All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are reportedly nearly certain to bid for a £26 million player next year, coming after he once agreed to join Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

Edu making Arsenal transfer plans for 2025

The north Londoners’ transfer plans, led by sporting director Edu Gaspar, are well and truly underway for next year – with reports already linking Arsenal to a host of players.

Arsenal worried that £150,000-per-week star is also nursing an injury now

The Gunners have a few key players sidelined right now.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 24, 2024

It is believed that Arsenal are targeting a new number nine in January, and are considering a “big-money” bid, as per TEAMtalk, but it remains to be seen who they land on, as their shortlist apparently includes Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram, Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko.

Appearances

42

Goals

18

Assists

2

Minutes per goal

115

Minutes played

2,057

Arsenal opted against signing a striker in the summer, instead choosing to keep their faith in Kai Havertz for the role, but a fresh centre-forward option is apparently very much on the agenda for next year.

As well as not bringing in a new forward, Arsenal also couldn’t quite get a deal over the line for Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia. The Spaniard, whose contract includes a £26 million release clause, is said to have agreed to join the club and shook hands on personal terms.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia even commented on his failed move to Arsenal, insisting he wasn’t distracted.

“During the entire market I was quite isolated,” he said.

“I was at the Olympic Games and when I arrived La Liga was already starting. The last few days were more intense, but I was very isolated, focusing on what I had to do, which is the field. I managed not to get distracted.

“Regarding my continuity, I am very happy that people are happy that I have stayed. I have worked all these years for this – playing with Espanyol in the First Division – and this is how it is. I hope to take advantage of it.”

The Gunners ended up signing Neto from Bournemouth on loan to fill in for Aaron Ramsdale as the second-choice keeper, but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on Garcia, far from it.

Arsenal "highly likely" to bid for Joan Garcia in 2025

As per CaughtOffside, it is “highly likely” Arsenal will make a bid for Garcia in 2025, despite missing out on a deal over the summer and bringing in Neto.

Arteta’s side still want the 23-year-old, who represented Spain at this summer’s Olympics in Paris, and have very clearly identified Garcia as their preferred number two behind David Raya.

Arsenal have a good working relationship with both the player and his representatives after reaching an agreement on terms with them, so this apparently could be one to watch.

“There have been movements. We have had to work hard. There have been conversations, situations to work through. Situations to handle,” said Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza.

“We are dealing with a great goalkeeper, but we are also dealing with a great person. His behaviour, his poise, his harmony and his tone of voice… for me, he’s top 10. That’s what I’ll take from him.”

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a “crucial” Liverpool player is in discussions over a contract extension at Anfield, alongside another individual.

Liverpool contract news

It is a busy and stressful situation when it comes to contracts at Liverpool currently, especially regarding the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The legendary Reds trio appear to be three of the first names on Arne Slot’s team sheet, providing world-class quality on a weekly basis, but they are all out of contract at the end of this season.

Supporters are desperate to see all three superstars extend their stay at Anfield for many more years, even though Van Dijk and Salah are 33 and 32 respectively, and it would feel like a massive blow if even one of them left on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah aren’t the only areas of focus when it comes to new deals, however, with Jarell Quansah signing an extension on Monday. That is great news for Liverpool, with the 21-year-old a player with such a bright future in the game, and it now looks as though another player could be set to agree a new contract alongside him, too.

"Crucial" Liverpool player also in talks over new Anfield deal

Taking to X, Romano reported that Ibrahima Konate is also in talks over signing a new deal at Liverpool, seen as a “crucial” part of the project under Slot.

Agreeing a contract extension for Konate is so vital, considering the 25-year-old looks like the heir to Van Dijk as the leader of the Reds’ defence, hopefully not for a few years yet, though.

While there have been some concerns over the £70,000-a-week France international’s injury-prone nature, he has looked back to his best and fittest this season, starting six of Liverpool’s seven Premier League matches, and replacing Quansah at half-time in the opening fixture away to Ipswich Town.

The fact that Konate is deemed “really appreciated” by Slot shows that he has made an instant impression on the new head coach, and staying fit could be vital to Liverpool’s chances of success this season.

At 25, the centre-back’s best years should still be ahead of him, and his combination of pace, power and character make him a player that the Reds cannot afford to lose at this point in his career.

Leading the race: Liverpool want £67m talent who's just like Zubimendi

This would be a signature signing for Slot’s side…

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 7, 2024

There is no reason why Konate can’t become a legend at Anfield over time, and while Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah are even more important to tie down, this would be a major boost for everyone associated with the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is personally pushing to sign another young star for Manchester United in 2025, with a summer move the most likely, according to a report.

Manchester United's defence a mess

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are in a mess, with the Red Devils currently floundering in 14th place in the Premier League and with Ten Hag under major pressure. The Dutchman has been well backed in the transfer market, with over £650m having been spent since his arrival two years ago.

Much of that has been on defensive-minded players; Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both been recruited to fill the no.6 role, while Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez have been added at centre-back alongside Tyrell Malacia at left-back and Noussair Mazraoui at right back.

Defensive additions under Erik ten Hag

Player

Fee (as per transfermarkt)

Casemiro

€70.65m

Leny Yoro

€62m

Lisandro Martinez

€57.37m

Manuel Ugarte

€50m

Matthijs de Ligt

€45m

Noussair Mazraoui

€15m

Tyrell Malacia

€15m

Jonny Evans

Free

Sergio Reguilon

Loan

However, it has backfired spectacularly. Under massive pressure to save his job, only Mazraoui was named in the starting XI against Aston Villa, with veteran defender Jonny Evans asked to play at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire, suggesting that Ten Hag may well have already lost faith in his signings.

So far, the Red Devils have only conceded eight times in seven games, but have looked all at sea defensively and appear to have no settled first choice defenders. This summer is sure to muddy the waters further with Victor Lindelof and Evans both out of contract, while Maguire will have just one year left on his deal at Old Trafford.

As a result, more defensive additions may be required, and club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears to have identified his preferred choice.

Ratcliffe spearheading defender hunt

That comes as TEAMtalk report that Ratcliffe is ‘eager’ to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite after having several offers rejected over the most recent summer transfer window, now telling United’s key men in the boardroom to ‘to focus on striking an agreement’. The 22-year-old has featured just once for Everton this season as he battles injury and illness, but rose to prominence across the 2023-24 campaign after a string of impressive performances.

Man Utd let go of a potential £80m star in the making for nothing

Manchester United will live to regret this decision.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 15, 2024

It led to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher dubbing him a “pretty special” talent, telling Sky Sports: “Branthwaite has been outstanding. I think this lad is pretty special. He’s a big part of why Everton in my eyes have a good chance of staying up, him and his partnership with [James] Tarkowski.”

Despite interest, the Englishman still has three years left to run on his £35,000 a week deal at Goodison Park, and Everton are keen not to lose him. Indeed, the report claims that the Toffees have upped his price tag to £80m, with their takeover by the Friedkin Group set to boost their finances and strengthen their negotiating position.

It is added that ‘INEOS will be seeking to strike a deal for the centre-back in the summer of 2025’ irrespective of who is in charge of the club, with the head coach’s role at Old Trafford now focusing less on transfers and more on tactics after a series of transfer blunders in recent years.

Though Branthwaite is undeniably a talented defender, spending another £80m on defenders would be a waste of resources at Old Trafford when their midfield and attack remains under-funded and under-staffed.

Former Premier League manager Roberto De Zerbi is ready to perform a rescue mission for a Chelsea ace he believes Enzo Maresca is wasting, and could make his move as early as January, per one report.

Chelsea stung at Anfield

Chelsea’s unbeaten run came crashing down at Anfield as they fell to a 2-1 loss to Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders. A penalty from Mo Salah and an effort from Curtis Jones meant that Nicolas Jackson’s fifth goal of the season came in vain, and left the Blues licking their wounds on the way back to west London.

The result leaves the Blues fifth in the Premier League, ending a domestic unbeaten streak that had lasted since their opening day defeat to reigning Champions Manchester City and had seen them score the most goals in the Premier League during that time.

Cole Palmer and Jackson have been key to that, with the English forward grabbing six goals, including four in one half against Brighton, to go with five assists, all of which have come for either Jackson or Noni Madueke.

Chelsea considering move for £112,000-p/w defender amid contract standoff

He would be their best signing under Todd Boehly.

ByBen Browning Oct 21, 2024

On the other side, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho have been fighting for the final spot in Maresca’s attack, while the likes of Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have been introduced as substitutes regularly. However, it hasn’t been ideal for everyone.

De Zerbi wants to sign winger Maresca isn't playing

Now, according to a fresh report from Spain, Former Brighton turned Marseille boss De Zerbi is keen to mount a rescue mission for Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge. Last month, Maresca told the media that the winger needed to “do better”, refuting suggestions that his confidence was low and his performances were suffering.

“I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha”, he explained. “You have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”

But clearly he hasn’t improved sufficiently, with the 23-year-old not even among the substitutes for the loss to Liverpool and well down the pecking order on the left side of attack, with reports already suggesting he could be cut loose as soon as January.

And as per the report, Marseille see a move for the winger “as a unique opportunity to strengthen their squad”, while De Zerbi, who worked with the winger at Shakhtar, “knows how to use him effectively in his game plan” and “is confident that he can get the most out of his talent”, something that any Chelsea manager including Maresca is yet to do, with Mudryk having picked up more yellow cards than either goals or assists since his arrival.

Mudryk’s Chelsea career to date

Appearances

66

Starts

36

Goals

7

Assists

7

Yellow Cards

9

Minutes per goal/assist

227

One potential stumbling block could well be Mudryk’s Chelsea contract, which as it stands sees him take home £100,000 a week until 2031, while no club is likely to match the sort of fee that Chelsea paid to sign the forward.

However, a loan move could be just what he needs to get his career back on track, and in De Zerbi he would have a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.

Leeds United will be aiming to get back to winning ways this weekend in the Championship when Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle come town, having been left wanting more from their last game away at Bristol City.

The goal-shy Whites had to make do with a 0-0 draw against Liam Manning’s Robins, despite registering 17 attempts on the busy home goal, as the Elland Road faithful now worry more blanks could be fired versus the Pilgrims.

The task facing Daniel Farke’s side is going to be made harder with Largie Ramazani ruled out with an injury for this clash, with the Belgian winger standing out as a top performer this season for Leeds, before injury disaster struck recently.

Leeds' best performers this season in attack

Before going down with an early injury at home to Watford this October, Ramazani was beginning to make waves in the first team ranks at the promotion-chasing side, with a promising three goals notched up from eight Championship appearances.

His replacement in Manor Solomon for the game against the Hornets hasn’t exactly set the world alight in his place either, with only one on-target effort versus Watford registered, which resulted in Farke only giving him 19 minutes of action off the bench away in Bristol.

Farke will also be praying that Mateo Joseph finds his shooting boots again tomorrow to face off against Plymouth, with the Spanish striker blowing hot and cold as of late, away from firing home this big strike against Sheffield United in the middle of the month to secure a 2-0 win.

That was only the Leeds academy product’s second strike of the campaign, but there will be high hopes he can be the leading man the Whites need in their pursuit to win promotion, having also proven his worth with three assists.

There are already rumours circulating that Leeds are looking at bringing in more attackers soon, with the door open for the second tier side to bring in some loanees this January if needs be, with this former Whites loan player seeing his transfer value shoot up since leaving Elland Road behind.

Eddie Nketiah's value since leaving Leeds

Eddie Nketiah has a Championship winners medal scattered amongst his career accolades, with the 25-year-old once a promising young attacker cutting his teeth at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa.

The unassuming 5 foot 9 forward would help himself to five goals from 19 appearances playing for the Whites, going on to lift the second tier title subsequently at the close of the memorable 2019/20 season, alongside Leeds greats such as Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford.

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Leeds

19

5

1

Arsenal

168

38

7

Crystal Palace

7

1

0

Only worth around the £6.7m mark when first joining the Whites, Nketiah would use this formative loan switch as a springboard to launch himself into the main first-team fold at Arsenal, with the London-born striker going on to make 168 appearances in total for the Gunners and scoring 38 times.

He might not have lived up to all the hype that surrounded him as a youngster at the Emirates – with journalist James Olley once describing Nketiah as “remarkable” in 2017 when he was starting to be tipped for greatness – but his value would significantly rise up from the £6.7m he was once worth.

As of May this year, Transfermarkt estimated that the new Crystal Palace number nine’s value was now at a far higher £25m, not far off the £30m the Eagles actually forked out to land his services a couple of months later.

Using the £25m, that is a 257% increase in the value he was once worth when first entering the building at Leeds, with the 25-year-old aiming to now make a name for himself at Selhurst Park away from his boyhood employers, but only one goal has found the back of the net so far for him in South London.

Leeds will be hoping that their own issues in front of goal subside soon too or the promotion hopefuls could be busy in January adding in more firepower.

Value soared: Leeds hit gold with "explosive" star worth more than Joseph

The Leeds United recruitment team appear to have hit the jackpot with this piece of business.

ByDan Emery Oct 30, 2024

And so a new era approaches, with Manchester United having confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach, Ruben Amorim, as the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag.

The Sporting CP boss – who has won two league titles during his time in Lisbon – is set to officially take charge during the upcoming international break, providing interim coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, with three more games as the main man in the dugout.

Quite why Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co did not act during the previous international break is rather curious, with the club now faced with a brief delay before Amorim can properly get going at Old Trafford.

Date

Competition

Opponent

03 Nov

Premier League

Chelsea (H)

07 Nov

Europa League

PAOK (H)

10 Nov

Premier League

Leicester (H)

24 Nov

Premier League

Ipswich (A)

28 Nov

Europa League

Bodo/Glimt (H)

01 Dec

Premier League

Everton (H)

04 Dec

Premier League

Arsenal (A)

The whole debacle ensures yet more scrutiny must be focused on the new INEOS regime, having dallied over whether to dismiss Ten Hag in the summer; publicly undermined the Dutchman by sounding out other managers; decided to extend his contract, before ultimately opting to sack the 54-year-old just nine games into the new Premier League season.

Parting ways with the former Ajax boss was, in the end, inevitable, however, with United having looked refreshed and revitalised during the 5-2 thrashing of Leicester City on Wednesday night.

That thumping win in the League Cup is set to be followed by the visit of Chelsea to the Theatre of Dreams later today, with Van Nistelrooy having a key decision to make with regard to who should start against the Blues.

The Man Utd star who must be dropped vs Chelsea

Ten Hag must have, metaphorically, been tearing his hair out had he kept a close eye on proceedings in Manchester in midweek from afar, with the Red Devils showcasing a ruthless and clinical nature in front of goal that had been distinctly lacking in the early knockings of the season.

Yes, the opposition – like with the 7-0 win over League One side Barnsley – must be factored into the equation, but it was almost comical how the hosts when front from missing chance after chance at the London Stadium, to Casemiro then curling one in off the crossbar in pinpoint fashion against the Foxes.

The Reds were in rampant mood after surging into a 4-2 lead at the break, although one man who was largely a bystander to proceedings was Joshua Zirkzee, with the £36.5m summer signing still waiting to add his debut goal against Fulham.

Described as looking “nowhere near United level” by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, the 23-year-old did provide assists against both Fenerbahce and West Ham, although neither was particularly spectacular in truth.

It is still early days, but the striker’s seemingly casual style appears at odds with the rigours of the Premier League, while against Leicester, he failed to win a single duel and lost the ball 13 times from just 34 touches.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Again, perhaps patience is required, but if you can’t get up for it when backed up by a Dutch striking legend like Van Nistelrooy, what hope do you have?

With that in mind, it could be time to return Rasmus Hojlund to the starting lineup today.

How Rasmus Hojlund can terrorise Chelsea

The Danish marksman was a late substitute in midweek, having endured a quiet display of his own away to the Hammers at the weekend as he was largely starved of service on the day, restricted to just two shots on goal.

As was seen against Brentford, however – where the 21-year-old delightfully dinked the ball over the onrushing Mark Flekken – he can be ruthless in front of goal if given the opportunity, having ended last season as the club’s top scorer.

Injury has played its part in a return of only two goals this time around, but the former Atalanta man has looked impressive with regard to his improved hold-up play and physicality, with pundit Jamie Carragher suggesting that he is now “starting to look a player”.

Standing at 6 foot 4, and with pace and power to boot, Hojlund is seemingly the perfect centre-forward for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, with the hope that he can replicate the work of fellow Scandinavian star, Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 63 goals in just 66 games under the Portuguese coach at Sporting.

The 6 foot 2 Swede possesses that knack for tearing away from defences, prior to demonstrating real composure in front of goal – as shown below – with the hope being that Amorim can turn Hojlund into a similar sort of goalscoring “monster”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

In the short term, however, all eyes will be on Chelsea, with the youngster – who has been hailed as “so quick” by former boss Gian Piero Gasperini – able to utilise his explosive pace to terrorise the Blues’ backline.

The Stamford Bridge side boast frightening firepower with the likes of Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson et al, but defensively, they do appear to be lacking, with William Gallas describing their defensive line as “completely amateur”, following the 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

As indicated in the clash with Liverpool – in which Tosin escaped a red card for dragging down Diogo Jota – there is space in behind Enzo Maresca’s backline for a speedy striker to exploit, something that could play right into the hands of Hojlund.

Of course, it will be Van Nistelrooy calling the shots for the next week or so, but make no mistake, Amorim will surely be watching.

Hojlund, like the rest of his teammates, are no doubt now playing for their futures – a big performance is needed against an in-form Chelsea side…

No Rashford, Fernandes gets new role: Man Utd's dream XI under Amorim

Manchester United could be set for an exciting period under the new potential boss.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2024

The looming January transfer window represents a golden chance for West Ham United to upgrade under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui’s options, if the Spaniard is still in charge by then, but players could also use it as an escape route.

Lopetegui walking tightrope at West Ham with sacking possible

The Hammers board had much brighter hopes for Lopetegui, especially after technical director Tim Steidten splashed over £120 million on new signings, but West Ham have instead failed to impress under the 58-year-old.

What "close sources at West Ham" are saying about Lopetegui being sacked

The Spaniard faces increasing pressure in east London.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 15, 2024

West Ham’s total of three wins from their opening 11 games just hasn’t been good enough after the departure of successful boss David Moyes, with Lopetegui heavily criticised over these last few weeks.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

Members of the media claim they’ve gone backwards under the ex-Spain boss. West Ham failed to beat fellow strugglers Everton in their last game, drawing 0-0 in a lacklustre stalemate, with Steidten and co apparently eyeing alternatives to Lopetegui right now.

His cause hasn’t exactly been helped by the form and availability of some key players. Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler are just two under-performing West Ham players right now, while summer signing Niclas Füllkrug is currently plagued with an achilles tendon injury.

The problem has kept him sidelined since September, and the German striker has been unable to justify his £27 million price tag, or replicate the kind of form which saw him rack up 16 goals in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund last season.

Fullkrug unsettled at West Ham and could leave in January

On a reported £100,000-per-week in east London, the 31-year-old is yet to get off the mark due to his lack of fitness, and reports have claimed West Ham could cut their losses on Fullkrug in January. Now, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh has an update on this situation.

It is believed Fullkrug is unsettled at West Ham, and these next few weeks will be crucial in determining his immediate future.

“He hasn’t settled in the UK,” said an inside source, speaking to C&H. “Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks.”

Ipswich Town secured their return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years last season and spent all summer ensuring they were ready.

The Tractor Boys spent a whopping £124m on securing the best players possible ahead of their long-awaited return, which made them the seventh-highest spenders in the league.

While that is an eye-watering sum of money, especially for a newly promoted side, it would be fair to say they spent it well.

1

Liverpool (H)

2-0 Loss

2

Manchester City (A)

4-1 Loss

3

Fulham (H)

1-1 Draw

4

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

0-0 Draw

5

Southampton (A)

1-1 Draw

6

Aston Villa (H)

2-2 Draw

7

West Ham United (A)

4-1 Loss

8

Everton (H)

2-0 Loss

9

Brentford (A)

4-3 Loss

10

Leicester City (H)

1-1 Draw

11

Tottenham Hotspur (A)

2-1 Win

The likes of Liam Delap, Dara O’Shea, Sammie Szmodics and Jacob Greaves have all made a tangible impact on the team, while the £20m purchase of Omari Hutchinson could prove to be a masterstroke in the coming years.

However, as with all teams, there are still areas that could be improved upon, so with the January transfer window right around the corner, Ipswich have another chance to strengthen their side, although given their outlay in the summer, we can’t see them spending too much.

With that said, here’s what McKenna’s dream lineup could look like come February 1st with just £26m spent.

1 GK – Arijanet Muric

Starting between the sticks and, unsurprisingly, it’s summer signing Arijanet Muric.

The £15m man hasn’t been faultless in goal so far this season, but he’s shown real quality here and there and, in the process, done enough to firmly establish himself as first choice.

2 RB – Axel Tuanzebe

At right-back, it’s former Manchester United prospect Axel Tuanzebe, who, when fit, has been one of the first names on the teamsheet.

However, following a bizarre injury at home last month that saw him almost lose a thumb, the 27-year-old has been out of action, although it seems likely that he’ll be back in the new year.

3 CB – Jacob Greaves

The second summer signing on the list and the second player currently out injured is centre-back Jacob Greaves.

The Englishman joined the Tractor Boys from Hull City in July and, before being sidelined with a muscle issue, made seven Premier League starts, of which four were draws.

4 CB – Dara O'Shea

Starting alongside the former Tigers ace is Irish international and the second former Burnley star in the team, Dara O’Shea.

The 25-year-old moved to Portman Road for £15M in August, and since then, he’s started nine games and generally looked right at home.

5 LB – Leif Davis

We’ve reached the final defender in the team, and he’s undoubtedly the most exciting of them all: Leif Davis.

Ipswich paid Leeds United £1m for the Newcastle-born “animal”, as dubbed by former manager Scott Parker, in 2022, and to say they underpaid would be a colossal understatement.

Appearances

46

44

11

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.27

In all, the 24-year-old has scored six goals and provided 37 assists in 101 appearances for the club, which equates to an average of a goal involvement every 2.34 games, which is remarkable for a full-back.

6 CM – Jens Cajuste

The first name in midfield is Jen Cajuste, who joined the club on a loan with an option to buy from Italian giants Napoli.

However, if his performance against Tottenham Hotspur is anything to go by, for which he received an 8/10 match rating from the East Anglian Daily Times’ Alex Jones, we wouldn’t be surprised if that option was taken up.

7 CM – Wataru Endō

We’ve reached our first new face in the team, and while it might be construed as harsh, it comes at the expense of Kalvin Phillips.

A potential replacement for the Manchester City loanee, who was reportedly close to seeing his contract terminated earlier in the season, is Liverpool ace Wataru Endō, who was linked with Ipswich earlier this month for around £15m.

Shonan Bellmare

167

24

7

VfB Stuttgart

133

15

12

Urawa Reds

108

6

7

Japan

67

4

4

Liverpool

51

2

1

Sint-Truiden

31

2

2

The 31-year-old, who won the League Cup last season, is incredibly experienced, playing for teams in the Bundesliga, J League and Belgian top flight and winning 66 senior caps for the Japanese national team, of which he’s the captain.

Phillips might be showing signs of improvement at Portman Road, but question marks will remain due to the last couple of years, which cannot be said of Endō.

8 CAM – Omari Hutchinson

Despite making more appearances off the right than anywhere else last season, McKenna has seemingly changed his mind about Omari Hutchinson’s best position this year, as he’s played in attacking midfield more than anywhere else.

However, that may well be a good thing, as following a somewhat slow start to the campaign, the former Chelsea ace is starting to look back to his best and was particularly impressive against Spurs, earning himself a fully deserved 9/10 match rating from Jones.

9 RW – Tom Fellows

The second new addition to the team is West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows, who was supposedly touted with an £11m move to Portman Road in the summer, depending on where you get your news.

Regardless of whether the Tractor Boys were in for the Englishman in the summer, they should be in January, as he’s been sensational for the Baggies this season.

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

38

15

Goals

5

0

Assists

4

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.23

0.33

In just 15 appearances, the “explosive” wideman, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, has provided five assists, meaning he’s averaging one every three games.

Just think how much more effective Delap could be with a reliable creator to the right of him.

10 ST – Liam Delap

Speak of the devil; of course, the starting striker in February will be Delap.

The former Manchester City ace has been nothing short of incredible for McKenna’s side, as in just 11 league appearances, he’s scored six goals, provided one assist and generally scared the life out of defences up and down the country.

It’s early in his top-flight career, but we feel confident saying that in Delap, we are seeing a future superstar.

Raul Jimenez is undoubtedly one of the finest Wolverhampton Wanderers players in the Premier League era. The Mexican centre-forward was deadly for the Old Gold and is their all-time top goalscorer in the top flight since 1992 when the Premier League began with 41 goals.

In total, the one-time Benfica star scored 57 goals for the club in 166 games. His form was especially good before his terrible head injury against Arsenal which took him eight months to recover from. At his current club Fulham, he is beginning to look close to his best again.

The Midlands club have never really managed to replace him since his departure, and whilst Matheus Cunha has supplemented the number of goals he scored, he is more of a second striker.

That said, summer signing Jorgen Strand Larsen is someone who has been impressive this season in front of goal.

Strand Larsen’s season so far

Wolves brought Strand Larsen in from Celta Vigo in the summer, signing him on a loan deal with the obligation to buy if there are certain conditions met. He will cost the Old Gold £23m if he does make a permanent move.

So far, he has impressed in a Wolves shirt. The centre-forward has played 13 times for the club, scoring four goals and grabbing three assists. He has been fairly consistent so far. The longest he has gone this term without a goal involvement is two games. It has been a good start to life in the Midlands.

Equally, the Norweigan centre-forward is currently second on the list of most goal involvements for the Old Gold this season. Cunha is the only player with more, with a standout haul of ten goals and assists to his name already.

Player

Goals

Assists

G/A per game

Matheus Cunha

7

3

0.76

Jorgen Strand Larsen

4

3

0.53

Goncalo Guedes

4

1

0.45

Rayan Ait-Nouri

3

2

0.38

Mario Lemina

1

3

0.28

It will certainly be pleasing for Wolves fans to see their summer signing enjoying a good campaign so far. He is certainly stepping up now Jimenez has left the club, and they will be hoping he can continue his fine form into the festive period.

Strand Larsen’s form is encouraging, and there might well be another deadly striker at the club next season if one star who is out on loan can continue his form next season.

Wolves' in-form loan star

The player in question here is Fabio Silva. The Portuguese striker has not had an easy ride playing for the Old Gold but is enjoying life out on loan this season with La Liga side Las Palmas. He has four goals and one assist in ten games for the club so far.

Incredibly, the former Porto star is just one goal this season behind his entire tally for Wolves. He has scored five times and has six assists in 72 appearances. Given they paid £35.6m for him in 2020 as an 18-year-old, this is a disappointing return.

After several loan spells, it must be a relief for Silva to have found his best form in front of goal, and he has certainly reaped the rewards so far. The 22-year-old recently made his debut for the Portugal senior team, a 19-minute cameo against Croatia in the Nations League.

Manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for the Wolves striker in the days leading up to his debut. He called him “a different player” to the one Old Gold fans have seen, and the fact he gave him a senior bow shows the faith he has in him.

There is perhaps still hope at Wolves that their former teenage prodigy can come good. He is on par in terms of goals this season with Strand Larsen, and if he can translate that form over to the Premier League, they would have two talented young strikers on their books, and, finally, some genuine replacements for Jimenez.

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In what would be one of the most shocking moves of 2025, Manchester City have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of a Premier League title rival’s player in an attempt to land a Raheem Sterling repeat.

Man City transfer news

For the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut campaign, Manchester City are in need of a host of reinforcements. From an ageing backline to similar issues in midfield, the Premier League champions must turn towards the transfer window in 2025 if they want to prevent their recent blip from becoming a gradual fade away from the title picture.

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With that said, it’s no surprise that the Citizens have been linked with Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes in recent weeks. The Brazilian midfielder would be an instant upgrade on Ilkay Gundogan, whose return included plenty of sentiment, but ultimately failed to make the positive impact that City had hoped.

The German, now 34 years old, is past his best and among the players that City will need to replace when they get the opportunity to do so. And Guimaraes isn’t the only Premier League talent that they could turn to in terms of reinforcements.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have opened shock talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium when his current £180,000-a-week Liverpool contract expires in the summer.

To say that the move would shock the Premier League would be an understatement. Alexander-Arnold would likely have a strained relationship with Liverpool fans if he decided to move to Real Madrid, but a move to Man City would end that relationship entirely.

He wouldn’t be the first to swap Anfield for the Etihad, as a certain Raheem Sterling did the same in the summer of 2015, with City splashing out a reported £49m to sign the Liverpool winger, who went on to enjoy incredible success under Guardiola.

Despised by the Reds ever since, Sterling is a prime example of what Alexander-Arnold may have to prepare himself for if he completed such a move.

"Fantastic" Alexander-Arnold would reach new level under Guardiola

Throughout history, there are several examples of dream partnerships which the world of football never quite got to see play out on the pitch, with Steven Gerrard and Jurgen Klopp near the top of that list.

And by the end of his career, the world of football may well be left wondering just how Alexander-Arnold would have excelled under Guardiola unless he shocks the rest of English football this summer.

The England international is undoubtedly one of the best right-backs in Premier League history and we’ve already seen how the detail of Arne Slot’s tactical approach has created a new version of the Liverpool star.

So there’s no telling just how much Alexander-Arnold would evolve under the guidance of one of football’s greatest minds in Guardiola.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Liverpool manager Klopp last season, it feels unlikely that Alexander-Arnold would shatter Liverpool hearts to such a degree at this stage, but he certainly has a decision to make in the coming months.