All posts by z3u9t.icu

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared news on a "crucial change" Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has made to Spurs training.

Spurs transformation under Postecoglou

The north Londoners are scarcely recognisable from Antonio Conte's regrettable last season in charge. Indeed, since arriving in June, new head coach Postecoglou has taken Spurs supporters on a rollercoaster ride of superb results. Winning eight out of a possible 10 Premier League matches so far, the Lilywhites are yet to taste defeat in the top flight and currently sit pretty atop the table.

Stars like Son Heung-min and summer signing James Maddison have thrived as part of Postecoglou's new-look Spurs side, and it looks as if they could even mount a title challenge. Tottenham's popular new manager heaped praise on his squad's mentality after their latest win, a 2-1 over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

"Top of the table is great and the results are great but it's more in the manner we're doing it," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's form told the media.

"Pretty much from the first game we've had all sorts of different challenges we've had to overcome. Every time there has been a real focus and clear-headedness about the group collectively to deal with that. That has been a really pleasing thing and because they're getting rewards from that then that gives us opportunity to accelerate the growth of giving them more tools out there to help them for whatever we need to overcome."

Ange implements "crucial" Spurs training change

There are many factors contributing to Spurs' phenomenal run, with Maddison being praised for his stellar impact after joining from Leicester City. Meanwhile, new defender Micky van de Ven has dazzled for Spurs alongside Cristian Romero.

Postecoglou's new brand of attacking football has both thrilled supporters and on-lookers, with respected journalist Romano now sharing news on an "important" switch up by Spurs' new manager. Indeed, Postecoglou has implemented a "crucial" training change at Spurs, something which has proved pivotal as Romano explains on his YouTube channel this week.

“What I wanted to share with you is that the players of Tottenham, from what I’m hearing, are not just happy with what they’re doing on the pitch on Sunday or during the week.

“But what they’re doing in training was the crucial change, from what I’m hearing, already in the pre-season and then now. They enjoy the training sessions, they’re very happy with the high-pressing wanted by Ange Postecoglou. New mentality, new approach, new ideas. The pressing is absolutely crucial for Postecolgou, he’s really pushing. For Postecoglou it’s really important.

“But the players are enjoying the training sessions, they really like the manager’s approach, the manager’s ideas, the new tactical idea. They are very, very happy with Postecoglou. Many people didn’t know how good he was, now the numbers speak for him. But training sessions are always crucial to understand how good a manager is. In this case, it was absolutely something important for Tottenham.”

Tottenham take on Chelsea next Monday, and all the signs suggest they'll head into the game favourites, looking to compile more misery on ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Arsenal are thinking about signing a £20 million striker as well as Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, and it's been reported that he's set to leave his current club.

Edu targeting new striker for Arteta

While a lot of noise has surrounded Edu's pursuit of a new midfielder, there are still suggestions that manager Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a new striker next year. ESPN recently reported that Brentford star Ivan Toney is still a target for Arsenal as we head into 2024, with Arteta having just Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus to choose from to lead the line.

The Gunners have also been linked with Vlahovic regularly amid their search for a new forward, as they seek to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years.

"Arsenal will" – Romano thinks Edu is certain to bid for "underrated" star

Former Gunner Paul Merson’s a big fan.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2023

A proven goalscorer could be the difference between domestic glory and falling just short, especially given Arsenal have to contend with both Man City and Liverpool who are also vying for first place. Club legend Ray Parlour, speaking to TEAMtalk at the start of this month, urged Arteta and Edu to bring in a striker if they wish to maintain their place among England's elite sides.

“Where they are going to be lacking is the striker position," said Parlour. "In teams I played in we had four top strikers so I think that is one area they need to improve.

"I know Jesus is out at the moment and Nketiah did brilliantly getting his hat-trick at the weekend but there is not a lot of options up front.

“I am sure Arteta, if there is someone available whether on loan or someone who is not playing on a regular basis but who he knows can do a decent job, will be looking for options. When you are chasing a goal you have got to change it up front and they do not have that at the moment. That might be the place they will be looking at."

Given Toney could cost a seismic £100 million to prise away in January, at least according to Sky Sports, it could be wise for Arsenal to consider other options.

Arsenal open to Leonardo deal

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are open to signing Santos striker Marcos Leonardo "as well as Vlahovic" in their pursuit of new options. It's added that the 20-year-old is set to leave his club for Europe in the new year.

The Brazilian is one of South America's hottest young attackers right now, with reports suggesting Santos are also willing to sell for around £20 million.

This is considerably less than his marquee release clause and Leonardo is a player of serious potential, having scored 13 goals in 29 of his latest Brazilian Serie A appearances.

"I saw in him a brilliant eye for goal, opportunistic and always well placed," the forward's U13 coach Gustavo Roma said (via Football Transfers).

Gets fouled often

Does not dive into tackles

"He is a really good finisher, he always manages to be in the middle of every middle, he's very mobile and intense, with great instincts. He doesn't wait for the ball to come to him, he moves to create the best positions and finish with a goal, that's why he has so many.

"He was our top scorer in 2016 and even as a substitute last year he was one of our top scorers too. He has an eye for goal, he is a killer and born scorer."

Glasgow Rangers head coach Philippe Clement continued his unbeaten start to life in Scotland with a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The Light Blues needed a stoppage-time penalty from James Tavernier, after Connor Goldson was pulled back in the box, to rescue a point away from Ibrox.

It meant that the Gers were unable to make the most of Celtic dropping two points on Saturday and they remain eight points behind their rivals, albeit with one game in hand.

Clement is unlikely to be pleased with the nature of the performance as a number of sloppy defensive mistakes could have seen the hosts comfortably in front during the first half and there was an alarming lack of quality forward play throughout the game.

Central defender Leon Balogun looked off the pace at times and struggled, particularly for the opening goal, but centre-forward Danilo was the real villain of the piece for the head coach.

Balogun's performance against Aberdeen in numbers

The Nigeria international was caught sleeping as a simple flick on through the middle of the pitch allowed Bojan Miovski to run through and slot the ball into the bottom corner with ease.

He should have been alert and across to cover behind Connor Goldson but was yards off the pace and that allowed the Dons forward with all the time and space that was needed to score.

That came shortly after Ester Sokler got in behind in a similar fashion only to be foiled by a terrific save from the feet of the excellent Jack Butland.

However, Balogun did win all seven of his duels on the ground and five of his ten aerial battles, to go along with two tackles and two interceptions, across the 90 minutes, which shows that it was not a completely dismal display.

Danilo's performance against Aberdeen in numbers

The Brazilian forward came into the match with three goals and three assists in his previous five appearances for the club in all competitions but was unable to carry on his impressive form.

Instead, the summer signing from Feyenoord struggled against the Dons and was a lightweight at the top end of the pitch throughout the game.

Danilo lost 70% (seven of his ten) physical duels, including three of six on the deck and all four of his contests in the air as the opposition's defenders were able to dominate him with relative ease.

The £26k-per-week centre-forward then failed to make the most of the opportunities that did come his way with one 'big chance' missed as the ex-Ajax man was unable to beat Kelle Roos from close range with a stabbed effort.

Along with that, the 24-year-old marksman did not create a single chance for his teammates from his 45 touches of the ball across 90 minutes on the pitch.

Therefore, Danilo was the real villain for the Light Blues with a disappointing display through the middle of the pitch as the spearhead of Clement's attack.

Balogun, at least, made a number of important defensive interventions to make up for his early mistake for the goal but Danilo did not offer much in or out of possession for the Scottish giants.

Leeds United are open to selling one of their regular first-team players in January alongside Marc Roca, and a new report has revealed the price that the club have valued him at should he leave Elland Road.

Who have Leeds United just signed?

Over the summer, Daniel Farke brought nine new players to the club in the form of Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara and Karl Darlow on a permanent basis, whilst recruiting Djed Spence, Jaidon Anthony and Joe Rodon on loan, alongside Sam Byram on a free transfer.

At Elland Road, Tyler Adams and Rodrigo were the only two to depart for good, with the likes of Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Marc Roca being sent out temporarily, the latter sealing a switch to Real Betis, as per Transfermarkt, and it’s been reported that his move is likely to become permanent.

Despite the deadline having passed, Illan Meslier is another player that could be heading for the exit door in the new year having attracted significant interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid over the course of the past few months.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear recently confirmed that the French goalkeeper did have opportunities to leave, but the 23-year-old has himself admitted that he wanted to stay at the club because he felt responsible following relegation to the Championship.

Is Illan Meslier leaving Leeds?

According to Football Insider, Leeds are "relaxed about the prospect" of selling Meslier in January because they signed Darlow from Newcastle United over the summer with the view of him being their first-choice between the sticks.

The LS11 outfit had a "willingness" to move on the former before the September 1st deadline, but they failed to receive a suitable offer.

Previously, the shot-stopper had a £40m price tag placed on his head, though it's unknown whether this is the fee that would be demanded at the start of the new year.

How many clean sheets has Illan Meslier kept?

During his time at Leeds, Meslier has kept 31 clean sheets from 131 appearances which doesn’t sound like a lot, but having previously been praised for making some “unreal” saves by journalist Graham Smyth, there’s so much more that he brings to the side.

The Lorient native, who is naturally left-footed, ranks in the 98th percentile for most defensive actions outside of his penalty area, showing that he’s not afraid to come out of his net and clear the danger away, but he’s also impressive with the ball at his feet.

The YPFC client has a 100% pass success rate for both his short and medium dispatches since the start of the current season, via FBRef, which highlights his calmness and composure when playing out from the back to his outfield teammates.

Furthermore, Meslier helped the club to achieve promotion to the Premier League back in 2019/20 so he knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the required level, therefore, it would be a huge blow to lose him in January.

Arsenal are back. So some would proclaim anyway. Over the last three matches, Mikel Arteta’s side have scored a combined haul of 13 goals.

It’s amazing what happens when Martin Odegaard is in your team, isn’t it? The skipper missed a 12-game period after the first international break of the season and during that run, the Gunners rather fell off a cliff.

A rugged period between October and November’s international break saw Arsenal fail to win a Premier League game and that means they’re now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, even if they did hold them to a 2-2 draw.

That said, Manchester United on Wednesday evening are likely to provide a far tougher test than the likes of Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

As it happens, they’re now managed by Ruben Amorim who used to coach the Sporting team that Arsenal so ruthlessly dispatched in the Champions League a week ago.

The last time Arsenal played Manchester United at the Emirates

“Gabriel Jesus, he’s sat down one, and he’s won the game!” The roar from Peter Drury was glorious if you are an Arsenal supporter.

What a game this was back in September 2023. Arteta’s side needed a big win early in the Premier League campaign and that’s precisely what they got, defeating their old rivals 3-1 at the Emirates.

They were made to work incredibly hard for it, however. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring on 27 minutes before Odegaard hit back just a minute later.

We had to wait until injury time for the game to be decided though. That wasn’t before Alejandro Garnacho scored but saw his strike cruelly disallowed, a goal dear old Erik ten Hag probably still suggests was onside to this day.

2.27

xG

0.94

55%

Possession

45%

2

Big chances

1

17

Total shots

10

12

Corner kicks

3

532

Passes

462

11

Tackles

15

55

Ball recoveries

43

30

Ground duels won

27

13

Aerial duels won

13

Alas, the rub of the green was not with the Red Devils on that sunny afternoon. In the 96th minute, the ball fell to mega-money summer arrival Declan Rice at the back home who lashed home via a deflection for his first goal in Arsenal colours.

Off he went, darting away towards the corner flag, engulfed by his teammates. What a moment. The Emirates was bedlam.

The match was then decided in the 101st minute. The hosts broke from a corner through the lesser-spotted Fabio Vieira. He slid in Jesus who cooly sat Diogo Dalot down before sticking the ball past Andre Onana.

Arsenal will hope for a slightly less dramatic affair on Wednesday but they will take three points in any way they come as they look to chase down Liverpool.

Arsenal team and injury news

The North London side may have Odegaard back in the fold but this doesn’t look like a fully fit squad just yet.

The big news we await concerns defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian took a blow to the face at the London Stadium, an incident that saw him win a penalty for his side.

That being said, he was withdrawn at half-time with Arsenal citing management of the knock he picked up in Lisbon a few days prior.

Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey were both absent from the matchday squad against West Ham and could miss out again. Merino sat out last time owing to a knee injury while Partey’s issue was described as muscular, meaning the £33m and £45m signings are both doubts.

While their involvement remains more uncertain, full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu definitely remain out.

Arsenal's predicted lineup vs Manchester United

With Merino and Partey still doubts for Wednesday evening’s clash, it means a relatively unchanged team is likely to take to the field at the Emirates.

The undisputed number one, David Raya, maintains his place between the sticks and providing Gabriel is fit after Saturday evening’s substitution, will have an unchanged defence in front of him.

Jorginho shone in the win at the former Olympic Stadium and deserves to keep his place next to Declan Rice.

There might be claims for Kai Havertz to be rested but after scoring in consecutive fixtures he starts ahead of Jesus again.

The only change to the starting lineup will see Leandro Trossard drop out. Like Havertz, the Belgian has scored in successive outings but with Gabriel Martinelli waiting in the wings and ready to torment United’s defence with his pace, this feels like an ideal match for the Brazilian.

Saka loves him: Arsenal must unleash amazing star who Man Utd nearly signed

The incredible star is undroppable for Arsenal ahead of their match with Manchester United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2024

West Ham United have endured a tricky start to the new Premier League campaign under boss Julen Lopetegui, often failing to hit the heights many anticipated them to in pre-season.

The Hammers saw a massive overhaul of the playing squad, with nine first-team additions during the off-season, spending upwards of £120m on new talent to take the side to the next level.

However, in the first nine league outings of 2024/25, the Spaniard’s men have only won three times, currently sitting in 13th place and just a couple of places above the relegation zone.

Players such as Guido Rodriguez, Max Kilman and Niclas Füllkrug all arrived at the London Stadium, with hopes of returning the club towards European contention.

The latter has only featured for 63 minutes in the league, suffering an injury and failing to make an impact after his £27m move from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

One player has shown glimpses of his talent, with his most recent outing for the Irons his best during his short stint in East London.

Crysencio Summerville’s stats for West Ham

Despite huge interest from various sides all over Europe, West Ham won the race for the signature of winger Crysencio Summerville from Championship side Leeds United.

The 22-year-old cost the Hammers £25m before add-ons, with real expectations of providing that added quality in attacking areas, but he’s often struggled in recent months.

He’s often found himself behind Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in the pecking order, featuring for just 215 minutes in the Premier League.

However, after Kudus’ dismissal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur a couple of weeks ago, he could’ve been handed a rare start against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Lopetegui opted with Carlos Soler in a wide role instead, but Summerville was given the opportunity to impress off the substitutes’ bench – taking his chance with both hands.

The Dutchman scored the opener, helping the Irons secure a victory over the Red Devils, subsequently resulting in Erik ten Hag losing his job over the last couple of days.

However, he still earns less than one player who cost the club an arm and a leg during his unsuccessful stint at the London Stadium.

The man who earned more than Summerville at West Ham

Striker Sebastian Haller arrived at West Ham with high expectations after his £45m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2019 under Manuel Pellegrini – a deal that still remains as a club record.

However, the Ivorian’s time in East London never lived up to the hype, scoring just 14 times in his two full seasons as a Hammer, before departing the club.

The 30-year-old would join Ajax in a £20m deal, a move which saw them lose £25m in a two-year period, further showing how much of a poor deal it was in hindsight.

Games played

54

Cost per game

£977k

Minutes played

3681

Cost per minute played

£14.3k

Goals scored

14

Cost per goal

£3.7m

Assists

1

Cost per assist

£52.8m

Haller’s transfer fee was bad enough, but the forward pocketed himself £75k-per-week during his time at the London Stadium, one of the highest figures during the 2019/20 campaign.

His subsequent weekly income saw him earn over two times more than current first-team ace Summerville, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his big-money transfer this summer.

When combining Haller’s wages during his time in the Premier League along with his transfer fee, he cost the club a staggering £52.8m – which worked out to around £3.7m per goal he scored.

Given the staggering money spent, the deal was a complete disaster, undoubtedly burning a hole in the club’s finances.

The hierarchy undoubtedly made the right call in offloading the striker when they did, preventing them from losing any more money on their club-record investment.

West Ham must rue offloading star who's the perfect Paqueta replacement

Lopetegui has already got rid of a West Ham talent who’d replace the underperforming Paqueta.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 28, 2024

Liverpool are believed to have sent scouts to watch a young player with a big future in the game, according to a fresh transfer report.

Liverpool transfer news

Life under Arne Slot couldn’t be going much better for the Reds currently, having opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, following Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa. It is crucial that Liverpool don’t get too comfortable and rest on their laurels, though, and it is important that new signings come in, having had a largely quiet summer transfer window that left plenty of supporters frustrated.

Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush has emerged as arguably the Reds’ primary transfer target and Michael Edwards is reportedly now preparing a £58m offer for the Egyptian. The 25-year-old was again in devastating form over the weekend, scoring and assisting in his team’s 3-2 victory away VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

Thre is also a huge amount going on behind the scenes regarding new contracts for Liverpool players currently, even away from the much talked-about trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Both Luis Diaz and Ibrahima Konate could also sign extensions at Anfield, as the club look to tie down their most influential figures.

Liverpool send scouts to watch £25m teenager

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for the Ligue 1 club, but other top clubs are also eyeing him up. The other teams in question are AC Milan, Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea, with the 17-year-old considered a player with a massive future in football.

He is “highly rated across Europe”, and while he could cost as much as £25m, it is stated that FSG “could certainly afford him”, as could all the English clubs mentioned.

Bouaddi is understandably not yet a household name, given his age, but while Liverpool fans may not be overly excited about this rumour, his long-term potential makes him a hugely eye-catching option. Despite only being 17 years of age, the Frenchman has already made 30 appearances for Lille, assisting twice, with 18 of those games coming in Ligue 1, showing that he is being trusted at the highest level.

Bouaddi has been hailed as a “10/10 talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and while he wouldn’t be arriving at Liverpool as an immediate key starter, given the depth that Slot has in his midfield, he would be one for the future.

Appearances

9

Starts

3

Minutes played

308

Goals

0

Assists

1

Pass completion rate

90.3%

Tackles per game

1.6

A midfielder more of the ilk of Martin Zubimendi is arguably needed moving forward, in terms of a No.6 who excels sitting in front of the defence and keeping possession ticking over, and Bouaddi ticks that box, not only completing 90.3% of his passes this season, but also averaging 1.6 tackles per game.

Celtic return to action in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday as they prepare to travel away from Parkhead to take on Hearts in the evening kick-off.

The Hoops have had a two-week break, thanks to the last international window of 2024, and will be hoping to pick up where they left off, having won ten of their 11 matches in the league thus far.

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that all of his stars return from international duty without any injury issues that could keep them out for the upcoming matches in the Premiership and the Champions League.

He may, therefore, be thankful that his three Japanese gems barely featured for their country, as Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate made one substitute appearance each, whilst Daizen Maeda featured in both games as a substitute.

The trio were not overworked by Japan in their two matches and will now return to Celtic fresh and ready to compete, and possibly start, against Hearts on Saturday.

Hatate has faced serious competition for his place in the starting XI for the Scottish giants this season, though, with the additions of Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, and the return of Paulo Bernardo, in the summer.

Reo Hatate's form for Celtic

The 26-year-old star has still managed to make the line-up on a regular basis in the Premiership, with nine starts in 11 matches, and that speaks to how much Rodgers trusts him.

Hatate, who was restricted to 16 league outings last term through injury, has prevented McCowan and Bernardo from being regular starters in the top-flight, with Engels and Callum McGregor the usual picks alongside him in the midfield three.

The Japan international has earned his place in the starting XI with dynamic and quality performances in the middle of the park, as he has been able to showcase his ability in possession.

Appearances

11

Goals

3

Big chances created

4

Assists

0

Key passes per game

1.3

As you can see in the table above, Hatate has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator from a midfield position for Celtic in the Premiership, and he has been unfortunate not to register a single assist so far.

His return of zero assists from four ‘big chances’ created and 14 key passes suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third, as they have not made the most of his creativity.

The midfield whiz has also produced one goal and one assist in four matches in the Champions League for Celtic, starting three of those matches on the European stage, with his goal coming against RB Leipzig earlier this month.

Despite Hatate’s strong form in all competitions this season, Rodgers could go and land an upgrade on the Hoops star by swooping for one of the club’s reported transfer targets – Lennon Miller.

Celtic's interest in Lennon Miller

The Daily Mail recently reported that Celtic are interested in a potential move to sign the Scotland U21 international from Premiership rivals Motherwell when the January transfer window opens for business.

It was claimed that the Hoops and their Glasgow rivals Rangers are both preparing swoops to snap the Scottish starlet up ahead of the second half of the season.

The report added, however, that Premier League giants Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the 18-year-old dynamo and could join the race for his signature. This suggests that Celtic and Rangers could face some serious competition for his services, as Arne Slot’s side are currently top of the English top-flight and could be an attractive destination.

Celtic were dealt a blow by the attraction of a move to Anfield in 2022 when 16-year-old starlet Ben Doak decided to move on from Parkhead to join the Reds for a compensation fee of £600k.

The Bhoys will be hoping that the allure of the Premier League does not hurt them again, as Miller could be an excellent addition to Rodgers’ squad in January.

It was reported by the Daily Mail that Motherwell are set to hold out for a fee of around £4m and Celtic must now splash out to sign him as quickly as possible, to stop Liverpool or Rangers from beating them to his signature.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Journalist Mark Guidi recently claimed a fee of £3.5m plus add-ons would be a “bargain” for the Hoops and added that the “hot” sensation has the potential to get “hotter” in the future, suggesting that Celtic could then make a big profit further down the line.

Why Lennon Miller would be an upgrade on Reo Hatate

Rodgers should push for the board to snap the Scottish teenager up when the January transfer window opens for business because his performances in the Premiership this season have been nothing short of outstanding.

Miller only turned 18 in August and has already established himself as one of the stars in his position in the league, after playing 25 times as a 17-year-old in the division last season.

As you can see in the clip above, the teenage sensation did showcase his quality against Celtic earlier this year, spinning McGregor and providing a brilliant assist.

He used the 2023/24 campaign to settle into senior football and gain vital experience in the Premiership by playing week-in-week-out for Motherwell, and is now kicking on and thriving.

Appearances

11

11

Goals

2

3

Big chances created

5

4

Key passes per game

2.1

1.3

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.0

1.7

Ball recoveries per game

6.5

3.6

As you can see in the table above, Miller has offered a similar level of quality to Hatate in the final third, as they have both produced seven goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in the Premiership.

However, the Scottish starlet has provided far more to his team out of possession as a defensive and combative presence in the middle of the park, with 9.5 tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per game.

These statistics suggest that Miller would come in at Parkhead as an upgrade on the Japan international, by offering the same qualities at the top end of the pitch whilst being far better off the ball to protect his defence.

Celtic's huge talent who left for just £600k is now becoming "world-class"

The former Celtic man has impressed whilst playing for his country this season.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 20, 2024

At the age of 18, he is also eight years younger than Hatate and has more time ahead of him to develop and improve, which is why Rodgers must swoop to bring him to Glasgow in January.

West Ham have made an out-of-window approach to sign one defender who's been tipped to become one of the best in world football.

West Ham eyeing new centre-back amid Aguerd and Zouma concerns

The Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten are being more regularly linked with signing a new centre-half this summer.

Door open for West Ham to complete ambitious Toney swoop after development

The Hammers are genuine contenders.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 27, 2024

Concerns surround the ability of current mainstay Nayef Aguerd, who has been prone to the odd error this season and has often been subject to inconsistent displays alongside partner Kurt Zouma.

“It felt like one of those days from West Ham, defensively they were all over the shot. This is Aguerd on the ball, trying to play, there’s no urgency, there’s no movement," said pundit Shay Given on Match Of The Day after their 5-0 defeat to Fulham.

“Nobody’s sticking a tackle in, there’s nobody getting tight to people. Look at Willian, look how much space he has on the ball and again, it’s a free shot on the edge of the box from Iwobi. Pereira cuts it back, with no clearance in the middle of the box.

“I know it’s a Sunday, but you’d see it on a Sunday morning sometimes at Sunday League football.”

Both Zouma and Aguerd are thought to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, and if West Ham opt to do business with Middle Eastern sides over the duo, then their backline could look pretty different next season.

West Ham actually agreed a deal to sign Harry Maguire from Man United last summer, but the England international opted against a move to east London, with David Moyes instead turning to Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Newcastle United (away)

March 30th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Wolves (away)

April 6th

Fulham (home)

April 14th

Crystal Palace (away)

April 21st

West Ham have conceded five-plus goals in a game on multiple occasions this term, which has been a real cause for concern as Steidten looks to add more star quality.

Tosin Adarabioyo has attracted West Ham interest as he nears the end of his Fulham contract, while some reports suggest that Steidten is keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

Another good option, according to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale is Juventus defender Dean Huijsen.

West Ham make Dean Huijsen approach

Indeed, according to Di Natale, West Ham are among the sides who've made an approach for Huijsen ahead of this summer.

Currently on loan at Roma, the young Dutchman is already garnering quite a reputation, with Daniele De Rossi tipping him to become one of the best defenders in world football.

“Huijsen is becoming more and more mature. He does a lot. He’s very smart,” the 2006 World Cup winner told ESPN. “He doesn’t look 18-years-old on the field. He knows what he is doing. But sometimes a little too well. (Huijsen) is good with the ball at his feet, but sometimes a little too calm.

“I think he needs to learn some more ‘Italian tricks’ in his own box. If he does that, he will become one of the best players in the world.”

Newcastle United have been the subject of a significant rebuild since the takeover by the Saudi PIF in late 2021, with a huge turnover of players taking place to allow the club to be competitive in the Premier League.

For many years, the Magpies were battling relegation under Steve Bruce and only managed to maintain survival after immediate investment from the PIF, signing players such as Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes to inject needed quality into the side.

However, at the time Bruce was hung out to dry by former owner Mike Ashley, with the lack of investment really affecting the club – hence the needed change of ownership.

His departure, coupled with the £400m investment in the first-team, has allowed the Magpies to achieve the unthinkable, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years under boss Eddie Howe.

Unsurprisingly, the huge funding from the new owners has seen former regular starters drop rapidly down the pecking order, making little impact on the squad, but still pocketing a huge weekly wage.

However, the club conducted brilliant business in offloading one former player, who failed to retain his place after Howe's arrival at St James' Park.

Javier Manquillo's stats at Newcastle United

In what was a controversial move to the club given his time at rivals Sunderland, defender Javier Manquillo joined Newcastle for £4.5m in the summer of 2017.

He was brought in to provide valuable top-flight experience at St James' Park after the club secured an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation the season prior.

In Manquillo's first season at the club, he made 20 league starts, with just four coming during the second half of the campaign where Newcastle's form picked up.

2017/18

21

1,759'

2018/19

18

1,096'

2019/20

21

1,599'

2020/21

13

826'

2021/22

19

1,259'

2022/23

4

33'

He would remain a squad player over the next couple of seasons, only managing to make over 20 Premier League appearances in one top-flight season after his campaign on Tyneside.

The defender would only manage one goal in the black-and-white, scoring in the 4-1 defeat against Manchester United during the 2021/22 season.

The Spaniard went on to feature 110 times for the Magpies across all competitions following his arrival, with the club doing the right thing in selling him in January given his wage at the club.

Javier Manquillo's wage at Newcastle

During his time at St James' Park, the "awful" defender, as dubbed by journalist Luke Edwards, earned £35k-per-week and £40k-per-week, as per Salary Sport, a tally that is 20x higher than current Magpies youngster Lewis Miley – who reportedly earns just £2k-per-week.

However, when coupling his £12.5m earnings with his £4.5m transfer fee, Manquillo cost the Magpies £17m in total, costing the club over £150k per appearance he made during his time on Tyneside.

Whilst at the time he was seen as a shrewd addition, he ultimately became a victim of the club's success and the move in January to Celta Vigo has allowed the club to save a huge chunk of money.

Newcastle have needed to raise funds if they are to strengthen their squad in the summer, with Manquillo's wages undoubtedly a big help in allowing for further investment in the upcoming window.

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