Aston Villa football president Monchi and manager Unai Emery are both in agreement they can get the very best out of a £51 million transfer target, with the club apparently now joining the race for his signature.
Aston Villa agree eight transfer deals in busy early summer
The Villans have wasted no time in restructuring their squad after qualifying for the Champions League, with club chiefs shaking hands on eight deals in total already.
Aston Villa now tempted to bid for 21-goal PSG target who'll cost just £40m
He[s just enjoyed the season of his life.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 6, 2024
Former star Douglas Luiz, young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and Morgan Sanson have all parted company with the club, bringing in a total of around £54 million to help balance the books and ease the PSR pressure after Villa announced a near-£120 million loss for 2022/2023.
Coming the other way, Villa signed Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus for around £19 million, with Lewis Dobbin, Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley also joining the pair for a total fee of £72 million.
Ian Maatsen
£38 million
Samuel Iling-Junior
£12 million
Lewis Dobbin
£10 million
Enzo Barrenechea
£7 million
Ross Barkley
£5 million
These agreements have allowed Villa to register a net-spend of just £17 million, which is a big help in regard to PSR, but supporters will be frustrated to see a pivotal player of last season in Luiz depart for Juventus.
The Brazilian bagged 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions under Emery last season, and leaves a gaping hole in quality as Villa prepare to compete in Europe's most prestigious competition for the first time in decades.
His dynamism and creativity in midfield will be sorely missed, and it is now up to Monchi to source star alternatives to the Olympic gold medalist who can provide a similar impetus.
Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, who may well depart the Wanda Metropolitano for a reasonable bid, is apparently on Villa's radar now. Reports in the last few days have claimed that Emery's side could hijack Benfica's pursuit of Felix, who looks set to be on the move again following successive loan spells away at Chelsea and Barcelona in the last two seasons.
The La Liga side are hoping to recuperate a portion of the £113 million fee they paid for Felix in 2019, with Atletico setting a price tag of around £51 million according to MARCA.
Emery and Monchi convinced they can turn Felix into a star at Villa
Spanish news outlet Sport have another update this week, and they say the 24-year-old is very highly-rated in the Midlands.
joao-felix-villa
Indeed, it is believed both Monchi and Emery agree they can get the best out of Felix at Aston Villa. The Premier League side, as a result, have joined the race for his signature this summer – but it is unclear how much they're willing to pay amid their PSR concerns.
Felix's best ever season saw him rack up 15 goals and seven assists in just 26 Primeira Liga appearances for Benfica over 2018/2019, just before he joined Atletico. If Villa formalise their interest, they'd be hoping for a similar return.
There will be question marks from the get-go next season surrounding Steve Cooper being in the Leicester City hot-seat, considering the sour end he experienced with Nottingham Forest.
Only winning 11 of the 54 games he's overseen as manager in the Premier League also makes for some grim reading, but there is still positivity in the air at the King Power Stadium, owing to some developments in and out of the building.
Signings such as Caleb Okoli and Michael Golding joining the Foxes in recent days has raised spirits, alongside the fact it looks unlikely there will be another casualty in central midfield like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as Wilfried Ndidi is now set to stay with the newly promoted side.
Leicester looking to sign Ndidi partner
With the Nigerian midfielder now performing a U-Turn to sign a new extended deal, according to football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leicester are on the hunt to sign the long-serving star a fresh partner in the middle of the park.
With both Golding and Harry Winks also offering depth in this area, Leicester will look to add Benfica gem Florentino Luis to their roster this off-season to really strengthen, ahead of their tricky voyage up to the Premier League.
According to Portuguese outlet Jornal De Noticias, the 24-year-old's future at his current employers hangs in the balance, with significant interest from the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and the Foxes emerging.
The Toffees have even previously fielded a bid in the region of £25m to try and tempt the in-demand Portuguese talent to Merseyside, with the same report also stating that Forest have had advances rejected in the past for Luis too, to move on to the City Ground.
Leicester might well have been eyeing up the 6 foot holding midfielder, fearful that Ndidi walking away would become a crushing reality, but they could now line up alongside each other next season in a swift change of events, if Luis chooses the King Power as his next onward destination.
What Luis can offer Leicester
Both Ndidi and Luis are comfortable playing in holding roles, but with Enzo Maresca operating with three central midfielders predominantly last campaign, the Leicester number 25 excelled in a more forward-focused role.
The long-standing Foxes servant would help himself to six goals and six assists in all competitions as his side stormed to the second-tier title, but Cooper will know that defensively sound performances will need to come next campaign as well, with Luis potentially adding more steel and grit to his new side centrally.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Ndidi
Luis
Games played
32
30
Goals scored
4
0
Assists
5
0
Touches*
37.8
55.4
Accurate passes*
21.5 (82%)
40.8 (89%)
Interceptions*
0.8
1.6
Tackles*
1.2
2.6
Ball recoveries*
3.3
4.1
Total duels won*
3.2
4.1
Comparing the two on Sofascore, Luis – who has been described by former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao as being a player "every coach would like" – would be able to shore up the Foxes ahead of their mission to comfortably survive in the top flight.
The Portuguese target doubled Ndidi's interceptions won total last season, on top of bettering him in other defensive aspects of their respective games.
Wilfred Ndidi
Luis would also benefit from the group that he will have around him at Leicester, having never played one minute of Premier League action across his career to date, whilst Winks and Ndidi are seasoned heads at the level.
Combined, both Winks and Ndidi have made an astounding 320 appearances in the top flight, with that total growing even larger soon.
Cooper could have his work cut out for him if the Foxes do experience a slow start to the season, but he will be confident that his new group can thrive back in the elite league, especially if signings such as Luis enter the building.
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Steve Cooper could shop again in Italy to bolster Leicester City going forward.
Manchester City are constantly looking to improve and upgrade their team where possible each year as they chase continued success on the pitch.
The Cityzens may have been disappointed with only one major trophy won last season as they lifted the Premier League title but did not win the Champions League or either of the two domestic cups.
Pep Guardiola may, therefore, want to bolster his options across the pitch in order to add more pieces of silverware to the trophy cabinet next campaign.
Brazil international Savinho – a left-footed forward who typically plays on the flank – has arrived on a permanent deal to compete for a spot in the attack.
He may not be the only player to be brought in by the Premier League champions, though, as they could look to make further additions to their forward options.
One player they could look to upgrade on is winger Jack Grealish, who the Cityzens are reportedly willing to cash in on before the end of the window.
Aston Villa are said to be keen on a deal to bring the England international back to Villa Park but City would want to recoup a large portion of the £100m they spent on him.
Man City's interest in Dutch playmaker
Guardiola could land a big upgrade on Grealish by swooping to sign one of the club's reported transfer targets ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Earlier this summer, TEAMtalk claimed that Paris Saint-Germain starlet Xavi Simons is one of the talented midfielders on Man City's radar this window.
The report stated that the Cityzens are keeping tabs on his situation with the French giants, after a loan spell with RB Leipzig in Germany last season.
It revealed that Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are currently leading the race for Simons, who played against them for Leipzig last term, but no deal has been finalised yet.
TEAMtalk added that PSG are willing to cash in on the attacking midfielder for the right price and it has been reported elsewhere that a fee of £85m would be needed to secure his services on a permanent basis.
It remains to be seen whether or not City will find enough interest, at the price they want, to offload Grealish before the end of the transfer window.
However, even if he stays, Guardiola could land a big upgrade on the former Villans captain by securing a deal to sign Simons from the Ligue 1 champions.
Jack Grealish's struggles for City
Since his £100m move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021, Grealish has failed to consistently provide quality at the top end of the pitch for City.
Supporters and the club could be forgiven for expecting big things from a player with such a gigantic price tag but the winger has not lived up to the hype yet.
The 28-year-old attacker has produced just 14 goals and 18 assists in 125 games in all competitions for the English giants, which averages out as one direct goal contribution every 3.9 matches.
He managed just three goals and three assists in 26 Premier League outings during his debut campaign with the Cityzens. That was an underwhelming start to life at The Etihad after his blockbuster move from Villa, as he rarely threatened the opposition's goal.
Grealish did follow that up with an improved five goals and seven assists in 28 league games during the 2022/23 season, as City won the title as part of the treble.
Appearances
20
Starts
10
Goals
3
Assists
1
Key passes per game
1.4
Dribbles per game
0.9
However, as you can see in the table above, the English winger struggled again last term with a lack of appearances, starts, goals, and assists in the top-flight.
Overall, Grealish has not done enough in his three seasons with City so far to have justified a £100m price tag, due to his lack of goals and assists as an attacking player, and that is why now could be the right time for them to cash in on him.
Selling the England international would then free up space, and potentially some funds, to splash £85m on Simons, who could be a big upgrade on the current Cityzens flanker.
Why Xavi Simons could be an upgrade on Jack Grealish
The Netherlands international, who England fans will recognise as the player who scored against them in the semi-final at the Euros, is coming off the back of a sublime season with RB Leipzig on loan.
He had enjoyed a terrific campaign with PSV in his home country in 2022/23 with a return of 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances for the Dutch giants.
PSV's Xavi Simons
Just like Grealish, Simons is an attacking midfielder who can operate centrally but is typically deployed on the left flank, cutting inside onto his favoured foot to wreak havoc in the final third.
However, unlike Grealish, the Dutch wizard, who was hailed as "wonderful" and an "artist" by analyst Ben Mattinson, has the quality to make a consistently big impact at the top end of the pitch.
His ability to make things happen as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a left wing position suggests that he could come in and provide far more to City's team than the Englishman.
Appearances
32
20
Goals
8
3
Assists
11
1
Big chances created
14
3
Key passes per game
2.5
1.4
Dribbles completed per game
2.6
0.9
As you can see in the table above, Simons wiped the floor with Grealish's contributions as a scorer, a creator, and a dribbler in the 2023/24 campaign.
These statistics show that the £85m-rated star can chip in with an impressive goal threat whilst also progressing his team up the pitch through dribbles, and then having the composure in dangerous positions to pick the right pass to create a chance for his teammates.
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This is why Guardiola must now swoop to sign the PSG youngster as a big upgrade on Grealish, as he could come in and offer significantly more in the final third – as suggested by his last two seasons for Leipzig and PSV.
Aston Villa are gearing up for one of their most important seasons in recent memory. Not only does Unai Emery have the momentum behind him after a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last term, but he is able to look forward to taking his team into the Champions League next season.
This wonderful campaign has allowed the Spaniard to strengthen his squad with some excellent signings. The likes of Ian Maatsen, Jadon Philogene and Amadou Onana could all take the club to the next level.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Could it be a sign of things to come? As it appears this could be the beginning of what might turn out to be one of the finest eras in the club’s recent history.
Such is their current stature, the Midlands outfit are now looking at signing a midfielder who was most recently playing for Barcelona…
West Ham United
Away (August 17)
Arsenal
Home (August 24)
Leicester City
Away (August 31)
Everton
Home (September 14)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Home (September 21)
Aston Villa's search for a midfielder
According to Catalunya Radio, reporting via ‘Tot Costa’ X account, Villa are reportedly one of the clubs that are best positioned to make a move for midfielder Sergi Roberto.
West Ham United and Ajax are the other two frontrunners mentioned in the pursuit of the 32-year-old gem, yet Villa are the only club to be able to offer Champions League football next season.
His contract expired at the end of last season and while Deco wishes for him to stay with Barcelona, it looks like he is ready to try a new challenge.
Might the Premier League await in the coming days? Especially considering that he could be an ideal replacement for Douglas Luiz.
How Sergi Roberto compares to Douglas Luiz
The Brazilian midfielder departed Villa for Juventus a few weeks ago as Emery needed to sell players in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
Luiz made a total of 53 appearances last term, registering 20 goal contributions – ten goals and ten assists – in all competitions, becoming a key player for the club.
As such, this level of performance led to plenty of interest in the former Manchester City starlet, and it was clear he was going to be on the move this summer.
Roberto is the first-most comparable player to Luiz, according to FBref, which suggests that he could be an ideal replacement for the Brazilian next season.
Player
Club signed from
Appearances
Pau Torres
Villarreal
39
Alex Moreno
Real Betis
48
Jota Peleteiro
Birmingham City
16
Pepe Reina
AC Milan
12
Borja Baston
Swansea City
2
Adama Traore
Barcelona
12
Jose Crespo
Córdoba
2
Carlos Gil
Valencia
34
Antonio Luna
Sevilla
18
Carlos Cuellar
Rangers
121
Via Transfermarkt
Indeed, the pair registered similar statistics with regard to shots per 90 (1.05 vs 1.32), pass success rate (89% vs 85.7%), goal-creations per 90 (0.31 vs 0.30) and successful take-on percentage (50% vs 51.1%).
These figures clearly show just how alike they are statistically, indicating that signing the Spaniard could be a logical transfer this summer in order to fill the void left by Luiz.
He may be nearing the end of his career, but the 32-year-old could add some vital experience to the Villa starting XI in the Champions League next season.
Sergi Roberto’s season in numbers
Roberto played just 14 times in La Liga during the 2023/24 campaign, with only ten starts, yet he still managed to showcase his abilities during his time on the pitch, hailed as "extraordinary" by then-boss, Xavi Hernandez.
Not only did the midfielder score three goals and grab two assists, but he also finished the season with a 90% pass success rate, averaged 0.6 key passes per game and completed 75% of his dribble attempts.
Defensively, Roberto won over 50% of his total duels, recovered 3.1 balls per game and was dribbled past on just 0.6 occasions per match.
Capable of contributing both going forward and defensively, his presence at the heart of the Villa midfield would give Emery another option to call upon, thus improving his squad depth.
Could he even form a partnership with Onana in the Villa midfield?
Amadou Onana and Sergi Roberto could shine together
Onana arrived at Villa Park in a deal worth around £50m, a significant outlay for the club, but one that Emery will hope can take his side to the next level in Europe.
Belgium's Amadou Onana
The Belgian machine showed exactly why Emery splashed the cash on him during Euro 2024, starring as one of Belgium’s better performers.
Indeed, he won a staggering 78% of his total duels – 5.3 per game – while also losing possession just 6.3 times per game, making two tackles and recovering 2.8 balls per game as the nation went out at the last 16 stage.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Onana ranks in the top 8% for tackles (3.06) and the top 6% for aerials won (2.24) per 90 over the previous 365 days. These defensive statistics clearly show what the 22-year-old could offer Villa next season.
Adding in a player like Roberto, who possesses a wealth of experience for one of the biggest clubs in the world, could be a solid piece of transfer business.
There is no doubt he brings a winning mentality to the Premier League, having won seven La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, making a total of 307 appearances in total across both competitions.
Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique praised Roberto previously, dubbing him “marvellous” and his attacking qualities could see him shine alongside Onana as Luiz 2.0 in essence.
Indeed, compared to his positional peers, Roberto ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.25), top 5% for assists (0.25) and 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.22) per 90 across Europe’s top five leagues.
Considering how often he played domestically last term, these statistics are certainly impressive. Emery would surely utilise him more than what Xavi did last term, meaning he could improve on these numbers during the 2024/25 campaign.
While he may demand a high wage, signing Roberto on a free transfer would add some steel to the heart of the midfield, especially since Luiz has departed for Turin.
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Arsenal are now in direct negotiations with the agent of a £150,000-per-week forward, who's interestingly been compared to club legend Thierry Henry.
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Sporting director Edu Gaspar and the wider Gunners recruitment team are said to be in the market for a new striker or wide player ahead of summer deadline day on August 30.
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The Catalans are convinced.
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Reports are circulating regarding an Arsenal move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with terms agreed in principle according to some outlets (HITC), but it remains the case that the Gunners could bring in another attacker as well.
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is attracting interest from Arsenal, as well as Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane, as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to add another creative new option in the final third.
Bukayo Saka
20
Leandro Trossard
17
Kai Havertz
14
Martin Odegaard
11
Gabriel Jesus
8
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz scored a combined 51 goals between them in all competitions last season, but Gabriel Martinelli suffered a slight dip in form towards the end of 2023/2024 and Gabriel Jesus endured a stop-start season, thanks partly to injury problems.
Many other names are continuing to be linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Williams and Sane, with Arsenal also admirers of Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who has been described as a good option to back up Saka on that side.
Pedro-Neto-Wolves
“I don’t know if Pedro Neto would walk into the first team of either Arsenal or Tottenham, but he can certainly help them as a squad player," said ex-Premier League star William Gallas.
"He would be a good option for either club to have on the bench. When you play against a player like him, as a defender, you know that he will give you a game. Over the last few years, he’s definitely shown what he can do. He scores goals and is always a threat."
While he would be a brilliant player to call upon, when considering his excellent record of assists last season, concerns also surround Neto's torrid injury record and reports he'll cost as much as £60 million.
Arsenal in negotiations with agent of Federico Chiesa
According to Italian newspaper La Stampa, via Tutto Juve, an astute alternative in terms of value could be Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. The Italy international, who's drawn comparisons to Henry, is capable of playing centre-forward and as a second striker.
He's valued at around £25 million by the Old Lady as he enters the final season of his contract, with the £150,000-per-week forward now subject to advances of interest from Arsenal.
La Stampa claim Arsenal are in negotiations with Chiesa's agent, Fali Ramadani, who is trying to gather who will come forward with a concrete proposal to sign the 51-cap star.
Ramadani is talking to other elite Premier League sides about his client, according to this report, so it appears the representative is attempting to seal a move to England for Chiesa.
Liverpool are closing in on their first signing of the Arne Slot era after it emerged that they have agreed personal terms with one of their targets ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Tricky summer for Liverpool
As it stands, Liverpool and Slot will be heading into the new season as the only Premier League side not to have made a signing this summer. It has not been for want of trying. The club were drawn into a protracted saga over Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who had previously rejected the chance to join Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.
And, despite their best efforts to convince him otherwise, Liverpool joined that list after the Spaniard opted to remain at boyhood club Real Sociedad rather than swap San Sebastian for Merseyside this summer.
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There have been persistent rumours around a potential move to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, but as of yet they have not reignited in earnest since the end of June, when a swap deal was mooted as a potential work-around for the Tyneside outfit's financial fair play concerns.
Slot's side were also thought to be in the market for a left-sided centre-back this summer amid ongoing uncertainty around Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman down to the final year of his contract at Anfield. Now though, they look to have prioritised another position.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool handed boost as "fantastic" player agrees to join
That comes as Fabrizio Romano reveals that Georgian goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili has agreed to join the Reds on a personal level, with the club still haggling with Valencia over a fee.
Mamardashvili, who starred at EURO 2024 for his nation, has been vocal about wanting to leave Los Ches this summer and had previously been linked with Newcastle United, but has now "accepted Liverpool plan and contract terms".
Most saves at EURO 2024
Player (Nation)
Saves
Georgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)
29
Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands)
18
Jordan Pickford (England)
17
Nita (Romania)
16
Mike Maignan (France)
16
That plan will see the 23-year-old head out on loan for the 2024/25 campaign with Bournemouth a potential destination for the Georgian – he will likely join the Cherries direct from Valencia ahead of joining Liverpool in 2025, due to rules regarding Premier League loans within the same window the player is purchased.
He is not expected to be an expensive addition either, with reports suggesting that he would cost around £30m to prise away from Valencia this summer despite still having three years left to run on his £25,000 a week deal in Spain.
Liverpool see that as excellent value for one of the most impressive young goalkeepers in world football, and it would allow greater flexibility over the future of current no.1 Alisson, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Though it is not the immediate first team addition that Liverpool fans have been crying out for across the transfer window, signing the Georgian could prove another piece of very shrewd business from the Reds.
Nottingham Forest’s deadline day is well underway, with the club wasting no time in making various key additions to the squad.
The club have already agreed a €15m (£12.6m) deal with Benfica for centre-back Morato, whilst also reaching an agreement to sign midfielder James Ward-Prowse on a season-long loan from West Ham United.
It’s not the first time the Reds have been linked with a move to sign the Brazilian defender, with the club targeting a move for the 23-year-old last summer, but were eventually priced out of a move.
Benfica defender Morato.
As for Ward-Prowse, his loan move could be a great deal, providing injury cover for Danilo, whilst bringing excellent set-piece quality to help aid Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in attacking areas.
However, despite the recent flurry of activity, more incomings are expected at the City Ground before tonight’s deadline, highlighting the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis.
A deal for one player seems to be heading in the right direction, potentially taking the Reds’ deadline-day incomings to three.
Nottingham Forest closing in on deal for exciting talent
According to German outlet BILD, Nottingham Forest are edging closer to a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush before the 11pm deadline.
It was confirmed yesterday that the club had made a third bid for the Egyptian forward, with the Bundesliga outfit holding out for €30m (£25m) to part ways with the talent who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season.
The latest report from BILD claims that ‘concrete negotiations are underway’ over a move for Marmoush, with the 25-year-old wanting a move to the Premier League this summer.
The Reds have been hunting for a striker in the last couple of weeks, with Eddie Nketiah and Santiago Gimenez both on their shortlist, but it appears Marmoush could be the chosen one, potentially forming an excellent partnership with one of the other new additions.
Why Marmoush would be deadly with Ward-Prowse
As previously mentioned, Ward-Prowse is edging closer to a move to the City Ground, with the 29-year-old set for a medical later on this afternoon.
He could be a brilliant piece of business on a temporary deal, bolstering the club’s midfield department, whilst also providing ammunition to the forward line.
James Ward-Prowse scores from a corner for West Ham
The former Southampton ace registered eight assists in the Premier League last season, with his set-piece delivery falling into the hands of the attackers – none more so than potential new addition Marmoush.
Ward-Prowse is a superb option in possession, completing 83% of the passes he attempted in the Premier League last season, with an average of 4.3 progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his ability to play the ball into forward areas, handing the Egyptian with a plethora of opportunities in front of goal.
Games played
37
Goals + assists
15
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
4.3
Passes into final third
4.1
Crosses completed
5.7
Key passes completed
1.9
He’s also averaged 5.7 completed crosses per 90 alongside 1.9 key passes, further demonstrating his talents at providing chances to the forward line, allowing Marmoush to have the best chance of being a success on Trentside.
Omar Marmoush for Frankfurt.
The deal for the Frankfurt talent could finally spell the end of the club’s hunt for a new talisman, with the 25-year-old having the ability to add that needed cutting edge to Nuno’s frontline.
It may be another expensive addition at around the £25m mark, but he would provide that top-level forward that the Reds have been searching for – further boosting Forest’s chances of pulling clear of any relegation battle during the 2024/25 campaign.
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Glasgow Rangers’ recent Old Firm troubles continued as they suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat over the weekend to their biggest rivals.
The result leaves the Ibrox side trailing the league leaders by five points in the Premiership after just four matches. It wasn’t so much the defeat, which was the worst part, as Rangers looked frightened to make anything happen, despite enjoying a bright enough start to the game.
Philippe Clement couldn’t have picked a better time for the international break to come. While the players may have failed to deliver on the pitch, the Belgian must take some responsibility for the results, as this was the Gers' fourth defeat in five Old Firm games under him.
It is clear that the summer transfer window wasn’t as productive as it should have been. Yes, the manager may have shipped out high earners such as John Lundstram, Sam Lammers and Connor Goldson among others, but the replacements have to prove they are up to the required standard.
Deadline day did bring in two new arrivals, as defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo and attacking midfielder Nedim Bajrami both joined the Light Blues before the window closed.
Kasanwirjo is only at Ibrox temporarily, but Clement shelled out around €4m (£3.4m) to bring the Albanian from Italy to Scotland.
He shone at Euro 2024 for Albania. Could the midfielder hit the ground running in Scotland?
Nedim Bajrami’s 2023/24 season in numbers
The 25-year-old joined Sassuolo in the summer of 2022, joining from fellow Italian side FC Empoli.
He had shone there, registering 44 goal contributions – 22 goals and 22 assists – in 127 games, but during his two years at Sassuolo, Bajrami couldn’t quite match these sorts of numbers.
Four assists and four goals were all he could manage in two seasons with the club. They managed to remain in Serie A during his first campaign but suffered relegation during 2023/24 and the offer from Rangers was clearly too good to turn down.
Despite scoring only twice in the Italian top flight, Bajrami managed to create three big chances, averaging 0.8 key passes per game while succeeding with 57% of his dribbles throughout the campaign.
Considering he averaged around 47 minutes per game, these are decent enough stats, especially in a top-five European league.
Among his peers in Serie A last season, the Albanian ranked in the top 9% for crosses per 90 (5.36) along with ranking in the top 6% for successful take-on percentage per 90 (54.4%), meaning he not only delivered balls into the box regularly, but the midfielder was also able to beat his opposition man more often than not.
These types of traits will surely allow him to thrive in Scotland, particularly as Clement needs a player of his class in the number ten role.
Bajrami also proved he has a keen eye for goal, scoring after just 23 seconds against Italy at Euro 2024 with a well-taken finish, and this experience on the biggest stage will do him no harm at all as he begins a new challenge.
Signing an attacking midfielder was a priority for Clement, but the judgment is out on Bajrami until he starts playing for the club.
It's evident he's got vast potential and he could perform strongly alongside a certain Nicolas Raskin in central areas.
Nicolas Raskin’s Rangers statistics
The Ibrox side had been chasing the Belgian youngster for a few months prior to securing his signature for £1.2m in January 2023.
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin
Michael Beale immediately lavished praise on the midfielder, saying: “He is a young player that has already amassed good experience both in domestic and European competition. I am looking forward to working with him closely and integrating him into our team.”
The £19k-per-week midfielder went on to make 16 appearances for the club during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, integrating himself well into the side ahead of his first full season.
Hailed as a “pit bull” by journalist Bob Faesen back in 2020 due to his physical nature and box-to-box tendencies, Raskin’s future looked bright last season.
Accurate passes
42.7
30.4
Total duels won
4.3
4.2
Tackles
1.8
2.3
Interceptions
0.5
0.4
Key passes
0.6
0.7
Successful dribbles
0.9
0.5
Due to injury problems, however, he managed to feature just 31 times in all competitions, of which only 20 were from the starting XI.
The Belgian did recover 5.3 balls, made 2.3 tackles and won 53% of his total duels per game when he did play in the Premiership, showing flashes of his abilities in the heart of the midfield.
The 23-year-old made his first appearance of the current campaign against Celtic last weekend, coming on for a ten-minute cameo which saw him succeed with 100% of his dribbles and win 75% of his duels.
Perhaps this is a sign of things to come for the talented midfielder and his market value continues to grow.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
Nicolas Raskin’s market value at Rangers in 2024
The former Standard Liege starlet is now currently valued at £5.5m according to Transfermarkt, which ranks him as the second most valuable player in the entire Rangers squad.
Clement could certainly secure a substantial profit on the midfielder should he sell him in one of the next windows, although there is no doubt his immediate future lies at the Light Blues.
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
Raskin now needs a consistent run in the starting XI to live up to the hype generated upon his arrival 18 months ago. Of course, injury problems haven’t exactly helped his cause during his time at the club.
His value is £2m more than what the Gers paid to sign Bajrami, meaning the club have certainly hit gold on the tenacious midfielder.
Hopefully, the international break gives him suitable time to recover ahead of the crucial run of fixtures that follow.
Worse than Tavernier: 3/10 Rangers man was "not good enough"
The Light Blues attacker endured a difficult afternoon against Celtic on Sunday.
The transfer window has only been shut for 11 days, but Manchester United have already identified a position that they are keen to strengthen during the January transfer window, according to a new report.
The Red Devils added five new players to their squad during the summer, but given the fact it has been a poor start for them in the league, they already have their eye on potential transfers they wish to make in January.
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United already have their eye on one player they would like to sign next summer.
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As well as adding five players to their squad, United’s new hierarchy were also extremely busy with departures, as they allowed 13 players to leave over the course of a few months.
Scott McTominay
Napoli
Mason Greenwood
Marseille
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
West Ham
Willy Kambwala
Villarreal
Hannibal
Burnley
Facundo Pellistri
Panathinaikos
Alvaro Careras
Benfica
Donny Van de Beek
Girona
Raphael Varane
Como
Omari Forson
Monza
Anthony Martial
Without club
Jadon Sancho
Chelsea
Brandon Williams
Without club
The departures may not end there, as Manchester United’s Brazilian flop, Antony, is still being linked with a move away from the club. It was reported over the weekend that Newcastle United are keen on signing Antony once the January transfer window opens.
The Red Devils are said to value the winger at around £40 million, and despite his struggles in England, that price isn’t putting off the Magpies, as Eddie Howe is still “highly appreciative” of his ability.
But while Newcastle are keen on a move in January, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are looking to sign the winger this week. According to a new report, Antony is pushing to leave Old Trafford, and José Mourinho is keen on bringing him to Fenerbahçe on a loan deal.
Man Utd identify possible Luke Shaw replacement
According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United have identified Brest defender Bradley Locko as a potential arrival in the January transfer window to replace Luke Shaw. The report states that signing a cover for Shaw is a top priority in January, as higher ups have become frustrated with the player’s injury problems.
As well as identifying Locko, United are also said to have Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez on their list. All three players are considered targets by the Red Devils as they look to bolster their options at left-back.
Bradley Locko for Brest.
Shaw, who still has three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, is seen as being “unreliable and unstainable” for a first-choice candidate by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other board members.
Locko, who is said to be on €9,615 – roughly £8,000 – per week, has been at Brest since July 2020, and after working his way through their academy, the defender established himself in the first team during the 2021/22 campaign. He has since gone on to feature regularly for the French side, playing 33 times in Ligue 1 last season, grabbing three assists along the way.
Leeds United suffered their first defeat of the Championship season on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by recently relegated Burnley at Elland Road.
Luca Koleosho scored the only goal of the game in the first half, racing down the right wing before lashing a strike into the bottom corner, but things could have been so different had the Whites taken their chances.
Mateo Joseph missed a huge opportunity to open the scoring in the first few minutes of the match, firing wide after going one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and Wilfried Gnonto struck straight at James Trafford after being slipped through on goal by Brenden Aaronson.
The centre-forward position for Leeds has been handed to Joseph so far this season but the youngster still has more to prove before he can be considered a reliable option for Daniel Farke.
A return of one goal and two assists in five Championship appearances so far is not spectacular. However, the Spain U21 international has plenty of time to develop and improve over the weeks and months to come.
They will be hoping that he develops more than one of their former centre-forward prospects, Jay-Roy Grot, did during his time at Elland Road.
Jay-Roy Grot's Leeds struggles
In the summer of 2017, Thomas Christiansen swooped to sign the Netherlands U19 international from Eredivisie outfit NEC Nijmegen on a permanent deal.
The 19-year-old striker had racked up six goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side, which convinced the Whites to bring him to West Yorkshire.
He had scored five goals in 20 Eredivisie outings during the 2016/17 campaign and arrived as a promising young striker with potential to improve.
Appearances
20
Goals
1
Key passes per game
0.1
Pass accuracy
60%
Duel success rate
41%
As you can see in the table above, Grot was unable to make an instant impact in his first season in the Championship with Leeds, with a return of one goal in 20 appearances.
The young forward was then sent out on loan to VVV-Venlo and Vitesse in the Netherlands for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, before being allowed to join VfL Osnabrück on a free transfer in 2021.
This shows that his time at Elland Road was a struggle, as he did not perform on the pitch and left for nothing, whilst the player they wanted to sign before they landed Grot has gone on to flourish in a big away.
Leeds United's attempt to sign Erling Haaland
In the summer of 2017, before a deal was agreed to bring Grot to the club, Leeds made an attempt to sign Erling Haaland from Molde at the age of 17.
The teenager, born in Leeds, was reportedly a supporter of the club at the time, whilst playing for Molde, and his agent offered him to Victor Orta.
Haaland travelled over to West Yorkshire, where he was born, and met with Orta to discuss a potential move to Elland Road, going as far as to have a shirt with his name on it created.
Agent Hayden Evans has since revealed that Haaland and his team were impressed by manager Thomas Christiansen and that they wanted to get a deal over the line.
However, Molde were demanding a fee of £4m for the 17-year-old centre-forward and Leeds were not in a stable financial position, which meant that they were not willing to gamble that kind of fee on a teenage striker who would not be a guaranteed first-team player for the club.
Interestingly, Evans added that the young number nine went to Elland Road later that season to be in the away end at Queens Park Rangers as a Christmas present.
Whilst it is understandable that they did not want to spend £4m on an unproven 17-year-old as a Championship club, Orta and Leeds may look back on that decision with huge regret given what Haaland has achieved since that summer.
Erling Haaland's current market value
At the time of writing (19/09/2024), Transfermartk has the Norway international’s current market value at €180m (£152m) and that is quite a leap from the £4m the Whites could have paid for him seven years ago.
After Leeds opted against a move for the young marksman, Haaland scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 30 matches during the 2018 campaign for Molde.
That earned him a move to RB Salzburg in January 2019 and the centre-forward went on to plunder an incredible 29 goals and seven assists in 27 games for the Austrian club.
The prolific forward then moved to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and racked up 86 goals and 23 assists in 89 outings for the German side.
If that did not make Orta and Leeds start to regret not snapping him up for £4m then his subsequent move to Manchester City and success in the Premier League certainly will have.
Haaland has produced a staggering 99 goals in 104 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola since his transfer to England in the summer of 2022, five years on from his move to Elland Road broke down.
Appearances
35
31
4
xG
28.66
29.32
4.87
Goals
36
27
9
Assists
8
5
0
Big chances created
11
6
1
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old superstar has been incredibly prolific in the Premier League over the last two years or so, winning the Golden Boot in both of his full seasons so far.
He also fired in 12 goals in 11 games in the Champions League in the 2022/23 campaign, as City won the competition, which shows that the striker is exceptional domestically and in Europe.
These statistics, and his sensational market value, show that Leeds missed out big time by not paying the £4m Molde wanted for the young striker, who could have burst onto the scene in Yorkshire instead of having to work his way to England through Salzburg and Dortmund.
Piroe arrived instead: Farke wanted Leeds to sign star who's now worth £84m
The Whites bolstered their attack with the Dutch forward in the summer of 2023.
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Instead, they signed Grot as a young centre-forward to develop and the Dutch number nine, who now plays for Kashiwa Reysol in Japan, was a flop at Elland Road.