All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic have opened talks to sign an £8m-rated player for Brendan Rodgers, with the target in question being praised by former Hoops striker Chris Sutton earlier this year.

Celtic transfer rumours

Those at Parkhead are yet to make their mark in the transfer window, despite reports earlier in the year suggesting that Celtic want to sign a new goalkeeper, winger and striker ahead of the 2024/25 season. Rodgers did admit shortly after the January transfer window closed that the club could be “braver” with their signings, looking to bring in “another level of player” who is “ready-made”.

“I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player. But that’s up to me to try and fix that over the course of my time here. You look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.

“What I want to hopefully balance in my time here is that we can still do that, because it is an important part of the modern game. But we also want to be brave enough to hang our hat on a ready-made player.”

That may come at a cost, though, but there have been plenty of rumours when it comes to transfer targets. For example, it was mooted that Celtic had a £7m+ offer accepted for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who represented Croatia at Euro 2024.

Celtic could land "incredible" Iwata upgrade

The Hoops were linked with an interest in the central midfielder earlier this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 4, 2024

In attack, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden has also been linked with a move to Glasgow, with loanee Adam Idah also “very keen” on returning to Celtic Park on a permanent basis. Now, there has been a now update regarding the Republic of Ireland international.

Celtic open Adam Idah talks

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have made an approach over a move to sign Idah on a permanent deal, however, following initial talks, the two clubs remain far apart when it comes to the forward’s valuation.

It is stated that the Hoops have offered £4m, with previous claims suggesting that the Canaries want around £8m for the striker’s services.

Whether or not Celtic go back in with an improved offer remains to be seen, but should a deal materialise for the striker, Rodgers could be a happy manager.

The 23-year-old, called “sensational” by Sutton, helped the Hoops to a league and cup double last season, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances. Rodgers praised Idah after signing him in January, saying:

“Adam, I’m really excited about having seen him play and now seeing him for a few days, working with him and speaking with him. The ability he has is incredible, really; he has every tool that you want to play at the highest level. He’s obviously doing that internationally, and it’s been a wee bit hit-and-miss for him at Norwich.

“But when I assess him, and we see him in training, we see the finishing; we see the speed, we see the touch; I’m excited by what he can bring us over these next remaining months.”

Manchester United mean business this summer. It's been a while since the Red Devils launched such a concerted, driven approach, but INEOS are changing things at Old Trafford, dissembling the outfit and repackaging it in a mould tailored for success.

United have certainly seen a flurry of activity thus far, welcoming players such as Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro while ridding itself of some of the flotsam that was clogging up the squad.

Issues in central defence have been addressed – with further attention anticipated this summer; up front, Zirkzee has been signed in the hope of threading the attack together and enhancing the fluency and bite of Erik ten Hag's side.

Man United transfer news

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Man United have agreed personal terms with holding midfielder Manuel Ugarte ahead of a transfer this summer, though crunch talks with Paris Saint-Germain are ongoing.

The Ligue 1 champions are willing to let the Uruguay international leave as they prioritise signing Joao Neves from Benfica. Reports from across the Channel claim that Ugarte will command a €70m (£59m) fee.

What Manuel Ugarte would bring to Man United

Ugarte only signed for PSG last year, completing a £51m transfer from Portugal's Sporting Lisbon. After impressing with his tough-tackling displays, Premier League clubs such as Chelsea and Liverpool had eyed him up, but it was the Ligue 1 giants who prevailed.

He completed 37 appearances under Luis Enrique last season and placed three assists for his teammates. However, the 23-year-old failed to nail down a starring role and was benched for each of the Parisiens' four knockout fixtures in the Champions League. Moreover, he earned just 21 starting berths in the league.

But the talent is there, abundant, and given that he's already been described as "a younger Kante" by reporter Zach Lowy, he might just be tailor-made for the Premier League. Kante, 33, is seemingly closing in on a £20m move to West Ham United, one year after leaving Chelsea and moving to Saudi Arabia.

The France international was exceptional at the 2024 European Championship and proved that age, indeed, is just a number. But Ugarte's a decade younger, and to be honest, United are landing a talent capable of thriving at the nub of the engine room for many, many years.

After all, despite his middling campaign, Ugarte still showcased his skills as one of the best ball-recycling, crunching-challenging midfielders in the business, averaging 3.9 tackles, 6.4 successful duels and 7.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

Tackles attempted

4.11

99th

Tackles won

2.32

98th

Interceptions

1.86

96th

Tackles + interceptions

5.97

99th

Ball recoveries

8.14

99th

We all know that the potential is dizzying, but let's allow ourselves to drift away from the present. Ugarte is an immense midfielder who boasts a skillset that would have been perfect for a certain Paul Pogba.

Let's explain. As you can see from the table above, Ugarte is a staggering defensive midfielder, robust and relentless in protecting his rearguard, and such a presence would have allowed Man United's one-time world-record £89m signing to flourish.

Pogba, a polarising footballer, is unquestionably one of the most talented, yet frustrating, players to have performed under the Old Trafford lights in a generation, and after being sold to Juventus as a youngster, he returned under Jose Mourinho to play in 233 fixtures, notching 87 goal contributions and win the Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

The 31-year-old is banned from football until August 2027 after testing positive for doping, but will always remain one of the most talented and breathtaking players of his time, truly encompassing the full scope of what it takes to be a complete midfielder.

He was nothing short of brilliant on his day, and having the security of an iron-clad No. 6 beside him could have made all the difference.

Harking back to Kante: Pogba won the 2018 World Cup with France alongside the former Chelsea and Leicester City machine, and given how immense the pairing was as Les Bleus' best players cemented immortal status, Ugarte truly could have been the perfect partner.

After all, The Athletic's Carl Anka wrote upon the prodigy's departure on a free transfer in 2022: 'United rarely played him in his favoured position in left midfield of a 4-3-3, nor did they ever purchase a mobile defensive midfielder so he might perform comfortably in a deeper position.'

He needed security, stability, and a modicum of functionality. Alas, it didn't happen, but Ugarte's unceasing pursuit of lofty defensive numbers does speak of his suitability for success in the Premier League and for his suitability to partner the "next Paul Pogba" in Kobbie Mainoo.

It's a new era, in any case, and Ugarte's set to star at the centre.

Imagine him & Yoro: Man Utd could land £46k-p/w De Ligt upgrade

The Red Devils are looking to overhaul the backline this summer.

ByRobbie Walls Jul 19, 2024

After already welcoming Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly "closing in" on welcoming a third possible future star for Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites came out the blocks fairly quickly this summer, with a deal sign Bergvall already agreed in advance and a move to sign Leeds United star Gray agreed as early as the start of this month. Since then, however, Spurs have been quiet on the incoming front with under a month until the 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway.

Tottenham officials set for talks with £24m forward who troubled van Dijk

He was a nightmare for the Liverpool defender recently.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2024

Having missed out on Champions League qualification in Postecoglou's first season in charge too, it's clear that reinforcements are still needed in north London, with reports linking Spurs to the likes of Eberechi Eze and Semih Kilicsoy. Both players would undoubtedly provide Postecoglou's side with the added edge that they lacked at times throughout the last campaign, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites will splash the cash in abundance this summer.

Before Eze or Kiliksoy, Levy looks set to continue his focus on future stars following Gray and Bergvall. According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are "closing in" on a deal to sign Min-hyuk Yang from Gangwon FC this summer. The 18-year-old right-winger impressed in the K League 1 last season and is now edging closer to joining a man who earns plenty of headlines in South Korea and Spurs captain Heung-min Son.

The dream for Yang could be to follow in Son's footsteps to become a Spurs hero and perhaps even one day replace his compatriot, given his ability to play on both the right and left wing.

"Immense" Yang is one for the future

Although he won't immediately steal the headline, Yang's arrival would represent a third piece of smart business from Spurs this summer, as they plan ahead for the future. It's no surprise that the young winger has attracted the Lilywhites' attention either, with DateMB describing him as an "immense talent" in a post comparing his stats to fellow K League wingers last season.

Having scored seven goals and assisted a further four at Gangwon last season, Yang is a player ready to take the spotlight in the Premier League, where he will hope to grab the attention of Postecoglou and eventually earn a consistent place in the Australian's squad. Should he complete a summer move, Spurs will suddenly have three incredibly talented young stars to call on for years to come in north London.

In an attempt to provide cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Manchester United have reportedly held internal talks to sign a former Premier League defender who is currently a free agent.

Man Utd transfer news

With the Premier League campaign and their first fixture up against Fulham fast approaching, Manchester United are in a solid position. The Red Devils have already welcomed both Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, with talks to sign Manuel Ugarte also underway. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder could yet arrive to solve United's midfield problem and replace Casemiro once and for all at the base of Erik ten Hag's side.

Meanwhile, even after signing Yoro, United could still strengthen their backline with further additions. Recent reports have linked those at Old Trafford to a move for Denzel Dumfries in a deal that would see Aaron Wan-Bissaka head in the opposite direction to Inter Milan this summer. Both players are in the final year of their respective contracts so, on paper, a swap deal certainly makes sense.

Man Utd now eyeing move for "complete" player who INEOS have signed before

The Red Devils are looking to sign a back-up for Luke Shaw…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2024

If Dumfries does arrive, then he could be joined by another fresh face at full-back and one that United fans already know all about. According to HITC, INEOS have held internal discussions about signing Marcos Alonso this summer in a bargain deal for the former Chelsea left-back who recently left Barcelona as a free agent. Alonso isn't the only lefty-back United have spoken about at Old Trafford, though, with Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, Feyenoord’s David Hancko and Tottenham’s Sergio Reguillon also named.

The Red Devils, of course, already know exactly what Alonso is capable of, given that he's scored three times against United throughout his career. Now, however, the Spaniard could bring his attacking exploits to Old Trafford in a smart move by INEOS.

"Great" Alonso would add vital experience

Whilst a squad full of young talents such as Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hoijlund and Alejandro Garnacho highlights the potential that Manchester United have in abundance, balancing that potential with experience is the key. And that's exactly what Alonso would help bring to Ten Hag's side. A Champions League and Premier League winner, the Spaniard, unlike many in the Red Devils' current side, has been there and done it at the very top.

The 33-year-old earned plenty of praise during his last Premier League spell from former boss Frank Lampard, who told Chelsea's official website after Alonso scored twice in a draw against Bournemouth: "I'm very happy for Marcos Alonso but when my left-back is the one scoring the two goals and scoring our last goal in the league as well – and we’re creating that many chances in between – you have to question why we’re not finishing them.

"I’ve been really pleased with Marcos. He’s always had that since he’s been at Chelsea, he’s got a great record of scoring goals. It’s great technique for the first one, great anticipation for the second and he almost gets a third as well in the box at the end."

A forward likened to Germany legend and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is now considering an exit from his club, with Chelsea making a bid for him.

Chelsea in market for new attacker as deadline day looms

This summer's transfer deadline day looms at the end of this month, so Enzo Maresca and co have just weeks to get their desired transfer targets over the line ahead of the new Premier League season.

Chelsea close to agreeing deal for ace who BlueCo liken to Real Madrid star

The west Londoners think he could replicate a Galactico.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2024

The Italian is set to take charge of his debut campaign in the Chelsea dugout, with Maresca already watching co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley drastically chop and change his squad.

Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson, Michael Golding and Lewis Hall have all departed Stamford Bridge this summer, bringing in around £89 million worth of transfer fees, and many other players have come in to take their places.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Indeed, Chelsea have signed Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) so far – but it is rumoured they could add a senior star attacker to this long list of new arrivals.

This week has gave way to reports of a potential new striker in particular. Chelsea have opened talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen, and wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku would head the other way as part of the exchange.

The Belgian has apparently already agreed a three-year contract to link back up with Antonio Conte in Serie A, but it remains to be seen just how much this will help Chelsea get Osimhen over the line.

"Chelsea are in talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen, whilst Romelu Lukaku has already agreed to a pay cut and a three-year contract to move to Naples," wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X.

"#CFC don't want to pay the €120m+ release clause but are keen on Osimhen should the structure change or price drop. Loan with option has been discussed, as David Ornstein called.

"Also understand Napoli have raised a loan-option into an obligation should Chelsea qualify for #UCL. Spoke about Osimhen yesterday on the London is Blue podcast. Door not shut. Osimhen also impatient to move, which has caused Napoli to re-assess their position."

Maximilian Beier considering exit after Chelsea make "concrete" bid

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this week that Chelsea have made a "concrete" bid for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who has interestingly been compared to Bayern star Muller by the Bundesliga official website.

The 21-year-old bagged 16 goals in all competitions for Hoffenheim last season, earning a call-up to the German national team squad for Euro 2024, and his contract includes a tempting £25 million release clause.

Plettenberg, sharing a further update on the matter, says Beier is now open to leaving after Chelsea's bid for him, as well as the interest of other clubs. While both Maresca's side and Aston Villa have tabled offers from the Premier League, it is believed they're not necessarily favourites, as Juventus are also contending.

Plettenberg says that a decision on his future is expected soon, and it will be an interesting one to watch.

West Ham United have been busy throughout the summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster Julen Lopetegui's options across the pitch.

The Hammers have swooped to sign the likes of Guido Rodriguez, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, and Jean-Clair Todibo, among others, and are now closing in on another. Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reportedly started his medical with the club after they agreed a deal to sign him on a permanent basis from the Red Devils.

After a move for the former Crystal Palace full-back is completed, West Ham could make another addition to Lopetegui's defence in the coming weeks.

West Ham eyeing up Ligue 1 defender

Having already dipped into the Ligue 1 market to sign Todibo from Nice, the Premier League side, who are not competing in Europe this term, are keen on another defender from France. According to ExWHUemployee, via his Patreon, the Hammers have identified Nantes central defender Nathan Zeze as a target this month.

Technical director Tim Steidten has pulled off many impressive deals this summer, and he is now targeting a move for a teenage talent who could be one for the future.

The report claims that West Ham see Zeze as being a bright prospect and a promising talent, which means that he could come in as a long-term option for Lopetegui, rather than one to make an immediate impact.

Max Kilman and Todibo have already been added to the centre-back ranks, with Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd already at the club, and that could mean that the Nantes youngster would not be a frontline option straight away.

Why Nathan Zeze could be a good signing for West Ham

The central defender only turned 19 in June and has had limited exposure to first-team football so far in his career, which is why he would likely be one for the future, but at 6 foot 3 he should have no trouble with the physicality on offer in England's top flight and may even still have room to grow.

With the aforementioned centre-back options at Lopetegui's disposal, West Ham could bring in Zeze to eventually take over from them further down the line, whilst going out on loan or learning as a fringe player in his first two or three seasons at the London Stadium.

The French titan made his Ligue 1 debut for Nantes during the 2022/23 campaign against Lille, in what was his only appearance of the season, before featuring more regularly last term.

Appearances

13

Pass accuracy

85%

Ground duel success rate

55%

Aerial duel success rate

58%

Dribbled past per game

0.5

Error led to goal

1

The right-footed defender played 13 top-flight matches for his club and held his own from a physical perspective, winning the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air. However, he also made one error that directly led to a goal and was dribbled past once every other match, which suggests that Zeze still has plenty to learn to avoid making mistakes.

The teenage ace, who was described as "impressive" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is not the finished article but is a promising young player who could be moulded by Lopetegui over the years to come, which is why he could be an excellent addition this month.

Bowen will love him: West Ham close in on another brilliant new signing

West Ham closing in on defensive acquisition

ByConnor Holden Aug 12, 2024

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has become a fan-favourite during his first 12 months at the City Ground, exceeding all expectations after his move last summer.

The 22-year-old arrived in the East Midlands in a £15m deal from Brazilian side Corinthians, having to bide his time under then-boss Steve Cooper before making an impact on the first-team.

Up to now, the centre-back has started 33 Premier League games in a row, highlighting his importance to the club, attracting interest from other English sides during the current transfer window.

Chelsea have been the side most recently linked with a move for the Brazilian, but Forest’s £70m valuation of the youngster has seen interest subside in recent weeks.

The defender is just one example of the excellent recruitment conducted behind the scenes on Trentside – with another deal potentially edging closer to completion in the coming days.

Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of a new striker

Despite Chris Wood registering 14 Premier League goals last season and scoring in the season opener against Bournemouth last weekend, the club have been targeting a new centre-forward in recent weeks.

Santiago Gimenez is just one player on the Reds’ shortlist, with the Mexican subject to two separate bids from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, but it looks like they have moved on to other targets.

Eddie Nketiah has become the man who looks most likely to move to the City Ground, with journalist David Ornstein confirming that the striker has agreed personal terms with the Reds, with Forest edging closer to agreeing a fee with Arsenal for his services.

However, Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference earlier this week that the striker trained as normal and that there was no update on his future, but would be open to letting him leave if the right deal was offered.

He would be an excellent addition to Nuno’s side, potentially striking a partnership with another player who could make a move to Trentside before the deadline next Friday.

Forest could make move for £17m talent

After rumours about new signing Jota Silva potentially joining sister club Olympiacos on loan, the club may look to make another attacking addition to provide added depth in the final third.

Brazilian forward Wesley Gassova is one talent who has previously been subject to interest from Forest, with the hope that the Reds could potentially reignite interest in the 19-year-old over the next few days.

Given the club’s recent success with signing players from Corinthians, it could allow them to repeat a deal for Murillo, signing an impressive youngster who would be perfect for potential new addition Nketiah.

Games played

23

Goals + assists

3

Progressive carries

4.9

Progressive passes

2.8

Successful take-ons

3.8

Key passes

1.8

Passes into penalty area

1.5

Carries into final third

3.7

Wesley, who has a €20m (£17m) price tag, has excelled in Brazil, registering 4.9 progressive carries and 3.8 successful take-ons per 90 in Serie A this season – showcasing his excellent dribbling ability.

He’s also averaged 1.8 key passes and 1.5 passes into the penalty area per 90 – potentially handing Nketiah added ammunition to find the back of the net, giving him the best chance of being a success at the City Ground.

Whilst a move for the attacker could all hinge on a potential move for Silva, he would be another excellent addition, potentially being the next in a long line of Brazilians who have caught the eye at Forest.

Their previous success with young talents from Corinthians could provide the club with another reason to make a move for Wesley, with the 19-year-old having the attacking attributes to be a huge success in the Premier League.

He could also form an excellent partnership with Nketiah, with the Brazilian forward having all the attributes to help the Englishman find his goalscoring boots at the City Ground.

Perfect for Sosa: Nottingham Forest could land their own Foden in £35m ace

The Reds have already had a proposal rejected for the talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 17, 2024

A £45 million player in the Chelsea squad is considering an exit from Stamford Bridge, and there have been out-of-window transfer talks held already.

Chelsea prepare for Bournemouth clash after Crystal Palace draw

Amid the international break, manager Enzo Maresca and his coaching staff will be hard at work behind-the-scenes in tactical preparation for Chelsea's next game – as they get ready to host Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth.

"Very fast" Chelsea player will now push to leave with Chilwell this month

The Blues could still offload a host of players outside of the UK window.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 5, 2024

Maresca was effusive in his praise for Chelsea's players in their last Premier League encounter, a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in west London, with Nicolas Jackson's opener later cancelled out by a stunning finish from Eberechi Eze against the run of play.

The Blues created a host of chances and often dominated the game against Palace, but their lack of clinical finishing eventually cost Maresca's side. Chelsea have won one, drew one and lost one, which was opening weekend defeat to English champions Man City.

“I feel it is a shame for the players because when we finished the game, you could see the players’ frustrations," said Maresca on Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Palace.

"In the way we played today, we are going to win games. We completely deserved to win the game. We created chances and controlled the game. We didn’t concede chances and in the first half, I think they just had one shot on goal with Adam Wharton and then they had the goal in the second half which was a fantastic goal.

Player

Match Rating

Cole Palmer

7.6

Nicolas Jackson

7.2

Moises Caicedo

7.2

Eberechi Eze

7.2

Dean Henderson

7.1

“[We] completely deserved to win the game but unfortunately we didn’t. But the performance was very good, on the ball and off the ball. After we conceded the goal, we lost our way in terms of controlling the game and the game started to be a bit up and down and in transition, which is not our football and especially against them as they are very good in transition."

The signs are promising on the field thus far, but off-the-field, there is still work on the squad being done by Todd Boehly and BlueCo. Indeed, Chelsea sold Angelo Gabriel to Al-Nassr this week and just before the Saudi transfer window shut, with a couple of other players tipped to follow the Brazilian.

Chelsea can no longer sign players with the UK window shutting last Friday, but there is still time to offload surplus stars as the Turkish, Greek and other transfer windows remain open.

AEK Athens are reportedly chasing a loan deal for striker David Datro Fofana as the Ivorian trains away from Maresca's first-team, while uncertainty still surrounds the future of left-back Ben Chilwell.

Chilwell considering Chelsea exit with out-of-window talks held

As per HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chilwell is considering a Chelsea exit as Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas hold talks.

The Turkish Süper Lig trio can still sign players up until September 13, when their window closes, and all three sides have negotiated terms with Chelsea which the Blues actually find favorable.

It is believed they're attempting to take the £200,000-per-week defender on loan, but any proposed move to Turkey would ultimately come down to Chilwell, who could also choose to sit tight and wait for better options in January.

The Englishman, signed by Chelsea from Leicester City for around £45 million in 2020, has gone on to make over a century of appearances for the club and captained them on multiple occasions.

Maresca, though, has publicly declared Chilwell is not in his plans.

"I prefer to be honest with the player," said Maresca on Chilwell's future. "The ones who are not involved, they are all players who are not going to be involved and they don’t get any minutes in case they stay.

"With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it's up to you to decide. For me, it's not brutal, it's just honest."

An "unbelievable" Newcastle United player has a "willingness" to come to an agreement over a new contract at St James' Park, in a deal that would be worth more than £3.1m per year.

Newcastle eyeing future signings

The Magpies continue to be linked with new signings in the future, following a summer transfer window that many supporters weren't overly enamoured with. There is a feeling that Eddie Howe's squad wasn't strengthened sufficiently enough, with the manager himself even hinting at his own frustration surrounding the situation.

One report has claimed that Adam Wharton is being looked at as a potential target for Newcastle ahead of next summer, with the Crystal Palace midfielder impressing so much last season that he received a call-up to England's squad for Euro 2024. Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on snapping him up, though.

Rumours linking the Magpies with a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha are also refusing to go away, with a fresh update stating that the Premier League side are happy to match the La Liga giants' £52m valuation of him. The Brazilian could be an ideal improvement on Miguel Almiron and his impressive spell at Leeds United showed that he is capable of thriving in English football.

While new faces are vital for Newcastle moving forward, retaining the services of the most important players at St James' Park is just as key. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the future of one such figure.

Newcastle plan contract talks with "unbelievable" ace

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Newcastle are planning talks with Antony Gordon over a contract extension at St James' Park, which would earn him more than his current £3.1m-a-year wages.

The report states that "despite links with a move to Liverpool in the summer, Gordon remains focused" on playing for the Magpies currently, adding that "there is a willingness to reach an agreement over a new contract".

Tieing Gordon down to an extension would feel significant for Newcastle, following strong reported interest from his boyhood club Liverpool during the summer window. Even if he does decide he wants to leave soon, it would also put the Magpies in a strong bargaining position, in terms of demanding huge money for him.

The hope is that the 23-year-old now sees his long-term future at St James', however, having become a popular player in a short space of time, not least with Bruno Guimaraes: "He has been unbelievable, always scoring and giving some assists.

"He is a lovely guy as well, I am very happy for him and hope he can get some minutes for England. For me to play against him will be massive for both of us and the club as well."

Newcastle make first approach to sign "magical" new £15m star for Howe

The Magpies could already have their first signing of 2025 lined up.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 6, 2024

Gordon hasn't yet found his top form this season – he is still waiting for his first assist of the campaign – but he is a massive player for Newcastle and should only get better as his prime approaches.

The last taste of major success Chelsea had was their Champions League triumph back in 2021, under manager Thomas Tuchel. The Blues beat Manchester City in the final that year, 1-0, securing their second title in the competition.

A huge part of that success was German defender, Antonio Rüdiger, who made 34 appearances in all competitions that season, scoring one goal, providing one assist, and contributing to 22 clean sheets in his 2,948 minutes played.

Rudiger ended up running down his contract, and leaving on a free to Real Madrid in 2022, but he wasn’t the only defender who left for £0 that season.

Andreas Christensen at Chelsea

Andreas Christensen joined Chelsea in 2012 from Brondby, going into the Chelsea academy system at Cobham. He made his first senior appearance for the club in 2014, leading to 161 appearances, scoring two goals, providing two assists, and totaling 12,812 minutes played.

Before becoming a huge part of Tuchel’s Chelsea side, Christensen spent two years on loan with Borussia Mönchengladbach, perfecting his craft, making 82 appearances for the German outfit, scoring seven goals, providing one assist, and totaling 7.402 minutes of football played.

Like Rudiger, Christensen was allowed to enter the final season of his contract, without extracting a fee for him, or agreeing a new deal. This led to the Denmark international leaving on a free, joining Barcelona, despite being valued at €35.00m (£29.5m) by Transfermarkt at the time of his departure.

Andreas Christensen at Barcelona

Since joining Barcelona, Christensen has made 75 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring four goals, and providing three assists, totaling 5,150 minutes played.

Ex-Barcelona manager Xavi once hailed Christensen as “extraordinary” after their 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid last year. The Spaniard had plenty of confidence in the Danish defender, even asking him to play in midfield 15 times last season.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Christensen

Fofana

Progressive Carries

1.15

0.75

Progressive Passes

5.17

2.75

Passes Attempted

71.1

66.8

Pass Completion %

94.4%

91.4%

Passes into Final Third

5.43

4.75

Tackles

1.26

0.75

Blocks

0.97

1.75

Interceptions

1.04

1.25

Aerials Won

2.45

0.75

Stats taken from FBref

As Wesley Fofana missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season, this comparison is from different seasons, meaning Fofana’s numbers are based on his four appearances so far this term.

The reason for comparing the two is that Christensen’s current value is €40m (£33m) and that is more than the €25.00m (£21.1m) value of Fofana right now, per Transfermarkt. Impressively, it’s also a value worth more than new signing Jadon Sancho and striker Nicolas Jackson.

Now Fofana’s value has significantly dropped since joining Chelsea, after signing for £70m from Leicester, mainly due to injury issues keeping him off the pitch. However, even when he is on the pitch, Christensen is still averaging more progressive carries and passes per 90, more passes attempted with a higher pass completion, and more passes into the final third.

This tells us Christensen is more of a ball-playing defender, contributing heavily in build-up, and looking to progress-play between the lines. Fofana is a more defensive first type, who has excellent recovery pace, and a brilliant leg extension, which helps him make interceptions and blocks (averages more than Christensen per 90 in these metrics).

Chelsea will be very happy if Fofana can stay away from the injuries, and get back to his best, but Christensen leaving on a free, failing to even extract a fee for the now £33m-rated star is disappointing business whichever way you choose to look at it.

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