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Wolverhampton Wanderers have been an impressive force in the Premier League this campaign and have now made contact regarding a potential arrival this window, according to a report.

Wolves January transfer news

Without a doubt, some in footballing circles probably didn't expect much of Wolves this campaign following a summer of issues with Financial Fair Play that led to the eventual departure of Julen Lopetegui; however, the Old Gold have exceeded expectations and have been a real surprise package under Gary O'Neil.

Sitting 11th in the Premier League, the West Midlands-based outfit are only a handful of points away from the European slots and could potentially challenge for continental qualification between now and the end of 2023/24, though January reinforcements are likely to be necessary if they have elevated ambitions at Molineux.

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.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

According to The Telegraph, Wolves are keen on Southampton striker Che Adams, who has just six months remaining on his contract at the Championship outfit. West Ham United striker Danny Ings has also been discussed in previous transfer windows, though a move for the veteran seems unlikely at this point, while the Old Gold missed out on Rafiu Durosinmi, who has completed a transfer to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Austria international Sasa Kalajdzic could also be on his way to partner Durosinmi in Germany at Deutsche Bank Park; nevertheless, the 2022 Europa League winners are waiting to see if O'Neil will sanction his exit this month.

Now, contact has been initiated as Wolves look to bring another exciting player into the building that could help to boost their creativity in the final third, according to reports.

Wolves keen on Fabio Carvalho

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Wolves are keen on bringing in Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho on loan and have made contact to ask about his situation following the Reds' decision to recall the 21-year-old from his temporary spell at RB Leipzig.

Football Insider claim that Liverpool still have high hopes for the Portugal Under-21 cap despite being willing to sanction a loan exit once again this month and will prioritise finding him a destination where he can play regular football after a disappointing spell on the continent.

Nevertheless, any option to buy is likely to be absent from a deal as Liverpool are in "no rush to cash in" and they are keen to take a prolonged look at Carvalho's progress closer to home, with Leicester City and Everton also mooted to be keen on his services.

Wolves could do with some added ingenuity in the middle of the park and their upward trajectory may be seen as a positive by Carvalho as he looks to take his next career step.

Wolverhampton Wanderers face a replay against Brentford in their FA Cup third-round clash after drawing the first tie 1-1, but it is clear the Old Gold need some new firepower following Hwang Hee-Chan’s departure to represent South Korea in the Asian Cup.

Gary O’Neil could be ready to delve into the transfer market with the January transfer window in full swing and the need for a striker has heightened following Sasa Kalajdzic’s loan move to German side Eintracht Frankfurt, leaving him short of options in attack.

Players to watch at AFC Asian Cup 2023

From South Korean all-stars to some under-the-radar talents, Football FanCast features a list of players who could light up Qatar in January.

By
Max Bradfield

Jan 7, 2024

Wolves transfer news – Hugo Ekitiké

According to French outlet Le 10 Sport (via Sport Witness), Wolves have reportedly ‘accelerated behind the scenes’ to sign striker Hugo Ekitiké from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French side are ready to part with the player during the January transfer window, either on loan or permanently, and this could suggest O’Neil is prepared to make a swoop for the youngster.

The only stumbling block would be matching the wages that he is currently earning at PSG. Ekitike secured a massive increase when he joined the capital club and Wolves may not have the financial capabilities to match this.

The player is currently valued at €15.7m (£13.5m) according to Football Transfers and this means O’Neil has to move a few players on to raise funds for the move, as he could be an ideal replacement for Kalajdzic.

Hugo Ekitiké’s career statistics

The 21-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough campaign at Stade Reims during 2021/22 where he ended up scoring ten Ligue 1 goals and chipping in with four assists. His talent clearly impressed Newcastle United, who were keen on bringing him to the Premier League in January 2022.

Journalist Graeme Bailey was the one to claim that the Magpies were in advanced talks with Reims over the transfer of the young striker, while also heaping praise on him, saying: “Outstanding talent – huge signing for Newcastle if they get it done, many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe.”

High praise indeed, yet the proposed move to England never materialised, and he joined PSG that summer. Yet, it was always going to be tough fighting it out with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar for game time.

He didn’t do badly considering the circumstances, ranking fifth among the squad for goals and assists (seven) in Ligue 1, along with ranking fourth for shots on target per game (0.5) and fifth for scoring frequency (a goal every 385 minutes), finishing behind the acclaimed triumvirate in those metrics.

This season, however, Ekitike has fallen out of favour, featuring for a paltry eight minutes in the French top flight, and it is clear that a fresh start is required if he hopes to kickstart his career.

Kalajdzic managed to find the back of the net only three times before sealing a temporary switch away from the Midlands and there is no doubt the young French hitman could prove to be a wonderful replacement.

The Old Gold will be eyeing a spot in the top half of the table and a move for Ekitike could give them some freshness in that area of the squad.

Jude Bellingham sympathises with Kylian Mbappe as the World Cup winner faces “difficult” speculation regarding a move to Real Madrid.

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• France international leaving PSG
• Expected to head for Spain as free agent
• Will link up with England midfielder

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  France international Mbappe has confirmed that he will leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent this summer. The expectation is that, when reaching the end of a lucrative contract in his homeland, the 25-year-old will embrace a new challenge in Spain.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has been lined up as a ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu for some time, but is yet to announce what his future intentions are. He has said when asked when his next move will be set in stone: “There is a time for everything. I'll announce my next club in good time. We're only a few days away so there's no problem. Before the Euros? I don't know, there are still a few steps.”

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  WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

  Bellingham has already made his own transfer to Madrid, hitting 23 goals across his debut campaign. The England international has told when quizzed on potentially lining up alongside Mbappe next season: “You ask me about the position next year, I don't pick the team and I certainly don't make the transfers but you know, Kylian Mbappe, what a player. Who wouldn't want to play with someone as good as him? I don't want to kind of put any more pressure on the situation, I know for him it's probably difficult having everyone always talking about him, but yeah it would be really nice.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Mbappe is severing ties with PSG as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 256 efforts to his name, and could form part of a fearsome attacking unit in Madrid that will also include Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and fellow new recruit Endrick.

Manchester United have added Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez to their shortlist of potential left-back signings this summer.

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• INEOS spearheading recruitment this summer
• Want cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia
• Kerkez linked as surprise option

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , United have been keeping an eye on Bournemouth's Kerkez as they seek a new left-back to provide cover for Shaw and Malacia. Shaw was limited to just 12 Premier League appearances in 2023-24, while Malacia missed the entire campaign due to knee surgery and reported mental health issues.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As a result of Shaw and Malacia's fitness struggles, United have made the decision to sign a new full-back this summer and Kerkez has emerged as a surprise option. Bournemouth, it is reported, would ask for an significant fee, after seeing the Hungary international develop into a first-team star. He made a total of 28 league appearances during the club season, providing one assist.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bournemouth signed Kerkez for £15.5 million ($20m) from AZ Alkmaar last summer and could be in line to make a significant profit if he does depart this summer. He signed a long-term contract upon his arrival.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United will aim to bolster their squad this summer although it is unclear who exactly will be in charge. Doubts persist over Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford.

The bad news is seemingly never-ending for Newcastle United, who remain on course to miss out on a European place in the Premier League with injuries continuing to pile up and their hopes of landing a defensive reinforcement significantly decreasing.

Joelinton adds to Newcastle's injury list

Eddie Howe came ever so close to enjoying the perfect afternoon when his side eased past rivals Sunderland to advance in the FA Cup, but Joelinton's injury quickly marred an otherwise successful day. The joy of derby day victory has since taken a step back in the headlines after updates emerged on the extent of the Brazilian's injury, which will keep him sidelined for six weeks.

Howe told the media, via Fabrizio Romano: “He’s set to miss a minimum of six weeks, it is a real blow for us. He has a problem with his tendon in his quad. He is very disappointed."

This will see the midfielder miss a number of important Newcastle fixtures, including games against Manchester City, Aston Villa and potentially even Arsenal in what are all crucial days in the Magpies' bid to mount a comeback in the race to secure a European spot. The bad news doesn't end there either, with reports now suggesting that a European club have dealt Newcastle a transfer blow.

Newcastle given brutal answer in Araujo pursuit

According to HITC, Barcelona will refuse to sell Ronald Araujo in the current transfer window, the summer transfer window or even any future window as they stand firm on their decisions to keep hold of the star defender.

This comes amid reported interest from Bayern Munich as well as Premier League sides Newcastle, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. It's a particular blow for Newcastle, who so desperately need defensive reinforcements, given their lack of centre-back depth.

Araujo's stats show that he'd instantly become Newcastle's best defender and would likely play a crucial role in helping the Magpies to reach their ambitious Champions League goals once again. PIF will have to look elsewhere for a leading defender it seems, however, after Barcelona's staunch verdict amid interest in their centre-back.

Looking at the numbers, it's no real shock that Araujo has been at the centre of praise during his time in Spain, including from Barcelona manager Xavi, who told the pressure via the club's official X account: “I’m very happy to have Ronald on the team. He has such a great personality. He celebrates everything and to have that type of profile as a defender, to be so engaged with the team, and celebrate everything is hard to find. We welcome him with open arms because it’s spectacular to see him train, he’s so positive, he has an excellent character and that’s fundamental to us.”

GOAL spent the day with midfield stars Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, revealing the chemistry that fuels USMNT

"I'm sorry, guys, I'm sorry. Let me just get my laughs out."

Weston McKennie is struggling to keep it together. He's on set shooting a pre-Copa America commercial for Truly and, while no one is panicking just yet, McKennie's giggles are delaying the production. This particular shot requires a shirtless McKennie to open a can and stare down the camera with a straight face. Because of those laughs, McKennie is now more than 25 cans in, and he's starting to feel it.

"My fingers are starting to hurt!"

The production team is watching on, largely laughing along, but they aren't alone. Seated in the back of the gym-turned-studio is McKennie's U.S. men's national team teammate Tyler Adams, who has already nailed his scene. His spot was short and sweet; McKennie's, though, was taking a lot longer.

"Weston's the better actor," Adams admitted to GOAL, despite what everyone else on set has seen so far. "Weston loves this. He lives for this. He's gonna need his own channel someday. He's gonna have, like, a Pat McAfee Show."

For this shoot, Adams has been cast by Truly as the straight man to McKennie's comedian. He's comfortable in the role, largely because he's been living in it for more than a decade. The two met as teenagers and McKennie was always … well, himself. McKennie has been getting his laughs out since the beginning, and Adams has always been along for the ride.

Almost always, anyway. Their relationship wasn't always like it is today. At one point, they were competitors at the youth national team level. There was never jealousy or animosity, but there was some bitterness, at least initially.

Now, all these years later, there are mostly just laughs. Many laughs. As the two gear up for another huge moment in their careers, they're doing so together, looking to add this summer's Copa America to the long list of accomplishments they've achieved side-by-side.

"We have so many moments and stories together," Adams says, "and we laugh every time we see each other. Sometimes, we won't talk for months, for one reason or another, but it's always like we never left. It's just cool to have a friend like that, someone you can rely on."

There are few people on the planet who know McKennie better than Adams and vice-versa. It's a relationship that has been and remains massive for the USMNT, and it's one that began long before McKennie and Adams found themselves in World Cups or on commercial sets.

Ahead of the Copa America, GOAL spent the day with McKennie and Adams to learn about their friendship, the moments that made them who they are, and how these two longtime friends became the heart and soul of the USMNT.

• The first days in residency

  It's been more than a decade since his time in Residency, but McKennie still remembers it well. It was at that time he was first introduced to many of the teammates who would accompany him on this wild journey from Little Elm, Texas to the highest levels of soccer.

  For those unaware, the Residency Program was operated by U.S. Soccer for nearly two decades before closing in 2017. The program was designed to bring in the very best young players in American soccer and expose them to high-level training, development that was previously unavailable in the U.S.

  Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Jozy Altidore were among the famous graduates. By the time the likes of McKennie and Adams were involved, the names of past stars had been carved into some of the beds. American soccer royalty had passed through those dorms in Bradenton, Fla.

  McKennie's story didn't begin with that U-17 program but, in many ways, this version of the USMNT's did. It was during that time in 2013 that this "golden generation" took shape.

  "Christian [Pulisic] was my first friend, I guess you can say, on the national team," McKennie recalls. "The first camp, there were like 80 of us on four busses and, coincidentally, him and I were sat right behind each other. After that, we became friends every time that we came in. We'd be together at the Holiday Inn eating cookies in the lobby with all the coffees we all used to make."

  Pulisic was one of the shining lights of the program back then, the player destined for superstardom. Borussia Dortmund would eventually come calling. From the start, most knew Pulisic was bound for the highest levels for both club and country.

  "I played against Christian a lot with PA Classics when I was with New York Red Bull," Adams says. "That was my first introduction to him and, obviously, at that time, he was like the golden boy already."

  There were other prospects earmarked for the top. McKennie remembers Josh Perez getting hype ahead of a move to Fiorentina. Haji Wright, a future World Cup teammate, was seen as a future star as well. McKennie, though? Not so much.

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• 'Wes, you're going home'

  From the beginning, McKennie knew where he stood. He was not "golden." He was not expected to be a star. He was not among the favorites in the Residency Program. In fact, he felt lucky to even be there at all.

  "I was B-team," he says. "I was even training by myself sometimes. Honestly, on the field, I was just happy any time I could get on it. Those were the best times for me.

  "I was overlooked. I remember the coaches had me training off to the side and they just told me, 'Just pretend that you're on the field.' "

  At the time, the teenage McKennie was starting to make waves with his hometown club, FC Dallas. However, that improvement did little to help his case with the national team program. Any time he was with U.S. Soccer, there was one player standing in his way. His name? Tyler Adams.

  Adams wasn't with the Residency Program full-time. Instead, he was splitting time in Florida and back home, where he was looking to break through with the New York Red Bulls. But, when the U.S. needed a star for big games or an important tournament, the federation was quick to call Adams.

  It was often at the expense of McKennie, who remembers what it was like to see his now-friend waltz in each time big matches were on the schedule.

  "I just remember him getting called into Residency Camp to go on trips in my place," McKennie says. "I had to stay there and train the whole damn time and he'd just come in like a week before the big trips. I would then get cut and he'd be able to go.

  "They'd basically call Tyler in to go in my place, so the first memories I ever had of him was that I'm living there, busting my balls every day, every week, and, come time for the roster, they're like 'Alright, we're going to call Tyler. Wes, you're going home.'

  "It wasn't easy for sure, but maybe it's better that it played out that way because it instilled a different type of drive and want in me. It gave me a need to be successful."

• 'We were both outcasts'

  For a time, Adams was seemingly the villain in McKennie's story. Adams, of course, doesn't necessarily see it that way.

  "It's tough," he says. "Like, honestly, for me, we were both outcasts."

  Adams, too, can look back at a time during his youth career when he felt unwanted. Throughout his early teens, Adams never got the impression that he was viewed the same way that, say, Pulisic was. While McKennie remembers his then-rival as one of the program favorites, Adams says he never really felt that love.

  "Guys in the national team, like since the youth ages," he says, "unless I was playing with my own age group, I was never like 'that guy.' It's wild that, now, we're both looked at in this way."

  In time, Adams, who was playing up a year at the time, formed a bond with the rest of those at Residency, including McKennie. On and off the field, the chemistry developed. In some ways, they were polar opposites and, in others, they were perfect fits.

  "When I did come down to Residency, I knew Weston was a great player," Adams recalls. "Man, this guy could play forward, centerback, goalkeeper, whatever. He just had fun. He played everything with a smile on his face. Honestly, if players could play as relaxed as he did, there would be so many better players in the world, you know what I mean? Some people just can't handle it, but he was always very relaxed.

  "I think at that time, we were both still developing. He was smaller, still growing, and same with myself. I played right-back or filled in at left-back, like I didn't even have a position at that time. They were playing Weston as a forward and, obviously, Weston is not a forward; he's a box-to-box midfielder.

  "Even myself, I would always tell people 'I'm a center mid', but I'd play left back and right back'. It just is what it is. You just go wherever you can get a spot."

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  Making the USMNT leap together

  McKennie, ultimately, was cut from Residency and took his own path from Dallas to Schalke and, ultimately, to the USMNT, shortly after the side missed the 2018 World Cup. He was one of the call-ups for that initial squad to face Portugal in the program's first camp post-Trinidad & Tobago.

  As fate would have it, Adams would be there, too. The midfielder had broken out himself with the Red Bulls. It all brought them full circle as they began their senior careers together. McKennie would score the opening goal that day, leading the U.S. to a 1-1 draw, setting the tone for the cycle to come.

  "Getting called into that camp after we didn't qualify for the World Cup, I think it was a wake-up call for both of us," Adams recalled. "They relied on both of us to come in and try and change the narrative of what U.S. Soccer is. I think we both look at that as a big moment.

  "We were roommates in that camp, and we just enjoyed that time so much because we both felt like 'Yeah, we deserve to be here', but we just kind of laughed at each other like, 'I can't believe they're leaning on us right now to change everything'.

  "Now, we look back and we were those guys. It's changed a lot."

Tottenham Hotspur have already added Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin to their first-team squad this month and they are reportedly looking to complete a third deal before the end of the January transfer window.

Tottenham in pole position for attacker

According to Football Insider, Spurs are in pole position to secure a swoop for a young winger, who would not arrive at the club until the end of the season.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are currently leading the race to seal the signature of Club Brugge starlet Antonio Nusa, who The Guardian claimed is valued at £25m, but are set to face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

It states that they need to raise funds, potentially through the sale of Miguel Almiron, to sign the attacker and that they have held internal talks about a move for him, which means that Daniel Levy could face a battle to land a late in the window agreement for the talented ace.

Spurs have jumped ahead of their rivals by offering to send him back to Brugge on loan for the rest of the season, as he is keen to remain at the club until the summer.

Ange Postecoglou could now land an upgrade on Brennan Johnson, albeit for the 2024/25 campaign, by beating Newcastle to Nusa's signature this month.

Brennan Johnson's struggles this season

Spurs signed the Wales international from Nottingham Forest last summer and the winger has not been able to provide consistent quality out wide.

The 22-year-old whiz has contributed with one goal and four assists in 18 Premier League appearances and 15 starts for the Lilywhites so far this term.

Johnson has found the back of the net once from an Expected Goals of 3.47 and has registered four assists from an Expected Assists of 1.85.

This suggests that the young forward has been very wasteful in front of goals with the opportunities that his teammates have created for him, whilst his fellow attackers have outperformed the quality of chances that he has provided them with.

The stats that show why Nusa could be an upgrade on Johnson

Spurs could land an upgrade on the underperfoming winger by signing Nusa, whose form for Brugge this season suggests he has the potential to be an exciting signing.

As you can see from the table above, the 18-year-old whiz, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has "electric" pace, has outperformed his xG and been let down, slightly, by his teammates in front of goal this season in the Pro League.

Johnson has two more league assists than Nusa despite his chances culminating in a lower xA number, and has two fewer goals than the Brugge star despite being provided with 1.05 more xG.

These statistics suggest that the Norway international, who has registered three assists in three European Championship qualifiers for his country, could be far more effective than the current Spurs attacker in the final third based on their respective form this season.

If Nusa can translate his form over to the Premier League then he could be far more ruthless with his finishing and have the quality to create better opportunities for his teammates to find the back of the net, which is why the young whiz would be an upgrade on Johnson for Postecoglou.

At the age of 18, he is also four years younger than the Welshman and could be a fantastic long-term signing who could develop and improve over time.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has decided he wants to replace Roy Hodgson now, coming after a string of poor results and protests surrounding the club's direction.

Palace pressure mounts after Brighton humiliation

The Eagles are facing a real danger of being relegated from the Premier League for the first time since their ascent 10 years ago, and Hodgson has been under mounting pressure despite his service to the club in past seasons.

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Palace find themselves just four points above the drop zone, with only Burnley and Sheffield United, the division's bottom two sides, having scored fewer goals than Hodgson's often toothless side.

Their humiliating 4-1 derby defeat away to Brighton last Saturday has only ramped up calls for Hodgson to be given the sack, with supporters often pictured hoisting up banners in protest of the club's ownership and the manager.

Reliable media sources, like journalist Ed Aarons of The Guardian, have backed that Parish has strongly considered sacking Hodgson – and especially after their humbling on the south coast.

“It was a bad start. That’s the last thing you really want – to be a goal down against Brighton, who are a very good team at home – but I thought in the first-half they outplayed us. We didn’t really get to grips with them in that half, and they were pretty much in control for that half," said Hodgson on Palace's loss to Brighton.

“The two goals which came in quick succession really made life almost impossible for us at half-time – how are we going to get back from this? – but I thought in the second-half the team did make a good effort to try and get back from it."

Despite Hodgson's praise for his team's efforts, it is clear fortunes need to take an upturn and very soon. There are rumours that Palace have eyes on possible replacements for their manager, with former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper strongly entering contention in recent months.

The Welshman was shown his marching orders by Forest but his free agent status, coupled with the fact he steered Forest to safety last season, is apparently enticing Parish.

Cooper in pole position to replace Hodgson at Palace

According to HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey this week, the Palace chairman wants to replace Hodgson now, and is actively searching for his heir.

Cooper is also a "firm favourite" to take the potentially vacant Palace job as things stand, even if they're also considering other candidates. The 44-year-old, despite his end at Forest, was praised as a "10/10" manager by their former midfielder and ex-England international Steve Hodge.

“I can’t applaud him highly enough. I can’t praise him highly enough and I can’t praise the owner highly enough. Steve Cooper, two years on, it’s 10/10 for me," said Hodge.

The Lazio winger came off the bench to score a last-gasp goal that keeps Italy's title defence alive – but almost certainly eliminates Croatia.

What a finish! Seriously, what a finish! In every possible way. On an incredibly dramatic night in Leipzig, we saw the end of a glorious era of Croatian football, with Luka Modric's men knocked out of Euro 2024 thanks to the most sublime finish from Mattia Zaccagni with the last kick of the game.

The goal cancelled out Modric's opener, which had come just seconds after the legendary No.10 had seen a penalty saved by the brilliant Gigi Donnarumma, and means Italy progress to the last 16 at the expense of the Croats, who, with just two points to their name after this 1-1 draw, have next-to-no hope of progress as one of the third-place finishers.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Italy players on show as the defending champions kept their title defence alive with a stunning strike in the eight minute of injury time that sets up a meeting with Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday evening…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Gianluigi Donnarumma (8/10):

  It looked like the goalkeeper's heroics were going to go to waste, which would have been so harsh on Donnarumma, who made some fantastic stops, the pick of which was his penalty save from Modric.

  Matteo Darmian (6/10):

  Brought into the team to form a back three that looked so comfortable until the penalty sparked chaos. Darmian, though, was decent for the most part.

  Alessandro Bastoni (6/10):

  Rather damningly, Italy's most dangerous weapon, but twice failed to put away two great chances. Hoovered up possession for Italy but also appeared to duck out of the way of the cross that led to Modric's goal.

  Riccardo Calafiori (8/10):

  The benefits of playing the versatile Bologna defender on the left-hand side of the back three were there for all to see, as he created two chances in the first half alone before creating the equaliser with a characteristically brilliant break into enemy territory.

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  Midfield

  Giovanni Di Lorenzo (5/10):

  Credit where it's due, he recovered well from being torn to shreds by Nico Williams, winning plenty of duels. His passing wasn't great, though, and he was too slow to react on Croatia's goal.

  Nicolo Barella (6/10):

  Caused Croatia problems with his precise and progressive passing in the first half but his influence faded in the second half – when Italy needed their best midfielder most. Still, he kept running – and perhaps more importantly – keeping the ball moving right until the end.

  Jorginho (6/10):

  A much, much better display from the Arsenal man (which wasn't hard after his shocker against Spain!). He helped Italy take control of the game after a sluggish start, but he was sacrificed in the dying stages as Italy pressed for an equaliser as he was offering nothing offensively.

  Lorenzo Pellegrini (4/10):

  The only midfielder to really get into dangerous areas in the first half, while he also made a couple of timely interceptions, but he was withdrawn at the break after giving the ball away nine times in 45 minutes.

  Federico Dimarco (3/10):

  A shockingly ineffective display from the highly-rated Inter wing-back, who contributed little defensively and absolutely nothing going forward before being hauled off before the hour mark.

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  Attack

  Mateo Retegui (6/10):

  Seriously lively in the first half, going close with a fine header from an inviting Calafiori cross, but Josko Gvardiol's head deflected the strike wide. Still, probably did enough to hold onto his starting spot.

  Giacomo Raspadori (6/10):

  A surprise starter and he justified his inclusion by creating four chances in total and working his socks off until he was taken off late on.

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  Subs & Manager

  Davide Frattesti (3/10):

  Replaced Pellegrini during the interval and almost immediately gave away a penalty with a stray arm.

  Fedierico Chiesa (5/10):

  Brought on right after Croatia broke the deadlock and was full of intent but only created one decent chance.

  Gianluca Scamacca (N/A):

  Thrown on for the last 20 minutes after being dropped for this game, but couldn't get on the end of Chiesa's cross.

  Nicolo Fagioli (N/A):

  Not enough time to impress himself on the game after taking over in midfield from Jorginho.

  Mattia Zaccagni (7/10):

  Only came on with just over five minutes of normal time remaining but he earned Italy a 1-1 draw – and qualification for the last 16 – with a Del Piero-esque finish right at the death.

  Luciano Spalletti (7/10):

  The personnel and formation changes worked. Italy played impressively for nearly an hour, looking comfortable at the back and menacing going forward. A minute of madness turned the game on its head but the Azzurri recovered and deservedly got a draw thanks to one of Spalletti's subs, Zaccagni, who also impressed off the bench against Spain.

Glasgow Rangers are still on course to secure a remarkable treble and considering where the Ibrox side were back in September under Michael Beale, winning the Premiership this term could be on of their finest achievements.

The Gers lost three of their opening seven league matches under the current Sunderland manager, and he was eventually sacked, with Philippe Clement coming in to replace him.

While the football was not pretty and Beale failed to lead the club to a trophy during his disappointing ten-month stint, the Englishman did manage to make a few decent signings for the club.

Jack Butland, Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin were all signed by Beale and have contributed well, most notably the former two.

Might he have missed out on another fine talent during his early stages in charge, however which could have transformed the second half of the 2022/23 campaign?

Rangers missed out on Cole Palmer in 2023

Having taken over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst towards the end of 2022, Beale led Rangers to nine wins and a draw in his first ten matches, but he was looking to bolster the team during the final weeks of the January transfer window.

According to the Sun, Rangers had a loan deal for Cole Palmer rejected by Manchester City during the dying embers of the transfer window as he still had a part to play under Pep Guardiola during the second half of last season.

Several other clubs also missed out on the chance to secure the talented Englishman on loan, and it certainly looked like an ambitious move by Beale at the time, yet if Palmer had joined, he would have vastly improved the Ibrox first team squad, no doubt about that.

The youngster went on to make a handful of appearances for City towards the end of the season, and he claimed winners medals in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League indicating that it was clearly the best move for him to remain with the club.

Despite looking like he had a promising future at City, Palmer was sold last summer to Chelsea and the move looks like it has certainly benefited the youngster, especially as he has secured more regular game time.

What happened to Cole Palmer

The 21-year-old joined the Stamford Bridge side for a £40m transfer fee prior to the start of the 2023/24 season, and it looks as though it could be a shrewd investment, especially judging by his start to life in London.

Lauded as “exceptional” by former boss Guardiola, Palmer looks destined to reach the very top of the game if he maintains his current form – now valued at €100m (£86m) by CIES Football Observatory.

So far this term, the Englishman has scored 12 goals for the Blues while chipping in with nine assists, and he is excelling, having been given regular opportunities by Mauricio Pochettino in the starting XI.

Indeed, among the Chelsea squad, Palmer is even ranked first for goals and assists (16), along with also leading the rest of the team with regard to shots on target per game (one), big chances created (eight) and key passes per game (1.5), clearly showcasing that he is now one of the finest players in the squad.

Not only that, but Palmer is also ranked in the top 10% when compared to his positional peers for progressive passes per 90 (6.3), along with ranking in the top 10% for assists per 90 (0.36) and the top 24% for shot-creating actions, indicating that not only is he shining for his team, but his performances also rank him highly when compared to players in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues.

These statistics certainly build the narrative that he would have been a huge success if he had joined Rangers last season, even if it was only on a temporary basis, and he may well have been an upgrade to Cantwell.

Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers

Who knows what might have happened had Beale secured Palmer on a six-month loan deal, and he impressed during his spell in Glasgow. Could the Gers have signed him up for a further season-long deal?

It seems highly unrealistic, but if the club did, there is no doubt the 21-year-old would have been a far better option to call upon than Cantwell this term.

The former Norwich City starlet has improved in recent weeks and has now scored five league goals in his previous eight top-flight matches, taking his tally to six goals for the campaign.

This is still six behind the tally of Palmer, however, while Cantwell currently ranks fourth among the Ibrox squad for goals and assists (eight) in the Premiership, along with ranking sixth for shots on target per game (0.8), eighth for big chances created (three) and seventh for key passes per game (1.6), proving that while he springs to life during matches, at times, he can be inconsistent and this is something which needs to be worked out.

Against Ross County on Wednesday evening, however, the 25-year-old was sensational as he shone in his preferred number ten position.

Rangers gem who lost the ball 32x outperformed Cantwell vs Ross County

Rangers defeated Ross County 3-1 at Ibrox in what was a night of plenty missed chances

By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 15, 2024

Cantwell not only made four key passes during the clash, but he also created two big chances, had a total of four shots and succeeded with two of his four dribble attempts.

The only thing which was missing was a goal or an assist, but his performance was pleasing on the eye and Clement would surely have been delighted to see him perform at such a high level.

While missing out on Palmer was a blow for Beale last season, the Englishman has gone on to brighter things since joining Chelsea for £40m last summer, embracing the challenges of being a regular in the starting XI.

His recent success proved that Rangers had a mare on the youngster who is now thriving in the top flight, and he may have made all the difference as the Gers stumbled during the end of the 2022/23 season.

If he continues shining under Pochettino, he could soon see himself plucked from Chelsea as he has all the required attributes to shine for much bigger clubs. There is absolutely no doubt about that.