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Last month, Tottenham Hotspur paid Genoa £26.7m to sign centre-back Radu Dragusin, making him the most expensive acquisition of the January transfer window. It's been a quiet start for Dragusin as Ange Postecoglou gradually eases him in, with the Romanian limited to brief substitute outings against Manchester United, Brentford and Everton. He didn't appear at all in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Brighton last weekend.

Postecoglou now has his full complement of centre-backs available after Micky van de Ven returned from a 10-game hamstring lay-off and Cristian Romero missed three matches with a similar but less severe complaint.

Spurs missed out on Werner upgrade in "brilliant" Premier League star

The Lilywhites were reportedly eyeing up the Wolverhampton Wanderers whiz last month.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 12, 2024

While Spurs offloaded Eric Dier to Bayern Munich on loan, Postecoglou has been able to call upon not only Dragusin but also Ben Davies in reserve, which seemingly leaves little room for Joe Rodon, currently playing his football on loan at Leeds United.

Spurs set Joe Rodon price tag

According to Football Insider, Spurs are now ready to sell Rodon if they receive an offer in the region of £10m to £15m. The Welshman is not part of the club's long-term plans under Postecoglou, and they're "eager to cash in" and boost their transfer budget in the process.

"Multiple" Premier League sides expressed an interest in Rodon last month but were put off by Spurs' asking price, although it remains to be seen if that changes in the summer. Leeds themselves are keen to sign him permanently, but a transfer is unlikely if they fail to get promoted.

Rodon exit has felt inevitable

In truth, the writing has seemingly been on the wall for Rodon for a while. Spurs paid Swansea up to £15m to sign the defender in 2020, when Jose Mourinho was still manager, but he was loaned out to French club Rennes last season after hardly featuring the year before (he made 10 appearances overall and didn't start a single league game).

His loan at Leeds has been a resounding success, with manager Daniel Farke hailing him as a "warrior" and fans voting him as their player of the month in December. As you can see in the table below, he's the only Spurs loanee to clock over 2,000 minutes of football this season.

Rank	Spurs loanee	Club(s)	Mins
1	Joe Rodon	Leeds	2,674
2	Troy Parrott	Excelsior	1,262
3	Sergio Reguilon	Man Utd/Brentford	840
4	Tanguy Ndombele	Galatasaray	645
5	Djed Spence	Leeds/Genoa	615
6	Japhet Tanganga	Augsburg/Millwall	292

The goal for Spurs, who are well-stocked at the back, could now be to be at least break even on the 26-year-old, having found the ideal club for him to thrive. If Leeds, currently 3rd in the Championship, do come back up, then they'll surely be desperate to make Rodon a key part of their squad in the top flight.

Cristiano Ronaldo may need to leave Al-Nassr in order to play into his 40s, says Stuart Pearce, with “new challenges” transfer advice being offered.

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• All-time great under contract in Saudi Arabia
• Will celebrate notable birthday in February
• Could become a free agent again in 2025

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portuguese superstar will celebrate a notable birthday on February 9, 2025 and still has a year left to run on his current contract in Saudi Arabia. He has offered no indication of that deal – which remains the most lucrative in world football – being cut short.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo may, however, become a free agent next summer and face another big career call. With there talk of him playing through to the 2026 World Cup, fresh terms will be required somewhere. Pearce, who was playing second tier football at 40 years of age, believes a fresh start may help to keep CR7 hungry.

• WHAT PEARCE SAID

  Ex-England international Pearce – who spent 12 years at Nottingham Forest before moving on to Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City – has told of Ronaldo prolonging a record-breaking playing career: “It won't be easy for him. He wants to play as long as he can and I admire him for that. Obviously he doesn't need the money, that is for sure. So to keep driving on and striving on, I admire that. I would say to him, as long as you're physically fit, keep going. He's playing in a much different position to me.

  “I finished when I was 40, but I was a defender. It's a lot easier being a defender, I think, than it is a forward trying to create things. And you need that burst of pace and energy. My game was about maybe reading it and you could get away with it a little bit more. But when you look at Ronaldo, just incredible. For me, a big one for me, I'd been at a club for 12 years at the age of 35. Then I got a move, changed clubs to Newcastle, then changed clubs a couple of times. I had three clubs in five years, which is unusual for me. I'd been at one club for 12 years and looking back now, that was the big inspiration for me. It was a new challenge. He has to keep looking for new challenges, I think, to spur himself on.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo has spent time with Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr – picking up Golden Boots in four different countries. He is currently on Euro 2024 duty with Portugal – at his 11th major tournament – and is showing no sign of slowing down after hitting 50 goals in the Middle East last season.

As the January transfer window edges closer and closer to slamming shut, Crystal Palace could yet add to the arrival of KRC Genk right-back Daniel Munoz with an attacking player who will hope to replace Wilfried Zaha. One key obstacle stands in the way of the Eagles' potential deal, however.

Crystal Palace transfer news

After welcoming Munoz for a reported £6.8m, Palace chairman Steve Parish said via BBC Sport: "We are delighted to welcome a player of Daniel's quality and character to the club. He has experience at the highest level for club and country, and he possesses an impressive record going forwards for a full-back. I am certain his ability, athleticism and tenacity will be a huge boost to the squad for the remainder of the season, and beyond."

Those at Selhurst Park may not be done there when it comes to incomings, however, even after finally confirming the arrival of Adam Wharton. Meanwhile, a further development has taken place in the Eagles' attempt to sign Maxwel Cornet from West Ham United. According to Ed Aarons, Crystal Palace have agreed terms over a potential loan deal for Cornet, but the move still hinges on whether the Hammers can find a replacement. The Guardian journalist posted the news on X, saying:

With that said it could be a busy final few hours in London for all involved. West Ham could yet find their replacement, which would then allow their Premier League counterparts to get their man before the transfer window slams shut. That said, the player has been named on the bench as they host Bournemouth tonight, so the Irons have clearly had no indication that a deal is likely to go through just yet.

"Quality" Cornet needs fresh start

The fact that Cornet could now complete a move away before the end of the window says it all about just how disappointing his West Ham spell has been. Arriving at the London Stadium for a reported £17.5m in 2022, the winger was at the centre of praise from an optimistic David Moyes, who said via Sky Sports: "We are delighted to welcome Maxwel to West Ham United. He is a versatile player with good experience, both in the Premier League and in European football, and will add strength and quality to our squad.

"He made a big impact with his performances for Burnley last season and he has impressed me with his desire to improve and challenge himself further here at West Ham. We look forward to bringing Maxwel into the group and wish him all the best in his career with us."

Things just haven't worked out, however, with Cornet's stats reflecting that. The former Burnley man has scored just one goal and assisted a further six in 31 appearances for the Hammers after having a hand in 11 goals in 29 games for Burnley a season before the move. Now, in need of a career revival, Cornet could turn to Crystal Palace, who could help the winger finally rediscover his best form.

West Bromwich Albion have been understated in their January transfer window business to date – only adding Andreas Weimann and Callum Marshall to their squad so far – but could now well be in for a rollercoaster finale to Deadline Day.

Linked with a last-gasp loan deal to bring Celtic winger Mikey Johnston to the Hawthorns, the Championship playoff-chasers could also now add a last-minute defensive addition to their group if rumours are to be believed.

West Brom going after ex-Arsenal man

Football journalist Mike McGrath has stated today that Aston Villa centre-back Calum Chambers is on the shopping list of various second-tier sides as the clock ticks closer to the window slamming shut, with West Brom name-checked as a potential destination for the former Arsenal defender.

Aston Villa journalist Jacob Tanswell – for The Athletic – did confirm this morning that Villa would be offloading Chambers on a loan deal, with there also being an option to buy outright added in if the 29-year-old impressed away from Villa Park in the potential deal.

The Baggies look to be the front-runners to land Chambers, Carlos Corberan hoping that Chambers' experience and Premier League qualities shine through in the division below to help his side win promotion to the top flight.

Chambers could well slot into the side alongside Johnston if a further deal can be reached with the Scottish giants, giving the West Midlands side a potential new look for Saturday's fixture with Birmingham City.

How Chambers would fit into the West Brom team

Chambers will give West Brom adequate cover at the back even if he's not banging down the door for immediate first-team opportunities, Corberan having to make do with young centre-back Caleb Taylor as one of his few defensive back-ups in the Black Country Derby last weekend.

Able to play both in the heart of defence and as a right-back, Chambers would fulfil the role of being a worthwhile utility option to have around the camp with the Spanish manager in the Hawthorns dug-out often bemoaning the lack of depth available to him.

The £50k-per-week Villa reserve figure's obvious pedigree could eventually see him break into the first-team fold however, accumulating 176 Premier League appearances across his extensive career to date with 14 of those coming just last season for Unai Emery's men before falling down the pecking order this campaign.

Once described as an "outstanding" defender by iconic Gunners manager Arsene Wenger when Chambers was at the Emirates Stadium, the versatile 29-year-old could be a shrewd capture to help Corberan's men out if more injuries pile up.

Related EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

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Moreover, Johnston's addition from Celtic would also give the Baggies another attacking option if the Championship side are flat going forward in crunch matches to come – the out-of-favour 24-year-old winger netting 13 goals across 92 games featuring at Parkhead.

The current Celtic number 90 could give the likes of Jed Wallace and Tom Fellows a run for their money on his potential arrival, Corberan adding in bodies here and there to freshen up his squad and keep those performing well on their toes.

West Brom have seen first-hand the impact of what injuries can do to a squad, and so adding in more depth this Deadline Day would be seen as a major plus if these moves for Chambers and Johnston can get over the line in time.

Sri Lanka arrive in Edinburgh having lost eight straight ODIs and new captain Dimuth Karunaratne must now not only band together a struggling team, but also prove his own worth in the XI

The Preview by Peter Della Penna in Edinburgh17-May-2019

Dhananjaya de Silva congratulates Kusal Mendis on getting to his half-century•Associated Press

Big pictureOn the eve of the World Cup, there’s still time for a tune-up fight or two for a former champion as they gear up for the main event. In one corner, wearing purple and gold trunks, stands the Associate annihilator. Across the ring in the other corner, wearing plaid blue and white, stands the Associate on the rise.Arguably no Full Member has feasted on global cricket’s second-tier opposition more than Sri Lanka. They have especially enjoyed their fill when raiding European shores.Before new-age England made 400 totals passé, Sri Lanka’s total of 443 for 9 against Netherlands in 2006 stood as the ODI benchmark for more than a decade. Eight years later, they bowled the same opposition out at the 2014 World T20 for 39. They continued to show no mercy against Ireland on a visit to Malahide in 2016 by sprinting to 377.But they arrive in Edinburgh having lost eight straight ODIs, including a 5-0 sweep at the hands of South Africa. If traditions are made to be broken, then Scotland helped end the wretched run for Associates against Sri Lanka with a seven-wicket win in an unofficial warm-up at Kent in 2017 leading into the Champions Trophy. After two decades of futility against Test nations, that win gave Scotland the belief that they no longer have to hope heavyweight opposition shows up overweight and out of shape to be vulnerable enough for a sucker-punch.Scotland’s players aren’t afraid to stand in the middle of the ring and trade punches with a bloodied and bruised opponent, to wear them down and go all 12 rounds if not knock them down to the canvas. Just ask Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and a No. 1 ranked England.Though Netherlands claimed the WCL Championship and a spot in the 13-team ODI Super League beginning next year, it is Scotland who have made an even more compelling case over the last two years to become the 13th Full Member by virtue of their sustained competitiveness against Test nations. That feistiness was on display once again last week in a two-run loss on DLS to Afghanistan. In fact, a win over Sri Lanka will tick off one of the ICC’s defined criteria for applying for Full Membership: having three wins in ODIs or T20Is over top-10 ranked opposition inside 24 months.That run of form since 2017 has put ringside seats in hot demand. Cricket Scotland announced on Thursday that the malleable capacity at The Grange, capped at 1500 with temporarily imported stands for this series, had sold out for the first ODI. The Stockbridge faithful and a loyal Sri Lankan traveling fan troupe await the ding-ding-ding of bat on ball to signal the opening bell.Form guideScotland LWLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLLLLMatthew Cross is all smiles after scoring a hundred•Getty Images

In the spotlightA former MCC Young Cricketer, wicketkeeper Matthew Cross had been simmering with the bat for several years before a breakout 106 not out as part of a 201-run opening stand with Kyle Coetzer in the seven-wicket warm-up win over Sri Lanka in 2017. He followed it with his maiden ODI ton last year, then another against UAE at the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. Though Kyle Coetzer gets most of the plaudits at the top of the order, Cross remains a threat.Few players at the forthcoming World Cup find themselves in as strange a position as Dimuth Karunaratne. Not part of Sri Lanka’s ODI side since the 2015 World Cup, he has been parachuted in as an emergency captain, following eight successive losses under Lasith Malinga. Karunaratne must now not only band together a struggling team, but also prove his own worth in the XI. Whether the selectors made the correct choice in installing him as captain remains to be seen, but he will feel a lot better about his leadership if he can produce runs at the top of the order.Team newsScotland vice-captain Richie Berrington suffered a broken left pinky in the field after making unbeaten 170 off 145 balls on Monday playing for Western Warriors in Scotland’s domestic 50-over competition. Dylan Budge has been drafted into the squad but Berrington’s slot will more likely be a toss-up between specialist batsman Michael Jones and Michael Leask’s all-round package.Scotland (possible): 1 Kyle Coetzer (capt.), 2 Matthew Cross (wk), 3 Calum MacLeod, 4 Michael Jones, 5 George Munsey, 6 Craig Wallace, 7 Tom Sole, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Alasdair Evans, 10 Safyaan Sharif, 11 Brad WhealIt’s difficult to pin down Sri Lanka’s exact XI, but Malinga has not yet arrived in Scotland, having played in the IPL final last Sunday, giving an opportunity for some of the medium pacers to make a final argument for being in the first choice World Cup starting XI against New Zealand at Cardiff on June 1.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt.), 2 Lahiru Thirimanne/Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Kusal Perera (wk), 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Jeffrey Vandersay, 11 Nuwan PradeepPitch and conditionsRegardless of the finish being decided by Duckworth-Lewis, Scotland’s first innings total of 325 looked below par in the loss to Afghanistan last week and the pitch may force bowlers to toil once more. The forecast is calling for rain in Edinburgh from midnight until 1pm on match day, though the drainage at the Grange is excellent so the probability of completing a reduced-overs match is high.Stats & Trivia Dimuth Karunaratne is one of the few players to have been in the XI on Sri Lanka’s last visit to the Grange in 2011. Both he and Mahela Jayawardene made half-centuries opening the batting in Sri Lanka’s 183-run win. The only other official ODI between the sides was at the 2015 World Cup, which Sri Lanka won by 148 runs.Calum MacLeod needs 47 runs to become the second Scotland batsman to cross 2000 runs in ODIs. Captain Kyle Coetzer became the first during his 79 last Friday against Afghanistan.Quotes”I think the thing we remember most about the match is the style of cricket we played. We talked about being aggressive with the ball and bat, stamping our authority on the game. It kind of kickstarted from there for everything that followed that so it was quite an important day in Scottish cricket.”
“We had a bad year for one-dayers but I think we did really well in the Test series. In South Africa, the major thing was team spirit. We played together. There was no senior-junior things. We played 11 as a team. So that sort of thing I want to get into the one-day side as well.”

Hales, who was named in England’s provisional 15-man World Cup squad last week, is understood by ESPNcricinfo to have tested positive for a recreational drug

George Dobell26-Apr-2019

Alex Hales drives through the covers•Getty Images

England batsman Alex Hales has failed a drugs test. Hales, who was named in England’s provisional 15-man World Cup squad last week, is understood by ESPNcricinfo to have tested positive for a recreational drug in recent weeks. The England selectors are not thought to have known about the test result at the time the squad was announced.According to a report in the , he is currently serving a 21-day ban after returning a second positive test, having pulled out of Nottinghamshire’s Royal London Cup campaign, shortly after the World Cup squad was announced, for undisclosed personal reasons.An ECB spokesman said: “We have a duty of confidentiality, therefore we are unable to provide any further comment.”The drugs violation is understood to have been detected after Hales underwent a routine hair-follicle test, which all professional men’s cricketers and centrally contracted women’s players undergo at the start and finish of every season. The policy was introduced in 2013 in the wake of the death of Surrey’s Tom Maynard, and can detect banned substances in the system for up to three months.For a first offence, which is treated as a health and welfare issue, players are offered advice and support with few people being notified. They are the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) director of development and welfare, the ECB anti-doping and recreational drugs manager, the chief medical officers of the ECB and the county involved.A second violation can invoke a three-week ban and a 5% fine of the player’s annual salary, at which point the player’s county is informed, as well as the ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison, and PCA chief executive, David Leatherdale.A third offence, such as that committed by Durham’s Jack Burnham in 2017, can lead to dismissal – although in Burnham’s case, the club chose instead to ban him for 12 months and give him the chance to revive his career this year.It is nevertheless another significant black mark for Hales, who was recently banned for six white-ball games (four of them suspended) and fined £17,500 by the ECB for his part in the Bristol brawl that led to Ben Stokes’ arrest and subsequent acquittal. England are not obliged to name their final World Cup squad until May 23.Although the loss of Hales at the World Cup would be significant, as things stand he would have served his suspension. He is still expected to join up with the squad for their training camp in Cardiff at the weekend and, according to reports, could be available for next week’s ODI in Dublin and the subsequent five-match series against Pakistan.While he is not currently seen as part of the first-choice side, he was set to be the reserve batsman in the squad. He has an outstanding ODI record: only nine men have scored more than his six ODI hundreds for England; only Jason Roy has a higher individual score in the format than the 171 Hales made against Pakistan. With Roy (back spasm) having recently experienced some fitness concerns, there was every chance he would win an opportunity at some stage during the tournament.Ashley Giles, the England men’s team director, and Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, both declined to comment when contacted by ESPNcricinfo.

To Jurgen Klopp's consternation, Liverpool fell flat last season and finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to add any silverware to the growing collection and consequently missing out on Champions League qualification.

The spluttering engine room was the clear area for concern and had been neglected for years, but Klopp decided to set things straight in the summer and allowed the struggling stars to exit, welcoming exciting signings such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Such acquisitions have worked in transforming the side, with Liverpool currently perched in first place in the English top-flight after 16 matches, also winning their Europa League group and awaiting the visit of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

This is not to say that Liverpool now boast the full package, with work still needed to fortify the defence and complete the midfield rebuild with a specialist No. 6.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Reds will be attentive to the market, with a new defensive option possibly identified.

Liverpool transfer news – Jonathan Tah

According to 90min, Liverpool are interested in signing a centre-half this winter following Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury sustained against Fulham earlier this month.

While several options are discussed within the report, it's understood that there is optimism that Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah could be feasibly signed at the campaign's midpoint.

Recent reports have also listed Tottenham Hotspur as suitors and given Ange Postecoglou's side's desperate need for defensive reinforcements, Klopp would be wise to get this one over the line quickly if he is indeed interested in a deal.

Tah is out of contract in 2025 and German outlet Kicker have recently revealed that Xabi Alonso's side would entertain bids of €18m (£15m) to facilitate his departure.

Jonathan Tah's season in numbers

Tah has been a key component of a remarkable Bayer Leverkusen effort in the German Bundesliga this season, with the club currently topping the division after 14 matches – four points ahead of Harry Kane's Bayern Munich (who albeit have a game in hand).

Having started 13 times in the German top-flight, Tah has bagged an impressive three goals, as per Sofascore, completing 95% of his passes, averaging 5.7 ball recoveries and 4.1 clearances per game and winning 62% of his duels.

Such efforts have been imperative for Die Werkself as they fight for the Bundesliga title – their first Bundesliga title – and it's not surprising that top European outfits such as Liverpool and Tottenham have taken note.

Jonathan Tah's style of play

Once called a "defensive battleship" by former teammate Christoph Kramer, the 6 foot 5 Tah is tough as stone, aerially dominant and adept in stifling opponents with his crunching challenges.

The 21-cap Germany international has been a mainstay in Leverkusen for many years now, having chalked up 325 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and supplying 11 assists.

Jonathan Tah: Similar Players
Player	Club
Gabriel Magalhaes	Arsenal
Eder Militao	Real Madrid
Pau Torres	Aston Villa
Manuel Akanji	Manchester City
Mathjis de Ligt	Bayern Munich
*Sourced via Football Transfers

The £47k-per-week defender ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for passes attempted and the top 16% for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

His ball-playing skill and aforementioned defensive strength make for qualities that Klopp would only be too happy to inject into his Reds team.

Not only could it strengthen the mettle of his backline – that will now be without Matip's services – but his adept vision and distribution could aid Trent Alexander-Arnold as the creative phenomenon starts to venture into the centre of the park more regularly.

How Tah could help Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold has been among the most important members of Klopp's Liverpool team since making his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough in December 2016, aged 18.

The £180k-per-week machine has been instrumental in winning the whole gamut of silverware under Klopp's wing, making 292 appearances, scoring 18 goals and supplying 77 assists.

Over the past 12 months, he ranks among the top 1% of full-backs for assists and passes attempted, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, and the top 12% for interceptions per 90.

A star of scintillating technical quality, Alexander-Arnold has long been considered one of the most exciting and attack-happy right-backs in the game but has raised questions over the past few years regarding a future as a centre-midfielder, something which is starting to be realised.

Moving into the middle allows him to influence the play and split defences apart with his superlative ball-playing skills; this season, has has posted two goals and five assists so far, and while he has frequently drifted into midfield, he has yet to start in the engine room from the outset, with Klopp still preferring to utilise him as the right-back.

PL 23/24: Most Chances Created
#	Player	Chances Created
1	Mohamed Salah	13
2	Kieran Trippier	10
3	Trent Alexander-Arnold	9
3	Bruno Fernandes	9
3	Bernardo Silva	9
3	Heung-min Son	9
*Sourced via premierleague.com

Such a tenacious defender in Tah would be the perfect player to both enhance Liverpool's backline and offer Alexander-Arnold the assurances he needs to cement a permanent spot in the centre of the park, with his remarkable passing accuracy only serving to aid the 25-year-old further.

Alexander-Arnold would find a steady stream of supplementation from deep, with Tah described as "quick, technically gifted but still robust" by one-time Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller.

This is not to say that the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate would not be able to assist the Liverpool-born dynamo in this manner, but rather, that Tah would offer crispness and a fresh dimension to deepen Liverpool's fluency and continue the evolution of Klopp's side.

With Matip out of contract in June and not looking likely to return to action beforehand, Tah could be an excellent winter addition; exactly what Klop needs as he looks to consolidate his side's position at the forefront of the Premier League.

Manchester United continue to prove the most in-form team in the Premier League. Now there’s a sentence.

The Red Devils have been far from their best this term but in recent weeks, a light is beginning to emerge at the end of the tunnel.

There may still be no Jadon Sancho, no in-form Antony or any real focal point to their attack, but Erik ten Hag is trying his best to ride a wave of negativity and turn it into something positive.

The recent introduction of a certain Kobbie Mainoo has certainly helped with that. He made his first Premier League start on Sunday evening as United defeated Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park.

The 18-year-old was the Man of the Match in the eyes of many, even if Alejandro Garnacho had scored one of the most remarkable goals in top-flight history.

So, with the Red Devils looking a lot better with a vibrant young talent at the base of their midfield, here are three further academy stars who could be seen in the first team before too long.

1

Joe Hugill

The striker was named among the substitutes at Goodison on Sunday evening but sadly for him, didn’t receive any game time.

That said, it surely won’t be too long before the talented forward sees first-team minutes. For the U21s this term, the 20-year-old has been in fine fettle, scoring seven times in 11 appearances.

That record sees him top the goal-scoring charts for the club’s U21s this season, as Hugill follows up on a campaign in which he netted 11 times in 12 Premier League 2 outings.

Hailed for his “clinical” nature in front of goal by journalist Josh Bunting, it’s a skill that not many at United possess in their locker. Indeed, until the win over Everton, the club’s forward line consisting of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and Garnacho had scored just once between them in the league.

2

Omari Forson

That aforementioned offensive record could well see Forson gain first-team minutes at some point this season.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his first team debut but with seven goals in eight games at youth level in 2023/24, he’s certainly making all the right noises.

It’s a timely run of form for the right winger who could benefit from Sancho’s state of alienation and Antony’s dreadful run of form.

The surprise teenage star who could replace Sancho at Man Utd

This “exceptional” academy product could be the man to fix Manchester United’s right-wing problems.

By
Adam Scully

Nov 17, 2023

The Brazilian is yet to register a single goal contribution this term, leading to suggestions that like Mainoo, an injection of youth is needed on the wings.

Garnacho’s energy proved decisive on Sunday and in Forson, they could find another vibrant wide player capable of dazzling the opposition.

3

Dan Gore

Like Mainoo, the 19-year-old is a midfielder ready to make an impact at first-team level.

Unlike the first of these two exciting young stars, however, Gore has already made his competitive senior debut for United, appearing off the bench in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

A half-hour cameo was all the teenager was given on that occasion by Ten Hag but he’s clearly highly rated by those at Carrington.

Indeed, Gore has been in the match-day squad on four occasions in the Premier League this term, most notably against Arsenal, and has made eight appearances across all levels of football throughout 2023/24.

Known as a ‘tenacious and skilled’ attacking midfielder, he is another who could benefit a lacklustre Red Devils frontline, particularly with goalless Mason Mount struggling since arriving from Chelsea.

Gore is said to possess natural leadership skills too, having already captained the club at youth level. If anyone is going to get further minutes this term from the academy, it’s likely to be this exciting midfielder.

Glasgow Rangers may not have enjoyed the best of starts to the current season, yet they secured victory in the League Cup final on Sunday to secure Philippe Clement his first trophy in charge of the Ibrox side.

It marks a stunning turnaround from where the club were in late September and the onus is for the Belgian to further strengthen his squad when the January transfer window opens.

Not only will he hope to bring a few players to Glasgow, but the 49-year-old coach will also be looking to build a sustainable player trading model in the process.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Dec 18, 2023

Michael Beale may have sold a few players during the summer, yet they weren’t the fees that Giovanni van Bronckhorst managed to rake in during his spell in charge of the club.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s transfer record at Rangers

The Dutchman perhaps didn’t enjoy the best record with regards to incomings, as many of his signings failed to really make an impression in Glasgow.

The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Amad Diallo failed to really get going at Ibrox during their six-month loan spells – the former notably missing a decisive spot kick in the Europa League final – while money was spent on Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz and Antonio Colak; the less said about those the better.

The two defenders are still trying to make a name for themselves at the Light Blues, while Colak was sold after just a solitary season in Scotland.

With regard to player sales, however, the Dutchman managed to sell a few players for big profits.

Nathan Patterson was the first to leave, moving to Everton for a transfer fee in the region of £16m and it was the record fee received by the Scottish club at the time.

Van Bronckhorst's most expensive signings at Rangers

Player signed

Value of transfer

#1 Ben Davies

£4m

#2 Ridvan Yilmaz

£3.4m

#3 Rabbi Matondo

£2.5m

#4 Antonio Colak

£2.1m

#5 Aaron Ramsey

£675k loan fee

Data via Transfermarkt.

During the summer transfer window in 2022, Van Bronckhorst managed to sell another two players for big fees. Joe Aribo joined Southampton for £10m before defender Calvin Bassey moved abroad to sign for Ajax.

The Nigerian defender had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and the Dutch side paid a fee of £23m, a price that obliterated the record Patterson had set just a few months prior.

It looks as though the Gers hit the jackpot with this sale, as the current Fulham gem has seen his market value decrease since leaving Scotland.

Calvin Bassey’s statistics at Rangers

Following another failure to secure the Premiership title during the 2019/20 season, Steven Gerrard spent that summer bolstering his squad and one young talent to arrive was Bassey.

Aged just 19, he arrived from Leicester City and was looked upon as a solid backup option to Borna Barisic. Throughout the title-winning campaign, the defender made 15 appearances across all competitions and the onus was for him to establish himself as part of the starting XI during 2021/22.

The “explosive” starlet – as so dubbed by his U23 coach at Leicester, Steve Beaglehole – may have required an injury crisis during his second season to forge his way into the starting XI, but he took full advantage.

He made fleeting appearances at left-back under Gerrard during the early stages of the season, but it wasn’t until Van Bronckhorst arrived combined with an injury crisis that saw him move to the centre of the defence.

Overall, he played in 50 matches during the whole campaign and he forged a solid partnership alongside Connor Goldson as the Light Blues came so close to securing Europa League glory.

These displays on the continental stage clearly attracted interest from afar, and it was Ajax who were the most attractive proposition for the player.

Having shone when given a consistent run in the team, Bassey had certainly earned his big move, yet he hasn’t quite enjoyed the same sort of success since leaving Rangers 18 months ago.

Calvin Bassey's performances since leaving Rangers

During his spell at Ajax, Bassey struggled to cope with the pressure as he made 39 appearances in all competitions yet failed to inspire the team to any sort of silverware.

Criticism for his displays was led by former midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who said: "How is someone who played for Glasgow Rangers like Calvin Bassey going to be able to lead the defence at Ajax?

"Where was the Ajax youth system? Was there no one there better than him? Because if there isn't then you have a major problem. Sometimes it's better if you don't have any money because then you don't do crazy things. Then you wait for the right moment and occasionally take a chance. Instead, they spent 23 million Euros on Bassey.”

Harsh words indeed, and he lasted just a single season before joining Fulham this summer.

Calvin Bassey's domestic statistics since leaving Rangers

Ajax

Fulham

Accurate passes per game

52.4

43.3

Tackles per game

1.6

1.4

Total duels won per game

4.4

3.3

Interceptions won per game

0.9

1.5

Possession lost per game

9.2

9.3

Stats via Sofascore

Bassey currently ranks just sixth in the Cottagers squad for tackles per game (1.4) in the Premier League, while also ranking in the same position for clearances (two) and interceptions (1.5) per game.

Not only that, but the defender loses possession on average 9.3 times per game along with keeping just two clean sheets during his 12 league appearances so far.

Calvin Bassey's market value in 2023

It appears as though Bassey is struggling to get to grips with Premier League football and this is evidenced by his market value decreasing.

Having cost Ajax £23m when they signed him from Rangers, the 23-year-old is now worth €16.2m (£14m) according to Football Transfers, which represents a 40% decrease from the fee the Dutch side splashed out on him.

In reality, the Gers would have loved to have kept a talent like Bassey at the club, especially as he could have continued his development in the centre-back position.

They couldn’t turn down an offer such as the one presented by the Eredivisie side and the club have clearly struck gold by selling the 6 foot 1 brute for such a lavish profit.

Clement will be hoping to do the same once he gets into his first transfer window as manager of the Gers and, by building an effective player trading model, he will be able to lure talented starlets to the club with the premise of developing them into future stars.

This in turn will allow the Belgian to sell them on for a profit which can then be reinvested back into the playing squad.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has manufactured an incredible turnaround in north London after taking the manager’s seat in June.

The former Celtic manager closed the door on his dynasty at Parkhead to try his hand in the Premier League, joining a Spurs side that needed more than just a spruce up.

He’s very quickly turned doubters to believers and now rivals fear that the division’s table-toppers are very much capable of sustaining their purple patch and preserving a position in and around the forefront.

In the summer, there was much furore within Premier League discourse surrounding Harry Kane’s transfer to German giants Bayern Munich, and while Spurs have lost their club record scorer, Postecoglou has triumphed in restoring the attacking verve regardless.

Kane's newfound exploits in Germany are watched through a poignant lense down the N17, but the best remedy for such footballing scenarios is found in success on the pitch, which Postecoglou has crafted in abundance.

Heung-min Son's prolific performances as the new focal frontman have been charged by James Maddison's superlative creativity from behind – the pair chipping in with eight goals and five assists, respectively, this season – but it isn't the offensive department that requires immediate attention, with the winter market looming.

Despite effectively patching up last term's leaky backline with the £43m acquisition of Micky van de Ven from German side Wolfsburg, the defence still needs strengthening if Spurs are to return to European competition and prosper in seasons to come.

Cristian Romero and his new Dutch partner have been immense, but should injury befall either then it could be detrimental to Tottenham's illustrious ambitions, and, as such, a first-class new member is being targetted.

Tottenham transfer news – Trevoh Chalobah

Postecoglou has advised Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and the club chiefs to complete transfer business early in the winter market, effectively confirming the decision that movement will occur in January, and the bolstering of the backline will likely take precedence.

With Eric Dier expected to depart in 2024 and depth not favouring the London side's central defence, another first-rate player would be welcomed with open arms, so it's little surprise that Postecoglou is among the admirers of Chelsea centre-half Trevoh Chalobah.

According to a report from TEAMtalk last month, Tottenham are set to rival West Ham United for the Blues man's signature despite German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich's vested interest.

Fabrizio Romano has corroborated claims of his possible departure, revealing that the versatile defender feels that the time is right to leave Stamford Bridge and the club officials' views align with his.

Bayern have done their homework after pushing for the 24-year-old's services in the summer, to no avail, with Chelsea deterring suitors after demanding £45m; talented as he may be, this seems somewhat exorbitant.

Trevoh Chalobah's style of play

The £50k-per-week gem has now completed 63 appearances for the west London outfit, scoring four goals and supplying one assist, after previously enjoying a string of loan spells.

Once described as an "ice cold" presence at the back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Chalobah would bring the composure that eluded Spurs last season, buttressing a backline with restored vigour and togetherness.

Trevoh Chalobah: Characteristics
Strengths	Weaknesses
Passing	Concentration
Tackling	Aerial duels
Ball retention
*Sourced via WhoScored

Last season, while Chelsea endured a torrid season, Chalobah produced many solid displays, completing 89% of his passes in the Premier League as he alternated between central defence and right-back, also making 2.2 clearances per game, succeeding with 89% of his dribbles and winning 63% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

He is a natural distributor and would fit into Postecoglou's system well, with the Australian manager's Tottenham team built upon fluid passing moves, build-up play through the thirds and a maximisation of width to overlap, enveloping the attacking box.

How Trevoh Chalobah would perform at Tottenham

Tottenham could make good use of such a defender as Chalobah, who is tenacious in the tackle and progressive in his passing, with the added bonus of finding a home across multiple roles.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 2 dynamo ranks among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for tackles per 90.

It's a neat and varied spread of skills, and given that Manchester City's defensive machine Josko Gvardiol has been listed as a comparable player – as per FBref – it's no wonder that Postecoglou is so interested in signing the Chelsea player.

Gvardiol has cemented himself as one of European football's most attractive defensive options over the past few years, starring for RB Leipzig in Germany and dazzling for Croatia on the international stage, prompting City manager Pep Guardiola to forge ahead and secure his services in a £78m deal in August.

The £200k-per-week Citizen ranks among the top 17% of positional peers for goals, the top 14% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for passes attempted, and the top 7% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Heralded as a "Rolls-Royce" by journalist Zach Lowy for his shiny showings, the 22-year-old, like Chalobah, is competent both in central defence and as a full-back, where he has featured regularly for City since his summer switch.

The former Leipzig star's protean and progressive threat sets him apart from the lion's share of similar players, and this is something that Chalobah could emulate at Tottenham.

Pedro Porro has made the right channel his own this season, while Romero and Van de Ven have been excellent in partnership in front of Guglielmo Vicario's goal, but the current endeavours at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hint at rich fortunes that will require reinforcements.

Whether Tottenham win the Premier League this season is a question not worth asking right now, but there is an expectation at this stage to sustain a bid for Champions League football next year at the very least, and Chalobah's signing is exactly the kind of prudent move to make in this regard.

Whether Tottenham could convince Chalobah, described as a "soldier" by former manager Graham Potter last season, to resist the allure of Bavaria remains to be seen, but given the exciting project and the promise of ample opportunities to impress, he might be persuaded to ply his trade in London, switching blue for white.