Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.
Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals
Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.
Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.
Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.
Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.
Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures
Derby County (A)
Pride Park
Norwich City (H)
Turf Moor
Watford (A)
Vicarage Road
Sheffield United (H)
Turf Moor
QPR (A)
Loftus Road
Millwall (H)
Turf Moor
On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.
Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.
Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.
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The trio are battling for promotion to the Premier League and also a star who is available on the market.
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Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.
Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.
It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.
Andrea Berta was officially announced as Arsenal’s new sporting director on Sunday afternoon, signalling a new era at the Emirates Stadium.
The exit of Edu towards the end of last year came as a shock to many at the club but for some, that has been a positive, chiefly Mikel Arteta who has now found himself with more power behind the scenes.
Upon Berta’s arrival, it was reported that the Italian was Arteta’s choice and that’s important considering they will have to mutually agree on how to strengthen the club.
While Edu was central to deals for players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, he was also to blame for a poor summer window in 2024, ultimately his final venture with the Gunners.
The north Londoners have failed to sign a much-needed centre forward in the last two windows and that will be Berta’s first priority when he sits down to discuss this summer’s business.
Alexander Isak is a key target while Viktor Gyokeres’ popularity is growing among Arsenal’s recruitment team.
The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal
Many a striker has been linked with the Gunners over the last year, notably Newcastle’s Isak.
Yet, with a £150m asking price, a deal seems highly unlikely to be negotiated.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another highly touted with the club but there’s a new target in the club’s crosshairs.
That’s according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein who reported over the weekend that Arsenal are ‘developing a strong interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres’.
It’s noted that Gyokeres has long been admired by Arsenal’s new sporting director and as a result, he is expected to feature prominently among the names that the Gunners consider over the summer.
While signing a striker is a big priority for Arteta and Co, there’s a key target emerging in another area of the pitch.
£51m star is reportedly on his way to Arsenal
Signing Gyokeres would be hugely exciting but there is also the need to improve in midfield with the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Mikel Merino was acquired nearly a year ago but hasn’t set the world alight as a number 8, forcing Rice to play further forward.
As a consequence of all of that, Arsenal have been looking to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Reports over the winter suggested that Arsenal had been working on a deal to bring the Spaniard to the club and that a move was advanced.
Since then, several claims have indicated that he’s set to come to English football in a few months’ time, with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.
Now, according to a new report in Spain, a move looks all but official. Via Marca, Spanish journalist Oscar Badallo reported during Sociedad’s latest game with Real Valladolid that the 26-year-old is “on his way to Arsenal.”
Martin Zubimendi
Previous reports have suggested a deal could be done in the region of £51m, which is the player’s release clause.
How Gyokeres and Zubimendi would benefit Arsenal
Arsenal have not been too far off winning the league over the last three seasons but there’s always been a feeling that they’re just a couple of players short.
The attack has been one of the biggest problems, notably this season, where main man Bukayo Saka has missed the last three months with a hamstring problem.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out for the season, which after Arsenal didn’t sign a new striker in January has led to Merino filling the void.
So, adding a centre forward has always been the primary objective. To be quite honest, it doesn’t necessarily matter who they sign because anyone would be an upgrade on makeshift Merino.
However, with Isak looking off the table due to his price tag, Gyokeres would surely be the next best thing. Why? Well, he’s one of the most prolific forwards in the game.
In fact, across all first division football worldwide in 2024, no player scored more than Gyokeres’ 36 goals.
Added to that, the Swedish powerhouse is the sixth-highest goal scorer in first division football throughout 2025, finding the net on 12 occasions in ten games.
1. Alex (Dewa United)
17
2. Mohanad Ali (Al Shorta)
15
3. Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal)
14
4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
13
5. Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)
13
6. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)
12
7. Mika Biereth (Monaco)
12
8. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
12
He’s certainly a freak of nature when it comes to scoring goals, beating the goalkeeper on 42 occasions in as many games this season.
So, on that basis, he could well be the missing piece of the puzzle as far as Arsenal are concerned.
However, in order for the former Coventry City star to get those goal-scoring opportunities, he needs his teammates to exert control and in Zubimendi, they’d get that in abundance.
Described as “one of the best central midfielders in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could be the Rodri-esque signing Arsenal could make in order to take their team to the next level.
He’s a Jorginho-type sitting midfielder who has a beautiful passing range, knows how to evade the press and can playmake from deep. He’s like Rodri, just a little less physical.
Boasting a fine all-round game, the Spain international ranks within the best 15% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes per 90 minutes this season, the top 18% for aerial duels won and the best 6% for take-on success.
What we can establish from that is that he’s a capable dribbler, he doesn’t back out from duels and he can play the ball forward. Very often sitting players like Zubimendi can be criticised for playing sideways but that certainly isn’t the case here. He ranks in the top 21% of positionally similar players in Spain’s top-flight for passes into the final third per 90.
On this evidence, Gyokeres need not worry about the speed of Arsenal’s transition from defence to attack. You take a look at Zubimendi, Rice and Martin Odegaard and see three players who want to pass forward.
These potential arrivals could be game-changers in Arsenal’s pursuit of winning the Premier League title next term.
Arteta can forget Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's "like Henry"
Arsenal are unlikely to spend £150m on Alexander Isak.
Gary Lineker was reduced to tears as he bid an emotional goodbye to the BBC after a 25-year run as Match of the Day presenter.
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Final show taken in as MOTD presenter
Emotional night for ex-England striker
Final year of BBC contract has been terminated
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WHAT HAPPENED?
It has been confirmed that the former England international will be severing ties with the BBC after walking away from the final year of his lucrative contract on the back of a social media misstep where he shared an antisemitic image on his Instagram story, which was later deleted. Lineker has insisted it was accidental.
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He had been due to spend another year with the BBC, taking him through FA Cup and World Cup coverage in 2025-26. The 64-year-old – who has already moved into the world of podcasts – is now readying himself for a fresh start.
It had previously been confirmed that Lineker would be leaving MOTD at the end of the 2024-25 season, with his final show in that chair seeing him joined by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Tribute messages were received from ex-players and former team-mates such as Ian Wright, Paul Gascoigne and Peter Shilton.
WHAT GARY LINEKER SAID
When signing off for the final time, Lineker struggled to keep his emotions in check, with tears finally flowing as the credits rolled on an iconic Premier League highlights show. Lineker said in his last piece to camera: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You have made my job so much easier.
"Also, a huge thank you to those that you don’t see at home – the work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to subs, thank you all, you are the very best. Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits."
أكد سيد عبد الحفيظ، مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي، إن الثلاثة أندية الكبار في الدوري المصري (الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز) يخدمون بعضهم البعض من خلال الأداء والنتائج السيئة منذ انطلاق الموسم الجديد.
وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “بيراميدز قدم خدمة للأهلي والزمالك بالتعادل مع وادي دجلة والخسارة أمام مودرن سبورت، وبعدها الأهلي خدم بيراميدز بأن أعاده للمنافسة مرة أخرى (يقوم الزمالك يسكت.. لا أنا أغيب أغيب وأرجع بهيبتي)”.
طالع أيضًا | سيد عبد الحفيظ ساخرًا: أداء الزمالك في صالح الأهلي “نعمة ربنا يحفظها من الزوال”
وردًا على ما يتردد بأن الأهلي يتعاقد مع مدربين بأسعار رخيصة، قال عبد الحفيظ: “هذا غير صحيح.. هل أحد يعلم كم كان يتقاضى كولر ومن قبله فايلر؟ ليس كل ما يُقال صحيح، الناس فقط وقت سوء النتائج ممكن تُصدق أي شيء، لكن الحقيقة أن الأهلي لم يبخل أبدًا بأي شيء.. هل الأهلي بعد كل النجوم الذين تعاقد معهم (بيسترخص!)”.
واستكمل: “لا نريد أن نقف عند بعض الأمور، يُحسب لإدارة النادي الأهلي ولجنة التخطيط عدم العناد وإجراء تغيير للجهاز الفني للفريق بعد سوء النتائج”.
وبسؤاله، هل الأهلي كان قد تعاقد مع خوسيه ريبيرو لأن النادي مازال يدفع راتبًا لمارسيل كولر المدير الفني السابق؟ ليُجيب عبد الحفيظ: “لا طبعًا، لأن الأهلي في نفس الوقت تعاقد مع كل هؤلاء النجوم في الفريق وكولر كان يحصل على راتبه”.
واختتم مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي: “دعونا ننتظر، طالما هناك اختيارات الآن فعلينا أن نُساندها، وهذه التجربة ستنجح إن شاء الله”.
On Sunday, the Light Blues battled to a 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, with Václav Černý on target in Edinburgh, while Jamie McCart scored not one but two unfortunate own goals.
Vaclav Cerny
That makes it five Premiership wins in a row for Philippe Clement’s team, who are unbeaten in nine league matches since Boxing Day, but this matters very little, considering they remain 13 points adrift Celtic, set for a trophyless campaign, having been ignominiously dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park.
So, all the Light Blues really have to play for is the Europa League, set to face one of Bodø/Glimt, Anderlercht, Fenerbahçe or Twente in the round of 16.
In recent times, Rangers supporters have loved their Europa League Thursdays, getting all the way to the final three seasons ago, and one of the stars of the run to Seville is impressing at another Scottish club, so will they rue letting him go for free?
Rangers' struggles in front of goal
Rangers have now failed to score on five occasions this season, most notably against Queen’s Park in that historic cup defeat, while, despite bagging three at Tynecastle this weekend, they’ve only netted 19 times in 13 Premiership away matches.
So, let’s compare Rangers’ goal-scoring issues to previous campaigns.
Rangers’ goal-scoring season-by-season comparison
Statistics
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Premiership goals scored
80
93
87
54
Premiership away goals scored
40
43
36
19
Premiership matches scored nil
2
2
3
3
Premiership matches scoring 4+
6
8
6
3
Goals-per-game in Europe
1.4
0.8
1.3
1.7
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
Rangers are currently on course to score 78 goals in this season’s Premiership, their lowest tally for a completed campaign since 2017/18, while their current tally of 19 goals away from home means they’re projected to score just 28 times on the road, their fewest since returning to the top division.
Cyriel Dessers
Failure to score in any of their remaining 12 league fixtures would be record-breaking, while they’ve only scored four, or more, on three occasions in the league so far, down from six during the previous campaign.
On the flip side, the Gers have scored 16 goals in eight Europa League matches so far, netting at least once during all of their league phase fixtures, including putting four past both Steaua Bucharest and Nice.
Nevertheless, consistent goalscoring is a clear weakness for this team, so did they make a mistake letting a goalscoring midfielder depart for free?
Ex-Rangers midfielder flying back at former club
Scott Arfield will always go down in history as Steven Gerrard’s first-ever signing as Rangers manager, arriving on a free transfer from Burnley in 2018, and what an excellent edition this proved to be.
He made 233 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring 43 goals and providing 19 assists, winning the Premiership title and a Scottish Cup, also a key member of the side who reached the Europa League Final, featuring in 16 European fixtures that season.
Then manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst described the Canadian international as “really important”, before the midfielder departed to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC, following the expiration of his contract in 2023.
He spent 12 months in North Carolina, making 33 appearances and scoring three goals, before returning to British football with Bolton Wanderers in EFL League One, albeit he featured just 16 times for the Trotters.
Arfield was then on the move again, re-joining Scottish Championship side Falkirk in January, returning to the club he had departed 15 years earlier.
Where Are They Now
Well, fair to say he had an immediate impact, scoring less than 60 seconds into his second Bairns debut, bagging a hat-trick during a 5-2 victory over Partick Thistle, before scoring again during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Ayr.
This means, in just two appearances back in Scotland, Arfield has now scored twice as many league goals as Rangers’ Nedim Bajrami has managed all season. The pair both have four goals between them across all competitions this season, yet Bajrami has made double the number of appearances.
Falkirk, who won the League One title unbeaten last season, are currently top of the Championship, seeking a second successive promotion that would take them into the top-flight for the first time since 2010.
Some supporters may have noticed that, whatever club he has been at, Arfield always wears the number 37 shirt, but the heartbreaking story behind this has only recently come to light.
Scott Arfield
This is a tribute to his former teammate Craig Gowans who, at the age of just 17, was killed back in 2005 when a metal pole he was holding collided with an overhead electricity pylon.
As outlined by Andrew Slaven of the Scottish Football Show, Falkirk had previously retired the number 37 shirt, with Arfield phoning up Gowans’ father asking for permission to wear it, who replied “wear it with pride”, a gesture Slaven describes as ‘really special’.
As well as being classy off the park, Arfield has shown he still has plenty to offer on it, even if at Championship level, emphasising he might just be the exact type of goal-scoring midfielder – and Bajrami upgrade – that Rangers are missing.
Cantwell signed instead: Rangers missed out on star who's now worth £110m
Rangers missed out on signing a player who is now one of the best in the Premier League
West Ham United are now keen on signing a “superstar” striker, having identified him as their top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
West Ham's striker issues
The Hammers never seem to have much luck when it comes to signing strikers, with some big-name signings such as Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca failing to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Niclas Fullkrug was also brought in last summer, but the German struggled to replicate his form in the Bundesliga prior to picking up a hamstring injury, while Michail Antonio is set to be ruled out for the foreseeable future due to a car crash.
Jarrod Bowen is always a reliable source of goals, once again getting on the scoresheet in the 1-0 victory against Arsenal yesterday, but Graham Potter is keen to bring in an out-and-out striker in the summer transfer window.
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Talks have been opened with Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, but the 23-year-old may just be a back-up option, as The Guardian have now revealed West Ham’s top striker target is Lille’s Jonathan David.
David is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, upon the expiration of his Lille contract, and he is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Inter Milan and Juventus also keen.
The report claims the Canadian now looks certain to leave Lille at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be able to meet his high wage demands.
"Superstar" David destined for the top
The 25-year-old has been lauded as a “superstar” by Canada teammate Jonathan Osorio, and he has a very impressive goal record over the course of a number of years in Ligue 1, arriving in 2020 after impressing in Belgium with Gent.
Season
Appearances
Goals
2020-21
37
13
2021-22
38
15
2022-23
37
24
2023-24
34
19
2024-25
21
12
The Brooklyn-born forward also has 31 goals in 59 games for his national side, so it is little wonder he is attracting the attention of some big clubs, and it is promising news that West Ham are in the race for his signature.
Fullkrug has struggled in his debut season at the London Stadium, scoring just twice in the Premier League, but even if he finds his feet, the 32-year-old is not of an age to lead the line for the long-term future.
The same applies to Antonio, who is now arguably in the twilight years of his career, so a younger striker will be a necessary signing in the summer, and David fits the bill at 25-years-old.
Given the Lille star’s ability, it may be difficult for the Hammers to get a deal done this summer, especially considering they are very unlikely to have European football on offer, but if they are able to pull it off, he could be an excellent long-term addition to the squad.
Twenty-five seconds after being substituted into the match, the veteran forward found the back of the net for the first goal of the game
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Angel City defeats Utah Royals 2-0Christen Press scores stunnerAlyssa Thompson bags second goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Angel City's Christen Press scored a stunning strike in a 2-0 victory over the Utah Royals Friday evening, as the veteran forward scored her first goal of the season.
Press made an instant impact after she entered took to the pitch in place of Claire Emslie in the 65th minute, finding the back of the net roughly 25 seconds later for the eventual winning goal. The veteran striker curled a lovely effort into the top corner of the net after a cheeky move in the box to create space.
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The match was the first shutout of the season for Angel City, who sit third in the league table after their Friday night victory that put them on 14 points on the season.
Press, a USWNT veteran, has made 155 appearances for her country, scoring 65 goals and recording 43 assists. She is also a two-time FIFA World Cup champion from 2015 and 2019, and helped lead the U.S. to a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Press, 36, agreed to a one-year extension with Angel City ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.
ImagnWHAT NEXT FOR PRESS?
Angel City return to the pitch on May 17 against Bay FC for their next NWSL match.
Aston Villa have now submitted a proposal to sign a “world-class” player, who is desperate to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.
Aston Villa set sights on midfielder amid McGinn uncertainty
John McGinn has been a fantastic servant to Villa, with the captain joining the club ahead of the promotion-winning 2018-19 season, but there is now doubt over his future, amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton.
However, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has been quick to play down suggestions McGinn could move on this summer, saying: “I am told that Unai Emery loves working with him and he is one of his key lieutenants in the squad, he is not just a normal player.
“Villa were shocked to hear him linked – not surprised but, as it stands, there are no plans to move on from him – as he showed last season, he has plenty to offer.”
Regardless of whether the Scotland international ends up departing the club, it appears as though Emery is keen to bring in a new midfielder, and a proposal has now been made for one of the Spaniard’s former players.
That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states Aston Villa have now been in touch with Juventus over a loan deal for Douglas Luiz, who joined the Italian club for a fee of £42m last summer.
Juventus would rather hold out for a permanent deal, but a loan deal could be a more practical solution, considering they would only be able to sell Luiz at a big loss, as the Brazilian has failed to kick on since making the move to the Serie A.
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Having failed to adapt to the Italian league, the midfielder is thought to be desperate to return to the Premier League this summer, and a return to Villa Park is very much on the cards.
McGinn would be delighted by "world-class" Luiz returning
It appears as though McGinn is likely to remain at Villa Park, with the Scot still considered an important player by Emery, and he would surely be delighted by Luiz returning to the club, having once described his former teammate as “world-class”.
Villa fans will be well-aware of the central-midfielder’s abilities, with the maestro displaying a keen eye for goal during his final season at the club, picking up a total of nine goals and five assists in 35 Premier League outings.
The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder also memorably scored directly from a corner against Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign.
With Luiz keen to return to the Premier League, a move back to Villa Park may be ideal, and signing him on loan could be perfect for Aston Villa, considering their PSR concerns.
da winzada777： Glasgow Rangers have officially made their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
da blaze casino： Right-back Max Aarons joins on a season-long loan deal, and the dynamic Englishman will certainly add some competition for James Tavernier.
The Ibrox faithful will be hoping that Russell Martin has several more announcements to make over the coming weeks, especially with the Champions League second round qualifying matches against Panathinaikos just weeks away.
Building a team capable of making it through to the next stage is Martin’s priority, especially with the financial rewards on offer if the Gers qualify for the lucrative group stages.
Buying new players could well depend on the club’s ability to sell a few of their prized assets this summer.
Indeed, Hamza Igamane potentially looks like he could be on the move. According to the Daily Mail, the striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille, although no offer has been made.
The Light Blues only signed the player last summer, but it now looks as though Martin is aiming to rake in a solid profit, as Rangers could hold out for a fee in the region of £15m.
He isn’t the only centre-forward who looks set to leave. Cyriel Dessers might well be on his way this summer also. The Nigerian international has been a polarising figure during his two years in Glasgow, but will the club miss him?
Cyriel Dessers’ Rangers record
Just a few weeks ago, it looked as though Greek side AEK Athens were set to secure a move for Dessers. After days of negotiating over a transfer fee, however, this move looks like it could perhaps be in jeopardy.
Cyriel Dessers’ Premiership stats for Rangers
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
16
18
Assists
4
2
Big chances created
8
2
Big chances missed
27
21
Goal conversion percentage
16%
22%
Via Sofascore
Now it appears that Feyenoord are looking to hijack a move for the Gers frontman after they failed to land a couple of their main targets.
Much will depend on whether the Dutch side can offer a fee that the Glasgow outfit are happy with, as this is why the deal with AEK Athens has broken down.
Dessers cost the club around £4.5m in the summer of 2023 and Martin is looking to recoup the majority, if not all, of that outlay.
Across his two seasons in Scotland, the 30-year-old has netted a more than respectable tally of 51 goals across 109 games. This works out as a goal every 2.1 games.
Despite this stellar record in front of goal, Dessers often takes two or three chances to eventually find the back of the net in matches.
Indeed, during the 2023/24 Premiership campaign, the former Feyenoord striker missed a staggering 27 big chances across his 35 matches.
Last season, this figure dropped to missing 21 big chances, but having someone who is far more clinical in the opposition penalty area, as well as being able to link up well with those behind him, is Martin’s priority.
Moving on Dessers could be a smart piece of business by the new manager, especially considering who he is lining up as his potential replacement…
Latest on Rangers' search for a new striker
With Igamane looking likely to depart Ibrox, alongside Dessers, it is evident that the club need another centre-forward or two ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.
Israeli player Dor Turgeman has been on the club’s wish list for a while, but it remains to be seen whether Martin makes his move for the striker.
According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are now exploring a move for Croatian striker Matija Frigan, who is keen to make the move to Scotland, as per the report.
Martin will have to spend around £6.5m to sign the Westerlo player this summer, but if he can move on Igamane and Dessers for roughly £20m, he will have money to spend.
The club will be hoping a deal can be sealed before the crucial games against Panathinaikos, especially if Martin is lacking in firepower before then.
Frigan has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Gers. There is no doubt about that.
Why Rangers must sign Matija Frigan
The 22-year-old is yet to hit his peak and a move to Rangers would give him the platform to get even better, especially by playing European football.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Across 41 games for the Belgian side last term, Frigan scored 14 goals and grabbed four assists in all competitions.
In the Belgian Pro League, the 22-year-old recorded 2.2 shots per game, while also creating six big chances and finishing the season with a goal conversion percentage of 14% for Westerlo.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded the Croatian as a “complete forward” two years ago, even stating that he was similar in style to Ciro Immobile.
As such, signing a player with his talent is surely a key priority for the manager, especially considering he has plenty of room to grow.
Although Dessers may have scored more goals last season, the fact that Frigan is eight years younger, meaning he is a crucial long-term prospect.
Last term, Frigan missed just 12 big chances, compared to Dessers’ 21, while he averaged more touches (22 vs 18.8) and successful dribbles (0.7 vs 0.3) per game in their respective domestic leagues.
If Martin is able to sell the Nigerian player for the same price which Rangers bought him for, then it would be a wonderful piece of business by the new boss.
Frigan – who was also hailed as an “interesting youngster” by Jacek Kulig – has the potential to go from strength to strength by making a move to Glasgow.
Funds shouldn’t be an issue, as the report states the Light Blues may be willing to structure a deal so they will pay a lower fee initially, adding on potential add-ons to make the move more attractive.
With Aarons arriving in Glasgow, the supporters will be looking forward to more arrivals over the coming weeks.
Could Frigan be the next big summer signing? Only time will tell.
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