Aston Villa now want to sign an “incredible” Barcelona player this summer, with Unai Emery believed to be a big fan, according to a report.
Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty
Ollie Watkins has been one of Villa’s key players for quite some time, with the England international reaching the 15-goal mark for the third campaign on the spin this season, underlining his importance to the side.
Season
Premier League appearances
Goals
2022-23
37
15
2024-24
37
19
2024-25
37
16
However, given the level of Watkins’ performances, the striker is attracting attention from some rival Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Chelsea and long-term admirers Arsenal being named as potential suitors.
The 29-year-old has also had issues with Emery at times this season, admitting he was furious about being largely uninvolved in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, saying: “I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing – I let him [Unai Emery] know that.”
Watkins has since returned to the team, suggesting the pair have settled their differences, but a new report has now revealed that Aston Villa still want to sign a striker this summer, emerging as potential suitors for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.
FC Barcelona'sFerranTorresin action
Emery is a big fan of Torres, who joined Barca for €55m (£46m) back in 2021, and there has been a long-standing belief that the forward would be a good fit for the Villans’ style of play.
That said, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested the 25-year-old is unlikely to leave the La Liga champions this summer, having featured regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
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ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "Incredible" Torres impressing for Barcelona
It is no surprise the forward may be tempted to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer, fresh off the back of winning the La Liga title, as he was very impressive right the way through the 2024-25 season, during which he predominantly featured in the role of striker.
The former Manchester City man picked up 19 goals and seven assists across a total of 45 matches in all competitions, while placing in the top 1% for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other forwards.
The Spain international has also impressed at international level in the past, scoring 21 goals for his country, including one en-route to his side’s Euro 2024 triumph last summer.
Once lauded as “incredible” by former manager Pep Guardiola, Torres could be a top signing for almost any Premier League side, but it may be difficult for Villa to prise him away from Barcelona, given his importance to Hansi Flick’s side last season.
Manchester City have now opened talks to sign a £42m attacking midfielder who’s “one of the best” number 10’s in the world, according to a report.
Man City making progress in Rayan Cherki pursuit
Man City have set their sights on a new attacking midfielder this summer, following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, and their pursuit of Lyon star Rayan Cherki is progressing nicely, with Fabrizio Romano recently dropping an exciting update.
The deal to sign Cherki is now thought to be close, with Lyon expected to ask for a fee of £35m, and the attacking midfielder cannot wait to make the move to the Etihad Stadium.
However, the move isn’t over the line just yet, which means Pep Guardiola’s side are still considering other potential targets, and they have now opened talks over a deal for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
That is according to a report from L’Equipe, which states Simons has been identified as a back-up option for Cherki, should the deal for the 21-year-old fall through, with the Dutchman now expected to leave the German club this summer.
Alongside Ait-Nouri: Man City want "world-class" £67m full-back on the other side
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After arriving at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €50m (£42m), the attacking midfielder’s time with the Bundesliga side appears to be coming to an end, and there is no shortage of interest, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also keen.
Simons could be among the world's best no.10s
Replacing De Bruyne was always going to be a difficult task, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently stating he believes the Belgian is the best player ever to wear the City shirt: “What Kevin has given to this club, in my view, he is the greatest player to play for this club. I think his accomplishments speak for themselves.”
In truth, it will be very difficult for any player to replicate the 33-year-old’s achievements, but there are some signs the RB Leipzig star could be on a similar level, having been singled out for very high praise by one scout back in January.
That said, the Blues making a move for Simons appears to be contingent on the Cherki deal falling through, and they should also be extremely happy if they secure the Frenchman’s signature, given his goal and assist return this season.
FSG aren’t resting on their laurels this summer, brushing away the cobwebs like a house servant possessed ahead of Arne Slot’s second season in charge at Liverpool.
Cobwebs, admittedly, are few and far between. Liverpool won the Premier League last season, in case you missed it, having achieved the feat with a squad almost identical to the one Jurgen Klopp left behind when he departed 12 months ago.
But Slot hasn’t replicated his predecessor in facsimile, instead taking the same pieces and crafting something new. However, for all of the Anfield side’s success on the league front, they did fall across the various cup competitions, and it’s clear that increased depth will be needed to take this brilliant team to the next level.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Just imagine what he might achieve when backed to the hilt in the transfer market. Luckily, such dreams will become the reality of Reds supporters all over. Liverpool are mercilessly attacking the transfer market.
Liverpool's summer transfer plans
Liverpool have already offset the disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid by signing the rapid Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
Advanced discussions also seem to be coming to a head in regard to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who has been targeted as Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at left-back.
However, with Mohamed Salah extending his contract by two years, it’s the left side of Liverpool’s squad that requires more attention, especially with Luis Diaz mooted for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Florian Wirtz is at the heart of lengthy and complicated negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, with FSG prepared to offer what would be a British-record bid of £118m to secure the world-class playmaker.
He’d nestle into the number ten spot, though, which is why Liverpool have centred on Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, should Diaz leave. The former Everton star could fetch an £80m fee to bring back to Merseyside.
Anthony Gordon
Though Diaz would need replacing, Gordon might not automatically walk into Slot’s starting XI, no matter the fee required to bring him over from Tyneside.
Indeed, Cody Gakpo has produced a stunning season for Liverpool.
Liverpool have hit gold on Cody Gakpo
When Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for £35m in January 2023, he arrived off the back of an eye-catching World Cup showing with the Netherlands, scoring in each of Oranje’s group stage fixtures.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The initial half-season Gakpo spent on Merseyside was one of great turbulence for Liverpool, but he still managed to impress in bursts.
And after a 2023/24 campaign that promised further improvements, albeit with Gakpo’s best position proving a nebulous thing, Klopp shuffling him across every inch of the park, he’s hit his stride in Slot’s system, recording his most productive haul yet.
Cody Gakpo – Liverpool Career by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25
49
18
7
23/24
53
16
7
22/23
26
7
3
Data via Transfermarkt
Hailed for his “monster” season by journalist Declan Carr, the 26-year-old’s quality has been such that suitors are beginning to take note of his skills.
Indeed, with Liverpool looking set to have beaten Bayern Munich to the signing of Wirtz, the Bundesliga champions have focused their sights on Gakpo, report Sky Germany.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
However, given that FSG have set their asking price at €100m (£84m), it’s unlikely that Die Roten will continue to chase their quarry.
The player’s price tag does illustrate his calibre, indeed proving even more than one of English football’s finest wingers in Gordon.
Just for reference, take a look at how the Dutchman compares with Gordon for Premier League performance last season. Is it fair to say Gordon arriving for an £80m fee might not even be able to oust Gakpo for his leading role on the left flank?
PL 24/25 – Cody Gakpo vs Anthony Gordon
Stats (* per game)
Gakpo
Gordon
Matches (starts)
35 (23)
34 (28)
Goals
10
6
Assists
4
5
Shots (on target)*
1.6 (0.70
1.7 (0.6)
Big chances missed
6
10
Pass completion
84%
81%
Big chances created
11
6
Key passes*
1.1
1.5
Dribbles*
0.9
1.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.1
1.1
Duels won*
3.1
4.4
Data via Sofascore
Of course, Gordon showcased a deeper level of quality the previous term, when he was crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year after posting 11 goals and 15 assists in the top flight, but Gakpo’s progress at Liverpool has been incremental, which bodes well for the upcoming campaign.
Gakpo’s prolific ability could also see him combine well with Kerkez, who is expected to sign as Liverpool’s new left-back. As per FBref, Gakpo ranked among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for goals scored per 90 (0.47).
Kerkez’s energy and enthusiasm may prove perfect for the continuation and progress of Liverpool’s £120k-per-week star. The Hungarian, who Bournemouth want £45m for, has been a “revelation” for the south coast side over the past two years, claims pundit Jamie Carragher, and will drive forward and supplement Gakpo’s attacking intentions just so.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Defensive players rarely cost as much as their forward-placed counterparts, but Gakpo’s vastly higher value makes a firm comment on the high regard Liverpool hold him in.
If Liverpool do sell Diaz to Al-Nassr or the like this summer, bringing in a player such as Gordon wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
However, Gakpo has gone from strength to strength since Slot took to the dugout, and might just find himself reprising his first-choice role on Liverpool’s left wing next term.
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The England captain also lauds Adil Rashid, saying he is their “most important player”
S Sudarshanan20-Jun-20243:45
Badree: ‘Adil Rashid is such a skillful bowler’
Jos Buttler has called legspinner Adil Rashid England’s “most important player” and also lauded “class player” Jonny Bairstow for playing a “senior player’s innings”.England registered a commanding eight-wicket win in their Super Eight match against West Indies at T20 World Cup 2024 in Gros Islet. Set a challenging 181 to win, England got home with Phil Salt finishing unbeaten on 87, with Bairstow in tow with a 26-ball 48 not out. The two added 97 off 44 balls to see England home with eight wickets and 2.3 overs to spare.”That was a really good performance from us,” Buttler said at the post-match presentation. “We planned really well, we’ve been practising well and executed both with the bat and ball and deserved to win. I thought we bowled really well to restrict such a powerful batting line-up, such great six-hitters especially. [It was a] decent score, and you had to play well to chase it down.Related
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Phil proves he is worth his Salt
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Salt and Bairstow take West Indies down with ease
“I thought we were very smart with the bat. Guys were very calculated when they took their options on. The Bairstow and Salt partnership was so good. Jonny came in with great intent and took the momentum straight back. Salty tucked in behind him for a bit and when he got that one big over, he broke the back of it.”A lot of people say you learn when you lose, but I truly believe you learn when you win as well. [It is] important to reflect on what we did well today. We had a good performance, put that to bed and focus on the next performance.”Talking about Bairstow, Buttler said: “He is a class player, he has been for a really long time. That’s what we decided to do, you just keep backing class players. He hasn’t had many opportunities but today was an incredibly impressive innings. A really mature, senior player’s innings. With a lot of power, he scored at a great gear when the game was just in the balance.”Adil Rashid dismissed Andre Russell for 1•Getty Images
Earlier, riding on a fluent start from Brandon King, who retired hurt with a side strain, Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran had helped West Indies race to 72 for 0 in eight overs. But the next five overs – bowled by Rashid and Moeen Ali in tandem – saw them score just 34 for the wicket of Charles. Rashid bowled the 17th over too, for just two runs and the wicket of Andre Russell to finish with figures of 4-0-21-1.”We keep saying [Rashid] is our most important player, he really has been for a long time,” Buttler said. “He’s got so much variation and so much threat of taking wickets and also restricting runs.”Powell: We strayed away from our plans to SaltMeanwhile, West Indies captain Rovman Powell felt they were 15 to 20 runs short and strayed away from their plans against Salt.”We left 15-20 runs out there as a batting group,” Powell said. “I will say that we should have put up a better display as a bowling group. We are normally very good in the last five overs, but credit has to be given to the England bowling unit. They had clear plans, and the execution was good.”After their under-par finish with the bat, they offered lives to Salt and Moeen, with wicketkeeper Pooran unable to hold on to thin deflections on both occasions.”Those chances are always difficult,” Powell said. “But credit has to be given to Phil, he seems to like playing against West Indies. Every time he plays against West Indies, he always hurts us. We strayed away a little bit from our plans to Phil. It’s just for us to look back at those plans and re-evaluate.”Our destiny is in our hands. Once we win well, it will bring us back. We are playing good cricket.”
After agreeing a deal to sign Benjamin Nygren, Celtic have now reportedly set their sights on their second attacking addition of the summer in the form of a talented striker.
Celtic agree £1m Nygren transfer
He’s been the main name among the Celtic headlines in recent weeks and the Bhoys have finally secured Nygren’s signature. According to Fabrizio Romano, who has given the transfer the ‘here we go’, the Scottish Premiership champions have reached an agreement to sign the Nordsjaelland winger for just €1.5m (£1m) in what could turn into a bargain four-year deal.
For just £1m, Celtic will be welcoming a winger who scored 16 goals and created a further four in all competitions in Denmark last season. Whilst he may take time to settle at a new level, there’s no denying that those numbers are certainly a positive sign.
Following the returning Kieran Tierney through the door, Nygren continues Celtic’s impressive summer which, if reports are anything to go by, is only set to continue.
Alongside Nygren, the Bhoys have also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson. The Irishman desperately needs a fresh start after falling down the pecking order at The Amex and then failing to make his mark on loan at West Ham United in the second half of last season.
Whether Celtic decide to offer the forward that fresh start is the big question. They’ve been responsible for reviving Premier League talent in the past, but may yet turn towards other options in the coming months.
Whether it’s Ferguson or others, the Scottish giants reportedly remain focused on attacking incomings and have now set their sights on a J1 League option.
Celtic now targeting £1.5m Shin Yamada
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Celtic are now looking to sign penalty-box striker Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale this summer. The 25-year-old forward, rated at £1.5m, could become the latest Japanese export to make his way to Celtic Park, following in the footsteps of Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi in the process.
Although Yamada’s numbers have dipped so far in the 2025 season – scoring just six goals in 31 appearances – the previous campaign showed exactly why Celtic are interested and have scouted him.
With 20 goals and five assists in a season that was described as “impressive” by Hudl Wyscout, that’s the level that Yamada will be keen to get back to. And Celtic could yet play a large part in that.
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Kyogo and Maeda particularly thrived in Scotland, with the former earning a move to France as a result, and Yamada could now be the next impressive Japanese talent on his way to Celtic.
Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.
Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.
Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.
Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.
Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.
He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.
The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.
It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres
Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.
Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.
Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.
Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.
Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.
How Merentiel compares to Gyokeres in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Merentiel
Gyokeres
Games played
22
33
Goals & assists
10
46
Shot-on-target accuracy
62%
52%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.4
Passes into final third
1.7
0.5
Take-on success
60%
45%
Carries into final third
1.6
1.3
Progressive passes made
3.2
2.1
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.
The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.
If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.
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Matthew Breetzke 94 in vain as home side get home in shortened chase
ECB Reporters Network14-Jun-2024
Aneurin Donald smashed 68 from 26 balls•Getty Images
Derbyshire 123 for 3 (Donald 68) beat Northamptonshire 193 for 8 (Breetzke 94, Dupavillon 3-43) by 24 runs (DLS method) A brilliant innings from Aneurin Donald gave Derbyshire Falcons a 24 run win over Northants Steelbacks under Duckworth Lewis Stern in the North Group match at Derby.Donald smashed eight sixes in a 26-ball 68, equalling his own record for Derbyshire’s fastest T20 fifty, to put Falcons ahead of the run rate on 123 for 3 after 11 overs when a violent thunderstorm ended the game.Matthew Breetzke batted superbly to score a T20 best 94 from 54 balls, sharing a stand of 81 with Sikandar Raza, as Steelbacks reached 193 for 8.Rain left Falcons with a revised target of 187 from 19 overs but Donald’s demolition shredded the bowling before David Lloyd (33), and Cam Fletcher kept the home side ahead of the game before the heavens opened.Steelbacks scored only six from the first two overs which included a maiden from Daryn Dupavillon before Breetzke took three fours from Pat Brown.Ricardo Vasconcelos was dropped at cover by Samit Patel off Brown but it did not prove costly as the opener was comprehensively yorked in the fourth over by DuPavillion.Breetzke was finding his range and pulled Zak Chappell into the car park before David Willey dished out the same treatment to Dupavillon. But Dupavillon had the last word by getting Willey to miscue a drive low to mid-off as Steelbacks ended the powerplay on 55 for 2.After a brief stoppage for a sharp shower, Breetzke and Ravi Bopara worked the ball around without taking risks and had put on 48 from 36 balls when Falcons made a big breakthrough.Bopara tried to launch Mitch Wagstaff over the midwicket boundary only for Ross Whiteley to take a well judged catch just inside the ropes.But Breetzke and Raza trod on the accelerator to plunder 79 in five overs as the ball disappeared to all parts. After Breetzke reached 50 from 36 balls, he pulled Brown for six and dispatched Ross Whiteley for another maximum before Raza launched Chappell over the ropes.Breetzke passed his previous highest T20 score of 80 by taking three consecutive fours off Dupavillon before a yorker ended a thrilling innings.Brown and Chappell dragged it back by conceding only 11 from the last two overs in which Steelbacks lost four wickets trying to push towards 200.Falcons needed a fast start and Donald delivered, driving Willey straight for six and pulling and driving Ben Sanderson for two more as they raced to 50 in the fifth over.Donald pulled Raphy Weatherall into the home dugout and smashed a Saif Zaib full toss for six before he launched a no-ball over deep midwicket to reach 50 from 19 balls.He hammered two more off Freddie Heldreich before holing out to long-off in the seventh over but he had done exactly what the situation demanded.Bopara had Wayne Madsen caught behind and Patel was caught at deep square but the Falcons had done enough by the time torrential rain ended the contest.
Fast bowler denied preparation time ahead of Lord’s farewell as rain wrecks day two
ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024
James Anderson is preparing for his farewell Test against West Indies next week•Getty Images
James Anderson’s preparations for his farewell Test, at Lord’s next week, suffered a setback after rain washed out the entire second day of the Vitality County Championship match between Lancashire and Nottinghamshire at Southport.Despite early showers, umpires Martin Saggers and Tom Lungley initially decreed that Lancashire would resume their first innings at 12.30pm, but prolonged rain returned to scupper that plan and the officials finally pulled the plug on the day’s cricket at 4.05pm.The abandonment was a particular disappointment to spectators who had travelled to Trafalgar Road in the hope of seeing Anderson bowl in his first game of the season, and what might yet be his last game for Lancashire.He is due to play his 188th and final Test match against West Indies at Lord’s, starting on July 10, and though he had previously indicated that he would be keen to continue his county career, Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, confirmed on Monday that Anderson is to stay on with the England team after the Lord’s Test, to fulfil a new role as a fast-bowling mentor.Should play be possible on Tuesday, Lancashire will resume on 344 for eight with skipper Keaton Jennings on 188 not out.In the nine games played at Southport since first-class cricket returned to the ground after a 12-year absence in 2011, this is only the second time in 31 days that play has been completely abandoned.
Sunderland have raced out of the blocks at a serious speed when it comes to securing early deals in the summer transfer window.
Already, the Black Cats have splashed out £20m to win Enzo Le Fee permanently, with another £30m soon to be dropped on new club-record signing Habib Diarra to join the expanding Stadium of Light ranks.
Their lightning-quick business isn’t stopping there either, with Reinildo reportedly also expected to link up with Regis Le Bris’ men shortly after agreeing a deal to leave Atletico Madrid behind.
Sunderland interested in deal for £18m defender
Amazingly, yet another deal is also in their sights, as Sunderland look to bolster their numbers defensively with this £18m target.
As per a report by journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are not slowing down on the transfer front, with the newly promoted outfit now interested in a deal to snap up ex-Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell.
Cresswell’s stock has certainly risen since he exited Elland Road just last summer for a mere £3.8m, with the Ligue 1 side now demanding £18m out of any suitor chasing after the England U21 international after he slotted immediately into the French top division side’s defensive positions with ease.
Fresh off sealing a Euros success with Lee Carsley’s youthful Three Lions too, it’s no surprise to see a whole host of clubs queueing up for the 22-year-old’s services, with Nixon revealing that Atalanta and Como are keeping an eye on him in Italy, alongside some unnamed Premier League clubs.
Why Cresswell could be a better signing than Diarra
Amazingly, although Diarra is costing a club-record £30m to win, Cresswell might well be viewed as an even better pick-up than the Senegal international down the line, with the potential there for the young defender to shine even brighter in the demanding Premier League after a formative Toulouse stint.
After all, Cresswell has already shown he can shine in some high-pressure situations on the international stage, meaning he is unlikely to be fazed by any relegation battles to come.
Indeed, the impressive 22-year-old barely put a foot wrong all across England U21s’ memorable tournament, with Cresswell winning ten duels in total across the long-winded 120-minute final against Germany, alongside chipping in with a goal during the Three Lions’ opening win against the Czech Republic.
On top of that, he will be chomping at the bit to succeed back in the English game, having been hastily discarded by Leeds, with the 6-foot-3 titan also far more attuned to the pressures of an elite division now, after starring week in week out for Carles Martinez Novell’s men.
Diarra has also shown flashes of his quality in the same terrain, with four goals and five assists next to his name across the 2024/25 season, but the strain of being Sunderland’s most expensive buy ever might well work against the 21-year-old, especially as he gets up to speed with what is expected of him in the taxing Premier League.
Senegal's Habib Diarra in action against England's Eberechi Eze.
In comparison, Cresswell will be very hungry to be an instant success on Wearside after failing to make the grade at Leeds, irrespective of a spotlight beaming down on him.
Cresswell’s league numbers for Toulouse (24/25)
Stat (* = per game)
Cresswell
Games played
31
Goals scored
3
Assists
1
Touches*
63.3
Accurate passes*
41.2 (83%)
Ball recoveries*
3.3
Clearances*
6.1
Total duels won*
4.9
Clean sheets
9
Stats by Sofascore
He even managed to line up for the Whites five times in the top-flight before moving away to Southern France, and off the back of such a superb season in the heart of Toulouse’s defence – as can be seen looking at the table above – he will be desperate to add more Premier League experience next to his name.
Lauded as “fantastic” by Gary Rowett when starring in the Championship at Millwall, this just feels like the next natural step for the 22-year-old to shine even more.
Whilst Diarra will no doubt go on to be a success in his own right, this pick-up of such an in-demand defender feels like an even more exciting purchase, knowing that he could well be transformed into a Jobe Bellingham-level talent on Wearside.
Sunderland set to make £17m bid for 21 y/o likened to Real Madrid legend Raul
Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign an “unstoppable” forward, who is set to be available for a fee of £39m this summer, according to reports.
Nottingham Forest eyeing replacement for Elanga
Anthony Elanga is set to sign for Newcastle United in a £55m deal, meaning Edu Gaspar’s first task as Global Head of Football will be to find a replacement for the winger, although it may not be a quick process.
Speaking about the way in which he goes about making new additions to the Forest squad, Edu said: “You can’t just sign for the sake of signing. It has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. Right there on my desk, I have reports with over 180 pages on a player. It’s really detailed.
“Physical, technical, and mental profiles, whether they have Premier League experience, whether they’ll be able to adapt. It’s all there. We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest, and then we go looking for that new name.”
Seemingly PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko ticks a lot of boxes for Edu, as Forest have now entered talks over a deal for the winger, who is viewed as a direct replacement for Elanga.
PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action
However, the 22-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with the Tricky Trees also making an approach to sign Benfica winger Kerem Akturkoglu, according to an update from reporter Kutlu Akpinar on X.
Forest were the “first” team to make contact over a deal for the forward, and they were told that €45m (£39m) would be enough to get a deal done, although there could be competition for his signature.
The Turk has made it clear that the only team he wants to play for in his home country is Galatasaray, but there could be rival interest from within the Premier League, as Sunderland and Everton are also named as potential suitors.
Nottingham Forest join race to sign "fantastic" £50m+ Elanga replacement
Newcastle are still pushing to sign Elanga.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 7, 2025 "Unstoppable" Akturkoglu could be fantastic signing for Forest
Once lauded as “unstoppable” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango, the Benfica star was a regular source of goals and assists last season, picking up 22 goal contributions in the Liga Portugal alone.
With Forest set to embark on a European adventure, Nuno Espirito Santo will also be keen to bring in players with experience in the biggest competitions, and the 26-year-old also caught the eye in the 2024-25 Champions League, netting four goals.
Considering the former Galatasaray man has predominantly featured at left-wing throughout his career to date, it is unclear whether he would be viewed as a direct replacement for Elanga, but he could be a fantastic addition to the squad nonetheless.
Not only that, but Forest should be in a strong position to beat Sunderland and Everton to Akturkoglu’s signature, given that European football will be on offer at the City Ground next season.