All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers has been able to add six new players to his playing squad during the summer transfer window so far.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

The Hoops have bolstered their options across the pitch with the signings of Marco Tilio, Odin Thiago Holm, Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Hyeok-Kyu Kwon, and Hyun-jun Yang.

They have all arrived on permanent deals to help the team to kick on this season and there could be further additions before the window slams shut at the start of next month.

It was recently reported that the Bhoys and English Championship side Southampton are both interested in signing Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts, who is now within the last 12 months of his contract at the Stadium of Light.

How good is Patrick Roberts?

The 26-year-old technician, who has already enjoyed one stint at Parkhead, is an exceptional creative maestro and could be a lethal partner for Kyogo Furuhashi at the top end of the pitch this season.

Roberts created ten 'big chances' and assisted seven goals in 29 league starts for the Black Cats last term as he showcased his ability to split open the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

Whereas, no current Celtic winger produced more than five Scottish Premiership assists during the 2022/23 campaign, now that Jota has moved on to Al-Ittihad Club.

The £11k-per-week Sunderland gem's underlying numbers were also eye-catching. He ranked within the top 5% of Championship players in his position for xAG (Expected Assisted Goals) per 90 (0.23) and this essentially means that he was among the best at creating high-quality chances for his teammates.

Roberts also ranked within the top 3% of his positional peers for shot-creating actions (4.77) and successful take-ons (3.44) per 90. This means that he excelled at beating defenders to get his team up the pitch and provided his team with plenty of opportunities to test the opposition's goalkeeper.

These statistics show that the former Manchester City man is an excellent creative midfielder who can constantly cause the other team problems with his dribbling and passing ability to make things happen in the final third, which is why he could be lethal alongside the prolific Kyogo.

Roberts, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, would also come in with experience of the club and league as he made 78 appearances, in which time the talented ace scored 18 goals and assisted 26, during a loan spell in Scotland earlier in his career.

This could allow him to hit the ground running under his former Hoops boss Rodgers, which could result in him being able to strike an instant connection with Kyogo on the pitch.

The Japan international has proven himself to be a phenomenal scorer for the Bhoys as he ended the 2022/23 campaign with 16 more league goals than any of his teammates (27).

Kyogo could, once again, be Celtic's outstanding centre-forward option this season and bringing in a player like Roberts, who has the quality to provide him with even more chances to score, could help the ex-Vissel Kobe star to reach new heights over the coming months and years.

A report from the English press has shared a "surprise" update on Arsenal and their possible bid to sign former Man City defender Eric Garcia.

Who will Arsenal sign next?

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have orchestrated one of the Gunners' busiest summer transfer windows in recent memory, spending north of £200 million on four key signings.

Arsenal are showing real ambition to contend with last season's imperious treble-winners Man City, even spending a club-record £105 million to acquire England international star Declan Rice from West Ham.

Alongside Rice, Germany international Kai Havertz, versatile defender Jurrien Timber and sweeper keeper David Raya have also joined the north Londoners, but there's a major problem with one.

Timber sustained an ACL injury during Arsenal's opening day Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago and could be out for as long as seven months, with Arteta previously suggesting they could take to the transfer market again in search of a replacement.

“It is a huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident,” Arteta said recently.

“We have to assess now what the options are, what the best way is to get the best out of the players we have. As I said, my biggest challenge now is to get the best out of the players we have.

“I cannot control anything that is not here. And we are always open and we have to be open and react if something happens, not only with an injury but with the market as well – and that’s what we are doing.”

Garcia, who has found game time difficult to come by for Barcelona lately, is seen as a possible alternative to the sidelined Timber – according to recent reports.

The 22-year-old worked under Arteta when he was assistant coach at Man City under Pep Guardiola, and an update has come to light on his potential move to Arsenal.

The Daily Star claim they're "weighing up a surprise late loan move" for Garcia, who City sold after just 19 league games. Arsenal actually attempted to sign the Spaniard on a free transfer two years ago, and it appears they're returning to the fold.

It is believed Garcia, for his part, would welcome a return to England.

How good is Eric Garcia?

The young six foot defender played predominantly in a makeshift defensive midfield role over his 32 appearances for Barca last season; highlighting a real versatility which may appeal to Arteta.

Xavi certainly rates Garcia, as he explained last season with a real endorsement to the Spanish press.

"Eric is extraordinary," said Xavi to the media late last year.

"I value him a lot, he is important to us. He plays in a very complicated position because, at Barca, a centre-back is always exposed. But he is a role model in the dressing room and we value him a lot."

Possessing some English top flight experience, he could be a solid candidate to cover for Timber, especially on a financially do-able loan deal.

West Ham United have carried on the momentum gained from the Europa Conference League victory into the current campaign as they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after four matches.

David Moyes is currently riding the crest of a wave result wise and coupled with the fact they have signed talents such as Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus, everything looks rosy at the London Stadium.

With European football guaranteed until Christmas, the Scot has the chance to enter into West Ham folklore with some more solid results.

It remains to be seen how far this group of players can go, but they did miss out on one exciting move during the summer.

Indeed, the club were reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike on deadline day, but a move ultimately didn't go through.

What is Hugo Ekitike good at?

The 21-year-old has made a splash across the Channel for PSG and Stade Reims, netting 15 goals combined for both clubs in only 61 senior appearances, chipping in with eight assists too. Clearly, his potential is limitless.

Although having the great triumvirate of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar standing in his way for game time, the young Frenchman still managed to rank fourth across the squad for shots on target per game (0.5) and fifth for goals and assists (seven), suggesting that he impressed when given a chance.

He still has plenty of time to develop and a move to West Ham could have been ideal in the dying embers of the window, yet Moyes already has a wonderful talent waiting in the wings for more opportunities – Divin Mubama.

How good is Divin Mubama?

The 18-year-old has already tasted senior football for the club, making his debut against FCSB in the Europa Conference League group stage and marking it with an assist.

In their last 16 tie against AEK Larnaca, Mubama scored his first goal for the club, drawing praise from journalist Josh Bunting in the process, who said:

”Divin Mubama with his first West Ham senior goal. Has been flying for the youth teams this season but he has a massive future ahead of him. Is quick to adapt into different play styles. Not just a goal-scorer but has that link up play. Protects the ball very smartly for his age.”

Although three years younger than Ekitike, the West Ham gem could surpass his goal tally by the time he reaches 21, especially if he is given more chances by Moyes this term.

The Englishman knows where the goal is, having netted 54 goals across the youth teams in just 85 appearances, a stunning return rate and shows he has plenty of promise to shine on the senior stage.

Compared with the PSG youngster, that is a wonderful tally, as the Frenchman has only found the net 22 times across his elder youth and senior career.

Signing the PSG striker would likely have hindered his chances of success, but with a lack of centre-forward options at the London Stadium, Mubama has a clearer run at making a name for himself.

Mubama is clearly one of the best talents the club have had in years and if he continues on this upward trajectory, he could sparkle under Moyes, even surpassing Ekitike's talents.

Over the years, Everton have held their fair share of exciting talents on the books, but have slumped into the mire of late, spending the past few Premier League campaigns battling against relegation.

Last time out, Frank Lampard was dismissed in January and master of security Sean Dyche was appointed in his stead, successfully orchestrating success in retaining top-flight status if not exactly kicking on and climbing the table.

The season before, Everton suffered a similar fate, with Lampard replacing Rafa Benitez in a nearly identical pattern, manufacturing an impressive run of results to escape the danger.

This season, the Toffees' start to the campaign threatens similar misfortune, with just one point from four games despite some impressive summer captures, and Dyche will be hoping that his new acquisitions will click together and restore the Goodison Park machine.

Beto

£25.8m

Youssef Chermiti

£15m

Jack Harrison

Loan

Arnaut Danjuma

Loan

Ashley Young

Free

In the 2021/22 term, it was none other than Richarlison who galvanised his Merseyside teammates into action at the business end, with his prolific success under Lampard's wing integral in the fight for survival, but it was this vibrant-hued purple patch that prompted his sale to a divisional rival.

How much did Everton sign Richarlison for?

Under the stewardship of Marco Silva in the bright summer of 2018, Everton welcomed a 21-year-old Richarlison to the fold from Watford in a deal worth around £40m, a move ridiculed for its exorbitance upon announcement

However, beloved presented Gary Linker hailed the "bargain" after the Brazilian's emphatic brace on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, kickstarting a maiden year on Merseyside that would see him reap 14 goals across all competitions.

The bemusement over his high transfer fee likely comes from the fact that he had only graced English shores for one year, completing an £11.5m transfer to the Hornets the year before, and while he plundered five goals from his first 12 outings in the Premier League, he would yield no further goalscoring success across his remaining 26 appearances.

What would ensue for Everton will leave the ace, now aged 26, a fondly recalled character, full of energy, zest and swagger – an embodiment of the commitment the Toffees support strives to see and a menace for opposing defenders.

While Richarlison's signing came as the Blues' current slump commenced – indeed, his first season at the club was his highest Everton finish in the English top-flight – he was an integral and reliable forward, and his eventual sale was perhaps inevitable.

How much did Everton sell Richarlison for?

In the dying days of June 2022, The Athletic's David Ornstein provided the news to sink Everton hearts, stating that Richarlison was set to undergo a medical with Tottenham Hotspur after an agreement in principle was agreed between the respective English outfits.

And then, at the turn of the month, Tottenham announced the £60m signing of the dynamic forward, penning a five-year deal and leaving former managing director Fabio Paratici waxing lyrical over the "fighter", calling him "perfect" for the Spurs project.

To say it hasn't worked out thus far would be a bit of an understatement; the 45-cap international – who has 20 goals for Brazil – has only posted four goals and assists apiece for the Lilywhites since his expensive arrival.

Branded a "joke" by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino for his woeful efforts over the past year, Richarlison has fallen by the wayside and is struggling to capture the smallest vestige of his former vigour.

When it rains, it pours – an old, cliched adage. But an apt proverb, and one which underlines just how far Richarlison has taken his foot off the gas.

As the FBref chart from above delineates, Richarlison's time at Spurs has been anything but auspicious, and while he has retained core values such as his aerial prowess and presence in the danger area – ranking among the top 8% for aerial wins and the top 13% for touches in the attacking box per 90 – he has drastically declined in regard to goalscoring, netting at a rate of just 0.07 per game over the past year.

This is a far cry from his reliability at Everton, hitting double digits across three of his four Premier League campaigns at Goodison Park.

The talent is undoubtedly still there, with his former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti – one of the most successful managers in history – detailing his effusive thoughts on the gem.

The Italian revealed: "I said to him, you want to fight for the Ballon d'Or, you are a fantastic physical player with a lot of talent, but don't lose this. I think that Richarlison is great in my opinion because he is a modern striker, because he can play right, left in the middle without problems. He is clinical in the box."

How much is Richarlison worth now?

According to Football Transfers, the 5 foot 10 forward is now valued at £33m, a shocking £27m decline from the fee paid by Tottenham only 14 months ago.

There are, understandably, large segments of the Everton support who will still rue the day of the "important" – as he was called by journalist David Prentice – phenom's sale, especially after his talismanic role in securing Premier League safety in 2021/22.

Indeed, the South American star scored ten goals and supplied five assists from 28 starting appearances in his final league term with the Toffees, and while he only boasted four strikes to his name going into April, his form in the decisive culminating period demonstrated his worth and then some.

Indeed, Richarlison – who was on £110k-per-week – plundered six goals and two assists across the final ten games of the term, instrumentally proving himself as his side's "match-winner" – as he was dubbed by former Blues forward Kevin Campbell.

Nothing lasts forever, however, and it was maybe a prudent move for the club to cash in while his transfer value was at its zenith; the forward had a contract running until 2024, and Everton were resigned to cashing in when Spurs came calling to ease their fraught position in balancing the books to comply with financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

Now with Dyche at the helm, Everton have not yet returned to lasting form in the Premier League, and will need a new focal point to step up and spearhead an ascent this term, and while there remains a hint of poignancy over Richarlison's departure, the Toffees hit the jackpot and secured a lofty sum for a player who served the club well.

Liverpool have begun their 2023/24 Premier League campaign in solid fashion, winning three of their four matches so far as they look to put the disappointment of last season behind them.

Jurgen Klopp has had to totally revamp his midfield following the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita, yet with summer arrivals including Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominick Szoboszlai, it looks as though the German has improved his options in the middle of the pitch.

With the club partaking in the Europa League for the first time in eight seasons, Klopp may give some youngsters a chance to gain crucial minutes, with Ben Doak and Jarrell Quansah already making matchday squads this season.

Indeed, the young Englishman has even made two appearances in the Premier League so far and looks like another exciting prospect to emerge from the academy.

That said, could it be another youngster who is currently out on loan who could eventually make the biggest splash in the first team and become an idea heir to Virgil van Dijk? Step forward Billy Koumetio.

How old is Billy Koumetio?

The French centre-back is 20-years-old and has been at the Anfield side since 2019, arriving from US Orleans.

He soon became the youngest ever player to represent the club in the Champions League, aged just 18 years and 25 days, and it looked as though his future was bright.

The academy starlet was lauded as “incredible” by Klopp in 2020, and he has since spent a period on loan at Austria Vienna, although he was recalled after just 11 games by the German.

The youngster did impress, however, showcasing his physicality by winning 60% of his total duels and making one tackle per game, gaining vital experience at senior level in the process

Could Billy Koumetio replace Virgil van Dijk?

The Dutchman has been a stalwart for the Reds since joining in January 2018, winning pretty much all there is to be won during his time on Merseyside, however, he is now closer to the end of his career rather than the start.

The 32-year-old has made 225 appearances for Liverpool and last season he ranked fourth in the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.1) while also topping the pile for accurate passes per game (73) and clearances per game (4.2), proving that he is still the finest defender at the club.

Since the start of the 2020/21 season though, Van Dijk has missed 71 matches for club and country due to injury issues, and it looks as though he is beginning to get more susceptible to injury as time goes on.

An heir to Van Dijk won't be required just yet, but when the time comes, Koumetio could be the perfect replacement. They both stand at a height of 6 foot 4 and utilise their physical presence during matches, something that Klopp looks for in his centre-backs.

The Frenchman is currently out on loan at Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque, where he will be hoping to make more senior appearances and show the German just how good he can be when given an opportunity.

Quansah may be getting some opportunities just now, but it could be totally different next season and beyond.

When it rains it pours for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag's men likely still licking their wounds following the weekend's dismal 3-1 defeat at home to high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion – a result that has contributed to the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

With three defeats from five so far, ahead of Wednesday's trip to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, things on the pitch are going about as well as they are off it, with the former Ajax boss also having to deal with the banishment of both Antony and Jadon Sancho at present.

Those woes have only been heightened by the ongoing injury crisis which has engulfed the club, with the likes of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat currently sidelined – the latter man having yet to feature since his deadline day arrival.

It is in the defensive ranks, in particular, where the Red Devils currently look particularly depleted, as Ten Hag is set to be without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia for the foreseeable future, while Raphael Varane has also been absent in recent weeks.

That dearth of options has now been compounded by the news that resurgent right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also set to be sidelined over the next two months or so, with the Englishman having sustained a hamstring injury during his brief, late substitute appearance against the Seagulls.

How good has Wan-Bissaka been this season?

After initially enjoying just four minutes of action in the first half of the 2022/23 campaign – sparking speculation that a January exit could be on the cards – it is fair to say that 2023 has been the year of 'The Spider', as he has enjoyed a remarkable return to form of late.

The former Crystal Palace man appears to be in line for a new contract extension such has been his renaissance since the World Cup break, having notably been one of the few bright sparks in the current campaign, providing one assist and averaging 83% successful dribbles per game as a marker of his improved attacking displays.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend after teeing up Raphael Varane for the game's winning goal, having been a 'good performer' on the day, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

For such a promising beginning to the season on an individual basis to be halted by injury will be of real frustration to both the full-back and Ten Hag, with the Dutchman now needing to consider just how he can replace the stricken star moving forward.

Who can replace Wan-Bissaka at Man United?

Of course, the obvious candidate to take on that starting role is Diogo Dalot, with the Portuguese right-back having been deployed in that berth on Saturday after Wan-Bissaka was hampered due to illness.

Games

26

19

Starts

24

16

Goals/Assists

3

0

Tackles and interceptions (per game)

3.5

3.3

Total duels won

65%

55%

Key passes (per game)

1.1

0.8

Avg. match rating

7.05

6.98

While that is the former Porto man's natural role, the 24-year-old has also been forced to cover at left-back this season due to the loss of both Malacia and Shaw, with it likely that he may be asked to slot into that unorthodox role over the coming weeks, if Sergio Reguilon fails to perform.

That latter man did initially impress on debut against Roberto De Zerbi's side after producing a lively, attacking display, although as Luckhurst noted, the Spaniard was 'exploited' for the game's opening goal, while his 'rustiness was apparent in the second half'.

There may be a case to be made that Dalot could shift over to the left to provide greater defensive security, while the right-back vacancy could be taken over by a promising academy talent, despite Ten Hag's prior claim that Sofyan Amrabat can fill in at full-back.

With the Moroccan international needed to help aid United's midfield woes – with that department branded as "non-existent" during the win over Wolves by Gary Neville – Ten Hag would be better served prising Habeeb Ogunneye from the youth set-up instead.

Who is Habeeb Ogunneye?

With the Old Trafford outfit having allowed promising Spaniard and FA Youth Cup-winning defender, Marc Jurado to join Espanyol on a permanent deal this summer, it is young Ogunneye who has stepped up to replace the 20-year-old in the U21 side.

The London-born teenager – who previously made 18 appearances for the U18's, assisting three goals – has played in all four Premier League 2 games so far this term at right-back, while also starting in the EFL Trophy clash with Stockport County last month.

That outing against senior opposition showcased the full array of the 17-year-old's talents, as he made two tackles and two interceptions as a sign of his defensive prowess, while also providing one key pass as a marker of his ability in an attacking sense, as per Sofascore.

It is that threat going forward that has particularly caught the eye in recent times, with the Englishman appearing to possess the ability to simply glide past opponents when carrying the ball out from defence.

Of course, attempting to replicate such displays in the senior ranks is a difficult task, although Ogunneye can likely take inspiration from the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two teenagers who have already forced their way firmly into Ten Hag's plans.

It may seem too hasty to already be thinking about plunging a 17-year-old into the backline, but with injuries mounting at the Theatre of Dreams, the experienced tactician may have little choice but to put his faith in the gifted and emerging superstar.

With rumours already rife that the United boss is keen to strengthen at right-back next summer – with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong one name to have been mentioned – he could potentially save the club millions by unearthing an exciting academy prospect such as Ogenneye over the coming weeks and months.

Derby County have been handed a boost after learning that one of their first-team players is set to return to action during today’s game vs Cambridge United in League One.

What's the latest team news at Derby?

At Pride Park, Paul Warne is currently without Conor Hourihane, Liam Thompson and Joe Ward, who are all out on the sidelines and won’t be involved for this afternoon’s fixture against Mark Bonner’s side, but someone who is in an even worse situation than his fellow teammates and has had to cut his spell short is Elliot Embleton.

The Rams star joined the club on a season-long loan from Sunderland over the summer, but having sustained a serious thigh injury during training last week, he’s been forced to return to his parent side in the northeast to undergo immediate surgery.

However, on a more positive note, Max Bird, who has missed the last five games in the third tier due to carrying ankle ligament damage, is finally expected to stage his comeback, as the boss has now delivered a fresh update on the fitness of the defensive midfielder.

Is Max Bird injured?

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Warne confirmed that Bird will be available for the visit of Cambridge, whilst also sharing news on a few of the other injured players in the Midlands.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “Max Bird will definitely be involved this weekend. We've missed Birdy. He brings a control on the ball and a real energy. I felt him and Tommo were our standout players early in the season, so they've both been a big miss. Who doesn't want their best players back?

"Joe Ward isn't far off, Liam Thompson is a little bit further behind and Conor Hourihane shouldn't be too far behind either.”

How old is Max Bird?

Bird is currently 23 years of age so he’s very much in the prime years of his career, which has been highlighted by the extremely positive form he was in prior to his absence, so Warne having him back at his disposal today will be a real boost for Derby.

The Wasserman client, who pockets £7.9k-per-week, has provided two assists in three league appearances so far this season, but even if the final product doesn’t always come to fruition, the left-footed ace continues to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence.

The Burton Upon Trent-born talent has been averaging two shots and the same number of key passes per outing, via WhoScored, and his excellent contribution to the side has previously seen him described as an “underrated” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Furthermore, Bird is a versatile operator having been deployed in four different positions since the start of his career, including three roles in the midfield and even in the heart of the defence at centre-back, so overall, it will be a huge positive for the staff, his teammates and supporters to have him involved again.

Manchester United left it late to secure just their fourth Premier League victory of the season, scoring twice during injury time to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win.

Scott McTominay was the hero on the day at Old Trafford and Erik ten Hag certainly needed the three points in order to ease the pressure that has grown substantially in the previous few weeks.

The international break arrives at precisely the right time for the Dutchman to regroup his players and with their next fixture against Sheffield United, it represents a chance at securing another win.

It's safe to say there were a few underperformers against Brentford while some players haven’t quite replicated their form from last season, with Marcus Rashford being the prime example.

How has Marcus Rashford performed this season?

The Englishman emerged as United’s talisman during Ten Hag’s maiden campaign, registering 41 goal contributions – 30 goals and 11 assists – across all competitions as the Red Devils finished third in the Premier League and won the EFL Cup.

This form suggested he was ready to kick on and become United’s main source of goals this term, yet he hasn’t quite found the blistering form which saw him shine last season.

Indeed, over ten matches so far, Rashford has scored just once while grabbing three assists and against Brentford he failed to score, register an assist or make a key pass during his time on the pitch.

The winger also lost possession 11 times and completed just 17 passes before being substituted for Alejandro Garnacho. Perhaps it is time to give the young Argentinian a decent run in the team to inspire some confidence, as he played well against the Bees during his short cameo.

How did Alejandro Garnacho perform vs Brentford?

The teenager has started only three matches this term but has registered one assist when unleashed in the starting XI and Ten Hag must now give him a proper chance following the international break.

The youngster was lauded as a “game-changer” by journalist Samuel Luckhurst at the start of the year, and he could certainly fulfil that role should he be unleashed against Sheffield United next week.

The £50k-per-week gem managed to squeeze in one successful dribble, three key passes and one shot during his 27 minutes on the pitch after replacing Rashford, clearing showing an eagerness to create chances for others.

Garnacho managed to draw three fouls while also showcasing his physicality by winning four out of his six ground duels, indicating that he isn’t lightweight and is strong in one-on-one battles.

It was a promising display and one which could perhaps give Ten Hag a slight selection headache. The Blades are currently bottom of the table with just one point to their name this season, conceding 22 goals in the process.

Unleashing a talent like Garnacho against such a leaky backline could give him the freedom to utilise his attacking ability while giving Rashford somewhat of a breather. It would be incredibly bold to drop the 25-year-old but he's certainly in need of some competition in order to return to the kind of performances he displayed last season.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke enjoyed a busy transfer window ahead of his first season in charge of the club after his arrival earlier this year.

The German tactician was brought in after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League after three years at the top level and is tasked with helping them to return at the first time of asking.

Who did Leeds sign this summer?

He was backed by the board throughout the summer in an attempt to give him the best possible chance of a strong start to life in the Championship.

Jaidon Anthony, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Glen Kamara, Djed Spence, Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu, and Sam Byram all came in to bolster the squad.

These new signings have helped Leeds to fifth place in the division as it stands, after 11 matches, but there could be more business to come at the start of next year.

Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear recently revealed that funds could be available to Farke to use in the upcoming January transfer window, with loan or permanent deals possibly on the cards for the German head coach if needed.

It was recently suggested by LeedsLive that the club could improve their squad by adding a natural number ten to complement their current options, as they stated that supporters were keen to see one brought in over the summer.

With this in mind, Farke must reignite his interest in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill to bring him in as a dream alternative to Joel Piroe in that position.

Were Leeds interested in Josh Brownhill?

TEAMtalk reported over the summer that the Whites were keen on a deal to sign the former Bristol City star from the newly promoted club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Leicester City, and Middlesbrough were also said to be interested in the English maestro after his impressive performances at Championship level last term.

Burnley were, ultimately, able to keep hold of the midfield ace but there could be an opportunity for Leeds, or one of the other clubs eyeing him up, to sign the gem in January.

His current contract at Turf Moor is due to expire at the end of the season and this means that clubs from outside of England will be able to negotiate a pre-contract deal with him at the start of next year.

Due to this, the Clarets could be forced to consider offers from the likes of Leeds, and others, in January in order to avoid the possibility of him leaving for nothing in the summer.

Burnley are also 18th in the Premier League as it stands and the prospect of joining a club that could be on the way up to the top-flight could be an attractive proposition for Brownhill, rather than facing a possible relegation back to the second tier with his current side.

How did Brownhill perform last season?

The £45k-per-week ace was an outstanding performer at Championship level last term as his performances resulted in him being named as a contender for the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

He was also included in the PFA Team of the Year for the second division, and these accolades suggest that the Leeds target was one of the best midfielders within the league throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Brownhill made an impact at both ends of the pitch as he showcased his ability to be a difference-maker within the opposition's third whilst also being able to make vital contributions to cut out attacks for the other team.

Defensively, the 27-year-old whiz made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 50% of his duels over the course of his 41 league appearances.

Only Ethan Ampadu (2.3) has made more tackles per match (2.2) this season for Leeds out of Farke's current crop of midfielders than Brownhill did for the Clarets last term.

The English magician also caught the eye with seven goals and eight assists from an attacking midfield position as he displayed his quality in the final third on a regular basis.

In fact, he ranked within the top 15% of his Championship positional peers for non-penalty goals (0.18) and shot-creating actions (3.70) per 90 respectively. The talented gem also placed within the top 10% for assists (0.20) per 90, which speaks to the significant impact the Burnley star can make at this level.

How many goals has Piroe scored this season?

Piroe, who joined from league rivals Swansea during the summer transfer window, has been utilised as a number ten behind Georginio Rutter this season and has found the back of the net five times thus far.

The Dutch marksman has scored five goals in eight Championship matches for the Whites so far this season and has three more strikes than any of his teammates.

However, the former Swans star does not offer a regular threat as a creator for his fellow attackers. He has only produced 0.6 key passes per match and 11 other players within the squad have averaged more.

In fact, Rutter (2.4) is the only central-based player with more than one key pass per game for Farke's side this season and this suggests that Brownhill, who made 1.8 key passes per outing last term, would be a much-needed addition.

Should Leeds sign Brownhill?

Farke should, therefore, swoop to snap up the "fabulous" – as he was dubbed by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie – midfielder in January.

Sofascore rating

7.00

Appearances

Seven

Goals

One

Key passes per game

1.3

Tackles per game

1.4

His contractual situation and the respective positions of the two clubs suggest that a move could be viable for the Whites if they decide to reignite their interest in his services.

It will, however, be down to Leeds to beat off competition from any other interested parties in order to secure a deal for his services for the second half of the campaign and beyond.

If they can do that then Farke would have a dream alternative to Piroe, as a creative number ten who could thrive in matches where the opposition deploy a low block and need to be carved open.

He could also be used in a central midfield role behind the Dutch forward and use his creativity to produce opportunities for the former Swansea ace and Rutter to find the back of the net.

Liverpool host Everton in a huge Premier League game this weekend, and a major injury boost has emerged before the action gets underway.

Liverpool vs Everton team news

The Reds are back on the field following the latest international break on Saturday lunchtime, welcoming their local rivals to Anfield for a significant meeting. Jurgen Klopp's team were brought back to reality a little in their last two league fixtures, with Tottenham beating an admittedly nine-man Liverpool side late in the day in north London, and Brighton then earning a deserved 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium.

It is now time for the Reds to get over this minor slump and show that they are genuine Premier League title contenders in 2023/24, and for that to be the case, they have to be beating teams like Everton at home, regardless of the rivalry status.

Liverpool aren't without injury problems heading into the game, however, with Andy Robertson suffering a shoulder problem on Scotland duty, and Cody Gakpo absent before the internationals took place. Thiago is yet to feature for a single minute of action this season, while Curtis Jones is still suspended for Saturday's match, following his red card at Spurs.

Klopp has now been boosted by one important piece of fitness news that has emerged, though, as he looks to inspire his side to another Merseyside derby win this weekend.

Cody Gakpo injury update

Taking to X on Thursday, reliable journalist David Lynch shared a Gakpo injury update for Saturday's match, after seeing the forward train alongside his teammates: "Cody Gakpo closing in on a Liverpool return after being spotted in training today."

This is a significant boost for the Reds, considering what an impact Gakpo has made at Anfield since arriving from PSV Eindhoven earlier in the year and the fact the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz had long trips back from South America this week.

While not necessarily the most prolific of the Reds' attacking players currently, his ability to drop deep and knit things together draws comparison with Roberto Firmino, with his intelligence and physicality coming to the fore.

It may be that Gakpo is only deemed fit enough to start on the substitutes' bench against Everton, with Diogo Jota also back available down the middle of Liverpool's attack, but either way, he could play a significant role in the derby as Liverpool look to break down a stubborn Blues side.

Appearances

34

Goals

10

Assists

2

Gakpo's stats so far this season are still perfectly good, however, with three goals coming his way in six starts in all competitions, and while he may not possess Jota's clinical finishing in tight areas, or Nunez's explosive pace, he arguably gets the most out of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on either flank, which can make him the best central option for Klopp.

Liverpool's assistant manager Pep Lijnders has lauded the Dutchman in the past, saying he is "a great boy" with "a special skill set", and at 24 years of age, he should only keep going from strength to strength, maturing in his all-round game and continuing to make a big impact for the Reds for years to come.