All posts by z3u9t.icu

Last January, Chelsea broke the Premier League transfer record to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a fee of around £107m (Sky Sports). Fernandez had only been playing in Europe for half a season, having just left River Plate in his homeland, but in December 2022, he'd become a world champion with Argentina.

Speaking last summer, Fernandez revealed that he'd be in touch with another member of Lionel Scaloni's squad – forward Paulo Dybala – over the possibility of joining him at Stamford Bridge. And while no move materialised last summer, with Dybala staying put at Roma instead, it looks like it could be back on the agenda in this month's transfer window.

Chelsea could bid before Dybala deadline

According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea are keen on signing Dybala in January (translated by Sport Witness). Mauricio Pochettino wants to strengthen his attack this month and has identified his fellow countryman as an ideal candidate.

As such, Dybala is prominent in Chelsea's thoughts and they could make their interest concrete in the coming days. Significantly, the 30-year-old's contract includes a release clause of €12m (£10.3m) for clubs outside Italy, but it's only valid until January 15th.

Aware of the deadline, Chelsea plan to "lunge" for the forward in the coming days, with an "important week" ahead. Roma, for their part, will do their best to tie him down and ward off the interest from London. In effect, former Blues boss Jose Mourinho is trying to deny his old club the player they want.

How bad is Dybala's injury record?

When assessing Dybala, the first note of caution is that his injury record is extensive. We've only just passed the halfway point of the 2023/24 season, but already he's been sidelined by three separate problems, keeping him out for a combined ten games. This, regrettably, forms part of a long-running trend – since 2015, Dybala has racked up a whopping 106 absences (Transfermarkt).

On the fip side, when he is fit, his numbers have been excellent. Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer in 2022 after seven years at Juventus, and he's been a big hit for Mourinho with 48 direct goal contributions (24 scored, 14 assisted) in his 55 appearances so far. This year, he's netted six times and set-up six more in 17 appearances, maintaining his strong output (Transfermarkt).

There's certainly no disputing his pedigree either. In addition to being a World Cup winner, Dybala has made the Serie A team of the year four times, won the competition's MVP award in 2019/20 (Football Italia) and made the Europa League team of the season in 2022/23 after firing Roma to the final (UEFA). One of his predecessors in the Italian capital, Francesco Totti, has called him a "phenomenon" (Football Italia)

Chelsea have only scored 34 goals in their first 20 Premier League matches this season, an average of 1.7 per game. That puts them on course for between 64 and 65 at the end of the season, but things could improve if they add a proven goalscorer and creator to Pochettino's frontline.

Despite some initial positivity stemming from an impressive pre-season campaign and the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea fans have had to endure another miserable season of false dawns and poor performances.

The Blues are on a three-game winning streak across all competitions but find themselves tenth in the Premier League and closer to the relegation zone than top spot.

One of the most significant problems at Stamford Bridge is the side's inability to finish chances, so fans should be excited about the latest player touted for a move to west London: Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Chelsea transfer news – Victor Osimhen

According to reports in Italy, via Football Transfers, Chelsea have made the Nigerian superstar their number-one transfer target for 2024, and they are entirely unfazed by the new contract he signed at the end of 2023.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues view the €120m (£103m) release clause in Osimhen's latest contract as an invitation from the Serie A champions to launch a bid with Todd Boehly and Co readying a 'big summer assault'.

While it would be another outlandishly expensive transfer for the west Londoners, it might just be worth it to sign a goal-scoring "machine" and "Naploli's heart and soul", as dubbed by journalist Mina Rzouki.

Additionally, the prospect of seeing Osimhen and Cole Palmer in the same team should be all the convincing that Chelsea needs to once again dip into their seemingly endless piles of cash.

How Victor Osimhen and Cole Palmer could play together

In a season that has been generally quite miserable for the Chelsea faithful, there has been at least one undeniably positive development: the signing of former Manchester City youngster Palmer.

The 21-year-old has already scored eight goals and provided four assists in 12 Premier League starts, and if his teammates were more clinical, he'd have a lot more of the latter by now.

The Blues' primary striker this season has been Nicolas Jackson, and while the Senegalese international has looked good at times, and has racked up seven league goals already, he would have scored many more if his finishing was up to par.

The same problem exists with the Blues' backup striker, Armado Broja, as the Albanian has looked good at points, but hasn't delivered in front of goal, netting twice all term.

The poor finishing of the Chelsea pair is painfully apparent during games and even harder to ignore when comparing their underlying numbers to Osimhen's.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.39

0.66

0.48

Non-Penalty Goals

0.45

0.43

0.23

Shots

3.63

2.80

2.54

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

0.23

Shot-Creating Actions

1.91

2.98

1.39

Dispossessed

1.36

2.30

1.86

Aerial Duels Won

1.91

0.93

0.47

For example, Jackson generates a higher non-penalty expected goals figure than Osimhen – almost double, in fact – and yet when it comes to the number of non-penalty goals they score per 90, the 6 foot 1 Napoli star comes out ahead.

Now imagine it was the "natural talent" of Osimhen, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, getting on the end of Palmer's crosses, and not Jackson – the former City prospect could end the season with close to 20 assists.

Ultimately, it would be a massive investment from Chelsea to sign the Nigerian forward, but the partnership he could build with Palmer is surely reason enough for them to go for it.

Newcastle United have been pushed forward as if by a steel spring in recent days, defeating Arsenal in the Premier League after dumping Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup.

Alexander Isak is alive, putting a slow start to the season behind him and reminding Europe that he is one of the finest centre-forwards around. Eddie Howe must be delighted.

However, the contractual concerns regarding the Swede are inescapable and must be resolved.

Alexander Isak's contract situation

Isak is 25 years old, approaching the prime years of his career. He’s into his third campaign on Tyneside, having overcome injuries throughout his first year to post 25 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24.

There’s no immediate concern: Isak is contracted at St. James’ Park until 2028. Even so, interest in his signature is incipient but fierce, and if he does not follow Anthony Gordon in penning new terms, he and his suitors will have increased leverage as time goes on.

Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and thus, club legend Alan Shearer feels that the Magpies should move to bolster their frontline with a first-class signing, one who might even be more talented than Isak.

Newcastle could sign new striker

Newcastle could do with some added firepower up top, and who better to sign than Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is one of the hottest commodities in Europe right now?

With Ruben Amorim leaving Sporting Lisbon imminently to turn the ship around at Manchester United, Premier League supporters will inevitably look at the Sweden international as the natural star to follow to Old Trafford.

However, Newcastle’s financial power and growing need for another striker could see them rival their divisional competition, and Shearer believes that indeed they must.

Discussing Newcastle’s probably transfer plan in a Q&A with The Athletic, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer suggested that Gyokeres should be the first-choice target:

Amorim has already allayed the Portuguese champions’ fears that they will suffer a winter exodus by stating that he will not be bringing any players with him in January.

Given that, as Guillem Balague claims, Sporting wish to cash in on Gyokeres, Newcastle – who were linked with the centre-forward back in January – must surely be contemplating lodging a bid, with his team rumoured to be ready to field official bids worth £60m.

Gyokeres would be an Alexander Isak upgrade

Gyokeres once sat in the Brighton & Hove Albion reserves, and after failing to earn a single appearance in the Premier League, routinely out on loan, joined Coventry City in the Championship.

Prolific endeavours under Mark Robins culminated in waves of interest from some rather high-profile suitors, but it was Sporting who he chose to sign for in 2023, an avenue that has proved to be most auspicious for a player now regarded as “one of the most feared strikers in Europe” – as said by reporter Harry de Cosemo.

Last term, as Sporting conquered the Portuguese top flight, Gyokeres was utterly mesmerising in his efforts, posting 43 goals and 15 assists across 50 matches in all competitions. This year, it’s not even December, and he already has 23 goals to his mountainous pile.

Many Magpies supporters will indeed feel that their outfit is blessed with a singular attacking talent, but everything suggests that Gyokeres is riding a level that surpasses even that of his compatriot at the moment, which truly is quite a thing.

Oh for sure, he’d do well to dislodge his countryman Isak from the number-one spot in Newcastle, but Gyokeres’ efforts over the past few years suggest that he could hold the quality to do just that.

Matches (starts)

8 (8)

10 (10)

Goals

3

16

Assists

1

1

Touches*

30.1

41.2

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.3)

4.9 (2.6)

Big chances missed

4

7

Pass completion

72%

80%

Key passes*

0.9

2.0

Dribbles*

0.6

2.5

Total duels won*

2.5

6.3

Those statistics speak for themselves, for Gyokeres is outstripping Newcastle’s talisman across almost every metric. Of course, the Premier League carries a higher level than that of Liga Portugal, but crane yourself back to midweek, when Amorim’s side defeated Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, Gyokeres bagging a hat-trick.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to Liga Portugal for goals scored, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, highlighting just how frightening his threat really is.

Isak is a top player in his own right, riding a colourful purple patch right now, but it’s hard to argue against his Sweden teammate being the man of the moment right now, with free-scoring performances that set him apart from all but a smattering of strikers across Europe.

Described as a “powerhouse” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Gyokeres has the athleticism, muscular physique, sharp movement and natural finishing to rival the likes of Isak and Erling Haaland for power as the star striker in the Premier League.

Even if Isak remains with the Toon over the coming years, this would surely be the optimum move to make, allowing Howe’s project to reach new heights and solidify a place in the Champions League, pushing for the shiniest silverware too.

The next Lewis Miley: Howe has a "huge prospect" brewing at Newcastle

Howe could find the next version of Lewis Miley in Newcastle’s “huge prospect”.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 8, 2024

Last season, Oliver Glasner took the reins at Crystal Palace halfway through the campaign, leading the Eagles to a brilliant tenth place finish in the Premier League.

However, so far this season, the loss of Michael Olise, some injury issues throughout the squad, and just a slow start overall has led Palace into 18th place, currently languishing in the relegation zone.

Palace averaged 41.6% possession last season, took 12 shots per match, and conceded just 12.1 shots per game. However, so far this term, the Eagles have averaged 44.6% of the ball, taken 14.3 shots per match, and allowed 13.7 shots per fixture.

The numbers tell us they haven’t actually been as bad as their league position suggests, and a few injured players returning, adding some extra quality, could start to see a shift in results and allow them to climb out of the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace team news before Newcastle

Glasner will remain without Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca, who are both out with long-term injuries, Franca suffering a rib fracture, and Riad suffering from a knee injury.

Adam Wharton is expected to remain out, as he is recovering from a groin injury which he had surgery to address. The Eagles are hoping to have the English midfielder back in the coming weeks.

Daichi Kamada also remains out through suspension, after his straight red card against Fulham. However, one man who’s capable of replacing Kamada in the team could return from injury for this game, as Eberechi Eze looks set to play a part against Newcastle for the first time in a month.

Chalkboard

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

Fantastic Crystal Palace star must return to the lineup

Speaking in a recent press conference the manager confirmed that Eze is on the verge of returning to the match day squad, with last week’s clash against Aston Villa providing to be soon for the England international.

Despite injury, Eze has been the hub of creativity for Palace this season, a burden that was often shared between himself and Olise in the past. Scout Jacek Kulig described Eze as “fantastic” back in 2020, and the 26-year-old is now a consistent member of the national squad.

Kamada has often played in his advanced role this season, and Palace fans will be glad to see Eze back, adding more variation to their attacking play in those advanced zones.

Goals

0.34

0.21

Assists

0.26

0.21

xG

0.33

0.09

xAG

0.11

0.09

Progressive Carries

3.00

1.88

Progressive Passes

5.00

5.65

Shots Total

4.14

1.58

Key Passes

1.78

1.74

Shot-Creating Actions

4.67

3.33

Successful Take-Ons

1.89

0.29

The metrics above show how much more effective Eze has been in creation for the Eagles, averaging more key passes, more shot-creating actions, more progressive carries per 90, and better output in both goals and assists this season.

The summer signing only ranks ahead of the former QPR man in one metric analysed above, and that is progressive passes per 90. This is most likely due to the deeper midfield role the Japan star has played on several occasions in the absence of Wharton, giving him more build-up responsibility in their own half.

The return of Eze could be exactly what Palace needs to start converting their chances and find that extra creative edge in games. With the Englishman in tow, they stand a far better chance of climbing their way out of the relegation zone and saving Glasner’s job.

Exciting Crystal Palace academy star could be their next Zaha

This Crystal Palace academy star can finally replace Zaha.

ByConnor Holden Nov 28, 2024

Making his first move as sporting director, Ross Wilson and Newcastle United have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign a young defender ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe backs "great" Ross Wilson appointment

With the focus now firmly back on domestic football after the conclusion of the October international break, Eddie Howe has had his say on Wilson’s Newcastle arrival.

The former Bournemouth boss, who has worked with both Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell at the club, has now backed the new sporting director ahead of the Magpies’ trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

The former Nottingham Forest man arrives to calm the storm in Newcastle’s transfer department, which endured the most chaotic summer window. Whether that means reinforcements for Howe remains to be seen.

Having broken their transfer record to welcome Nick Woltemade and replace one of the world’s best strikers in Alexander Isak, PIF certainly proved that they’re willing to spend without PSR issues in the way and that has reportedly seen Wilson spring into action from the off.

Newcastle agree deal to sign Kenchington

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle have now agreed a deal to sign Josh Kenchington from Barnsley in Wilson’s first move as sporting director. The England U15 centre-back also had interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but is seemingly set to make the move to Tyneside in the near future.

Likened to Manchester City star and multiple-time Premier League winner John Stones by Hope, Kenchington now has the chance to follow in the England international’s footsteps from Barnsley to the top flight.

Newcastle are brewing a bigger talent than Gordon who's "similar to Mbappe"

One youngster could surpass Anthony Gordon as Newcastle’s next star under Eddie Howe

ByWill Miller Oct 16, 2025

Comfortable on the ball and already over 6ft, there is understandable excitement around the young defender’s arrival. Those at St James’ Park aren’t afraid to hand young players opportunities when they’re ready, either, with the likes of Lewis Miley already benefitting from that.

Although he is unlikely to be in and around Howe’s first-team for a few years yet, Kenchington is certainly one to watch at youth level. If he proves to be anywhere near as talented as England star Stones, then Newcastle will have an undeniable gem on their hands. As first moves go, Wilson may have just pulled off an inevitable bargain.

Everton have suffered some howlers over the years, but the Friedkin Group’s forthcoming club takeover will hopefully signal a new era and indeed a fresh take on transfer activity.

It sure is needed, with Farhad Moshiri failing to match the fanbase’s expectations with the performances on the pitch – indeed, the Toffees have been stuck in a bog of struggle for the past several years, and though results have recently improved under Sean Dyche, big change is needed to sculpt a future of promise in the Premier League.

The strategy needs changing, to be sure. Let’s take a look at some of the worst signings since Moshiri took the head seat back in 2016, and remind ourselves why.

Everton's decline under Farhad Moshiri

Iranian businessman Moshiri acquired a 49.9% stake in Everton back in February 2016, having previously owned a minority slice in fellow Premier League club Arsenal.

The deal was soon ratified, and the 69-year-old’s role as principal shareholder was projected as a watershed moment for Roberto Martinez’s side, which had found comparative success over the years but wanted to ascend to a regular position in and around the Champions League spaces.

What happened was the inverse. Slowly, Everton’s lifeblood has trickled away, with the success of recent years merely that of preserving top-flight status, pitted against the relegation fodder.

There have been some pretty notable howlers. Cenk Tosun joined in a £27m deal after Romelu Lukaku was sold for what is still a club record, but flattered to deceive and scored just seven times across his two full seasons at the club – having promised so much upon his January 2018 arrival, notching four Premier League goals from his opening 14 fixtures.

Davy Klaassen’s another, moving from Ajax for £24m in 2017, billed as one of the most talented midfielders in the Netherlands. He failed to adapt and started just seven league games before fleeing to Germany and joining Werder Bremen after one lonely year.

Chuck in Sandro Ramirez, Salomon Rondon, Yannick Bolasie and more. If TFG can succeed in purchasing Moshiri’s majority stake, getting the venture over the line, then there’s every chance that the slate will have been wiped clean and Everton can begin anew.

There are too many blunders to count with two hands, but undoubtedly the deal at the nadir of Moshiri’s transfer failures is that of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who endured a wretched spell at Goodison Park.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin's cost to Everton

Later down the line, Gbamin’s agent would describe his client’s time at Everton as a “nightmare”, which is probably an apt summation of a wholly forgettable time for all parties involved.

Alex Iwobi

Arsenal

£35m

Moise Kean

Juventus

£25m

Jean-Philippe Gbamin

Mainz

£25m

Andre Gomes

Barcelona

£22m

Fabian Delph

Man City

£9m

Dijibril Sibide

AS Monaco

Loan

Jonas Lossl

Huddersfield

£0

Branded “the worst signing of the Moshiri era” by journalist Paul Brown, the Ivorian midfielder was purchased from German club Mainz for a £25m fee, with the whole ordeal at least financially mitigated by Idrissa Gueye – who he was replacing – transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in a £30m deal.

Gbamin had certainly made a good impression with Mainz, featuring 95 times for the Bundesliga outfit and leading the club’s sporting director Rouven Schröder to declare that the centrepiece was totally unsellable, such was his importance.

Earning a reported wage of £75k per week, Gbamin was supposed to bring steel and dynamism to the centre of the park, but his catastrophic injury failure led to the most miserable of fringe roles, scarcely showing his face on the Premier League pitch at all before seeing his contract cut short in 2023, then joining French Ligue 2 club Dunkerque later that year until the end of the campaign.

Gbamin had reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the lead-up to Everton’s acquisition, illustrating the calibre of prospect that Marco Silva had attracted to his project.

But he didn’t so much fall as was thrown with force to the wayside, shockingly featuring just six times for the Premier League side.

Though he sought to bring himself back from the ditch, the Argentina-born midfielder was simply unable to meet the rigours of the Premier League, beset by injuries that prevented him from finding his feet across two loan spells while at Everton too – with Russian side CSKA Moskow and Trazbonspor in Turkey.

Indeed, it proved to be a total calamity. When considering the now 29-year-old Gbamin’s wages, alongside that lofty transfer fee, it can be seen that he drained Everton of £33m, something that really puts into perspective how dreadful Moshiri’s deal was – claiming around £4m from the Merseysiders for each appearance made.

It’s somewhat ironic that Everton re-signed Gueye in a £2m transfer in 2022, something that proved a good financial venture but contextualises the gravity of the whole thing – Moshiri effectively swallowing his pride and moving back to his erstwhile number six, who had by that point turned 32.

Fans don’t mind running the gamut of emotions. Football is like that, cyclical, up and down. But Everton need to reach a level beyond that which has been provided to them over the past several years; it’s not befitting of the raucous Goodison Park crowd.

Blundered transfer moves like that of Gbamin must not be repeated. A little more due diligence would be good, with a revised take allowing the Blues to sign players who will actually raise the bar on the blue side of the River Mersey.

£27m profit: Everton struck gold by selling Moyes' "special talent"

Everton sold one former hero for a sizeable fee under David Moyes.

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 29, 2024

Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the chase for a very highly-rated forward as his January transfer isn’t entirely ruled out, with reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic name-dropping Spurs as potential contenders.

Postecoglou hints at January plans as Spurs target new wide forward

In the build up to January, there have been reports suggesting that Spurs are targeting a new defender and wide forward, with manager Ange Postecoglou also suggesting that the club could make new signings in the winter window.

Spurs now table £20m+ bid to sign "magician" who's been compared to Messi

He would be an incredibly exciting signing for Postecoglou if they can pull it off.

ByBen Browning Dec 2, 2024

Speaking in a recent press conference, the Australian admitted that he’s held meetings with technical director Johan Lange over strategy, and claimed his side could dip their toes into the market if they think it is necessary.

“We’re always planning, planning for every scenario. A lot of it will depend on where we are as a squad at that time,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s plans for January.

“Between now and then, it is only really [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] van de Ven who will be back in that time frame, but Richy [Richarlison] will hopefully be back in the new year, and we will just assess where we are squad-wise but certainly, with Johan [Lange] I’ve already had a number of meetings for a strategy in January.

“I think last year we did a little bit of business which ended up helping us, but nothing concrete now, because January is always tricky, and it depends on where we are squad-wise.”

Bournemouth vs Tottenham

December 5

Tottenham vs Chelsea

December 8

Southampton vs Tottenham

December 15

Tottenham vs Liverpool

December 22

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

December 26

In terms of the wingers they’re reportedly looking at, it is believed Southampton winger Tyler Dibling is attracting attention from Tottenham, amid his excellent start to the season at St. Mary’s and comparisons with Man City star Jack Grealish (Football Insider).

As well as the English sensation, reports in the Spanish media have claimed that Tottenham view Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo as a key potential transfer target, with his contract including a £50 million release clause.

Tottenham join Arsenal in race for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams

Ornstein, writing in a piece for The Athletic, has now named Spurs as potential contenders to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

The Spain star has enjoyed a brilliant last 12 months, winning Euro 2024 with his country and racking up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last term. The £200,000-per-week left-wide man is off the mark with two goals and five assists so far this season, and he has many admirers heading into 2025.

Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race for Williams, whose contract includes a “fairly low” £46 million release clause for a player of his calibre, and while his January exit is unlikely, it also isn’t entirely ruled out either.

As well as the north London duo, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on his situation at Atheltic, with all the aforementioned clubs real admirers of Williams.

Aston Villa are usually fairly shrewd in the transfer market and have reportedly moved closer to potentially carrying out a cheap deal to sign an experienced player this month.

Aston Villa chase January deals…

The Villans have been a consistent force in the Premier League this campaign, and Unai Emery will be keen to ensure his side continues to progress by bringing in one or two reinforcements in January.

According to The Evening Standard, Aston Villa have emerged as a surprise suitor for Chelsea striker Armando Broja following the Blues' decision to put the Albania international on the market.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Despite being willing to listen to offers for the Cobham graduate, Mauricio Pochettino is keen to receive a fee in the region of £50 million in order to sanction his exit. Nevertheless, Aston Villa, alongside the interested trio of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and West Ham United, see his price tag as overinflated and would be more inclined to bid at the £30-40 million mark.

Kosta Nedeljkovic of Red Star Belgrade is set to become the Villans' first addition of the window and will undergo a medical examination on Friday before signing his contract and then heading back to join his current employers on loan for the rest of the campaign.

On another note, Aston Villa have now moved to the front of the queue in their hunt to sign an experienced playmaker, as per reports.

Aston Villa in pole position for Felipe Anderson…

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Aston Villa have 'moved to the front row' to sign Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson amid his deal having just six months to run in the Italian capital in what would be a cheap recruit for Emery.

Five similar players to Felipe Anderson (FBRef)

Player

Club

Jack Harrison

Everton

Jordan Ayew

Crystal Palace

Alvaro Garcia

Rayo Vallecano

Aleksandr Golovin

Monaco

Alexis Saelemaekers

Bologna

It is explained that the Brazil international is also attracting interest from Juventus; however, his Premier League experience and potential availability at a bargain fee seems to appeal. One added stipulation of any transfer is that his former club, West Ham, would inherit 50% of any future sum paid for his services.

Labelled "terrific" by former teammate Robert Snodgrass, Anderson has made 28 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering two goals and seven assists (Anderson statistics – Transfermarkt).

Quality players are arguably hard to come by stereotypically in January, which could make the 30-year-old a viable option for Aston Villa in their hunt to secure a strong league finish, making this one to keep an eye on.

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

85.9% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.17 (87th percentile)

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

He’s impressed under Xabi Alonso.

ByTom Cunningham 3 days ago

The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

Aston Villa have endured a challenging start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, but signs of improvement are beginning to emerge under Unai Emery.

Narrow victories over Fulham and Burnley have lifted confidence at Villa Park, though the side currently sits in the bottom half of the table, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined their opening months.

Looking ahead, Villa face a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, a side renowned for their possession control, quick transitions, and high-intensity pressing.

Emery’s challenge is clear: to compete effectively, Aston Villa need midfield steel capable of breaking up opposition play while enabling progression into attack.

This balance between defensive solidity and attacking support will be key to exploiting space and sustaining pressure.

Two players who could provide that blend are the legendary Mousa Dembélé, whose career embodies technical control and forward drive, and Villa’s own hero, whose physical presence offers a defensive and transitional anchor.

Why Mousa Dembele is the Premier League's midfield benchmark

Though retired, Mousa Dembele’s career offers a perfect reference point for the type of midfield steel Villa require.

The Belgian midfielder, during his seven-year tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, combined exceptional technical skill with immense physicality.

Known for his ability to retain possession under pressure, progress the ball through crowded midfield areas, and link defence with attack seamlessly, Dembélé became a pivotal figure in the Premier League.

Across over 250 Premier League appearances for Spurs, Dembele excelled in key metrics such as progressive carries, progressive passes, and successful take-ons under pressure.

He also contributed defensively, intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and maintaining possession in critical areas.

His playing style allowed creative teammates the freedom to operate higher up the pitch while giving managers confidence that the midfield remained stable and balanced.

For Villa, Dembele’s blueprint is instructive.

In matches like Sunday’s clash at Spurs, they will need players who can control possession in central areas, dictate tempo, and facilitate progression into attack.

Emery’s side requires someone capable of shielding the back line while providing outlets for forwards like Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

Villa’s ability to press effectively, transition quickly, and retain control under pressure depends on such a midfield figure – combining technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and physical resilience.

Aston Villa's own Dembele must start

Amadou Onana, standing at 6 foot 5 and described as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, brings the kind of physical presence Villa need to complement technical midfielders and provide defensive reassurance.

Signed from Everton in July 2024 for a reported £50m, Onana has made 37 appearances for Villa as of October 2025, contributing six goals since his arrival.

While he has not yet been directly involved in assists or goals this season, his impact is felt in his ability to dominate central areas, win duels, and break opposition lines, all critical for progression into attack.

Onana’s style suits Emery’s requirement for midfield steel, with now the time for him to potentially replace young Lamare Bogarde in the centre of the park.

His height and strength give Villa an aerial advantage, particularly against teams like Spurs that rely on intricate passing and late runs into the box.

Goals

3

Shots

19

Progressive Carries

31

Progressive Passes

83

Shot-Creating Actions

34

Onana’s composure on the ball allows Villa to control possession in congested areas and drive attacking transitions effectively, ensuring he is the perfect replacement for Bogarde on Sunday.

He has demonstrated versatility, capable of operating as a deep-lying pivot, a box-to-box presence, or in more advanced positions to link defence with forward play.

This physical presence, combined with his technical ability, ensures Villa can both absorb pressure and initiate attacks.

Onana’s defensive contribution is evident: he averages multiple interceptions and recoveries per game, shielding the back line and providing a platform for players like McGinn to operate higher up the field.

His presence allows Emery to balance creativity and discipline, ensuring Villa do not sacrifice stability for forward momentum.

Against a Spurs midfield comprising experienced players like Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr and Bentancur, Onana’s ability to retain possession, control central areas, and facilitate progression into attack will be vital.

When paired with energetic, technically proficient teammates, he offers the backbone Villa needed to challenge for points and sustain pressing intensity over 90 minutes.

By blending the technical control and forward progression exemplified by Dembele with Onana’s physical presence and defensive discipline, Aston Villa are better equipped to handle the challenges of the Premier League’s top sides.

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