Chelsea are one of the toughest teams to predict in the Premier League this season. Whilst they suffered defeats against Brentford and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, they ended Tottenham Hotspur's unbeaten start and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in a game that saw them squander a two-goal advantage.
As each weekend of action arrives, Mauricio Pochettino faces a guessing game as to which version of his side will turn up on the day. And that inconsistency has already left the Blues behind in the race for a Champions League spot. Given their results, Chelsea have unsurprisingly already turned their attention towards the January transfer window, where they could reportedly look to replace one summer signing in ruthless fashion.
Chelsea transfer news
Chelsea were once again one of, if not the busiest clubs in Europe during the summer transfer window, as the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz made way for arrivals such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo. As the league's top spenders, the pressure was on the Blues to instantly deliver. It seemed impossible for their problems to continue. Yet, three months into the campaign and they remain on course to finish outside of the top four, leaving Pochettino to assess one particular summer signing.
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Chelsea are looking to sign an undisputed number one goalkeeper in January to already replace Robert Sanchez, who has struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge. Sanchez's price-tag was reportedly a hefty £25m, but that doesn't look set to stop those at the London club from splashing the cash even further and welcoming an upgrade.
It remains to be seen just who that upgrade will be in January, though it is certainly worrying news for Sanchez, who arrived in the summer with the hope of establishing his place as the number one at Chelsea.
Sanchez labelled "stupid" in Chelsea draw
It's been a difficult start to life in a Chelsea shirt for Sanchez, whose mistakes against Arsenal ended up costing the Blues all three points in what would have been a statement victory. And whilst patience is the key, the London club's ability to spend endless money puts any poor performers in doubt for Pochettino's side, rightly or wrongly.
The new shot-stopper earned his fair share of criticism during the aforementioned Arsenal draw, including from TalkSport's Andy Townsend, who said:
“I was very impressed with the Chelsea performance for 70 minutes until Sanchez made that silly decision for reasons only better known to him. When you’re 2-0 up against a very good team, you make a daft decision like that, and you hand Arsenal a lifeline.
"With 20 minutes to go, you’re thinking there is no way Chelsea aren’t going to win that match, but they let it slip through their fingers because of that daft decision by the goalkeeper. It was stupid.”
Sanchez will hope to see his fortunes chance at Chelsea, with reports suggesting that his place as Pochettino's number one could already be in doubt as the January window approaches.
Manchester United could have a chance to offload one first-team star in January who is growing frustrated with his situation at Old Trafford, according to a report.
Manchester United's recruitment…
Much promise surrounded Manchester United in the summer as they made some big moves in transfer window, acquiring the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat, Sergio Reguilon and Jonny Evans.
Nevertheless, a combination of a lengthy injury list and inconsistent performances across the Premier League and Champions League have made bringing in January additions a priority for Erik ten Hag, who will be keen to ensure his side are adequately equipped for the second portion of the campaign.
Looking to the future, the Red Devils are reportedly keen to bring in Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Despite this, any deal to bring the 16-year-old to Old Trafford would be an expensive one for the English top-flight giants and a fee of £47 million could be required to secure his services.
As referred to by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United were interested in AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana in the summer as a back-up option if their pursuit of then-Fiorentina enforcer Amrabat failed.
Giving an update on Fofana's situation, the Italian journalist stated on his Daily Briefing: "Youssouf Fofana is a name attracting interest at the moment, and I can reveal that Man Utd considered him as backup option for Sofyan Amrabat (who was their top target) in the summer."
He then added: "I can’t mention specific clubs pursuing Fofana now, it’s too early, as this is more a move for the summer than for January as he’s a key player for Monaco. I’m also told that PSG are not working to sign him, despite reports."
Outgoings will also be necessary to balance the books at Old Trafford and one key man could now be set for a move elsewhere, according to a report.
Bayern Munich interested in Raphael Varane
According to reports in Germany via Sport Witness, Bayern Munich have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who is said to have grown frustrated with his role at Old Trafford and presumably, his boss Ten Hag.
Raphael Varane statistics in 2023/24 at the time of writing – all competitions (Transfermarkt)
Appearances
12
Goals
1
Assists
0
The outlet claim that Thomas Tuchel will make a strong case to try and tempt Varane to the Allianz Arena, with the German coach believed to have a budget of €75 million to spend in the mid-season window.
Labelled "incredible" by former teammate Toni Kroos, Varane has fared well regarding the art of completed clearances this campaign, carrying out around 2.5 per match in the Premier League (Varane statistics – WhoScored).
Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire have been picked over the France international at times across 2023/24, which may have fanned the flames of a potential departure for Varane in the near future if both parties decide a mutual parting of ways is an amicable solution to his lack of game time.
Man United's Jadon Sancho
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Tottenham Hotspur are ready to battle to secure the services of another promising young forward alongside their links to Samuel Iling-Junior, according to a fresh report.
Samuel Iling-Junior interest
According to Football Insider, Juventus could be interested in holding discussions with Ange Postecoglou’s side regarding a deal for Iling-Junior because of the financial situation that they currently find themselves in, with the manager having made him his top target. The Lilywhites are yet to make any progress on that front, however, so should a deal for their number one candidate fail to come to fruition, Daniel Levy has set his sights on an alternative who has already been attracting significant interest.
PSV Eindhoven right-winger Johan Bakayoko has worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s so far made a total of 60 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Bakayoko statistics).
The Belgium international’s impressive form has brought him onto the radar of Newcastle United, Liverpool, Everton, Burnley and most predominantly Brentford in the Premier League, but if the following update is to be believed, the 20-year-old is now also wanted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs interested in Johan Bakayoko
According to Football Insider once again, Tottenham are ready to fight for Bakayoko, but Brentford are readying a second approach for their long-term target so it won't be an easy task to get this deal over the line.
“Tottenham are preparing to go head to head with Brentford for the signature of PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko in January, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that Spurs have Bakayoko on their shortlist of winger targets which also includes Juventus and England Under-21 star Samuel Iling-Junior.”
PSV Eindhoven forwardJohan Bakayoko.
Postecoglou could land "game changer" in Bakayoko
In the Eredivisie this season, Bakayoko has posted ten contributions (seven assists and three goals) in 13 appearances, which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s constantly able to pose a threat to the opposition’s defence.
Sponsored by Puma, the left-footed forward currently ranks in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons, highlighting how much he loves to use his athletic pace to dribble past his marker and create chances in the attacking areas (FBRef – Bakayoko statistics).
Likes to do layoffs
Indirect set-piece threat
Likes to cut inside
Likes to play short passes (Data via WhoScored)
Peter Bosz’s £11k-per-week earner (PSV salaries), even has the ability to operate in three different roles across the frontline, alongside as an attacking midfielder, so his wonderful versatility to adapt to positions outside of his own makes him a “game changer”, as hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Furthermore, Bakayoko will know what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured four pieces of silverware during his time at PSV, not to mention that he received the award for Best Young Player, so he will possess the same winning mentality of the current squad who are already at Tottenham.
Arsenal secured a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in their final Champions League group stage clash in midweek.
Mikel Arteta rested a few players for the dead rubber, and they will head into the last 16 full of confidence.
It wasn’t a vintage performance on the night, with Eddie Nketiah scoring their only goal, but there were a few players who weren’t at the races.
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Kai Havertz was the most notable example and with a clash against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon, Arteta may drop the German to the bench.
Kai Havertz’s game in numbers vs PSV
The former Chelsea gem started the game on the left side of a three-man midfield which also featured Jorginho and Mohamed Eleny as the manager was clearly focusing on the league clash today.
Despite playing practically the full game, Havertz took just 41 touches of the ball and completed only 24 passes during his time on the pitch.
Aside from a few runs forward, the German didn’t contribute much in an attacking sense as he failed to have a shot on target while he also missed a big chance.
He earned a rating of 6/10 for his performance by journalist Simon Collings of the Evening Standard and with a win against Brighton today vital to pile the pressure on Liverpool, Arteta will be looking to bring back the big guns.
This means Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard will likely return to the starting XI, while there will also be a return for Declan Rice, who was rested against the Dutch side in midweek.
Declan Rice’s season in numbers
The £240k-per-week maestro may have cost the Gunners in excess of £100m, but his performances this season certainly suggest that it has been money well spent by the Spaniard.
Indeed, across the whole squad, Rice currently ranks second for accurate passes per game (58.9) along with ranking third for big chances created (two) and first for interceptions per game (1.5) in the Premier League so far this season.
He is clearly impressing in a wide range of metrics and this has given Arteta something extra in the heart of his midfield.
Brighton are likely to be stubborn opponents and unleashing Rice in the starting XI could nullify any threat that they pose in the afternoon clash today.
Hailed as “terrific” by his former manager David Moyes back in 2022, Rice has settled in extraordinarily well at Arsenal. The massive transfer fee might have heaped plenty of pressure on a lesser player, yet the Englishman has embraced it and has arguably been one of their finest performers this season.
With the league defeat to Aston Villa still very much in the back of their minds, the clash against the Seagulls will give them a chance to secure a crucial three points.
With matches against Liverpool, West Ham United and Fulham to follow before the end of 2023, Arteta will be aiming for 12 points from 12 and the chance to head into 2024 top of the Premier League table.
The relentless Championship schedule is already starting to impact Leeds United and their performances as they have dropped points in the last two matches.
Daniel Farke's side were held to a 1-1 draw last time out against Coventry at Elland Road and that came off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Those two results have left the Whites a staggering ten points adrift of Ipswich Town in second and 13 points behind league-leaders Leicester City, who currently occupy the two automatic promotion places.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds are competing to make an instant return to the Premier League after they were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season, but will have to do so via the play-offs unless they can oust one of the top two out of the way during the second half of the campaign.
The January transfer window is set to open for business next month and the Yorkshire-based outfit could dip into the market to provide their promotion push with a boost heading into the final few months of the season.
Leeds transfer news – Kerem Akturkoglu
A recent report from Turkish outlet Fanatik claimed that Leeds are one of the teams showing an interest in Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu.
It was stated that the Whites and Italian side Lazio are both eyeing up the talented whiz ahead of a possible swoop for his services in 2024.
Fanatik also reported that several clubs from England, Italy, and France have been in 'frequent' contact with the player's agents to determine how viable a transfer could be either in January or next summer.
However, it was also claimed that Galatasaray have decided, after an internal meeting to discuss their strategy, that they will not be cashing in on any of their star players and only those already on the transfer list will be allowed to depart.
This means that Leeds could have a tough job on their hands to convince the Turkish giants to part ways with Akturkoglu when the window opens.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
However, the sale of one of their current forwards could provide them with the funds to make an attractive offer to Galatasaray, which is where Wilfried Gnonto could come in.
Football Insider recently reported that Leeds could accept an offer for the Italy international in January as the 20-year-old wants to play regular first-team football.
Premier League and Serie A sides are said to be keeping an eye on his situation and it was previously claimed by TEAMtalk that Everton, Roma, and Lazio are keen on the gem, who would cost a fee in the region of £25m.
Cashing in on Gnonto could allow Farke to invest in another forward and this could, therefore, open the door for a swoop for Akturkoglu, who could come in as the manager's new version of Crysencio Summerville.
Summerville's season in numbers
The Dutch forward has been in terrific form so far this season in the Championship and has proven to be a reliable attacking outlet for his side.
Summerville managed four goals and two assists in 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign as they were relegated to the second tier.
The 22-year-old has been able to use that top-flight experience to become a superstar for the Whites with his electric performances this term.
Leeds duo Daniel Farke and Crysencio Summerville.
He has spearheaded Farke's attack on the left wing and has been one of the best players in the entire division, with his average Sofascore rating of 7.89 topping the league ahead of the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Gabriel Sara, and ex-Leeds forward Jack Clarke.
Summerville is currently third in the league for goals (ten), only behind Sammie Szmodics and Adam Armstrong, and is joint-fifth for assists (six), as it stands.
Summerville's 2023/24 statistics.
The impressive left-winger, who has created ten 'big chances' for his teammates, is also top of the Leeds squad for key passes (3.1) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game so far this season in the Championship.
These statistics show that the Dutch wizard has the quality to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch week-in-week-out with his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
He provides variety in his game that makes it difficult for defenders to stop him as Summerville can just as easily dribble on the outside to create a chance for a teammate as he can dribble inside to open up space for himself to score.
The statistics that show why Akturkoglu could be Summerville 2.0
Farke could now land his next version of the Leeds star by securing a deal ahead of Lazio to land Akturkoglu's signature before the end of next month.
The 25-year-old whiz, who can play out wide on either flank, has been in sublime form for Galatasaray since the start of last season and has the potential to offer similar qualities to Summerville in the final third.
He is a winger who has the ability to contribute with goals and assists at an impressive rate, which could make him a fantastic addition to the squad ahead of the second half of the season.
Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu.
Last term, Akturkoglu racked up nine goals, 11 assists, and 17 'big chances' created in 34 Turkish Super Lig outings for Galatasaray.
The exciting dynamo has followed that up with a return of four goals, five assists, and 11 'big chances' created in 13 Super Lig starts so far during the 2023/24 campaign.
This means that the Turkey international, who was once described as “unstoppable” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has produced 13 goals, 16 assists, and created 28 'big chances' in his last 47 league outings, which highlights how productive he is at the top end of the pitch.
The Whites target is a right-footed winger, who can play on either side, and has the quality to score and assist goals at an eye-catching rate, just like Farke's current superstar on the left flank.
Akturkoglu has made 2.9 key passes per game for his teammates this season and only Summerville (3.1) has managed more than that within the Leeds squad.
These statistics all indicate that the 5 foot 8 Turkish sensation could be a phenomenal addition to the club if he is able to translate those performances over to English football, due to the impact he could have on matches with his attacking contributions.
Celtic have been dealt a blow after learning that one of their first-team stars has been ruled out of today’s game vs Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic injury news
The Hoops have had Liel Abada and Reo Hatate out on the sidelines for a while with their respective injury problems, but supporters have been handed some hugely positive news on their recoveries which will no doubt be music to their ears.
During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Brendan Rodgers told the media that they have both returned to training and could feature in this afternoon’s Old Firm derby should they pass a late fitness test following further assessment.
During the 3-0 victory over Dundee on Boxing Day, Cameron Carter-Vickers sustained a hamstring injury and was forced off the pitch after 55 minutes when he was replaced by Stephen Welsh, which will have caused plenty of concern.
The USA centre-back has been a regular feature of the squad this season having started 13 out of the 20 games in the league (WhoScored – Carter-Vickers statistics), though following a fresh update, he’ll have to wait a while to make his next appearance.
Carter-Vickers set for spell on sidelines
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture vs Rangers, Rodgers confirmed that Carter-Vickers won’t be available for selection today and is expected to make his return to the field following the winter break.
As quoted by The Glasgow Times, he said: "I always think it is an opportunity for someone else, we had it in the last game when Gustaf [Lagerbielke] and Liam Scales came into the team, and for Liam, it was the making of him.
"It's always a sadness whenever you lose a top player, but like I say, hopefully it's not too long a time, he'll be back after this break and then hopefully he'll stay clear of injury for the second part of the season."
Celtic defenderCameron Carter-Vickers.
Celtic suffer setback over Carter-Vickers
Standing at 6 foot 1, Carter-Vickers provides a physical presence at the heart of the backline, which he’s proven this season by averaging four aerial wins and three clearances per match in the Scottish Premiership this term.
The Parkhead outfit’s 25-year-old is also extremely calm and composed on the ball as shown in recording a 92.1% pass success rate since the start of the campaign, which is a useful quality to have when dictating the game and playing out from the defence.
The Southend-on-Sea-born talent even has the versatility to operate at left-back and right-back outside of his natural position, but this injury cover, should it be needed, is another attribute that the manager will have to cope without for a short amount of time (Transfermarkt – Carter-Vickers statistics).
Considering journalist Josh Bunting has claimed that former Tottenham Hotspur defender Carter-Vickers is “well-drilled” when defending in his box, Rodgers will know that not having the colossus at his disposal is a blow ahead of the Old Firm clash, so everyone associated with the club will be hoping that he can stage his comeback as soon as possible.
Newcastle United are interested in completing the signing of an absolute "game-changer", having sent scouts to watch him in action for his current club.
Newcastle transfer news
There is a chance that January could be a busy month at St James' Park, though they will have to be careful to operate within the realms of Financial Fair Play. Kalvin Phillips is the player who has arguably been linked with a move to Newcastle more than anyone else in recent weeks, with a loan switch making sense for the player, his current club Manchester City and the Magpies.
Meanwhile, in defence, highly-rated Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio has emerged as an exciting option for Eddie Howe, while Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is also a reported target.
Serhou Guirassy is reportedly wanted to bolster Newcastle's attack, too, following a breakthrough season that has seen him soar for VfB Stuttgart, but another attacking gem is also being tipped to make a move to St James'.
Newcastle tracking Viktor Gyokeres
According to an update from HITC, Newcastle and owners PIF are interested in signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, having sent representatives to watch him play for the Portuguese giants. He has a £42m release clause in his deal, so the Magpies know how much is needed to snap him up.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
"Both Liverpool and Newcastle United were present at Sporting Lisbon’s dominant 5-1 win over Estoril over the weekend with both having separate priorities," the report says, before continuing to state that while the Reds were there to see Inacio, the Magpies are eyeing Gyokeres.
The Sweden international is such an impressive striker, having left Coventry City for Sporting last summer, following a stunning season that saw him score 21 goals in the Championship. He has taken that form with him to Europe, netting 11 times in 15 Primeira Liga outings in 2023/24 to date, as well as scoring three goals in five Europa League matches.
With Callum Wilson not getting any younger and Alexander Isak suffering an injury-plagued Newcastle career to date, the Swede could be a fantastic signing, and the fact that he already knows English football well would be an added bonus. He has been described as a "game-changer" by Statman Dave, while Tony Mowbray has even compared him to Erling Haaland, saying:
“I don’t want to say he should test himself in the Premier League but who is like him in the Premier League at the moment? Who is too fast, too strong and too big, you would suggest Haaland is like that and Gyokeres in this league looks a yard faster and stronger than the players he plays against in the Championship."
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At 25 years of age, Gyokeres is still a relatively young player whose peak years could arrive in the near future, and he could end up being a prolific figure for Newcastle for a long time, providing competition for Isak and even acting as a potential striker partner for him.
The January transfer window opened for business at the start of the month and Liverpool are yet to make a first-team addition to their squad as of yet.
It remains to be seen whether or not Jurgen Klopp will be able to bolster his side before February but he does have around two weeks left to get any potential business over the line.
The Reds could use the window to lay the groundwork for deals in the summer transfer window, when it may not be as difficult to strike agreements with clubs.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Teams are, naturally, more reluctant to part ways with their best players midway through a season as it could impact how their campaign pans out over the next five months.
Liverpool's search for a new winger
Therefore, Liverpool could need to wait until the summer to get their top targets, which appears to be the case with Crystal Palace whiz Michael Olise.
FootballTransfers reported earlier this month that the Reds are interested in a deal to sign the former Reading starlet to bolster Klopp's wide options.
The outlet claimed that they are considering an approach to land the French talent, who is also attracting interest from fellow Premier League side Manchester United.
However, the report did state that the forward is expected to remain at Selhurst Park beyond the end of the current transfer window, but that a move in the summer is 'on the horizon'.
FootballTransfers added that he has a release clause in his current contract with Palace that allows a team to sign him for a fee of £60m, and the Eagles are not willing to negotiate a lower fee with any team.
Olise is not the only player on the club's radar to add to their options out wide, though, as the report named Leeds forward Crysencio Summerville as a winger they have an eye on.
The Dutch magician has produced 12 goals, seven assists, and 13 'big chances' created in 24 Championship appearances for Daniel Farke's side so far this season.
Liverpool must, however, prioritise a swoop for Olise as he is a Premier League-proven winger with the quality to be a fantastic signing for the Reds, in the short and long-term.
The 22-year-old could come in as Klopp's own version of Manchester City and England star Phil Foden, who has been in superb form this season.
Why Michael Olise is similar to Phil Foden
Both players are left-footed playmakers who can operate on either flank or through the middle as an attacking midfielder for their respective sides.
They are also both 23 or younger and have plenty of time on their hands to develop and improve over the years to come, which makes them both highly valuable assets due to their current ability and potential.
Jack Grealish
1
Bukayo Saka
2
Marcus Tavernier
3
James Maddison
4
Phil Foden
5
As you can see in the table above, Foden is also one of the most similar attacking midfielders and wingers to Olise in the Premier League this season, based on their statistics for Manchester City and Palace respectively.
Foden is on fire this season
The England international has racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side so far this term.
He has been in sublime form in the Premier League for the Cityzens with five goals and six assists in 18 top-flight starts, including one goal and two assists in his last three games.
The 23-year-old magician has produced 2.1 key passes per game and ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of creative and progressive statistics.
Foden ranks within the top 11% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for assists (0.34) per 90 and the top 20% for shot-creating actions (4.54) per 90. He also ranks within the top 24% for progressive passes (4.71) and the top 31% for Expected Assisted Goals (0.24) per 90.
Phil Foden's 2023/24 Premier League statistics.
These statistics show that he has been excellent at coming in on his left foot from the right flank, or driving through the middle to make things happen, to create chances and progress the play for City.
Why Olise would be Klopp's own Foden
Meanwhile, Olise has produced five goals and one assist in nine Premier League appearances for Palace so far this season. However, one assist does not accurately reflect his creative output.
The 22-year-old wizard has created four 'big chances' and produced 2.2 key passes per game across those nine appearances and only been rewarded with one assist, which suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third.
Expected Assisted Goals (0.36)
Top 6%
Shot-creating actions (5.85)
Top 3%
Progressive passes (4.52)
Top 27%
Successful take-ons (3.19)
Top 4%
As you can see in the table above, the Palace star ranks highly in a number of key creative metrics for his side this season, which shows that his one assist is not a fair reflection of his creativity.
Last term, Olise racked up 11 assists from 11 'big chances' created in 37 Premier League appearances for the Eagles. This proves that his current form is not a flash in the pan, as he has been a superb creator for his team over the past 18 months.
These statistics suggest that Klopp would be bringing in a player with the quality to create high-quality opportunities for the likes of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota, among others, frequently.
Olise, who was hailed as "wonderful" and a "technician" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has a terrific left foot and would not need a period of adaptation as he has already proven himself in the Premier League as a scorer and a creator since his move to Selhurst Park from Reading.
This suggests that he could hit the ground running at Anfield, whether a move is possible this month or if they have to wait until the summer to make their move, as Klopp's own version of Foden in the final third.
The unthinkable – unfathomable – has become very real indeed for Liverpool supporters across the globe: Jurgen Klopp will end his illustrious tenure at the end of the season.
The German has completed the ultimate transformation at Anfield, yielding godlike status after lifting a battered outfit from the rubble of a shadowed spell in its distinguished history and securing silverware in abundance.
Competition
Season
Premier League
(2019/20)
Champions League
(2018/19)
FA Cup
(2021/22)
Carabao Cup
(2021/22)
FIFA Club World Cup
(2019)
UEFA Super Cup
(2019)
FA Community Shield
(2022/23)
Source: 90min
But as the hackneyed phrase goes: all good things come to an end, and Liverpool know that the curtain will drape with so many fond memories, joyous occasions, and silver-laden successes to adorn the Anfield corridors forever.
Of course, it's not over yet; Liverpool are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League (though second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand), awaiting Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, hosting Norwich City up next in the FA Cup and favourites to clinch the Europa League.
A glorious conclusion is very much within reach and the Liverpool squad, resurgent and brimming with talent, will be fuelled with extra fervour to achieve these goals and hand an iconic figure a fitting end to an unforgettable journey.
Possible Jurgen Klopp replacements at Liverpool
While few of a Liverpool persuasion will want to think about a successor right now, Klopp informed FSG of his decision back in November and there has undoubtedly been movement in the background and a list of replacements will have been drawn up.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is a clear favourite for the position, having produced some utterly sensational performances for his German side this season and completing 210 appearances for Liverpool as a player.
According to German outlet SPORT BILD, Alonso has a clause in his contract with the Bundesliga table-toppers that would facilitate a summer transfer to one of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid – the Spaniard's most prominent teams during his glittering playing career.
The 42-year-old was questioned on the revelations at Liverpool in a press conference and said: "What's going to happen in the future I don't know."
Xabi Alonso's season in numbers
When the news pervaded social media platforms this morning, it's safe to say that a frisson of fear coursed through Liverpool and all of its supporters, but the side have rebounded this year after falling by the wayside during the 2022/23 campaign, with Klopp himself praising "Liverpool 2.0", having overhauled the engine room.
Alas, Klopp's vision does not feature his person at the helm but the foundation has been paved for lasting success at the forefront of the European game, and a rising manager in Alonso could be the perfect appointment.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Alonso joined Leverkusen in October 2022 after previous boss Gerardo Seoane was dismissed following poor results across the board, languishing second from bottom in the league, and enjoyed much success in guiding the club to a sixth-placed finish, qualifying for the Europa League.
This season, the 2010 World Cup winner has transcended belief at the BayArena and has engineered a, frankly, astounding opening half of the season, with Leverkusen four points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga with 15 wins and three draws from 18 fixtures.
Furthermore, Die Werkself dominated their Europa League group with six wins from six and will prove one of Liverpool's most dangerous antagonists in the clash for the trophy, also awaiting VFB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals, with Bayern, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund felled already.
This shows that he has the managerial chops to outwit top teams to secure crucial results for his side, rather than being a flat-track bully against teams with lesser resources.
Alonso evidently has the trappings of an elite manager in the future and has been described as a "serial winner" by Paul Dalglish, and while all of this aforementioned seasonal success is exciting, it is Alonso's tactical approach that confirms that, yes, here is the man to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso's style of management
Back when Alonso was a player for Real Madrid, then-manager Jose Mourinho proclaimed that: "He has the quality that a 'metronome' must have. I'm sure that when he hangs up his boots he'll be a great coach if he wants to be. He reminds me of Pep Guardiola when I had him as a player. He was already a coach on the pitch."
This is incredibly high praise and it now seems that this is ringing true, with Alonso showcasing his faculty as a high-class manager at the top of the European game, improving his side remarkably despite selling Mousa Diaby to Aston Villa for £52m in July.
Granit Xhaka was brought in from Arsenal while Alejandro Grimaldo and Victor Boniface have both emerged as talented players following their summer arrivals, all playing central roles in the feats.
Alonso prefers to field a 3-4-2-1 formation and this is something scarcely seen at Liverpool but could certainly be worked into the club's system, with three central defenders allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to wreak havoc in a roaming wing-back role.
Dynamic in possession and relentless in recovering the ball from the opponent, Leverkusen are well-balanced and while a blistering attack catches the eye, it is the rock-solid defensive structure that facilitates the success.
Of course, he is not a carbon copy of Klopp and a tactical settling-in period would be inevitable, but this is a risk worth taking for the Reds as they look to sustain the success created over the many years of his tenure.
Alonso knows Liverpool well; he knows all about the demands for major honours. He is still in his infancy as a manager but offers so much promise and must be the man to succeed an adored figure in Klopp.
The Spaniard's ties with the Reds, experience of English football, winning mentality, and impressive record at Leverkusen all combine to make him the dream candidate for FSG to pursue this summer when the German moves on from the club.
Tottenham Hotspur have already acted swiftly and efficiently to get their business done early this month, with Ange Postecoglou overseeing the signings of Ragu Dragusin and Timo Werner from Genoa and RB Leipzig, respectively, in recent times.
Those two deals have helped to bolster the Greek-Aussie's options at opposite ends of the pitch, although it is in the centre of the park where further bodies could still be needed, amid reports that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way in the near future.
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With just over 24 hours left to run in the winter window, rumours are rife that the north Londoners could seek to prise Conor Gallagher from rivals Chelsea, although the Englishman seemingly isn't the only exciting midfield talent who may be on his way to N17.
Spurs eyeing Conor Gallagher alternative
The Guardian reportedly earlier this week that Spurs are considering a move for Gallagher – who was the subject of interest from Postecoglou over the summer – and that the Blues are willing to listen to offers for the 23-year-old, albeit with a £50m price tag having been touted.
With that in mind, Spurs could look elsewhere in order to strengthen their midfield ranks, with Swedish journalist Anel Avdić revealing that reported Barcelona target Lucas Bergvall has made a visit to Tottenham's training ground in recent times.
Spurs eyeing last-gasp bid to sign their own Kudus
Ange Postecoglou have been linked with another attacker in the window’s closing stage.
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This comes following reports that an unnamed Premier League club had lodged an €8m (£7m) offer for the Djugardens starlet, with it perhaps the case that is the Lilywhites who have made their move for the 17-year-old.
Lucas Bergvall's style of play
Unsurprisingly, the teenager is only in the infancy of his senior career in his native Sweden, having made just 29 first-team appearances for his current side to date, after previously featuring 12 times for former club, Brommapojkarna – prior to departing last year.
That offers limited data for those at N17 to assess, although the indication is that Bergvall would be a worthy alternative to Gallagher, having notably chipped in with three goals and one assist in 28 games last term – the Chelsea man also providing three goals and one assist in 2022/23.
A potentially more long-term and affordable option for Postecoglou and co than Gallagher, the one-cap Swede also boasts the benefit of his sky-high potential, with data analyst Ben Mattinson even going as far as to suggest that he is "similar to [Jude] Bellingham" in a way, due to his ability to feature in a variety of midfield roles.
Bellingham is, of course, currently shining at Real Madrid with 18 goals and eight assists to his name already this season, having previously mirrored Bergvall in bursting onto the scene at the age of just 16 during his time at Birmingham City.
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The towering Englishman appears to have that gift for being able to glide up the pitch from a deeper role while also feeding others with an incisive forward pass, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 17% among his European peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90.
Such traits appear to be shared by the even younger Bergvall, with Mattinson stating previously: "Bergvall is a strong ball carrier and good at dribbling in tight spaces. He loves to progress play either through carrying the ball or his top passing ability."
While the 6 foot 1 gem has a long way to go if he is to be able to emulate the 2023 Golden Boy winner, such comparisons bode well for the impact he could make under Postecoglou's watch, thus making him a worthy target to consider in place of the costly Gallagher.