Everton eyeing move for £100k-p/w starlet who can be better than KDH

Everton manager David Moyes may have gotten off to the worst possible start by losing the first match of his second spell in charge, but it looks like he means business in the transfer market.

The loss to Aston Villa perhaps wasn’t too much of a surprise, yet it was another game in which the Goodison Park side didn’t find the back of the net.

The Toffees are the worst team in the Premier League in terms of goals scored, netting just 15 in 20 matches this term.

Moyes is working hard to address this issue. His first signing looks increasingly likely to be Lyon youngster Ernest Nuamah, who is set to join the club for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

At the age of 21, he is due to arrive as a young prospect with time to develop under the Scottish boss. The question is, however, will there be more signings over the next couple of weeks?

It appears as though the 61-year-old is targeting a Chelsea outcast…

Everton eye move for Chelsea midfielder

It is no secret that Moyes is looking to raid Chelsea for his next signing, with interest being shown in both Ben Chilwell and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in recent weeks.

The manager is looking at bringing the pair to Merseyside on loan deals, giving them a lifeline ahead of the second half of the season.

A third Chelsea player, Carney Chukwuemeka, is now also being eyed up by Moyes, who wishes to bolster his midfield options significantly before the window closes, according to The Boot Room.

According to the report, the youngster is high on the list of targets, with any fee involved in his move likely going to balance what Chelsea will want to take Armando Broja back, who looks set to miss the rest of the season due to injury.

Everton could face competition for Chukwuemeka’s signature, however, as Borussia Dortmund were keen on making a move for the youngster last week.

Everton’s previous five January signings

Player

Club signed from

Year

Nathan Patterson

Rangers

2022

Vitaliy Mykolenko

Dynamo Kyiv

2022

Dele Alli

Tottenham Hotspur

2022

Anwar El Ghazi

Aston Villa (loan)

2022

Donny van de Beek

Manchester United (loan)

2022

Via Transfermarkt

If Moyes can convince him that Everton is the best place for him at this stage of his career, it might just be one of the best moves he makes in the transfer market, that’s for sure.

Carney Chukwuemeka has struggled at Chelsea

The Englishman burst onto the scene with Aston Villa, making his debut during the 2020/21 campaign. It was under Steven Gerrard the following season in which the midfielder began to secure more first-team opportunities.

Indeed, he made a total of 14 senior appearances for the club, and he looked like he could emerge as the next big thing out of the Villa academy.

Against Brentford at the start of that campaign, the midfielder was heavily praised by Paul Merson, who said: “He has got a bright future. First-half, he was outstanding. He was gliding across the pitch.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

“He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch. He is a nice size. He gets on the ball. He looks for it and makes runs without the ball.”

With hopes high ahead of 2022/23, Gerrard accepted a bid of £20m for Chukwuemeka from Chelsea after he was left out of Villa’s pre-season squad for a trip to Austria due to not signing a new contract.

On the surface, it looked like a wise move, especially considering his contract was set to expire at the end of the season, meaning Villa may have lost him for nothing.

Despite his extraordinary talent, it’s fair to say that his spell at Stamford Bridge hasn’t quite worked out as anticipated.

Since joining in 2022, the 21-year-old has made only 32 appearances for the Blues, scoring once and grabbing an assist, failing to gain a consistent run in the starting XI.

Enzo Maresca has a plethora of options to choose from, especially in midfield, meaning the former Villa starlet has made just five appearances all season, four coming in the Europa Conference League.

Although Moyes is eyeing up a temporary swoop for Dewsbury-Hall this month, a deal to sign Chukwuemeka surely must be the priority.

Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka in action

He might not have had as much game time in recent seasons, but given his age and vast potential, there is no doubt he could be better than the former Leicester City star.

Carney Chukwuemeka could be better than Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Considering the pair have barely featured this season while spending the 2023/24 campaign in different divisions, it is fair to look back at the 2022/23 season and compare their respective performances.

In the Premier League that term, Chukwuemeka averaged a higher pass success rate (89% vs 79%) than Dewsbury-Hall, while also being dribbled past fewer times per game (0.1 vs 0.9), winning a higher percentage of total duels per game (58% vs 52%) and losing possession fewer times per game (3.1 vs 13.5).

While looking at data from a couple of years ago might not be ideal, it proves that Chukwuemeka could certainly be a wonderful signing, especially from a defensive point of view when compared to Dewsbury-Hall, by being stronger out of possession and not being as easy to dribble past – making him ideal for a relegation scrap.

The £100k-per-week starlet could use Everton as a stepping stone to revive his career after two and a half years of failing to secure regular first-team football.

If Moyes can get the youngster back to his best and exude confidence, then there is no reason why he cannot become a key member of the Toffees in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

This transfer window might just be the most important in the club’s recent history. Around £800m has been spent on their new stadium located at Bramley-Moore Docks, where they move into next season after spending 133 years at Goodison Park.

Therefore, retaining their place in the top flight is imperative for Everton. Making the right moves this month will allow Moyes to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation and reaching the top half of the table next season.

Signing Chukwuemeka and giving him the chance to shine could be the first step in this process.

Everton preparing talks in cheap move for creative £80k-a-week "revelation"

Talks are being planned regarding a potential move.

By
Henry Jackson

Jan 18, 2025

Leicester preparing documents to sign "terrific" star who may face Everton

Ahead of this weekend’s crucial relegation six-pointer against Everton, Leicester City are now reportedly preparing the documents to sign an attacking addition who could yet arrive in time to face the Toffees.

Leicester transfer news

The Foxes currently sit one point above the dropzone after coming from behind to shock Tottenham Hotspur last time out and there’s no doubt that they’ll be desperate to make it two wins in two against Everton.

Three points would even take Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side within three points of the Toffees and could leave them as many as four points above the bottom three if Wolves fail to secure victory of their own against Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, those at The King Power could be set for a busy few days away from the action and in the transfer market as the window approaches Monday’s deadline.

Having already signed defender Woyo Coulibaly this month, the Foxes have reportedly set their sights on signing a reinforcement at the opposite end of Van Nistelrooy’s squad who may even arrive in time to face Everton.

According to De Telegraph in the Netherlands, Leicester are now preparing the official documents to sign Chuba Akpom from Ajax before the deadline in a deal that could even see the forward arrive in time to secure registration and make his debut this weekend.

Leicester plotting move to sign "incredible" UCL winner keen on PL return

He’s won it all in English football…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 28, 2025

In a swift move, the Premier League strugglers have gone from an interested party to Akpom’s likely destination. The forward now looks set to return to English football less than two years after swapping Middlesbrough for Ajax before enduring a mixed spell in the Netherlands.

Finally set to earn his Premier League chance nonetheless, Akpom could certainly play his part in dragging Leicester to survival this season.

"Terrific" Akpom will ease Vardy responsibility

It’s never a good sign when a side battling relegation are relying so heavily on a 38-year-old striker – no matter how impressive that striker still is despite his age. For Leicester, it was always going to be a problem if Jamie Vardy began to show his age and one that would have undoubtedly played a part in their potential relegation. Akpom’s arrival should instantly ease that fear, however.

Chuba Akpom.

The 29-year-old will ease the burden on Vardy and share the goalscoring responsibility if he completes a move before Monday’s deadline, especially if he manages to rediscover the record-breaking form he was in at Middlesbrough.

After Akpom became the first Boro striker in over 30 years to hit the 20-goal mark in 2023, manager Michael Carrick told reporters as relayed by ITV: “It’s a terrific achievement,” said Carrick of Akpom hitting and then moving beyond the 20-goal mark.

“It’s not easy to score that many goals. He’s scored all different type of goals for us since I’ve been here. I thought his performance was fantastic.

“He gets credit for his goals but his performance all round was terrific. And because we have threats in different areas, he ends up getting a bit more space. To score that many goals, hopefully he can carry on and set a new target for himself.”

VIDEO: Lamine Yamal's dad rips off his jacket to reveal his son's shirt as he goes absolutely berserk celebrating Barcelona superstar's goal in Champions League draw with Inter

Lamine Yamal's father found himself on cloud nine after his son produced a moment of pure wizardry to score Barcelona's first goal against Inter.

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  • Yamal produced a world-class finish
  • Barca star's father went crazy while celebrating in the stands
  • First leg between Barca and Inter finished in a 3-3 draw
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Yamal was the star of the show for Barcelona on Wednesday night, as the 17-year-old talent produced a moment of pure magic in the 24th minute of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter. With his team 2-0 down and under the cosh, the Spaniard scored a stunning solo goal that had it all: flair, dribbling, close control, finesse, and skill. A video posted by captured Yamal's father going absolutely berserk in the stands after seeing his son play a starring role in the 3-3 draw.

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  • WHAT SIMONE INZAGHI SAID ABOUT YAMAL

    Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was effusive in his praise for the La Masia graduate, stating that a player like him is "born once every 50 years".

    “I’ve never seen a player like Lamine Yamal in the last eight or nine years. We had to put three on him and, obviously, spaces opened up elsewhere," Inzaghi told after the game.

    “He caused us huge problems, as we had to double up the marking every time, it wasn’t enough, so by tripling up we’d leave gaps elsewhere and were forced to sit deeper.

    “Fortunately, he too lost some intensity over time, as Barcelona too have played many games this season. It was a very good second-half performance.

    “Talents like Yamal are born once every 50 years.”

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The game against Inter was Yamal's 100th official appearance for the Catalans. Having made his debut aged 15, the Euro 2024 winner has become an indispensable member of Hansi Flick's team and marked a century of games with his boyhood club by becoming the youngest player in the history of the Champions League to score a goal in the semi-final.

Man Utd must regret selling sensational ace who’s outscoring Rashford & Tel

Manchester United have struggled within the transfer market in recent years, with numerous of their big-money additions failing to impress at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba is arguably one of the biggest examples of such a feat, costing a club-record £89m back in the summer of 2016, before departing numerous years later on a free transfer.

New boss Ruben Amorim has been tasked with putting an end to such business, potentially looking to transform their fortunes on and off the pitch and lead them back to Premier League glory.

It will undoubtedly be a long process given the amount of deadwood currently on the books, with the 40-year-old needing to offload various players to aid his ambitions at the Theatre of Dreams.

He’s already made a start by signing Patrick Dorgu in his first window at the helm, with various other players either moving to or away from the club to improve the current league standing.

Man Utd’s transfer activity in January

Marcus Rashford has been a United player for the entirety of his professional career, but found game time virtually impossible after Amorim’s appointment, being frozen out of the first-team squad by the former Sporting boss.

He started the first two league outings of his reign, registering three goals, but it quickly became apparent that he wouldn’t be utilised by the Portuguese boss, leaving his career at his boyhood side in the balance.

Manchester United's MarcusRashfordwarms up as a substitute during the match

He subsequently joined fellow Premier League side Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the campaign, looking to recapture his goalscoring form after his recent period in the darkness.

As a result of his departure, Amorim targeted Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel as a replacement for the Englishman in the closing days of the transfer window.

However, given their reluctance to fork out his €10m (£8.3m) loan fee, he moved to divisional rivals Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day, ending any lasting hopes of landing the Frenchman.

It’s understandable that disappointment will be felt after missing out on such a talent to a fellow English side, but they may have also made a mistake in allowing a former player to leave given his goalscoring exploits in 2024/25.

Man United sold a player who's now outscoring Rashford & Tel

Back in the summer of 2017, the Red Devils once again raised eyebrows by splashing the cash just 12 months on from the Pogba deal, forking out a deal rising up to £90m for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Romelu Lukaku for Manchester United

Whilst it was a huge price tag, it looked like a move that would transform the club’s forward department after his record of 26 goals across all competitions during his final season at Goodison Park.

It all looked to be going swimmingly during his first season in the North West, scoring 27 times during his debut campaign at the club, but he would fail to impress during his second – leading to a rapid departure despite the huge funds spent.

The Belgian still registered 15 goals, but came under fire from supporters, ultimately ending his stint in Manchester and swapping Old Trafford for the San Siro.

The Serie A giants forked out £73m for his signature, preventing a huge loss on United’s investment, but he’s since carried on his rich vein of goalscoring from away from the club – something which is of massive need in the present day.

Inter Milan's former loan striker Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku, who’s since returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, now plies his trade for Napoli in Italy, linking up with Antonio Conte and playing a huge role in their early season success in Italy.

The former United ace, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Charlie Parsons, has registered nine goals and six assists in his 21 outings to date, helping Conte lead the club to the top of the table.

Most combined goals & assists in Serie A (2024/25)

Player

Tally

1. Mateo Retegui

19

2. Marcus Thuram

16

3. Romelu Lukaku

15

= Moise Kean

15

= Ademola Lookman

15

4. Lautaro Martinez

12

5. Mattia Zaccagni

11

Stats via FotMob

His subsequent goalscoring tally is higher than United outcast Rashford and transfer target Tel who have both only notched seven and zero goals respectively during the current campaign – with United potentially living to regret the departure given their struggles in the final third.

Current options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both enduring long droughts without finding the back of the net, further strengthening the regret in allowing Lukaku to depart.

Whilst his game might not be the easiest on the eye, it’s evident that he possesses the clinical edge which Amorim has desperately been hunting for over the last couple of months at Old Trafford.

However, after selling the Belgian, he goes down as yet another case of what could’ve been had they kept hold of him, with their loss evidently Napoli’s gain given their current league standing.

Worth even more than Garnacho: INEOS & Amorim need to axe Man Utd star

Man United might cut their losses on this player who is worth more than Alejandro Garnacho.

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Feb 6, 2025

VIDEO: Cristiano Ronaldo shows frustration at Al-Nassr team-mates with theatrical gesture during bitter defeat to Al-Ittihad

Cristiano Ronaldo vented his frustration towards Al-Nassr team-mates in the form of a ‘sleeping’ gesture after seeing them throw away a two-goal lead.

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  • Ended up losing five-goal thriller
  • CR7 left less than impressed
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Portuguese superstar appeared to be on course to celebrate a much-needed victory over arch-rivals Al-Ittihad after seeing Sadio Mane and Ayman Yahya find the target before half-time.

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    Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid colleague Karim Benzema sparked a remarkable comeback, though, with Houssem Aouar grabbing a 94th-minute winner for Al-Ittihad. Emotions ran high as the game was turned on its head.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante restored parity just seven minutes into the second half, much to the disgust of Ronaldo – who trudged solemnly back to the halfway line for kick-off before turning to the rest of his team.

Nottingham Forest make £30m+ bid to sign new Real Madrid "beast" for Nuno

Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made a bold move to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2025/26 campaign with a bid already having gone in for one future star to join Nuno Espírito Santo’s revolution at the City Ground, it has been claimed.

Nottingham Forest on course for Europe

In what is likely to be the shock of the Premier League season, Nottingham Forest are on course to qualify for Champions League football next campaign if they are able to carry their form into the final part of the season.

Nottingham Forest keen on signing "exceptional" £30m Premier League player

The Tricky Trees still hold an active interest in a player they targeted last summer.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 9, 2025

As it stands, the City Ground outfit sit third in the top flight, just three points behind Arsenal and four points clear of Chelsea, while they have a further two-point cushion to Manchester City and Newcastle United in fifth and sixth place respectively.

With Champions League football likely to be available for the top five finishers, the Garibaldi are in an excellent position to qualify but opted not to strengthen in January in a bid to try and bolster that hope despite links to Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa.

Earlier in the month, John Percy revealed that owner “[Evangelos] Marinakis did make it clear that funds were available” in January but that Nuno opted to continue with his smaller squad rather than risk making a mistake in the winter market.

Those funds are also likely to be there in the summer as Forest look to continue their ascent up the Football League to challenge for major honours once more under the stewardship of the Greek owner, and now an idea of their ambition may have just been provided.

Nottingham Forest make £30m+ bid for defender

That comes as a report in Spain claims that Forest have tabled a €40m (£32m) bid to sign Real Madrid sensation Raul Asencio after he shot to prominence this season.

The Garibaldi have enjoyed an excellent defensive partnership at the City Ground after adding Nikola Milenkovic to their ranks over the summer, and their 27 goals conceded is a key reason behind their success this season.

Fewest goals conceded in the Premier League 2024/25

Liverpool

21

Arsenal

22

Nottingham Forest

27

Bournemouth

28

Everton

28

However, they seem keen to bolster their ranks further, with the report claiming that the 21-year-old Spaniard has caught their eye, with his performance in the Madrid derby seeing him hailed a “beast” by Rising Stars.

Indeed, it is claimed that Forest have tabled a “concrete and ambitious offer” and “are willing to pay 40 million euros” to sign the 21-year-old centre-back.

It is added that Real Madrid are yet to reply to the offer and “have not made a definitive decision on the player’s future” as they weigh up offering him a new contract in the Spanish capital.

If Forest are able to pull off a deal to sign one of Real Madrid’s most promising youngsters and a Los Blancos academy graduate, it would represent quite the coup and only serve to continue the rapid upward trajectory of the City Ground side.

'There’s no excuse, Greg Vanney has to do more' – MLS icon Bradley Wright-Phillips place blame on LA Galaxy manager as defending champions remain winless in 11 games

The New York Red Bulls legend expressed frustration with the Galaxy's form despite having one of the league's strongest rosters

  • Wright-Phillips highlights disparity between squad and results
  • Calls for tactical adjustments from Vanney
  • Galaxy are still winless after 11 league games played

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    WHAT HAPPENED

    Following a 1-0 loss to Sporting Kanas City, defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy have now equalled the longest winless streak to start the season – 11 games – with just three points.

    It has stunned fans and critics alike how far the Cup winners have fallen. Bradley Wright-Phillips believes that the blame belongs with head coach Greg Vanney. The MLS icon emphasized that Galaxy's star-studded roster featuring Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, and Marco Reus should be producing better results.

    Wright-Phillips expressed particular frustration with Vanney's tactical approach, suggesting the experienced coach needs to implement significant changes to maximize the potential of a talented squad.

    “I think we’ve got to put all of it,” Wright-Phillips said on when asked how much of the blame lies with Vanney. “Yeah, I think so because let’s be honest, there are teams in the league with worse rosters and Greg Vanney still has a good roster. OK, he lost Riqui Puig, a brilliant player who had a great season last year, but you’ve still got Marco Reus in the side, Pantsil, Pec, and Yoshida, captain of the side who has played in the Premier League.

    “So there’s no excuse, Greg Vanney has to do more. He has to do a little bit more, he has to change up how they’re playing, and we talk about a side like Vancouver. And if we put those two teams side by side at the beginning of the season, you’re gonna say LA Galaxy finish higher, I’m sure everybody did. The only difference is Vancouver is being coached really well, and at the moment, Greg Vanney is not doing a good enough job, for me. A manager who I respect and has won over in America, and a manager who I respect is not doing a good enough job.”

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  • WHAT BRADLEY WRIGHT-PHILIPS SAID

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With their latest loss to Sporting KC, LA Galaxy sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and the combined table with only three points. Only CF Montreal have an equivalent record, although the Canadian side sits one place above Greg Vanney’s side based on goal difference.

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    WHAT’S NEXT?

    LA Galaxy go on the road next in the MLS as they face the New York Red Bulls on May 10 before going to Subaru Park to face the Philadelphia Union on May 14 in the league.

Ex-Bayern Munich striker to land Bundesliga manager's job after snubbing former club in shock twist

Sandro Wagner will step down as Germany's assistant coach in June and has already been approached by Augsburg to take over as head coach.

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  • Wagner to quit as assistant coach role with Germany
  • Augsburg keen to appoint him as head coach
  • Ex-Bayern striker reportedly turned down Hoffenheim
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, former Bayern striker Wagner, who is currently the assistant to Julian Nagelsmann at the German national team, is the 'top candidate' to become Augsburg head coach next season. Furthermore, Wagner has also turned down advances from one of his former clubs in Hoffenheim.

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    The future of current Augsburg manager Jess Thorup is clouded in uncertainty at the moment, with Plettenberg reporting on Thursday that an "internal analysis" was being conducted at the club to evaluate the futures of both Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic. Augsburg's higher-ups are unhappy with the sporting progress in recent weeks, with "no consensus regarding future strategic squad planning, including transfers and overall squad structure."

    While Thorup remains in charge for the time being, Augsburg are believed to be desperate to acquire the services of Wagner, who is touted as a highly talented young tactician. Although Augsburg reportedly have made an offer, the 37-year-old has not yet signed the contract, despite turning down Hoffenheim.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Wagner has already announced his decision to leave his role as the assistant coach of the German national team after the Nations League in June, eyeing a future in management at the top level. The Munich-born ex-German international began his journey in coaching by taking over fourth-tier outfit SpVgg Unterhaching in 2021, guiding them to promotion to the 3. Liga in 2023. He left Unterhaching to become the head coach of the Germany U20 team, before being appointed as Rudi Voller's assistant for Die Mannschaft just months later, in September 2023.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR SANDRO WAGNER?

    Wagner will hope to bow out on a high by helping Nagelsmann & Co. win the Nations League next month. He'll be in the dugout discussing tactics and instructions with the Germany NT head coach on June 4 in the semi-final against Portugal.

Leeds have an incredible star who’s their finest EFL talent since Hernandez

Leeds United have taken massive strides in the Championship over the last couple of months to make amends after last season’s play-off final defeat against Southampton.

Such a result could’ve completely derailed all the progress made since Daniel Farke’s appointment the summer prior, but it appears to have spurred them on in their ambitions of securing promotion.

The Whites currently sit top of the table with just over 10 games remaining, in pole position to end their two-year stay in England’s second tier come the end of the season.

Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans

Numerous players have starred throughout the campaign, aiming to replicate the success of the 2019/20 season, which saw the club secure promotion under Marcelo Bielsa.

One player played a key role during the aforementioned campaign, cementing himself in the hearts of the fanbase forever given his efforts at Elland Road.

Pablo Hernandez’s stats at Leeds United

Spanish midfielder Pablo Hernandez joined Leeds on loan for the first half of the 2016/17 season, before subsequently joining permanently that January, given his early form in Yorkshire.

After making his move permanent, the former Swansea City star would make over 150 appearances for the Whites, cementing his place as a regular at the heart of the side.

He would regularly star in the Championship, registering over 10 combined goals and assists in every season he appeared in, making himself a fan-favourite with the supporters.

Given his form under Bielsa, he rapidly became one of the club’s best Championship performers, even being the shining light in difficult moments on the pitch before the Argentine’s arrival.

Hernandez would depart in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer, ending his four-year spell with the Whites, with his time at the club unforgettable given the moments of magic he produced.

However, in the current squad, Farke has one star who could emulate the Spaniard’s success at Elland Road, already appearing to be above the current level after his move to Yorkshire.

The star who could be Leeds’ best EFL player since Hernandez

In the summer, Leeds lost numerous players after their failure to secure promotion, but such dealings also allowed for investment into the current squad – leading to the success they’ve enjoyed in recent months.

One of the additions made as a result was that of Japanese international Ao Tanaka, who has excelled beyond the wildest imagination of any Whites’ supporter.

The 26-year-old joined for a fee in the region of £3.5m from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf in the off-season, arriving as an unknown quantity to many, but has since adhered himself to the supporters.

Tanaka, who’s previously been dubbed “unbelievable” by boss Farke, has become a pivotal part of the first-team squad, starting 26 of the 34 outings to date, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch at Elland Road.

He’s registered five combined goals and assists in 2024/25, including one strike against Sheffield United last night, edging the side ahead in the crucial promotion clash.

His underlying stats have been just as impressive, highlighting how key he’s been out of possession, winning the ball and allowing himself and other players to star in forward areas.

Given his form in the Championship since his summer move, he’s certainly up there with one of the best additions of the season, looking to be a bargain and a player ready for the step-up to the Premier League.

Ao Tanaka’s Championship stats for Leeds United (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

31

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

91%

Touches per game

89.1

Tackles won

1.7

Duels won

5.4

Recoveries made

6.1

Stats via FotMob

Tanaka’s emergence is one of the examples of the recruitment conducted by the hierarchy over the last couple of years, following in the footsteps of Hernandez with his talent catapulting the side to their success.

Should they continue their current form, the Whites will achieve their goal of returning to the top-flight, with the Japanese star likely to play a key role at the level above – representing how much of an impressive addition he’s been to Farke’s side.

He was saved by Piroe: Farke must now bench "disappointing" 3/10 Leeds ace

Leeds United took a huge step to Championship promotion with a 3-1 win against Sheffield United.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 25, 2025

Luka Modric wanted by AC Milan: Real Madrid legend could link up with USMNT star Christian Pulisic after being targeted by Rossoneri director

Real Madrid legend Luka Modric will be given the chance to link up with USMNT star Christian Pulisic at AC Milan, claims Fabrizio Romano.

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  • Croatian icon available as a free agent
  • Linked with teams around the world
  • Will be offered new challenge in Serie A
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder is, ahead of turning 40 in September, readying himself for a new challenge after reaching the end of his contract at Santiago Bernabeu. Modric is preparing to bid farewell to the Spanish capital as a free agent.

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    He has offered no indication that retirement is in his thoughts, with the classy playmaker eager to find a new club. It has been suggested that he could join Lionel Messi in MLS at Inter Miami.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr – who still have Cristiano Ronaldo on their books for now – have also been credited with interest, while Modric is a minority stakeholder at Welsh side Swansea and may be tempted to help them push towards the Premier League.

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    WHAT FABRIZIO ROMANO SAID

    claims that Milan have also joined the race for Modric’s signature, courtesy of their new director of sport. The transfer expert says: “AC Milan new director Igli Tare dreams of bringing Luka Modric to the club. He’s one of the names mentioned in initial internal talks. Modric received several approaches from clubs all over the world since leaving Real Madrid, not in a rush to pick his next club.”

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