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A Harry Kane hat-trick sent Bayern Munich eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after securing an unconvincing 3-0 win over 10-man Augsburg.

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• Bayern beat Augsburg 3-0
• Kane treble secures win
• Eight clear at top of table

• TELL ME MORE

  Despite having 80 per cent possession and 13 shots to the visitors' two in the first half, Bayern were somewhat sluggish on their return from the international break at Allianz Arena.

  Jamal Musiala was the home team's brightest spark and was repeatedly denied by an in-form Nediljko Labrovic in Augsburg's goal.

  It looked like it would be a night of frustration for Vincent Kompany's side but substitute Mads Pedersen inexplicably handled in the box and Kane emphatically dispatched the resulting spot-kick in the 63rd minute.

  The Fuggerstadter posed little threat to Manuel Neuer's goal, whereas the Bavarians peppered Labrovic's – but the Croatian was up to the task.

  The England captain, who was fairly anonymous for the majority of the contest, bagged his second penalty in the 93rd minute after Keven Schlotterbeck fouled the 31-year-old in the area – with the defender then sent off for a second yellow.

  The former Tottenham star then made it 3-0 two minutes later when he beautifully controlled Leon Goretzka's cross and slotted home to put Bayern eight points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig on Friday night.

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  THE MVP

  While Labrovic put in an excellent display in the Augsburg goal, and Musiala was the best player on the pitch, Kane got the goals that mattered in a scoreline that flattered a Bayern side that didn't need to get out of third gear.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  The way this match was going, coupled with Labrovic's stellar efforts, it seemed Augsburg were going to get a backs-against-the-wall point. But Pedersen's thoughtless handball gifted Bayern a win that looked like it wouldn't come. Then, two more goals followed.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Bayern do not have long to get ready for their next match as they host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the Champions League in a repeat of the 2020 final.

The 2024 summer transfer window has already been a very busy time for Aston Villa. Unai Emery has been looking to strengthen his side as they prepare for their first foray into the Champions League, since its rebrand from the European Cup in 1992. The Villans have already made several notable signings.

The most notable of their eight incomings so far was to bring Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana into the club from Everton. He cost the club £50m but reinforces a midfield that lost Douglas Luiz to Juventus, in a deal that saw Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea swap the Allianz Stadium for Villa Park.

Lots of their other incomings have been funded by the sale of Moussa Diaby to Al Ittihad, after just one season at the club. Former academy players Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene returned to the club on permanent deals, after departing just one season ago, to Sheffield United and Hull City, respectively.

The other incomings include Ross Barkley, who previously had a loan spell at the club and joined from Luton Town, Ian Maatsen who signed from Chelsea, having spent the second half of last season on loan at German giants Borussia Dortmund and Lewis Dobbin, who was brought in from Everton.

However, Villa are not thought to be done there. Recently, they have been linked with several new players, and rumours have intensified in the past few days about signing one Premier League striker who finished the season in fine form last campaign.

Aston Villa target Premier League striker

The player in question here is Crystal Palace and French striker John-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman finished the 2023/24 season in sublime form under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner and has now been linked with a move away from the club in recent days.

According to a report from The Express, the VIllans 'have registered an interest' in signing Mateta from the Eagles this summer, as they look to bolster their striking options. The report from Gordon explains that Villa have made initial contact after having 'reached out to Mateta's camp' in order to sound out interest in a potential summer deal.

However, Villa will not be the only club vying for the Frenchman’s signature this summer. Gordon reports that two European giants, Spanish side Atleti, and Italian side Juve are 'also keeping tabs' on the centre-forward’s situation during the transfer window.

In terms of a price, it's previously been reported that a fee of around €30m (£25m) may be enough to tempt Palace into a sale. Mateta’s contract expires in 2026, meaning that the Eagles are not necessarily in a rush to sell, although they would make more money selling him this summer rather than in 2025 when he has 12 months left on his deal.

Why Mateta would be a good signing

Mateta’s form under Glasner at the back end of last term was phenomenal. The striker played 35 Premier League games last season and got himself on the scoresheet 16 times, grabbing an impressive five assists along the way.

However, from the minute the Austrian took charge at Selhurst Park, Mateta thrived. In 13 games under Glasner, he scored 13 goals, as well as registering one assist. He managed to score multiple goals in a game three times, which included a final day hattrick that ironically came against Villa.

It was exceptional form, and Mateta really proved why he joined the Premier League with such a high reputation.

The 27-year-old striker could serve as a replacement for Jhon Duran, who seems to be destined to depart the club this summer. The Columbian has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, and came close to joining Chelsea, although it seems the London Stadium and West Ham United is now his most likely destination – albeit with that deal having stalled.

Last season, Duran impressed in his fleeting minutes in the Premier League. He played 23 games and scored five goals, although he played just 462 minutes. That equates to just over five full 90-minute games, meaning he averaged one goal a game last season.

In terms of their statistical comparison on FBref, Mateta is able to create shots from seemingly nowhere, using his frame and the impressive way he reads the game to his advantage. He has excellent close control and this also helps him fashion chances from all kinds of scenarios. This is reflected in his 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, although Duran is not far behind, with 2.27 each game.

One thing to note is that both players far exceeded their expected goals last season. Mateta’s expected goals last season was 10.9xG, out of the 16 Premier League goals he scored, and Duran’s was down at just 2xG, from his five goals. This suggests that both are excellent finishers from tight angles, with Mateta’s goal against Manchester United a great example of that.

New York Times journalist Rory Smith believes that, under the tutelage of Glasner, Mateta “looks extraordinary, like original Ronaldo”, which is high praise to be compared to one of the all-time great strikers of football. Indeed, the form that Mateta showed last term was certainly something that the legendary Brazilian would have put up himself.

For just £25m, Mateta could be a superb acquisition for Villa. Assuming that Duran moves on this summer, there are few alternatives available for Emery’s side who possess as much quality as the Frenchman, and Villa could add a quality player to their squad to help them on their Champions League quest next season.

Offer made: Aston Villa target "dangerous" star who'd make Felix unplayable

The Villans have made an offer for this rising star.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2024

Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea will dominate English football in the next five to ten years, but he ruled out winning the title this season.

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• Maresca feels Chelsea won't win PL this season
• Blues to 'dominate' English football in future
• Liverpool nine points clear at top

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After failing to secure a top-four slot in the last couple of seasons, the Blues have made a strong start under new boss Maresca in the 2024-25 campaign. They have leapfrogged defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League table and are currently joint-second with Arsenal on 25 points from 13 matches.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea are trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points, and while the situation could change over the next few months, head coach Maresca ruled out the possibility of his team winning the Premier League this season. However, he boldly predicted that the west London side would go on to dominate English football in the next five or ten years due to the average age of the current squad, which is significantly lower than that of their rivals.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said, "We're not in the title race. We are not, in my opinion. What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to ten years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.

  "This is what I said this to the club the first time I met them. No matter who will be the manager, for the next five or ten years, because of the age, the squad, you can dominate English football, and I still think exactly the same."

  He added, "In terms of a target they didn't ask me for any target, only to try to build something important for the next years. I think we are [heading] in the right direction. In terms of a personal target, I know you struggle to believe but I'm not focused on [the] end of season, next season, because it's not real."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Maresca's men, who are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, will be in action in the Premier League on Wednesday night as they take on Southampton away from home. The Saints sit bottom of the table.

The 2024/25 club season is just around the corner as preparations begin for the upcoming campaign. As ever, Premier League teams travelled around the world to get themselves in shape ahead of the big kick-off, but how did each club get on?

Here are all the results for each Premier League club, from title favourites Arsenal and Manchester City to Premier League new boys Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

Arsenal

Gunners complete US tour and bag Emirates Cup

The Gunners spent part of the summer in the United States, the home of owner Stan Kroenke.

They started their pre-season with a draw against Bournemouth, with Fabio Vieira's opener cancelled out by Antoine Semenyo. Arsenal went on to win a penalty shootout, with Karl Hein saving twice.

They followed this up by coming from behind to beat Manchester United, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winner. The north Londoners also won a shootout

Mikel Arteta’s side then travelled east to Pennsylvania to take on Liverpool, though Arsenal were beaten despite Kai Havertz scoring in a 2-1 defeat.

They returned to the Emirates Stadium and recorded two morale-boosting wins, firstly over invincible Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, and then French outfit Lyon – securing the Emirates Cup against the latter.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s Villans struggled on US tour

With Champions League football secured before the end of the season, focus could swiftly turn to Aston Villa’s tour of the United States.

Unfortunately, Villa were unable to record a victory across the pond, despite heading into their trip with successive 3-0 victories over Walsall and Spartak Trnava.

Columbus Crew beat them 4-1, with Cameron Archer getting on the scoresheet. RB Leipzig then inflicted another defeat on the Villans after a 2-0 win in New Jersey, with a third and final loss coming against Mexican outfit Club America.

Unai Emery was able to see his side victorious against Athletic Bilbao back home, though they came unstuck once more on their trip to Dortmund, where they without Ollie Watkins, who had brought so much joy to many on the very same pitch just a month earlier.

Bournemouth

Cherries end summer with two home wins

Bournemouth continued the trend of Premier League sides travelling to the US this summer, with Andoni Iraola putting his side through their paces at the home of LA Galaxy.

Their two fixtures stateside saw draws against League One outfit Wrexham and last year's runners-up, Arsenal, with the Cherries losing a penalty shootout to the Gunners.

Their final matches before the season saw two victories on the bounce, with Rayo Vallecano and Girona both beaten at the Vitality Stadium as Luis Sinisterra got on the scoresheet both times.

Brentford

Bees end pre-season with eight-goal thriller

Brentford beat AFC Wimbledon 5-2 to get their pre-season underway, before holding Benfica to a draw away in Lisbon. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the Bees, before Vangelis Pavlidis scored a second-half equaliser to level things.

Their preparations also included behind-closed-doors clashes against Sutton United and Estrela da Amadora, with Thomas Frank's side losing on both occasions.

Back on these shores, Brentford drew with Championship side Watford before hosting a 4-4 thriller against Wolfsburg in their final pre-season match. The Bundesliga outfit levelled three times on an end-to-end night, with the Bees showcasing exciting attacking play and worrying defensive lapses.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Seagulls secure perfect pre-season

Brighton’s summer included a trip to Tokyo, where they faced Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy at the National Stadium. The Seagulls won both games in emphatic fashion, scoring nine goals – with new arrivals Amario Cozier-Duberry and Yankuba Minteh getting on the scoresheet.

Closer to home, they edged past Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, before ending their pre-season programme with a 4-0 friendly win at home to Villarreal in what was Fabian Hurzeler's first match in front of his new fans. Danny Welbeck notched a brace, with Joao Pedro and Yankuba Minteh also getting in on the action.

Chelsea

The Blues endure mixed results on tour

Chelsea headed to the United States once more ahead of the new season, with Enzo Maresca getting a first look at his new side.

Their five-match tour saw them begin with a clash against League One’s Wrexham, playing out a 2-2 draw. The Blues were then well beaten by Celtic in Indiana before finally getting a win under their belts against Club America.

Manchester City and reigning European champions Real Madrid both inflicted defeats on the Blues in the US, while Enzo Maresca's home debut against Serie A champions Inter ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late equaliser from Lesley Ugochukwu.

Crystal Palace

Palace unbeaten in first pre-season under Glasner

Crystal Palace recorded an unbeaten pre-season, with the Eagles most defeating Premier League rivals Wolves and West Ham in the US along the way, giving Oliver Glasner a good look at his side ahead of his first full season at the helm.

Matches against Charlton Athletic (behind closed doors) and French side Nantes were the only times they were unable to win this summer, while elsewhere in pre-season, the Eagles recorded wins over Sutton United (also behind closed doors) and Crawley Town.

Everton

Toffees round off pre-season with Roma draw

Everton’s pre-season didn't get off to the best of starts in terms of results. The Toffees lost two out of their first three matches, with lower-league sides Salford City and Coventry City getting the better of Sean Dyche's men. This came after being held to a 3-3 draw against Irish outfit Sligo Rovers.

Things picked up thereafter, with the Toffees recording a 3-0 win over Preston North End before thrashing Motherwell 6-0 in a training game at Goodison Park. Roma visited at the weekend, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin cancelling out Lorenzo Pellegrini's opener to secure a draw in the last-ever Goodison friendly.

Fulham

Pre-season trip to Germany confirmed

Fulham recorded behind-closed-doors victories over QPR (4-0) and Watford (6-1) ahead of their trip to Portugal this summer. That began with an impressive victory over Benfica courtesy of an Alex Iwobi winner, while new signing Emile Smith Rowe grabbed a goal in their defeat to Sevilla a few days later.

Their final pre-season clash brought a 2-0 win over Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, with Smith Rowe and Adama Traore rounding off their preparations in style.

Ipswich Town

Tractor Boys have announced summer friendlies

Ipswich Town have plenty of work to do over the summer, and getting the preparation just right for their return to the big time will be at the forefront of Kieran McKenna’s mind.

The Tractor Boys have recorded a win and a defeat apiece thus far, with a slender victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Austria followed by a loss to Fortuna Dusseldorf in front of their home fans.

Ipswich returned to Austria as they saw off Hoffenheim thanks to Jack Taylor's winner, while 10,000 supporters saw McKenna's side record a 1-0 success over Nice in the final pre-season friendly, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the winner.

Manchester United questioned their players regarding the team leak a day before the club's 2-1 win in the Manchester derby.

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• Man Utd questioned their players
• Investigating team leak ahead of Manchester derby
• Amorim claimed the problem is 'impossible to fix'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , at least two United stars were quizzed on the matter of the leaking of the team on social media. Samuel Luckhurst had reported that almost 17 hours before the clash at Etihad Stadium, Amorim's potential selection was revealed on social media and the final XI turned out to be the exact same.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The unfortunate leak, though, did not affect the team in the derby as the Red Devils staged a late comeback riding on Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo's strikes to beat their rivals 2-1. The manager is aware of the incident and has described the problem as unfixable when he addressed the media.

  "I know that story. I don’t know, I think it’s impossible to fix nowadays because you have a lot of people in the club, the players talk with agents," he said.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United have regularly seen their line-ups leak this season ahead of matches and have so far been unable to find a solution to the underhand sharing of insider information.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  A rejuvenated United side will now meet Tottenham in a Carabao quarter-final clash on Thursday before they face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Glasgow Rangers have endured a rocky start to the 2024/25 campaign with issues on and off the pitch for Ibrox giants, who are currently playing their home matches at Hampden Park.

The Light Blues have already been knocked out of the Champions League and will be competing in the group phase of the Europa League this term, after their 3-1 defeat on aggregate to Dynamo Kyiv.

Philippe Clement's side were also held to a draw with Hearts on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season, although they did win their second match against Motherwell and beat St. Johnstone in the League Cup.

The Belgian boss, along with those costly European defeats, has also been hit with an injury blow to defender Ridvan Yilmaz, who is set to be out for up to six weeks.

Rangers interested in new left-back

Earlier this month, it was reported by Index, as relayed by Football Scotland, that the Gers are interested in a late swoop for Salernitana left-back Domagoj Bradaric.

It was claimed that the Scottish giants are in the market to add another full-back to their ranks before the end of the window, with free agent Brandon Williams also mentioned as an alternative.

The outlet revealed that the Serie B side are willing to cash in on the defender before the deadline passes next week, but only if the price is right.

It was stated that a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent next summer could be on the cards and that Salernitana would want a fee of around £4.2m to give the go-ahead.

Clement must now push to get a late deal over the line before the end of the window next week as the Croatian talent could come in as an excellent addition to the squad.

Why Bradaric would brilliantly replace Yilmaz

The 24-year-old dynamo could come in as a brilliant replacement for Yilmaz, whilst the Turkey international is out injured, and then provide him with great competition when fit.

With Jefte possibly being used further forward in a left wing position, Bradaric and the former Besiktas star could battle it out for a starting berth later this season.

As you can see in the table above, both players offer a similar level of quality in and out of possession, as creative full-backs who are also strong in duels on the deck.

Both players are somewhat suspect in the air but make up for it by being dominant in ground duels, whilst Bradaric recovers the ball more frequently than Yilmaz.

The Croatian ace also assisted more goals in the Serie A than the Rangers man did in the Premiership, despite averaging fewer key passes per game, and could be a creative threat down the flank.

Clement could forget about Rrahmani in Rangers move for £1.7m starlet

Philippe Clement is lining up another few signings before the end of the month…

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 20, 2024

Therefore, the Salernitana star could be a brilliant short-term, and possibly long-term, replacement for Yilmaz due to his qualities in and out of possession at left-back, if he can translate that form over to Scotland.

Manchester United have surprisingly made Marcus Rashford 'Mr January' on their 2025 calendar, despite his desire to seek a "new challenge".

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• Rashford dropped from the last three squads by Amorim
• Forward has hinted he wants to leave club
• Yet he will feature in Man Utd's 2025 calendar

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford has not featured in United’s last three matchday squads, with head coach Ruben Amorim opting to leave him out against Manchester City, Tottenham and Bournemouth. The England international has also declared he is "ready for a new challenge", suggesting he will look to secure a transfer away from Old Trafford in 2025. Despite this, fans will still be able to pin Rashford up on their walls as he has been included as the face of the January section on the club's new calendar.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the ongoing uncertainty around Rashford, the calendar has proven to be a hot commodity among fans. Priced at £12, it has already sold out on United’s official website, showing that Rashford’s popularity endures even as his future at the club hangs in the balance.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  A source told : “Rashford’s future at the club remains uncertain. He may not be here after the transfer window opens in just over a week’s time. At least he’s the face of January – it’s likely he won’t be around much longer.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  United are reportedly open to offers for Rashford and have placed a £40 million valuation on the forward. The club hopes to receive formal approaches in January, but the process could be complicated by Rashford’s lucrative £325,000-a-week contract. Several clubs are reportedly monitoring Rashford’s situation. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked with the player in the past, while Saudi Arabia has also been mooted as an option for the 27-year-old.

Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United "believe" in Joshua Zirkzee and that he was "really annoyed" by the fans who booed him against Newcastle.

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• Man Utd draw 2-2 at Liverpool
• Bruno defends team-mate Zirkzee
• "Annoyed" at fans who booed him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In United's 2-0 loss at home to Newcastle last month, forward Zirkzee was subbed off just after the half-hour mark. Some Red Devils fans at Old Trafford booed the Dutchman as he went down the tunnel, but after United's 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, captain Fernandes has come to the aid of the £36 million (€42.5m/$46m) summer signing.

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  WHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

  He told talkSPORT: "I was in the stands and have never seen something like this and it really frustrates me and annoys me because he is a player that always gives his all. As a player that is coming into the team from a different league he needs time to adapt but he has huge qualities. He hasn't shown all the quality but it can't be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn't believe in him anymore. We do believe in him inside the dressing room. I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Although Fernandes' backing will have been welcomed by Zirkzee, the 23-year-old has failed to fire so far for United. A return of four goals and two assists in 28 appearances makes for grim reading. But perhaps the ex-Bologna man, who has been linked with a Juventus move, needs time to find his form at United.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Zirkzee, who impressed off the bench against Liverpool, will hope to get more game time next weekend when United travel to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.

West Ham had the fifth highest spending outlay in the Premier League this summer, splashing out £132.5m by bringing ten new players to the club, including their most expensive signing of the summer, Max Kilman.

But the Hammers could be set for even more business, despite the transfer window slamming shut, as they are assessing the free agent market for another central defender addition.

One option is ex-Liverpool defender, Joel Matip, who made 14 appearances for the club last season, contributing to three clean sheets in his 1,062 minutes played.

West Ham transfer news

According to reports from Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are looking at the free agent market for central defenders, with Joel Matip and John Egan being assessed currently.

Another option would be Mats Hummels, who is also a free agent, and this interest in central defenders comes after both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd left the club on loan last week.

Hummels made 40 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions last season, scoring four goals, providing one assist, and contributing to 13 clean sheets in his 2,932 minutes played.

Hummels vs Matip comparison

Linked with a move to the Irons over the summer, Hummels, who was once described as "one of the very best in the world" by football writer Michael Yokhin, was part of the Dortmund side that reached the Champions League final last season, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid at the final hurdle.

Both Hummels and Matip would add experience to the West Ham backline, as well as comfortability on the ball from playing in ball-dominant sides throughout their careers.

The metrics show the players rank closely in many ways, with Matip only averaging 0.5 fewer passes attempted per 90, and the pair only 0.15 progressive passes per 90 apart, with 4.48 and 4.63 respectively.

Hummels does display a higher level of passing between the lines into the final third though, averaging 4.25 per 90, compared to 3.06 per 90 for Matip, which is an important aspect for Lopetegui's side and their ball progression.

The German also produces over triple the number of tackles per 90, averaging 3.43 tackles per 90, compared to the 1.11 of Matip. Whilst he isn't the quickest, Hummel's reading of the game is elite, and his ability to arrive at the right place at the right time, allows him to average such good tackling metrics.

Matip does provide more aerial ability, winning 3.15 aerial duels per 90, compared to the 1.93 of Hummels. The 33-year-old has also played in the Premier League for a while now, whereas the ex-Dortmund man has never played in the division, and therefore could require a settling period.

Perhaps the deciding factor is their availability. While Matip spent a significant time on the sidelines, unavailable through injuries last season, Hummels only missed four games, two of which from an infection, and two being classed as "rest".

The availability of Hummels, as well as the tactical fit with slightly better on-ball metrics than Matip (passes attempted, passes into final third) could be the reason West Ham opt for the German.

Lopetegui must drop West Ham star who had fewer touches than Areola

This struggling Hammer only strung three passes together against the Man City machine

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 3, 2024

Celtic were busy on the deadline day of the summer transfer window last week with three new additions walking through the doors at Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers moved to bolster his playing squad with the signings of Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, and Luke McCowan, from Augsburg, Sheffield United, and Dundee respectively.

The Northern Irish head coach signed two fresh central midfield options after attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Celtic raked in a club and Scottish transfer record fee of more than £25m for the Denmark international, who caught the eye with his performances last season.

As you can see in the table above, the former MK Dons man was instrumental in the team's attacking set-up during the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign.

The Hoops lost a hugely talented player, who could contribute a great deal at the top end of the pitch, and that is why they swooped to sign Engels and McCowan, the former of whom has been signed for a significant sum of money.

How much Celtic paid for Arne Engels

The Scottish giants smashed their club record transfer fee with a swoop to sign the Austrian central midfielder from Augsburg for a reported fee of £11m.

Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £9m in the summer of 2018 was the previous record, which means that Celtic have comfortably made Engels the most expensive signing in the team's history.

The 20-year-old starlet, who made his debut for Belgium against Israel this week, came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Rangers at Parkhead last time out for his Hoops bow, less than 48 hours after his move was made official.

Engels arrives in Glasgow with plenty of senior football under his belt after featuring in the Bundesliga in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

In the 2022/23 season, the central midfielder showcased his creativity with four 'big chances' created and 1.3 key passes per game in 18 starts in the German top-flight.

The talented youngster could not break into the starting XI on a regular basis last season, however, but did contribute with moments in the final third.

As you can see in the table above, Engels was directly involved in five goals in 13 starts in the Bundesliga, more than one every three starts on average, and held his own in physical duels on the deck.

Of course, it is now up to him to develop and adapt to Scottish football to emerge as a regular starter and justify his huge price at Parkhead under Rodgers.

One former Celtic midfielder, who went on to be worth more than what was just paid for Engels, the club struck gold with was colossus Victor Wanyama.

How much Celtic paid for Victor Wanyama

In the summer of 2011, Neil Lennon swooped to sign the young talent from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC for a reported fee of £900k to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

At the age of 20, the same age that Engels is now, Celtic snapped up a prospect who they wanted to develop and improve, whilst still getting quality performances on the pitch in the short term.

Wanyama already had 54 appearances for Beerschot under his belt, prior to his transfer to Scotland, and had contributed with two goals and one assist.

The Kenya international hit the ground running in Glasgow and immediately became an important player for Lennon, with 42 appearances in all competitions – including five starts in the Europa League.

In 22 outings as a defensive midfielder, the young enforcer caught the eye with four goals and four assists, which showed that he could push forward to join in with attacks to go along with his natural defensive instincts at the base of the midfield.

As you can see in the table above, Wanyama continued to prove his worth to Celtic in his second season with the Scottish giants, with nine goals and four assists in all competitions.

His displays were impressive enough for Lennon, his manager at Parkhead, to describe him as a "world class" player, which speaks to the level of his performances.

How much Celtic sold Victor Wanyama for

After winning two Premiership titles and securing a Scottish Cup trophy in two campaigns with the Hoops, the Kenyan star attracted interest from Premier League side Southampton.

The Saints swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of £12.5m in the summer of 2013, which was a Scottish record transfer fee at the time and showed that they hit gold with the superb gem.

That piece of business represented a masterclass from the Scottish giants, as Celtic raked in £12.5m for a player they paid £900k for just two years prior.

That fee was £2.5m more than the club have just paid for Engels to snap him up from Augsburg and, hopefully, Rodgers will end up looking back on that deal in the same way that Lennon does with Wanyama now.

It is now up to the Belgian youngster to, first, break into the midfield ahead of the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo, and then shine in a Celtic shirt.

Wanyama hit the ground running and was an important player for the Hoops in both of his seasons with the club, but that does not mean that Engels has to go down the same path.

Cost £1.2m: Celtic hit gold with star worth more than O'Riley in 2024 money

The Hoops hit the jackpot with the signing of this impressive centre-forward.

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By
Dan Emery

Sep 7, 2024

At the age of 20, there is plenty of time left for the central midfielder to grow and develop over the years to come, as a long-term project for Rodgers, and that means that there is no rush for him to make an immediate and big impact in the first-team, despite the transfer fee.