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Rangers are closing in on another signing alongside a deal for right-back Max Aarons, according to a report.

Rangers agree Max Aarons loan deal

The Gers already reached an agreement with midfielder Lyall Cameron earlier this year, with his transfer officially unveiled in the week. However, the first target identified by the 49ers Enterprises and Russell Martin who is set to be signed is Aarons.

The Bournemouth right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 season out on loan at Valencia and looks set for another temporary move away from the Cherries in 25/26.

Rangers have agreed a straight loan deal for Aarons, who looks set to rival James Tavernier for a starting spot under Martin, providing the club captain remains at Ibrox.

Martin previously tried to sign Aarons at Southampton and knows the full-back from his time at Norwich City. Aarons has also praised the Rangers manager in the past.

“When he came and trained with us he had an aura. I always knew he would go on to be a manager. “I think players who played with him always knew that as well. I knew we had to be on it when he was training with us and giving 110 per cent because if not Russ would tell you and I loved that.

“He pushed every single training session. When he was training with us it almost gave me a feel that I was ready to go and make the jump with the senior players.”

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Attention will be on further signings alongside Aarons, and another heavily linked target also looks to be close to a Rangers move following an update.

Rangers closing in on £350,000 Kwame Poku transfer

Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku is the man who could be next through the door in Glasgow, with The Scottish Sun providing specific financial details over a permanent transfer to Ibrox.

Out of contract at the end of the month, it is claimed Rangers are “homing in” on the signing of Poku and that he “will cost a cross-border fee in the region of £350,000”.

Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry admitted last month he didn’t think Poku would move to Scotland, but it appears as if a transfer is close. Talking last month, Fry said: “Celtic and Rangers have been at most of our games this season, but I don’t believe Kwame will go to Scotland. He will more likely sign for a top end Championship club.”

Kwame Poku’s 24/25 stats

Games

31

Goals

12

Assists

11

Minuted played

2,364

Turning 24 in August, Poku, dubbed a “huge talent”, had a career best season in 24/25 in regards to goals and assists, so it is no surprise that up to 30 clubs were keen on his services.

Therefore, Rangers winning the race for the Ghana international could be a shrewd piece of business, and by the looks of things, a £350,000 transfer is on the cards.

Arnos Vale has not hosted an international game in nearly 10 years, and both teams will hope for better batting conditions after struggling in New York

Mohammad Isam12-Jun-2024

Bangladesh will hope they can bounce back quickly from a what-might-have-been result against South Africa•Getty Images

Match detailsBangladesh vs Netherlands
June 13, Kingstown, 10:30am localBig picture: Winner stays in touching distance of Super 8sNetherlands will hunt for their first big fish (Full Members side) when they take on Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup’s newest venue in Kingstown, St Vincent. It is a fresh pitch where competitive cricket hasn’t been played for a while now. Both sets of batters, battered and bruised in New York, will look forward to a better experience.Bangladesh endured a hectic travel schedule after their South Africa game in New York, with their chartered flight out delayed by five hours. They arrived early Tuesday morning in their Kingstown hotel, and cancelled training on that day.Coupled with the travel stress, Bangladesh are dealing with heartbreak of a close defeat to South Africa. Their inability to put away Keshav Maharaj’s full-tosses in the final over cost them the game. Bangladesh have had trouble closing off T20I chases over the last eight years, and on Monday, Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali, reputed big hitters, could not find a boundary in the last three overs of their chase.Related

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Their top order batting has also been worrying. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opened with Tanzid Hasan against South Africa, with Soumya Sarkar left out, but neither opening pair has managed a double-digit stand yet in this tournament. Litton Das showed a bit of form against Sri Lanka but gave it away cheaply against South Africa. Only Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah have shown batting form, while it has mostly been the bowling attack that has kept Bangladesh afloat.Netherlands will have their hands full against Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed with the new ball, before Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain go at them in the middle overs. The pace trio has done well in the death overs too, and among the spin-bowling allrounders Mahmudullah has been mostly economical while Shakib Al Hasan, despite a poor start to the tournament, can never be counted out.Netherlands themselves have bowled brilliantly in the T20 World Cup, beating Nepal in Dallas and pushing South Africa close in New York. Logan van Beek, Bas de Leede and Tim Pringle have bowled well in partnerships alongside Vivian Kingma and Paul van Meekeren.Like Bangladesh, they too have batting problems. Max O’Dowd has made their only half-century so far, while the rest of the batters haven’t taken off, particularly Michael Levitt who was their form player leading up to the T20 World Cup.This could be a tense scrap in Kingstown, with the result coming down to which bowling attack can better dominate on the day.Form guideBangladesh LWWLL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Netherlands LWLLLIn the spotlight – Logan van Beek and Taskin AhmedTaskin Ahmed has performed admirably as the attack leader. He has taken the big wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka in Bangladesh’s two games, while going at just 5.50 per over. It is still early days but if he can keep getting the ball to shape and maintain his overall fitness, Taskin could end as one of the top bowlers of the tournament.Logan van Beek has already bowled arguably the ball of the tournament. His delivery to Reeza Hendricks in New York pitched on middle and off, squared up the batter, and flicked the off bail as van Beek flew into a celebratory run. He has been Netherlands’ best bowler in their two matches so far, picking up five wickets. Accuracy is van Beek’s hallmark, regardless of whether he is bowling with an upright or wobbly seam.All aboard the Logan van Beek flight•ICC/Getty Images

Team news: Bangladesh could look at batting optionsBangladesh are still unsure about their top and lower middle order. Soumya Sarkar and Mahedi Hasan are among their batting options if they are looking for another change.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hosain Shanto (capt), 3 Litton Das (wk), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Barring last-minute injuries, Netherlands are likely to continue with the same XI.Netherlands (probable): 1 Michael Levitt, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Vikramjit Singh, 4 Sybrand Engelbrecht, 5 Bas de Leede, 6 Scott Edwards (capt & wk), 7 Teja Nidamanuru, 8 Logan van Beek, 9 Tim Pringle, 10 Paul van Meekeren, 11 Vivian Kingma.Pitch and conditionsInternational cricket returns to Arnos Vale after nearly ten years. The ground has never hosted a CPL match either, so it is hard to predict what the conditions might be like. There’s a bit of early-morning rain in the forecast in the region.Stats and trivia Bangladesh, incidentally, played the last international match at Arnos Vale, a Test-match defeat to West Indies in September 2014. Mahmudullah is the only member of their T20 World Cup squad to have featured in that game. They will also play against Nepal here on June 17, and a three-match T20I series against West Indies later this year. Bangladesh hold an overall 4-3 win record over Netherlands in all formats but they lost their most recent meeting, the 2023 World Cup game in Kolkata. Netherlands made their best start with the ball against a Full Member team in T20Is when they reduced South Africa to 12 for 4 in their last game. Tanzim Hasan has picked up three wickets in the powerplay overs at this World Cup, at an average of 8.33.Quotes”We spoke about this ground. I think Shakib was telling me that he made his captaincy debut in this ground. Riyad has a Test five-for.”
“We are in the ground for the first time today. It seems to be in wonderful shape. The wicket is great. I think tomorrow’s match is one that the island has waited a long time for.”

Everton are embarking on a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could be set to turn to a familiar Premier League face in their attempts to bolster under David Moyes, per a report.

Everton look to shape successful summer with savvy recruitment

The Toffees have been hamstrung in their ability to spend large amounts in the market over recent years, but they are likely to encounter a little more leeway this time around under the ownership of the Friedkin Group.

Looking to build on that advantage, Everton are set to poach former recruitment chief James Smith from Manchester City to help their drive to bring in new blood after he previously served as a technical director under David Moyes between 2002 and 2013.

Replacing Dan Purdy, he will help oversee potential arrivals, and it is fair to say a lengthy list could make their way to Merseyside this summer in a period of significant change.

Reports suggest Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson could join Everton permanently after becoming a peripheral figure on the South Coast, characterised by their willingness to let him spend the second half of the campaign at West Ham United.

Goalkeeper Walter Benitez was also wanted before opting to join Crystal Palace, reflecting that experience may be a commodity Moyes is keen to add after losing the likes of Ashley Young and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

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There is a feeling that plenty of action is expected to make sure Everton are fighting fit to take on the new campaign, but the market is competitive, signifying a need for patience.

Nevertheless, recent developments suggest the Toffees could be about to buck that trend in their latest transfer pursuit.

Everton willing to sanction big-money deal for Fenerbahce midfielder Fred

According to Tavkim, Everton are willing to pay a large fee to sign Fenerbahce midfielder Fred, who could return to the Premier League following a high-profile stint at Manchester United between 2018 and 2023.

Making over 100 appearances in the top-flight at Old Trafford, the Brazil international could be left surplus to requirements if the Turkish giants push through with a potential move for Tottenham Hotspur star Yves Bissouma.

Fred’s record at Fenerbache – would he be a worthwhile signing for Everton?

Appearances

80

Goals

8

Assists

16

Fenerbache would require a fee in the region of £15.3 million to sanction an exit, which doesn’t seem like a major financial commitment in the modern-day Premier League climate.

His contract in Istanbul expires in 2027, but it appears that Everton are ready to go to whatever lengths necessary to land their man in the middle of the park.

The aforementioned departure of Doucoure has left room for some new legs for Moyes to utilise over the course of a long season and Fred, once labelled “extremely valuable” by Ralf Rangnick, definitely appears to fit the bill.

Newcastle United have now made contact over a potential deal for an “outstanding” midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £21m this summer, according to a report.

Magpies pursuing midfielder amid Tonali and Guimaraes uncertainty

Newcastle are on the brink of securing a return to the Champions League, and Sandro Tonali has been one of their most important players, with Jamie Carragher recently praising the midfielder after naming him in his Premier League team of the season.

Speaking about the Magpies, Carragher said: “They actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.

“For a lot of the time he has been there, he has been the attacking midfielder and Bruno has been the holding. I think him going to the sitting midfield role has made a huge difference.

Howe is likely to be very pleased with Tonali’s performances, but the Italian is now starting to attract interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United and Manchester City being named as potential suitors.

With Bruno Guimaraes also attracting attention, Howe may be forced to revamp his midfield in the summer transfer window, and a report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Newcastle have made contact over a deal for Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina.

Baturina has a number of potential suitors from within the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also keen, and a deal for the attacking midfielder is likely to be relatively inexpensive, as the Croatian side are looking to hold out for around £21m.

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Inter Milan are also interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is now ready to move to a top league in Europe, having put in some impressive performances in his home country of Croatia.

"Outstanding" Baturina could be a bargain signing

Of course, it is always a risk to take a punt on a player who is unproven in a major European league, but the Croatian has shown that he is ready to make the step-up to a higher level with his displays for Zagreb.

The Zurich-born maestro picked up six goals and 12 assists in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, with three of those coming in the Champions League.

Moreover, football scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Zagreb star for his “outstanding” vision and weight of pass, and he has displayed his dribbling ability on a regular basis over the past year, ranking in the top 1% for successful take-ons by players in his position.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.29 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.78 (91st percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.91 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.65 (99th percentile)

At just £21m, Baturina could be a bargain signing for Newcastle this summer, but there will be a hope that his arrival is not at the expense of Tonali and Guimaraes, given their importance to Howe’s side.

Manchester United have now moved ahead of rivals Manchester City in the race to sign a “world-class” £50 million+ midfielder, according to a recent report.

Fernandes believes Europa League win can change Man Utd’s future

The Red Devils are hours away from getting the most important game of their season underway, as they play Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, with a place in next season’s Champions League up for grabs. It’s been a poor campaign for United, but winning the Europa League would bring a sense of optimism to the club, as it would be a third trophy won in three years.

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In fact, talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes believes United winning the Europa League could mean a consistent change in fortunes for Ruben Amorim and his side: “Every game you have a chance to win a trophy is very big, but part of that is every game at this club is massive. As Harry [Maguire] has just said, this club is so big; from one week you can be the hero, and the next one, you’re the villain.

“As players, you just think about what we have ahead of us, and what we have ahead of us is the chance to get our hands on the trophy. It won’t change the past. It won’t affect what the past has done for us either, but what I can affect is the future. Probably, yes, winning a trophy gives a lot of things. In this case, a place in the Champions League and a lot of revenue for the club. It gets, obviously, more players wanting to come to the club.

“But I think this club doesn’t change much in that aspect because I think every player wants to play for Manchester United. This is a thing that will never change. The name of this club speaks for itself. But the main thing, of course, is what is ahead of us, and that is a massive final against a team we know very well.

“But in a competition different to the Premier League, so it’s going to be a completely different game.”

Man Utd lead Man City in race to sign "world-class" £50m+ midfielder

As Fernandes looks ahead to what is a massive night for United, the club’s hierarchy are already working on a way of improving his midfield partners for next season. According to the Italian press, relayed by Football Transfers, Man United are now closing in on the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.

The report states that United have held more talks about signing the midfielder, and negotiations over completing a deal are said to progress following the Europa League final. It goes on to add that Man City and Juventus are also interested in signing Ederson, but it is United who lead the race for his signature, as they are the ones who moved the quickest.

However, the Red Devils still need to find an agreement with Atalanta, with the Serie A side asking for at least €60 million, which is roughly £50 million. Ederson, who has been dubbed “world-class” by former England manager Fabio Capello, would likely become United’s second Brazilian signing of the summer, with a deal for Matheus Cunha close to completion.

Ederson’s Atalanta stats

Apps

138

Goals

13

Assists

4

The Brazilian is under contract until 2027, so United will hope to take advantage of his contract running down as they look to replace Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave Old Trafford, and also find a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who could also depart during the summer transfer window.

Everton have welcomed their new Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, to the club. He’s got a lot to do, with David Moyes expecting to be backed by the Friedkin Group as he improves his squad this summer.

The experienced manager returned in January after 12 years away and guided Everton away from relegation bother and into the tranquillity of the Premier League’s mid-table pack.

But Moyes no doubt has his eyes on loftier ambitions. He’ll want to strengthen with statement signings this summer, one of which may be Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, who left the Toffees for London in a £60m package back in 2022.

The latest on Richarlison to Everton

It’s all gone a bit quiet, truth be told. But then, the 2024/25 campaign has yet to finish up, and there’s plenty of time for TFG to make their move for the former Toffees star.

Earlier this month, Sky Sports published a report claiming Everton are interested in bringing the Tottenham forward back to Merseyside.

Across four campaigns as a Blues player, the 28-year-old scored 53 goals from 152 matches and was hailed by Carlo Ancelotti as a “modern and complete forward.”

Richarlison’s most consistent seasons all came at Goodison Park, but despite issues down N17, he’s still managed to display a degree of prolificness under Ange Postecoglou’s wing, having fallen by the wayside in his maiden year at the club.

Richarlison – Premier League Career by Season

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25 – Spurs

14

4

1

23/24 – Spurs

28

11

4

22/23 – Spurs

27

1

4

21/22 – Everton

30

10

5

20/21 – Everton

34

7

3

19/20 – Everton

36

13

4

18/19 – Everton

35

13

2

17/18 – Everton

38

5

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

It’s clear he needs a fresh start, and after such interesting performances with Everton, why not bring him back to spearhead this new era? Moyes, for sure, has the gritty leadership style to bring the Brazilian back to his best.

And Richarlison isn’t the only former player on the Scottish coach’s radar…

Everton could sign another former star

With many out-of-contract Everton players about to move away for new pastures, Moyes is bound to target signings across numerous areas.

Defence is one such priority position, especially with Michael Keane slated to depart and James Tarkowski sidelined after tearing his hamstring.

And, according to a report from GIVEMESPORT earlier this month, Manchester City’s John Stones could be the player the Merseysiders go for to instill experience and improve passing and ball retention.

Stones, 30, is one of the most decorated Englishmen of his generation, notably lifting five league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, and has been hailed for his “world-class” talent by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa, but injuries have limited him to a bit-part role for Pep Guardiola’s side in recent seasons.

Everton paid just £3m to Barnsley to sign a teenage Stones back in 2013, and he would go on to feature 95 times for the club before leaving for City for a mammoth £47.5m fee.

He might not be quite at his peak anymore, but the £250k-per-week talent is not ready to hang up his Premier League boots and could be a brilliant addition to Moyes’ outfit, ranking among the top 1% of defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Given the player’s pedigree and proven talent, there’s no reason why he can’t go on to be Everton’s most exciting signing in a very long time, perhaps not even since Richarlison left Watford after a breakout term of much promise and devoted several of his best years to the Liverpool-based outfit.

Regarded by some as the catalyst in City’s treble-winning season of 2022/23, Stones has something left to give English football, and his unique approach to the game could give Everton the extra dimension they need to make real progress over the coming year as a high-profile and highly exciting addition.

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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers

The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.

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It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.

As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.

The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star

According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.

Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”

Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.

Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.

Joe Willock’s Premier League stats

Apps

157

Goals

15

Assists

9

His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.

Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

Manchester City scored a remarkable winner to overcome Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial battle for the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-1 victors over the West Midlands outfit, who had their share of chances to win the game. City, however, made them pay with the late winner.

It was almost the perfect start from the Villans, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford brilliantly striking the post just moments into the game.

However, City got the early goal through Bernardo Silva, crashing the box to meet a loose ball in the box and firing past Emiliano Martínez, who should have kept the chance out.

Rashford does tend to score against the Citizens, and he managed to get Villa back on level terms from the penalty spot, after Jacob Ramsey was fouled in the box by Ruben Dias for a coming together. The Villa number nine coolly slotted home to equalise.

When the game seemed to be fizzling out late on in the second half, it was City who came up trumps in the dying moments. Matheus Nunes got on the end of a cross from substitute Jeremy Doku who made a mockery of Axel Disasi. It was a vital moment, one that secured a huge three points.

There were certainly some standout players on the night for the East Mancunian outfit.

Man City's best players vs. Villa

Yet again, one of the best players for City against Unai Emery’s Villa side was young Nico O’Reilly. Defending against former City academy man Morgan Rogers, he did a good job of keeping the England international quiet.

Not only that, but O’Reilly looked potent going forward whenever the chance arose. As the stats state, via Sofascore, the 20-year-old attempted four crosses and created one chance against the Villans on Tuesday night.

In fact, the academy graduate wasn’t the only City player who stood out against Villa at the Etihad Stadium. It was another impressive performance from Omar Marmoush, who has eight goal involvements in 16 games for his new club.

Although he went without a goal or assist against Villa, it was his ball that deflected into Silva’s pass for the goal. Goal journalist Richie Mills was complimentary of his performance, giving him a 7/10 and explaining he gave Matty Cash “nightmares” all night long.

So, it was impressive stuff from O’Reilly and Marmoush in a crucial game for City in the race for the top five. However, some players struggled, including one man who has a fight on his hands for a starting spot.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse The Man City player who struggled vs. Villa

It was a tough night at the office for young James McAtee. The City number 87 had a golden chance to win the game in the second half after O’Reilly put a deadly ball into the box, but failed to capitalise despite two bites at the apple, notably airkicking the chance as it went begging.

Aside from that, he struggled to get into the game and actually had fewer touches than Stefan Ortega on the night, with 28 compared to 33.

His stats were largely uninspiring outside of that, failing to create a chance and winning just two from five duels.

McAtee stats vs. Villa

Stat

Number

Touches

28

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes completed

14/16

Number of times ball lost

6

Duels won

2/5

Tackles won

0/2

Chances created

0

Stats from Sofascore

Indeed, GOAL’s Mills seemed to think McAtee struggled against the Villans. He gave the Salfordian a 5/10 for his performance, stating that he can “be a bit too lightweight” at times, and explained he must “offer more in attack” in the future.

It will be interesting to see how McAtee breaks into the side in the long term. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave, there might be a more permanent role for him, but he has struggled to become a regular this term. The 22-year-old has featured for just 885 minutes, or nine full 90-minute games, this season.

If reports as recent as last week are to be believed, City are targeting Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, with Christian Falk reporting the race is “wide open” for the German. With that in mind, you certainly have to question how McAtee’s long-term future looks.

After a performance like the one against Villa, where he struggled to make a real impact in the right half space, it does seem like signing Wirtz would be a good idea for City. It is certainly a big few months ahead for McAtee, but on this evidence, he should be axed for the German when he arrives.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 9, 2025

Rangers have been hit with a massive injury blow to an “immense” player, following an update from interim manager Barry Ferguson.

Rangers hold Bilbao in spirited display

The Gers produced an impressive performance at Ibrox on Thursday evening, drawing 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Robin Propper was shown a red card with only 13 minutes played, giving Rangers a huge uphill battle, but they held on in the end, with Liam Kelly saving an Alex Berenguer penalty in the second half, leading to scenes of joy inside the stadium.

While Ferguson’s side still have a huge amount of work to do to make the semi-finals ahead of their daunting trip to Bilbao next week, they still have a fair chance of progressing.

However, one of the few negatives for Rangers on the night was a serious-looking injury to Dujon Sterling, with the 25-year-old stretchered off, leading to concerns about the length of his absence.

Ferguson confirms huge Rangers injury blow

Speaking to reporters on Friday (via Sky Sports), Ferguson confirmed that Rangers defender Sterling suffered a long-term injury against Bilbao, with his season definitely over:

“I just got a bit of bad news about Dujon – he’s going to be out long-term. He’s had a serious one. I’m devastated for him for a few reasons.

“He’s come in and been immense for me at the back. He’s had his injury issues and now we need to suffer another lengthy spell on the sidelines, which I’m devastated about. We’ll get around him, he’s a popular member of the dressing room and has been a big player for me.

“We just need to get him back fit as quickly as we can. I don’t know exactly [how long he will be out for] but I mean long-term. I’m no medical expert, but I’ve spoken to the doctor, he’ll go for surgery on Monday and we’ll just need to wait and see how that surgery goes.”

This is a cruel blow for Sterling, who has been a solid performer since arriving from Chelsea back in 2023, making 70 appearances for Rangers to date.

This season, the Englishman has made 20 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, while Andy Halliday has shown his appreciation for him, saying:

“I’m sure I’m sitting here along with a lot of other people thinking, ‘Where’s Dujon Sterling been all season?’. For me, his two performances since he’s come into the team have been nothing short of incredible.”

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Hopefully, Sterling returns the same player as before when he does eventually return – and at 25, that should be the case – but he will be a big loss for Rangers as an effective squad player, especially in the Europa League.

Barry Ferguson’s Rangers are still, just about, alive in this season’s Europa League.

Before kick-off, most would’ve agreed that the Ibrox outfit required a win at home to stand a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Well, when referee István Kovács blew for full-time following a whopping 12 minutes of injury time, the Ibrox faithful celebrated the 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao like a victory, and with good reason.

This stalemate means the Light Blues will travel to the Basque Country next Thursday with a fighting chance of keeping this continental adventure going but it wasn’t without its stresses, that’s for sure.

Was Robin Pröpper's red card justified?

The primary reason why Rangers supporters and players alike were delighted with this first-leg goalless draw is because centre-back Robin Pröpper was sent off after just 12 minutes.

Following video review, the referee deemed that the Dutch defender had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he, rather aggressively, brought down Inaki Williams on the edge of the penalty area.

Speaking during commentary on TNT Sports, Rangers legend Ally McCoist, fair to say, did not agree with this decision, describing the red card as “really harsh”, adding “he’s gone to try and win the ball… he’s been beaten by a bit of skill”.

Pröpper was only starting as a result of John Souttar’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation, meaning the Scotland international will be available to return at the heart of the Rangers’ defence in Bilbao next Thursday.

This though, is not the Dutchman’s first mishap; Aaron Nijjar of Football Insider claims his ‘performances have been marked by uncertainty’ since joining from Twente last summer.

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Not everyone in Blue performed badly…

Rangers' hero against Bilbao

The headline team news ahead of Thursday’s first leg came in goal where, following a string of error-stricken performances, Jack Butland had been dropped, with Liam Kelly donning the gloves instead.

Well, fair to say the 29-year-old repaid his manager’s faith, accumulating three high claims and making three saves, preventing an xG figure of 1.84, a large proportion of which is thanks to his penalty save late on.

As outlined by Will Unwin of the Guardian, everyone inside Ibrox ‘was confused’ when Athletic had a goal ruled out for offside, only for a penalty to be awarded instead; Dujon Sterling penalised for handball, and this one was rather harsh.

Álex Berenguer who, four and a half minutes earlier, had been celebrating in front of the 3,000 traveling Athletic supporters, elected to smash his spot-kick down the middle, only for Kelly to stick out his right boot and make a remarkable save, sparking wild scenes of celebration.

So, while Kelly was the hero, his teammate up the other end of the park did not cover himself in glory.

Rangers' frustrating front-man

Rangers assistant manager Neil McCann himself admitted last week that Cyriel Dessers ‘will always divide opinion’, which is probably a bit of an understatement if we’re honest.

Scott Bradley of Breaking The Lines describes the Nigerian as the “most frustrating player” he’s ever seen in a Rangers jersey, and Dessers did not star on Thursday, accumulating just 18 touches – fewer than the aforementioned Kelly (44) – losing possession seven times, registering just four passes and firing both of his attempts off target, albeit in difficult circumstances.

Dessers has, in fairness, been in fantastic form since Ferguson took over as interim manager, scoring five goals in eight appearances, most notably on target during the famous 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in İstanbul.

Nevertheless, despite the fact his centre-forward was clearly exhausted, Ferguson waited until the 85th minute before introducing Hamza Igamane.

This change surely should’ve been made earlier, with the Moroccan possibly even deserving to start in Bilbao, as these statistics underline.

Dessers vs Igamane 24/25 comparison

Stats

Dessers

Igamane

Appearances

48

39

Minutes

2,892

2.277

Goals

23

14

Assists

7

3

Europa League goals

3

4

Minutes per goal

126

163

Goals – xG (UEL only)

-2.3

+2.8

Big chances missed

26

5

Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref & SofaScore

The two statistics that jump off the page from the table above are big chances missed, Dessers have racked up a staggering 26 across the Europa League and Premiership this season, as well as the goals – xG.

In this season’s Europa League, only Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais can boast a better goals – xG figure than Igamane, while only five players rank below Dessers for the same metric.

Thus, looking ahead of next Thursday’s mouthwatering return leg at San Mamés, it’s clear that Igamane is the better option to start at centre-forward.

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