All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United are still searching for their number nine answer, as in recent years, they have tried their best to address this position, spending big fees on highly rated forwards, which hasn’t worked out in their favour.

Sebastian Haller was signed in the 2019/20 season, joining from Ajax for a fee of around £45m, which was a club-record fee at the time for the Hammers. The Ivory Coast international made 54 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals, providing one assist, and totalling 3,681 minutes played.

But Haller isn’t the only striker the Hammers have signed for big money that hasn’t worked out, as there was another signing who joined in the same window as stars such as Lucas Paqueta and Emerson. It’s safe to say it did not work out as planned…

Gianluca Scamacca at West Ham

Gianluca Scamacca signed for West Ham in the 2022/23 season, joining from Sassuolo for a deal worth around £35.5m. In his time at the club, the Italian forward made 27 appearances, scoring eight times, and totaling 1,342 minutes.

The Italy international didn’t spend long in London, as he returned to his homeland just one year later, moving to Atlanta for a fee of around £22.5m plus £4.3m add-ons.

During the 2023/24 season, Scamacca had the best season of his career upon returning to his home country, scoring 19 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, also providing eight assists, linking play for his side, and totaling 2,319 minutes.

Scamacca is now similar to an £82m star

Unfortunately for the Italian forward, he suffered a cruciate ligament tear in August and has missed 183 days so far due to this injury, missing 34 games for Atalanta. Subsequently, he is not expected to return until around February 2025.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

That being said, based on his performance during the 2023/24 season, Scamacca has been compared to some of the game’s elite strikers, with FBref putting the 25-year-old down as a “similar player” to the likes of Darwin Núñez, Robert Lewandowski and even England star Harry Kane.

Goals

0.74

1.13

Assists

0.27

0.39

xG

0.47

0.93

xAG

0.20

0.19

Progressive Carries

1.43

1.34

Progressive Passes

2.27

3.12

Shots Total

3.74

3.84

Goals/Shot

0.20

0.18

Key Passes

1.68

1.85

Shot-Creating Actions

3.36

4.20

Aerial Duels Won

1.60

1.15

Since joining Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane has made 64 appearances for the German giants, bagging 64 goals and providing 21 assists. The England captain has been excellent since leaving the Premier League, and the fact Scamacca is compared to him is no coincidence.

The Italian has been even more clinical than Kane with a lower shot volume, scoring 0.20 goals per shot taken, compared to the 0.18 ratio of Kane. The 25-year-old also has an extra aerial quality to offer, with brilliant back-to-goal play, manipulating the ball to get a shot away or link with his teammates.

As it happens, playing with his back to goal is an area where the Bayern star thrives, bringing others in to play and making the team tick more efficiently.

Kane does, of course, have other world-class qualities ahead of Scamacca, often dropping deep to pick up the ball and play the role of a playmaker, making 1.85 key passes per 90, and averaging 4.20 shot-creating actions per 90. With regard to key passes, however, the former Hammers flop isn’t too far behind.

Despite being six years older than Scamacca, Kane is valued at £82m after his move to Munich, and considering the Italian has a similar level of clinical finishing (actually ranking better than Kane), he could also be worth much more in the future than the £29m Transfermarkt suggests he is worth.

So, would it be fair to say he’d do a job in the current Irons setup?

West Ham's current forward options

Michail Antonio has started the most games up front for West Ham so far this season, making 15 appearances, scoring one goal, providing one assist, and totalling 874 minutes played. Danny Ings has managed 10 appearances, many coming from the bench, also scoring once, and providing one assist, but only featuring for 232 minutes.

West Ham signed a new striker in the summer, with the hope of adding more goals in the number nine position, with Niclas Füllkrug signing from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of around £27m. However, things haven’t turned out that way, with the German only making five appearances so far, scoring once.

Goals

0.10

0.37

0.87

0.35

Assists

0.10

0.37

0.00

0.23

xG

0.24

1.05

0.78

0.20

xAG

0.17

0.35

0.00

0.26

Progressive Carries

3.12

2.50

2.22

3.67

Progressive Passes

1.94

1.50

0.00

3.67

Shots Total

2.08

4.07

3.04

2.85

Goals/Shot

0.05

0.09

0.29

0.10

Key Passes

0.97

2.00

0.00

2.38

Shot-Creating Actions

2.37

5.00

2.22

4.63

Aerial Duels Won

1.83

4.00

8.89

0.20

Antonio, Ings and Fullkrug all offer different qualities in the striker position, the former with his willingness to run the channels and help to progress play, Ings with his natural box instincts and sharpshooting (increasing shot volume), and the latter with his aerial presence and box dominance.

Their other option for a centre-forward is Jarrod Bowen, who is more typically deployed as a right-winger, cutting inside on his strong left foot. However, in recent years, the current captain has shown he can play as a lone striker, scoring plenty of goals from this position last campaign under David Moyes, having played 22 times through the middle, and only 21 times on the right last season.

As the Hammers continue to have striker issues, they will likely delve back into the transfer market, in order to bring a more youthful option to their frontline, but much of this could well have been avoided had a little time been afforded to Scamacca.

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ByConnor Holden Dec 12, 2024

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has personally requested INEOS to sign a striker who has been described as a “superstar”, according to a report.

Amorim makes big Rashford call

Leaving Marcus Rashford out of the squad for the Manchester derby was one of Amorim’s first big calls as United boss, and with the forward now of the belief that his time at his boyhood club is coming to an end, a replacement may be needed in January.

One potential option is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, having sent scouts to watch the striker during his side’s disappointing 5-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, although the 21-year-old did score just two minutes into the game.

The Red Devils have also reportedly made a bid for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who could be a more like-for-like replacement for Rashford, and they are currently believed to be leading the race for his signature despite interest from elsewhere.

Man Utd’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

AFC Bournemouth (h)

December 22nd

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

December 26th

Newcastle United (h)

December 30th

Liverpool (a)

January 5th

Southampton (h)

January 16th

Amorim is clearly looking to put his own stamp on the squad he has inherited, with Spanish sources confirming the new manager wants to rebuild the squad, while also getting rid of a number of under performing players.

The same report states that Amorim has now personally requested INEOS to sign Victor Osimhen, who could arrive as early as January due to a special clause included in his loan agreement with reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray.

United are dissatisfied with the contributions of the forwards they currently have at the club, meaning Osimhen is very much on the radar, however the report makes it clear they are also looking to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

Amorim has also requested the signing of Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in defence, and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling out wide, with the manager clearly determined to reshape his squad this winter.

Manchester United now want to sign £9k-p/w "technical maestro" for Amorim

He would be a signing for the long term at Old Trafford.

1 ByBen Browning Nov 30, 2024

Reports since from Spain have gone on to add that Man Utd are willing to pay Osimhen’s €75m (£62m) release clause alongside both Chelsea and PSG.

New striker needed at Old Trafford

It is evident that Amorim needs to strengthen in attacking areas, with Joshua Zirkzee struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League, scoring just four goals in all competitions in his debut season.

As such, Osimhen could be the perfect signing for the Red Devils, given that he is a proven goalscorer from his time with Napoli, and he has been impressive in the Turkish league this season, scoring seven goals in 10 games.

Such is the Nigerian’s ability, he has been lauded as a “superstar” by the media, so it is exciting news that Amorim is interested in bringing him to Old Trafford, and that a deal is possible in January.

It has been a terrible first half of the season for United, and Osimhen could be a real statement signing to help them kick on and move up the table.

Sat 14th and forced to admit that the reality of a relegation battle is no longer a world away, Ruben Amorim is reportedly demanding that Sir Jim Ratcliffe welcomes a reinforcement worth £80m for Manchester United this month.

Man Utd transfer news

Creating history that no one wants to be remembered for by losing five of his first eight league games in charge of Manchester United, the difficulty of the task at hand has never been more apparent for Amorim at Old Trafford. A third consecutive Premier League defeat looked inevitable from minute one against Newcastle United last time out, as does the departure of Marcus Rashford, who was back on the Manchester United bench but unused against the Magpies.

Just seven points clear of the dropzone following Ipswich Town’s victory over Chelsea last time out, Manchester United’s trip to Anfield this weekend couldn’t have been poorer timed as they look to avoid dropping closer and closer to disastrous circumstances.

In such a position, those at Old Trafford must find a way to welcome reinforcements even if they’ve previously seemed reluctant to do so this month, with Amorim desperate for fresh faces.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd "open" to letting £200k-p/w ace leave in January

Ruben Amorim has made up his mind on one of United’s top earners.

ByDominic Lund Jan 1, 2025

So much so that, according to The Daily Star, Amorim is now demanding Ratcliffe to sign Viktor Gyokeres this month, telling the Manchester United co-owner that he cannot wait for the summer transfer window and he needs a reunion with the Sporting Club star now.

It’s not always as simple as that, however. Gyokeres’ hefty £80m release clause means that, no matter how much Amorim demands his signature, the Swede may well be out of reach for Manchester United right now.

Likely left stranded with a striker who fans ironically cheered off the pitch in the first-half against Newcastle United – Joshua Zirkzee – and Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to show more than glimpses of his potential, Amorim must simply survive the season.

Man Utd must back Amorim with "Rolls-Royce" Gyokeres

With the fear of a relegation battle growing more and more of a reality, United may be left with no choice but to spend their way out of trouble. It’s clear that the squad Amorim inherited is far from one built for success in his 3-4-2-1 system, but the Red Devils knew what their new manager required when they hired him and must now back their man in the transfer market.

Dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” by journalist Zach Lowy, Gyokeres would drag Manchester United out of the embarrassment of a relegation battle and onwards at least, but INEOS must first reach his valuation.

A player who starred under Amorim at Sporting, scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in a Champions League thrashing of the Citizens and hitting 27 goals in 27 games this season, Gyokeres is a must-buy for United in 2025. Whether Ratcliffe will listen to Amorim’s demands remains to be seen, however.

Manchester United are now set to be offered a new forward who they could land as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres, it has been reported, in a move that would save them millions.

Manchester United transfer news

Major surgery is needed at Old Trafford to create a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League under Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting coach’s 3-4-2-1 is ill-suited to the current group of players at Old Trafford, something which has seen Diogo Dalot utilised as a wing-back on one side and Noussair Mazraoui on the other.

In midfield, major upgrades are needed with Christian Eriksen well past his best and out of contract this summer, while Casemiro is also likely to be free to leave with the Brazilian clearly unable to keep up with the physical requirements of Amorim’s system. Though both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have performed well, injuries and suspensions have seen them paired together just six times this season, with more options needed in the middle of the pitch.

He's like Vinicius Jr: Man Utd chasing exciting £33m Rashford upgrade

Manchester United may have already found the perfect Marcus Rashford replacement.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 10, 2025

At the top of the pitch, meanwhile, there are even more concerns. The Red Devils have managed just 23 goals so far this Premier League campaign, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund having combined for just five between them despite costing the club almost £100m across the last two seasons, while Marcus Rashford has been frozen out and could leave the club this January.

With so much change needed across the pitch and more widely in the squad, and the club continuing to try to cut costs in order to remain compliant with financial fair play, they will need to find some bargain buys to try and help Amorim in the upcoming transfer windows. Now, they may be offered one.

Manchester United offered "superstar" striker on the cheap

That comes as GiveMeSport report that Manchester United are set to be offered Canada international forward Jonathan David this summer as he enters the market as a free agent.

Lille’s no.9 has found the net with regularity across his time with Les Dogues, and has hit the net 11 times already this season, almost half the number that Manchester United have managed as a squad.

Now set to leave the club as a free agent in the summer, the 24-year-old is expected to be the subject of significant interest from around Europe, and the report claims that “United are expected to be offered David” at the end of the season.

Season

Appearances

Goals

2024-25 so far

16

11

2023-24

34

19

2022-23

37

24

2021-22

38

15

2020-21

37

13

Despite being a free agent approaching the prime of his career, there is no doubting David’s quality, with Canadian team mate Jonathan Osario dubbing him “a superstar”. As is often the case with free agents, David would likely demand a significant increase on his £31,000 a week deal as well as a signing on fee, but those figures would pale in comparison to a potential fee for alternative options.

Viktor Gyokeres, for instance, is believed to be available for around £60m this summer. Though his previous relationship with Amorim suggests that he would guarantee goals, he would also be a signifcant outlay for a club who have made all too many in recent seasons without seeing the return on their investment.

The arrival of David, however, would allow Manchester United to sign one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards while also keeping their money for other potential additions to continue to flesh out a workable squad for Amorim.

Middlesbrough have been handed some much-needed good news in the January transfer market as a report has revealed that they are closing in on a new signing for Michael Carrick.

Middlesbrough transfer news

There is plenty of uncertainty around which players Carrick will still have available for the second half of the Championship season amid major speculation on Teeside.

Currently on loan with the Riverside outfit, Ben Doak’s future has been thrown into doubt after bids were lodged for the Liverpool talent this month, while speculation has since suggested that Arne Slot’s side will try and use him as part of a part exchange deal to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo before the end of the window.

Elsewhere, there has been major speculation over the future of Boro’s top goalscorer Emmanuel Latte Lath, who has scored 10 times so far this season but has now reportedly been the subject of a £16m bid from MLS side Atlanta United.

The Ivorian is also thought to be on the radar of Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town, who wanted to sign him in the summer and have reignited that interest now.

Emmanuel Latte-Lath

10

Finn Azaz

8

Tommy Conway

8

Hayden Hackney

3

Ben Doak

2

Any exit would come as a massive blow to Boro’s hopes of securing a spot in the play-offs, with the club currently occupying the final spot but only a point ahead of West Brom behind them.

Should their attacking talent be stripped this winter, it will require some significant squad rebuilding in the final weeks of the window to sustain a push for a play-off spot, but now they are closing in on a signing at the other end of the pitch.

Middlesbrough closing in on Ryan Giles signing

That comes as Football League World report that Boro are in “advanced talks” to sign Ryan Giles from Hull City just six months after he arrived at the MKM Stadium.

The left-back was signed from Luton Town over the summer but has struggled to nail down a spot in the Hull side, starting just 11 of their games this season and being an unused substitute on a further nine occasions.

Now, his short stint with Hull appears to be coming to an end, with a move to make him Michael Carrick’s first January addition “edging closer to completion”, and “the two sides are both now expecting the deal to go through at some stage this month”.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Coming through the ranks at Wolves, and during a loan spell with Cardiff he was singled out for praise by Mick McCarthy, who explained: “Ryan is exciting and the crosses he puts in, whether it’s on the right, putting them in left-footed, corners, free-kicks, it’s a real weapon we can utilise.”

But Giles’ best form of his career came during his loan spell on Teeside, where he assisted 12 goals to help Boro to a play-off semi-final berth in 2023, but he has failed to hit those heights since.

For Hull City, his exit will also be a blessing with his £35,000 a week wages believed to be the highest at the club, though it is as of yet unclear the fee they will receive for the defender. Carrick will be hoping that it is the first signing of several in the coming weeks as he looks to help ensure his side continue to challenge for the play-offs.

Chelsea have held discussions with intermediaries in the last few days over a potential forward signing, as those agents attempt to find their player a new home in January and reach out to Stamford Bridge officials.

Chelsea scour January market for new attackers in January

Enzo Maresca’s side are believed to be targeting a fresh attacking option before deadline day on February 3rd, leading to their widely reported interest in the likes of Bayern Munich starlet Mathys Tel, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign "exciting" £65m forward for Maresca

The Italian could witness a busy end to their transfer window.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 24, 2025

The Telegraph’s Matt Law wrote earlier this week that Chelsea are considering Tel, Garnacho and Gittens to bolster Maresca’s forward line, while other reports from South America claim a “formal” offer has already gone in for the Man Utd man.

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Garnacho’s exit from Old Trafford is looking more and more like a realistic possibility, given United’s PSR concerns, and it is believed that Chelsea could look to take full advantage of this situation to snap up the Argentine.

The forward’s rumoured price tag has varied, but it has gone as high as £65 million according to some media sources, making him an expensive potential acquisition mid-season.

Taking this into account, BlueCo may also be wise to keep their eyes on further alternatives to Garnacho, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki could be a very prudent option.

The Frenchman is widely regarded as a very exciting prospect, and Lyon’s provisional relegation to Ligue 2, as a result of their financial situation, means Cherki could go on the cheap.

His price tag has dropped to as low as £19 million, as per Fabrizio Romano, which could be too good of an opportunity for elite sides to pass up.

Chelsea hold talks with intermediaries over Rayan Cherki

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, agents have spoken to Chelsea “in recent days” over Cherki and his availability, as they scour the market to find their client a new club this month.

The Blues are keen on him, as are Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and West Ham, who’ve also held discussions with Cherki’s camp.

That being said, all these sides, including Chelsea, have concerns over Cherki’s attitude to fulfilling his potential. However, if the 21-year-old does begin to perform at the level he can, journalist Dean Jones suggests he’d be an excellent signing.

“He’s just different, this player,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras podcast recently.

“If you haven’t seen Cherki play, then just either stop the pod and go and watch him on YouTube for 10 minutes and then come back or just go watch him while we’re talking right now. Because his skill level is outrageous. He feels like he could become one of the best players in the world.”

It’s no secret that Tottenham Hotspur have been in the transfer market for numerous defenders in recent days as the hierarchy looks to provide Ange Postecoglou with the tools he needs to succeed.

Injuries have decimated his squad, with Radu Dragusin the latest player to suffer a long-term issue, after it was confirmed that the Romanian tore his ACL – subsequently ruling him out for around nine months.

Marc Guehi was on their radar first thing this morning after it emerged that Spurs had a £70m bid for the Crystal Palace ace rejected, which has seen them since move on to different targets.

Axel Disasi is another name who’s been mentioned as of late, but it remains unclear whether the Frenchman would be interested in a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

As a result, they’ve shifted their focus onto another potential target, submitting a late offer for one player who could move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming hours.

Spurs submit late £20m bid for French talent

According to journalist Loic Tanzi, Spurs have submitted a late £20m bid to sign Burnley star Maxime Esteve before the 11pm transfer deadline.

The Frenchman joined the Clarets 12 months ago from Ligue 1 side Montpellier but was unable to stop them from suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.

However, he’s since starred in England’s second tier, being part of a backline that has conceded just nine times in 30 matches – currently enjoying an eight-game streak without conceding a goal.

Tanzi confirmed that the bid had been made for the 22-year-old who’s started every league game this campaign, but that Scott Parker’s side are demanding £30m to part ways with the youngster before the end of the window.

Any deal could allow Postecoglou’s side to forget about a move for Disasi, with Esteve undoubtedly the better option out of the pair for the current Spurs first-team squad.

Why Esteve would be a better option than Disasi for Spurs

Both aforementioned options would provide the cover needed in North London, especially after Dragusin’s latest injury setback, but if they are to progress as a club, the right addition needs to be made.

Kevin Danso arrived over the last couple of days, with the club finally landing the reinforcement they’d been craving, but he was yet another right-footed option, with Micky van de Ven the only left-footed centre-back in the ranks.

However, a move for Disasi would see yet another right-footed player join, with Esteve having the chance to offer a more balanced option for Postecoglou, especially in the absence of the Netherlands international.

When comparing the Burnley star’s stats with the Chelsea ace from the ongoing campaign, Esteve has massively outperformed him, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

Esteve, who’s previously been dubbed a “quality left-footed CB” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning more aerials – making him the better defensive option out of the pair.

Games played

30

6

Minutes played

2615

364

Pass accuracy

90%

90%

Tackles won

56%

54%

Blocks made

1.2

1

Interceptions made

1.1

0.5

Clearances made

4.2

2.8

Aerials won

1.8

1.3

He’s also made more blocks and interceptions per 90, having the all-round skill set to be a key member of the squad, even upon the regular starters return to action.

Whilst £30m may seem like an expensive addition for a player in the second tier, Esteve has the ability to make the jump and star at the heart of the defence, having the chance to improve further in the years ahead.

Given his impressive stats compared to Disasi, it would be a no-brainer, with the Burnley star able to slot in and make an immediate impact given the huge difference in minutes played – offering a consistent figure, something which has greatly been lacking of late.

Perfect Guehi alternative: Spurs lead race to sign another star after Tel

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land the centre-back they have been craving in recent days.

1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers made the decision to keep faith with head coach Philippe Clement earlier this season and it increasingly looking like a shrewd call.

Back in November 2024, Football Insider reported that pressure was mounting on the Belgian boss, due to ‘poor’ performances, but they were willing to give him time to turn things around.

The Light Blues were set to play in the final of the League Cup the following month and the board seemingly decided to give him the chance to win another piece of silverware.

As shown in the highlights above, it was a spirited performance from the Gers and they came ever-so-close to winning the trophy, just to fall short on penalties.

Since that clash at Hampden Park, Rangers have only lost two of their last 13 matches in all competitions, including one loss to Premier League side Manchester United, and this shows that Clement has managed to get the Light Blues back on track.

The Belgian tactician has been helped by the respective returns of Danilo, from injury, and Ianis Hagi, from a contract dispute, as they have both starred at the top end of the pitch.

Ianis Hagi and Danilo's fantastic form this season

Firstly, Danilo returned from a knee injury, that kept him out for 12 matches, in November and has offered an excellent option in the centre-forward position in recent months.

The former Feyenoord and Ajax marksman has only started six of his 14 appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season, but has offered plenty of quality in those starts.

He has racked up an exceptional return of five goals and three assists in those 14 matches and six starts, along with six ‘big chances’ created for his teammates. This shows that the Brazilian ace has offered a huge threat inside the box and has made himself a reliable option for Clement when fit.

Hagi, meanwhile, returned to the team in October after players and board members stepped in to get him back in the squad, after he had been left out due to a contract issue that would have seen him given a pay rise if he had played more games.

The Romania international has been a star for Rangers in the Premiership ever since his return, with the highlights above showing off his most recent goals against Ross County.

Appearances (starts)

15 (12)

Goals

3

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

2.1

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old playmaker has offered a big threat at the top end of the pitch from an attacking midfield position, with eight direct goal contributions in 12 starts.

These statistics show that both Hagi and Danilo have been influential figures in the final third for Clement and that they have both been crucial parts of the improved performances in recent months.

However, there is a former Rangers player who they could, now, regret cashing in on last year, as he has outscored both of those current Light Blues stars.

How much Rangers sold Sam Lammers for

In the summer of 2024, the Scottish giants decided to part ways with versatile Dutch forward Sam Lammers as FC Twente swooped in to secure his services for a reported fee of £2.5m.

The left-footed attacker was brought in from Atalanta on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 under former Rangers head coach Michael Beale and he failed to hit the ground running at Ibrox in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Lammers produced two goals and two assists in 31 appearances for the Light Blues, before he was sent out on loan to FC Utrecht for the second half of the season by Clement, who came in to replace Beale in the dugout.

Appearances

18

Goals

10

Key passes per game

1.1

Big chances created

5

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman enjoyed an incredible time with Utrecht in the Eredivisie, with a return of 13 direct goal contributions in 18 matches.

Where Are They Now

However, that form was not enough to convince Clement to give him another chance at Ibrox, which led to his £2.5m switch to FC Twente last summer.

Why Rangers may regret selling Sam Lammers

The Gers may, now, regret their decision to cash in on the 26-year-old star so early in his career in Scotland, as he has caught the eye once again in the Eredivisie this term.

Lammers, who can play as an attacking midfielder, out wide, or as a striker, has been a regular starter for Twente in the Dutch top-flight so far this season, with 16 starts in 17 appearances in the league.

The former Rangers star has scored six goals in the league so far this term, which is more than Danilo (five) and Hagi (three), as aforementioned, have managed in the Premiership.

He has also scored two goals in six appearances in the Europa League for the Dutch team, which shows that he can also step up on the European stage, whilst neither Danilo nor Hagi were registered for the league phase of the competition for the Gers.

Appearances

17

Goals

6

Big chances missed

3

Big chances created

4

xA

2.70

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, Lammers has also provided an impressive amount of creativity at the top end of the pitch for FC Twente in the current campaign.

His teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third, though, as he has only registered one assist from four ‘big chances’ created and 2.70 xA.

These statistics show that Lammers is thriving in the Netherlands, again, after he caught the eye for Utrecht last term, and is outperforming two of Clement’s top performers as a goalscorer.

This is why Rangers may regret cashing in on him after only six months at Ibrox as they did not give him enough time to find this kind of form for the Light Blues, and it will now forever remain a case of ‘what if?’ for the Scottish giants.

Rangers hit jackpot with "unbelievable" star who's worth more than Cameron

Rangers have struck gold with the impressive midfield star at Ibrox.

2 ByDan Emery Feb 4, 2025

Arsenal travel to face Leicester City this afternoon looking to extend their 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League – temporarily closing the gap to runaway leaders Arsenal.

However, Mikel Arteta will be without numerous key first-team members for the trip to the East Midlands, with strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both unavailable for the remainder of the campaign.

The Spaniard also confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka is in his rehab stage of his recovery, with this afternoon’s clash coming too soon for the winger.

He’s been a huge miss to the Gunners squad, missing for the last two months as a result of his hamstring surgery, with his tally of five goals and 10 assists affecting their title charge.

One first-team player has been greatly affected by his absence, unable to reach the heights he so usually has during his team at the Emirates to date.

Martin Odegaard’s form for Arsenal in 2024/25

After featuring in his first three league matches of the season, midfielder Martin Odegaard also found himself on the sidelines for an extended spell after suffering an ankle injury on international duty.

However, he returned to action in November, aiming to provide the needed quality in which the side had greatly missed during his period of absence.

The Norwegian has so far only registered two goals and three assists in his 16 league outings, a long way off his tally of 18 combined in the top flight last season.

Saka’s injury has undoubtedly contributed to his mini drop-off in front of goal, with the players who have filled in for the Englishman so far being unable to match his high levels of performance.

However, Arteta could unleash one star who could follow in the footsteps of the academy graduate, with his incredible ability in attacking areas aiding Odegaard’s hint to return to his best form.

The player who Arteta needs to unleash against Leicester

During Saka’s spell on the sidelines, various players have attempted to fill the void, including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jesus and Leandro Trossard.

However, none of the aforementioned trio have been able to produce the goods, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri the player who’s been able to provide the best cover in recent weeks.

The teenage, who’s previously been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, still holds the record for the youngest-ever Premier League appearance maker, after the Gunners boss handed him his debut against Brentford as a 15-year-old.

He’s since gone from strength to strength in the first-team scene, making 23 appearances throughout 2024/25, albeit most being off the substitutes bench.

However, he’s still managed to provide the goods off limited minutes, scoring seven times despite his tender age, possessing a skill set way beyond his teenage years.

His development through the academy, coupled with his ability to cut inside onto his left foot makes him a very similar player to the injured Arsenal star, potentially being their next version of the winger and also the perfect temporary fix until he returns.

Games played

14

Goals scored

3

Shots taken

2.9

Pass accuracy

90%

Chances created

1.6

Successful dribbles

2.9

Dribble success

70%

In his last league appearance, he put the seal on a 5-1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates, doing so with a total of just six minutes of action – showcasing the quality he can provide if given the chance.

The boss desperately needs to recall the youngster given his form and the recent injury setbacks, with the crisis offering him the perfect chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role.

As for Odegaard, Nwaneri’s ability in the final third could see him boost his own tallies, looking to finally kickstart his season after his troubles with injuries over the last couple of months.

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Arsenal have conducted superb business in the transfer market over the last couple of years.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 14, 2025

Newcastle United have learned how much it will cost for them to sign an “unplayable” ace in the summer, according to a recent report.

Newcastle suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats

The Magpies had secured impressive victories in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in their last two outings before the weekend, but when it comes to the Premier League, they have now two defeats in a row, as Eddie Howe’s side suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, a fortnight on from losing at home to Fulham.

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Newcastle were thrashed at the Etihad in a third PL loss in four matches.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 15, 2025

Speaking after the defeat to City, Howe labelled it a “tough game” as his team were “not at our best”.

He said: “It was a tough game; they are still the toughest team to play against. We were not at our best today. Goals change games, and the goal we conceded early was a tough one for us. All the goals we conceded today we will look back on with frustration. It becomes difficult when you chase the game today, really tough.

“They ask so many questions of you, put you under pressure. They did not have a bundle of chances, but they did what they needed to do. It’s about growing for the next games and learning from today. When you come back into these arenas, fare better; that’s the challenge.”

Newcastle learn price tag for "unplayable" ace

The Magpies still have a lot to play for this season, but looking ahead to the summer, Newcastle could sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – if they pay £50m, according to Football Insider.

The report goes on to add that signing Mbeumo “would be a dream” for the Premier League side, as they have been keen on the Cameroon international for a while.

The 25-year-old is under contract at Brentford until 2026, meaning this summer could be Brentford’s final realistic chance of getting a big fee for the player, and £50m may therefore be enough for them to part ways.

It is a fee lower than previously reported, as it’s been claimed that Brentford were looking to get £60m for the player in January amid interest from the likes of the Magpies, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Whether Brentford stick to their reported asking price remains to be seen, but Football Insider also claimed that Newcastle are eyeing PSV winger Johan Bakayoko as a potential alternative. The Belgian has netted 10 goals in all competitions this season, including against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Mbeumo, who has been described as “unplayable” by Bees boss Thomas Frank, has been mightily impressive this season, as he’s scored 14 goals in 25 Premier League games. This is the most the forward has scored in the top flight, with his previous highest tally being nine, which he has reached in each of the last two seasons.

Apps

123

Goals

36

Assists

24

The Brentford forward has become one of the most lethal scorers in England this season, and while Newcastle already have Alexander Isak, Howe will want to add another proven scorer to his side, as they don’t want to be a team that relies on one individual.

Mbeumo’s versatility means he can play anywhere in attack, making him a potentially perfect partner for players like Isak and Anthony Gordon.