All posts by z3u9t.icu

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Sun (print version, 15th November, page 74), Crystal Palace scouts have flocked to the City Ground to watch Nottingham Forest right-back Matty Cash in action, while Southampton and Everton are also interested.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing up a January swoop for Cash, who has been a revelation at right-back this season after a smart coaching move from Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi.

The 48-year-old decided to convert Cash – who made 30 appearances at right-midfield last season – into a right-back, and the switch has worked wonders.

Cash, 22, has scored two goals and registered two assists in 14 Championship appearances this season, while also recording an impressive tackling rate of 2.8 tackles per game – he also makes 3.5 clearances per game.

You might recall that a certain Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a similar transition from being a right-midfielder into an effective right-back – Cash doesn’t come close to the Manchester United man’s 5.4 tackles per game, although there are certainly similarities in their professional development.

Would help solve a problem position for Palace

After losing Wan-Bissaka back in the summer, the south Londoners never signed a replacement.

Joel Ward was left as the Eagles’ only right-back, leaving that area of Roy Hodgson’s squad looking dangerously thin and definitely a problem position.

It has only become even more of an issue now as Ward recently suffered a groin injury against Chelsea, which will most likely see centre-back Martin Kelly slot in as cover.

In that respect, bringing Cash to Selhurst Park would be a great move from Palace as he appears to be an exciting young player who has also taken to his new role like a duck to water.

Additionally, he would help provide natural depth to what is arguably Hodgson’s biggest problem position – this would definitely be a smart signing for Palace.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for academy graduate Jordan Henderson, and an exciting new update has emerged over the October international break.

Sunderland eyeing Henderson reunion

The Black Cats sit top of the Championship table currently, ahead of their return to domestic action after the two-week break this weekend, and some interesting transfer news has also emerged of late. The most high-profile rumoured piece of business is regarding a reunion with Henderson, who left Sunderland back in the summer of 2011, sealing a big-money move to Liverpool. Regis Le Bris’ side are thought to be keen on bringing him back to the club during the January transfer window.

The Black Cats are even said to have made contact with the veteran England international, who is currently plying his trade at Ajax, following a doomed spell at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

Former England international Carlton Palmer has urged Sunderland to get a deal for Henderson over the line, saying: “What a return that would be if he could go back to Sunderland. They’re flying high at the top of the Championship, and signing someone like Henderson could be the catalyst that sees them get back to the Premier League. That would be an unbelievable bit of business from Sunderland. It would be great for the supporters.”

"Special" Henderson open to Sunderland return

According to a fresh report from Football Insider, Henderson is now “open” to sealing a sensational return to Sunderland, as he looks to potentially leave Ajax, where he has found himself out of the team. It is claimed that the 34-year-old “would welcome a return to his boyhood club despite the drop in level it would represent”, adding that “he believes he could play a crucial role in their promotion push”.

To see Henderson back at Sunderland in the twilight of his career would be so popular with many supporters, having initially burst onto the scene at his boyhood club as a highly-rated teenager. The Englishman has enjoyed a wonderful career, captaining Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory, among many other trophies, and Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on him upon his departure from Anfield in 2023.

“In the future when people are looking back then they will realise Jordan Henderson was the skipper of [our] most successful squad until then – I hope we can create another one – and the skipper of the first Premier League title winners and all these kind of things. That’s a special career. He should be, and will be in the future, proud of it.”

At 34, Henderson isn’t the force he was four or five years ago, but his vast experience and underrated technical ability could be a wonderful asset for this talented young Sunderland squad in the second half of the season.

Development as Sunderland now make contact over stunning new Henderson move

This could be an amazing piece of business.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 13, 2024

His know-how of getting over the finish line in big games could be invaluable when the business end of the season arrives, and finishing his career at the club where it all started would be a fitting way to eventually bow out, hopefully back in the Premier League.

The report does state that Sunderland are “ready to offer a short-term deal” to Henderson with the “option to extend” next summer, which feels like an ideal scenario, should the veteran midfielder struggle to replicate his old form.

Stamford Bridge chiefs have personally told Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to push for the signing of a £47 million player, who they think will strengthen the tactician’s options to no end.

Chelsea enjoy terrific start as BlueCo ponder striker signing

It’s been quite the start for Maresca in the Premier League, with Chelsea boasting four wins from a possible six and losing just once to champions Man City.

£175,000-per-week Chelsea mainstay no longer part of Enzo Maresca's plans

The Italian apparently doesn’t envisage a long-term future for him in west London.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2024

Chelsea’s convincing wins over Brighton, West Ham and Wolves were complemented by a smash-and-grab victory at Bournemouth, with summer signing Jadon Sancho grabbing his first assist for the club since making a loan switch from Man United on deadline day.

That was the first of three assists for Sancho, who is justifying Maresca’s decision to rescue him from the fringes of Erik ten Hag’s squad at Old Trafford. Chelsea were also unlucky not to beat Crystal Palace, as they were held to a 1-1 draw thanks to Dean Henderson’s heroics between the sticks.

Nottingham Forest (home)

October 6

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Chelsea’s early-season success in the top flight hasn’t just been down to superstar Cole Palmer, but also Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international boasts four goals and three assists in the league so far, bringing into question their need for a new striker at all.

Regardless, it remains the case that Chelsea could look to bring in a new centre-forward in January. Former Man City starlet Liam Delap is now a target for Chelsea, among a few other names in Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Evan Ferguson, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips.

Another name on their shortlist is Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface, who is turning heads in Germany amid a fine run of form under Xabi Alonso. Boniface racked up 22 goal contributions for the eventual German champions in the Bundesliga last season and has picked up where he left off this campaign.

Chelsea employees tell Maresca to push for Victor Boniface

GiveMeSport have shared a fresh update from Thursday evening, and they write that Chelsea scouts have urged Maresca to push for the signing of Boniface, as they believe the Nigerian could be an excellent new addition to the squad.

Although Boniface isn’t interested in a move to England right now, the Blues have apparently refused to rule out the possibility of tempting him next year, but it is most likely to be next summer as the winter window looks like a stretch.

Alonso is also expected to revamp the squad at Leverkusen in 2025, which suggests that an exit for the £47 million Boniface may well be on the cards at some point. An enticing aspect of the player is his likeness to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who Alonso has personally compared to the Ivorian icon.

“He has many qualities that could make him as strong as Drogba,” said Alonso on Boniface’s similarity to Drogba.

“He was a great one, but he is so powerful and can create many problems.”

Looking to land a future star, Newcastle United are now reportedly plotting to trigger the release clause of one Barcelona gem before the La Liga giants can up his price to an impossible figure.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are already planning for a far busier summer than the one they endured prior to the current campaign, in which they failed to land targets such as Marc Guehi. Leaving Eddie Howe’s side short as a result, sporting director Paul Mitchell seems to be well aware of just how important 2025 is for recruitment, based on recent rumours.

Newcastle wanted to sign "elite" star, now he's outperforming Isak & Gordon

Howe wanted elite talent for his Newcastle side

ByConnor Holden Sep 25, 2024

On that front, Newcastle have already been linked with moves for the likes of Jonathan David and young defender Richard King. David would be particularly smart business for the Magpies, given that he’s set to become a free agent next summer and become an instant bargain. The Lille forward, still just 24 years old, would form quite the partnership with Alexander Isak.

Ligue 1 isn’t the only place that those at St James’ Park are searching for reinforcements, however, with one La Liga gem now on their radar. According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now plotting to trigger Marc Bernal’s release clause before Barcelona can agree a new deal with their young defensive midfielder to up that price to a staggering €500m (£417m).

Just 17 years old, Bernal is clearly highly rated at the Nou Camp, given just how large a release clause they could reportedly include in his next contract to leave Newcastle and others out of the race for his signature once and for all.

"Incredible" Bernal is one to watch

Whilst some at Barcelona will bemoan their financial instability, it has at least forced their hand when it comes to promoting La Masia talent, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi all reaping the rewards. It looked as though Bernal was next on that list too, only to suffer an untimely cruciate ligament tear to all but end his season.

That injury has seemingly failed to bring Newcastle’s interest to a crashing halt, however, with his potential deemed good enough to eye a move nonetheless. Before he saw his season end in cruel fashion, Bernal was certainly impressing in La Liga, with Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig dubbing his football IQ “incredible” back in August.

If Mitchell wants to make up for Newcastle’s failure this summer, then pursuing and potentially signing a La Masia graduate would certainly go a long way to winning over the St James’ Park faithful.

Meanwhile, if Bernal did arrive, then he could slot straight into Howe’s impressive midfield options. The former Bournemouth boss already has Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali to call on, but adding a young gem in Bernal to that depth would arguably hand the Magpies a complete midfield for years to come.

Scottish giants Celtic have made some exciting additions to their talented playing squad so far during the summer transfer window.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

Brendan Rodgers, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the dugout last month, has officially completed the signings of Marco Tilio and Odin Thiago Holm

The Hoops are also reportedly set to add £2m-rated Hyun-jun Yang and Hyeok-kyu Kwon to their roster as the pair are on the verge of their respective moves to the club.

One of those players – Yang – has been sensationally tipped, by Gangwon president Byung-ji Kim, to potentially become "world class" in the future "like Son Heung-min".

The Northern Irish tactician has proven himself to be capable of playing a huge role in the development of such a talent, with Raheem Sterling possibly being the best example.

Now at Chelsea, the England international had only made three first-team appearances for Liverpool as a teenager prior to Rodgers' appointment in 2012.

The 50-year-old boss worked with the exciting young talent and placed his faith in the winger's ability alongside the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez for the Reds.

Sterling racked up 23 goals and 25 assists in 126 competitive matches under Rodgers' management, which earned him a £49m move to Manchester City in the summer of 2015.

He went on to directly contribute to 226 goals (131 goals and 95 assists) in 339 games for the Cityzens. In that time, the "world-class" – as he was dubbed by England legend Frank Lampard in 2020 – forward won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, and one FA Cup.

Rodgers could now unearth his next version of Sterling by working with Yang at Parkhead over the coming years to unearth the potential that Kim sees in him.

How many goals did Hyun-jun Yang score for Gangwon?

The 21-year-old Gangwon winger, who is capable of being deployed on the left or the right, scored nine goals across 71 competitive matches for the South Korean club and his form throughout 2022 suggests that he could be an excellent option for the Bhoys.

Yang racked up eight goals and five assists in 33 K League 1 starts, which works out as a direct contribution every 2.54 games on average. Meanwhile, only Liel Abada (ten), Jota (11) – who has since departed – and Kyogo Furuhashi (27) scored more league goals for Celtic last term.

This is a slight improvement on Sterling's return of a goal or assist every 2.62 outings under Rodgers during their time together at Anfield at the start of his career.

The South Korea U23 international also created six 'big chances' for his teammates in 2022 – as many as current Hoops left winger Daizen Maeda managed in 35 Scottish Premiership appearances last season.

These statistics indicate that the ability is there for Yang to provide quality as a scorer and creator of goals from a wide position, if he is able to translate that form from 2022 over to Scottish football next season.

However, it is down to the exciting whiz and Rodgers to work together to help him to fulfill his potential over the years to come, as the ex-Liverpool boss did with Sterling, in order to make Kim's "world class" prediction a reality.

West Ham United can be forgiven for being distracted by negotiations with Arsenal over a payment structure for £105m midfielder Declan Rice, but David Moyes' side are at risk of being left short come the start of the new Premier League season.

What new players have West Ham bought?

With five weeks to go until their trip to Bournemouth to kick off the 2023-24 season, West Ham have yet to make any signings this window.

That will surely frustrate manager Moyes, who will be fully aware that his squad is in need of freshening up, with May's Europa Conference League triumph papering over the cracks of a poor Premier League season.

A new central midfielder is top of Moyes' list of targets – or indeed a couple if a like-for-like Rice replacement cannot be found – with Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Everton's Amadou Onana all rumoured targets.

According to The Guardian, West Ham also hold an interest in Bristol City's Alex Scott, who is on the radar of fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

How much is Bristol City's Alex Scott worth?

Scott may have spent his senior career to date in the Championship, yet he is reportedly worth at least £20m to Bristol City due to the fact he has two years to run on his Ashton Gate contract.

Despite being just 19 years old, Scott already has 81 Championship appearances under his belt, having been a regular for the Robins over the past two campaigns.

The teenage midfielder rose to prominence earlier this year after impressing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in an FA Cup tie, with the Catalan describing him as an "unbelievable player".

As pointed out by football talent scout Jacek Kulig after Scott was named the Championship's Young Player of the Year, he has a "big future ahead" of him.

Scott cannot be expected to slot straight in and take over the role of Rice, of course. Then again, who could?

Instead, the Guernsey native can provide some versatility for Moyes, given he featured in defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield and on both flanks last season, as per WhoScored.

Versatile he may be, but it is as a pure central midfielder that Scott thrives. The Englishman ranks in the top 11% of all midfielders in the eight competitions most similar to the Championship for progressive carries (2.34 per 90 minutes), as per FBref, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons (1.22).

In that aforementioned FA Cup tie with Man City last season, which Bristol City lost 3-0, Scott's five dribbles were the joint-most of any player on the field, level with opponent Phil Foden – quite the company.

As per WhoScored, Scott's pass accuracy of 83.3% that day was also the third-most of any Robins player to attempt 10 passes or more, which is made all the more impressive when you factor in he was playing as an attacking midfielder.

Scott is not exactly a hidden gem, which explains his price tag, but he could be a very smart option for West Ham to kick off their transfer business in the post-Declan Rice era.

Liverpool made a blistering start to the 2023 summer transfer window after swiftly signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a bargain £35m, but are yet to make their next move.

That's despite a wealth of names entering transfer circulation, mostly focussing on the midfield after the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their contracts.

However, following a revelation from The Athletic's David Ornstein earlier this week, it could be that the next man to join the Anfield ranks is Red Bull Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, who has enjoyed an exemplary campaign with his German Bundesliga outfit.

Ornstein's report reveals that Liverpool met with the Hungarian's representatives, with a release clause of €70m (£61m) the requirement if the Reds' sporting director Jorg Schmadtke does decide to lodge a formal offer for the playmaker.

The sticking point comes in the clause's conditions, which purportedly expires at the end of June and as such leaves Jurgen Klopp's side with a paltry window of opportunity to make their move before the bargaining chips fall into Die Roten Bullen's hands.

How good is Dominik Szoboszlai?

Should Liverpool decide to pay the lucrative sum to procure the fleet-footed phenom, they would wield a creative midfielder of a calibre unseen on Merseyside since Philippe Coutinho plied his trade for the club.

And what a signing it would be; Szoboszlai has made 91 appearances since arriving from RB Salzburg, registering 42 direct goal contributions and has been hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Marcel Moeller.

This season, the 22-year-old scored ten goals and supplied 13 assists from 46 outings as Leipzig secured a third-place finish in the German top-flight, also winning the DFB Pokal for the second season in succession.

Given his ability as a dynamic and prolific No. 10, Szoboszlai could be Klopp's answer to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, who has cemented his stature as one of Europe's premium attacking midfielders since joining the Red Devil ranks from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47m in January 2020.

Fernandes has scored 64 goals and registered 54 assists from 185 outings for the Old Trafford side and has been hailed as the "example" and "inspiration" by his manager Erik ten Hag as United clinched the Carabao Cup last term and finished third in the league.

As per FBref, the £240k-per-week Portuguese gem ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 20% for tackles and the top 5% for clearances per 90.

This all-encompassing skill set exemplifies the nature of his trade and why he has been so effective over the past several years and is something that Szoboszlai could certainly emulate, given that he is listed as a 'similar player' to the Portugal maestro.

This is evidenced through the 32-cap Hungary captain's FBref metrics, where he ranks among the top 15% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

Described as a "magician" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Szoboszlai is exactly what Liverpool need to thread the thirds together and restore balance and cohesion to Klopp's outfit, and despite the high valuation, he must be signed to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United after a lacklustre year.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey is set to leave the north London club this summer after personally requesting a transfer, according to reports.

Who will leave Arsenal?

In terms of incomings, it is an exciting time to be a Gooner, as their side have now agreed a £105 million total deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

There were some concerns of Man City potentially hijacking this move after Pep Guardiola's side entered the race, but following Arsenal's latest nine-figure bid, the treble-winners swiftly pulled out.

Meanwhile, it is believed Ajax defender Jurrien Timber could soon follow both Rice and Germany international Kai Havertz through the door, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming they're likely to advance.

However, to make room and generate funds, certain Arsenal squad members have to make way – with defender Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and Granit Xhaka all having been mentioned as exit candidates (Goal).

Partey, as Arteta plots a midfield overhaul, is also on the chopping block with a report by Football Transfers sharing an interesting line on the Ghanaian.

The 30-year-old was a regular at Arsenal during their title challenge last season, making 33 appearances, but it is believed he could make away instead of Jorginho this summer.

FT and reporter Jacque Talbot claim Partey has personally requested this himself – speaking to Arteta behind-the-scenes and asking to be sold this summer.

As a result, the former Atletico Madrid star is set to leave, according to this update, with Xhaka also looking to make a move to Germany.

Indeed, Arsenal could even sign another midfielder after Rice with both players potentially going.

What's been said about Thomas Partey?

The African starred as one of Arsenal's best performing players per 90 last season, according to WhoScored, but maybe the time is now to cash-in on him.

Partey's stock is high and Arsenal may be able to generate more funds through his transfer away.

Called "sensational" by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, Gunners legend Ray Parlour has also heaped praise on the midfield engine, calling him "important".

"I think Partey has been so important," said Parlour (talkSPORT via Goal).

"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries.

"But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."

It’s not easy to steal the show from Phil Foden. After all, the 23-year-old has just won the treble at Manchester City and has been winning trophies as one of the best young players around since he made his first-team debut in 2017.If anyone was going to take the spotlight from the academy graduate, however, it was going to be another Foden – with Ronnie, his son, going viral after the Champions League final.First nicknamed ‘El Wey’ (the dude) by those in South America, the name quickly caught on across supporters, resulting in the creation of his Instagram account, which has reached over 1M followers in the space of a day.

Why has Ronnie Foden ‘El Wey’ gone viral?

As Man City celebrated their Champions League win, one constant feature was Foden’s son, as he made sure to even get his hands on the trophy, himself, before joining in on the celebrations, dancing in the dressing room. Clearly loved by his dad’s City teammates, Ronnie stole the show in several videos.

The ‘El Wey’ trend began among South American fans out of nowhere and has become bigger and bigger since, with Ronnie’s photo even seen hanging up in a school.

The creation of the Instagram account almost instantly pulled in over 1M followers.

With Foden and his partner controlling the account, Ronnie’s first post showed him sat atop his dad’s shoulders after the Champions League final, with the caption saying: “El Wey has arrived.”

That first post, which came on Sunday, has already received over a million likes. Meanwhile, the account’s second post, which shows Ronnie and Foden with Sergio Aguero at the Champions League final has reached 600k likes in six hours.

Fans react to El Wey on Instagram

Fans have been reacting to the viral Instagram account on Twitter, some of which you can see below:

It seems the Foden’s are pretty popular right now with a mural recently popping up in his home town of Stockport following his incredible treble-winning season with Manchester City.

No doubt, as a homegrown player, the midfielder is adored by the City faithful and with a Champions League now added to his numerous FA Cup, Premier League, and League Cup trophies, he’s essentially completed club football.

And now, after the popularity of his son’s Instagram account, it seems as though he’s conquered social media too! Not bad for a 23-year-old.

Arsenal's constantly-increasing stature in the game is already paying dividends this summer, as they seem set to secure yet another deal…

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

Having already reportedly tempted Kai Havertz to join their revolution, with it well reported that he "only wanted to join Arsenal", Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has now detailed another star who is reportedly desperate to mimic such a move.

Writing on his Twitter, he outlined the Gunners' interest in Ajax star Jurrien Timber and the reciprocal feeling of the Dutchman: "J. #Timber wants to join Arsenal as his move was prepared in detail in the last weeks. #Ajax in negotiations with Arsenal now. Agreement expected between €40-45m. ManUtd no topic as they have a similar profile with Martinez."

With the apex of his price tag settling at this €45m (£39m) fee, this seems one of the more affordable deals given the figures being touted for some of their other potential deals. Given he could strike up a fine partnership with Bukayo Saka down that right flank too, it truly is a tantalising option.

How good is Jurrien Timber?

Although predominantly a centre-back, his immense versatility means that the 22-year-old is just as comfortable as a central midfielder, and therefore also as an inverting full-back.

Such qualities have understandably drawn comparisons with another of the Gunners' technically-proficient defenders, with journalist Sam Dean suggesting he was a "Zinchenko-type player".

When delving into his underlying statistics, it is clear that he is comfortably one of the best ball-playing central defenders in Europe. This aids in the notion that his true potential lies in a more advanced role, perhaps just behind Saka to form a truly potent right side.

FBref details what makes Timber so special, by pitting him against others in that centre-back role across the continent. The youngster still manages to rank in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion rate, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Football writer Anthony Onifade even outlined why the defender would be ideal for Mikel Arteta's fluid system in particular, taking to Twitter: "Jurrien Timber would be EXCEPTIONAL for Mikel Arteta, just as he would be for Erik ten Hag. He’s an elite-level footballer, incredible tactical smarts and intelligence who’d fit into any possession-based side like a glove. A masterstroke if AFC pull this off."

To place such creativity behind Saka could help the England international take his game to another level, despite enjoying a true standout campaign last term. The 21-year-old found the net on 15 occasions, offering up 11 assists too in all competitions whilst featuring in every single league game.

He did all this with the defensively solid but creatively-lacking exploits of Ben White behind him, further emphasising the attacking quality of their young trickster.

After all, the 25-year-old could only muster 0.7 key passes per game in the league. Swapping that out for Timber could prove revolutionary, and might be the catalyst to make Arteta's team true Premier League challengers.