All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are reportedly interested in yet another defender for Mikel Arteta – and it is someone who has grim memories of Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal rescue win late on

After seemingly being in control at 2-0 up midway through their clash with Leicester City, Arsenal needed two stoppage-time goals to go level on points with Manchester City in the Premier League.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard put them in the driving seat, but a complacent second half saw them pegged back to 2-2 thanks to two goals from Leicester defender James Justin.

Heroics from Mads Hermansen threatened to deny Arsenal, with the Foxes goalkeeper making 13 saves to keep his side in the game.

However, he was eventually beaten as a set-piece took a deflection off Wilfred Ndidi deep in stoppage time, before Kai Havertz added a fourth with the last kick of the game to ensure all three points for Arsenal, which moved them within a point behind league leaders Liverpool after six games.

“It got nasty, it got difficult, it was emotionally difficult to accept with the amount of situations that we created and the amount of goals that we should have scored,” Mikel Arteta explained after the game.

“They scored two goals. But I’m really happy with how we dealt with that situation after. Emotionally super controlled, doing what we had to do, how consistently we attacked the spaces. I think we deserved to win the game,” the Gunners boss added.

Two recent additions in Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber played key roles at the back for Arsenal, but now reports claim that the Gunners are looking to add to their options in defence.

Arsenal eye up Sevilla ace

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are one of three Premier League sides keeping tabs on Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez.

Arsenal fans may recall the 21-year-old’s previous visit to the club when the two sides met in the Champions League last season, with the defender struggling against the pace of Martinelli.

In fact, the defender was dribbled past eight times – a Champions League record since the 2016 season – and won just 8 of his 19 duels against the Gunners, capping off a tough evening by picking up a yellow card.

Minutes played

90

Tackles won

3/6

Dribbled past

8

Duels won (Contested)

8 (19)

Accurate passes

15

But now, he is a man in demand, with the report claiming that Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham are keeping tabs on the youngster, who has played in a variety of positions throughout his career, including across the right flank.

Sanchez is down to the final two years of his £4,000-a-week deal in Seville, and it is claimed that the Spanish outfit would be willing to accept €25m (£20.9m) to part ways with him this year rather than losing him for free the following summer.

It is added that “the Sevilla talent is open to leaving the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign”, which could make a deal all the more feasible, though it is likely any move from Arsenal would likely need to see one of Takehiro Tomiyasu or Oleksandr Zinchenko depart given the options already at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.

As well as looking to give Ola Aina a new contract, Nottingham Forest are also keen on tying down another key player, with Nuno Espirito Santo pushing for it to happen, according to a new report.

It has been an excellent start to the Premier League season for the Reds, as they have lost just one of their seven games and already have a comfortable cushion above the relegation places.

Nottingham Forest plot Ola Aina contract talks amid £10m Roma transfer plan

Nottingham Forest face a battle to retain one of Nuno’s key players.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 9, 2024 Nottingham Forest news

Forest secured a 1-1 draw with Chelsea over the weekend, but it was bitter sweat as their talisman Morgan Gibbs-White suffered an injury. There was concern he may be missing for a few weeks, but Forest are hoping to have Gibbs-White back available for their game against Crystal Palace after the international break.

As stated before, one player that Forest are already looking to tie down to a new contract is Aina, as he’s entered the final year of his deal at the City Ground. The Reds are set to open contract talks with the defender soon, as they now face a battle to retain his services.

Italian side AS Roma are keen on signing Aina, and they believe they can sign him for around £10-12 million, given the fact he is in the final year of his deal. Aina has played in Italy before, and Roma believe this works to their advantage, as he will fit well into their team and knows their manager, Ivan Juric, as he played under him at Torino.

While Forest and Evangelos Marinakis aim to tie Aina down to a new contract, they are also keen to give a new contract to another player who has become important under Nuno.

Nuno wants Nottingham Forest to open contract talks with Chris Wood

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Nottingham Forest are keen to tie Chris Wood down to a new contract. The New Zealand international is now in the final year of his contract at the City Ground, and the club are keen to extend his stay beyond this campaign.

Wood joined Forest first on loan from Newcastle United in January 2023, and then that deal was made into a permanent switch that summer after he helped play a role in the club staying in the top flight.

The 32-year-old, who earns £4.1 million a year at the City Ground, has become a key player under manager Nuno, and it is him who is pushing the club to give the striker a new contract. The forward has made an impressive start to this season, and he has already come in for high praise, as Match of the Day 2 pundit Stephen Warnock labelled Wood as an “outstanding” player who offers so much to the team as well as his goals.

Apps

49

Goals

20

Assists

1

Warnock said on Wood: “They’ve got Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Callum Hudson-Odoi; it’s pace in attack.

“But I’ve got to say Chris Wood is outstanding. Not only his goals, but as a focal point, he takes the pressure off the rest of the team.”

When Brendan Rodgers rocked up back at Celtic last summer, few would have anticipated that a certain Liam Scales would emerge as a key figure under the Northern Irishman.

Signed from Shamrock Rovers for a reported fee of just £500k back in the summer of 2021, the promising centre-back went on to make just 13 appearances in all competitions during his debut season under Ange Postecoglou, having typically been deployed in a left-back berth.

That bit-part role ensured that Scales was then sent on loan to Aberdeen ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, with the move sparking controversy among Dons fans who had become weary of the procession of Celtic stars who had joined the club on a temporary basis.

To his credit, the “old-fashioned” defender – as described by then-boss Jim Goodwin – went on to more than prove his critics wrong at Pittodrie, ultimately making 39 appearances in all competitions, while notably netting a long-range stunner against Rangers.

A return to Aberdeen was subsequently mooted at the end of that fruitful season, although Scales has since managed to upset the odds by forcing his way into Rodgers’ first-team plans at Parkhead.

Liam Scales' record at Celtic

There was much upheaval in the centre-back ranks in Glasgow in the summer of 2023, with regular starter Carl Starfelt departing for Celta Vigo, while the youthful pairing of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki arrived from Elfsborg and Legia Warsaw, respectively. Nat Phillips was also plucked on loan from Liverpool late in the day.

With Yuki Kobayashi and Stephen Welsh also on the books at the time – behind nailed on first-choice, Cameron Carter-Vickers – it appeared difficult to see any route into the side for the returning Scales.

Amid injury disruption at the start of 2023/24, however, the Republic of Ireland international found himself in the starting lineup for the goalless draw away St Johnstone. In truth, he hasn’t looked back since.

While the likes of Lagerbielke, Kobayashi and Phillips have departed – with Nawrocki also something of a forgotten man after featuring just once this season – Scales has surpassed them all, nailing down a role alongside Carter-Vickers at the heart of the defence.

Rewarded with a new four-year deal back in May, the 26-year-old has now chalked up 68 games for the club across all fronts, while registering ten goal involvements in that time.

7 games (7 starts)

1 goal

0 assists

131.9 touches*

91% pass accuracy*

6 clean sheets

2.3 tackles & interceptions*

4.1 balls recovered*

77% total duels won*

78% aerial duels*

7.77 avg. match rating

The Dublin-born warrior is not without his limitations, but he’s quickly becoming a key figure for Rodgers and co. The hope will be that the Hoops can replicate that success with another star who is catching the eye out on loan.

Celtic can repeat Scales success

While there was a degree of luck involved in Scales’ rise, amid the litany of injuries at Parkhead at the time, the versatile defender no doubt benefitted from the chance to prove himself in the Premiership with the Dons.

Perhaps, promising midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu can do the same amid his second temporary stint away from Celtic at Hibernian, having previously spent time at St Mirren in the second half of last term.

Signed from Busan IPark last summer, the 23-year-old was unable to break into Rodgers’ side in the first-half of 2023/24, hence the decision to allow him to try his hand with the Saints.

Now on the books at Easter Road, the Korean – who has been dubbed a “great athlete” by Hibs boss, David Gray – has started five league games in a row and is beginning to showcase what he can do.

Previously descibed as a player who can offer “real composure on the ball”, as per Stephen Robinson, he has enjoyed a pass accuracy rate of 84% and averaged one key pass per game in the Premiership this season, as per Sofascore.

Also adept defensively, Kwon has also averaged 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, while winning 69% of his aerial duels, with Gray noting that he has “done really well” in the centre of the park, alongside former Sunderland man, Nectarios Triantis.

It is still early days, but if the towering asset can maintain consistency for the Edinburgh outfit, he could well be an option to consider for Rodgers next season, particularly amid the lack of depth in that defensive midfield role, behind Callum McGregor.

Having witnessed the success of Scales who was previously out in the cold in Glasgow, Kwon can look to the Irishman as a reason for optimism in 2025.

Celtic have struck gold with Hoops ace who's similar to a £105m star

The Hoops maestro did not cost a penny when he joined the club.

ByDan Emery Oct 15, 2024

After getting off to an excellent start on the pitch, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly set their sights on beating some of the Premier League’s top clubs in the transfer market.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Nottingham Forest couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the Premier League campaign. The Midlands club have lost just one of their first seven Premier League games in a run that includes a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, which remains Arne Slot’s only defeat in charge of the Reds.

Nuno wants Nottingham Forest to open contract talks with £4m-a-year star

Nuno is pushing Nottingham Forest to reward a key player with a new contract.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 10, 2024

Sitting 10th and well away from relegation troubles as a result of their form, Forest took points from another top-six side last time out, holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Given that only Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than Nottingham Forest so far this season, it’s clear that Nuno Espirito Santo no longer needs any defensive reinforcements, allowing those at the City Ground to turn their attention towards perfecting his side’s frontline. On that front, they’ve reportedly joined the race to sign a Brazilian star.

According to reports in Spain, Nottingham Forest have now set their sights on signing Igor Jesus ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United in 2025. The Botofogo forward, who joined the Brazilian side from UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli in the summer, could already be on the move again amid interest from the Premier League.

That move won’t come cheap, however. Botofogo reportedly value their striker at €35m-40m (£29m-34m) in what would force Forest to once again splash the cash in the transfer market. That said, such a price looks likely to be worth paying given the electric form that Jesus has found himself in throughout the current campaign.

"Great" Jesus could replace Chris Wood

Amid Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury concerns in the last season or so, it’s Chris Wood who has superbly stepped up to become quite the talisman for Nottingham Forest, but at 32 years old, he won’t be at the peak of his powers for much longer. And that’s where Jesus could come in and replace the former Burnley man to hand Espirito Santo an attacking lead for years to come.

Dubbed “great” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Jesus scored 24 goals and assisted a further three both in the UAE and Brazil in the 2023/24 campaign and has since followed that up by scoring on his debut for the national team.

With the Premier League potentially beckoning, Jesus could earn the biggest move of his career yet if the likes of Nottingham Forest step up their chase. The Midlands club have, of course, already turned towards Brazil for one reinforcement recently when they welcomed Carlos Miguel from Corinthians to bolster their shot-stopping options during the summer transfer window.

Leeds United are now undefeated in seven Sky Bet Championship games and will be hoping to keep that impressive run going when they welcome struggling Plymouth Argyle to Elland Road this weekend.

Argyle are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone and currently without a win in three, but their impressive comeback against Preston North End last week, which saw them come from three goals behind to draw, is proof that Wayne Rooney’s side are no pushovers.

Move over Gnonto: Leeds have unearthed next PL talent in "underrated" star

The Leeds United midfielder has caught the eye with his impressive performances this season.

ByDan Emery Oct 31, 2024

“If we allow them to play good football – they play with courage, they can be dangerous,” Farke said of Plymouth in a pre-match press conference on Thursday. “They have showed some resilience in the last few games.”

In the same press conference, Farke also heaped praise on Rooney, who has previously managed both Derby County and Birmingham City: “His teams never just try to park the bus. They try to play football and I really like that.”

Leeds team news and injuries before Plymouth

If Leeds are to beat Plymouth on Saturday, they may have to do so without three players making a combined £135,000 a week. Speaking to the media on Thursday (Adam Pope, BBC), Farke confirmed that all of Daniel James, Patrick Bamford, and Joe Gelhardt are now injury doubts for the fixture.

“We will make a late decision on Joe Gelhardt,” he said. “Daniel James has problems with his hamstring. Patrick Bamford adductor. Final test tomorrow. We will make late decisions on them. It depends on how they come through the session tomorrow (Friday).”

Farke also provided an update on the fitness of defender Maximilian Wober, who hasn’t played since he sustained a knee injury against Coventry City at the end of September.

“Wober has been back in team training since Tuesday,” Farke said, adding: “When you can train, you are available to be picked. He’s not ready to start a game. He has been out for five and a half weeks. We expect him to be back fully available pretty soon.”

Farke on Guilavogui: "He's settled in really well"

Amid Leeds’ ongoing injury crisis, the club entered the free agent market last week to sign former France international and Wolfsburg midfielder Josuha Guilavogui.

Farke did not confirm on Thursday whether the 34-year-old would feature against Plymouth, but did praise the veteran star for the impact he’s already had on the training ground.

“He has settled in really well,” said the boss. “He has joined in with all team training. He’s so professional in how he prepares for and after training. Unbelievable character and a really good player.”

In light of Guilavogui’s move, pundit Carlton Palmer recently claimed to Football League World that Leeds are now eyeing a move for another free agent in winger Ryan Kent, who earlier this month had his contract with Turkish side Fenerbahce terminated.

“Apparently, Leeds United are a club looking at Kent,” said Palmer. “I’ve always said you’ve got to be careful with free transfers and players who are out of contract; they’re out of contract for a reason. But I think with Kent, this may well be a good move for Leeds.”

A report this week has shared what “several” senior West Ham United stars are all feeling about manager Julen Lopetegui right now, with pressure truly on the Spaniard after an uninspired start to 2024/2025.

Lopetegui facing sack calls as West Ham look at other managers

The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table and have won just three of their opening 10 top-flight matches, leading to suggestions that Lopetegui may not be the right man to replace David Moyes.

Darren Bent says big-name could replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

The Spaniard’s position is increasingly fragile.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 5, 2024

The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss has been slammed for his tactics, consistent selection of certain out-of-form players like Guido Rodriguez and all-round approach to games, with West Ham even branded a “complete mess” under the tactician.

If results, performances and unrest continue in this fashion, Lopetegui faces becoming the next top-flight manager to be sacked after Erik ten Hag – who was ironically given his P45 after defeat at West Ham nearly two weeks ago.

While reports suggest David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten are eager to give the 58-year-old more time to transform the club’s fortunes, it is also believed that West Ham have sounded out potential Lopetegui replacements, like former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

The Irons are doing internal groundwork on possible alternative options, in the event they decide to part ways with Lopetegui, and Conceicao is one of a few names under consideration.

“Sergio Conceicao is one name on West Ham’s radar,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to Hammers News recently.

“He is being looked at by a lot of clubs. Sullivan is not ready to accept yet that bringing Lopetegui in was a mistake.

“But, still, work is being done within the club to assess potential alternatives should Lopetegui fail to steer West Ham back on course. And one of the names that has come up in discussions is that of Conceicao.”

What several West Ham stars are thinking about Lopetegui right now

This week, broadcast giant talkSPORT have also backed West Ham’s links to the Portuguese, who clinched Manager of the Year three times in his homeland and won trophies galore during his time in the Primeira Liga.

They have also shared what “several” senior West Ham players are feeling about Lopetegui right now.

Indeed, it is believed all of them are disenchanted by the former Sevilla boss, and not fully on board with his methodology, which makes for grim reading, considering unity and a collective belief in the project is key for any side to perform well.

Next up for West Ham is a clash against Everton at the London Stadium, who are also struggling for consistent form under Sean Dyche, so this represents a significant opportunity for Lopetegui to get fans back on side with a convincing display.

As the international break arrives, Everton have reportedly turned their attention towards the future and landing not one but two young stars from Scotland in a double swoop.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees will welcome the international break with open arms having gone three games without victory in the Premier League after the ultimate stalemate against West Ham United. It had looked as though they finally turned a corner under Sean Dyche but recent results suggest that they’re far from out of trouble just yet, making further reinforcements all the more important.

On the transfer front, names such as Bright Osayi-Samuel and Tariq Lamptey have already been linked with a move to Goodison Park as The Friedkin Group look to make an instant impact on arrival.

Lamptey would be a particularly interesting deal. Once the next talented right-back coming through English football, Lamptey struggles to break into the Brighton & Hove Albion side these days, leaving the door ajar for an exit in 2025. In pursuit of rediscovering his form through game time, Goodison Park could be an ideal location. It’s not just current stars that the Toffees are targeting, however.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Everton are now plotting a double swoop to sign Cole and Dylan Williams from Scottish side Airdrie after sending scouts to watch the twins in action.

Revealed: When Everton's takeover could be completed

The news comes after a sale has been agreed with the Premier League.

1 ByBen Browning Nov 13, 2024

Two players for the future at just 16 years old, Everton’s focus on youth should benefit them in the long term, especially as they aim to push beyond relegation scraps and gradually back towards the top half where they belong. Already named on the bench for Scottish Championship side Airdrie, the Williams twins are certainly ones to watch.

Williams twins are ones for the future

There’s plenty of famous siblings in football – be it Gary and Phil Neville or more recently Inaki and Nico Williams – and now the Williams twins may well follow in suit should they complete a move to Everton. Both midfielders, their own dream will undoubtedly be to form a partnership at the heart of a top flight side, which Everton could pave the way for.

Still incredibly young players, they will have it all to think about if the Toffees come calling. A place in the academy would likely await, of course, before a path towards the first team is formed. With Crystal Palace also reportedly interested, however, the twins could yet deal those in Merseyside the ultimate blow.

Whether it would be a good time to be joining Everton remains to be seen. When Dan Friedkin arrives, the hope will be that one of England’s oldest clubs finally climb away from relegation concerns and become a go-to side for young players once again. As things stand, however, a move to Goodison Park is one with far too many risks for one young player to complete, let alone two already making their way in senior football.

Manchester City return from the international break this evening as they prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at The Etihad.

Pep Guardiola has had two weeks to formulate a plan to turn his side’s fortunes around after they went into the last international break of the year off the back of four defeats in succession.

One of those losses came at the hands of Spurs, at their ground, in a 2-1 win for Ange Postecoglou’s team in the League Cup, thanks to goals from Pape Matar Sarr and Timo Werner.

The Cityzens have also lost their last two matches in the Premier League, against Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, and find themselves five points behind Liverpool in the race for the title.

Matt O’Riley’s winning goal off the bench for Brighton last time out, five minutes after Joao Pedro had equalised for the hosts, was the most recent blow for City.

They have now had two weeks to prepare for this clash with Tottenham and look set to have some of their stars back and available for selection.

The latest Manchester City team news

Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, and John Stones were all absent from the squad for the 2-1 defeat to Brighton last time out, with two of them now set to return against Spurs.

The Standard have reported that Grealish and Stones have both been pictured in training for Manchester City this week, which is set to provide Guardiola with a boost at both ends of the pitch.

With Dias also out, the manager turned to academy graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from the start against Brighton and the youngster lost three of his four aerial duels in the defeat.

Appearances

6

Goals

2

Ground duel success rate

80%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

Pass accuracy

87%

As you can see in the table above, Stones has been a dominant force at the back when available in the Premier League and could come in to improve City’s defence this weekend.

Meanwhile, Grealish, who has created 15 chances in seven Premier League games this season, could return to provide competition to Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes on the left flank.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Standard also stated that Kevin de Bruyne has been in training with the Cityzens and Guardiola must now ruthlessly ditch Ilkay Gundogan from the starting XI to make space for the Belgian star.

Why Ilkay Gundogan should be dropped

Firstly, the 34-year-old central midfielder played 72 minutes of the defeat to Brighton and failed to offer much to the team at the top end of the pitch.

He was reliable enough with the ball at his feet, completing 93% of his attempted passes, but did not provide any creativity or quality to open up the Brighton defence. The German whiz ended the match with zero key passes and zero ‘big chances’ created for his teammates.

Gundogan’s struggles in the final third have been constant since his return to Manchester City on a free transfer from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, as he has failed to get back to the kind of performances he displayed in the past for the club.

The veteran midfielder has scored 61 goals and provided 39 assists in 319 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens, but has only produced one goal and one assist in 15 outings since his return.

Appearances

10

Goals

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes per game

1.5

Ground duel success rate

49%

As you can see in the table above, Gundogan is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League this season and has not created a single ‘big chance’ for his teammates.

This suggests that the former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona star has not provided a consistent threat in the final third from a midfield position for City, which they have needed when you consider that they have failed to score more than one goal in each of their last three matches in the top-flight.

Therefore, Gundogan should be ruthlessly dropped down to the bench for this clash with Tottenham to provide another player with a chance to shine.

The player Guardiola should replace Gundogan with

Guardiola must unleash de Bruyne from the start against Spurs, in place of the German midfielder, to provide his quality at the top end of the pitch.

The Belgium international, whose footballing brain was described as “ridiculous” by Thierry Henry, made his return from injury by coming off the bench against Sporting and Brighton before the international break, and should now start for the first time.

De Bruyne, who has scored 103 goals and provided 171 assists in 390 games for City, is a midfielder who can consistently impact games in the final third at the top level.

The 33-year-old star scored four goals and created a staggering 21 ‘big chances’ in just 15 starts in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, whilst Gundogan is yet to create any ‘big chances’ in ten league outings this term.

Appearances

5

Starts

4

Goals

1

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

3.2

As you can see in the table above, de Bruyne also had a terrific start to the current campaign before his latest injury, with four goals and ‘big chances’ created in just four starts, along with more than twice as many key passes per game in comparison to Gundogan.

To put it simply, the Belgian magician is a world-class creative talent who has consistently proven his ability to make things happen in the final third for City, particularly at Premier League level, and that is why he should be brought back into the XI.

He has had two substitute appearances and an extra two weeks of training without any competitive matches to get himself in a position to start, and Guardiola must unleash him ahead of Gundogan at The Etihad against Spurs this evening.

Man City may have already sold their next Haaland for just £15m

Manchester City decided to cash in on their long-term Erling Haaland replacement.

ByDan Emery Nov 19, 2024

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are two of the sides eyeing a bid to sign an Ipswich Town star in 2025, following a £40m+ update regarding his future.

Latest Ipswich news

The Tractor Boys return to Premier League action this weekend, looking to build on their 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United last Sunday, not to mention their stunning 2-1 victory away to Tottenham earlier in the month.

Ipswich make the trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, with two defeats in a row for the Midlands club suggesting that their strong early-season form could now be a thing of the past, with Kieran McKenna’s side facing them at a good time.

The Tractor Boys could be eyeing new signings once the January transfer window opens, and while experienced players would be ideal in their fight to avoid relegation back to the Championship, 18-year-old Celtic forward Daniel Cummings has been linked with a move to the club.

There are many players who have impressed for Ipswich since their return to the Premier League, from left-back Leif Davis to attacking ace Liam Delap, and now a worrying Portman Road exit rumour has emerged.

Eight clubs eyeing £40m+ Ipswich star Delap

According to Caught Offside, as many as eight clubs are interested in signing Ipswich striker Delap in 2025, following his eye-catching start to the season in the Premier League.

Bundesliga giants Bayern and Dortmund are among those on the list, as are Arsenal, who see him as “another name under consideration” with Alexander Isak. Alongside the trio, Aston Villa, Newcastle, RB Leipzig, Ajax and PSV are also named. Delap could cost as much as £41.5m, with the Tractor Boys desperate to retain the services of one of their best players.

Losing Delap so soon after signing him would be a significant blow for Ipswich, with the 21-year-old one of the most exciting young striker in the country at the moment.

He has scored six goals in just 11 Premier League starts this season – an impressive tally for a side languishing near the bottom of the table – and Danny Murphy has heaped praise on him in recent days, backing him to become a force for England over time:

“He’s got a lot of qualities. I’ve seen him quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as to say that, for me, he’s the obvious long-term successor to Kane. I think he’s the best young English striker out there. I know he’s got a bit to learn, and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”

Unfortunately for Ipswich, the lure of playing for a bigger club is always going to be there for a player like Delap, who will want to reach his potential after failing to fully make the grade at Manchester City.

Appearances

12

Starts

11

Minutes played

865

Goals

6

Assists

1

Shots per game

1.7

Dribbles per game

1.0

Aerial duel wins per game

0.9

Hopefully, Delap sees his current club as the right option for the time being, however, with regular playing time allowing him to develop as a footballer, rather than possibly warming the substitutes’ bench elsewhere.

Manchester United’s transfer strategy in recent years has seen them come under fire, wasting hundreds of millions of pounds on players who simply aren’t up to the level required of the Premier League.

Former boss Erik ten Hag is partly to blame for their recruitment, spending over £600m on new additions during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

In an attempt to combat their recent woes, Dan Ashworth was brought in from Newcastle United a couple of months ago but has already left his post after a fallout with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The 53-year-old was only in the role as Sporting Director for five months, overseeing the last transfer window under Ten Hag that saw another £200m splashed before his dismissal.

However, it was one deal before he moved to the North West that may look to be a mistake, especially considering his unforgivable errors in the latest outing.

Andre Onana’s move to Manchester United

The summer of 2023 saw various areas of the pitch undergo an overhaul to try and build on the third-place finish achieved during the season prior.

Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount both arrived to provide added firepower in attacking areas, with the pair costing the hierarchy over £120m in the process.

However, the departure of fan-favourite David De Gea left a huge hole between the sticks that desperately needed filling ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard, who made 545 appearances for the Red Devils, was let go at the end of his contract by Ten Hag, who opted to sign Andre Onana for £47m – believing that the Cameroonian would be a better fit in terms of playing out from the back.

Whilst there’s no denying that the 28-year-old has produced some impressive moments, his errors will always be the ones that are remembered, especially when they contribute to a defeat.

His errors against Nottingham Forest last night were unforgivable, leading Ruben Amorim to his first defeat on home soil since his appointment at the end of last month.

Onana was unable to keep out efforts from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, leading them to a second consecutive defeat. As a result, Amorim already has a huge task on his hands.

It could have been made easier had the club completed a deal for another goalkeeper, rather than opting for a move to land the Cameroonian. Here is who they could have signed instead…

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Man United's Onana alternative

After losing such a key member in De Gea, the job of replacing the Spaniard was always going to be a tricky task, placing huge expectations onto his replacement – which ultimately ended up being Onana.

The move undoubtedly came about after his time playing under Ten Hag at Ajax, reuniting the pair – a common theme with the majority of the additions during his time at the helm.

However, during the same period of the goalkeeping overhaul, there were numerous reports linking Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a big-money transfer to Old Trafford.

The Belgian, who’s previously been dubbed as “world-class” by journalist Harri Burton, featured in the Premier League for Chelsea, before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.

During his glittering career, the 32-year-old has won six league titles to date, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the world over recent years.

2018/19

35

48

10

2019/20

43

32

21

2020/21

51

44

21

2021/22

52

46

22

2022/23

49

49

17

2023/24

5

0

5

2024/25

16

14

6

Since his transfer to the Bernabeu, Courtois has also helped the Spanish giants to win two Champions League trophies, producing a Man of the Match display against Liverpool in the final back in the 2021/22 season.

Given his massive success as a player, coupled with Onana’s recent mistakes, the club may have wished they had forked out the added money needed to secure the services of the Belgian.

His experience at the top level, coupled with his winning mentality would’ve added the leadership and quality needed to end their recent run without a Premier League title.

However, he will remain as one who got away, leaving United supporters with a case of what could’ve been had they signed him instead of the current number one.

Amorim must drop 5/10 Man United dud who Ashworth thinks is "really good"

Manchester United suffered a second consecutive defeat under Ruben Amorim last night.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 8, 2024