All posts by z3u9t.icu

Nottingham Forest have a huge summer ahead of them to avoid any further breach of the Premier League’s PSR rules whilst improving their squad to maintain their top-flight status.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side endured a tricky second half of the 2023/24 campaign, especially considering a four-point deduction which plunged them into fresh relegation woes.

With the summer transfer window now open, the club will undoubtedly need to bolster their ranks if they are to build on the end of the season which saw Nuno’s side win two of their last three matches.

However, given their financial troubles, they may have to sell multiple players to cut the wage bill and give themselves a huge chance of avoiding a second PSR punishment in as many seasons.

Financial Fair Play: What is PSR, how does it work and who's in trouble?

Leicester City have become the latest club charged with an alleged PSR breach, but what could happen next?

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 16, 2024

One player in particular must be sold, especially considering his lack of impact since his move to the East Midlands last summer.

Odysseas Vlachodimos’ stats at Forest in 2023/24

After arriving in Nottingham following a £7.7m move from Portuguese side Benfica, goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos had ambitions of becoming the club's number one despite the addition of Matt Turner just a couple of weeks prior.

The 30-year-old, who is Greece's number one, had to bide his time before making his debut for the club, failing to make a single appearance until the 2-0 win over Aston Villa in November.

His clean sheet against Unai Emery's side is his only during his time in the Premier League, with his game time decreasing massively since the turn of the year.

Vlachodimos has only featured twice under Nuno, with both starts coming in the FA Cup against Blackpool. Insteaad, January addition Matz Sels started every Premier League match after his move to the City Ground.

The former Benfica shot-stopper has since become the third choice behind Sels and Turner, failing to appear in a single matchday squad since the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in January.

A summer move must be on the cards for the 30-year-old, with the club needing to shift his hefty wages to avoid another punishment from the Premier League for breaking their PSR rules.

Games

17

16

5

Clean sheets

2

1

1

Goals conceded

28

27

12

Save percentage

66%

59%

46%

Pass accuracy

64%

65%

79%

How much Odysseas Vlachodimos earns at Forest

A recent report from Football Insider claims that the Reds are willing to part ways with the shot-stopper this summer, hardly a surprise given his hefty wages at the City Ground.

The goalkeeper signed a four-year deal upon his move to the East Midlands, on a reported £45k-per-week, as per Capology – a huge figure given his lack of impact on Trentside.

His weekly wage of £45k-per-week sees the Greece international take home £2.3m a season, with the club needing to cut such a figure off the bill this summer.

Vlachodimos’ subsequent wage sees him earn nearly two times more than attacker Anthony Elanga, who only earns a reported £25k-per-week, despite his stellar first campaign at the City Ground which saw him register 14 goal contributions.

Whilst at the time it was seen as a brilliant piece of business signing a player of his calibre, it has, unfortunately for both parties, been a complete disaster.

Given his experience in Portugal and internationally, he certainly won’t be short of interest, with the Reds needing to cash in as soon as possible to avoid missing the June 30th PSR deadline.

What Forest's starting XI could look like after £77m spending spree

The Forest boss has a huge transfer window ahead of him this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2024

West Ham United have been in touch with the representatives of a £30m+ attacking star ahead of a possible move to the London Stadium.

West Ham’s summer signings so far

New manager Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten have already brought in two new players this summer, with plenty of change expected ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge.

Teenager winger Luis Guilherme was the first to arrive from Palmeiras, with the Brazilian costing around £25m. Experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has also recently signed Hammers terms after he left Sheffield United upon his contract expiry.

West Ham willing to move for "devastating" forward compared to Salah

He’s valued at up to £30m.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 27, 2024

Now, more signings are wanted. West Ham are hoping to seal a deal for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, whereas further attacking additions are wanted alongside Guilherme.

Former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, now at Galatasaray, and Fluminense forward Jhon Arias are two players who the Irons have reportedly bid for, whereas the club have also made it clear they are open to signing Albert Gudmundsson from Genoa. Talks have also been held for Lille striker Jonathan David, but a new final third target has emerged in Hull City’s Jaden Philogene.

West Ham make Jaden Philogene contact – Fabrizio Romano

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, relayed by GiveMeSport, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that West Ham, as well as Ipswich Town, have already made contact with Philogene’s representatives to understand the conditions of any transfer. He also added that Aston Villa have a clause to match any bid for the winger after selling him to Hull.

"There is also interest from several Premier League clubs, especially from West Ham and Ipswich Town. These two clubs have already reached out to the player's side to understand the conditions of the deal in this case.

"Remember that the player, in the future, will have a possibility to return to Aston Villa. Villa have a matching clause into the contract of Philogene, so they have the possibility in the future to bring the player back. Let's see what's going to happen in terms of negotiations, but for sure, it's going to be one to watch in the next few weeks."

Hull City signed Philogene from Aston Villa in a permanent transfer last year, costing around £5m, and it has been claimed in recent months by Hull owner Acun Ilicali that an asking price would be more than £30m.

“This will be our policy. Just like Real Madrid bought Arda Güler. We can guess how much he will be from now on. We need to catch players like that. We got Jaden Philogene for £5m, now it’s £30m, but we have no intention of selling for £30m.”

Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old, holding talks for a possible shock deal, with Philogene starring in the Championship last season. The Hammers could be ones to watch in any transfer race for the winger, who scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances last season, resulting in his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing to a career-high €15m.

Manchester United have made an offer for a hugely talented young player with a superb international youth record, according to a fresh transfer update.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils are targeting new signings all over the pitch in the current transfer window, but centre-back appears to be a primary position of focus. Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo has emerged as a strong contender to come in for Erik ten Hag, with the Uruguayan considered an alternative to Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, who has been backed to come in of late.

Another Bundesliga signing has also been mooted in Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Winsley Boteli, although the 17-year-old likely wouldn't be considered an immediate key man, instead arriving as a hopeful future star at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, a surprise rumour claims that Romelu Lukaku could potentially seal a return to United ahead of next season, being seen as an option alongside fellow target Joshua Zirkzee. It would be a huge shock if the Belgian came back to Old Trafford, however, especially as he is now in his 30s.

When it comes to possible outgoings in the approaching months, Harry Maguire is one player who could move on, and the Red Devils are reportedly willing to cash in on the 31-year-old, who has never managed to fully convince the masses since joining back in 2019.

Man Utd make offer for teenage star

According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester United have made an offer for Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore, looking to snap up the young winger this summer.

The same applies to rivals Manchester City, however, with the 16-year-old receiving a number of offers ahead of his 17th birthday next month. Borussia Dortmund are also mentioned in the update, which also states that Spurs are "pulling out all the stops to prevent Moore from switching clubs", as FA regulations stop him signing a professional deal until he turns 17.

Much like the aforementioned Boteli, Moore wouldn't be seen as someone who can come in and make a big difference in United's first team from the off, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be an extremely eye-catching signing.

At just 16, the Englishman has already made two appearances for Spurs, showing that Ange Postecoglou trusts him, and his manager spoke glowingly about him after handing him his debut earlier this year.

"We’ve had him training with us for a while, I’ve been trying to see if we can get him some game time, because we’ve kept him out of the 21s as well, it’s a bit of a reward for him for working hard in the last two, three weeks as part of the first team squad, to give him that experience. He still has a long way to go, he’s only 16, but he’s a good kid and hopefully that encourages him."

England Under-17s

12

10

England Under-16s

15

7

England Under-15s

4

1

Moore has been electric at international youth level, scoring 10 goals in 12 caps for England's Under-17s, and if United pip City to his signature, it could look like a significant signing in the coming years, as Dan Ashworth makes his presence felt from the off.

Manchester United are looking to hijack a deal Manchester City were seemingly in pole position to complete this summer, according to a new report.

United splashing the cash

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer transfer window at Old Trafford has got underway with a bang. The Red Devils have already spent close to £100m, signing Joshua Zirkzee in a deal worth £36.5m to add firepower to Erik ten Hag's ranks following the departure of Anthony Martial on a free transfer.

They have also added promising defender Leny Yoro to their side in a deal which saw them beat off competition from both Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Liverpool, in a move that saw them shell out £52m for his services.

More additions are expected at Old Trafford too. The Red Devils have held serious talks with Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt and have also seen two bids knocked back for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, while the Manchester Evening News claim that the club "have refused to rule out moves" for either player despite Yoro's arrival.

For now though, attention is thought to be on midfield, with one of Scott McTominay and Casemiro likely to depart this summer to make room for a fresh face in the Old Trafford engine room.

They have been strongly linked with PSG's Manuel Ugarte, who has even reportedly agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford side ahead of a potential switch, but PSG are not budging from their 70m euro (£59m) valuation of the Urugauyan. Now, their attention has been drawn elsewhere, according to one sensational report.

United ready to hijack City move

That is according to Spanish outlet AS, who claim that Manchester United are making a late move for EURO 2024 star Dani Olmo. The Spaniard finished as the top goalscorer at the tournament as he helped Spain to EURO success in Germany, beating England 2-1 in the final. But his qualities have been well known before that, with Pep Guardiola dubbing him a "top" player during his time at Dinamo Zagreb.

"He's a top player – he has a bright future, of course. His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point," the City boss explained.

Man Utd have potential deal in place to sign £42m star compared to Ronaldo

That’s according to The Telegraph.

ByCharlie Smith Jul 19, 2024

Though he still has three years left to run on his £168,000 per week deal with RB Leipzig, his deal has a release clause valued at 60m euros, which expires next week, and he has strongly been linked with a move away.

Speaking to Spanish media, he did little to play down those links: "My advisors, who are dealing with this, already know what I want to do. I don't know if I will stay in Germany, we will see. I want to be in a place where I am appreciated and loved and what I want to do is win. There are several options, we will see what happens", he explained.

And previous reports have claimed that Manchester City is his most likely destination, with Football Insider claiming that "advanced talks" took place over a deal earlier this week, with City in pole position.

Now though, Spanish outlet AS report that Manchester United have "entered the scene with force" to try and poach Olmo's signature from their Manchester rivals. For their part, Leipzig are happy to let him leave should the clause be met.

A move for Olmo would look strange given the options already available at Old Trafford. The Spaniard is able to play on either flank, as a striker or as a no.10, all of which are well covered within Ten Hag's ranks.

Options in attack for Erik ten Hag

Player

Position

Joshua Zirkzee

Striker

Marcus Rashford

Left Wing

Rasmus Hojlund

Striker

Alejandro Garnacho

Left Wing

Jadon Sancho

Right Wing

Amad Diallo

Right Wing

Antony

Right Wing

Bruno Fernandes

Attacking midfield

Mason Mount

Attacking midfield

With Jadon Sancho having reconciled with Erik ten Hag and Mason Mount now back from injury, there are even more options available to the Red Devils than there were last season, and a move for Olmo would be altogether bizarre despite the excitement of potentially beating their noisy neighbours to his signing.

West Ham are currently in the recruitment phase ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, having already acquired Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

After their 9th place finish last campaign under David Moyes, the Hammers will be keen to fight their way back into the European places, having finished eight points off of 7th and therefore a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

One key factor for West Ham will be extra recruitment in the forward areas, to offer support to Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, two of their best performers last season.

West Ham transfer news

According to a report from Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are one of the main sides showing interest in Vitoria Guimaraes winger Jota Silva, as their chairman Antonio Miguel Cardoso awaits a concrete proposal to arrive, in order for them to negotiate his departure.

The report claims it is 'practically inevitable' he will leave Vitoria this summer, and the window for him is open, with the 24-year-old said to have already received several approaches through his representatives.

Silva, whose price tag is said to be up to €12m (£10m), made 42 appearances in all competitions last campaign for Vitoria, scoring 15 goals, providing seven assists, and totaling 3,456 minutes of football.

Silva and Kudus' potential partnership

Kudus made 45 appearances in all competitions for West Ham last season, scoring 14 goals, providing six assists, and totaling 3,511 minutes of football.

Silva, who was dubbed a "standout" by analyst Ben Mattinson, is a right-footed winger, whilst Kudus is a left-footer, and both could provide a similar output and dynamic, but from opposite ends of the pitch.

West Ham are in need of a right-footed winger for that left-hand side, as Kudus, Bowen, and Paqueta are all left-footed operators.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Silva

Kudus

Non-Penalty Goals

0.36

0.36

Shots Total

3.08

2.44

Assists

0.16

0.17

Succesful Take-Ons

1.36

3.93

Touches (Att Pen)

5.60

3.74

Aerials Won

1.85

0.53

Stats from FBref

As you can instantly tell, both players are best known for being goal-scoring wingers. Posting 0.36 Non-Penalty Goals per 90, putting them in the top 16% of attacking midfielders/wingers in the Men's Big 5 leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

Kudus has always been known as a high-volume shooting player, so for Silva to better him in this metric, taking 3.08 shots per 90, this shows both players aren't afraid to take a shot, and this explains their goalscoring with their shot-heavy tendencies.

To take this one step further, Silva gets 1.17 of his 3.08 shots per 90 on target, whilst Kudus only gets 0.72 of his 2.44 average shots per 90 on target. This gives Silva a 37.9% Shots on target percentage, whilst Kudus is only at 29.5%.

However, where Silva seems to be more efficient with his shooting, Kudus does better him as a ball carrier and 1v1 threat, completing 2+ more successful take-ons per 90, as well as 3.99 progressive carries per 90, compared to Silva's 2.72 per 90.

West Ham considering £40m bid for "special" star who wants to complete move

The forward has been dropping hints…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2024

By adding another efficient shooter outwide, who can bring goals to the side, Kudus could be more "free" to play as a progressive carrier, continue to threaten in transition with his speed and power, and also continue to add goals of his own, as he did so well last season, which is why they could be a deadly pairing.

Newcastle United will reportedly "make a move" for a manager who Pep Guardiola thinks is "excellent", should Eddie Howe become England's next boss.

Newcastle manager Howe linked with England job

Gareth Southgate has announced that he is leaving his role in charge of the Three Lions, with the FA now searching to find an ideal successor in the coming weeks and months. The 53-year-old enjoyed an impressive eight years in the role, so his replacement will be under pressure to impress from the off.

Howe has emerged as one of the favourites to take over from Southgate, even long before this week's confirmation, having enhanced his reputation as one of the best English managers of his generation during an excellent spell in charge of Newcastle. He guided the Magpies into the Champions League, and while last season was disappointing overall, he still has more than enough credit in the bank.

The likes of Graham Potter and Lee Carsley also appear to be very much in the mix to succeed Southgate, as well as more left-field and unlikely appointments such as Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho, but Howe could arguably be among the front-runners if he wasn't already.

As it is, the Newcastle manager appears to be happy at St James' Park currently, but the lure of taking the most high-profile job could still be looming over him. Should that happen, PIF will need to find a replacement, and it looks as though their priority option has been lined up.

Newcastle line up "excellent" Howe successor

According to a new update from The Mirror, Newcastle will "make a move" for Mauricio Pochettino as a replacement for Howe, should the latter leave for England. It is noted that he has "just lost his two biggest allies in the boardroom, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi", which could arguably sway his thinking.

The Magpies boss is "believed to be torn between the chance of managing his country and staying at St. James’ Park", and Pochettino is described as the "No.1" target to come in.

Pochettino's stock has fallen a little in recent years, having been an extremely highly-rated manager during his Tottenham days, guiding them into the 2019 Champions League final, which they eventually lost to Liverpool.

The Argentine's time at Paris Saint-Germain wasn't exactly earth-shattering, even if he did still win one Ligue 1 title, and he left Chelsea by mutual consent after less than a year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

51

1.78

Paris Saint-Germain

84

2.15

Tottenham

293

1.84

Southampton

60

1.45

Espanyol

161

1.22

Still, Guardiola has described him as "excellent", clearly thinking of him highly as a boss, and it would be unfair to judge his time at Chelsea too harshly, considering the number of managerial changes at Stamford Bridge in recent years.

Pochettino plays a good brand of attacking football, often adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation, and while keeping Howe should be the preferable outcome for Newcastle, he could be a strong option to come in if the current boss opted to take the England job.

Whilst it has all felt rather quiet at Anfield in recent weeks, it appears that Liverpool have been handed an unexpected boost in their pursuit of Arne Slot's top target.

Liverpool taking a patient approach to transfers

While few expected Slot to dive head first into his maiden transfer window in charge of Liverpool, the lack of action on the transfer front may be of concern to some of the Anfield faithful. Despite there being no incomings at the club as of right now, there have been no shortage of rumours surrounding stars who could be making the move to Merseyside this summer.

Liverpool hit the jackpot on "special" talent worth 500% more than Endo

He’s shaping into a first-class player.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 30, 2024

The name that has dominated the majority of the headlines around Liverpool has been that of Anthony Gordon. First offered to the Reds in order to ease Newcastle United's financial worries, the club have remained intent on bringing the player to Anfield this summer.

A recent report has also linked Liverpool with a move for Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup. It is claimed that the Serie A side would entertain offers of around £21million for the Denmark under 21 international this summer. Joining Frendrup on Liverpool's list of potential targets is Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who also has interest from across the Premier League's top six.

With Liverpool's summer business bound to kick into gear anytime soon, there has been a development in the pursuit of Slot's top target this summer.

Gleison Bremer transfer update

As reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press have named the price it will require for Juventus to part ways with Gleison Bremer this summer. It was previously thought that the Serie A giants were reluctant to sell the defender for any fee, however the report states that an offer of €70million (£59million) would satisfy the Turin outfit.

The higher ups at Anfield are said to have asked for information on Bremer's situation at Juventus, meaning that they are likely already aware of this figure. This development follows news from last week that Slot had identified the Brazilian defender as his top target this summer with the Reds' new boss clearly eager to bolster his side's backline.

Whilst it is not yet known as to whether Liverpool would be willing to meet Juventus' valuation of the player, it does give the Anfield faithful hope that the deal can actually be done during the summer transfer window, If Liverpool are to get a deal for Bremer over the line they would be getting their hands on a highly rated defender who would no doubt be an instant improvement to the Reds' defence.

The 27-year-old featured 36 times for Juventus in the Serie A last season as the Old Lady finished third in the division. The Brazilian defender also managed to bag himself three goals over the course of the campaign, showing another dimension he could add to Slot's side.

Whilst there plenty of work still to do to get the deal over the line, this development is a step in the right direction as far as Liverpool are concerned. With the number that Juventus would consider letting Bremer leave for now known, this deal could be one that develops quickly throughout the final weeks of the window.

Over the last week, it’s looked as though Sami Omorodion would be the man to solve Chelsea’s ongoing hunt for a new centre-forward, but it appears that deal is off for now.

The Blues had agreed a £35m deal with Atlético Madrid for the Spaniard, but journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the move wouldn’t be happening despite the agreement between the two clubs.

Omorodion would’ve been an excellent addition for Enzo Maresca’s side, providing a focal point at the top of the pitch which the Blues have been desperately lacking in recent times.

However, the hunt continues for the Blues, with the West London outfit no closer to securing a deal for a new striker despite the new Premier League campaign getting underway in just three days time.

As a result, they could turn to one of their former transfer targets to try and fill the void, with the Blues potentially rivalling multiple other English sides for the services of one talent.

Chelsea could make move for £85m striker this summer

During this transfer window, numerous different strikers have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but all links have been to no avail, with Nicolas Jackson still the club’s main centre-forward.

Maresca could re-enter the race to sign Porto’s Brazilian centre forward Evanilson after previously being linked to sign the 24-year-old.

He managed to score 13 goals in the Liga Portugal last season, ending the campaign as the club’s top scorer as they finished third behind Sporting CP and Benfica.

It’s rumoured that Evanilson has a €100m (£85m) release clause in his current deal, with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest both in the race, but highly unlikely to pay the aforementioned fee for his services.

He could be seen as an alternative to one player who’s also been touted with a move to West London this summer, proving to be a better fit for Maresca’s system.

Why Evanilson would be a better option than Gyokeres

Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres is another talisman who has constantly been rumoured to be on the club’s shortlist to provide the added goal threat wanted by Maresca.

He registered a total of 39 goals or assists in the same division as Evanilson, finishing the campaign as the league’s top scorer – averaging 1.2 goal contributions per appearance.

His ability to find the back of the net is undisputed given his figures from 2023/24, but the Brazilian could prove to be a better option for the system the Italian is trying to implement at Stamford Bridge during his debut season at the helm.

He won the league with Leicester City last season utilising a possession-based system, with an emphasis on every player being comfortable on the ball, with Evanilson fitting the bill perfectly, registering a 7% higher pass completion rate last season.

Games played

27

33

Goals + assists

16

39

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.45

Progressive passes

2.4

1.6

Pass accuracy

79%

72%

Take-on success

46%

44%

The Porto talent may have scored fewer goals than Gyokeres, but he did manage a higher goal per-shot-on-target rate, showcasing he’s more clinical with his opportunities in front of goal – potentially excelling with the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto behind him.

The “complete” forward, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, likes to press out of possession, whilst also running the channels, allowing for frequent opportunities in attacking areas, whilst also teeing up Palmer to allow the Englishman to increase his own goalscoring tally.

Whilst it’s unknown if Porto are willing to negotiate a deal below his release clause, Evanilson would be an excellent addition that would certainly improve Maresca’s options.

His goalscoring ability, coupled with his talents in possession could make him a handful for defenders, with the Blues potentially picking up an underrated gem.

He's like Henry: Chelsea could sign a £100m Omorodion & Osimhen alternative

Chelsea looking at Omorodion alternatives

ByConnor Holden Aug 12, 2024

Arsenal have been offered a late chance to sign a £42 million forward for manager Mikel Arteta, and one who pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously called "unbelievable".

Arsenal scouring transfer market for new attacker after Merino deal

The Gunners are believed to be open to the possibility of bringing in a new attacker before the transfer window cut-off on August 31, so their £32 million deal for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad may not be their last piece of summer business.

Arteta personally targeting Arsenal forward signing after £30m Nketiah exit

The Gunners could make one last summer signing after Mikel Merino.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 28, 2024

The Spain international was officially confirmed as Edu Gaspar and co's latest arrival of the window earlier this week, with Merino putting pen to paper on a long-term contract after impressing at Sociedad last season and his with his country at Euro 2024.

Merino scored eight goals and assisted five others in 45 appearances across all competitions last season, and played a role in Spain's triumph at the Euros in Germany, with the midfielder making a promise to supporters in an interview with Arsenal's official website.

“I think that’s a big part of my game and that shows the character that I have," said Merino on his impressive record of winning duels.

"I want to fight for every ball and this is something that I learnt when I was really young. Maybe you can win it, or you won’t. I’m not promising I will win every duel, but what I can promise is that I will fight for every ball with 100 per cent.

“It’s always tough to talk about myself in those kinds of terms, but I think I’m a hard worker, I want to call myself a good teammate. I like to work for the team with or without the ball. I’m always thinking about the collective aspect of the game. I like to play with the ball, I have a Spanish culture of football.”

Arsenal had been targeting Merino's former teammate Martin Zubimendi, before ultimately landing on the ex-Newcastle United ace instead, with £32m looking likely to prove good value.

Mikel Merino

Martin Zubimendi

Ball recoveries

7.14

5.73

Tackles

2.79

1.66

Clearances

1.99

1.83

Blocks

1.30

1.12

Shots

1.09

0.75

Goals

0.18

0.14

Assists

0.11

0.03

Statistics correct as of 15/07/2024

Following their move for Merino, it is believed Arsenal could look to bring in a new attacker, with Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman linked in the last week.

Arsenal offered chance to sign Kingsley Coman

According to GiveMeSport and journalist Dean Jones, Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Coman this summer, with little other information than that shared in the report.

It has been claimed elsewhere that the Frenchman could cost as much as £42 million to sign from Bayern, and Fabrizio Romano says Coman is "one to watch" in terms of a late-window exit.

While the 28-year-old has played precious few minutes under Vincent Kompany so far this season, he's got big-game experience and quality when at his very best, with pundit Ferdinand calling him "unbelievable".

"He was at PSG as an eight-year-old boy," said Ferdinand on Coman in 2020. "With the money that came in with the Qataris, he was one of the players who were offloaded and he's come back and done this. His trophy haul since leaving – it shouldn't be allowed. It's unbelievable. The kid knows how to win."

One of Leeds United’s long list of summer departures is already enduring a nightmare start to his career at his new club.

The Whites will be glad to see the back of the summer transfer window, as it was a very difficult few months for the Championship side, as they lost several key players. But despite the departures, the Yorkshire side are living up to early season predictions, remaining unbeaten in the opening four league games of the season.

Leeds agree post-window deal with player; he's already been to Thorp Arch

Leeds have an agreement in place to sign a new player.

ByBrett Worthington Sep 2, 2024 Leeds lose £137m in star players

Leeds brought in eight new players over the course of the summer, which was crucial given that they lost a whole host of key individuals over the three-month period.

The Whites saw 19 players leave Elland Road, with most of the money coming from four big moves as they sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur, Luis Sinisterra to Bournemouth, Crysencio Summerville to West Ham and saw Georginio Rutter join Brighton towards the end of the transfer window.

Georginio Rutter

€46.70m

Archie Gray

€41.25m

Crysencio Summerville

€29.30m

Luis Sinisterra

€23.40m

All four players were key for Leeds last season and would have been key again in this campaign as the club bids to return to the top flight. However, Premier League clubs came sniffing around, and in the end, what the club was offered was too good to turn down, as they racked up about £137m in total from summer sales.

Rutter was the last big departure, as he wrote an emotional farewell to fans on Instagram: “It’s hard for me to say goodbye, but the time has come for me to move on. When I joined Leeds, I knew I was becoming part of something special, but I didn’t realise how much this club would mean to me. Leeds United has been more than just a team for me – it’s been like a family that has supported and helped me grow.

“From day one, you, the fans, have always been there, cheering me on and showing me what it means to play for Leeds. You made me feel at home, and I will always remember that.

“My time here was full of hard work, great moments, and strong friendships. I’m leaving as a better player and a better person, and I’m really thankful for that. Even though I’m heading in a new direction, Leeds United will always be a part of who I am. I wish you all the best for the future and the challenges ahead. Thank you for everything, Leeds. I’ll never forget you. MOT, Georginio.”

£8m Leeds sale struggling at new club

Midfielder Glen Kamara is another player who left Elland Road this summer, as he joined French side Rennes. The Ligue 1 side are said to have bought Kamara for around £8 million after he played 42 times for the Yorkshire side last season.

Rennes may be considered a step up for the player, but it has been a difficult start for both the club and Kamara this season, as his new side have suffered two defeats out of three games. And while he has started all three, the Finland international was subbed off after 72 minutes over the weekend.

In the 2-1 defeat at Reims, Kamara had 39 touches of the ball and finished the game with an accurate passing rate of 87%. But the midfielder lost possession of the ball nine times and was dribbled past once in the 72 minutes he played. He finished that game with a Sofascore rating of 6.5 and was given a brutal 3/10 by the national media in France.

According to Stade Rennes Online, relayed by Leeds United News, Kamara struggled with the switch to playing in a two-man defensive midfield situation: “Efficient in the diamond, he completely sank as a pair in front of the defence. Nine ball losses at half-time, difficulties in passing, his pair with Matusiwa perforated without managing to create anything.”