Romano: Spurs closing in on "big signing"

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their first signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Ivan Perisic is set to join Spurs on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Serie A giants Inter Milan.

It’s thought that a medical is set to take place in north London next week, once everything has been signed. It’s also said that manager Antonio Conte wanted the 33-year-old as a priority signing for the Premier League outfit.

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“Ivan Perisić’s set to join Tottenham, here we go! Full agreement set to be signed on a two-year deal. Inter have received final communication,” he tweeted.

“Medical could take place next week in London, once everything will be signed. Antonio Conte wanted Ivan as [a] priority.”

Big signing

On the face of it, signing a 33-year-old veteran is hardly an inspiring move. However, Perisic will add an abundance to the Lilywhites, who will be competing in next season’s Champions League after their top-four finish.

As football.london reporter Alasdair Gold put it perfectly, the Croatian star “would be a big signing” for Spurs. He’s won multiple titles – including the UCL – has bundles of experience and the exact mentality that the Italian head coach desires.

Despite his advancing years, Perisic contributed ten goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, largely playing a left wing-back role, and that adds to his ten goal contributions on Inter’s way to the title in 2020/21, too.

Across the last three seasons alone, he’s picked up five trophies. Something that few, if any, in the current Spurs squad can match.

The 6 foot 1 dynamo, whose “physique is that of a horse” according to former manager Luciano Spalletti, is a very shrewd addition for Spurs and Conte indeed.

He’s certainly still got it, having also averaged the second-highest WhoScored rating in the Inter squad in the Serie A this campaign. He led the team for interceptions (1.3 per game) and was third for key passes per game (1.6), proving to be solid defensively and very much a creator in the final third.

Also lauded as a “physical monster” by Eurosport journalist Siavoush Fallahi, it’s evident that age is merely a number when it comes to the £125k-per-week brute.

As such, Perisic could indeed be a big signing for Tottenham heading into next season. He and Heung-min Son down the left flank is certainly an intriguing prospect indeed.

The Lilywhites faithful, and the manager, must be absolutely buzzing by Romano’s latest update.

AND in other news, Spurs will “try and sign” £18m-rated “monster” after scouting mission, he’s Bale 2.0…

Man City: Spanish source makes interesting Torres transfer claim

According to reports in the Spanish media, some interesting transfer news has now come to light involving Manchester City and Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Txiki eyes 2021 move…

The Spain international, a name potentially familiar to Sky Blues, was heavily courted by City sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

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Marca, sharing some news in 2021, claimed the Premier League champions were very much in the running for Torres after Tottenham’s failed bid to sign him for ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Begiristain was allegedly ‘very well positioned’ to sign the 25-year-old with the Eastlands official even having an ‘excellent relationship’ to ‘those closest’ in Torres’ inner circle.

While a midfield heir to club legend Fernandinho and left-back is thought to be a priority at City (The Guardian), some links have also emerged to possible central defensive additions with Sport now sharing the latest.

The Latest: City re-join Torres race…

Following on from their interest before 2022, Sport now claim Pep Guardiola’s side have again ‘entered the bid’ for Torres alongside Spurs, Chelsea and arch rivals Man United.

They add that Villarreal are ‘increasingly aware’ their ‘prodigal son’ could depart in the next transfer market as Unai Emery prepares for life without a pivotal player.

The Verdict: Make a bid?

The least of Guardiola’s concerns is at centre-half given he has Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake to choose from as a world class defensive quartet.

However, if one of the latter pair were to depart City given their lack of game time over 2021/2022, we believe Torres should be viewed as a top potential incoming.

The Etihad Stadium has been described as a ‘perfect’ move for Torres in recent seasons, especially taking into account his ability as a ball-playing central defender (La Liga expert Euen McTear).

Also described as ‘extraordinary’, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse has a release clause of £55 million which could well be value for money going by Torres’ reputation.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here.

Spurs have signed a "game-changer" capable of emulating Salah & Haaland

Tottenham Hotspur stepped into the Thomas Frank era with excitement, but anxiety too. Last season, Ange Postecoglou led the club to the Europa League title, but Spurs also finished 17th in the Premier League.

Circumstances matter, but there was much to be desired and Daniel Levy was justified in dismissing the Australian. Tottenham still ended their long search for silverware, and they did so having lost their definitive talisman of modern years at the very start of Ange’s tenure.

Harry Kane’s sale to Bayern Munich two years ago took from Tottenham their bona fide superstar. Heung-min Son once bore such a reputation, but he had steadily declined over a couple of years before moving to LAFC during the summer.

Now, though, there’s a sense that a few within the Lilywhites fold could reach such a level with a blend of hard work and Frank’s coaching.

The new Spurs superstars

Tottenham attacked the summer transfer window and have been duly rewarded for their ambition with several exciting talents.

Front and centre has been Mohammed Kudus, whose pace and physicality have seen him settle in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after completing a £55m move from West Ham United in July.

The Ghanaian winger scored and assisted against Leeds United last weekend, instrumental in the 2-1 win. He’s imperfect, sure, but the pros far outweigh the cons, and four assists from seven top-flight fixtures so far (placing him joint-first with Jack Grealish) is nothing to be sniffed at.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel are also stars for the future, already playing important roles in Frank’s squad.

However, whether any of these players will rival the very best of the best remains to be seen. Premier League heavyweights such as Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.

However, the £52m signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer felt significant. Indeed, Tottenham have landed themselves an attacking midfielder with the potential to rival any across Europe.

Frank has struck gold on Xavi Simons

In August, Tottenham had to swallow their pride as Arsenal stole from them the signature of Eberechi Eze, who signed in a £60m deal after a move was in place down N17 for the Crystal Palace sensation.

Tottenham missed out on a number of transfer targets, but they struck gold with Simons, who had looked for many weeks to be joining Chelsea before the Blues signed Alejandro Garnacho.

Having played and impressed over the past several years in Germany with Leipzig, Simons arrived in England with more than his share of excitement, saying he had “been dreaming of this for a long time”.

And while the bedding-in period is very much in swing right now, the Netherlands international has shown glimpses of elite quality, having previously been described as a “world-class” talent by countryman Rafael van de Vaart.

The data backs this up. Not only did Simons perform prolifically in front of goal for his German side, notching 46 goal contributions from 78 outings in all competitions, but his underlying data emphasises his ability.

Data platform FBref have crunched the numbers: across the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, the 22-year-old ranked among the top 16% of positional peers for goal contributions, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 5% for ball recoveries per 90.

The Dutchman’s robustness and consistency across all facets for Leipzig further underpins his potential, and indeed his chances of becoming the standout for a Tottenham side on the up.

Xavi Simons in the Bundesliga

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

32 (32)

25 (25)

Goals

8

10

Assists

11

7

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (1.0)

2.0 (0.9)

Touches*

62.6

68.0

Pass completion

82%

83%

Big chances created

14

12

Key passes*

2.5

2.0

Dribbles*

2.6

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.2

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

1.6

Duels won*

6.3

5.4

Data via Sofascore

While the likes of Salah and Haaland are one-of-a-kind players, Simons, too, is the full package, and has a style of play that could see him remain a cut above his Tottenham teammates, scoring and creating and orchestrating and defending.

Could Simons even leave north London, one day, with the awe and admiration of the Tottenham persuasion in a similar fashion to Kane? Certainly, we could look back at that £52m transfer fee as a shrewd figure.

As per Transfermarkt, Simons is already worth around £61m, and given his youth and inexperience within the English game, he is only going to get better as time goes on.

Harking back to FBref, the statistical site have revealed Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Martin Odegaard to be among his most tactically comparable players. Looking at the success each of these creators has forged for themselves in recent years, it’s easy to see why fans are beginning to get excited.

Called a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, this is exactly the type of buy to align with the grand plans of the club. Richarlison and the like have quality in the final third, but this is a different standard.

Simons was the marquee signing at Tottenham this summer, and with that comes expectation and scrutiny. He hasn’t yet provided the sustained quality that his skillset suggests is in there, but it will come, especially with one of the finest coaches in the business, Frank, pulling the strings.

When Simons hits his stride, raising Spurs’ collective level, we might just find this outfit celebrating the birth of a new superstar, one who could rival the Salah’s and the Haaland’s of the Premier League.

Cost £8.5m, now worth 440% more: Spurs struck gold on "phenomenal" star

Tottenham Hotspur have showcased their excellent talent identification with the deal to land one player now looking a bargain.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 9, 2025

Stats – Mandhana continues dominant 2024 as India record their second-biggest win

Renuka Singh Thakur also enjoyed a stellar outing as India took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series

Namooh Shah22-Dec-2024211 India’s victory margin was their second-biggest by runs in women’s ODIs, bettered only by their 249-run win over Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017. It is their biggest win at home, as well as the biggest defeat by runs for West indies in women’s ODIs314 for 9 is India’s second-highest women’s ODI total at home, behind their 325 for 3 against South Africa in Bengaluru six months ago.Related

  • Renuka, Mandhana consign West Indies to record loss

1602 runs scored by Smriti Mandhana in 2024, the most by any player in a year in women’s international cricket, with Laura Wolvaardt in second place with 1593 runs, also in 2024.110 The partnership between Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal was the first century opening stand for India in women’s ODIs since the 174* between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma against Sri Lanka in 2022, and their first at home since 2018.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4 Mandhana was dismissed in the 90s for the fourth time, the joint-most in women’s ODIs alongside West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor.4 Zaida James (5 for 45) and Renuka Thakur (5 for 29) took five-fors in the same match. It was the fourth time two bowlers had done this in women’s ODIs.7 Batters have shared century stands with Smriti Mandhana in women’s ODIs. Only Mithali Raj has bettered this among India players, having shared century stands with 15 different batters.2 Both Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews fell for ducks. It was the first time since 2019 that a team had lost both openers for ducks in a women’s ODI.

Phillies Land Jhoan Duran From Twins in Major Trade Deadline Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies landed arguably the biggest bullpen prize available at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

On Wednesday afternoon, Philadelphia is finalizing a trade to land Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran in what will prove to be a major upgrade to the team's bullpen. ESPN's Jeff Passan had the report.

The 27-year-old righty, who’s ranked No. 4 on Sports Illustrated’s list of trade candidates, is 6–4 with a 2.01 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 49 1/3 innings this season. He has 16 saves in 18 chances, and will be under team control through the 2027 season.

Phillies relievers currently rank 23rd in baseball with an ERA of 4.33, and their closer-by-committee approach has produced mixed results at best. That shouldn't be a problem moving forward.

In exchange for Duran, the Twins will be acquiring two prospects, Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel. Tait is the No. 4 prospect in Philly's system according to MLB Pipeline, and is an 18-year-old catcher who is already in High-A ball and has promising power. Abel, a 23-year-old right-handed starter, was the No. 15 pick in the 2020 MLB draft. He made his big league debut this season and in six starts is 2-2 with a 5.04 ERA, and a 1.36 WHIP.

Chelsea's grip on the WSL title is slipping – but are Man City strong enough to take advantage?

For a long time, it has felt like Chelsea's dominance of the Women's Super League would never end. Since the Blues were crowned champions of England for a third time back on June 5, 2020, they have yet to relinquish their crown, spending over 2000 days as the holders of the trophy thanks to six successive triumphs. This season, however, it looks like their incredible run could finally be stopped.

Heading into the final round of WSL games before the winter break, with this weekend's games to also mark the league's halfway stage, Chelsea are six points off the pace, with Manchester City leading the way in commanding fashion. The defending champions are their closest challengers, too, with Manchester United a further point behind the Blues and Arsenal another point behind the Red Devils.

All signs point towards City claiming just their second-ever WSL crown, ending what will be a 10-year wait for another league title. Not since 2016 have the club got their hands on this trophy, back when the likes of Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh were on the books. But, it must be said, we have been here before. Is City's charge real this time? Or will it turn out to be another false dawn, the kind of which could let Chelsea back in?

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    Fantastic start

    City have been outstanding through the first 10 games of this WSL campaign. New head coach Andree Jeglertz has mixed things up well without causing too much disruption to the already-quality squad he inherited – and the results have been excellent. Since losing at Stamford Bridge to the defending champions on the opening day, City have won all nine of their games by an aggregate score of 25-7.

    No team in the league has scored more goals, with the 3-0 thumping of Manchester United in last month's derby one of their most impressive results yet. Only Chelsea have a better defensive record than the Cityzens, too, while the fact that their actual goals scored and conceded statistics are very close to their expected goals scored and conceded statistics suggests there is no crazy over-performance going on here that could suddenly revert to the mean.

    City are very much as good as their six-point lead at the top of the WSL table suggests, with there no reason to believe they should drop off.

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    Taking advantage

    That's especially the case because City are not in European competition this term. Last season's fourth-placed finish was not what the club wanted, with them making a quite stunning managerial change five days before March's League Cup final in order to try and secure a top-three finish. However, the silver lining of that disappointment is shining through this term, while United and Arsenal, in particular, are struggling to succeed on the continent and challenge for the WSL title.

    "We really must aim for first place," Yui Hasegawa, the excellent City midfielder, told GOAL before the season, noting the significance of not having to play Champions League football. "We can focus on the domestic league so I think the chances of winning the title are probably the highest."

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    Not the sturdiest title defence

    Chelsea haven't endured a dramatic drop-off this term, but they certainly don't look like the inevitable force that went an entire domestic campaign unbeaten last time around, winning the WSL, FA Cup and League Cup without losing a single game. It would be unfair to expect them to hit those levels again, really, but there will be internal, as well as external, frustrations at how the first half of the season has panned out.

    One of the main issues has been defensive stability. That was what Chelsea's treble-winning campaign was built upon, with only 16 goals conceded in 30 games in domestic competition last term. This season, however, head coach Sonia Bompastor wants her team to "take more risks".

    "Sometimes, depending on my starting XI, we have a lot of offensive players on the pitch and I think that's okay," Bompastor explained earlier in the campaign, asked about her team's defensive metrics not being quite as impressive as last year. "We want to be a team who want to dominate the opposition. We also want to have a team who take risks on the pitch going forward. So sometimes, depending on the games, in terms of balance, we focus more on in-possession [things] and how we can create and how we can move the ball forward on the pitch, rather than maybe trying to defend more.

    "That's okay for me. This is what we want to achieve as a team. I know going into every game, maybe the plan will change a little bit, so it's always important to find the right balance between in and out of possession. But, again, I think I'm someone who really likes to take the risks. We want to be offensive."

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    Lacking cutting edge

    If Chelsea were scoring at the rate they were last season, this probably wouldn't be as big of an issue. After all, while Bompastor's side are conceding significantly more shots, shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes this term, compared to last, they've still only conceded six times in their 10 WSL outings. That makes for the best defensive record in the league and one, to this point, that sees them letting in goals at only a slightly worse rate than last year.

    The other problem, which accentuates the impact of a slightly leakier defence, is that lack of cutting edge in the final third. Chelsea have only scored 16 goals in the WSL so far this season, a number that can be significantly bettered by all of Arsenal, United and City. That is despite the Blues having the second-highest number of expected goals in the WSL this season, at 20.7.

    Perhaps this will even itself out over the course of the campaign. Sunday's shock 1-0 defeat to Everton, for example, felt like the kind of game that, if played out 100 times, would end up in a Chelsea win 99 times, with the Blues absolutely peppering the Toffees' goal but finding numerous bodies, excellent goalkeeping or the woodwork in their way on the occasions when they didn’t fire off target. Either way, Chelsea's finishing absolutely has to improve and return to its clinical best if the Blues are to seriously challenge City in the second half of this campaign.

Liverpool join race to sign “aggressive” gem who’s been compared to Szoboszlai

Liverpool are now reportedly rivalling Newcastle United in the race to sign a young midfield star who’s been compared to Dominik Szoboszlai.

Slot: Liverpool don't have "Jacob Murphy profile" to unlock Isak

It’s been a tumultuous time for Liverpool and record signing Alexander Isak. The Reds are yet to unlock the Swede’s best form, despite splashing out £125m to break a British record and welcome their next star man from Newcastle in the summer.

Arne Slot, however, is remaining patient and recently pinpointed exactly why Isak is yet to replicate his Newcastle form at Anfield. The Dutchman told reporters: “With Jeremie Frimpong being injured and Conor Bradley being out it is not like we have so many options on the right-hand side, and it is a bit similar on the left.

UCL club now ready to launch offer to sign £21m-a-year Liverpool star

The Reds could lose one of their star men.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 5, 2025

“Alex could benefit maybe from a Conor or a Jeremie type of player who goes outside, instead of both wingers we have who come inside and full-backs who can come in with crosses.

“But the main difference for him is that we are facing a low block many times. It is not that it never happened at Newcastle but not as much, I think. This season the league has changed, we see so many more low blocks than last season.

“But I see this not only against us, I see this in many games. It makes it harder for him compared to his time at Newcastle but I think it is also him adjusting to his teammates and his teammates adjusting to him. But it is obvious and clear that we have not the profile of [Newcastle’s] Jacob Murphy, for example, available at this moment at this time.”

Whether Liverpool find their own version of Murphy in the January transfer window is now the big question. They’ve already been linked with Antoine Semenyo, who’d certainly offer the same quality, but he may not be the only one on his way.

Liverpool join race to sign Alex Toth

As reported by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Alex Toth from Ferencvaros in 2026. The 20-year-old midfielder has been watched closely by scouts across the Premier League, including both those at Anfield and at St James’ Park and now seems destined for a big move.

Dubbed an “aggressive presser” by Hungarian journalist Bence Bocsak, it’s clear to see where the Szoboszlai comparisons have come from.

Liverpool’s press is certainly something that needs addressing in midfield too, which makes Toth a viable option when 2026 arrives. The Reds have got one over on Newcastle before and could yet do so yet again next year.

Not Isak: £45m star is now Liverpool's most frustrating player since Nunez

Reds Make Roster Decision on Jeimer Candelario After Return From IL

The Cincinnati Reds announced Monday that the team had designated veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment after reinstating him from the injured list.

Candelario had been on the 10-day IL since late April while dealing with a lumbar spine strain. In his absence, the Reds have used a variation of different players at third base, including the likes of Gavin Lux, Santiago Espinal and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

Prior to the back injury, Candelario had been struggling through his first 22 games of the season. He had a .113 batting average with two home runs, 10 RBIs and an abysmal 11 OPS+.

Candelairo signed with the Reds after a strong 2023 season in which he hit a career-high 23 home runs while spending time with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. He joined the team on a three-year, $45 million deal but hasn't lived up to expectations in Cincinnati. He posted a .707 OPS in his first year with the team, with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs in 112 games and had a -0.7 bWAR.

With Candelario out of the picture, third base will remain a platoon for the time being, but could potentially be open for Noelvi Marte to take over at the position when he returns from his oblique injury.

'Very angry' – Roberto De Zerbi rages at 'insufficient' Mason Greenwood and Marseille stars after defeat to Lille

Angry Roberto De Zerbi raged at Mason Greenwood and his Marseille team-mates after the French giants' defeat against Lille on Friday in a Ligue 1 clash. Marseille suffered their fourth league defeat of the 2025-26 campaign as their four-game unbeaten run across all formats finally ended. Former Manchester United star Greenwood had a rare off day on the pitch which did not go unnoticed by his manager.

  • Greenwood and Co's nightmare outing

    After enjoying a fine debut campaign in Ligue 1 in the 2024-25 season, where he scored 21 league goals in 34 matches, Greenwood has picked up from where he left off in the current campaign. The forward has already scored 10 Ligue 1 goals in 14 appearances and provided three assists.

    The clash against Lille, however, proved to be a rare off day for the ex-United winger. Marseille players hardly turned up in the match and looked scrappy as Ethan Mbappe's 10th-minute goal was enough to secure three points for Lille. Marseille wasted an opportunity to go above reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain as they now sit third in the Ligue 1 table behind Lens and PSG.

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    De Zerbi slammed Greenwood and Marseille stars

    De Zerbi was understandably furious with his team's lacklustre performance as he told reporters after the match: "We played badly and we deserved to lose. We didn't string three passes together. We lost every second ball. Even with dribbling, we couldn't beat anyone. Defensively, we were never as aggressive as we usually are. We were passive from the first minute to the last. One shot on target for a player like Greenwood isn't enough for him. Shooting so infrequently isn't sufficient."

    He added: "Yes, it's true, I'm very angry, I didn't expect us to play like that. Bad, bad. I take it personally, but everyone has to take it personally. When you play for OM, you can't play like that. I have no other explanation."

  • Greenwood credited De Zerbi for his form revival

    Greenwood, who was banished from United in 2023, has thrived in France with Marseille and established himself as a key piece for De Zerbi.

    The 24-year-old recently credited his manager De Zerbi for hepling him shine in France, as he told Telefoot: "I’m in a really good place thanks to the coach and my teammates. I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season. Roberto De Zerbi? He’s the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day."

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    Can Greenwood make England comeback?

    After reviving his career in Ligue 1, Greenwood is reportedly considering a return to the England national team, despite being blacklisted by the FA and manager Tuchel, according to . 

    Former Watford forward Troy Deeney has also backed the ex-Red Devils star to make his return to the Three Lions side as he wrote in : "Football cannot be a place where people are written off after mistakes, alleged or not, in their younger years. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of those allegations. Greenwood will live with them forever. In truth, he does not owe an explanation to football supporters. It is his friends and family he must prove himself to. But, if he wants an England return, he must address it in public – prove he is worthy of wearing the England shirt, show he can be trusted. Rebuilding trust is the only way this can ever happen and it is an incredibly hard thing to achieve. It would be taxing on Greenwood himself having to face such justified scrutiny. If Greenwood can face that and come through it. He deserves a second chance with England. If there were to be no way back whatsoever, the game is setting a dangerous precedent. Sending a message that any mistake in your personal life rules you out for good."

Rohl has a "boy wonder" who could end Antman's Rangers career

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl took on an unenviable task when he decided to join the club to replace Russell Martin, who had won just five of his matches in charge.

The German head coach has had to take over a side that was incredibly low on confidence and turn things around without any signings, which he did with four straight Scottish Premiership wins.

However, the Gers were unable to make it five after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday, and the manager made it clear that underperforming players will face consequences.

One of the team’s underperforming flops who will not make the starting line-up for the clash with Dundee United on Wednesday is Oliver Antman, who has been ruled out for two months through injury.

Why Danny Rohl must replace Oliver Antman

Even without the injury, the Finland international should have been dropped by Danny Rohl because he failed to deliver a quality performance for his side from the start against Falkirk.

Antman ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of seven goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Go Ahead Eagles, per Sofascore, yet his time at Ibrox has been barren in comparison.

In 20 appearances for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, the Finnish forward has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 18 different games, providing three assists in the other two outings.

The 24-year-old flop played 57 minutes against Falkirk on Sunday without registering a shot on target or creating a ‘big chance’ for his teammates, per Sofascore, and his absence through injury will now provide others with an opportunity to nail down that position.

The Rangers talent who could end Antman's Ibrox career

The Light Blues head coach could end Antman’s Ibrox career by finally unleashing academy graduate Findlay Curtis as a starter on the flank, as the Scottish youngster could nail down that position and leave the ex-Eredivisie star starved of minutes.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Rohl must give the 19-year-old star his first senior start in the Premiership this season on Wednesday night because his output this year suggests that he deserves more minutes on the pitch for the Gers.

Vs Falkirk

Findlay Curtis

Minutes

15

Crosses attempted

1

Fouls won

2

Pass accuracy

100%

Clearances

3

Tackles won

1/1

Ground duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

1/2

Stats via Sofascore

Curtis, as shown in the table above, showed that he has the physicality to compete at first-team level in his cameo off the bench on Sunday, winning four of his six duels and winning two fouls.

The teenager starlet, who was dubbed a “Boy Wonder” on Premier Sports against Panathinaikos in July, has also shown glimpses of his exciting quality at the top end of the pitch this term, with three goals in 259 minutes of action.

Curtis, who scored off the bench against St Mirren in the Premiership in August, has not started a game for the first-team since he started both of the games against Panathinaikos in July, despite scoring two goals since then.

His lack of minutes, as a starter or off the bench, has been fairly surprising, particularly given Antman and the team’s general form, which is why now is the time for Rohl to finally unleash him from the start.

If the Scotland U21 international can get a run in the side and provide goal contributions on a regular basis for the Light Blues, the underperforming Antman would surely struggle to get back into the team given his lack of form this season.

Therefore, Curtis, who delivered four goals and three assists in eight B team matches at academy level, could be the player who ends the Finland international’s career at Ibrox, as the winger, who can play either flank, could snatch his place in the squad away from him.

A "spell on the sidelines" is needed for the "best player" at Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers star who was called the team’s best player should be dropped from the starting line-up.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 2, 2025

However, it is, firstly, down to the Rangers manager to provide the academy graduate with the platform that he needs to kick on and end Antman’s career at the club, starting with the league clash with Dundee United on Wednesday night because of Antman’s injury.

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