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Glasgow Rangers head into their League Cup semi-final clash with a point to prove after a disappointing loss in midweek to Aberdeen.

The 2-1 setback means the Ibrox side now trails the Dons and Celtic by nine points in the race for the Premiership title, despite playing only ten games.

If Philippe Clement wasn’t already facing the wrath of a large section of the Ibrox support, then the defeat to Aberdeen could certainly be the final straw for the Belgian.

Anything other than a win against Motherwell at Hampden Park on Sunday, and his position could become untenable. The Gers will repeat the vicious cycle that has persisted since Steven Gerrard left in November 2021.

The pressure is on the 50-year-old to forget the midweek loss and use the semi-final as a catalyst for a more positive few weeks ahead.

There may be a few changes to the team and we at Football FanCast predict the starting XI Clement will unleash at the national stadium on Sunday…

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GK – Jack Butland

The only player in the squad who looks certain of his space in the lineup every week is Butland, although he did concede twice at Pittodrie.

In last year’s League Cup semifinal, he kept a clean sheet against Hearts as Rangers progressed to the final with a 3-0 victory.

A result similar to this could ease some of the pressure on Clement, although Butland will have to be at his best.

2

RB – James Tavernier

It isn’t just Clement who is facing the backlash from the supporters, as Tavernier also has to take responsibility for the performances.

The captain hasn’t been at his best this season. Indeed, a total of 36 goal contributions were registered throughout the 2023/24 season. This term? Only four have been recorded after 17 matches.

It looks like the end is nigh for the Englishman, although he arguably should have been sold in the summer. With 18 months left on his contract, it is highly unlikely the club will be able to rake in a decent fee for him now.

3

CB – Neraysho Kasanwirjo

The on-loan defender has played in a handful of positions during his short spell at the club so far, including right-back, left-back, and even in midfield.

On Wednesday evening, the Dutchman played on the left side of defence, but with the return of Jefte to the starting XI, Clement should unleash Kasanwirjo at centre-back.

Playing him in a set position will surely be a major benefit and this slot at the heart of the defence is where he has played the majority of his club football.

4

CB – Leon Balogun

The veteran is still arguably one of the club’s finest defenders, despite his advancing years.

Against the Dons, Balogun lost possession nine times while winning only four of his 12 total duels during the clash, hardly inspiring numbers heading into the weekend.

He will be desperate to make up for this poor performance against Motherwell, that’s for sure.

5

LB – Jefte

The Brazilian was surprisingly rested against Aberdeen, but he will likely come back into the team for the game on Sunday.

In terms of summer recruitment, Jefte has been one of the more promising signings made by Clement, as his future in the game looks wonderful.

6

CM – Conor Barron

The former Aberdeen midfielder was subject to plenty of jeers every time he touched the ball in midweek, against his former club, but he handled it well.

Their loss is Rangers’ gain. Like Jefte, Barron is a player who has a splendid future in the game and he won’t be at the Light Blues for long. That’s a certainty.

Who will partner the Scot in the heart of the midfield?

7

CM – Nico Raskin

The Belgian has worked his way back into the starting XI recently, and he has been impressive, to say the least.

Against Aberdeen, he completed 87% of his passes, succeeded with five of his six dribble attempts, and won nine ground duels, emerging as one of the only players to get pass marks,’

He and Barron could dominate the midfield during the clash against Motherwell on Sunday. Will Clement continue with the pair? That’s the question.

8

RW – Ianis Hagi

Vaclav Cerny missed the clash against the Dons, and it remains to be seen whether he is available for Sunday. Ross McCausland started instead in midweek, but could the Belgian make a bold call?

Hagi could be unleashed on the right against the Steelmen. During Rangers title-winning season in 2020/21, Hagi played 28 games on the right wing, scoring five goals and grabbing five assists.

The Romanian is ready to start following his contract dispute earlier this season, and he could make all the difference.

9

AM – Mohamed Diomande

With Barron and Raskin starting alongside each other in the engine room, Diomande will be moved into the number ten role against Motherwell.

The Ivorian has all the required attributes to star in this position going forwards, and it is something Clement should consider for the long term.

10

LW – Nedim Bajrami

The Albanian has been forced to play on the left wing due to injuries to Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes, but his quality has shone through.

Bajrami has already scored twice in nine games, and created seven ‘big chances’, and will be looking for another goal this weekend at Hampden, one which could send the Gers through to the final next month.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing a “reliable” and experienced defender with 49 caps for his country, according to a new report. The Midlands side finally picked up their first win of the Premier League season last weekend, as they beat Southampton 2-0 to lift them off the bottom of the table.

£90k-p/w Wolves forward keen to leave Molineux in January window

A Wolves player who has hardly featured under Gary O’Neil is keen to leave when January arrives.

By
Brett Worthington

Nov 12, 2024

Wolves transfer news

Gary O’Neil will hope that result can be a springboard for their season, but he will always know there is still a lot of work needed to be done if they are to move away from the relegation places.

Therefore, O’Neil may have his eye on one or two players he would like to add to his squad when January arrives. One player Wolves have an interest in is Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, as he is looking for a possible move away from Anfield, becoming unhappy with his game time this season. Endo is valued between £12-14 million, and he could be an ideal addition for Wolves as they look to bring in a bit more experience.

But while O’Neil may have his eye on additions, they also face the prospect of losing one or two players in January. One player who could leave is Goncalo Guedes, as he is keen to leave Molineux in January amid interest from La Liga side Villarreal. The forward spent last season on loan at the Spanish side, and given he hasn’t featured on a regular basis in this campaign, Wolves may be looking to get him off their books.

Guedes’ possible departure in the New Year could allow Wolves to add an experienced international to their ranks, who will likely cost a lot in wages.

Wolves plotting to sign £4.1m-a-year ace who is a free agent in 2025

According to TBR Football, Wolves are keeping an eye on Eric Dier’s situation at Bayern Munich ahead of a possible transfer. The Englishman joined the German giants first on loan in January of this year, and then that deal was made permanent in the summer when he joined on a free transfer.

Dier, who earns 5 million euros a year, which is roughly £4.1 million, only signed a one-year contract with Munich in the summer, meaning his future is up in the air. Munich are under new management with Vincent Kompany and Dier has been affected by that, as he’s not been as regular in the starting XI like he was under Thomas Tuchel.

The 30-year-old, who was labelled as “reliable” under Antonio Conte during his Tottenham days, has started just once in his six appearances in all competitions this season and now his future looks to lie away from Munich, with Wolves, Brighton and Brentford keeping an eye on his situation.

Dier does still have hope that he can get a new contract at the German side, and Bayern are happy with his professionalism and are “open” to talks over a new contract, but there will be no guarantees of increased game time. Therefore, a move away in January could be on the cards or a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer next summer for the 49-cap Englishman.

Enzo Maresca has revealed his unusual demands of his Chelsea players as he warned disgruntled fans over their expectations of his playing style.

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• Maresca revealed how he expects Chelsea players to play
• Issued warning towards fans
• Chelsea edged out Leicester 1-0 on Sunday

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Chelsea boss was in no mood to compromise with his approach after his side edged out Leicester City 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, courtesy of Marc Cucurella's 60th-minute strike. The home fans at Stamford Bridge were not satisfied with the performance of the team, though, as they often voiced their frustration with loud reactions to the hosts' patient build-up play. Maresca, however, has no intention of changing things after securing an important three points.

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• WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID

  During the match, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was jeered by his own fans after he passed the ball backwards, but Maresca later explained that the Argentine was simply following instructions. Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: "Yeah, but the good thing is that Fernandez knows that if he doesn’t play back, I will change him. If the ‘keeper plays long, I will change him. This is what we have."

  He added: "My message to Filip (Jorgensen) was: "If you play long ball, I will change you.’ So he was just doing what I told him to."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 45-year-old also sent out a message to the Blues fans as he said: "The people have to understand this is our way, our style, and this is the way we are going to play. When a team creates the amount of chances we created, you have to be happy. It’s not easy. Leicester, until minute 83, were 0-0 against Arsenal (actually minute 81, in a 2-0 loss on February 15); the same thing happened against (Manchester) City (they were beaten 2-0 on December 29, but only trailed by one until the 74th minute). If you think football is just a PlayStation (game) and you win easy, no way — every game is difficult. The way the players have done is fantastic.

  "We need our fans. On my Instagram, I said two days ago our Champions League (qualification) target will be with our fans supporting us, and especially when you play at home. We need them behind the players with the spirit they showed."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The west London side will be back in action later this week as they take on Copenhagen in the second leg of their Conference League round of 16 clash.

Celtic return to action in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday as they prepare to travel away from Parkhead to take on Hearts in the evening kick-off.

The Hoops have had a two-week break, thanks to the last international window of 2024, and will be hoping to pick up where they left off, having won ten of their 11 matches in the league thus far.

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that all of his stars return from international duty without any injury issues that could keep them out for the upcoming matches in the Premiership and the Champions League.

He may, therefore, be thankful that his three Japanese gems barely featured for their country, as Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate made one substitute appearance each, whilst Daizen Maeda featured in both games as a substitute.

The trio were not overworked by Japan in their two matches and will now return to Celtic fresh and ready to compete, and possibly start, against Hearts on Saturday.

Hatate has faced serious competition for his place in the starting XI for the Scottish giants this season, though, with the additions of Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, and the return of Paulo Bernardo, in the summer.

Reo Hatate's form for Celtic

The 26-year-old star has still managed to make the line-up on a regular basis in the Premiership, with nine starts in 11 matches, and that speaks to how much Rodgers trusts him.

Hatate, who was restricted to 16 league outings last term through injury, has prevented McCowan and Bernardo from being regular starters in the top-flight, with Engels and Callum McGregor the usual picks alongside him in the midfield three.

The Japan international has earned his place in the starting XI with dynamic and quality performances in the middle of the park, as he has been able to showcase his ability in possession.

As you can see in the table above, Hatate has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator from a midfield position for Celtic in the Premiership, and he has been unfortunate not to register a single assist so far.

His return of zero assists from four ‘big chances’ created and 14 key passes suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in the final third, as they have not made the most of his creativity.

The midfield whiz has also produced one goal and one assist in four matches in the Champions League for Celtic, starting three of those matches on the European stage, with his goal coming against RB Leipzig earlier this month.

Despite Hatate’s strong form in all competitions this season, Rodgers could go and land an upgrade on the Hoops star by swooping for one of the club’s reported transfer targets – Lennon Miller.

Celtic's interest in Lennon Miller

The Daily Mail recently reported that Celtic are interested in a potential move to sign the Scotland U21 international from Premiership rivals Motherwell when the January transfer window opens for business.

It was claimed that the Hoops and their Glasgow rivals Rangers are both preparing swoops to snap the Scottish starlet up ahead of the second half of the season.

The report added, however, that Premier League giants Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the 18-year-old dynamo and could join the race for his signature. This suggests that Celtic and Rangers could face some serious competition for his services, as Arne Slot’s side are currently top of the English top-flight and could be an attractive destination.

Celtic were dealt a blow by the attraction of a move to Anfield in 2022 when 16-year-old starlet Ben Doak decided to move on from Parkhead to join the Reds for a compensation fee of £600k.

The Bhoys will be hoping that the allure of the Premier League does not hurt them again, as Miller could be an excellent addition to Rodgers’ squad in January.

It was reported by the Daily Mail that Motherwell are set to hold out for a fee of around £4m and Celtic must now splash out to sign him as quickly as possible, to stop Liverpool or Rangers from beating them to his signature.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Journalist Mark Guidi recently claimed a fee of £3.5m plus add-ons would be a “bargain” for the Hoops and added that the “hot” sensation has the potential to get “hotter” in the future, suggesting that Celtic could then make a big profit further down the line.

Why Lennon Miller would be an upgrade on Reo Hatate

Rodgers should push for the board to snap the Scottish teenager up when the January transfer window opens for business because his performances in the Premiership this season have been nothing short of outstanding.

Miller only turned 18 in August and has already established himself as one of the stars in his position in the league, after playing 25 times as a 17-year-old in the division last season.

As you can see in the clip above, the teenage sensation did showcase his quality against Celtic earlier this year, spinning McGregor and providing a brilliant assist.

He used the 2023/24 campaign to settle into senior football and gain vital experience in the Premiership by playing week-in-week-out for Motherwell, and is now kicking on and thriving.

As you can see in the table above, Miller has offered a similar level of quality to Hatate in the final third, as they have both produced seven goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in the Premiership.

However, the Scottish starlet has provided far more to his team out of possession as a defensive and combative presence in the middle of the park, with 9.5 tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per game.

These statistics suggest that Miller would come in at Parkhead as an upgrade on the Japan international, by offering the same qualities at the top end of the pitch whilst being far better off the ball to protect his defence.

Celtic's huge talent who left for just £600k is now becoming "world-class"

The former Celtic man has impressed whilst playing for his country this season.

1

By
Dan Emery

Nov 20, 2024

At the age of 18, he is also eight years younger than Hatate and has more time ahead of him to develop and improve, which is why Rodgers must swoop to bring him to Glasgow in January.

Virgil van Dijk admits he "does not know" if he will stay at Anfield beyond this season, as talks around a new deal continue to stall.

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• Virgil: "There is no need to panic"
• Slot publicly called for his captain to stay
• Van Dijk, Trent and Salah's future still uncertain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Van Dijk's admission will jangle the nerves of the Anfield faithful, as he repeatedly stressed there has been no development in his contract situation. Aware of the noise around his future, he asked fans not to panic and reaffirmed his focus on the Reds' push for a league and cup double.

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  Earlier this week, Arne Slot publicly called on van Dijk to remain with the club. Liverpool's manager said: "The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season. All the rest, talks about his contract, that's not what I do over here."

  Virgil, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah's respective contract situations have proven to be a nagging story despite Liverpool's success this season.

• WHAT VIRGIL VAN DIJK SAID

  Virgil Van Dijk said: "As long as I am calm to you guys then there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future. If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried and that is not the case.

  "Maybe I will run this fully down and then if there is still no news, I don't know. I don't know at this stage (what will happen). But I don't want to create any anxiety or anything like that, I just keep my head down and focus on hopefully winning the next 10 games.

  "That is my full focus: to be there for the manager, the players, the fans. So let's see what it brings and I am sure by the end of the season there will be news. But what kind of news I am not sure.

  "The only thing I can say, and I have said it already many times, is that I am so proud to be the captain of this beautiful club that means so much to me and has meant so much to me in the past, as well as my family."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR VIRGIL VAN DIJK?

  Van Dijk has the chance to lift another trophy as Liverpool captain as the Reds square off against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Sergio Ramos will never change, with the Real Madrid legend seeing red for a petulant kick during his latest appearance for Mexican side Monterrey.

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• Veteran defender now in Liga MX
• Has history when it comes to dismissals
• Laughed off his latest red card

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The World Cup-winning former Spain international linked up with his new Liga MX employers in February. He made an immediate impact in Central America, with the 38-year-old defender registering three goals through five appearances.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ramos now has another red card to add to his collection. He was dismissed on 26 occasions during his iconic spell at Santiago Bernabeu – with a record-setting 20 sending offs in La Liga competition. He has not mellowed with experience.

• WHAT SERGIO RAMOS SAID

  That became clear when aiming a wild boot at rival Guillermo Martinez during the latter stages of Monterrey’s 3-1 win over Pumas. Ramos has been able to see the funny side of his dismissal, posting on social media: "It was obvious I couldn’t leave this league without a red card."

West Ham United have offered a division’s champions the chance to sign one of their mainstay players, with the club in question already making a decision on whether they wish to bring in the Hammer.

Players who could look to leave West Ham next year

The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Füllkrug have been regularly linked with moves away from east London in the last few weeks, with under-fire boss Julen Lopetegui facing a few important transfer decisions.

Real Madrid plot "decisive step" to sign ace from West Ham in coming weeks

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are impressed.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 22, 2024

Kudus is looking to leave West Ham after their poor start to the season, according to Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who wrote an update on the forward’s future in a column for Sky Sports this week.

“Mohammed Kudus wants to leave West Ham United, where he does not think he will reach the level he hopes for and is therefore looking for an exit,” wrote Tavolieri.

“Among the clubs aware of his situation, Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the Ghanaian’s profile. The only problem: West Ham United, who have already informed the centre-forward of their intentions… Kudus will only leave the Hammers if a club were to lift his release clause.

“In other words, it will be necessary to deposit eighty-five million pounds to allow the Accra native to join the Gunners or the Reds. Attention fans… but, according to information, neither Liverpool nor Arsenal are currently ready to pay such a sum for Mohammed Kudus.”

Summer signing Fullkrug could also be sold by West Ham in January, following a poor start to his career at the club which has been blighted by injuries. Meanwhile, another new arrival in Rodriguez could also return to Real Betis.

Michail Antonio offered to Galatasaray by West Ham

According to Turkish news outlet Takvim, a very intriguing update has surfaced on the future of West Ham mainstay Michail Antonio.

The striker, who is out of contract next summer, has played in every single one of their Premier League games so far – starting nine out of a possible 11.

However, Takvim report that West Ham have offered Galatasaray the chance to sign Antonio, a proposal which the Turkish Süper Lig champions rejected out of hand – despite their need for new forwards.

It appears Tim Steidten could be looking to find a buyer for Antonio in January, rather than lose him for nothing later in the year, which is a far cry from how pivotal the 34-year-old used to be.

Once called “incredible” by Kevin Phillips (Football Insider), the Jamaica international’s time in east London could be coming to an end very soon.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder and Ousmane Dembele's France team-mate Matteo Guendouzi is confident of the PSG forward's chances of lifting the Ballon d'Or.

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• Dembele in the form of his life
• Has become a potent goal scorer at PSG
• Guendouzi backs former Barcelona man to win Ballon d'Or

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ex-Arsenal midfielder and Ousmane Dembele's France team-mate Matteo Guendouzi sung the praises of the Paris Saint-Germain forward's displays this season by saying that he was "starting to be scared of him" and going on to back the former Barcelona winger to win the highly prestigious Ballon d'Or award at the end of this year.

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  Dembele has been in sensational form this season. He has already scored 30 goals in 37 games in all competitions — just 10 fewer than the total he managed in six years at Barcelona. A whopping 22 of those 30 goals have come in 2025 alone, and in just 17 appearances. He's also the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals and five assists.

• WHAT MATTEO GUENDOUZI SAID

  Speaking to the press earlier this week, Guendouzi backed Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or (h/t Get Football News France): "What he is doing makes him a credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or. He has always had the potential to do that. He is one of the best players in the world, even without the goals, top three at the moment, but he’s adding statistics. He is just confirming what we have thought for a long time. There are plenty of players that are starting to be scared of him.” 

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR OUSMANE DEMBELE?

  After starting for France in the first-leg of the Nations League against Croatia, Dembele will be hoping to find his goal scoring boots for Les Bleus in the return leg on Sunday, March 23.

Leeds United could move back into the automatic promotion places after their clash with Derby County in the Championship this weekend, if results go their way.

The Whites are only two points behind Sheffield United at the top of the table and could return to the top if both Burnley and the Blades fail to win, whilst they come out on top against Paul Warne’s side.

Daniel Farke’s team are third in the division at the moment and that is the position they finished in at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, before they eventually lost in the play-off final.

The West Yorkshire outfit should be looking to avoid the play-offs this time around and that means that they need to aim for a top two finish to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Leeds fell out of the top two after they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last time out, as the Whites failed to break through John Eustace’s defence.

The January transfer window opens for business next month and they have been urged to consider swooping for a striker to bolster their attacking options.

Leeds are crying out for prolific forward

Speaking to Football League World, former Championship midfielder and now pundit Carlton Palmer claims that the Whites are “crying out” for a striker like Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dor Turgeman.

It was recently reported that Leeds have made an approach for the 21-year-old marksman and that his club are set to demand a fee of more than €5m (£4.1m) for his services, whilst they will also attempt to hold out until the summer.

At this moment in time, it is unclear as to whether or not the Championship giants are willing to splash that kind of cash on a forward in the upcoming January transfer window.

Palmer, however, states that signing the Tel Aviv gem could be a deal worth doing to bolster their frontline, because of the qualities that he could provide in the second half of the season.

He told Football League World: “They have made an official approach and he’s having a good season so far this season. He’s doing well and it might be worth a gamble. Depending on how much he’s going to cost, but Leeds are crying out for a striker for the way they play.

“They need someone who can split the defence and show composure in the penalty area, which is something Turgeman is showing in abundance.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Palmer adds that it is a transfer that “makes sense” for the right price, as Joel Piroe has struggled at times in a “classic” number nine role, whilst Mateo Joseph has had “growing pains” as a starter at Elland Road.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Spain U21 international has emerged as a genuine starting-quality option for Farke in the Championship this season, after all 20 of his league appearances came off the bench last term.

A product of the academy, Joseph has developed throughout his time at Elland Road and has started nine matches in the second division so far this season, which shows that the German tactician has more faith in him than he did in the previous campaign.

It has not been a smooth transition to regular starts for the Spanish forward, who previously played for England at U20 level, however, as he has struggled at times in front of goal.

As you can see in the table above, Joseph has only scored two goals in 18 appearances in the division and has underperformed against his xG by 1.44 goals, which suggests that he should have between one and two more goals – at least.

He has, however, provided an impressive level of creativity from a centre-forward position, with four ‘big chances’ created in eight starts, and this shows that the youngster has provided value on the pitch for Leeds, albeit not as a regular goalscorer.

Farke, though, could now swoop for Turgeman, when the January transfer window opens for business, and land an even bigger prospect than Joseph for the Whites.

Why Dor Turgeman is a bigger prospect than Mateo Joseph

The Israel international, 21, is the same age as the Leeds youngster but has already showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis at first-team level.

He has caught the eye with his performances for Tel Aviv during the 2024/25 campaign and, whilst you could argue that the Israeli top-flight is a different level to the Championship, the forward has delivered in the Europa League.

Turgeman has scored four goals and provided two assists in eight appearances in Europe, in qualifiers and league phase matches, so far this season, which shows that he has the quality to step up on the European stage.

This means that the 21-year-old centre-forward, who was described as “very exciting” by The Rangers Journal’s Kai Watson, has scored twice as many goals in Europe as Joseph (two) has in all competitions this term.

Along with his impressive performances in the Europa League, Turgeman has also provided regular quality at league level for his club this season.

As you can see in the table above, the £4.1m-rated marksman has produced a staggering 11 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in just six league starts Maccabi Tel Aviv.

His one ‘big chance’ missed in his nine appearances speaks to the striker’s ruthless nature in front of goal, as the youngster has taken the majority of his big openings in the division.

Overall, Turgeman could arrive at Elland Road as an even bigger talent than Joseph as he has shown more quality, domestically and in Europe, as a scorer and a creator of goals than the Leeds man has at the same age.

Farke must sell Leeds flop who Marsch was "convinced" would be "great"

The Leeds United defender must be cashed in on at the earliest available opportunity.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 5, 2024

Therefore, Farke must push for the board to secure a deal to sign the impressive youngster ahead of the second half of the campaign, as he could provide an added goal threat for the Whites to push for promotion to the Premier League.

Sunderland will pray, when all is said and done on the bumper list of fixtures heading their way, that they can remain in the automatic promotion reckoning heading into 2025.

Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats still occupy a promising four spot in the Championship despite only picking up one victory from their last five league clashes, with a worry in the air that the wheels could come off their promotion exploits very soon if losses begin to be more of a pressing concern.

The Frenchman should still be commended for how well he’s settled into the English game to have his side near the top of the rankings, considering Jack Clarke’s summer departure could have really derailed his new-look side.

Clarke's exit from Sunderland

Clarke would call time on his celebrated Black Cats stay to join Ipswich Town, exiting the Stadium of Light for an initial £15m fee to link up with Kieran McKenna’s men in the Premier League.

Whilst that move hasn’t gone entirely to plan for the 24-year-old in the top-flight as of yet, with only one paltry goal contribution coming his way from 13 league clashes, it goes without saying that he left a huge hole to fill back at his ex-employers after relocating.

This stunning goal for the Wearside outfit back in 2022 would be his first-ever strike for the club, with Clarke then going on to bag 28 more sublime goals across 114 total contests.

Last season – in particular – he was key in allowing Sunderland fans to not feel completely swallowed up by their dire predicament, with 15 strikes tallied up from 40 games, even whilst the Black Cats finished in an overall underwhelming 15th spot.

Now, however, their former star man is old news, with this current ace potentially going for even more than Clarke’s £15m down the line.

Bellingham's value at Sunderland

The asset in question here is Jobe Bellingham, who is always routinely linked with a major switch away from the Stadium of Light whenever a fresh transfer window looms large.

This January looks to be no exception to the rule either as Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen on snapping up the exciting 19-year-old, having familiarised themselves with his superstar brother once upon a time.

The Sunderland teenager is a star in his own right too, hence the speculated interest coming from the Bundesliga giants, with this sensational strike one of two goals he’s got this season in the second tier under Le Bris.

That ramps up his total in a Black Cats strip to nine strikes from 63 games, which is an impressive return for an attacking midfielder still relatively inexperienced in the men’s game, having only been in and around senior pitches for two full campaigns.

The Championship promotion hopefuls gambling on a raw Bellingham to come good when making a £3m move from Birmingham City just last year has more than paid off, with Sunderland managing to get the best out of their “diamond” – as described by former boss Tony Mowbray – since he left his boyhood club behind.

However, the Black Cats number seven’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Sky Sports reporting that his price tag is now way up at the £20m mark amidst further interest from the likes of Real Madrid.

He could well even enter into this exclusive list if he does move on for around £20m, leading to him even potentially leapfrogging his ex-teammate in the process.

This exit would obviously sting, but as has been seen with Clarke, Sunderland should be able to lick their wounds again even if he does heartbreakingly leave.

Sunderland's teen "super talent" could be their next Josh Maja

Sunderland could find their next Josh Maja in this rising star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 2, 2024