All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea returned home from the Club World Cup as resounding champions, having downed the might of Paris St. Germain 3-0 in an unexpected demolition job in the final.

Already, brand new faces are settling in swimmingly, as seen in Joao Pedro firing home yet another goal in the pre-season tournament against Luis Enrique’s challengers to take his total out in America to a lethal three strikes from three games.

He could soon be joined by even more exciting talents in attack, as other targets up top are chased following on from the instant success of the ex-Brighton striker’s arrival.

Chelsea enter talks with £52m star

These attacking additions are unlikely to be more strikers, however, with £30m also splashed on Liam Delap to move from Ipswich Town to Chelsea, away from Pedro costing a far heftier £60m.

Instead, the big bucks might well be reserved for a fresh number ten presence, with the Blues allegedly now preparing to bid a wild £78m for Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers, who they deem as a number one priority.

After such a standout campaign in the Premier League with the Villans, which culminated in him collecting a mammoth 14 goals and 15 assists, this could well be viewed as a costly expense worth pursuing.

Yet, there are other options out there, away from boldly chasing the England international, who might be more viable, with a report from CaughtOffside revealing that the agents of RB Leipzig ace Xavi Simons are deep in discussion with Chelsea, alongside Arsenal and Tottenham, over a major £52m switch this summer.

For £26m less, Chelsea could well be about to land a talent that’s even more exciting than Rogers entering Enzo Maresca’s camp, with the Dutchman at the top of his game for some time now, away from offering up similarly electric numbers last season for his Bundesliga employers.

How Simons could be even more exciting than Rogers

The former Manchester City youngster might well have a slight upper hand over his Leipzig counterpart when solely viewing their side-by-side numbers from 2024/25, considering Simons lags behind with ten fewer goal contributions for Ole Werner’s men.

Yet, Rogers only really exploded into life last campaign at the very top after having to work his way up to the Premier League, with only four goal contributions tallied up in total for Villa during the 2023/24 season as he grew used to his challenging surroundings.

On the contrary, the Blues’ new £52m target has been a sublime performer in both the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie over many a season now, leading to outlandish shouts from one analyst that he is “one of the best number 10s in the world,”

The numbers don’t lie, either, with Simons tallying up a monumental 77 goals and assists across 124 appearances in both Germany and the Netherlands, with Rogers only on 23 goal contributions himself in the Premier League.

Staggeringly, he has also created 37 big chances off the back of the silky playmaker’s magic in these tough leagues, which will be music to the ears of the aforementioned Pedro.

Total shots

2.17

1.76

Shot-creating actions

4.71

3.05

Attempted passes

49.80

27.07

Pass completion %

78.1%

72.8%

Progressive passes

5.79

3.59

Progressive carries

3.51

3.20

Their respective FBref numbers over the last year also further validate the argument that the 22-year-old would be a far more thrilling talent to obtain than his English counterpart, as seen in Simons averaging more shots, more shot-creating actions, more progressive passes, and lots more over the last year per game.

Of course, Rogers does have the boost of knowing the Premier League’s rhythms on his side, but Simons has excelled in two taxing European environments already, meaning he shouldn’t be daunted by the step up to the English top-flight.

If anything, the “exceptional” Dutchman – as he’s been labelled in the past by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund – should be able to take this next step in his stride, as Maresca prays another sublime capture is soon to be clinched.

Better signing than Pedro: Chelsea make contact to land "gifted" £68m star

João Pedro certainly made quite the impression after arriving at Chelsea, scoring 3 goals in 2 games, but could the Blues sign an even better PL star?

2 Jul 20, 2025

Chelsea are in advancing talks to sign RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but according to a new report, they’re also speaking with another winger as BlueCo keep their options open.

Burnley make approach to sign £200k-a-week Chelsea player, he "will leave"

The Clarets are determined to retain their Premier League status.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 25, 2025

Enzo Maresca and his squad are due back at Cobham for the week commencing August 4, and they have precious little time to prepare for the new season, given they take on Crystal Palace in their first Premier League game just 13 days later.

In the meantime, Chelsea are working to back Maresca with much-needed reinforcements to his squad, especially in the attacking third.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

The west Londoners struggled against sides in the low-block last season, which is a key reason why Maresca has identified Chelsea’s forward line as the main area of improvement before transfer deadline day on September 1 (Simon Phillips).

They’ve already sealed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro this summer for a combined fee of around £145 million, but Maresca is rumoured to want another major attacking signing to give his side the best possible chance of challenging for the title next season.

Amid their advanced talks for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who has already agreed personal terms, Chelsea are actively working towards signing Simons.

There are even some reports that a deal for the Netherlands international is actually even further along than the likes of Fabrizio Romano are reporting (Simon Phillips), but until he’s signed on the dotted line, anything can happen.

“The last our sources heard on Simons to Chelsea was that it was very close but had some final details to sort out,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

“As I said yesterday, I’ll be shocked if this doesn’t get done now, but it doesn’t mean it 100% does get done. I’ve been in this industry now long enough to know that a deal is never done until you see the player holding the shirt or a club announces it! So don’t get excited yet.”

Chelsea still speaking to Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho

Taking this into account, journalist Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that Chelsea are still talking to Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and his representatives.

The Argentine, who can play both on the left and in central attacking midfield like Simons, bagged 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season. United want to sell, as is common knowledge at this point, so much so that they’ve now slashed his price tag from £70 million to around £40 million.

Following consistent links to the 21-year-old, Bailey reports that Chelsea remain in dialogue with Garnacho despite their fast-progressing negotiations with Leipzig. They also remain big fans of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who would actually be their first-choice, so it appears Chelsea are still open to different scenarios if they cannot strike a deal for Simons.

Garnacho, in terms of being an excellent alternative to the 22-year-old, could really fit the bill, with Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand branding him the “real deal”. As well as his excelling reputation, the South American also boasts proven Premier League experience.

Thomas Frank will be the latest Tottenham Hotspur boss tasked with the responsibility of making the club Premier League title challengers in 2025/26, after taking the reins following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

Whilst only being in the role for a matter of weeks, he’s already seen the challenges he faces in the role, with the Dane already embroiled in a saga over the addition of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

A deal for his signature appeared to all be in order, after the Lilywhites decided to pull the trigger and activate the £60m release clause within his deal at the City Ground.

However, this is Spurs we’re talking about, and nothing ever comes easy – resulting in a missed opportunity after the player remarkably signed a new deal, in a move spearheaded by Reds’ owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Being unable to land the star will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the hierarchy’s mouth, but ultimately, the show goes on, with other targets now being considered to help strengthen the squad this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In an attempt to forget about the failed move for Gibbs-White, the Spurs board have since turned their attention to a potential deal for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites have made an approach to the 22-year-old’s representatives over a move to North London, with Arne Slot’s side demanding £40m for his signature.

However, he’s not the only Englishman currently on their radar, with want-away Manchester City star Jack Grealish another name being considered, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that enquiries have already been made for the 29-year-old forward, who joined Pep Guardiola’s side for a then-English record £100m back in the summer of 2021.

The article also goes on to state that the player himself would be keen on a move to North London this summer, subsequently leading West Ham United in the race for his signature.

A move could cost £40m if previous reports are to be believed.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White

Given the addition of Mohammed Kudus already this summer, along with the offer for Gibbs-White, it’s evident the Spurs hierarchy are targeting Premier League-proven options for Frank’s side.

The Englishman has been key in Forest’s remarkable rise in England’s top-flight, notching 15 combined goals and assists last season, subsequently securing European football for the first time in 30 years.

Such a season saw him make his senior England international debut, making £60m an excellent deal had they managed to get it over the line before Marinakis’ intervention.

However, the Premier League is a ruthless division, with other sides able to completely bypass you if you rest on your laurels – something which the Lilywhites aren’t currently guilty of.

Their disappointment will be undeniable, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if they manage to pull off a deal for Grealish in the coming months.

There’s no denying his move to the Etihad has halted his progression; only starting seven league outings last season after falling down Guardiola’s pecking order.

However, he managed to outperform Gibbs-White in multiple key areas last season, handing Frank a proven winner and arguably a better option given his trophy collection and experience in major European competitions.

Games played

20

34

Goals & assists

2

15

Progressive carries

8.6

2.2

Progressive passes

6.5

5.2

Pass accuracy

88%

78%

Key passes made

3.1

1.6

Take-on success

45%

40%

Carries into opposition box

5.8

0.4

Crosses completed

2.5

1.4

Grealish, who has previously been dubbed a “monster” by Joe Cole, showcased his excellent ball-carrying ability last campaign, completing more progressive carries, with the vast majority being into the opposition’s box.

Such figures would massively bolster Frank’s side, as would the 29-year-old’s tally of key passes per 90, bettering Gibbs-White in such a department, able to provide a creative threat off the left or in central areas.

He also has the end product at the end of his mazy runs with the ball, completing more crosses per 90, having the talent to provide others in forward areas to improve their own goalscoring tallies.

It’s unclear whether a move for Grealish would be a temporary or permanent one this summer, but they could massively take advantage of his lack of game time with the Citizens.

The former Villa star has showcased he’s still capable of outperforming a £60m star despite his lack of action, potentially playing a huge role in any success endured during the Frank era.

Their very own Rodrygo: Spurs preparing £28m bid to sign "Messi-esque" star

Tottenham Hotspur could forget about Rodrygo with a move for another young star.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 30, 2025

Arsenal now “want to move very quickly” to sign a “special” Tottenham Hotspur target, and talks with his camp are currently ongoing, journalist Sebastien Vidal has revealed.

Gunners step up pursuit of new attacker after Lookman blow

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman handed in a transfer request earlier in the window, which could’ve paved the way for a move to the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners have recently been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the London-born forward.

Consequently, Mikel Arteta’s side will have to move on to alternative options, and they remain interested in signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing they are “waiting for a signal” from the Brazilian forward.

Tottenham are also in the race for the 24-year-old, with it recently being revealed that Thomas Frank has also approved a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, which could be a concern for Arsenal, who are also well-known to be interested.

In fact, the Gunners have now agreed a £55m fee with Crystal Palace, with the deal edging closer to completion, although there are still a few issues to sort out, such as the structure of the installments.

As such, the door could still be open for Spurs to make a late move, which is why Arteta’s side “want to move very quickly” to sign Eze, according to a recent update from Vidal on X.

Tottenham now discuss signing "genius" £25m attacker who's keen on PL move

Spurs have now held talks over the signing of an attacking midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Aug 11, 2025

The journalist states that Arsenal representatives were sent to the Community Shield final against Liverpool, in order to “maintain contact” with the 27-year-old’s camp and “avoid any setbacks”.

Tottenham have also identified the Palace star as a “priority” target, but a deal may not be possible for either of the north London clubs until Crystal Palace secure a replacement.

"Special" Eze would surely favour move to Arsenal

While Spurs ultimately secured Champions League qualification via their Europa League triumph, they finished 17th in the Premier League last season, which is likely to be in the back of the attacking midfielder’s mind.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have been knocking on the door for the past three seasons, and having finally signed a top striker in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, this could be the year they end their long wait to win the Premier League title.

As such, the England international would surely favour a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, and barring any late hitches, it looks like the Gunners will get a deal done, which is exciting news, off the back of a very impressive 2024-25 campaign.

Lauded as “special” by members of the media, Eze is clearly now entering the prime of his career, and he could be a difference-maker for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

It’s set to be a massive season for Wolverhampton Wanderers this year.

Vitor Pereira took over a struggling relegation-threatened side from Gary O’Neil early last season and guided them to a 16th-place finish in the Premier League, 17 points away from the drop zone.

However, the next ten months could be even tougher for the Portuguese coach, as he’s already lost two of his best players in Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Fortunately, Jørgen Strand Larsen’s stay has now been made permanent, and if reports are to be believed, the club is closing in on a striker who could be the next version of the Norwegian.

Wolves target the next Strand Larsen

It would be fair to say that with Cunha and Ait-Nouri leaving for other Premier League sides, this summer has not exactly gone the way many Wolves fans were hoping it would.

Transfer Focus

However, it’s not been all doom and gloom on the transfer front, as Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez have both made their way to Molineux and produced a combined 28 goal involvements last year, which is the sort of output that could help Pereira keep his side in the top-flight.

Moreover, the Old Gold appear determined to bring in some more new faces before the window slams shut next month, including a young forward who could be the next Strand Larsen.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Wolves are very interested in David Datro Fofana.

In fact, the journalist has revealed that the West Midlands outfit have already approached Chelsea over the player and would be willing to pay £15m for his services, which could also be enough to seal the deal.

Now, there is undoubtedly a risk in signing a young player who hasn’t played that much football in recent seasons, but when he has played, he’s looked great, and on top of that, he shares some similarities with Strand Larsen.

Why Fofana could be the next Strand Larsen

It’s important to clarify that while we and many others believed Fofana to be an incredibly talented striker, he is three years younger than Strand Larsen, and therefore, it would be unfair to expect him to join Wolves this summer and instantly be as effective.

However, with that said, the two share some similarities, and there is no reason why the Ivorian couldn’t reach the level of the 25-year-old, or even surpass it, within a couple of seasons.

The first and most significant similarity between the pair is where they both started to make waves in senior football: Norway.

Before earning his move to Dutch side Groningen in September 2020, the Wolves star racked up a decent tally of nine goals and nine assists in 61 appearances for Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08.

Interestingly, the Ouragahio-born gem did even better than that during his time in the Nordic country, winning the league and cup while scoring 24 goals and providing eight assists in 65 appearances, totalling 3414 minutes.

Appearances

65

61

Minutes

3414′

3316′

Goals

24

9

Assists

8

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.49

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106.68′

184.22′

That means the 22-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 2.03, or every 106.68 for Molde FK, and helps justify talent scout Jacek Kulig’s bold claim that he was “one of the biggest jewels in Norway.”

Unfortunately, his move to Chelsea in January 2023 hasn’t worked out for him, and while he impressed on loan with Burnley two seasons ago, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 15 Premier League appearances, his subsequent loan move to Goztepe was ruined by injury.

With all of that said, it is clear that the “outstanding” forward, as dubbed by former Clarets boss Vincent Kompany, is an incredibly talented player, and in the right environment, if he can remain fit, there is no reason his career couldn’t follow the same path as Strand Larsen’s.

Therefore, Wolves should do what they can to bring Fofana in this summer, as even if he only scores a handful of goals this season, that could be the difference between survival and relegation.

Matheus Cunha heir: Wolves plot late swoop for "generational" £20m star

The tremendously exciting talent could become as crucial to Wolves as Cunha was.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 13, 2025

As the Alejandro Garnacho saga stumbles on, Manchester United have now reportedly enquired about signing a Chelsea midfielder as part of the Argentine’s transfer.

Latest on Chelsea's Garnacho move

With less than two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, Chelsea are yet to complete their deal to sign Garnacho. The young winger hasn’t returned to Ruben Amorim’s plans in the meantime, either, and could find himself at the worst-possible crossroads if those at Stamford Bridge don’t step things up.

There seems to be plenty of faith that a move will take place before the deadline, however, given that Garnacho reportedly turned down an approach from Bayern Munich this month and only has his sights set on West London.

Those at Old Trafford won’t simply sell their unwanted stars at any price, though, and Amorim reiterated that stance when asked about the likes of Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho earlier this summer – telling reporters: “We are just allowing these players to think and decide. If they reach a point where they will have to join the team, they will join because they are our players.

“I know for a fact Omar (Barrada, CEO) and Jason (Wilcox, director of football) and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. I understand other clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise.”

With that said, what could certainly help move Chelsea’s move along is the chance for Manchester United to get something in return to solve a problem of their own this month.

Man Utd enquire about signing Andrey Santos

According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Manchester United have now enquired about signing Andrey Santos as part of a Garnacho swap deal with Chelsea this summer. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Stasbourg, where he impressed many, and has now been thrown straight into Enzo Maresca’s squad.

INEOS now holding "discussions" about signing "complete" midfield target for Man Utd

The Red Devils are still seeking reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 22, 2025

As things stand, the Blues have reportedly told United that Santos is not for sale, but whether they change that stance as the deadline approaches and they become desperate to sign Garnacho remains to be seen.

As for United, it’s no shock that they’ve singled Santos out as the player they’d like in a swap deal. The Manchester club have just been priced out of a move for Carlos Baleba by Brighton & Hove Albion and Santos represents the type of player that could fill the same void as the Cameroon star.

Described as “dominant” by scout Jacek Kulig recently, the Brazilian would be an excellent addition to United’s midfield.

Ipswich Town’s deal for a young Premier League talent has been completed, but manager Kieran McKenna’s plan for the player does not involve first-team minutes this season.

McKenna trying to remain positive after draw

It hasn’t been an ideal return to the Championship for the Tractor Boys, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Derby County leaving them 20th in the league table.

Despite this, McKenna till tried to find positives after the game, saying he could see signs of improvement compared to the opening weeks of the campaign.

“We’ve been through a lot today and the supporters have been through a lot. There was a really good performance out there. You can see the growth in the team. You can see the direction of travel. You can see players coming in now having a big impact and the potential for us to really push on.

“But you can also see the challenges of the division and how hard people are going to make it for us. How we’re probably not up to full speed yet to do it for 90 minutes. How we probably don’t have the full consistency and the confidence in the group to really stay strong in that moment when it went against us with the first goal and we really did lose our way.”

Some late-summer business for Ipswich could help aid their quest to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, but while they are set to seal an exciting new arrival, this one will not boost their promotion hopes this term.

McKenna's plan for Luca Fletcher revealed

As first reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City attacker Luca Fletcher on loan for the rest of the season, with an obligation to snap him up permanently. However, Ben Jacobs has since revealed McKenna plans to use him in the youth team only this campaign.

Fletcher is admittedly a young player who is still raw, but he could prove to be such an exciting addition for Ipswich, initially shining in the youth team before making the grade at senior level. The 18-year-old striker bagged 20 goal contributions in just 46 appearances for City’s Under-18s, highlighting his prolific end product, and he is also a 12-cap England Under-17 international.

Bringing in talented homegrown youngsters is always something that should be encouraged at Ipswich, and with Fletcher’s path to the first team likely to be blocked at City, given their elite attacking talent, this could be a perfect move for him.

The clock is ticking and Celtic have minutes rather than hours to rescue their summer transfer window by landing the attacking reinforcements that they need.

Adam Idah was allowed to complete a permanent transfer to Swansea City earlier today, leaving Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny as the only ‘senior’ strikers in the building.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has turned down the chance to join the Hoops in order to sign for English side Charlton Athletic in the Championship on loan.

Celtic make late bid for new striker

The Scottish Premiership champions are still pushing to the wire to bring in a new forward before the deadline passes to improve their options up front.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic have made a last-gasp bid to sign Sevilla centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho to reunite him with Brendan Rodgers.

The report claims that the Nigeria international has emerged as a deadline-busting transfer target for the Hoops, after they failed to land Kasper Dolberg and Datro Fofana.

It adds that Sevilla will not stand in his way if he wishes to make the move to Scotland before the deadline, but it remains to be seen what the £52k-per-week marksman wants to do.

What Kelechi Iheanacho could bring to Celtic

The left-footed forward is a vastly experienced number nine who could come in as an even better option than Datro Fofana in the number nine position for the Scottish giants.

Datro Fofana has only scored five goals in Europe’s top five leagues in his playing career and has not scored more than four league goals for a club in a season since the 2022 campaign for Molde, per Sofascore.

Kelechi, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Rodgers, scored a respectable 43 goals in 143 matches for the Celtic manager during their time together at Leicester, per Transfermarkt, which shows that the Northern Irish boss can get the best out of him.

22/23 (28)

5

5

21/22 (26)

4

5

20/21 (25)

12

2

19/20 (20)

5

5

18/19 (30)

1

3

17/18 (21)

3

3

16/17 (20)

4

3

15/16 (26)

8

1

As you can see in the table above, Kelechi has plenty of experience in the Premier League and consistently showed that he could deliver goals and assists, at a decent, if not spectacular, rate.

His best season, with 12 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, also came with Rodgers in the Foxes dugout, which, again, shows that they have a relationship that could bring him success at Parkhead.

Kelechi has significantly more experience and more goals in a major European league than Datro Fofana has and outscored (four) the Chelsea youngster (two) in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

This suggests that the 28-year-old marksman, who still has plenty left to give at that age, could be a shrewd addition to the squad when you consider his relationship with Rodgers and his goal return at Premier League level under the current Hoops boss.

Worse than Nygren: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who "offered little"

Celtic must drop their flop who was even worse than Benjamin Nygren against Rangers.

ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

It may not be a glamorous, big-money, signing that supporters may have wanted, but if they can get this deadline-busting move over the line, Celtic will have a potentially lethal striker on their hands.

Celtic are no strangers to talented players, and plenty of exciting stars have played their part in helping the club establish itself as Scotland’s dominant force over the years.

In the 21st century, the Bhoys have won 19 Scottish Premiership titles, 12 Scottish Cups, and 12 Scottish League Cups, otherwise known as the Premier Sports Cup for commercial purposes.

Brendan Rodgers is the man responsible for the Hoops’ recent triumphs. However, the likes of Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan, Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou all take their place in the club’s trophy-laden history, with plenty of special players spearheading the hunt for silverware in Glasgow’s east end.

However, some stars don’t get the credit they deserve, pitted against others, even if their unique ability has drawn comparisons to some of the world’s best.

Paddy McCourt's Celtic ability led to claims he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo

Anyone connected with Celtic will attest to the fact that Paddy McCourt, who spent five seasons at the club before leaving at the end of his contract in 2013, is someone who possessed a unique ability to evade his marker at will.

Nicknamed the ‘Derry Pele’ due to his mesmeric dribbling ability, the winger made 88 appearances during his time at the club, registering ten goals and nine assists.

Despite McCourt attracting interest from Liverpool during the early portion of his Celtic career, it may come as a surprise to hear that the two-time Scottish Premiership winner only made 20 starts over five years at the Parkhead club.

One man who knew all too well about his talents was former Northern Ireland defender Lee McEvilly, who was a teammate of the former Hoops man while at Rochdale.

Speaking to the Football Historian podcast, he admitted his father claimed McCourt had more ability than Cristiano Ronaldo while the Portuguese star was in his pomp at Manchester United.

Paddy McCourt's honest admission regarding his career

McCourt’s time at Celtic was definitely the height of his career, though some may wonder why a player with such natural flair didn’t end up in one of the world’s elite leagues.

Answering that question, the former Northern Ireland international admitted in an interview back in 2022 with Planet Football that the modern game and its growing demand for high-intensity running and raised fitness levels ultimately worked to his detriment.

He explained: “Certainly in the later years, football became a lot more structured, a lot more tactical and a lot more physical in terms of distances covered and high-intensity running. That type of stuff was never my strong point. I was never blessed physically in that sense.”

McCourt, who left Celtic for free in 2013, could glide past defenders like they weren’t there and became a cult hero at Celtic, earning adulation from supporters due to his entertaining style of play.

With the modern game headed in a structural direction where individuality is contained at times, the ‘Derry Pele’ is a shining example to young wingers who are looking to harness their dribbling skills.

With both Leeds United and Burnley picking up Premier League results yesterday, it was up to Sunderland to keep up their end of the bargain today as another newly promoted side managed to stave off an unwelcome defeat.

Thankfully, it played out just like that as Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats battled it out with Aston Villa all match, earning themselves a well-deserved share of the points in the 1-1 draw come the end of the contest.

Sunderland, on another day, could well have buckled under the pressure after Reinildo Mandava received a first-half red card, culminating in the Villans then picking up an easy victory.

Instead, Sunderland stood tall and competed even when reduced to ten, with Wilson Isidor also getting in on the goalscoring action again, as the Frenchman continues to solidify himself as a fan favourite so early into the challenging Premier League campaign.

Why Isidor is a fan favourite at Sunderland

Already, Isidor was a well-liked striker on Wearside, considering he hammered home 13 strikes last season as promotion to the top-flight was achieved.

Now, however, he’s a next level of popular at the Stadium of Light, with this instinctive finish after a clever Granit Xhaka header set him free, his third league goal already on home turf.

That means the energetic number 18 now finds himself in the same conversations as former Black Cats goal machine Darren Bent, with Isidor hopeful of a similarly long-lasting career at the very top of the English game if he can keep up this red-hot streak of form.

Obviously, without the Frenchman’s crucial finish late on, Le Bris and Co. would have been staring down the barrel of a defeat.

But, the clinical attacker was given that platform to be the hero off the back of a heroic defensive display, as the bold hosts put their one-man disadvantage firmly to one side to fight their way to a gritty draw.

The Sunderland star who is as undroppable as Isidor

It shouldn’t be the greatest shock that Sunderland battled well at the back; however, with the newly promoted outfit just fresh off a 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace, that saw the Black Cats’ defence tested regularly.

Yet, it takes another level of determined display to be able to seal a result when down to ten men, but with Nordi Mukiele in the heart of defence being valiant once more, the lack of Reinildo on the pitch wasn’t as painful to come to terms with.

Mukiele hasn’t even needed a lengthy amount of time to grow accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, with the French colossus thrown straight into the deep end against the Eagles and Brentford in the previous encounter, only to win a ridiculous 15 duels in total.

The 6-foot-2 centre-back is becoming nearly as undroppable as Isidor by putting in these consistent attritional showings, with his hard-working approach clear for all to see again versus Villa, as the ex-RB Leipzig warrior was constantly put through his paces.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

47

Accurate passes

11/18 (61%)

Key passes

3

Clearances

12

Tackles

3

Total duels won

7/10

Amazingly, before delving deeper into his back-to-the-wall showing, Mukiele also impressed when attempting to carve out openings, with three key passes registered across his near faultless 90 minutes.

Yet, it was his battling nature that really shone through as the likes of Ollie Watkins were regularly kept at arm’s length, as seen in Mukiele winning 70% of his duels and registering 12 clearances to ensure Matty Cash was the only fortunate goalscorer for the visitors.

This never-say-die attitude on display today will stand Sunderland in great stead to beat the drop, knowing they don’t fold when the going gets tough.

After the match, Mukiele was rightly showered with praise, with Sunderland-based journalist James Copley heralding him as “absolutely incredible”, while Sky Sports’ Keith Downe dubbed him a “beast” for his commanding showing.

Further handed a 9/10 post-match rating by journalist Phil Smith – who also affectionately labelled the no-nonsense 27-year-old a “titan” – it really does look set in stone that Mukiele has to be in the heart of the Black Cats’ defence from now on, much like Isidor will feel even more assured that he is Sunderland’s leading man in attack.

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