Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why retirement remains some way off for him, with the Al-Nassr and Portugal star closing in on 900 career goals.
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A report from The Athletic this week has suggested that a West Ham exit for one "wonderful talent" appears inevitable as we approach January.
The Hammers squad contains a fair few members who are approaching the ends of their deals. Pablo Fornals, Angelo Ogbonna, Lukasz Fabianski, Ben Johnson, Conor Coventry and Ben Johnson are all leaving for free in 2024 as things stand, as their contracts currently expire next June.
"Leader" in talks to join West Ham as club president shares public defiance
There’s discussions ongoing behind-the-scenes.
By
Emilio Galantini
Dec 20, 2023
Fornals could leave West Ham as soon as January, according to a recent report by Claret & Hugh, while Cresswell appears unlikely to remain after falling behind in the pecking order to Emerson Palmieri.
Beyond players who are nearing the expiry of their contracts, there have been suggestions that Nayef Aguerd may depart West Ham amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Manager David Moyes is said to have sent his personal scouts to run the rule over Stuttgart defender Dan Axel-Zagadou as a potential replacement.
Meanwhile, Brazil international and Irons star Lucas Paqueta still has admiring glances from Premier League champions Man City. The midfielder was a target for City in the summer, and reports from Paqueta's homeland state that they remain interested in signing West Ham's star (Rafael Reis).
There is also the curious case of winger Said Benrahma, who hasn't quite mustered his best form in claret and blue this season. Moyes has started the Algerian on just four occasions in the league so far, and his latest performance against Liverpool in the EFL Cup left a lot to be desired.
Reports from the last few weeks claim West Ham are open to selling Benrahma next month as the club look to free up space and funds for Moyes' January transfer kitty.
Now, The Athletic has a small update on the 28-year-old and his future in east London.
West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas wrote that Benrahma's exit from West Ham looks "inevitable" next month, coming after a sub-par display in their 5-1 defeat at Anfield.
Moyes doesn't appear to favour the former Brentford star too much, as evident by the player's lack of consistent opportunities in the top flight.
Signed permanently for around £25 million in January 2021, Benrahma has gone on to make 152 appearances for West Ham in all competitions.
The winger has scored 24 goals and assisted 19 others in that time, but it appears he may well be approaching his final days at the London Stadium.
While Benrahma has become more of a peripheral figure of late, he can still contribute effectively when playing at his very best. Pundit and former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has previously called him a "wonderful talent".
“At the time I thought it was stupid because there was a young player everyone was raving about in the exact same position, and they sold him and brought in Benrahma and I’m thinking really," McAvennie told West Ham Zone in October.
“But he proved me wrong, he’s a great talent, a wonderful, wonderful talent. So it just shows you David Moyes knows what he’s doing.”
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a creative new attacker for Brendan Rodgers during the January transfer window, and a deal could cost around £2m.
Celtic January transfer plans
The Hoops were extremely busy over the summer, with a number of new players arriving on permanent transfers, whereas they still managed to make a profit after Jota's big-money exit to Saudi Arabia.
Celtic summer window signings
Fee
Gustaf Lagerbielke (IF Elfsborg)
£3m
Odin Thiago Holm (Valerenga)
£2.5m
Marco Tilio (Melbourne City)
£2m
Hyun-Jun Yang (Gangwon)
£2m
Hyeokkyu Kwon (Busan I-Park)
£1m
Maik Nawrocki (Legia Warsaw)
£4.3m
Tomoki Iwata (Yokohama F. Marinos)
Undisc.
All fees according to Sky Sports
However, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for plenty of the recent additions, with reports suggesting that Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei is attracting interest from Europe and his homeland, Yuki Kobayashi and Yosuke Ideguchi could go back to Japan, winger Marco Tilio is wanted back on loan by former club Melbourne City whereas, defender Gustaf Lagerbielke could also be on his way out.
Therefore, winter window signings could be on the agenda, and it is believed that Rodgers wants a striker, left winger and central midfielder this month, with Celtic potentially spending up to £10m.
Rodgers was recently asked about what can be expected this month in the market, to which he said:
“I don’t know. I’ll tell you once they’re announced, once they’re in. I’m relaxed but focused. I want quality. And that’s what we need to improve.”
One of those attacking arrivals could be a former Ajax and Bayern Munich prospect, according to a recent report.
Celtic eyeing Nicolas Kuhn
The Scottish Sun shared a Celtic transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming the Hoops and Rodgers are eyeing a move for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn. The report claims that a move to Parkhead could appeal to the player, who could cost around £2m, four times the amount Rapid Vienna paid for him 18 months ago.
It is also added in the story that data and scouting site Wyscout recently named him as one of the top 12 ‘chance creators’ in world football, so he appears to be an extremely bright attacking spark after becoming a regular in Austria.
Kuhn, a left-footed forward, is primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or as a centre-forward. The 24-year-old has now made 51 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists during that time. (Nicolas Kuhn stats – Transfermarkt)
Prior to his move to Vienna, Kuhn was praised by Bayern Munich campus manager Jochen Sauer, who said back in 2020:
“He is a technically strong, agile player who fits in well with us and has his share in the championship. We expect a lot from him in the future.”
He could therefore be an exciting addition for Rodgers and co as they hunt down another Scottish Premiership title, and going off the recent claim from Wyscout, Celtic could be getting themselves a creative star for around £2m.
Being a goalkeeper is football's hardest job, they are quite literally the last line of defence from stopping the ball settling in the back of the net. It's a largely thankless job, but every now and again, they pull of such a save that we can't help celebrate them.
10 times outfield players have gone in goal
From René Higuita's 1995 "scorpion kick" against England, to Gianluigi Buffon's 2006 World Cup final save, we at Football Fancast take a look at the top ten best saves of all time.
10 René Higuita Vs England, 1995
It was meant to be an inconsequential, run of the mill friendly against England in 1995, a match that might have faded into the void, René Higuita, the Colombian goalkeeper, transformed it into an unforgettable spectacle. Renowned as a trailblazer in the "sweeper-keeper" role, Higuita was celebrated for his unconventional and often eccentric style, capable of producing either extraordinary moments or potential risks for his team.
The defining moment occurred when England's Jamie Redknapp delivered a lackluster cross into the box. While a conventional goalkeeper might have opted for a routine catch, Higuita, true to his rebellious spirit, chose a different path. Leaping forward, he swung his legs behind him in mid-air, executing what would later be immortalized as the "scorpion kick," a spectacular and unorthodox maneuver to clear the ball.
This audacious display of goalkeeping prowess not only thwarted England's attack but also captured the imagination of the global media, forever etching Higuita's name in football folklore. The scorpion kick became a symbol of Higuita's bold and unconventional approach to his role, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the beautiful game.
9 Jan Oblak Vs Bayer Leverkusen, 2017
Atlético Madrid's Slovenian shot-stopper, Jan Oblak, has been one of the best in his position for the past decade. His exceptional skills were on full display during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 in 2017, solidifying his reputation as a goalkeeping maestro.
Facing Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg, Atlético Madrid aimed to secure their spot after winning the first leg. The pressure was on, and Oblak faced a relentless onslaught from the German team. In a remarkable sequence, he not only made one crucial save but astonishingly denied three successive shots.
The magnitude of Oblak's performance was evident when, after the ball went out of play, an exhausted Oblak collapsed to the ground. His teammates, recognizing the monumental effort he had put forth, offered their acknowledgment and appreciation. This memorable display not only helped Atlético Madrid advance but also cemented Jan Oblak's status as a goalkeeper of extraordinary skill and resilience on the grand stage of the Champions League.
8 Ben Amos Vs Shrewsbry Town, 2018
In a gripping moment during a match between Shrewsbury Town and Charlton, Stefan Payne of Shrewsbury seized an opportunity in the box, exhibiting a clever dummy shot to create space. This maneuver left Charlton's goalkeeper, Ben Amos, sprawling on the grass, seemingly vulnerable.
With an open net beckoning, Payne aimed to capitalize on the situation. However, in a feat of extraordinary reflexes, Amos, positioned with his back to the ball, defied the odds by springing up and miraculously blocking Payne's attempt.
The ball, deflected against the post, seemed destined to find the net, but Amos, undeterred, managed to thwart Payne's follow-up shot, showcasing a combination of agility and determination. Despite Amos's heroics, the outcome didn't favor Charlton, with Shrewsbury Town winning the game 1-0.
7 Jim Montgomery Vs Leeds United, 1973
Sunderland's triumph in the FA Cup final against Leeds is etched in the memory of Sunderland fans across the globe. Jim Montgomery's heroics playing a pivotal role in their 1-0 victory. In a crucial moment, Leeds' Cherry attempted a diving header from six yards out, only to be thwarted by Montgomery's remarkable save.
The rebound from Lorimer came swiftly, but Montgomery, displaying lightning-quick reflexes, was already on his feet to tip the shot onto the crossbar. The astonishing sequence left television commentators bewildered, having prematurely called a goal.
Montgomery's standout performance in denying two close-range attempts secured Sunderland's historic win and game him a special place in the club's history.
6 Iker Casillas Vs Sevilla, 2009
In a remarkable display of athleticism, Iker Casillas delivered one of the best saves in La Liga history during a match against Sevilla. The goal looked inevitable as the cross went in, but Casillas leaped like a salmon and stopped Diego Perotti from scoring.
Despite the outstanding stop against Perotti, Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat. Casillas, showcasing incredible agility, sprinted across the entire penalty box to thwart what seemed like a certain goal.
His acrobatic and timely intervention left spectators in awe. Although Real Madrid couldn't secure a victory, Casillas's remarkable save is proof enough that he hast to be considered as one of the greatest players to play between the sticks.
5 David Seaman Vs Sheffield United, 2003
Following the setback of conceding a memorable Ronaldinho free-kick at the 2002 World Cup, David Seaman faced skepticism about his ability to continue at the top level. However, a year later, Seaman silenced doubters and showcased his enduring skill.
In an FA Cup semi-final for Arsenal against Sheffield United, Seaman celebrated his 1000th senior appearance in football. With Arsenal holding a precarious one-nil lead, Sheffield United secured a corner, leading to a chaotic situation in the box.
As the ball found its way to Paul Peschisolido, presenting an open goal, an equalizer for The Blades seemed imminent. Yet, defying the odds and defying the hands of time, Seaman executed a spectacular backward dive, positioning his hand behind the ball, and astonishingly pawed it off the goal line. This remarkable save ensured Arsenal's progression and eventual triumph in the FA Cup that year.
4 Peter Schmeichel Vs Rapid Vienna, 1996
Peter Schmeichel is a 'keeper who could have been on this list about five times. Renowned for his numerous extraordinary saves, he left an indelible mark with one particularly stunning stop during a UEFA Champions League group match in 1996 while playing for Manchester United against Austria's Rapid Vienna.
The moment unfolded as a cross was expertly delivered for René Wagner, who leaped and connected powerfully with his head. The spectators erupted in cheers, anticipating a goal for Rapid Vienna. However, Schmeichel, displaying remarkable agility and reflexes, moved to his left and swiftly dove low to his right.
Against the odds, he summoned the strength to parry the ball high and wide, denying Rapid Vienna what seemed like a certain goal. Even before this, it was clear that Schmeichel was one of the best in the world. This was just a gentle reminder to those who may have thought less.
3 Gianluigi Buffon Vs France, 2006
In a pivotal moment during the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France, Gianluigi Buffon showed the world just what he could do, on the biggest stage of all. Facing a threatening cross delivered by Willy Sagnol, Buffon found himself confronted by the legendary Zinedine Zidane, who connected with a powerful and well-placed header (of the ball, not Marco Materazzi's chest).
In a split-second reaction, Buffon leaped acrobatically into the air, managing to tip the rocket header over the crossbar with remarkable agility and precision. This crucial save proved instrumental in Italy's victory, ultimately securing their triumph in the World Cup that year.
Buffon's exceptional performance throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed, and he received the deserved accolade of goalkeeper of the tournament. The 2006 World Cup final may be remembered for other things, but Italy wouldn't have been able to win it without the great man himself.
2 Grégory Coupet Vs Barcelona, 2001
In a memorable Champions League encounter against Barcelona in 2001, Lyon defender Caçapa found himself in a perilous situation after a misguided pass while attempting to thwart Rivaldo. His unintentional lob over Lyon's goalkeeper, Grégory Coupet, left the French shot-stopper facing a challenging dilemma, unsure if he could use his hands given the ball came from his teammate.
In a display of incredible reflexes and improvisation, Coupet swiftly retreated and launched himself towards the goal, making a desperate save with his head that redirected the ball against Lyon's own crossbar. The danger, however, was far from over as Rivaldo poised himself for the rebound. Coupet, demonstrating extraordinary agility and awareness, sprang into action once again, managing to block the subsequent header on the goal line.
This sequence of events showcased Coupet's quick thinking, adaptability, and resilience in the face of an unexpected and chaotic situation, ultimately preventing Barcelona from capitalising on Lyon's defensive mishap.
1 Gordon Banks Vs Brazil, 1970
In a defining moment labeled the "save of the century," England's legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks showcased his extraordinary abilities during the 1970 World Cup match against Brazil. With Jairzinho delivering a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box, the ball found its way to the head of Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Pelé executed a powerful header aimed at the bottom corner, initiating what seemed like a certain celebration as he believed he had secured the lead for Brazil. However, Banks had other plans. With almost superhuman agility, Banks dove across the goal, miraculously getting his hand behind the ball and redirecting it over the crossbar.
Despite his pivotal role in England's 1966 World Cup triumph, Banks himself acknowledged that this same would likely be his legacy.
Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign and are well within the race to land a Champions League spot for next season.
The Reds have won eight of their opening 12 top-flight matches and have only been on the losing side on one occasion, which was the controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that saw Luis Diaz have a goal incorrectly chalked off for offside.
Jurgen Klopp's side missed out on a top-four finish at the end of last term and they made a number of additions during the summer transfer window in an attempt to improve the squad.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister were all brought in on permanent deals to add to the manager's midfield options.
However, that has not deterred the club from looking at further signings in that position ahead of the January transfer window as they reportedly hold an interest in Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt.
The Mirror recently reported that Liverpool have held a long-term interest in the Germany international and that dates all the way back to 2017.
Klopp is said to be an admirer of the former Bayer Leverkusen ace, although it remains to be seen whether or not the club will make an official swoop for his services in January.
The report claimed that fellow Premier League teams Newcastle United and Arsenal are both keeping tabs on the talented whiz, who Dortmund are reluctant to lose ahead of the second half of the campaign.
There is no mention of how much the German giants would demand for his services. He has a contract that does not expire until the summer of 2026, which means that they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him.
Liverpool and Klopp could secure a brilliant signing if they are able to convince Dortmund to part ways with the talented gem, though, as he has been in phenomenal form in recent seasons.
The right-footed magician could be Dominik Szoboszlai 2.0 for the Reds as they could repeat their blinder of signing a wonderful Bundesliga attacking midfielder to bolster their squad.
He has been an excellent addition to Liverpool's squad since his move from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window and has hit the ground running in England.
Szoboszlai has contributed with one goal and two assists in 12 Premier League games so far during the 2023/24 campaign but has been unlucky not to have registered more assists.
The Hungary international has created four 'big chances' for his teammates and produced 2.3 key passes per game, which suggests that others have not made the most of the opportunities that he has provided them with.
Liverpool swooped for his services after a superb season with Leipzig in the Bundesliga last term. The 23-year-old phenom scored six goals and assisted eight, having created 14 'big chances' for his fellow attackers, in 31 league outings.
As you can see in the chart above, Szoboszlai ranked highly among his positional peers in the German top-flight as a progressive passer who created shooting opportunities with impressive regularity, whilst he also placed highly for his defensive contributions out of possession.
The German maestro has been in phenomenal form for Dortmund throughout the 2023/24 campaign and could provide Liverpool with an added spark at the top end of the pitch, despite being a central midfielder by trade.
Brandt has enjoyed a fantastic start to the Bundesliga season with four goals and four assists in 11 outings, which has included nine starts, so far.
He has been a consistent creative threat for his team with eight 'big chances' created along with 2.6 key passes per game across those 11 matches.
No Liverpool player has averaged more than Andy Robertson's 2.4 key passes per clash throughout the 2023/24 Premier League season, which provides an insight into what Brandt could offer Klopp's side.
|
Brandt vs Liverpool attacking midfielders this season (via WhoScored) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brandt |
Szoboszlai |
Cody Gakpo |
Luis Diaz |
Diogo Jota |
|
|
Appearances |
11 |
12 |
10 |
12 |
11 |
|
Goals |
4 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Assists |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The 27-year-old whiz has also showcased his quality in the Champions League with one goal and 3.7 key passes per game across three appearances in the competition this term.
In total, the midfield ace has racked up six goals and five assists in 16 matches in all competitions as he has displayed his ability to make a big impact in the final third on a regular basis.
His form this season has not been a flash in the pan, though, as Brandt also caught the eye with his impressive displays throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
The experienced dynamo, who ex-boss Peter Bosz lauded as “exceptional”, produced ten goals and nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund last term, whilst playing as an attacking midfielder or wide player.
His Bundesliga performances were particularly eye-catching as the technician found the back of the net nine times and provided his teammates with eight assists across 32 league matches.
He created 11 'big chances' for his fellow attackers and produced 2.3 key passes per game in that time, which shows that Brandt has been a consistent scorer and creator from midfield for Dortmund over the past 18 months or so.
Liverpool could, therefore, repeat the blinder they played when Szoboszlai was brought in as the reported target is another creative Bundesliga maestro who could come in and add quality to Klopp's array of midfield options.
Brandt has proven himself to be a terrific performer in Germany and his aforementioned statistics from this season suggest that he could be an outstanding creator for the Reds if the gem can translate those performances over to English football and follow in the former Leipzig star's footsteps.
It is now down to Klopp and the club to push for the signing of the £117k-per-week star and sneak in ahead of Newcastle and Arsenal to secure his signature, either in January or at the end of the season.
While most of the Premier League seem to be moving to or aspiring to build the next generic modern stadium, Chelsea have (for now) stood firm and held onto one of the essential pillars that makes them who they are: Stamford Bridge.
It is a ground that has seen the lowest of lows, the highest of highs and everything in between, and with new owners and a new boss at the helm this term, it sits ready to welcome in yet another era of exciting football.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has outlined everything you need to know about Chelsea's storied ground, from its history to how best to get there, all so you'll know everything there is to know ahead of your next trip.
Stamford Bridge history
It might not be the oldest football ground in the country, but Chelsea's Stamford Bridge certainly makes it onto that list, especially as it existed for 27 years before the Blues took up residency.
The ground opened for sporting events on April 27th, 1877, but for the first 27 years of its existence, the Bridge was used primarily as a venue for track and field events, with the London Athletic Club using the ground more than any other party.
The grounds were then sold to Henry Augustus Mears and JT Mears in 1904, who wanted to turn the area into a venue for football. With the sale completed, the brothers needed someone to design their new stadium, so they turned to renowned Scottish architect Archibald Leitch.
Leitch had designed several grounds up and down the country by then and would be the lead architect on Manchester United's Old Trafford just six years later. Upon completion, the ground was offered to Fulham FC, but the Cottagers declined, leading to the creation of Chelsea Football Club in March 1905.
It didn't take long for the Blues to start drawing a massive crowd, and the new-found popularity even led to the FA staging three FA Cup finals at the ground between 1920 and 1922.
Interestingly, Chelsea almost lost Stamford Bridge in the 1980s when a property developer bought the grounds while the club were in financial ruin. The fans battled for ten years to keep their stadium, and when the property market crashed in 1992, they were finally able to bring the stadium back into the club's hands.
Stamford Bridge has a storied history on and off the pitch, and it's easy to understand why fans would never want to leave.
Stamford Bridge capacity
Stamford Bridge sits right in the middle in terms of the capacity for Premier League stadiums, with its 40,173 capacity making it the ninth-biggest ground in the league.
While it doesn't quite crack the top five in the entire league, it comes in as the fourth-biggest in the capital, behind Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, West Ham's London Stadium and Spurs' Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Every Premier League stadium ranked by capacity
Football FanCast runs down all 20 stadiums in the Premier League by capacity.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2023
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
62,850
2019
London Stadium
62,500
2016
Emirates Stadium
60,704
2006
Stamford Bridge
40,173
1905
Selhurst Park
25,486
1924
How to get to Stamford Bridge By train
Getting the train is probably the best way to get to Stamford Bridge on a matchday; you won't have to worry about parking or traffic. Three stations are within walking distance of the ground – one Underground and two Overground:
Fulham Broadway (London Underground): Getting off here will leave you with a walk of approximately three minutes to get to the stadium. West Brompton (London Overground): West Brompton is around a 21-minute walk to the stadium. Imperial Wharf (London Overground): Around 18 minutes away from the stadium by foot.
Several bus routes will get you close to the stadium should you wish to avoid the train altogether. The 14, 211 and 414 bus routes all stop on Fulham Road.
Additionally, the club offers bike storage for supporters who wish to cycle to the game.
By car
Driving to Stamford Bridge on matchdays is not recommended, with even the club themselves advising against it. The stadium is in a residential area, so parking is limited at the best times, and affordable parking is nearly impossible to find ahead of a game.
If you absolutely have to drive to the game, you can try to book a space with the club ahead of time, but these spaces are incredibly popular, and therefore, it is incredibly difficult to get one.
You can try to use the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital car park, but this will cost £15, and it becomes jam-packed on matchdays, so even this might be unavailable.
Stamford Bridge away end
An away day at Stamford Bridge can be a great experience once you get into the ground.
The away section is located in the Shed End lower tier, and clubs are usually given an allocation of 3,000 tickets.
The number of fans combined with the compact section can help create a great atmosphere, and the lower elevation can lead to some brilliant scenes should your team score at that end.
There is a genuine charm about Stamford Bridge, and it is definitely worth an away day.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's job at Old Trafford is safe for now; however, rumours will continue to circulate regarding the Dutchman if results fail to improve at the club, according to one pundit.
This term, Manchester United have flattered to deceive and a culture of toxicity has bred its way into Old Trafford on and off the field, with off-field incidents involving Jadon Sancho and Antony alongside loanee Mason Greenwood creating mass hysteria away from the pitch.
Of course, the ongoing takeover saga at Man Utd has continued to destabilise the Premier League giants' progress in the transfer market. However, the Red Devils now look to finally be close to investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm Ineos following a long, drawn-out process, as per The Times.
Results-wise, United have lost five of their opening ten fixtures in the English top-flight and have lost the fear factor associated with away opposition pitching up at Old Trafford in years gone by. This was compounded on Sunday by Manchester City, who comfortably disposed of their rivals by a scoreline of 3-0 courtesy of a double from Erling Haaland and one from Phil Foden.
Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage laid into Manchester United's recruitment in the aftermath of the Red Devils' comprehensive defeat to Manchester City, saying: "You have got to look at the recruitment for Manchester United. Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Reguilon are three of your back four finishing the game for Manchester United against your rivals at Old Trafford."
In the Champions League, the Red Devils have won just one of their opening three group stage matches, in a dramatic yet unconvincing 1-0 victory over Copenhagen at Old Trafford last midweek; nevertheless, questions continue to reign regarding Ten Hag's ability to turn around the fortunes of his underperforming side.
|
Manchester United's summer recruitment |
||
|
Player |
Previous club |
Fee |
|
Mason Mount |
Chelsea |
£60 million |
|
Jonny Evans |
Leicester City |
Free transfer |
|
Sergio Reguilon |
Tottenham Hotspur |
Loan |
|
Altay Bayindir |
Fenerbache |
£4.3 million |
|
Andre Onana |
Inter Milan |
£47.2 million |
|
Sofyan Amrabat |
Fiorentina |
Loan |
|
Rasmus Hojlund |
Atalanta |
£72 million |
|
All fees courtesy of Sky Sports News |
||
Speaking to Football Insider, BBC pundit Alan Hutton has indicated that he doesn't believe that Ten Hag's immediate future is under threat, despite recent reports saying Ratcliffe and Man Utd could look at former Chelsea manager Graham Potter. Nevertheless, the former Scotland international insists that "whispers" over his future and potential replacements will persist if results don't improve at Old Trafford.
"You just have to look at what he did last season. It might not be amazing for all Man United fans and what they used to be doing in the past but it is where they are at this moment in time, they are building something from the ground up and that takes time.
"I think they have spent a lot of money and some of the signings have not worked out as yet but the whispers I am hearing always go around big clubs, especially when it is a takeover. Sometimes it is just rumours. If results take a drastic turn and they end up falling out the European spots then they might look to change it. He is not that long in the door so I think he will be given time but as we know at big clubs it can be difficult if you are not winning games. I think at this moment in time he is in an alright position."
Manchester United have no time to wallow or feel sorry for themselves, as Newcastle United await on Wednesday in the EFL Cup last 16 on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford.
The Carabao Cup was never going to be the main priority for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal this season.
Indeed, the Gunners have bigger fish to fry, namely the Premier League and, of course, their first entry into the Champions League for several years.
The north Londoners are currently unbeaten in league action but on the continental stage and now in the League Cup, they have been below par, excusing the thrashing of PSV.
In Lens, Arsenal dominated the ball in the early exchanges but conceded in front of a raucous home crowd, eventually losing the game after the going got tough. The same occurred at the London Stadium on Wednesday evening.
In the early phases of the game Arteta's side had over 60% of the ball but couldn't turn that into anything of note in the final third. An own goal from Ben White set the tone and from that moment onwards, Arsenal looked rather spooked. Apt on Halloween week.
A delightful second from Mohammed Kudus, coincidentally a man linked with Arsenal in the summer, put the tie out of reach before Jarrod Bowen's deflected effort sprawled past Aaron Ramsdale, a man visibly lacking confidence in east London.
A 3-1 defeat means Arsenal aren't in the hat for the quarter-finals and with it could go Ramsdale's career at the Emirates Stadium. Since David Raya displaced him between the sticks the EFL Cup is the only competition the England stopper has gained any minutes in.
Aaron Ramsdale's stats vs West Ham
This was a tremendous night for Ramsdale to prove himself to everyone. Arteta has clearly doubted his abilities, as too have several pundits. That said, the fans have stuck by a player who has provided the club with some memorable moments since signing.
There is a reason he was among the nominees for the best goalkeeper in the world at the recent Ballon d'Or awards. Think of that sprawling save to deny Mo Salah at Anfield last term, and then that point-blank stop to deny Ibrahima Konate from the resulting set-play. It was Ramsdale at his brilliant and mesmerising best.
That said, on the ball he leaves something to be desired, as does his ability to come and claim crosses. Both of those flaws were in evidence against the Hammers in midweek.
Saves
1
Accurate Passes
19/26 (73%)
Long Ball Success
1/8
Aerial Duels Won
100%
High Claims
0
Stats via Sofascore.
Ramsdale may well have won his one and only registered aerial battle in the game, but had he been stronger, the former Sheffield United no.1 may well have been able to do something about White's own goal.
That sounds harsh, however, particularly when you consider that had VAR been in play it may have been ruled out. Tomas Soucek had a hold of the Englishman's shirt which prevented him from getting to the near post to punch away.
Beyond that, he ended the game with a dismal long pass success, picking out just 1/8, a nice clipped ball into Kai Havertz. There is a feeling as well that Ramsdale may have done better for Bowen's strike.
A quick deflection off Jakub Kiwior didn't help the ex-Bournemouth star but his attempts to save the shot were bizarre to say the least.
In fairness, any 'keeper would have struggled to keep out all three of the goals on Wednesday but on a night where Ramsdale simply needed an easy night and a confidence-boosting win, he was the biggest loser from the club's Carabao nightmare.
The stats that show why Raya is better than Ramsdale
Much has been made about just how good Raya is in comparison to Ramsdale. With the naked eye, it is perhaps difficult to tell where the differences lie.
After all, the Brentford loanee hasn't been error or incident-free since arriving through the doors in the summer.
It was the Spaniard's stray pass that led to Lens' equaliser in the Champions League. It was his nervy playing out from the back that nearly sparked Gary Neville to pass out on commentary during Arsenal's win over Manchester City, and it was Raya's peculiar punch that nearly landed in his own net in Seville a week prior.
Goals Conceded
4 (0.7 per game)
4 (1 per game)
Saves per game
1.3
1.3
Saves made
8
5
Successful run-outs
100%
100%
Goals prevented (xG)
1.30
-1.84
Pass Success
79%
77%
Accurate long balls
44%
33%
Clean sheets
4
1
Stats via Sofascore.
However, when you look at the numbers, it's clear why Arteta has been hellbent on picking the loanee ahead of Ramsdale.
Despite that rough opening 45 minutes against City, Raya has been superb with the ball at his feet, completing 79% of his passes and 93% of his passes inside Arsenal's half. His competition, meanwhile, has completed a worrying 60% of his passes throughout his two EFL Cup outings, and 90% of his passes inside their own half.
More stark has been the Spanish 'keeper's ability in the air, winning ten high claims and 100% of his aerial duels to Ramsdale's two in the Premier League.
This didn't particularly feel like a defining moment for the club's season, but it may well do for Ramsdale.
A move towards the exit door looms for the £24m man, whose chances of any minutes now are surely over. It's a sad end for one of the most likeable and bubbly personalities Arsenal have had in recent memory.
Liverpool are keeping very close tabs on an exciting new central player, but a reliable journalist has revealed that they aren't the only club who are hoping to bring him to the Premier League.
Who are the youngest Liverpool players?
At Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has five squad members to have competed at first-team level who are all aged 20 or under, with the youngest being Ben Doak (17), followed by Stefan Bajcetic (18) and finally the trio of Harvey Elliot, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley at 20.
The Merseyside outfit tend to suffer a lot of misfortune when it comes to regular features picking up injuries, the latest being Andy Robertson, who has sustained a suspected shoulder problem whilst away on international duty with Scotland, but the boss has always been happy to give the up-and-coming talents an opportunity if they deserve it.
FSG appear to be working on recruiting even more stars in the making for the long-term future of the club, and have identified Schalke’s central midfielder Assan Ouedraogo as a potential candidate, with the 17-year-old having made nine senior appearances in the Bundesliga (Transfermarkt – Ouedraogo statistics).
Despite Germany’s youth international having four years remaining on his deal (Schalke contracts), Chelsea have already been credited with an interest in the teenager, but they won’t be the only club in the race for his signature if the following update is to be believed.
Assan Ouedraogo transfer update
Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg shared a transfer update on Assan Ouedraogo and name-checked Liverpool as the most interested potential suitor for the promising midfield prospect at Schalke.
He wrote: "Liverpool and especially Jurgen Klopp is monitoring the development of Assan Ouedraogo! The 17 y/o versatile midfielder from @s04 has a release clause in 2024. Clubs from abroad have to pay around €20m [£17m]. Next to #LFC more clubs from [England] are interested: Everton & Brighton!"
How good is Assan Ouedraogo?
According to football scout Jacek Kulig, Ouedraogo is a “talented” player and one that has a bright future ahead of him, and having already shown the standard of performance he’s capable of playing at, it would be a massive coup if he was to join Liverpool.
Likes to dribble
Likes to play short passes
Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)
The Mulheim native has racked up a remarkable 31 contributions (17 goals and 14 assists) in 45 appearances since the start of his career, and even if the ball doesn’t always hit the back of the net, he is constantly able to pose a threat to an opposition’s defence.
Ouedraogo currently ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons so he loves to use his athletic pace to dribble past his marker and create chances for himself and his fellow teammates in the final third (FBRef – Ouedraogo statistics), and his obvious high ceiliing makes this a no-brainer of a deal to pursue should the perfect opportunity present itself.
Glasgow Rangers are still in the hunt for a new permanent manager following the sacking of Michael Beale a few weeks ago due to a poor start to the campaign.
Across 14 matches, the Gers won only eight, and they failed to secure qualification to the Champions League group stages while suffering an underwhelming defeat to Celtic in the Premiership.
A 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen proved to be the final straw for the 43-year-old as the Light Blues slipped seven points adrift of their bitter rivals in the hunt for the title and the new manager has a massive task on his hands.
Who will be the next Rangers manager?
There have been numerous names linked with the vacant role since Beale lost his job earlier this month, yet the vast majority were never likely to make the cut.
The two clear frontrunners however are Kevin Muscat and Philippe Clement and journalist Chris Jack has provided a recent update on the position.
He said: “Rangers will continue discussions with Philippe Clement and Kevin Muscat into the weekend."
It looked as though the new man would be unveiled by the end of the week, yet the board are clearly taking their time over such an important decision.
Whoever it is, James Bisgrove needs to back the manager sufficiently and give him plenty of time to build up a rapport with the players while developing his own style of play and identity on the pitch.
Both managers in question have enjoyed success during their respective careers and would be interesting options to take the helm at the Glasgow side.
Clement has perhaps the slightly better CV however and this could put him at an advantage with regard to taking over from Beale and becoming the 19th permanent manager in Rangers history.
What would Philippe Clement bring to Rangers?
The 49-year-old has an extensive managerial career which has seen him secure three league titles in Belgium, claiming one with KRC Genk and two at Club Brugge.
Indeed, these titles were all won across three successive seasons and at both clubs, he averaged 1.96 points per game, an impressive total.
While Beale lacked any sort of tactical philosophy during his time at the Gers, Clement tends to operate with a 4-4-2 and likes to play attacking football, especially judging by how many goals his teams like to score.
Indeed, across 310 matches, Clement has seen his sides score 611 goals, which works out at 1.97 goals per game and the Ibrox faithful always enjoy watching attacking, fluent football.
Clubs Philippe Clement has managed
Games
Points per game
AS Monaco
73
1.73
Club Brugge
127
1.96
KRC Genk
82
1.96
Bevern
22
1.41
Stats via Transfermarkt
His last spell in charge of AS Monaco didn’t exactly end happily as he was sacked after only 18 months in charge, yet he lost just 21 of the 73 matches he managed, and he has been out of work ever since.
Clement has experience at the highest level having played for Belgium at the 1998 World Cup and his achievements show that he has what it takes to build a title-winning team.
If he took the role at Rangers, he may need to rethink a few areas of the squad and use the January transfer window as an opportunity to bring some new faces to Glasgow and defender Ronnie Edwards should be one of those names on his list.
Will Rangers sign anyone in January?
During the summer transfer window, the Ibrox side were keeping tabs on Edwards with regard to potentially making a move for the youngster in a bid to bolster their squad depth.
It wasn’t just Rangers who were keen however, with West Ham United and Crystal Palace also noticing his potential, yet nothing ever materialised, and he remains at Peterborough United, until January at least.
Barry Fry clearly spotted his potential from a young age and dubbed him a “Rolls-Royce” while also saying: “Ronnie is money in the bank for the club. He’s a certainty to have an outstanding career in the game, but there’s no better place, and no better manager than Darren Ferguson, to help him develop quickly.
"We want to thrive and prosper in the Championship so selling our better players is not an option.”
At just 20 years old, Edwards would be an investment, and he’d be an upgrade on Ben Davies too.
How good is Ronnie Edwards?
During his maiden season at Rangers, Davies didn’t really live up to his £4m price tag. The defender ranked fifth for accurate passes per game while also 16th for tackles, seventh for interceptions and third for clearances per game, failing to really showcase his true abilities.
He has only featured for the club six times this term and Edwards may prove to be an upgrade on the former Liverpool centre-back.
The youngster ranked first across the whole Peterborough squad for accurate passes per game last season while also finishing fourth for tackles and second for both interceptions and clearances, indicating that he had a much bigger impact in his team than Davies did for Rangers.
Of course, Edwards was playing at League One level while Davies was featuring in the Scottish top flight, yet the 5 foot 10 defender is clearly destined for the top of the game and Clement should be eyeing him up as his first major signing should he take the role.
The young talent has started all 12 of Peterborough’s league matches this term and continued his rich vein of form by helping his side keep five clean sheets while he has won 60% of his total duels, demonstrating his impressive physicality at such a young age.
These are attributes which would allow him to shine in Scotland, as he would clearly have no problems dealing with the physical nature of the game north of the border.
January isn’t that far away and with trophies still to play for, the new manager must be given the backing of the board to improve the squad during the winter window.
Edwards wouldn’t just be a good signing for now, but also a wonderful prospect for the future and the Gers must get in there before he is lured by the riches of the Premier League.