All posts by z3u9t.icu

A lot of the noise surrounding Chelsea right now is centered on who could leave Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, as BlueCo look to balance the books by selling certain players.

£52m Chelsea star could now join Barcelona, he's "no longer" unsellable

The La Liga champions have cast their eyes towards Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025

The club landed a seismic financial windfall by reaching the Club World Cup final, where they will face off against European champions PSG in a hotly-contested clash at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a stunning brace from new signing Joao Pedro in their semi-final against Fluminense.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

That 2-0 win over the Brazilian minnows means Chelsea have banked around £80 million worth of prize money en route to the final, having won five of their six games so far, on top of their participation fee. If they win the whole thing, and somehow beat an imperious PSG side this weekend, Enzo Maresca’s side will bank close to £88 million.

This cash will undoubtedly ease some pressure with regard to PSR, but after being slapped with a recent UEFA fine for breaking FFP rules, Chelsea will also want to ship a plethora of unwanted players off their considerable books.

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic are just some of the Chelsea players who could reportedly leave before deadline day on September 1, while previous mainstay striker Nicolas Jackson faces an uncertain future after the arrivals of Pedro and Liam Delap.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys and Marcus Bettinelli have already been sold for around £19 million worth of transfer fees in total, but the Chelsea hierarchy will be very keen to increase this total while drastically reducing their wage bill.

Sterling and Chilwell, who were both frozen out by Maresca last summer, are among the club’s highest earners, while Chukwuemeka is believed to be on as much as £100,000-per-week.

As well as the need to offload senior players, there are a plethora of youngsters who could help to raise cash, and one of them is young left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith.

The 19-year-old joined Chelsea from Everton in 2023 for around £4 million, and Samuels-Smith recently put pen to paper on a new contract running until 2031 – meaning the west Londoners can demand a fairly substantial fee.

Ishe Samuels-Smith in talks to join Strasbourg from Chelsea

According to L’Equipe, Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, could offer them a chance to recuperate some money off the teenager.

The newspaper states that Samuels-Smith was at Strasbourg’s training facilities on Wednesday ahead of a potential move, and the Ligue 1 side are currently in talks with his representatives as Chelsea consider selling him for £5 million.

The defender is yet to make his senior debut for the club since transferring from Goodison Park, and it now appears that Chelsea are preparing to cash in on Samuels-Smith with a £1 million profit.

He captained the Under-21s side on numerous occasions last season and was a mainstay of Filipe Coelho’s backline last season, but this seemingly hasn’t been enough to convince Chelsea that he could emerge as a first-team player.

Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them to try and transform their fortunes on the pitch next season and subsequently avoid a repeat of this campaign.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform their fortunes after taking the reins in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

However, it appears as though the 40-year-old will have some serious money to spend throughout the summer in a bid to improve the current players at his disposal.

He’s already splashed over £60m to complete the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha, with a deal also heading in the right direction for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

It’s likely that the summer activity won’t end there, which could lead to various big-money additions making the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, under the watchful eye of sporting director, Jason Wilcox.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the latest names on their radar this window, with the Red Devils entering talks with PSG over an £85m move for the teenage midfielder.

He’s not the only name mentioned in recent days, as West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has been of interest after an enquiry was made for the 24-year-old’s signature.

However, another new name has entered the mix over the last few hours, with Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak appearing on their radar, according to Italian outlet Tutto Juve.

They claim that United have been closely monitoring the Swedish international, potentially plotting a move after he scored 23 times in his 34 league appearances this campaign.

It also states that Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to land the 25-year-old, but the Magpies are preparing a new contract for the forward, who’s currently valued at around £150m.

Why United’s £150m target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a player in their sights over recent seasons, but their interest has skyrocketed after Amorim’s arrival – understandably so given his time with the striker at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered a staggering 54 goals in his 52 outings in 2024/25, leading to a whole host of English sides being linked with a move for his signature.

Arsenal appeared to be leading the race this window, but it appears as though the Gunners have moved on to different targets, subsequently bringing Amorim’s side back into the picture.

His rumoured £68m fee would undoubtedly tempt the hierarchy given his staggering goalscoring record, but they should look past a move for Gyokeres and put their attention on a deal for Isak.

Whilst the Sporting talisman has registered more goals this season, the Newcastle star has consistently thrived in England’s top flight – having the skillset that would make him an immediate success at Old Trafford.

When comparing their underlying stats from the current season, Isak has dominated, further showcasing why he would be the better option ahead of 2025/26.

The Magpies attacker, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Thomas Hammond, may have been outscored, but has posted a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

34

33

Goals scored

23

39

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Pass accuracy

75%

71%

Progressive passes

2.9

2.1

Passes into final third

1.2

0.5

Take-on success

46%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, having the tools to provide the players around him at Old Trafford with the opportunities to thrive.

Isak has also completed more take-ons and made a higher tally of carries into the final third per 90, having the skillset to create his own opportunities rather than be dependent on other options around him.

The £150m price tag would be a club and English record, but the deal could prove to be worth every penny, especially if he can carry his form from St James’ with him to Old Trafford.

Gyokeres may still be some supporters’ first choice this window, but it’s evident that Isak would be the better option for the Red Devils and Wilcox in their pursuit of rising up the table in 2025/26.

Bellingham 2.0: Man Utd open talks for "one of the best CMs in the world"

Manchester United appear to be laying the foundations over a move for a sensational young talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

When Southampton were relegated from the Premier League last season, there was an air of inevitability about the outcome, an acceptance that it was going to happen sooner rather than later.

The Saints were one of several sides that lurked dangerously close to the trap door year after year, surviving by the skin of their teeth on numerous occasions, finishing no higher than 15th in four of their last five campaigns.

One reason for their plight was St Mary's becoming a hunting ground for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, who continuously bled the club dry of its best talent, including Luke Shaw, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane.

While Southampton made a habit out of unearthing gems from leagues across Europe or unleashing stars from their youth academy, the 2018 summer transfer window, in particular, saw them struggle to replace the previous quality that was lost.

Jannik Vestegaard, Angus Gunn, Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings all arrived, but the biggest disappointment of them all was the acquisition of fleet-footed Basel winger Mohamed Elyounoussi, who arrived when his stock was at its highest having shot onto the scene as a highly-rated winger.

How much did Southampton pay for Mohamed Elyounoussi?

Southampton suffered the devastating £10m loss of Dusan Tadic to Ajax in the summer of 2018 and replaced him with Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel for £18m.

At the time, the Saints thought that fee was a steal. The fleet-footed winger had produced incredible numbers in the Swiss Super League, posting an eye-watering 53 goal contributions in 84 appearances for Basel across two seasons, including a goal and an assist in the Champions League knockout stages against Manchester City.

The Morocco-born star was destined to become a world-beater and had the hallmarks of a player who could take the Premier League by storm. The searing pace, low centre of gravity to glide past defenders and ability to perform on the big stage all pointed towards Elyounoussi making a mockery of the price tag.

Upon his arrival, Saints boss Mark Hughes was excited about the possibility of working with such a talented player and was confident that the then 23-year-old could reach the potential that his formative years promised.

He said: “Mohamed is another very exciting addition to our attacking options. He has got an outstanding record of goals and assists in two different countries, and we have been extremely impressed by the intelligence he has shown in his play from a tactical point of view.

“He’s still at a young age as well, so we’re confident he can continue to improve and fulfil even more of his potential with us."

The Norwegian signed a five-year deal with Southampton which outlined their European ambitions.

How did Mohamed Elyounoussi perform at Southampton?

For all of the hype and excitement surrounding the transfer, the Saints were to be let down by the impact Elyounoussi made across his difficult five-year spell.

Known for unleashing his box of tricks and frightening the life out of defenders with his electrifying pace, supporters anticipated entertainment in full flow and would have envisaged him becoming the next big-money player developed into a world-class talent by the club.

Elyounoussi's Southampton career would spiral into the opposite as lacklustre performances on the field saw him become a shell of his former self, registering zero goal contributions in his first season at the club which led to him going out on loan to Celtic.

Although performances improved in Scotland, albeit playing against lesser quality opposition, the former Molde winger was still subjected to criticism by several media outlets and was described by Hoops podcaster Paul John Dykes as a "passenger", a word that rung true during his time at St Mary's.

During his time at Southampton, Elyounoussi made 90 appearances and only chalked up a disappointing nine goals and six assists as Southampton ultimately paid the price.

Whilst he was under contract at the club, his total earnings totalled £9m but if you add that to his initial transfer fee of £18m, he drained the Saints of a whopping £3m per goal, as per Capology.

Elyounoussi threatened to become a world-beater as a youngster but failed to live up to the hype in England and supporters will have been glad to see the back of him this summer as he joined Copenhagen, recently scoring against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Liverpool’s return to form this season has been a huge relief for the Anfield faithful as it proves last season was merely a blip.

The club failed to make the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season while they also finished trophyless as injuries and poor form meant they struggled throughout 2022/23.

Jurgen Klopp had to do something in the summer transfer window and a midfield rebuild looks like it is beginning to pay dividends, especially in the Premier League.

Before the international break, they had lost just once in the top flight while securing passage to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup and topping their Europa League group.

Everything looks rosy on Merseyside again and the German will be keen to win another trophy or two, especially with the way his side are playing.

Despite shipping out some deadwood during the summer and bringing some wonderful talents to the club, the January transfer window could potentially see another one or two new faces arrive at the club.

Liverpool transfer news – Leroy Sané

As per the Mirror, Leroy Sane has halted negotiations at Bayern Munich with regard to a new contract as he is focusing on the season ahead.

This could prompt Liverpool to swoop in and make a more concrete offer for the player – who has been valued at around €100m (£87m), according to CIES Football Observatory.

According to journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool’s interest is firm as he discussed their interest in the former Manchester City winger, saying:

“Liverpool’s interest in Leroy Sane is concrete. You can compare him to the man he might end up replacing at Anfield in Mo Salah; they both have speed and Sane is certainly younger.

“Bayern Munich are aware of the interest and after the international break they will meet the agents, LIAN Sports Group, to talk about an extension. They really want to keep him and Sane said that Bayern is the first club he will be talking to. His family has arrived in Munich after their new house was built and the player is feeling happy.”

This looks like a move which has more chance of occurring at the end of the season rather than midway through, but it looks as though the Anfield side are serious in their interest.

The player has plenty of knowledge of the Premier League, and he could be a huge asset for the club, while he is also similar to Real Madrid sensation Vinícius Jr.

How Leroy Sané compare to Vinicius Jr

Both players certainly pose a dangerous threat in the opposition penalty area and the Brazilian has emerged as a world-class player over the previous couple of years.

Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, the Real Madrid star has scored 51 goals while chipping in with 45 assists, and he is clearly in the form of his life.

According to FBref, he is the sixth most comparable player to the current Bayern gem and considering how effective the 23-year-old has been in recent seasons, it is certainly not a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, the duo have registered similar statistics with regard to goals scored (nine vs six), shots per 90 (3.23 vs 3.07), shot-creating actions per 90 (6.39 vs 4.56) and progressive carries (82 vs 66), suggesting that are both performing at the top of their game and causing chaos for opposition defenders for their respective clubs.

Signing Sane would give Klopp’s attacking yet another bolt of energy and a move should seriously be considered during the summer transfer window.

Leroy Sane’s statistics at Bayern Munich

The £330k-per-week sensation was hailed as “unbelievable” by his former manager Julian Nagelsmann following their 5-2 victory over Benfica in the Champions League a few seasons ago and it is safe to his form for Bayern since joining in 2020 has been nothing short of incredible.

Across 152 matches for the European heavyweights, Sane already has 47 goals and 44 assists, and he has started the current season on fire.

Not only has he found the back of the net on nine occasions in all competitions, but he has racked up seven assists too, showcasing how much he enjoys creating chances for others.

Not only does he rank second behind summer signing Harry Kane for goals and assists in the top flight (14), but the winger also ranks first for big chances created (ten) and for successful dribbles per game (4.1) while also topping the pile for key passes per game (3.6), indicating that he has been Bayern’s key attacking outlet alongside Kane this term.

Sane also leads the Bundesliga standings for key passes and successful dribbles per game, as well as big chances created, and it shows how much he has improved since leaving City three years ago.

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The Anfield side could face losing their Colombian maverick following links to a European giant.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 23, 2023

The 27-year-old even ranks in the top 4% when compared to positional peers for successful take-ons per 90 (3.79), the top 9% for total shots per 90 (3.08) and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.2) over the previous 12 months.

These statistics are clear evidence that he would be a valuable asset for Liverpool ahead of next season and he would improve them massively.

As previously mentioned, his figures are similar to those of Vinícius Jr and this comparison would allow Klopp to yield one of the finest wingers in the world should he make the move back to England in the near future.

Much will obviously depend on how much funds Klopp has to work with, yet there will be a few players who he could sell off in order to raise some money for potential arrivals.

Much will also depend on whether the club qualify for the Champions League next term. Judging by their start to the league season, this shouldn’t pose too much of a problem, yet Klopp will be keen to avoid any complacency.

Playing in Europe’s premier club competition is key to luring the best talents, and in Sane, there is a player who is already world-class, and he could take the Reds to the next level.

Arsenal have now set their sights on a new striker ahead of the January transfer window, with journalist Charles Watts recently naming a Premier League player as a potential target…

Who could Arsenal sign in January?

Arsenal are reportedly "close" to triggering the £51m release clause included in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi's contract, having been linked with the Spaniard for a number of years, but the move could be contingent on a sale.

Thomas Partey has been touted for a move to either Saudi Arabia or Juventus in recent months, and the Ghanaian's departure could make room in the squad for the arrival of Zubimendi, while Mikel Arteta is also keen on bolstering his attacking options.

In a recent column for TEAMtalk, Watts has now revealed that Arteta will be seeking alternatives to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the January transfer window, as the manager wants to bring in a more versatile option in attack.

Watts tips the Gunners to make a move for a more physical attacker either next summer or in January, depending on how they are faring by the time the mid-season transfer window comes along, and the journalist highlights two potential options.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen is named as a target, but it may be difficult to get a deal for the Nigeria international done, considering he will command a huge fee, amid interest from a whole host of clubs, so the north Londoners could turn their attentions elsewhere.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is viewed as a "potential January option" by Watts, as the journalist believes he would be "perfect for Arsenal", considering the performance he put in at the Emirates Stadium last season.

Watts suggests that Toney caused William Saliba severe problems in the 2022-23 campaign, having scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw, and he is just one of the names on the list ahead of the January window, although there are a number of other targets.

Why isn't Ivan Toney playing?

The Brentford forward has been banned from football until January 2024, in light of breaching the FA's betting rules, but he put in some top performances for the Bees last season, and could hand the Gunners a real boost in the title race if he was signed in January.

In the previous campaign, the England international scored 20 Premier League goals, the third-highest total of any player in the top flight, indicating he could now be ready for a big move now he is entering his peak years.

At 27-years-old, the time may be right for the Brentford star to move on, but Arsenal may have to fend off interest from a number of other Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also being named as potential suitors.

Lauded as "sensational" by BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone, Toney could be an excellent signing for the Gunners in the winter transfer window, and former England international Jay Bothroyd believes he would be an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus, saying:

"If you put him in one of the top teams he will score at least 20 Premier League goals per season. Great on penalties, penalties he’s unbelievable. If you took him to someone like Arsenal, I would love Arsenal to sign him now. I think he would score more goals than Jesus, than Ollie Watkins, in the Premier League."

Arsenal are believed to be after one club’s standout attacker, with his representative now confirming the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Arsenal linked with new attackers heading into 2026

Despite having just signed Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer — as part of their near-£270 million summer spending spree — links with new attacking options haven’t gone away.

Certain Arsenal forwards currently face an uncertain long-term future, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both out of contract in 2027 as things stand, so that could be a key reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is thinking about adding another forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks next year.

According to some reports, Arsenal have held talks with representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the race intensifies for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational start to life in Germany, registering 11 goal contributions in his last 15 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form has attracted elite suitors from across the continent, with Bayern Munich particularly aggressive in their pursuit of his signature, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also taking an interest.

Arteta says "really special" Arsenal star has been so good in training lately

The Spaniard is thrilled with him.

ByEmilio Galantini 1 day ago

However, given his seismic £88 million price tag, Berta may want to consider alternatives.

The north Londoners are believed to be keen on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo too, with the Arsenal supporter (by his own admission) available for £65m through a release clause active in early January.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, making him an enticing prospect for the Gunners.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, meanwhile, has also attracted admiration from Arsenal amid his fantastic performances in Turin and ongoing contract uncertainty with the Italian giants.

The versatile Turkish forward represents another potential option as Berta continues exploring targets across multiple markets.

That being said, one player may arrive before any of the aforementioned crop.

According to Croatian media sources, Arsenal are ‘expected’ to strike a deal for HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk, who will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta’s side with talks in ‘full swing’.

Agent confirms Arsenal interest in Toni Fruk

Now, as per his own agent, Andy Bara, that interest in the 24-year-old has now been confirmed.

Bara is quoted telling news outlet 24 Sata that Arsenal do indeed want to sign Fruk, but he also denies any concrete talks or negotiations happening behind-the-scenes right now.

The versatile forward, who can operate both as a number 10 and centre-forward, has been a revelation for Rijeka this season, bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.

Fruk’s performances have also impressed talent-spotters from the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, with the ex-Fiorentina talent also out of contract in 2027 and potentially available for a bargain fee.

Fruk has also been described as the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player (Sport Klub), while others dubbed him a ‘new’ version of Luka Modrić.

Comparisons to the Real Madrid legend are a clear indicator of just how highly-rated he is in that part of Europe, with Rijeka’s talisman now turning heads in the Premier League.

Rangers have now been offered the chance to sign a new midfielder in January as they look to recover from their dismal start to the season, it has been claimed.

Rangers reinforcements required in January

Philippe Clement’s side are currently 11 points behind reigning champions and Glasgow rivals Celtic, having endured a tough start to the season in the Scottish Premiership. Worse still, they are seven points behind Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen side, who have enjoyed a rich run of form in the opening months of the campaign and sit second in the league.

Losses to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen as well as Celtic have been damaging to Clement’s side, while they have also been unable to go on one of their usual winning runs that often characterise their campaigns.

There are still chances of silverware this season though, with Rangers impressing in the Europa League and still with a chance of lifting either of the Scottish Cups, with Clement’s side facing Celtic in the semi-final of the League cup before Christmas. One of the problem areas for his side have been the central areas.

Young duo Connor Barron (22) and Mohamed Diomande (23) have been at the base of Rangers’ midfield, and it has been a shoot-out between Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Nicolas Raskin for the third midfield spot.

Player

Appearances

Goals and assists

Mohamed Diomande

11

3

Connor Barron

13

0

Nicolas Raskin

10

0

Ianis Hagi

4

1

Kieran Dowell

8

0

Tom Lawrence

8

5

Nedim Bajrami

9

1

Clearly, there is room for improvement in that area, with no one able to provide a consistent attacking threat from the middle of the pitch to support unlikely new marksman Cyriel Dessers, who frustrated and dazzled last season but now appears to be more consistent in front of goal. Now, they could land a new option to help them push on in the second half of the campaign.

Rangers offered chance to sign "very good" midfielder

That comes as a fresh report has revealed that Rangers and Clement have now been offered the chance to sign out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in January.

The former Aston Villa youngster has seen his gametime severely limited since Enzo Maresca’s arrival, who admitted in the summer that though he was a “very good” midfielder, he was not going to get much action in west London.

Rangers now in talks to agree new transfer fee for impressive £16k-p/w ace

The two clubs had agreed a fee but now they are moving the goalposts.

1 ByBen Browning Dec 3, 2024

“Carney, I think he is a very good player. With us, is he going to play 35 games? I’m not sure”, the Italian explained. “The problem is, because of some injuries in the past, I think the best for him is to play 30 or 35 games in a row, to show himself that he is fit and how good he is because he is very good.”

Having failed to secure a loan move in the summer, he is now set to leave in January and is open to moving to Ibrox, according to The Boot Room, recognising that he needs regular first team football.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are happy for him to leave either as part of a “loan move or a permanent departure”, though the latter would be a club record move for Rangers and is therefore highly unlikely. Even a loan move could see them need to pay a substantial chunk of the 21-year-old’s £100,000 a week wages, so it remains to be seen how flexible Chelsea are on that front.

Known as a box to box midfielder with an eye for goal from his time among the youth setup, Chukwuemeka could add another dimension to Rangers’ midfield for the second half of the season, and could help them push for success come the end of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest have not been shy about spending big money since they returned to the Premier League three seasons ago. After two campaigns battling against relegation back to the Championship, they have flown out of the traps this term.

Impressively, the Midlands club sit third in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, their nearest challengers for a top-four spot. They have been superb defensively, conceding just seven times, the second-fewest in the top flight, behind only Liverpool.

So far, the men in Garibaldi Red have had a superb season. They are no doubt desperate to maintain this form and have been linked with a player who could add great strength to the squad in January.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

The player in question here is Bayern Munich and French under-21 international attacker Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old has struggled for game time at the German giants, and could well depart the club in the 2025 winter transfer window.

According to a report from Florian Plettenberg, the Midlands club are “interested” in signing the French winger, and “have already made contact” with Bayern over a potential deal. They will not be alone in their hunt for his signature, however, with German outfit Werder Bremen also chasing him.

Any potential deal would reportedly just be a loan rather than a permanent move at this stage, There could, however, be a crucial stumbling block to signing Tel this winter, with Plettenberg reporting that he “has no plans to leave” Bavaria on a temporary deal.

Why Tel would be a good signing

It would be a fantastic statement of intent to sign such a hot prospect this winter from the Midlands outfit. Interestingly, he is a player whom Edu reportedly wanted to sign at Arsenal. The Brazilian will join Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis in an unspecified boardroom role following a shock resignation from Arsenal. There is certainly a link between Tel and Edu.

It has been a tough start to the season for the young Frenchman. Under new boss Vincent Kompany, his minutes have not really increased, playing 224 minutes across seven games so far, two of which include starts. The dynamic winger has yet to find the back of the net, either.

With that being said, the teenage sensation, described as a “jewel” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has a good record for the Bavarian side. He has played 76 times so far scoring 16 goals and grabbing six assists in just 2230 minutes, equivalent to 24 full 90 minutes.

Should the Midlands outfit bring in the attacker, who is valued at £33.5m by Transfermarkt, he could be an upgrade on Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Chelsea academy graduate has been an important player for the Midlands side this term, scoring two goals in ten Premier League games, but statistically, Tel edges him in many metrics.

When looking at the pair’s stats from last season, there is a clear difference between each. It is worth considering that one played for a high-possession, attacking side in Bayern, whereas Forest were scrapping against relegation. However, in some metrics, there is still a clear gap.

As per FBref, Bayern’s starlet averaged more passes into the final third, with 1.97 each game, and more passes into the penalty area, with 1.62. In contrast, the English winger played 0.97 passes into the final third and 1.55 passes into the penalty area.

The Frenchman also had more success in take-ons last term than the Forest number 14. He completed 3.16 per game, with a 55.2% completion rate, compared to just 2.09 for Hudson-Odoi, who completed 53.8%.

Stat (per 90)

Tel

Hudson-Odoi

Goals

0.6

0.39

Expected goals

0.32

0.13

Passes into final third

1.97

0.97

Passes into penalty box

1.62

1.55

Take-ons completed

3.16

2.09

Take-on success rate

55.2%

53.8%

Carries into penalty area

2.65

1.89

It would certainly be a statement of intent from Forest – and the incoming Edu – to bring Tel in. Not only could he challenge and potentially upgrade Hudson-Odoi, but they would be adding a highly-rated youngster who can play right across the forward line.

In terms of signing a young, hungry player who would continue to fuel a shock European charge, there are perhaps few better.

Edu and Nottingham Forest make contact to sign "machine" versatile attacker

Evangelos Marinakis is set to triple Edu’s salary.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 5, 2024

West Ham United are tail-spinning out of control.

A point was picked up against Everton on Saturday, but the lifeless and uninspiring fabric of Julen Lopetegui’s squad is leaving everything to be desired.

The Hammers fanbase, understandably, wants for more. And as The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas says: “I don’t think Lopetegui is capable of turning this around. He was the wrong appointment.”

So, should he be given the boot?

West Ham considering Lopetegui dismissal

West Ham’s Spanish head coach, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, continues to bang the drum that judgment should be reserved until the end of the campaign. But Hammers fans will not wait that long, not if an upswing does not occur post-haste.

The east London outfit’s majority shareholder David Sullivan and the technical director Tim Steidten are set to meet during the domestic pause this week to discuss Lopetegui’s shortcomings, but it’s unlikely that he will be dismissed. Yet.

It’s looking increasingly unlikely that the 58-year-old will pick himself up from the wayside. And though he’s not going to be sacked just yet, the rumours are abound.

Indeed, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is in the running, and wouldn’t that be quite the appointment? As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, the legendary Portuguese boss is interested in returning to the Premier League and is on West Ham’s radar, among others in the division.

Mourinho only alighted in Turkey this summer but launched a tirade on the standard of the Turkish Super Lig last month, and this could be a deal to keep an eye on.

However, Mourinho’s pragmatic tactics may not give the Hammers the turnaround they so desire. Instead, jobless Graham Potter may prove to be the far better pick.

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Graham Potter would be the perfect appointment

Potter has been out of work since being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023, just six months into his tenure with the Blues.

Even so, he’s built an impressive managerial career and after such remarkable feats with Brighton & Hove Albion, could now revivify his career at the London Stadium.

According to a report from Caught Offside last week, Potter has been lined up by West Ham bosses to replace Lopetegui, and his name is likely to be mentioned in some capacity during the proposed meeting this week.

Potter has been described as “a genius” by journalist Sam Morton and indeed is one of the sharpest tactical minds in English football. His failed stint at Stamford Bridge must not taint the remarkable work that was done at Brighton and, to a lesser extent, Swansea City.

1.

Man City

1st

67.9

2.

Liverpool

2nd

62.7

3.

Chelsea

3rd

61.8

4.

Brighton

9th

54.4

5.

Arsenal

5th

52.8

In his final campaign with Brighton, 2021/22, he took the Seagulls to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League, which was the highest in their history at the time.

This West Ham squad, with the likes of Lucas Paqueta at its heart, cries out for more control and fluency, something that perhaps was anticipated when Lopetegui took over. But it hasn’t been the case, with United 15th this term (45.5% average).

Potter has previously been particularly possession-focused, with his Brighton side averaging 54.3% of the ball in the Premier League during 2021/22, the fourth-best tally in the division and greater than the Hammers’ 47.4% average throughout the same year.

Change might be afoot in east London once again soon, and the Englishman would be the perfect choice to replace the current boss, who simply hasn’t fused with this iron-strong squad.

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Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared another important update on David Moyes and the manager's contract situation at West Ham.

Moyes future uncertain with West Ham contract expiring

The Scotsman's tenure in east London has been a very memorable one. West Ham have qualified for Europe in each of Moyes' full seasons in charge, since he began his second stint midway through 2019/2020. They also put an end to their near-40 year wait for a major trophy, lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League in Prague last term.

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However, a section of supporters are growing dissatisfied with West Ham's style of play under Moyes, coming after they flirted with relegation to the Championship last term as well.

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

The Hammers head coach, as things stand, is set to leave West Ham at the end of this campaign with his contract expiring soon. Moyes, speaking to the media last week, actually claimed that the offer of a new deal was on the table.

"I've had really good conversations with the owners, with David Sullivan and Karren Brady," said Moyes on his new contract situation.

"There's a contract there for me and I'm the one deciding I want to wait until the end of the season. There are plenty of reasons [to wait]. I've got to make sure it's the right thing for the club, for me and my family. I've spoken to the board. I've had a fabulous four years. We'll sort it out but I'm happy to wait."

Going by Moyes' statement, he appears to be the one in control of this situation, and depending on whether or not he extends, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is believed to assessing managerial alternatives.

ExWHUemployee shares Moyes contract update

Now, speaking to West Ham Way, ExWHUemployee has shared a Moyes contract update which is contrary to what the former Man United boss said.

“There have been provisional talks over a new deal for David Moyes,” stated Ex. “However, I’ve been advised that at no point it’s been put forward for signing. The manager possibly was referring to an agreement but that’s provisional, but not in front of him to sign.

“It’s understood that any decision by the board as to whether to offer him an extension will be made at the end of the season, following a review on how the season pans out.”

Depending on whether the club decide to offer him that new contract after all, West Ham are believed to be interested in the likes of Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, who has admirers at the London Stadium.

“At the moment, we're getting towards the stage where West Ham are going to be looking for a new manager," said journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport.

"While Gary O'Neil isn't going to be the top target for them, I have heard that he is somebody they like. I would be surprised if he didn't at least crop up on a list of names if and when Moyes does end up losing his job, so that is one to keep in mind."