Articles by RAYMOND

Imminent Arrival’ – Birmingham City Set to Seal Landmark Deal This Week as Sunderland Watch on Helplessly

July 2, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Birmingham City are on the cusp of completing one of the standout transfers of the summer, with Demarai Gray set for a romantic return to St Andrew’s. The winger has passed a medical, and all that remains is formal approval from the Saudi Pro League before the move from Al-Ettifaq can be finalised. Negotiated smartly by the Blues, the deal will see Gray arrive on a free transfer with a 20% sell-on clause, despite his former club’s initial £8 million valuation. An announcement could come as early as today, marking a significant moment in Birmingham’s summer rebuild.

Stoke City Told to Strike Now for “Valuable Asset” in Sheffield Wednesday Raid

June 30, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Barry Bannan’s future at Sheffield Wednesday is hanging in the balance, and Championship clubs are circling. With his contract set to expire on June 30 and no extension signed, Stoke City are among the sides keeping a close eye on developments. The veteran midfielder, who has been a linchpin at Hillsborough for over a decade, could bring invaluable experience to a young Stoke squad—both on and off the pitch. Described as a “valuable” asset by club experts, Bannan is seen as a potential leader who could help guide the Potters through tight fixtures and nurture emerging talents, even if he’s no longer an every-game starter.

Shock Exit? Danny Rohl Stuns Sheffield Wednesday Squad with Departure Bombshell as Leicester Circle

June 30, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Danny Rohl has made the bold decision to leave Sheffield Wednesday, informing senior players of his exit after nearly two years at the helm. With Leicester City and Brentford showing strong interest, his departure seems all but confirmed. Despite guiding the Owls to a stable 12th-place finish last season and winning praise for navigating the chaos of Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership, Rohl had not returned for pre-season—fueling speculation that a move was imminent. As Wednesday prepare to promote assistant Henrik Pedersen, Rohl’s next chapter appears set to unfold at a higher level.

Sunderland Strike First – £30m Leeds Target Stolen in Bold Summer Statement

June 30, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Here’s an excerpt from the paraphrased piece:

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Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is set to spark a major squad overhaul, with up to 15 departures and 10 signings expected in a summer of calculated ambition. A new-look midfield built around Habib Diarra, Dan Neil, and Enzo Le Fée is already taking shape, while top-level experience is arriving in defence with Reinildo Mandava. Though Anthony Patterson is likely to keep his No.1 spot, the club is pushing to bring in competition – possibly Marcin Bulka – as they aim to reinforce every department. With the club targeting young, high-upside talent and offloading fringe players, a leaner, more dynamic Sunderland side could be in place by August – ready to face the top flight with both purpose and a clear plan.

From Triumph to Tragedy: How Sheffield Wednesday’s Derby County Deal Turned to Heartbreak

June 29, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Luke Varney’s time at Sheffield Wednesday may have been defined by loan spells, but his connection to the club ran far deeper. Across three stints, he became a fan favourite at Hillsborough, contributing 11 goals in 43 appearances. Yet, his legacy is bittersweet—forever linked to the Owls’ heartbreaking relegation in 2009/10. Despite his temporary status, Varney felt every bit a Wednesday player, a bond made clear when he broke down after their final-day draw with Crystal Palace sealed their fate. Years later, he still carries the weight of that moment, proving his time in blue and white was anything but fleeting.

The £30m Statement: Why Sunderland Are All In on Habib Diarra – and What It Spells for Le Bris’ Tactics

June 29, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Habib Diarra’s imminent £30 million move to Sunderland marks a bold statement of intent from the newly-promoted Premier League side. Set to become the club’s most expensive signing, Diarra is expected to replace Jobe Bellingham in midfield—but the data suggests this isn’t just a like-for-like swap. The 20-year-old Senegalese international not only outperformed Bellingham in goals, assists, and key creative metrics last season, but he also did so in a tougher league against stronger opposition. With superior attacking output and a dynamic presence in the final third, Diarra’s arrival signals a shift in Sunderland’s midfield identity under Régis Le Bris—one that could reshape their approach entirely in the top flight.

Stoke City Issued Urgent Warning as Man City Star Emerges—Ipswich Looms and Cannon’s Deal Raises the Stakes

June 28, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Stoke City are exploring a loan move for Manchester City’s rising star Divin Mubama, who impressed with 17 goals in 13 Premier League 2 games last season. With Ipswich Town also in the hunt for the 20-year-old striker, the Potters face stiff competition. Mubama, who joined City from West Ham last summer, has made only two senior appearances but scored on his debut under Pep Guardiola. FLW’s Sam Harrison believes the potential deal could shake up Stoke’s forward line, especially with young talents like Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe waiting in the wings. Drawing comparisons to Tom Cannon’s successful loan spell, Harrison suggests Stoke could benefit from repeating a similar formula—if the financials work out.

Sunderland Set to Break the Bank in Sensational Move for Strasbourg Star Habib Diarra

June 28, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sunderland AFC have agreed a record-breaking €35 million deal to sign Strasbourg’s dynamic midfielder and captain Habib Diarra. The 21-year-old, who recently impressed for Senegal against England, has given the green light to join the newly promoted Premier League side, marking a bold statement of intent from the Black Cats following their return to the top flight.

Massive Statement: Sunderland Smash Record to Land Habib Diarra in £30m Stunner

June 28, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sunderland have made a major statement of intent by securing the £30 million signing of highly-rated midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, marking their second record-breaking transfer of the summer. The 21-year-old Senegal international, who recently scored against England at Wembley, is set to replace Jobe Bellingham following his £30 million move to Borussia Dortmund. Diarra’s arrival underlines Sunderland’s growing focus on Ligue 1 talent and signals their ambition to compete strongly in the Premier League.