis brutally parted ways with his second manager of the season, bringing in Sean Dyche days later.
10 Darren Ferguson Peterborough United
Darren Ferguson’s fourth spell as Peterborough United manager came to an end in October after winning three of the Posh’s opening 13 games.
He previously won four promotions with the club but had the club bottom of League One at the time of his departure.
اقتنص فريق سندرلاند تعادلاً قاتلاً من ضيفه آرسنال، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، خلال المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت وانتهت بالتعادل بهدفين لمثلهما.
وحل آرسنال ضيفًا على سندرلاند، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الحادية عشر للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.
وتقدم سندرلاند بهدف أول في الدقيقة 36 من عمر المباراة، في شباك آرسنال، عن طريق دانيال بالارد، وحسم الشوط الأول بهدف نظيف لأصحاب الأرض.
وفي الشوط الثاني، تمكن آرسنال من التعادل بهدف عن طريق بوكايو ساكا، بعد تمريرة من ميكيل ميرينو في الدقيقة 54.
اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد تعادل آرسنال مع سندرلاند
وفي الدقيقة 74، عزز لياندرو تروسارد تقدم آرسنال بهدف ثانٍ، مستفيدًا من تمريرة مارتن زوبيميندي.
وبحلول الدقيقة الرابعة من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع، أدرك سندرلاند التعادل بهدف قاتل عن طريق بريان بروبي، وعاد الحكم لتقنية الفار بعد احتجاجات من لاعبي آرسنال، واحتسب الهدف في النهاية.
انتهت المباراة بتعادل إيجابي، ليصبح رصيد آرسنال 26 نقطة في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وسندرلاند 19 نقطة في المركز الثالث.
وتشهد هذه الجولة من البريميرليج، مباراة قوية بين مانشستر سيتي الوصيف والذي يمتلك 19 نقطة، وليفربول صاحب المركز الخامس بـ18 نقطة، غدًا الأحد. أهداف مباراة آرسنال وسندرلاند اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
Rafael Benitez is closing in on his 17th managerial role, as the veteran Spaniard is set to become Panathinaikos’ new head coach on a record-breaking contract. The 65-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024, is poised to become the highest-paid manager in Greek football history, marking his return after a 19-month break.
Benitez set to join Panathinaikos
Benitez’s long wait for a return to the dugout appears to be over, with reports from Greece and the Netherlands confirming that he has agreed to take charge of Panathinaikos on a two-year deal. The Greek giants currently sit seventh in the Super League Greece table, eight points adrift of leaders PAOK but with a game in hand. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf revealed that the contract, worth £3.47 million per year, makes Benitez the highest-paid coach in the country’s history.
The deal was reportedly finalised following negotiations in London with club president Giannis Alafouzos. Benitez has asked for his tenure not to begin immediately as he arranges his relocation to Athens, meaning he will not be on the bench for their upcoming Europa League clash against Feyenoord. Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie even admitted his relief at not having to face the Spanish tactician so soon.
Benitez’s arrival is expected to inject experience and prestige into a club that has not won the Greek title since 2010. Having last managed Celta Vigo — where he won just five of 28 matches — the veteran coach will be hoping to restore his reputation in a league he has never worked in before.
AdvertisementGettyBenitez extends legacy
For Benitez, this latest appointment extends a remarkable managerial journey that spans nearly four decades and several continents. Since beginning his career at Real Madrid’s youth academy in the mid-1980s, he has managed some of the biggest clubs in world football, from Liverpool and Chelsea to Napoli and Real themselves.
At 65, the Spaniard now faces a very different challenge — transforming a Panathinaikos side struggling for consistency into genuine title contenders. His reputation for structure and discipline could bring stability to a club desperate for a return to the European spotlight. The move also reflects the growing appeal of the Greek Super League to seasoned coaches looking to rejuvenate their careers. With clubs like Olympiacos and PAOK enjoying improved European visibility, Benitez’s appointment further cements Greece’s rise as an attractive managerial destination.
Benitez's immense CV
Benitez’s career is one of the most decorated among modern managers. He first rose to prominence with Valencia, winning two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup before moving to Liverpool in 2004, where he famously masterminded the club’s miraculous Champions League triumph in Istanbul. His six-year spell at Anfield also brought an FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, cementing his status among Europe’s elite.
After leaving Liverpool, Benitez’s globe-trotting career saw him win the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan, the Europa League with Chelsea, and domestic silverware with Napoli. His brief stints with Real Madrid, Everton, and Newcastle United highlighted his adaptability across contrasting football cultures. Few managers can match his record of winning major trophies in Spain, England, and Italy — and now he looks set to expand his legacy in Greece.
Despite enduring difficult spells at Everton and Celta Vigo, Benitez remains one of football’s most respected tacticians. His structured approach, emphasis on defensive organisation, and eye for tactical nuance continue to define his managerial identity. With Panathinaikos, he will have a fresh opportunity to reassert those principles in a new environment.
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GettyWhat comes next?
Benitez’s appointment is expected to be made official later this week, once final contract details and work formalities are completed. While he will not oversee the team in their upcoming Europa League trip to Feyenoord later on Thursday, his debut on the touchline could come against Asteras Tripolis in the Super League. The Spaniard’s immediate task will be to close the gap to the top of the table and stabilise a side that has struggled for rhythm this season.
Longer term, the focus will be on restoring Panathinaikos to domestic dominance and European relevance. With a proven track record of turning underperforming teams into disciplined units, Benitez’s arrival could mark the start of a new era for the Athens giants.
With Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah among those to depart Parkhead in recent times, Celtic have frustratingly had to witness some of their best and brightest move on to pastures new, instead of sticking it out for the long haul in Glasgow.
Those who have moved on haven’t always enjoyed the best of fortunes, however, with the club’s record departures a case in point.
Indeed, Kieran Tierney – sold to Arsenal back in 2019 – has returned to Scotland this summer after six injury-hit years at the Emirates. Jota, meanwhile, is also now back on the books after enduring a miserable time in Saudi Arabia and France.
Matt O’Riley
Brighton
£25m
Jota
Al-Ittihad
£25m
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal
£23m
Moussa Dembele
Lyon
£19m
Nicolas Kuhn
Como
£16m
Odsonne Edouard
Palace
£14m
Kristoffer Ajer
Brentford
£13.5m
Virgil van Dijk
Southampton
£13.5m
Victor Wanyama
Spurs
£12.5m
In the case of Matt O’Riley, the elegant playmaker has joined Marseille on loan after just a solitary season at Brighton. Kuhn, now at Como, is yet to start a Serie A game since his £16m switch.
Even Kyogo – who departed for Rennes in January in the hope of securing a more prominent role for Japan – has found himself now operating in England’s Championship rather than the Champions League, with the grass certainly not always greener.
That being said, there are those who go on and flourish elsewhere after leaving the Premiership side, with young Ben Gannon-Doak proving a prime example.
Ben Gannon-Doak's display in numbers vs Belarus
Every club has a tale of ‘one that got away, with Gannon-Doak the most prominent name in recent times with regard to Celtic and their academy production line.
Handed two senior appearances by Ange Postecoglou as a mere 16-year-old, the flying winger could not be tempted to stay put in Scotland, instead moving to Premier League giants Liverpool for a compensation fee of just £600k.
While the intense competition at Anfield has seen the now 19-year-old move on to Bournemouth this summer, the nature of the £25m price tag emphasises just what a talent he truly is – a fact that he again showcased on Monday night away at Belarus.
The man who previously tormented Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol, Gannon-Doak is emerging as a real outlet for Steve Clarke and for Scotland despite his relative youth, with new Cherries teammate Ryan Christie highlighting just why he has become such a firm favourite for the Tartan Army:
That positivity was on full display on Monday, with Gannon-Doak – unleashed from the start by Clarke – proving a constant menace down the left flank, having been the away side’s ‘brightest creative spark’, according to GIVEMESPORT.
In his 74-minute outing, the youngster notably completed three of his four attempted dribbles, enjoyed a 93% pass accuracy rate and registered one key pass, as per Sofascore, having produced a performance of real authority off the left.
There was also steel to match the silk, however, a fact emphasised by a crunching challenge on the halfway line, that resulted in a yellow card, as he also notably won seven of his 11 total duels.
A player who looks like the complete package, Celtic will rue having let him slip from their grasp. That is in the past, however, with there now a new shining light to enjoy at Parkhead…
Callum Osmand could be Celtic's answer to Gannon-Doak
Too often in recent times have Celtic had to watch as their academy products have been snapped up by top-flight clubs south of the border, with teenage goal machine Daniel Cummings notably making the switch to West Ham United this summer.
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That being said, there are times where the Hoops are able to get their own back, with Brendan Rodgers and co memorably poaching a young Moussa Dembele from Fulham back in the summer of 2016.
Such a coup looks like it could well have been replicated this summer too, with the Scottish champions having managed to prise another teenage striker from Craven Cottage, in the form of Callum Osmand.
The 19-year-old may have yet to enjoy a taste of senior football in west London, although he has flourished at youth level in recent years, scoring 23 goals in just 38 U18 games, alongside netting 20 times in 35 games for the U21 side.
In one outing for Celtic ‘B’ team, the prolific teen has already got off the mark, emphasising just why he is so “highly-rated”, in the words of Rodgers:
Having discussed the potential move with another Fulham product, O’Riley, the Welshman will be looking to try and emulate the playmaker’s impact in green and white, with a starting berth seemingly up for grabs amid the uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s number nine berth.
Much like Gannon-Doak, the rapid talent appears to have that fearless quality to his attacking game, a point that has been emphasised by Fulham expert Jack Kelly:
While Celtic have had to witness Gannon-Doak flourish at international level, perhaps they could well get their own back with the case of Osmand, with it set to be intriguing to see if he can make a first-team impact under Rodgers this season.
There is a centre-forward vacuum to be filled in the wake of Idah’s departure – could Osmand now fill it?
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A Manchester United star is now ready to leave in the January transfer window, despite recently holding talks with manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim under pressure amid discontent among players
There have been widespread reports suggesting that a number of Man United players aren’t totally convinced by Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, with insider Graeme Bailey recently revealing that INEOS are furious with the leaks.
Bailey said: “The club thought they had really stamped this out, they see it as totally destructive to what they are trying to do. United firmly believe they are building something, but they won’t and can’t allow internal discontent to impact on the club as a whole.”
Things have improved slightly as of late, with United picking up two home wins on the bounce in clashes with Burnley and Chelsea, but Amorim remains under pressure, and INEOS have already started identifying potential replacements.
Target
Club
Points per match (current job)
Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace
1.76
Marco Silva
Fulham
1.60
Mauricio Pochettino
USMNT
1.83
Andoni Iraola
AFC Bournemouth
1.45
One player who is well-known to be unhappy at Old Trafford is Kobbie Mainoo, with it recently being revealed the midfielder has been pressuring INEOS to let him join Real Madrid in January, and there has now been a new update on his future.
According to a report from The Mirror, Mainoo recently held private talks with Amorim, during which the manager revealed the central midfielder is still a part of his plans, but he has clearly been left unconvinced by the discussions.
Indeed, following the talks, the United academy graduate is now ready to leave during the January transfer window, with a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad on the line, as Thomas Tuchel is unwilling to select the youngster unless he receives regular game time.
The 20-year-old requested a loan move in the summer, having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, and he has since been unable to force his way back into Amorim’s plans.
Amorim must start giving Mainoo more game time
In all honesty, it is no surprise the England international wants to leave, given that playing at a World Cup is many players’ ultimate dream, and he is currently at serious risk of not being selected for the Three Lions next summer.
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He’s yet to show his best form this season…
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The Stockport-born midfielder has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, most recently being snubbed at half-time against Chelsea, with Amorim opting to bring Manuel Ugarte on instead after Casemiro’s red card.
The £70m-rated maestro clearly has bags of ability, perhaps most memorably putting in a top performance against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in United’s 2-1 triumph.
As such, it is very strange that Amorim is so unwilling to give Mainoo consistent game time, and if the manager doesn’t start the 10-time England international regularly before the January transfer window, he is clearly willing to push for a move.
Tottenham are in the market for three new signings before the imminent transfer deadline on September 1, with Thomas Frank eyeing a new centre-back, winger, and, perhaps most importantly, a new number 10.
Spurs were a thorn in Man City’s side last weekend as the Lilywhites once again established themselves as Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, coming away from Eastlands with an impressive 2-0 win.
However, off the field, City are reluctant to sell Savinho – a player who Frank personally wants – to the north Londoners and are making it very difficult.
Tottenham opened negotiations for Savinho over a fortnight ago, and since then, chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly seen a £42 million offer rejected whilst City take a public stance that he’s not for sale.
That being said, Levy is apparently refusing to give up on signing the 21-year-old, and Spurs are ready to bid over £60 million to tempt the Sky Blues into selling in the next few days.
Unfortunately for Frank, as it is this late in the window, a deal for Savinho is also dependent on Guardiola bringing in an elite replacement – so Levy is counting on a dramatic last-gasp transfer domino to land the Brazilian.
Alternatively, Spurs do have other options to bolster their wide area, and one of them is wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
The Nigerian, who won last 2024’s African Player of the Year award, scored a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final to end their unprecedented 23/24 unbeaten run.
Lookman also bagged a brilliant 20 goals in all competitions last season, but he’s publicly admitted to lodging a transfer request as the versatile attacker looks to seal a move elsewhere.
Tottenham offered Ademola Lookman as Savinho alternative
According to reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are among the sides who’ve been offered Lookman, and he could be a great alternative to Savinho.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman in action with AC Milan'sEmersonRoyal
As well as being able to play in the latter’s position out wide, the 27-year-old can operate as a second striker, centre-forward and even as a playmaker when required – so this could be attractive to Frank.
His proven goal return and £43 million valuation are obvious temptations too, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a move to the Premier League is a real possibility for the player.
Heading into the final few days of the summer transfer window, Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers made it clear that he did not want Adam Idah to leave unless he had already been replaced.
The Hoops boss confirmed that he told the board that the Ireland international should not be allowed to move to Swansea unless another striker had been signed.
However, it got to deadline day a couple of days later and the former Norwich City centre-forward completed a £6m move to EFL Championship team Swansea City, despite the fact that Celtic had not signed any strikers.
This meant that the Scottish Premiership giants ended the summer transfer window with Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada as their only two senior options in the number nine position.
However, Celtic have moved to address their lack of options in that role in the free agent market by swooping to sign Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Hoops were touted with interest in the left-footed forward late in the day on Monday, and Sevilla then ripped up his contract to allow him to sign for the club on Tuesday, after the deadline.
What Kelechi Iheanacho could bring to Celtic
The 28-year-old striker is an intriguing signing for the Scottish giants because he was once a very highly-rated prospect in the Premier League during his time with Manchester City and Leicester.
Iheanacho, who worked with Rodgers during his time with the Foxes, played eight seasons in the English top-flight, and you do not stay in one of the best leagues in the world for that long if you are a bad player.
22/23 (28)
5
5
21/22 (26)
4
5
20/21 (25)
12
2
19/20 (20)
5
5
18/19 (30)
1
3
17/18 (21)
3
3
16/17 (20)
4
3
15/16 (26)
8
1
As you can see in the table above, the Nigerian striker even managed an eye-catching haul of 14 goal contributions in the division in the 2020/21 campaign, whilst being managed by the Celtic boss.
However, it is worth noting that he has only scored six goals in 52 matches in all competitions in the last two seasons, mainly playing in the Championship for Leicester and Middlesbrough, per Sofascore.
That run of form included zero goals and zero assists in nine appearances in LaLiga for Sevilla before they opted to terminate his contract earlier this week.
Kelechi Iheanacho at Leicester.
With this and the report that Celtic wanted two strikers on deadline day in mind, it makes sense that the Hoops are now being linked with another free agent forward.
Celtic in talks to sign English forward
According to The Herald, Celtic have made an approach to sign free agent centre-forward Patrick Bamford after his exit from Leeds United earlier this summer.
The former England international was not due to be out of contract at Elland Road, but a mutual agreement was reached after it had been made clear, by Daniel Farke, that he would not be part of their squad for the Premier League season.
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This means that Bamford is available on a free transfer and that the Hoops can snap him up at any point, although it is now too late to register him for the league phase of the Europa League.
Given that Celtic do not have to deal with a club or have to agree a transfer fee to sign the striker, the Premiership champions must now be in talks with the player after making an approach.
It is now down to the club and the player to see if there is a deal that could work for both parties to bring him in as the second striker that they wanted to add to the squad, after the signing of Iheanacho on Tuesday.
Patrick Bamford has shades of Gary Hooper
Bamford could arrive at Parkhead as a player who has shades of former Celtic marksman Gary Hooper, arriving at the club from England with a knack for scoring impressive goals.
The former Leeds marksman has only scored eight goals in the last two seasons in all competitions, but he was still able to showcase his ability to score world-class goals.
Bamford’s strike against Peterborough in the FA Cup last year was a sight to behold, and shows that he does have the quality to score stunning goals when playing regularly.
The 31-year-old striker did not start a single league game in the 2024/25 campaign, and only started 15 times in the 2023/24 season, which means that he did not get too many chances to add to his goal tally.
His ability to score brilliant goals whilst also being a poacher inside the box evokes shades of Hooper during his career, at Celtic and elsewhere, as the English forward was no stranger to a world-class finish.
Hooper, who scored a Bamford-esque volley during his time in England with Norwich City, scored 82 goals in 138 matches for Celtic in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.
He proved himself to be a prolific goalscorer who could find the back of the net consistently, usually from inside the box instead of from range, before his move to Norwich in 2013.
Bamford is at the other end of his career in comparison to Hooper when he first arrived at Parkhead from Scunthorpe United, but he could provide a similar threat at the top end of the pitch.
The left-footed striker, whose finishing quality and work rate were described as “rare” by Jurgen Klopp, has been capped by England and scored 24 goals at Premier League level in his career, which shows that he would arrive in Glasgow with a lot of pedigree.
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Therefore, Bamford could be a shrewd free agent signing to play in the domestic competitions to save Iheanacho for the European matches, and he could give off shades of Hooper as the new English striker in town if the club are able to get a deal done for him.
This summer transfer window has acted as a period of change for Liverpool, and it has felt at times like the transition from the end of the Jürgen Klopp reign to the start of the Arne Slot one. Whilst this will be Slot’s second season at the club, last year’s Premier League-winning campaign was predominantly done with his predecessor’s signings, with the exception of Federico Chiesa.
Prominent members of Liverpool’s front line have departed the club this summer, including Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, which have helped fund new faces. Liverpool’s opening day win against Bournemouth has demonstrated Slot’s favour towards his own signings, as four of the starting eleven were signings from this summer.
Slot now looks likely to remove another one of Klopp’s favourites as a German club are prepared to offer Liverpool a massive return on their investment.
RB Leipzig preparing bid for Elliott as personal terms agreed
RB Leipzig are preparing to submit a bid worth £25.9 million for Liverpool and England attacking midfielder, Harvey Elliott. This report comes from the Empire of the Kop, who stated that Liverpool’s valuation of Elliott is closer to £34.5 million, and the gap between the two figures will “potentially be bridged through structured payments and add-ons”.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
This deal will see Liverpool receive more than 500% profit on Elliott, given that he only cost them £4.3 million when they signed him from Fulham in 2019.
Elliott has fallen out of favour at Liverpool since Slot took over, with his appearances dropping from 53 in all competitions during the 23/24 campaign to 28 appearances in all competitions in the 24/25 campaign. Since departing Liverpool, Klopp has taken over as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull and may be one of the figures behind recruiting Elliott.
Empire of the Kop also report that Elliot has come to terms with the fact that he does not feature heavily in Slot’s plans and is accepting a move to the Bundesliga, having already agreed personal terms in principle. These personal terms include a pay rise where he’ll increase from the £2.08 million that he earns each year at Liverpool to a new salary between £2.6 million and £3.4 million a year.
Elliott's transfer adds to Slot's forward depth issues
While Elliott didn’t feature prominently for Slot last season, his departure would still add to the minutes that need to be made up. Slot’s new-look forward line will have to make up for the minutes of the recently sold Diaz and Nunez, as well as those of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in the summer.
Premier League Minutes Last Season
Jota
1,194
Diaz
2,410
Nunez
1,118
Elliott
360
Total
5,082
Whilst it may seem like a mammoth task to make up 5,082 minutes, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké came close to that last season. Across the last Bundesliga campaign, the pair racked up 4,933 minutes of game time, only 149 minutes short of what the listed players played combined.