All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s been almost a year and a half since Ange Postecoglou was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Australian has undoubtedly had his issues in North London, but it would be fair to say he has successfully brought attacking football back to N17 after José Mourinho and Antonio Conte subjected fans to years of dire displays that were no more successful.

However, while the majority of fans were happy to see the back of the latter last year, he was at least responsible for a few successful signings, including one who’s now being compared to a £60m superstar.

Conte's other star signing

So, before we get to the player in question, let’s look at another of Conte’s best signings he made while at Spurs, Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish international joined the Lilywhites on an initial 18-month loan deal with an obligation to buy in January 2022, which was made permanent in the summer of 2023.

However, it was under the Italian manager that the incredible talent first made his way to North London, and while there have been a few issues along the way, it would be unfair to describe his time with the club as anything other than a roaring success.

In all, the former Juve gem has made 116 appearances for the club, in which he’s scored 17 goals and provided 26 assists, equating to a goal involvement every 2.69 games, and based on his form this season, we wouldn’t be surprised to see that average continue to improve.

We say that because, even though he has been an essential player throughout his time at the club, Postecoglou’s decision to move into midfield more regularly this year has seen him become practically undroppable.

For example, of his nine goal involvements this season, seven of them have come when he’s played in attacking or central midfield, and it was in the middle of the park that he became the first away player since the 03/04 season to create nine chances from open play at Old Trafford.

Overall, signing Kulusevski was undoubtedly one of the very best things Conte did while at Spurs.

However, signing another first-teamer, now being compared to one of the best in his position, was a close second.

Spurs' megastar in the making

So, the player in question is right-back Pedro Porro, who, like Kulusevski, initially joined Tottenham on a loan deal under Conte, only this time it was in January 2023, and the deal included an obligation to buy for £40m.

The Spaniard didn’t get much time to play with the former Chelsea boss, as he left that March, but he still enjoyed a reasonable first six months in London, making 17 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Fortunately, Postecoglou opted to keep the “titanic” defender, as dubbed by The Athletic’s former Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, in his team, and across all competitions last season the Don Benito-born dynamo made 37 appearances, in which he racked up a seriously impressive tally of four goals and seven assists.

It’s been more of the same this year as, in just 16 games, the 25-year-old has already scored twice and provided two assists, which is the sort of form that makes his comparison to the sensationally talented Trent Alexander Arnold, who has a career tally of 102 goal involvement, unsurprising.

Yes, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the most similar full-back to the Spaniard across the last 365 days.

Progressive Passes

5.54

5.19

Progressive Carries

2.85

2.21

Assists

0.08

0.10

Attempted Passes

63.8

64.1

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.00

1.73

Live Passes

52.3

50.9

Shot-Creating Actions

3.24

3.07

Successful Take-Ons

0.31

0.48

While their incredibly attacking ability is already a massive similarity between the pair, we can gain a better understanding of how FBref has reached its conclusion by examining the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as progressive passes and carries, assists, live and attempted passes and shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Now, seeing one of your starters compared to someone widely regarded as one of the best in their position is already reason enough for Spurs to celebrate, but it also suggests that the former Sporting ace could be worth a small fortune.

For example, according to FOTmob, the Liverpool star is currently worth around €72m, which is about £60m, and if Porro is the same age, playing a similar role, and producing incredibly similar underlying numbers, why shouldn’t he be worth just as much?

Ultimately, while Conte got a lot wrong during his time at Tottenham, signing the Spanish full-back was not one of them, and if the club are ever to sell him for a massive profit, they may owe him a thank-you.

Spurs wasted £38.6m on Mourinho dud who's earning more than Van de Ven

The talented defender’s move to Spurs has been a disaster.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2024

Sunderland are now without a win in their last six games in the Championship after a Friday night defeat to new league leaders Sheffield United.

The 1-0 loss that closed out a drab November for the Black Cats also meant that Regis Le Bris’ men had fired blanks in four out of six league contests in the harrowing month, as the strain of being near the top of the second tier pile continues to trouble the Wearside outfit.

Ultimately, the Frenchman will hope this is just a blip on the way to Sunderland rediscovering their best form down the line, as he attempts to get more out of his young squad across a hectic December.

The best of Sunderland's young team this season

Sunderland boasted the youngest average age of a lineup this season in the Championship, with the Black Cats XI that took to the field against Burnley at the end of August having an average age of just 22.7.

This approach of fielding up-and-coming youngsters paid off at the start of the campaign too, with the second-tier side’s only goal of the game against the Clarets coming courtesy of Romaine Mundle, as the 21-year-old went about breathing life back into his Sunderland playing days.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man has ended up being a shrewd replacement for Jack Clarke, with Mundle equally as tricky and slick for Le Bris’ men as their former star once was, having amassed four goals and two assists in the league before a recent injury setback.

Mundle has also been joined in midfield this season by Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham – who are only 17 and 19 years of age respectively – but are important parts of the jigsaw under the former Lorient boss’ guidance nonetheless.

That amazing back-heel finish is just one of three strikes Rigg has managed in Championship action, whilst Bellingham has two goals and one assist next to his name as another dangerous midfield presence.

Le Bris could be looking at what he has at his disposal in the U21 fold soon to try and uncover another young gem at the Stadium of Light, with a striker potentially the next in line for a senior opportunity.

Sunderland's next Maja is ready to be unleashed

Of course, unlike the examples above where Sunderland have managed to keep hold of the cream of the crop that come up the ranks, Josh Maja is one that left the Stadium of Light before he had fully blossomed.

The now 24-year-old departed Wearside in the summer of 2019 after an explosive vain of form saw him net 15 strikes during the 2018/19 season in League One from just 24 encounters, with his golden touch in front of goal not letting up this campaign for West Bromwich Albion.

Maja has ten strikes next to his name from 18 second-tier contests, with Wilson Isidor five goals off that total at the moment in league action as one of Sunderland’s main outlets.

Therefore, Le Bris might well want to experiment with his options up top and chuck 17-year-old Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi in at the deep end soon, hoping he can be the club’s goalscoring sensation from the academy, just like Maja.

U18s

25

9

U21s

16

7

Senior team

0

0

Appearing on the bench here and there under the Frenchman, his first-ever appearance in the senior fold might well come about shortly, with Samuel-Ogunsuyi helping himself to eight goals from his last seven games playing for both the U18s and the U21s.

With Maja also helping himself to seven goals for the U21s before being bumped up to the first team, that could be what comes next for the “super” youngster – as he was labelled by football talent scout Antonio Mango recently.

Sunderland wasted millions on big-money flop who now plays in Iran

Sunderland wasted a lot of money on this expensive dud.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 21, 2024

Leeds United are currently second in the Championship table after 20 matches following Sheffield United’s win over Millwall on Wednesday night.

The Whites are three points ahead of Burnley in third place and will be looking to maintain their position in the automatic promotion places over the months to come.

Daniel Farke’s side finished third in the division at the end of last season and, ultimately, lost 1-0 to Southampton at Wembley in the play-off final, which meant that they were unable to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The West Yorkshire outfit lost a number of their top players from the 2023/24 campaign after they failed to achieve promotion back to the top-flight, including Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, and Glen Kamara.

Those sales did, however, allow Leeds to dip into the market to strengthen their squad, with the likes of Largie Ramazani, Joe Rothwell, Ao Tanaka, and Joe Rodon.

One player who has had a mixed start to life at Elland Road since his move to the club in the summer transfer window, though, is winger Manor Solomon.

Manor Solomon's form for Leeds this season

The Israel international was brought in on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and there may have been a degree of expectation over his performances.

Solomon arrived as a 25-year-old attacker with experience in the top-flight with Spurs and Fulham, rather than coming in from a lower league or as a young player in one of their first loan spells, which meant that supporters – and the club – may have expected him to hit the ground running in the Championship.

His debut suggested that that was going to be the case. The loanee started on his debut against Hull in August and registered an assist with a brilliant run and cross for Mateo Joseph in the 2-0 win.

Since then, however, Solomon has produced two goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the second tier for Leeds, and both of those goals came in the 4-3 win over Swansea.

This means that the Spurs loanee has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 11 of his 13 appearances for the Whites since his move to Elland Road in the summer.

He has, to put it simply, not provided enough quality in the final third on a consistent basis and Leeds should consider sending him back to the Premier League side next month, as it could allow them to go and recruit a better option in that position.

In fact, the Whites have been linked with a potential move for a player who could come in and offer more than Solomon on the left flank in the second half of the season.

Leeds United linked with League One starlet

It was recently reported by TEAMtalk that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign Aston Villa forward Louie Barry next month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 21-year-old sensation is currently on loan with Stockport County in League One but the Villans are said to be weighing up their options with him ahead of the January window, as they feel that he could benefit from playing at a higher level than the third tier.

It was claimed that the Whites have joined the race to secure his signature and that they are keen to add him to their squad to help with his development over the coming months.

The outlet added that Villa have the option to recall him from his loan with Stockport in January and named Leeds and Middlesbrough as two of a number of Championship teams interested in landing his services.

This means that there could be fierce competition for Barry and that it will not be an easy deal for Farke’s side to get over the line when the January transfer window officially opens for business next month.

It is one that the German head coach should push the board to get done, though, as signing the Aston Villa youngster to bolster his squad could allow him to brutally bin Solomon ahead of the second half of the season.

Why Leeds should sign Louie Barry

Firstly, Leeds should sign Barry because he is a left-sided attacker who could provide the likes of Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto with competition on the left flank, which would mean that Solomon is not needed.

That would, in theory, allow the Whites to send the Israel international back to Tottenham, if such a clause exits in the deal, after his underwhelming start to his loan spell with the club.

Leeds should also swoop for the 21-year-old star because he is a promising young talent who has been in terrific form in League One for Stockport so far this season.

The former England youth international, who scored 23 goals in 30 matches for Villa at youth level, has racked up 15 goals in all competitions for the third tier outfit.

This comes after the Villa youngster, whose composure was once hailed as “incredible” by Declan Rice, produced nine goals and four assists in 20 matches for Stockport on loan in League Two during the 2023/24 campaign.

Appearances

19

13

Goals

14

2

Big chances created

4

2

Assists

1

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.6

1.4

As you can see in the table above, Barry has caught the eye with a whopping 18 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in just 19 League One appearances, whilst Solomon has only managed four in 13 Championship outings.

The Stockport loanee is a left winger who can dribble past opponents and cut inside onto his stronger right foot to cause havoc in the final third, which has resulted in plenty of big moments this season – as shown by his goalscoring output from the left flank.

Barry has yet to prove himself in the Championship but appears to be too good to be playing in the third tier and Leeds should offer him a chance to showcase his talent at a higher level, brutally binning Solomon in the process.

Leeds could sign a "ridiculous" £5m star to be their next Archie Gray

Leeds United have been linked with an interest in the talented teenage sensation.

1 ByDan Emery Dec 9, 2024

It just has not been Arsenal’s season this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side were handed a nightmare set of fixtures to kick off the Premier League campaign. Then, they had to deal with several suspensions, only for club captain Martin Odegaard to miss almost two months of football due to an injury picked up on international duty.

Once the Norwegian returned, the North Londoners looked back to their best, but back-to-back draws in the league against Fulham and Everton once again prevented the team from gaining any momentum.

Finally, to round it all off, the Gunners’ poster boy and undoubtedly most important player, Bukayo Saka, is now set to miss “many weeks” of action after suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on the weekend.

It would be fair to say that, at the moment, without their talismanic winger, Arsenal’s prospect of finally winning the title seems a million miles away.

However, the transfer window is set to open next month, and the club have already been linked with a player this year who could be the perfect solution to their current problem.

Arsenal's internal solutions

So, before we get to the player Arsenal could sign next month to solve the issue of Saka’s absence, it’s worth looking at the possible solutions within the squad, and for our money, two seem the most likely.

The first is what we saw following the Englishman’s substitution on Saturday: Gabriel Martinelli playing off the right.

The former Ituano gem hasn’t been at his best this season, but when playing off the opposite flank at Selhurst Park, he looked genuinely dangerous for the first time in a while and managed to put away the chance Gabriel Jesus missed in the second half.

However, as the 23-year-old is naturally right-footed, that could change how that side of the pitch operates, so another option Arteta could take is starting the left-footed Ethan Nwaneri there.

The 17-year-old is widely considered to be one of the most exciting prospects in the league at the moment, and while the manager would probably prefer to ease him into the side more carefully, this crisis could be the perfect opportunity for him to establish himself as an important player in the first team.

Moreover, while he has primarily played in midfield for the first team this season, he has some experience playing out wide from his time in the youth sides.

With all that said, neither of these options is ideal, so what the club could, and probably should, do instead is sign someone next month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

More specifically, they should sign a star they’ve already been linked to.

The star Arsenal should sign

So, to get straight to the point, the player Arsenal should be looking to sign next month is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The good news for fans is that the club have been consistently linked with the former Everton man since the summer.

However, it would likely be an expensive deal, as some reports suggest the Serie A side would demand around €70m for their man, which converts to about £58m.

Now, that is undoubtedly a lot of money to spend on a player in January, but based on his form for the Bergamo outfit over the last few years, it would be more than worth it.

For example, in just 45 appearances last season, the Nigerian international, whom former professional Nedum Onuoha dubbed “one of the hottest prospects in European football,” scored 17 goals – three of which came in the Europa League Final – and provided ten assists.

This season has been just as spectacular for the 27-year-old.

In just 20 appearances, he has already scored 12 goals and provided five assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.17 games.

Appearances

45

20

Goals

17

12

Assists

10

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.85

On top of being a lethal attacker, the Wandswaorth-born dynamo is also incredibly versatile.

Therefore, he could easily step into Saka’s role on the right while the Hale End icon is out injured and then provide competition for the entire frontline when he’s back.

Ultimately, while there is no perfect solution to losing your best player, signing Lookman next month would be about as close as Arsenal could get.

Arsenal target mega swoop for dream Jesus upgrade in £67m "machine"

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 23, 2024

Manchester City are ready to make a January move for a 21-year-old who is seen as a replacement for Kyle Walker, according to a new report.

Man City transfer news

It is now back-to-back wins for the Blues, as they sailed past West Ham United 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side still have a lot to do to have a chance of winning the Premier League, and with lots of work to do in the Champions League as well, it could mean City are busy in what remains of this transfer window.

Reports from "outstanding" star's country claiming he's signed for Man City

The Blues are wasting no time…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 4, 2025

Signing a new midfielder is likely to remain high on the list of priorities for the Premier League champions due to Rodri’s absence. It was reported last month that City are ready to go all out and sign Martin Zubimendi this month after holding internal talks about the midfielder. Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, but a move didn’t work out, and now City look keen to land the player but will have to trigger his £52 million release clause.

Meanwhile, it has been reported by an Egyptian outlet that Omar Marmoush may well be close to signing for Man City. The forward currently plays for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, but it is being reported that a deal has already been completed with City in which they agreed to pay £50 million.

Man City ready to make January move for 21 y/o defender

As the Blues continue to put their transfer plans in place, according to TBR Football, Man City are ready to make a move for Juventus defender Nicolo Savona this month.

The 21-year-old came through the academy at the Italian giants and this season has found himself a consistent fixture in the Juventus first-team squad. Savona, who is predominantly a right-back but can also play at centre-back, has started a combined 15 times in the league and Champions League this season.

Savona started for Juventus in their game against City, and now, according to TBR Football, the Blues are looking to make a move for the defender this month. The Blues are ready to part ways with Walker this year, as teams from Saudi Arabia continue to keep an eye on his situation.

Apps

16

Starts

11

Minutes per game

64

Goals

2

Big chances created

2

Clean sheets

2

Interceptions per game

0.4

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per 90

3.0

Clearances per 90

0.5

City have been looking at several potential replacements for the England defender, and Savona is one that has stood out to them and left them impressed. Scouts at City feel the Italian is ready-made for Guardiola’s system, as he can also play at centre-back. Savona is under contract until 2029, but Juventus’ resolve could be tested this month, as City eye reinforcements in defence. It is not clear how City value the defender or how much Juventus would want to part ways with Savona, but the Blues will hope the lure of Premier League football and working under Guardiola will help them get a deal over the line.

Newcastle United are now showing interest in signing “one of the best goalkeepers in the world”, according to reports from France.

Magpies keen on a goalkeeper

Although Nick Pope’s contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, Newcastle appear to be interested in signing a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old, and Burnley’s James Trafford is their priority target.

The 22-year-old’s impressive form in the Championship has caught the eye, although he is not the Magpies’ only target, having also shortlisted Wolfsburg’s Kamil Grabara as a potential option.

Signing a new goalkeeper may become even more of a priority if Martin Dubravka exits St. James’ Park, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, however, Eddie Howe has made it clear he wants the 35-year-old to stay.

"Excellent" Newcastle youngster to be allowed to leave Tyneside in January

He’s found minutes hard to come by at St. James’ Park.

ByBarney Lane Jan 13, 2025

Howe said: “I’m hopeful everything will die down and that he’s part of our future. We hope he may agree a new contract and stay.”

With Dubravka’s future far from certain, however, Newcastle continue to look at options from across Europe, and one goalkeeper who has attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs is Lille’s Lucas Chevalier.

French news outlet Sports Zone, relayed by Get Football News France has since gone on to state that Newcastle are “showing interest” in Chevalier, alongside the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Sports Zone indicate that a deal is more likely to happen in the summer than January, at which point a number of top clubs are set to battle it out for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Chevalier impressing in Ligue 1

The goalkeeper has enjoyed a very impressive first half of the season in Ligue 1, with former Newcastle man Remy Cabella describing him as “one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now.”

There is every sign the Frenchman could be a better addition to the squad than Grabara, given that he has outperformed the Pole on a number of key metrics over the past year.

Statistic per 90

Lucas Chevalier

Kamil Grabara

Goals against

1.05 (86th percentile)

1.89 (11th percentile)

Save percentage

76.6% (89th percentile)

65.3% (15th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

36.8% (84th percentile)

22.2% (42nd percentile)

However, Trafford has also been solid between the sticks for Burnley during that time period, and the Magpies have confidence that a deal to sign the Burnley keeper could be possible this month.

As such, with clubs from across Europe queuing up for Chevalier, it may be difficult to get a deal done this summer, and Newcastle may be better off pursuing a deal for Trafford.

Everton will be hoping David Moyes can work his magic once again in Merseyside and take the club from the bottom reaches of the Premier League table to the top half, perhaps even taking them into Europe again.

His first task at the Toffees will be to steer the club through the January transfer window, signing a couple of quality players who can make a difference in their relegation fight, while also moving on some deadwood.

The latter aspect is perhaps more pertinent. Moyes might not have a massive budget to work with unless players are moved on for transfer fees this month.

With several of the squad underperforming this term, the Scot could bring in some funds which will allow him to bolster his team across several areas.

According to TEAMtalk, the Friedkin Group are willing to back Moyes and the club are seeking to bring in a new winger and full-back to the club this month.

Two signings will certainly be welcomed, but recent news has emerged of a potential departure from Goodison Park.

It’s one that could potentially replicate Ademola Lookman’s exit with the player now shining in Italy.

Ademola Lookman's numbers since leaving Everton

Lookman scored just four goals in 48 appearances for the Toffees, although one did come against Manchester City during the 4-0 win during the 2016/17 campaign.

After no league goals in 2018/19, Lookman joined RB Leipzig for a fee in the region of £22.5m that summer and it looked like some good business by Everton.

He struggled over the next few years until making the move to Atalanta in 2022, but under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Nigeria international has gone from strength to strength.

He scored 15 goals and provided eight assists during his maiden season in Italy, before bumping these numbers up to 17 and ten during the following year.

It was the Europa League final last season which saw the continent turn heads, as Lookman scored a stunning treble which not only allowed Atalanta to claim the trophy but also ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.

Nine goals in 16 league games throughout 2024/25 have fired Atalanta to an unlikely title challenge and there is no doubt Lookman could be ready to take the next step by moving to a bigger side in the near future.

This sequence of events could well repeat itself in some way, shape or form if a big-name player leaves Goodison this month.

Big-name Everton player could leave in 2025

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has snubbed offers to extend his contract at Everton, meaning he is free to leave Goodison for nothing at the end of the current season.

With this in mind, the club reportedly could sell him during the winter window in order to pocket a fee for the striker, helping to fund Moyes’ ambitions.

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via GIVEMESPORT) Atalanta are reportedly in talks with Calvert-Lewin to bring the player to Serie A this month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Nixon states that a club representative from the Italian side was reportedly in Merseyside ready to secure a pre-contract deal.

Gasperini’s are in a title race and this may perhaps suggest that the manager could be tempted to bring the Englishman to Atalanta this month to bolster his attacking options.

Much will depend on just how keen Moyes will be on losing the striker, especially as he might need to find a replacement over the next couple of weeks.

If a decent offer comes in, however, it makes sense to take the money and run rather than losing Calvert-Lewin for nothing in just a few months, freeing up £100k-per-week in the process.

So, is selling him actually a good idea?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s season in numbers

It wasn’t so long ago that Calvert-Lewin was Everton’s talisman. Indeed, with the club fighting relegation towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the striker scored against Crystal Palace in the 3-2 comeback win which saw the Toffees maintain their status in the top flight.

Following the match, he was hailed as a “hero” by writer Adam Jones, producing arguably the most important goal of his career and it should have been the catalyst for him to kick on.

2023/24

38

8

3

2022/23

18

2

1

2021/22

18

5

2

2020/21

39

21

3

2019/20

41

15

1

2018/19

38

8

3

2017/18

44

8

5

2016/17

20

5

2

Despite this, injury issues persisted as the Englishman missed a total of 21 Premier League games the following season, managing to find the back of the net on just two occasions.

Things did improve last term, netting eight goals for the club as they managed to avoid relegation once again, but it appears his luck is out, especially considering how poor the striker has been throughout 2024/25.

While his injury problems appear to have cleared, Calvert-Lewin has scored just two Premier League goals in 2024/25.

Across these games, the Toffees frontman has a goal conversion percentage of just 5%, while averaging just 1.9 shots per game, creating one big chance while succeeding with only 35% of his dribble attempts.

While these statistics make for grim reading, comparing him to his fellow positional peers in the top flight proves exactly why Everton must sell him for a fee this month.

Calvert-Lewin ranks in the bottom 10% for non-penalty goals (0.13) and shot-creating actions (1.24) per 90, while even ranking in the bottom 50% for total shots (2.41) and successful take-ons (0.46) per 90 in the Premier League this season.

These numbers are poor indeed. Sean Dyche may have persisted with the centre-forward, but Moyes might not be so forgiven, especially if he can bring in a replacement between now and the end of the transfer window.

A move away from the pressure cooker environment of the Premier League might just be the best thing for Calver-Lewin.

If he does go on to shine in Serie A with Atalanta, then Moyes may have repeated the club’s error of selling Lookman far too hastily.

Judging by his numbers this season, the most logical thing to do is move him on. The next few weeks could be interesting indeed.

Everton's most expensive sales of all time

The Toffees have received some huge fees over the years.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

Manchester United are now preparing a fresh offer to sign a “special” wide player, as they look to have a busy end to the transfer window, according to a reliable journalist.

Man Utd transfer news

Given how the season has gone and how the Red Devils have played since Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, it is no surprise to see the Portuguese pushing the hierarchy to bring in at least one new player this month.

Man Utd willing to submit first offer to sign ex-Man City gem Amorim likes

He’s been on quite the journey since leaving City…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 23, 2025

In what was expected to be a quiet month for United, it could turn out to be a busy end to the transfer window, as a few players appear close to an exit while the Premier League side have their eye on one or two new arrivals. One player the club are keeping a close eye on is Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, as United look to strengthen the left wingback role.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that he is one option United are considering, as they have an €18 million (£15 million) buy-back clause in the agreement that saw him join Benfica in the summer.

As well as looking to strengthen in defence, United are keeping an eye on potential new attackers as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho continue to be linked with a move away. It has been reported that the Red Devils are willing to submit a significant offer to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid, perhaps depending on the futures of their current duo.

Man Utd preparing fresh offer for "special" wing-back

A new left wing-back is a priority for the Red Devils, and Carreras is not their only option, as Romano reports that Man United are preparing a new offer for Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu.

It was reported earlier this week that United had begun talks with Lecce over the signing of Dorgu. An offer worth €27m (£22.8m) plus add-ons was made, but it was turned down as it is short of what Lecce want for the defender. Romano now states that United are planning to make a new offer, and while they are not expected to reach the €40 million price tag, United will try to advance the deal.

The Italian goes on to add that Dorgu is keen on the move to Old Trafford and there would be no issues with agreeing personal terms. It is down to United now to agree a deal with Lecce for the youngster, who has been praised for his extreme physical prowess along with versatility and dribbling skills.

Apps

20

Starts

20

Goals

3

xG

3.19

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.9

Clean sheets

3

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

2.0

Balls recovered per game

4.7

Clearances per game

1.8

Dorgu has come in for praise in recent times, as he’s impressed his Denmark under-21 manager, Steffen Hojer, who called him special: “What’s special about him (Dorgu) is that he’s a quiet and calm guy, but things just come incredibly naturally to him on a football pitch.

“When he is put on the field, and it doesn’t matter which team, he just fits in, and he just makes an incredible number of good choices for such a young player.”

Liverpool begin February in a very healthy position. Arne Slot won’t be thinking about a quadruple, but if the Anfield side keeps on winning over the next few weeks, they will have an excellent chance of going the distance across all four competitions they have entered.

Immediate thoughts will be on the transfer window, however. With only two days left, Slot will be keen on signing at least one new player ahead of what could turn into a busy couple of months indeed.

Numerous players have been linked with a move to Merseyside since the start of January, but the manager hasn’t opened his chequebook as yet.

A fresh face or two could add some competition in certain positions, perhaps pushing players to perform even better than they are currently.

Liverpool transfer news

RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons has been linked with a move to Anfield recently. The German side would be open to a fee of up to €80m (£67m) in order for any club to pursue a move for the Dutchman, but it remains to be seen whether Slot will go after the youngster.

A more recent update on the club’s transfer business surrounds a potential move for a South American wonderkid.

According to Anfield Watch, the club’s Global Talent Scouting Manager, Kyle Woodbanks, travelled to Venezuela for the U20 Copa Sudamericana.

Scouts are keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Deinner Ordonez – who was playing for Ecuador against Brazil in the competition – and could pursue a move in the near future.

The 15-year-old came out of the Independiente Del Valle academy, which has produced players such as Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pancho.

Of course, Ordonez would certainly be a signing for the future given his tender years, but the centre-back is held in high regard among those who have watched and developed him.

With Virgil Van Dijk out of contract this summer, could the Ecuadorian defender be the perfect long-term heir to the Liverpool icon?

Virgil Van Dijk’s contract situation

Alongside Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are also out of contract this summer, yet the Dutchman appears to be the only one who is fully committed to remaining at the club next term.

According to journalist Paul Joyce, the defender is looking likely to stay at Anfield, saying: “He (Van Dijk) has made no secret that he wants to stay, and there appears a determination on his part to prove to Liverpool that, despite turning 34 this summer, he remains at the peak of his powers.

“There remains an expectation around Liverpool that Van Dijk will stay at the club he joined seven years ago and that he can uphold his exacting standards for a couple of more years at least. Life without him remains unthinkable.”

Tying him down sooner rather than later might well give the Reds a confidence boost.

Virgil Van Dijk’s season in numbers

The veteran continues to inspire his teammates as he chases more silverware this season.

He is yet to miss a Premier League game, shining as the Reds currently top the table and are in contention to win their 20th English domestic title.

Metric (per 90)

Premier League

Champions League

Accurate passes

70.3

77.3

Tackles

1.1

0.4

Total duels won

4.6

2.1

Possession lost

6.5

5

Balls recovered

3.5

3.1

The Dutchman has won a staggering 71% of his total duels contested in the top flight this term, along with losing possession just 6.5 times per match while being dribbled past only 0.3 times per game.

These figures prove that he still has the ability to perform at the highest level. By signing a new contract, Slot will be able to keep Van Dijk at Anfield for the next couple of years, allowing him to focus on other areas of the pitch which require upgrading first.

The 33-year-old won’t be around forever, meaning that sooner or later, the manager will have to dive into the market for a replacement. Given his impact at the club since joining seven years ago, this could be difficult.

Signing Ordonez could help in that regard. While he isn’t ready for first-team football at the very minute, moving to Liverpool and learning under Van Dijk over the next couple of years could allow him to develop into a worthwhile successor to the Dutchman.

Deinner Ordonez could be an ideal Van Dijk heir

During the recent U20 CONMEBOL Championships for Ecuador, the defender started all three games, playing against those who were two and three years older than him.

Transfer Focus

The youngster averaged one interception, 1.3 tackles and three clearances per game for his country, while also winning two aerial duels per game – an impressive 86% success rate – and there is no doubt the teenager has the potential to go to the very top indeed.

Analyst Ben Mattinson praised the defender during the Championships, saying: “Deinner Ordóñez is a freak talent, raw and needs a lot of work, but for his age he’s insane. The physical and technical foundations there are special.”

Furthermore, he even said that if given time to develop, Ordonez would turn out to be a “world-class CB” and surely Liverpool is the club which could provide the right development for someone of his age.

Slot must make a concrete move for the Ecuadorian sensation while he has the chance, as there will be plenty of other clubs circling around him before too long.

It might take three or four years for the Reds to see the fruits of their labour, but given the chance to train with the senior squad, alongside the likes of Van Dijk and Co, it could give the youngster the perfect platform to showcase his talents.

Van Dijk still has a couple of years left in him at this level, and he will be keen to finish his career off by winning another few trophies.

Planning for his successor must begin now. Ordonez may only be 15, but his potential is limitless. That is a certainty.

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Tottenham Hotspur have endured their fair share of frustration this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s ambitious project stunted by an unrelenting surge of injuries.

It’s left Spurs stranded in 14th place in the Premier League, with the poor and lasting form eradicating any hopes of qualifying for European competition next season through the top flight.

However, Postecoglou’s side are still in the FA Cup, meeting Aston Villa at Villa Park later today, and finished fourth in the league phase of the Europa League, bypassing the additional knockout round.

There’s hope yet that an exciting finish to the campaign could be forged from the scalding flames of recent months, with Son Heung-min captaining the side and eyeing a maiden piece of silverware.

The skipper is now 32 and has come under fire for some of his performances this term, but he’s still a major influence capable of driving the Lilywhites forward.

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In 2015, Tottenham signed Son from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £22m fee when he was 23 years old. The dynamic forward has since forged a fine career for himself in England, posting 172 goals and 92 assists across 440 appearances and being hailed for his “world-class” quality by Postecoglou last season.

Having taken the armband from the departed Harry Kane at the beginning of Ange’s tenure, Son has been the standout attacker, and even though he’s discernibly on the decline in regard to athleticism and energy this term, he’s still scored 10 goals and supplied 8 assists across 32 matches in all competitions.

Son’s still got enough in the tank to play a big part for his long-served side, but there’s no doubt that he’s struggling, and the recruitment to aid him on the left flank hasn’t been good enough.

Timo Werner is playing in his second successive loan spell at the club and was singled out for his lack of fight and determination by Postecoglou in December, with the Australian manager saying it was “not acceptable”.

Moreover, Wilson Odobert is dealing with a long-term injury after joining from Burnley for £25m last summer – the 20-year-old only featured three times in the league, failing to hit the target or create a big chance while also failing with 68% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Rewarded for his loyalty with a new contract in January, the veteran forward needs to be playing with a higher calibre of support, more energy and impetus. He can’t play twice a week to the same level anymore, and given that Spurs are struggling for players to compete with Son, our mind is cast back to Steven Bergwijn.

Spurs must rue losing Steven Bergwijn

Son is still a potent attacking force. Technically, the South Korean captain is still one of Postecoglou’s best players and his goal record reflects his value.

1

Brennan Johnson

32

12

2

Dominic Solanke

29

11

3

Son Heung-min

32

10

=4

James Maddison

31

9

=4

Dejan Kulusevski

38

9

However, his underlying energy has been diminished, with pundits such as Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp picking up on the changes.

With Son’s aforementioned positional peers struggling to impose themselves, Bergwijn’s particular approach could have gone down a treat in this Postecoglou system.

Plainly, Son is a victim of the system crashing this season and would have benefited greatly from a more stable, less injury-affected campaign, but instead, he’s toiling.

Bergwijn, 27, is now playing his third season since leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his energy and potency in front of goal would have been the perfect mix to lessen Son’s load and play off the left flank when he tires in Ange’s fast-paced team.

Tottenham signed Bergwijn from PSV Eindhoven for a fee in the region of £25m in January 2020, but the electric-paced winger only managed to score 8 goals across 83 matches for the north Londoners.

Embroiled in the thick of Antonio Conte’s downfall, Bergwijn was set up to fail.

Now playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Bergwijn has enjoyed a healthy return of seven goals and seven assists over 24 matches this season, though his athletic metrics further underscore the quality that Tottenham are missing on their left flank.

He has averaged 4.3 successful duels, 1.8 dribbles and 1.2 tackles per game in the league this term, as per Sofascore, perfectly illustrating the kind of robust style of play that would be so well suited to Postecoglou’s free-flowing and high-octane football.

Moreover, the 27-year-old has been hailed as a “big-game monster” in the past by journalist John Cross – something that Spurs could have done with, for example, at Anfield earlier this week, with Son branded with a 5/10 match score by Football.london’s Alasdair Gold after his performance, where he was singled out for his inability to get on the ball against Liverpool.

The saving grace is that Tottenham were able to recoup £26m for the failed signing, who fled back to the Dutch Eredivisie to sign with Ajax in July 2022.

However, given that Spurs turned their transfer cannon toward Richarlison, signing the Brazilian for a whopping £60m fee, it’s perhaps less satisfactory.

Ultimately, Bergwijn was “unlucky at Spurs” – a comment made by pundit and ex-Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson – and it’s quite possible that in different circumstances, perhaps under Postecoglou, he would have enjoyed far greater success in the Premier League.

He’s still firmly in his ostensible prime years, and thus, the likes of Daniel Levy must have some big regrets about letting him leave, for he could have been the perfect option to mitigate Son’s struggles at present.

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