All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Leeds United in the Premier League this afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after their draw in the Champions League in midweek.

Thomas Frank will no doubt want to return to league action with a bang, after only managing to secure a 1-1 draw against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

However, on the whole, it’s been an impressive start to life in North London for the Dane, only suffering one defeat in his first nine matches after taking the reins in the summer.

Whilst Daniel Farke’s side are a newly-promoted outfit, they are still a side to be feared, with the Whites unbeaten in each of their last two top-flight outings.

If the Lilywhites are to have the best chance of avoiding a shock defeat at Elland Road, the manager desperately needs to drop one player who’s been extremely poor as of late.

Richarlison’s poor form in recent weeks

After scoring twice in the Premier League opener of 2025/26, there was a sense of excitement building at Spurs that Richarlison could be the man to lead the line under Frank.

While he’s managed to find the back of the net three times in his first six outings, the Brazilian has become a scapegoat in recent outings, given his lack of impact in the final third.

His recent showing against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League was arguably one of his worst of the campaign, only achieving a total of ten touches in his 90-minute performance.

Richarlison also only managed to complete two passes, whilst also losing possession five times – an average of once every two times he made contact with the ball.

The 28-year-old may have had limited opportunities, but he was also wasteful when the ball fell his way, subsequently missing one big chance and costing the Lilywhites a chance of claiming all three points.

The injury situation in attacking areas has been less than ideal for Frank, but he desperately needs to drop the Brazilian and hand one player the chance to flourish this afternoon in Yorkshire.

The player who needs to replace Richarlison against Leeds

Dominic Solanke has been Spurs’ main talisman over the last 12 months, often providing the goods within the final third before Frank’s arrival during the off-season.

The Englishman cost a club-record £65m last summer from Bournemouth and subsequently endured a solid first campaign in North London – scoring 16 goals across all competitions.

However, he’d found minutes hard to come by, only featuring for a total of 31 minutes in the Premier League, with an ankle injury preventing him from putting a consistent run together.

Another option that Frank must consider against Farke’s men is French star Mathys Tel, with the youngster needing a run of games to showcase his talents in North London.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with the Lilywhites, scoring three goals in his 20 appearances – but often struggled for consistency under Ange Postecoglou.

However, the hierarchy decided to fork out £30m for his signature during the off-season, with the board putting trust in the youngster to thrive in the years ahead.

Tel has only made four appearances in the Premier League this season, only one of which was from a starting position, with added minutes desperately needed to allow him to reach his full potential.

Despite his lack of action, he’s been labelled “Thierry Henry-like” by former fan-favourite Jermaine Defoe, further highlighting the talent he currently possesses.

The Englishman stated about his unbelievable ability to glide past his opponent, something which has been reflected in his tally of 67% dribble success rate in 2025/26.

Games played

4

Minutes played

104

Starts

1

Pass accuracy

83%

Crosses completed

0.9

Dribble success

67%

Duels won

6.9

Recoveries made

2.6

He’s also averaged 0.9 crosses per 90, along with 6.9 duels per 90 won – further highlighting his impressive all-round nature within attacking areas in North London.

It may be an unpopular call, but it’s one that needs to be done to give Frank the best chance of finding out his best eleven after taking the reins a few months ago.

Such a decision could give Richarlison the time he needs to recapture his form, which in time could create healthy competition for the Lilywhites within attacking areas.

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ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

A West Ham United ‘source’ has now shared some huge contract news out of Rush Green involving star winger Jarrod Bowen.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing new deals…

Aiming to maintain his team’s status as a Premier League force, Irons manager David Moyes is looking to tie down some of his key players, with the club tipped to table multiple new contract offers.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Declan Rice has apparently been offered a mega eight-year deal, according to talkSPORT, but there is currently no indication that he will put pen to paper.

Midfielder Tomas Soucek is another man at the London Stadium who has been at the centre of possible fresh terms, but talks have reportedly stalled and there is currently no confirmed update so far.

Now, as per Football Insider’s inside ‘source’, club owners GSB are seemingly eyeing another major in-house agreement.

The Latest: GSB eyeing major in-house agreement…

It is now believed that West Ham are set to offer Bowen a ‘huge’ new deal to fend off interested suitors this summer and are ‘planning to open talks’ with the player ‘within weeks’.

The source explained that Moyes’ star attacker is in line for a bumper pay rise as the Hammers seek to back their manager both in the transfer market and by keeping hold of their most crucial assets.

The Verdict: No-brainer…

Bowen has been nothing short of a revelation in east London over 2021/22, becoming one of their most potent attacking threats and enjoying no shortage of fine moments.

He finished West Ham’s memorable run to the Europa League semi-finals as their joint-top scorer in the competition with three goals, whilst also registering one assist and taking the joint-most shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored)

A pivotal player both domestically and in Europe, the 25-year-old has come on leaps and bounds since the start of this season, and we believe that securing him to a new deal is a no-brainer.

However, much like Rice, it will all depend on whether Bowen actually agrees to put pen to paper.

In other news: Moyes likely to make huge bid for ‘world class’ star after claim that he likes West Ham, find out more here

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a dip into the January transfer market to sign an emergency goalkeeper, following an injury to number one shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario.

Guglielmo Vicario fractures ankle in 4-0 Tottenham win over Man City

The Italian has been praised by teammates and critics alike since joining Spurs from Empoli in the summer of 2023, with Vicario called an unsung hero at Tottenham, despite some criticism surrounding his ability to deal with corners.

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The 28-year-old was also outstanding in Tottenham’s impressive 4-0 win over Man City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, playing 60 minutes with a fractured ankle in what was a heroic feat of endurance.

“Sometimes football gives you its highs, and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don’t expect,” wrote Vicario on Instagram (via Sky Sports).

Appearances

55

Minutes played

4,950

Clean sheets

12

Goals conceded

77

Yellow cards

3

“I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately, there was no way around this one. I needed surgery. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while.

“A massive thank you to the doctors and the staff. The operation went well, and from tomorrow I’ll be working hard to come back stronger, fitter, and ready to give my all for you again.

“Thank you to the Spurs fans for all the love. See you soon on the pitch.”

Tottenham have confirmed that Vicario has undergone surgery on his right ankle, meaning he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Italy international hasn’t missed a single Premier League game since making the move to North London last year, but Ange Postecoglou is now forced to rely on Fraser Forster to deputy for Vicario.

It is an undoubted blow for the north Londoners, given just how much they’ve relied on Vicario in-between the sticks since his arrival.

“One of my mates from Celtic actually played with him at Empoli, and he’s raved about him for ages, so as soon as he was coming here he said he’s a very, very good goalkeeper,” said Forster on Vicario right after he joined.

“Top guy. He’s been brilliant in the games, he’s been brilliant around the place, trains well and works hard, so it’s a good start for him.”

Tottenham consider goalkeeper signing as James Trafford emerges as option

According to talkSPORT, Spurs are considering the signing of an emergency new goalkeeper in January, who can fill in for Vicario while the ex-Serie A star recovers from his surgery.

As per their information, an option for the Lilywhites is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. The former Man City gem is itching to make a return to the Premier League, after being relegated with Burnley last season, and Trafford is apparently a contender to join Spurs and step into Vicario’s shoes.

The 22-year-old is in his infancy when it comes to the shelf life of a keeper, so this could be a long-term signing, as well as an immediate replacement for Vicario.

However, he won’t come cheap, as reports earlier this year suggested Trafford commands a price tag of around £30 million.

Just over two and a half years after stepping down from the Sporting Director role, Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur to once again oversee operations in North London.

The Italian previously spent two years in the role, before stepping down in April 2023, but looks set to pick up where he left off to help the club in their quest for Premier League glory.

However, this time around, he will be working alongside new boss Thomas Frank, with the Dane needing to strike up a key partnership with the 53-year-old to bring success to the club.

With the transfer window shut until January, the boss won’t get the opportunity to see the fruits of the Italian’s labour for a couple of months, but no doubt work will be ongoing behind the scenes.

Numerous players will likely be lined up by the duo to help strengthen the side after their impressive start to 2025/26, which has seen them lose just once in the first nine outings.

Richarlison

£50m

Cristian Romero

£42m

Destiny Udogie

£15m

Djed Spence

£20m

Yves Bissouma

£25m

Pape Sarr

£18m

Dejan Kulusevski

£25m

Rodrigo Bentancur

£20m

However, this is the dream XI the Sporting Director could build for the Lilywhites over the next couple of months…

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

The Italian has been Spurs’ number one over the last couple of years, but not without questions from the fanbase over his ability in the role.

However, he’s managed to keep four clean sheets in 2025/26 to date, with faith needing to put in the 29-year-old to keep his number one shirt.

2 RB – Djed Spence

No Spurs fan would’ve anticipated the rise of the full-back in recent months, with the 25-year-old going from the brink of being sold to being a consistent England international.

His rise could see Pedro Porro tumble down the selection in the months ahead, potentially even being sold should Spence’s form continue.

3 CB – Micky van de Ven

The Dutch international is no ordinary defender, subsequently possessing a huge amount of pace that often gets the backline out of trouble.

His left-footed ability also makes him a rare commodity in the modern game, with the 24-year-old needing to be a regular starter for the foreseeable future.

4 CB- Cristian Romero

The second half of the Spurs centre-back partnership is Cristian Romero, with the duo being an unbreakable partnership – one that helped transform the defensive record this season.

The Argentine international has acquired the captain’s armband in recent weeks, further showcasing the trust shown in him by Frank.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Like many players last season, the Italian struggled massively with injuries last season which restricted him from making a huge impact in North London.

However, this season, he’s already featured in eight games across all competitions and has nailed his place down as the club’s first-choice left-back.

6 CDM – Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese international only joined the Lilywhites on loan this summer, but has already wasted no time in impressing – already netting two goals for the club.

His ball-winning ability is another huge positive, with Paratici needing to trigger the buy option in his temporary contract at the end of the campaign.

7 CM – Lucas Bergvall

In years to come, Swedish international Lucas Bergvall may become one of the club’s best-ever purchases after joining for just £8.5m from Djurgarden last summer.

Despite being 19, he’s already racked up over 50 appearances for the club, with the youngster demonstrating talents way beyond his tender years.

8 CM – Xavi Simons

The Dutch international was one of two £50m+ additions during the summer window, but has got off to a slow start in North London – only one assist in his first seven outings.

However, sympathy will need to be handed his way, with boss Frank needing to utilise the youngster in a more central role during his time in the Premier League.

9 RW – Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has been a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, already hitting the ground running in 2025/26, with one goal and four assists in the league.

At just 25, he has bags of time to develop further, with the Ghanaian likely to play a key role in any future success during Frank’s tenure.

10 ST – Rodrigo Muniz

The centre-forward position has been a tricky one for Spurs since Harry Kane’s departure, but that could be solved with a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz.

The Brazilian was hugely linked with a switch to join the Lilywhites this summer, but a move never materialised, with Paratici needing to revisit a deal in January.

There have been some outstanding clashes between Liverpool and Manchester City down the years in the Premier League and Champions League, but what are the best?

Arguably the greatest rivalry in English football over the past decade or so, the Reds and the Citizens have locked horns in several title races, as well as meeting in big European and FA Cup games.

In Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, Liverpool and City had two of the world’s best managers for years, and at their peak, the standard of football in clashes between the pair was unmatched.

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Here are our choices for the seven greatest Liverpool and City meetings – forgive us if you think recency bias has played a part, but there have been some classics in the last few years.

7 Liverpool 3-0 Man City, April 2018 Klopp's Reds stun Pep's City in Europe

When City and Liverpool were pitted against one another in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017/18, it was a tie that made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.

Guardiola’s side were cruising in the league, but the Reds had shown that they could hurt them earlier in the campaign, and they stunned their opponents here.

In one of the greatest first-half performances seen at Anfield, Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from close range, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted from distance and Sadio Mane headed home, all in front of a delirious Kop.

City looked for a vital away goal in the second half, but Liverpool produced a resolute defensive performance, securing a victory of major intent.

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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 6 Man City 1-2 Liverpool, April 2018 Liverpool progress in nervy Champions League thriller

In that first leg, Klopp’s men produced a stunning performance, but they knew they still had a lot of work to do in the return fixture.

When Gabriel Jesus fired City in front in the second minute, the Etihad erupted, and Liverpool found themselves on the back foot for the entire first half following a blistering display from the hosts.

The Reds managed to keep the score at 1-0, and as the hosts desperately searched for more goals in the second half, Salah sent the travelling fans wild with a dinked finish on the counter-attack.

Roberto Firmino then put the icing on the cake to seal a memorable 5-1 aggregate triumph.

5 Liverpool 3-2 Man City, April 2014 Coutinho scores memorable winner in pulsating title clash

The oldest game in this list has arguably become a forgotten classic due to there being so many special meetings in the years since.

City’s visit to Liverpool in April 2014 was one of the Reds’ biggest games in their Premier League history as they lay on the cusp of title glory. A victory would be huge – and Brendan Rodgers’ side duly delivered.

When Raheem Sterling (then still a Red) and Martin Skrtel scored first-half goals, Anfield was rocking and truly believing the title was finally heading their way again, but a David Silva strike and a Glen Johnson own goal stunned the home crowd.

There was still time for another twist, with Philippe Coutinho firing home his most important Liverpool goal, and while Jordan Henderson was sent off late on, Liverpool clung to their slender lead.

It was City who would have the last laugh, though, as they won their second Premier League title on the final day of the season.

4 Man City 2-2 Liverpool, April 2022 Nothing separates rivals in relentless Premier League clash

City hosted Liverpool in a massive Premier League encounter in April 2022, taking a one-point lead at the top of the table into the match.

Both knew the importance of victory at the Etihad and how damaging defeat would be, and in the end, both Guardiola and Klopp would have been content with a point apiece.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a deflected effort to seemingly set City on their way to victory, but Diogo Jota responded before half-time to restore parity. Gabriel Jesus fired the hosts back in front, undoing Liverpool’s hard work.

Mane, playing in his final season at Anfield, stole in behind Kyle Walker to make it 2-2 in clinical fashion, and while both sides huffed and puffed for a winner, the scoreline remained the same. City eventually sealed title glory on the final day following a dramatic comeback at home to Aston Villa.

The best points totals in Premier League history

No room for the Invincibles here…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 2, 2024 3 Liverpool 2-2 Man City, October 2021 Salah genius lights up Anfield

While the aforementioned 2-2 draw in Manchester in 2021/22 was a great game, this one from six months earlier was even better. In truth, the first half wasn’t exactly the most memorable 45 minutes, but the match came alive after the interval, with the two rivals trading blows spectacularly.

Mane opened the scoring, burying a finish past Ederson after superb work by Salah, but Phil Foden equalised with a ruthless strike of his own.

Salah then scored one of the best goals of his career, weaving past several City challenges before netting from a tight angle with his weaker right foot.

Liverpool desperately tried to cling on for a precious three points, but De Bruyne had other ideas, copying Salah and scoring with his weaker left peg. Rodri superbly denied Fabinho a winner with a crucial block with the Brazilian just about to tap into an empty net, and the scores remained level.

2 Liverpool 4-3 Man City, January 2018 Klopp's Liverpool truly announce themselves to Pep's City

In early 2018, Klopp’s Liverpool showed Guardiola’s City that they were capable not only of matching them, but beating them, as Anfield witnessed a Premier League classic.

Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring with a long-range Kop strike, but a thunderous finish from Leroy Sane ensured that the visitors went in level at the break.

In an unbelievable eight-minute spell in the second half, Liverpool scored three times, with Firmino, Mane and Salah all getting on the scoresheet. The latter was from all of 40 yards out following a poor clearance by Ederson.

In true City fashion, though, they didn’t accept that they were beaten, and late goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan made for a nervy finale. There was even time for Sergio Aguero to hit the side-netting in the dying seconds.

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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 1 Man City 2-1 Liverpool, January 2019 The most high-quality game in Premier League history?

This may surprise some as a pick for No.1, but it gets the nod because there arguably hasn’t been a Premier League game in history played at a higher level.

This meeting at the Etihad in January 2019 saw both City and Liverpool somewhere close to the absolute peak of their powers.

The Reds went into the match seven points ahead of their adversaries, and in hindsight, their failure to avoid defeat ultimately proved costly in this tense title battle with Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool somehow hadn’t taken the lead in the first half when Mane hit the post and John Stones cleared off the line to deny the on-rushing Salah. Aguero then opened the scoring with a brilliant effort, but Firmino finished off an incredible team move to equalise in the second half.

It was left to Sane to separate the two teams, with the German beating Alisson with a shot that went in off the post. The game would be the only one Liverpool lost in the league.

City won the title on the final day, but the Reds had the consolation of sealing Champions League glory.

This was a match that perfectly summed up the level of football these two great sides can produce against each other.

Glasgow Rangers had to settle for a draw in Greece on Thursday evening in their Europa League clash with Olympiacos, relying on Cyriel Dessers to score the equaliser during the second half.

Philippe Clement’s men sit in tenth position in the table, although they still have to play Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in their remaining four fixtures.

At this moment, Europe is considered an afterthought, especially given how poorly the Ibrox side has performed domestically.

Dessers was back on the scoresheet for the second time in five days after his goal against Motherwell in the League Cup semi-final.

Could this be a sign of a resurgence?

Cyriel Dessers' stats against Olympiacos

Danilo was not registered in the European squad, so Dessers was chosen to start against the Greek side.

In true Dessers fashion, he missed two big chances before finally finding the back of the net. The first chance he was through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but fluffed his lines, while the second saw him fire a shot straight at Konstantinos Tzolakis after a cutback from Vaclav Cerny.

He did manage four shots in total during the clash, looking a lot livelier than he had been in recent weeks, while also winning four of his seven aerial duels and being fouled twice.

Goals

1

Touches

36

Big chances missed

2

Possession lost

17

Aerial duels (won)

7 (4)

Total shots

4

Hamza Igamane replaced him with five minutes to go, giving the youngster some precious minutes.

A few other players stood out, none more so than Cerny, who shone on the right flank for the Light Blues.

Vaclav Cerny’s game in numbers vs Olympiacos

A few weeks ago, Cerny was being targeted by a section of the Ibrox support after a few poor displays, which included him missing an open goal in the tie against Lyon.

A month later, the Czech winger has netted five goals and grabbed three assists in his last six matches, showcasing incredible resilience.

Against the Greek side, Cerny not only grabbed the assist for Dessers goal, but he also made five key passes, created two big chances and succeeded with five dribbles from an impressive eight attempts down the right wing.

He looked a menace throughout and if he can maintain this sort of form in the coming weeks, the Gers might just get back to their best domestically.

The winger did lose possession 14 times, but this was the only downside to a display which will further bolster his confidence, no doubt about that.

With a clash against Hearts coming up on Sunday, Clement simply has to keep Cerny in the starting XI, as securing all three points could give the manager some breathing space ahead of the international break next week.

Chalkboard

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A draw against the Europa Conference League winners isn’t a bad result by any stretch of the imagination, but the Light Blues will need to take points off either Spurs or Man United to have a chance of making the knockout stages.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first Premier League win of the season yesterday, defeating Southampton 2-0 at Molineux.

Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha secured the win for Gary O’Neil’s side, putting them just a point off safety after their dismal start in recent weeks.

It gives the 41-year-old an excellent platform to build from going into the third international break of the campaign, potentially being the start of a revival in the West Midlands.

There’s no denying that Brazilian attacker Cunha stole the show in the victory, with his thunderbolt securing all three points – but the same can’t be said for a variety of his teammates despite the win.

It could leave the boss with some crucial calls to make after the international break with one player doing extremely well to retain his place in the starting lineup after his display.

Mario Lemina’s stats against Southampton

Midfielder Mario Lemina started at the heart of O’Neil’s side, lining up alongside Joao Gomes and taking the armband in the process.

However, despite the faith shown in him by the Wolves boss, he was unable to produce an impressive performance, often looking lacklustre and negative in possession.

The 31-year-old Gabonese international may have registered the assist for Cunha’s goal, but it was an all-round afternoon to forget – with Andre needing to be knocking on the door for a start as a result.

Lemina only completed 16 passes at a completion rate of 76%, opting to play three long passes in the process, but was unable to find a teammate with two of those attempts.

He also was dribbled past twice, making just one interception and losing four of the seven duels he entered during the victory.

However, that being said, there was one other Wolves player who failed to impress against Russell Martin’s side – with O’Neil desperately

needing to drop the ace upon the return to action in a couple of weeks.

The Wolves ace who was worse than Lemina

Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen started his 11th consecutive Premier League match after his summer arrival on loan from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo.

He’s registered four goals so far this campaign, only being outscored by Cunha, looking to be an excellent addition and offering the outlet the club have been lacking in recent years.

However, yesterday he struggled massively during the win, featuring for 73 minutes, achieving a tally of just 15 touches – an average of one touch nearly every five minutes.

During his display, he only registered a total of six passes, committing two fouls and winning just one duel – losing a whopping 84% of the duels that he contested.

Minutes played

73

Touches

15

Passes completed

6/9 (67%)

Fouls committed

2

Duels lost

5/6 (84%)

Shots taken

1

Dribbled past

3x

As a result, the 24-year-old was awarded a 6/10 match rating by Sky Sports, the joint-lowest of any player who started the game for O’Neil’s men during the victory.

Whilst Strand Larsen has been an excellent addition since his move, yesterday was by far his worst display – often looking isolated and out of the game for large periods.

Ultimately, he will be lucky to maintain his starting role when Wolves travel to face Fulham upon the return of club football in two weeks time.

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ByJoe Nuttall Nov 7, 2024

The January transfer window has been open for a week and Leeds United have been linked with a number of players as they look to bolster their squad.

Latest Leeds transfer news

It has been claimed by journalist Darren Witcoop that the Whites are one of a number of Championship clubs interested in a deal to sign Kieffer Moore from Premier League side Bournemouth.

The reporter has stated that the player currently favours a return to his former club Cardiff City, but Leeds, Norwich City, Ipswich Town, Coventry, and Sunderland are also in the running.

Daniel Farke's side are eyeing up a swoop to sign the Wales international this month and the German head coach could land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by winning the race for his signature.

Joel Piroe's season in numbers

The Dutch forward extended his poor run of form in front of goal to one strike in eight matches in all competitions with a blank against Peterborough in the FA Cup on Sunday.

He was brought in from fellow Championship side Swansea in the summer transfer window and has been primarily used in a supporting striker role behind Georginio Rutter.

However, Piroe has struggled at times, particularly recently, and his all-round performances have left plenty to be desired in the second tier.

Starts

Seven

Goals

One

Assists

Zero

Duels lost

24

The 24-year-old whiz has scored nine goals from 10.27 xG (Expected Goals) in 26 league appearances, which shows that he has slightly underperformed in front of goal, and only produced one assist for his teammates.

Piroe has also lost a staggering 71% of his aerial duels throughout the campaign and this indicates that the former Swans star has not provided a reliable physical outlet for Leeds at the top end of the pitch.

The statistics that show why Moore would be an upgrade on Piroe

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the "proven" Championship scorer Moore could "cause havoc" up front, in relation to a possible move to Sunderland, and that is exactly what he could do for Farke.

The German head coach could use the £15k-per-week titan as a battering ram for his side in the final third. He has the quality and physicality to lead the line brilliantly, which would allow Rutter to drop into a number ten role where his creativity could flourish in a deeper role with more space to work with.

In his last season in the second tier, Moore racked up nine goals, two assists, and four 'big chances' created in 15 starts for Cardiff and Bournemouth combined during the 2021/22 campaign.

He managed nine goals from 6.91 xG and this means that the towering centre-forward produced as many goals from less xG and provided more assists than Piroe has in ten more starts this season.

Appearances

27

Starts

12

Goals

Four

Aerial duel success rate

54%

Moore also plundered 20 goals in 40 league starts for the Bluebirds during the 2020/21 campaign, which shows that he can perform over the course of a season.

The 31-year-old ace also won 59% of his aerial duels that term and this suggests that the Cherries titan has far more quality in the air than Piroe and could, therefore, offer something different to Farke's team in the final third.

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Moore could provide more quality in terms of his finishing and creativity, whilst also being a better outlet for the side with his physicality, and that is why he could be an upgrade on what Piroe has provided thus far.

Leeds United will be keen to make moves in the transfer market this window and now look set to wrap up an important piece of off-field business at Elland Road towards the end of the month.

Leeds United January rumours…

Following a period of keen anticipation, Leeds United alongside others are now well underway in the transfer window and they will be looking to conclude deals to finalise both incomings and outgoings in order to balance their squad depth.

Daniel Farke has indicated that he is happy with the options at his disposal, though he hasn't ruled out adding to his side over the next few weeks, as he stated in a recent press conference:

"I'm happy with our squad. I think we have a pretty balanced squad and in all areas. There's not one particular position where you think okay, there is definitely a need that you have to do something. But again, it's also I think, professional to stay awake and also to check if there are some options."

Leeds United want to sign "dangerous" new full-back in £8m+ transfer

He could replace Djed Spence at Elland Road.

ByDavid Comerford Jan 5, 2024

Hellas Verona defender Josh Doig and Bournemouth winger David Brooks were named as early targets for the Whites this month; however, it remains to be seen whether Farke will act to bring them in to try and aid his side's quest for promotion from the Championship.

In other news, Leeds United are also believed to be waiting in the wings for Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore, though the Bournemouth man is also attracting interest from Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Despite all focus being on dealings in the transfer market, news has emerged detailing that the 49ers Enterprises appear to have made an off-field appointment at Elland Road.

Leeds United set to hire Jordan Miles

According to Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are set to hire Aberdeen recruitment chief Jordan Miles and plan to offer him a major role in their transfer negotiations this summer after initially targeting him last month. The 33-year-old only joined the Dons from West Ham United in the summer; however, he is now expected to depart the Granite City for a compensation fee to take up a position at Elland Road.

Sammie Szmodics

Blackburn

25

16

3

Adam Armstrong

Southampton

26

13

9

Morgan Whittaker

Plymouth

26

13

5

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds

23

12

6

Jack Clarke

Sunderland

26

12

2

Jonathan Rowe

Norwich

24

10

2

One key caveat to the deal is that he will remain in post at Aberdeen until the end of the month despite attempts from the Whites to bring him south of the border before the window's conclusion. Nevertheless, they will need to wait to get their man, who will be tasked in the immediate term with trying to seek additions to help his current employers rise up the Scottish Premiership table.

Recruitment has improved at Leeds United since Nick Hammond arrived last summer as interim football advisor and shrewd signings such as Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Ethan Ampadu have gone on to make a marked impact at the club.

Now, the 49ers look to have landed a key appointment as they aim to restore Leeds United's status as a club capable of competing in the top bracket of English football.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca sold a player who’s been “absolutely transformed” since leaving Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea take on Sunderland after Ajax demolition

The Blues are back in fantastic form with four straight wins in all competitions, despite missing a host of key players, and they’ll be going into tomorrow’s clash against Sunderland with renewed confidence.

Maresca’s side were given a rude wake-up call when they lost 3-1 to Brighton at home this time last month, but that dire showing at Stamford Bridge appears to have lit a fire under Chelsea’s players.

Despite missing both summer signing Liam Delap and star forward Cole Palmer, who remain out through injury, Chelsea have managed to cope very well without the pair — scoring 10 in their last three matches.

Goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevao and Tyrique George sealed an impressive win over Ajax in the Champions League last time out, with Maresca’s men also doing a solid job defensively considering they’re minus Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill.

Newly-promoted Sunderland, who’ve started the campaign very well, travel to London and present another tough test this weekend, but based off Chelsea’s recent run, the Black Cats could be in for a tough afternoon.

That being said, Maresca definitely isn’t underestimating them.

Chelsea’s squad, which lifted both the Conference League and Club World Cup earlier this year, is coming together, and once they have a more fully fit roster, the west Londoners will be firm favourites for a top four finish at the very least.

Marc Cucurella has been an ever-present at left-back and key cog in their system, leaving little room for ex-Chelsea left-back Diego Moreira, who was permanently sold to Strasbourg in 2024, to battle his way into the team.

Diego Moreira "transformed" after leaving Chelsea

Of course, given Chelsea’s connection with their sister club, there is always a chance for BlueCo to re-sign the Belgian.

However, Liam Rosenior appears to have worked wonders with Moreira since his Chelsea exit, and the tactician won’t be keen on losing his versatile defender who’s now become “one of the best” full-backs in Ligue 1.

Strasbourg are surprise contenders for the French title after a stunning start to 2025/2026, and they very nearly beat European champions PSG last week in a stunning 3-3 draw at the Parc des Princes.

They were two goals up at one point, and Moreira was at the heart of it all with a goal and an assist in the capital.

His performances have been nothing short of exceptional, and judging by his own admission last year, Moreira may not be clamoring to return to Chelsea any time soon.