Brighton face a ‘battle’ to keep hold of manager Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur become linked with a move for the Italian.
The Lowdown: Spurs eye De Zerbi…
Spurs are reportedly eyeing a move for the Seagulls head coach amid doubts over current boss Antonio Conte’s future at N17.
Conte’s current deal at the club expires at the end of this campaign, and while the Premier League top-four chasers have an option to extend, there are growing murmurs he could depart at the end of 2022/2023.
As such, Tottenham are eyeing a move for De Zerbi as they identify possible replacements, with The Telegraph now sharing an update.
The Latest: Brighton face De Zerbi battle…
As explained by the outlet and journalist Matt Law, the 43-year-old is a man in-demand as he attracts interest from both Europe and England.
Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus could all consider De Zerbi if any of them part-company with their current bosses and Tottenham have been ‘linked’ as well.
As such, Brighton are facing a ‘battle’ to keep hold of the former Sassuolo boss.
If Spurs were to replace Conte at the end of this season, we could hardly think of a better man for the role.
Called ‘incredible’ by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, De Zerbi encourages an entertaining style of football and deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The ex-Serie A coach had a real job on his hands replacing former Brighton fan favourite Graham Potter, but as pressure grows on the Englishman at Chelsea, De Zerbi has come into his own.
The south coast side are firmly in contention for a European qualifying place despite selling a number of star players like Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma last summer.
Testament to De Zerbi’s job at the Amex, Brighton reporters have called their manager ‘fantastic’ and we believe he ticks all the boxes to succeed Conte if it comes to that.
Arsenal are one of England's biggest and most illustrious clubs and therefore have played host to some of the best players to ever grace the Premier League.
A strong recruitment strategy paired with a revolutionary manager helped them largely dominate alongside Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United for years, and since Arsene Wenger's retirement, Mikel Arteta now seems poised to lead them into a bright future once again.
However, across the last few decades of relative success, there have unsurprisingly been plenty of missteps too that managers and the hierarchy will regret. Whether it be a failed transfer, a tactical decision or just a poor refereeing performance, the Gunners have been prone to some bouts of misfortune that certainly have been exacerbated since the Frenchman's departure.
Unai Emery was a big sufferer of this, and whilst their current 41-year-old boss struggled at the start, a show of faith has since started to reward the club handsomely. A summer of big spending helped solidify their progress, although the window was largely dominated by a transfer saga involving their north London rivals.
Had things been different and they had trusted the process with the star striker in question, perhaps it could have been them touting his services for big money or keeping him around to spearhead a title push. Before lambasting the failures of the past though, it is first worth showcasing the alternative success enjoyed with which to compare their touted blunder. After all, the acquisition of Robin van Persie was certainly one that worked out well for Wenger.
How good was Robin van Persie?
Having just been crowned Premier League champions in 2004, the club's stock had never been higher. As such, it was easy to pry the young forward from Feyenoord despite huge interest across Europe, with the now 73-year-old former manager noting: "Robin is a great young talent and a fantastic signing for the club
"He has shown great potential at both club and U21 international level and will help strengthen our squad considerably. He has a great left foot and is a great passer of the ball with excellent vision. He is a versatile player and is comfortable playing as a striker or on the wing."
It would not take long for the flying Dutchman to adapt to English football, with his tall, slender frame giving him the requisite physicality to battle well with the hulking centre-backs he faced.
Notching five league goals in his debut campaign, such a term merely marked the calm before the storm, as the man who would go on to captain the club soon began hitting huge numbers.
#
Arsenal's all-time top scorers
Goals scored, via Transfermarkt
1
Thierry Henry
228
2
Ian Wright
168
3
Robin van Persie
132
4
Dennis Bergkamp
119
5
Theo Walcott
108
The striker would hit double figures for goal contributions in all but his first two years at Highbury (and later the Emirates), with his peak arguably coming in the years before his eventual sale.
His 18 goals and seven assists during the 2010/11 season marked incredible figures, but would somehow surpass them in the final campaign before joining Manchester United for a pitiful £24m. The ex-Netherlands international scored 30 times and assisted a further 13 in the league, deservedly taking home the PFA Player of the Year award before spearheading a title success at Old Trafford the following term.
Van Persie would make 278 appearances in an Arsenal shirt before that unceremonious exit to challenge for elite honours, but not before Wenger would issue the following praise: "He is a mixture. He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch.
"He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in. It makes everybody dangerous."
RobinVanPersieandTheoWalcott at Arsenal
To compare the 102-cap marksman to two legends like this just emphasises how highly thought of he remained, and yet they could have arguably had someone even better for nothing. After all, it is now seemingly common knowledge that, before he became a legend with their rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane was a Gooner.
Why did Arsenal let Harry Kane leave?
"I remember the first time we played against Arsenal [for Tottenham's academy] and even back then, I had a chip on my shoulder," the 30-year-old told The Players' Tribune back in 2018, who was released from the Gunners' academy as a child for nothing.
It was the first of many setbacks for the man who would go on to become England's all-time record scorer, but ones that clearly helped define him into the lethal finisher he remains today.
Wenger has Roy Massey to thank for that gaffe, who was the youth coach at the time and would spend 15 years at the club. Speaking to football.london, they were quick to quiz him on that infamous decision: "I thought you'd mention Harry Kane, thanks very much for that," he joked.
"That was Tottenham's gain and Arsenal's loss that one. Oh, what a wonderful player today. But we haven't got a crystal ball and there's a number in that situation at Arsenal who've left and who've gone on and done very well for themselves. Harry was obviously a brilliant example.
"Harry was a technician, a very talented player but did lack some mobility and pace. We did think, perhaps he wouldn't be quite up to playing at Arsenal Football Club. So I had to sit down with his mum and dad, and the lad, and say that he wasn't quite up to the standard of Arsenal."
Whilst it quickly became clear that Massey among others did not rate Kane's chances of turning professional, Liam Brady, who was Arsenal's academy director at the time, was a lot more cutthroat about the reasons behind sanctioning his exit: "He was a bit chubby, he wasn't very athletic but we made a mistake."
It's fair to say he regrets that decision, as he would then claim: "After (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Robert) Lewandowski there is him. The numbers say it."
How many goals has Harry Kane scored?
A stellar career he did enjoy with Spurs, the England international actually became the club's all-time record scorer back in February and sits second in the all-time Premier League scoring charts. For comparison, Van Persie is way behind in 13th.
It should hardly come as a surprise to see Statman Dave brand the £100m Bayern Munich forward a "legend of the game", with his continued rise to prominence only exacerbating Arsenal's failures.
The former Leicester City loanee would play 430 times for their north London rivals, scoring a mouth-watering 278 times. To make matters worse, the 86-cap Englishman's proficiency in the big matches actually led him to become the top scorer in north London derbies too.
Although they enjoyed huge success with Van Persie, had they instead taken a punt on Kane and oversaw his development, perhaps they could have enjoyed an even greater period of success whilst allowing the Lilywhites legend to break records for them.
Following their spectacular end to last season, West Ham United have been enjoying a brilliant 2023/24 campaign, and at the halfway point, they find themselves sixth in the Premier League and through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
David Moyes has got his side firing on all cylinders, and while losing Declan Rice in the summer was a serious blow, the players bought in to replace him have been fantastic.
That said, with a real chance of more European silverware come May, the Hammers must make full use of the January transfer window, something it looks like they're doing, as the latest name touted for a move to the London Stadium could become their own Marc Guehi: Wolverhampton Wanderers' Max Kilman.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
West Ham United transfer news – Max Kilman
According to sports broadcaster and journalist Ben Jacobs, Kilman is now a player to watch for West Ham in the January transfer window, especially if the potential exit of Nayef Aguerd is confirmed.
The Wolves stalwart was a target for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but that interest seemingly fizzled out in August after he signed on to a new deal that does not expire until 2028.
Max Kilman
This new contract has given the Old Gold some much-needed leverage in any potential negotiations, and as such, Jacobs expects that it could cost the Hammers up to £45m to secure the Englishman's signature this month.
While that would certainly represent a significant investment from the Irons, it might just be worth it to sign a player who Conor Coady described as "outstanding" when he was Wolves captain.
Max Kilman could be West Ham's Marc Guehi
The Premier League is blessed with an abundance of defensive talent; whether it is William Saliba at Arsenal, Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool, Rúben Dias at Manchester City or even Sven Botman at Newcastle United, you cannot move for talented centre-backs in the top-flight.
West Ham could sign a "special" £35m Said Benrahma upgrade
The rapid 26-year-old could add another dimension to the Hammers’ attack.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 8, 2024
Yet, one exemplary talent often gets overlooked in such discussions: Crystal Palace's vice-captain, Guehi.
The young Englishman has been instrumental in the Eagles' steady Premier League existence over the last few years and has even won nine senior England caps.
So, the fact that he is viewed as the number one most similar player across Europe's top five leagues by FBref should excite the West Ham faithful, as if the "underrated" Kilman, as described by journalist Jacqui Oatley, ends up performing anywhere close to the level of the Palace star, then they'll have a real gem on their hands.
Position
Player
Club
1
Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace
2
Maxence Lacroix
Wolfsburg
3
Montassar Talbi
Lorient
4
Logan Costa
Toulouse
5
Diogo Leite
Union Berlin
That said, what are the similarities between the pair, aside from the obvious nationality and positional comparisons?
Well, it is in their underlying numbers that you will see most clearly the areas in which they are similar, although the extent to which their numbers match up is quite surprising.
For example, when it comes to non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90, their figures are just 0.01 apart; it is the same story for shots and almost the same for passes received.
Stat per 90
Kilman
Guehi
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.07
0.06
Progressive Carries
0.70
0.58
Shots
0.25
0.26
Passing Accuracy
82.5%
87.0%
Tackles
1.30
1.26
Interceptions
1.00
0.79
Clearances
4.70
4.37
Touches
69.3
67.3
Passes Received
46.9
44.7
Ball Recoveries
5.85
5.42
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
Moreover, the statistical similarities carry over to their defensive metrics, with Kilman, whom Jacqui Oatley dubbed as "pure class", producing 1.30 tackles per 90, while his Palace counterpart produces 1.26, and both make over five ball recoveries per 90 as well.
Ultimately, while £45m is undoubtedly a lot of money for a centre-back, his striking similarities to the incredible Guehi should be more than enough to convince West Ham to pull the trigger on this one.
Wrexham have highlighted a second striker who they are interested in signing alongside Jonson Clarke-Harris in January, according to a reliable journalist.
Clarke-Harris interest
Over the summer, Peterborough United’s Clarke-Harris was heavily linked with a move to join the club, although a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, with Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony detailing the reason why during a public interview.
Speaking on The Hard Truth podcast, he said: "Wrexham contacted me and said they were going to make a bid, which was interesting. It might have seemed a strange move for the player, but if they got him, it would probably mean back-to-back promotions for them so I could see the logic.
"Apparently, Hollywood had approved the move, but then they just went quiet. They never came back to me, which was a surprise, especially when I saw who they eventually tried to sign."
Wrexham plotting move to sign 27 y/o pass master who Phil Parkinson admires
He has an 89.4% pass completion rate this season.
ByHenry Jackson Nov 28, 2023
While Phil Parkinson’s side are still interested in their former target, they have identified an alternative should they once again decide against a pursuit of Clarke-Harris in the form of Sheffield Wednesday’s Lee Gregory, with the manager set to be handed the perfect opportunity to bring him to League Two.
The Owls’ 35-year-old will have reached the expiration of his deal at the end of the season (Sheffield Wednesday contracts), so should he not put pen to paper on an extension, whether that's because he isn't offered one or he doesn't choose to sign one, there’s a chance that his club will consider selling him for a cut-price next month.
Wrexham monitoring Gregory
Taking to X, Darren Witcoop revealed that Wrexham are keeping close tabs on Gregory as they weigh up whether to make an approach during the upcoming transfer window, which opens on 1st January.
He wrote: "Wrexham have Peterborough frontman Jonson Clarke-Harris and Sheffield Wednesday striker Lee Gregory on their transfer list. Phil Parkinson is looking to sign one forward to boost their League Two promotion push next month."
Sheffield Wednesday striker Lee Gregory.
Gregory is an "instrumental" squad member
During his time at Sheffield Wednesday, Gregory has 41 involvements – 29 goals and 12 assists – to his name from 101 appearances, highlighting the positive impact he can make in the final third, but he’s also comfortable playing in several other areas (Transfermarkt – Gregory statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 2, Danny Rohl’s target man is a versatile operator having been deployed in five various positions over the grass since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even slightly deeper on the left side of the midfield, which will no doubt be another attractive attribute.
Gregory’s former teammate at Millwall, Tom Bradshaw, previously hailed the veteran, stating that he was “instrumental” to their success and had even mastered the way a striker should play, so while he’s not getting any younger, he could yet be a bargain of a recruit for Wrexham should they decide to make their move.
There was only one team in it in the second-half, but the Reds' woeful finishing let them down against the reigning champions
Liverpool will be left wondering 'what if?' after missing a plethora of chances that forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in a match that has huge implications for the Premier League title race. After falling behind in the first half, Alexis Mac Allister converted a penalty early in the second as the home team took control of matters against last season's treble winners, but woeful finishing from the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai proved their undoing.
It was a frenetic start to the game for Jurgen Klopp's side in the German coach's final Premier League game against Pep Guardiola. Liverpool found it tough to make combinations high up early on as the City defence doubled up on the forwards. The Reds grew into the game after the first quarter of an hour, though, utilising the movement of Nunez and Harvey Elliott, finding a way to bring Conor Bradley and Diaz into play from the wings and allowing Szoboszlai to drift forward through the centre.
Although the home team managed to work the ball into dangerous areas, they simply couldn't hit the target in the first 45 minutes, and fell behind when an intelligent Kevin De Bruyne corner found John Stones free at the front post to ensure City were ahead at half-time.
Klopp's team needed to come out fighting in the second half and were given a break two minutes in when Nunez pounced on a terrible pass back from Nathan Ake and was clattered into by Ederson, allowing Mac Allister to equalise from the resultant penalty. The injury Ederson suffered in the process prevented City from getting any momentum going and Liverpool stayed dominant throughout the half, but their atrocious finishing haunted them as Nunez and Diaz both scuppered great opportunities.
Despite having 19 shots – 12 in the second half – to City's 10, the hosts were forced to settle for a draw, leaving them level on points with Arsenal at the top and Guardiola's team just one behind them, setting all three up for an incredible run-in.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):
Kept out City's long-range shots but was beaten from close-range for the opener.
Conor Bradley (7/10):
Showed glimpses of his youth in a frantic start with heavy touches and dodgy movement, but settled in and became an asset defensively and in the build-up.
Jarell Quansah (7/10):
Didn't give much away and read the game fairly well, but most passes went backwards.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
His leadership qualities were on show and he was a rock at the back with vital clearances and tackles.
Joe Gomez (6/10):
Had a difficult time on the left side as City always seemed to find a way past him.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
A bit too casual defensively but made some invasive runs to find holes in the City defence before he went off at the hour mark.
Wataru Endo (7/10):
Fought hard to win the ball and his quick passes helped get things going from midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):
Put in a great shift battling for the ball and pinging quick passes around to cut through City. Did a great job converting the penalty.
Getty ImagesAttack
Harvey Elliott (4/10):
Chased the ball up and down the field like a dog but it seemed to just slide past him most of the time.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Gave the ball away, was offside far too often and did nothing to track Stones for the first goal. Won the penalty and was better in the second half.
Luis Diaz (5/10):
Went on some great runs but wanted too much time on the ball against a City defence that swarmed him to nullify the threat. His finishing was terrible.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Mohamed Salah (6/10):
Came on at the hour mark for Szoboszlai and quickly sent Diaz through with a great pass. Livened up the Reds' attack and had a few shots at goal.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
Sent some dangerous balls in from the left wing but Nunez failed to finish.
Cody Gakpo (5/10):
On for the last 15 minutes but could hardly get involved.
Jurgen Klopp (7/10):
His team recovered from a shaky start to take control of the game, but simply couldn't add the finishing touch to their many promising attacks throughout the final 45 minutes.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: beat Daredevils by seven wickets, beat Royals by 11 runs, beat Kings XI by 13 runs RCB: lost to CSK by six wickets, beat Mumbai by 14 runs, lost to KKR by six wickets
Big picture
Virat Kohli could probably sympathise with every fantasy league player. He’s not sure about who is going to perform, and there is no single player he can look at and say he’s my first pick. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s two most economical bowlers in their previous match against Mumbai Indians – Tim Southee and Yuzvendra Chahal – went for over 9.5 against Chennai Super Kings. Even the most reliable batsmen in his arsenal – himself included – were all dismissed for single-digit scores. He also cannot risk dropping many of them because of their unpredictability. What combination does he go with – a dilemma shared by many a fantasy league player.Even after only three wins in nine games, Kohli appears optimistic, perhaps because RCB overcame a bleak win-loss record in 2016 to make it to the final. He will have to sort out the bowling though. RCB have conceded 12.7 runs an over in the death, and now they have started to doze off in the other areas too. RCB were among the best fielding sides two weeks into the season. However, in their last four games, they have dropped eight of 21 attempted catches, which has caused their catch conversion rate to fall from 90% to 61%.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Sunrisers, meanwhile, are comfortably perched on top of the table. They are undisputed masters of defending a total. And in their previous match against Delhi Daredevils, the Sunrisers batsmen pulled off their best chase of the season. Shikhar Dhawan seemed to be finding form, which is good news for them.
Previous meeting
This is the first time these two teams will be meeting this season.
Likely XIs
Sunrisers Hyderabad 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 Siddarth KaulRoyal Challengers Bangalore 1 Manan Vohra/Parthiv Patel (wk), 2 Brendon McCullum 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Mandeep Singh, 6 Colin de Grandhomme, 7 M Ashwin, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Mohammed Siraj
Strategy punt
Dhawan has lost his wicket to spinners four times this IPL, and averages only 12 against them. Since 2015, he has been dismissed by legspinners six times in 18 matches, and twice in four matches this season. M Ashwin, who dismissed the in-form Ambati Rayudu and created pressure in the middle overs against CSK, could be used against Dhawan.
Stats that matter
Rashid Khan has arguably been Sunrisers biggest asset. In the seven matches they have won, he has picked up 10 wickets at a barely believable economy-rate of 5.4. He has been especially good in the middle overs, giving away only 130 runs off 120 balls, eight of which resulted in wickets.Umesh Yadav has played under seven captains, but has been reaching new heights with Virat Kohli, averaging 21.2 and striking every 15.7 balls for RCB. Even when he led the KKR bowling attack for 51 matches, he averaged only 28.4 and struck every 20 balls.
Fantasy picks
Rashid undoubtedly makes the list. Kane Williamson’s knocks have been resulting in wins, so he could be another pick. Yusuf Pathan has a particularly good record in Hyderabad – an average of 43 and a strike-rate of 141.9 – and his exploits in the previous match makes him a favourite. From the visitors’ unit, Kohli or AB de Villiers would be the safest options.
da bet7k： Everton are tussling with European giants Juventus for the signing of an exciting top goalscorer in his league, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Everton eyeing Leeds duo Gnonto and Summerville
da stake casino： The Blues had a solid summer transfer window overall, with their financial situation not allowing them to spend big, but a number of important additions still coming in to bolster their options. Sean Dyche boosted his attack more than anything, bringing in Beto and Chermiti, as well as signing Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma on loan for the 2023/24 season, snapping them up from Leeds United and Villarreal respectively.
All four players are still waiting to have a major impact at Goodison Park, but they have still done their bit so far this season, helping Everton to 16th place in the Premier League table. While far from impressive in terms of their current league position, there is a feeling that their form is on the up, having won at West Ham and then drawn at home to Brighton in the last week or so.
The Blues have been linked with making some new signings when the January window opens, with Kalvin Phillips a target, as he looks to leave Manchester City and become a regular elsewhere. Meanwhile, Leeds pair Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville could move to Goodison Park, should other reports be believed.
Everton want Winsley Boteli
According to a fresh update from Romano on X on Monday morning, Everton are keen on signing Borussia Monchengladbach striker Winsley Boteli, but aren't alone in showing an interest:
"Understand Juventus and Everton are both keeping close eye on Swiss talented striker Winsley Boteli (17). Scouts are monitoring Borussia Moenchengladbach's striker who recently signed with Chris Mandiangu as new agent. He's currently top scorer of U19 Bundesliga."
While established players such as Phillips could be needed at Everton in January, the importance of bringing in exciting young talent can never be downplayed, with the Blues also linked with a move for Croatian starlet Anton Matkovic.
Boteli could be another who comes in as a long-term signing who can blossom into a star man in the future, having impressed greatly in the Under-19 Bundesliga, leading the scoring charts, as Romano alludes to.
Winsley Boteli goals
Total
Borussia Monchengladbach Under-19s
13
Borussia Monchengladbach Under-17s
11
Switzerland Under-18s
2
Switzerland Under-17s
8
Boteli's statistics highlight what a prolific attacking player he is, with 13 goals in 15 appearances coming his way for Monchengladbach's Under-19s, as well as 11 in 17 when he played for the Under-17s. Meanwhile, at international level, he has netted eight times in 15 matches for Switzerland's Under-17s, also getting two in five for the Under-18s.
It won't be easy for Everton to get their man, considering the stiff competition that Juventus could provide for his signature, but if the Blues can sell the idea of the club to him, including him becoming a star at their new Bramley Moore Dock home from next season onwards, his head could be turned by a move to Goodison.
Manchester United are believed to be planning an offer to sign an “unplayable” Premier League player in a potential £65m deal this summer, according to a fresh update.
Man Utd defeat highlights need for signings
The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as their hugely disappointing league campaign continues, amid their continued search for Europa League glory later this week.
The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side still sitting in 15th place in the table, having lost 16 of their matches in the league in 2024/25, highlighting how important it is for new signings in the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to United at the end of the season, following an impressive season for the Cherries that has seen him score nine times in the league, also bagging five assists in the competition.
Meanwhile, Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old thought to be open about the idea of moving to Old Trafford if he is made the leading man in Amorim’s attack.
Man Utd planning offer for £65m Brentford star
According to a new update from Caught Offside, Manchester United are planning to make an offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, looking to snap him up in the summer window. The Bees could be looking for as much as £65m for the Cameroonian, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in him.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players throughout this season, scoring 18 goals, which is only fewer than Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood.
Meanwhile, his importance isn’t lost on Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who heaped praise on him earlier in the season: “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”
Admittedly, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided attacking role that Amad Diallo likes to play in, so there is a risk of blocking his path, but strong competition is needed all over the pitch.
The 25-year-old is in the perfect place to come in and be a star man from the off at Old Trafford, having already shown that he can take the Premier League by storm, bagging 68 goal contributions (40 goals and 28 assists) in 133 appearances since joining the Bees.
With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all arguably feeling like flawed attacking options currently, it is essential that a couple of genuinely top-level players arrive in that area this summer.
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ByMatt Dawson May 5, 2025
In Mbeumo, United could have a fantastic option who could be a key man for the next five or six years, producing relentless end product and making Amorim’s men a far greater force.
Leeds United failed to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Nadiem Amiri over the summer, but a reliable journalist has delivered an update on the chances of him potentially joining in January.
Nadiem Amiri profiled
Amiri is naturally a central midfielder who has plied his trade at the BayArena since 2019 having joined from Hoffenheim, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 142 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Amiri statistics).
However, Germany’s international is set to reach the conclusion of his deal at the end of the season (Bayer Leverkusen contracts), so his side will know that they don’t have long left to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free.
The Bundesliga’s 27-year-old is reportedly looking to leave at the start of next year, with the same outlet claiming that chiefs are willing to sanction his sale should they receive a respectable offer from one of his potential suitors, one of those being in the Championship.
Over the summer, Xabi Alonso’s talisman turned down a move to Elland Road after visiting the city and even the training ground, but now looking to move onto new pastures, Daniel Farke may have been handed an ideal second opportunity to secure his target's services.
Phil Hay offers verdict on Nadiem Amiri
Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast (as quoted by Leeds United News), Phil Hay shared his view on Leeds making another approach for Nadiem Amiri in January.
“It would be fascinating if they did revisit it, given the way it ended – given he was told to find his own private jet home. He is really good. It wouldn’t be unheard of, but it would be odd for that to go through. Farke really likes him.
"There was a stage where Amiri thought he’d join Marseille. It was not an astute decision [to reject Leeds], he needs to go. It feels like bridges burned. Would have been a huge asset.”
Bayer Leverkusen midfielderNadiem Amiri.
Nadiem Amiri's style of play
While Amiri is naturally a central midfielder, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having posted 77 contributions (41 assists and 36 goals) since the start of his career, form which has previously seen him described as a “superb player” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
The Ludwigshafen native, who pockets £47k-per-week (Bayer Leverkusen salaries), also currently ranks in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons which shows that he loves to use his pace to dribble past his marker and create chances in the final third (FBRef – Amiri statistics).
Likes to play short passes
Gets fouled often
Likes to do layoffs
Likes to dribble
Likes to shoot from distance
Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)
Furthermore, Amiri shares the same representative, CAA Base Ltd, as Djed Spence (Leeds agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage should they decide to pursue another deal for their target in January.
West Ham United have carried out a scouting mission following an exciting young defender and could now look to pounce for his signature, according to reports.
West Ham news: Dan Rigge signs, Hammers held by Newcastle
According to Football Insider, West Ham youngster Dan Rigge has agreed a new long-term deal at the London Stadium and he is said to be highly regarded by the Hammers. The report states that Rigge received interest from several Premier League clubs before deciding to commit to new terms at West Ham and he will now look to be the latest youngster to break into the first-team set-up under David Moyes.
West Ham salvaged a late point against Newcastle United last weekend in a 2-2 draw in east London, with summer signing Mohammed Kudus notching an 89th-minute equaliser for the hosts against Eddie Howe's men.
Speaking to the Hammers' official website after the fixture, Kudus expressed his delight at being able to play a part in securing a result for his new side, stating: "It feels very good to score that goal, of course. Most importantly it made a difference for the team, which was us getting a point. Even though we wanted the three points, I was happy to score my first [Premier League] goal and it was important that we got a point out of it."
One West Ham transfer update from Spain has indicated that the Hammers are keen on bringing Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz to England in the January transfer window, amid reports that he is keen to receive a regular run of first-team minutes, which have sometimes been hard to come by at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Next up for West Ham after the international break is an away trip to Aston Villa on October 22nd, as the Irons look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games without defeat.
West Ham transfer news – Charlie Hughes
According to a fresh West Ham transfer update from The Sun, Wigan Athletic defender Charlie Hughes is on the radar at the London Stadium and has been placed on a list of potential targets for the Hammers after they sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action.
The report states that other unnamed Premier League sides are keen on Hughes, who broke through into the senior ranks at Wigan last year and he has already captained the team on a couple of occasions.
Wigan Athletic's Charlie Hughes
Hughes has made 36 appearances in total for Wigan across all competitions, playing predominantly in central defence and has racked up three goals and two assists in the process (Hughes' statistics – Transfermarkt)
Wigan manager Shaun Maloney reserved special praise for Hughes after the youngster signed a new contract at the Latics earlier this year, telling the club's official website: "Charlie has been a standout player for us during my time at the Football Club and we wanted to recognise his outstanding development over the last year by extending his contract by another 12 months. We hope that Charlie’s breakthrough year can be a source of inspiration for all of our younger players so that they could follow the same path with hard work."
Nevertheless, West Ham could look to pinch Hughes in the near future and there is real scope for him to develop into a star at the top level.