iShowSpeed was seen leading the celebrations after Al-Nassr’s recent 5-1 win over Al-Fateh, with the streamer’s favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the second goal in the routine victory.
iShowSpeed in attendance as Al-Nassr demolish Al-Fateh
Al-Nassr continued their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season on Saturday evening, winning their fifth game on the spin, which leaves them four points clear of nearest rivals Al-Hilal at the top of the table.
iShowSpeed was in attendance, with the American well-known to be a super-fan of Ronaldo, and the forward, who is still regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, rewarded the 20-year-old, scoring Al-Nassr’s second goal of the game on the hour mark.
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After the game, the Twitch streamer was directed to lead the celebrations by the 40-year-old, who instructed him how to play the drum, with the clip subsequently going viral.
It is not the first interaction iShowSpeed has had with his idol, with a video of the two meeting a little over two years ago racking up over 25 million views.
Speed’s love of the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend stems from a £1.79 donation to his stream over three years ago, which has been credited as a life-changing moment for the Cincinnati-born streamer.
With the Al-Nassr star clearly thankful for the support, he has now followed iShowSpeed on Instagram and even posted him on his story to his 666 million followers.
Fans of the duo will be hoping the gesture could lead to a collaboration of sorts in the future, although the streamer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, has made it clear he doesn’t want to meet his idol on stream.
Ronaldo at the top of his game ahead of 2026 World Cup
There was an expectation that the 2022 World Cup may be the Portugal star’s last, but he is showing no signs of slowing down, having scored six goals for Al-Nassr already this season, taking his tally to 99 in 112 appearances.
The legendary forward has also continued to impress at international level, most recently bagging a brace in a 2-2 draw at home against Hungary, although his side were denied early qualification as a result of Dominik Szoboszlai’s late equaliser.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s longevity can only be commended, but given that he is now 40-years-old, the 2026 World Cup will surely be the former Real Madrid man’s last opportunity to get his hands on one of the only trophies that has eluded him…
Chelsea are ready to continue their impressive gamble on youth with another unexposed talent, who has reportedly left the Blues chiefs “obsessed” in his limited game time thus far.
Chelsea continue to sign youth talents
Since the arrival of Todd Boehly in 2022, Chelsea have changed their transfer focus to pluck future gems out of other clubs, with Cole Palmer perhaps the biggest success case.
There have been mixed results; for every Palmer there has been a David Fofana, and for every Nicolas Jackson a Deivid Washington, but the result has been that Enzo Maresca has been handed the youngest squad in the Premier League and appears to have found a way to balance the immense talent present at Stamford Bridge, with two very distinct sides being used for either the Premier League or Europa Conference League.
Plenty more talents are on their way too; Estevao Willian will arrive at the club next summer after Chelsea signed him from Palmeiras in a deal worth up to £52m, while Kendry Paez has also been signed and the pair will be joined by Anel Anselmino, who was signed last summer but has spent this season on loan at Boca Juniors.
It means that Chelsea’s squad overhaul is likely to continue, with the likes of Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Cesare Casadei potentially moved on permanently after being axed from Maresca’s plans.
One position that hasn’t been properly addressed, however, is the no.1 spot at Stamford Bridge. That is not for the want of trying; the Blues have signed five goalkeepers in two years at a combined cost of £78m, but are yet to find a reliable presence between the posts.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper signings since 2022
Player
Fee
Filip Jorgensen
€24.5m
Robert Sanchez
€23m
Mike Penders
€20m
Djorde Petrovic
€16m
Gabriel Slonina
€9m
Now, they feel that they may have identified one.
Chelsea "obsessed" with new goalkeeper
That comes as a report in Spain has revealed that Chelsea are one of two London clubs tracking Arsenal shot-stopper Karl Hein.
The Estonian shot-stopper has only made one senior appearance for the Gunners and was sent out on loan last summer, joining Spanish outfit Real Valladolid on loan for the 2024-25 campaign.
And his performances have clearly caught the eye, with the report claiming that Chelsea are obsessed with the 22-year-old, who has just 17 senior appearances to his name.
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Arsenal are thought to be willing to let him leave in the future too, with the club having made David Raya their undisputed no.1 and strongly linked with another La Liga goalkeeper to become their backup option, in the form of Joan Garcia from Espanyol.
As a result, the report suggests that the Gunners would be willing to part ways with Hein for between €15m and €20m (£12.5m to £16.5m) when his loan with Valladolid ends, though the Blues could well be dragged into a bidding war amid interest from Tottenham too.
Could Hein finally be the answer to Chelsea’s problems between the posts, or would he add to a rapidly lengthening list of discarded options at Stamford Bridge?
Liverpool are now preparing a bid worth £97.5m for a “world-class” forward, and Darwin Nunez could be used as a makeweight in a swap deal, according to a report.
Nunez could be set for Anfield exit
Nunez has had plenty of chances to prove himself at Anfield, and while there have been promising signs from time to time, he has struggled to justify his huge price tag.
As such, it appears as though the Uruguayan’s time on Merseyside could be coming to an end, with FSG now reportedly willing to accept a £60m offer.
The Reds have also started looking at replacements for the 25-year-old, with it recently being revealed that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is high up the list of targets.
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During the January transfer window, Arne Slot has been looking at different ways to get unwanted players off the books, with Federico Chiesa’s future at Anfield also in doubt. It has been reported that Chiesa could be used as part of a swap deal to sign Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, following the Italian’s poor start to life in the Premier League.
However, according to new reports from Spain, Liverpool are now preparing a bid worth £97.5m for Kvaratskhelia, combining a transfer fee with a player swap, with Nunez potentially being sent to Napoli as part of the deal.
Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
At the moment, Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race for the forward’s signature and have agreed terms with the player, but the Reds’ proposal could put them in a good position to get a deal done.
Napoli have stalled in negotiations over a new deal for the 23-year-old, meaning he could be on the move in the summer transfer window, and there is no shortage of interest, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen.
Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Brentford (a)
January 18th
Ipswich (h)
January 25th
AFC Bournemouth (a)
February 1st
Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)
February 16th
Manchester City (a)
February 23rd
Kvaratskhelia performing at the highest level
The Georgia international has been a key player for Napoli over the course of a number of seasons, and he has continued to play an important role in his side’s title pursuit this season.
In 17 Serie A outings, the winger has bagged five goals and three assists, and he is ranked as the Italian side’s second-best performing player, with an average WhoScored match rating of 7.12.
Kvaratskhelia also played a key role for his national side in Euro 2024 last summer, with talkSPORT’s David Tanner lauding him as “world-class”, leading Georgia to the round of 16 for the first time.
Nunez’s move to Liverpool has simply not worked out, so it makes sense to include him in a deal for Kvaratskhelia, although it may be wiser to use Chiesa as a makeweight, given that he is showing even fewer encouraging signs than the Uruguayan.
The former Juventus man has made just one appearance in the Premier League, and a goal against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup is unlikely to buy him much time to show further signs of improvement.
It may have come all too late with regard to Manchester United’s Premier League fortunes, although Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad is beginning to look far stronger, ahead of a pivotal last few weeks of the campaign.
Against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, the dominant visitors showcased the growing depth to their ranks, with the former Sporting CP boss able to call upon the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and, of course, Amad Diallo from the bench.
At one stage looking set to miss the remainder of the season, after being struck down with an ankle injury back in mid-February, the diminutive Ivorian has beaten the odds to seal a swift return to action.
Amad Diallo
Previously the shining light of 2024/25, prior to being overtaken by Bruno Fernandes in his absence, the 22-year-old has chalked up 12 goals and assists in just 21 games under Amorim’s watch, having even looked lively during his brief cameo in midweek.
The former Atalanta starlet notably evaded his man down the right flank with a breathtaking piece of skill and trickery late on, with that moment alone signifying just what United have been missing in recent months.
Capable of operating at wing-back or in a number ten berth, the £120k-per-week wizard – who recently signed a new long-term deal – looks set to be a mainstay at Old Trafford for years to come. Now it’s time to start building a team around him…
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
If Amad’s future is to lie as a number ten, then the role on the opposite side – should Fernandes slot into a deep-lying berth – could be taken up by Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers star seemingly edging closer to a £62.5m move to Old Trafford.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their first goal
That new-look frontline could then be strengthened even further with the presence of a new centre-forward, with recent reports indicating that the Red Devils remain “in the race” for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
As per Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, while it is Arsenal who are “pushing” to sign the prolific Swede, United are among the clubs also battling for his signature, alongside Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Plettenberg, the 26-year-old is able to leave Portugal this summer for a fee between €60-€70m (£51m – £63m), having struck a “verbal agreement” with the Lisbon-based side already.
Previously signed by Amorim from Coventry City on a £17m deal back in 2023, Gyokeres could represent the key to truly kickstarting the new regime in Manchester.
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It remains remarkable that the Sweden international was once on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion, yet never actually managed to make a league appearance for the Seagulls, having been sent out on a handful of loan moves during his time at the Amex.
Viktor Gyokeres
As noted by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, it was actually one-time United director, Dan Ashworth, who oversaw the measly £1m sale of Gyokeres to Coventry in 2021, with the player having since gone on to become the “hottest striker in Europe”.
The in-demand marksman had actually only scored four goals during his initial loan move with the Sky Blues, although as his former teammate Jake Bidwell revealed, he seemingly returned a “different animal” following the completion of his permanent switch.
38 Championship strikes followed over the next two seasons, while Gyokeres has since chalked up a breathtaking total of 95 goals in just 98 games in his current home, including seven across his last two Liga Portugal outings.
A monster. A machine. Whatever you want to call him, the rampaging number nine – who also boasts 15 goals in 26 senior games for his country – is simply devastating right now in front of goal, with it no surprise that Amorim might well be keen on a reunion.
Manager
Games
Goals
Assists
Erik ten Hag
24
3
3
Ruben Amorim
21
6
6
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
8
1
1
Ruud van Nistelrooy
4
2
1
Ralf Rangnick
1
0
0
Michael Carrick
0
0
0
Total
58
12
9
What Gyokeres will need is quality service if he is potentially flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, with Amad – as well as Fernandes – potentially set to prove key in that regard, considering he has averaged 1.8 key passes per game in the league this season, while chalking up six assists, as per Sofascore.
Equally, the one-time Sunderland loanee also has that knack of driving at a defence in order to create space for his teammates, something which could certainly benefit Gyokeres, as he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90.
That desire to make things happen in the final third also ensures that Amad ranks in the top 18% for touches in the opposition penalty box, again ensuring opportunities should arise for those alongside him.
A player who can press from the front with lightning speed, as indicated with his goal against Spurs after charging down Fraser Forster, Amad is simply a player who causes havoc. Someone who sucks defenders toward him.
In truth, having scored just 39 league goals in 2024/25, the Red Devils are crying out for similar talents who can win games on their own. Judging by Gyokeres’ heroics in Lisbon, he certainly fits the bill…
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Tottenham’s chiefs are becoming increasingly interested in a new manager as pressure builds on current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, it has been reported.
Tottenham's season in tatters
Tottenham threw away another lead this season as they fell to a 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea in their most recent Premier League outing. The Lilywhites roared into a 2-0 lead courtesy of two errors from Marc Cucurella, but were pegged back by goals from Jadon Sancho and Cole Palmer, before Enzo Fernandez and second Palmer penalty left them 4-2 down.
They clawed one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late and it was their London rivals who escaped with all three points.
The result, Tottenham’s third loss in four Premier League games, leaves the Lilywhites marooned in 11th in the Premier League with more defeats than wins, though they only remain five points off fifth placed Nottingham Forest.
Postecoglou was keen to stress the positives of the game though: “We had moments to get our third and at half-time we were in a decent position. The second half is a ding dong, especially at the start, they scored but we had a big chance with Son, we didn’t take it and then they [are] 3-2 up.
“I think there were quality opportunities but I don’t think there was an abundance of them. I can’t remember the keepers making a load of top quality saves.
“We more than matched a good side in that department and when there is quality out there you are going to have moments. There were things we could have done better for sure.”
Despite this, there are concerns mounting in north London, with the Spurs boss having been booed by his own fans during their midweek defeat to Bournemouth, and should results not pick up a change could be inevitable.
Southampton (Away)
Liverpool (Home)
Nottingham Forest (Away)
Wolves (Home)
Newcastle United (Home)
Should he depart, one man is creeping his way up Tottenham’s radar.
Tottenham chiefs increasingly impressed by Fulham boss
That is according to The Independent, who report that Tottenham’s hierarchy are casting “increasingly admiring looks” in the direction of Fulham boss Marco Silva.
The Portuguese coach, who sets his team out in a much more rigid and traditional 4-2-3-1 at Craven Cottage, has helped Fulham into 10th place this season, and picked up a credible point against Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal in his most recent outing.
Evening Standard reporter Dom Smith dubbed him an “underrated manager”, and now it appears that Tottenham have their eye on him should they be forced into making a decision over Postecoglou.
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Even having sold his best player in back to back summers, Silva’s side have gradually improved since their arrival in the Premier League, and their draw with Arsenal left them three points above Spurs in the table, with far fewer resources.
His work is likely to have caught the eye of other clubs too. Tottenham had shortlisted him over the summer of 2023, but ended up plumping for Postecoglou instead. Could they now return?
Tottenham Hotspur have really put their fans through the wringer so far this season.
One moment, the North Londoners put three past Manchester United at Old Trafford, and then the next, they hand Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town their first Premier League wins of the season.
Ange Postecoglou has certainly brought back the entertaining style of football that Spurs fans used to pride themselves on, but he hasn’t been able to iron out the inconsistencies that could ultimately cost him come May.
However, it’s not entirely his fault as he’s got to work with the players he has, and some of them, like Radu Dragusin, just don’t appear to be good enough, so Daniel Levy and Co should look to bring in a replacement in 2025, a player they could get for free.
Dragusin's season so far
Now, the first thing to say is that while Dragusin has been generally quite poor so far this season, he’s obviously not the sole reason that Spurs have struggled in games, but he certainly hasn’t helped either.
For example, on his European debut for the club against Qarabağ FK, a game which should have been a relatively easy one for the club, he managed to get himself sent off before ten minutes were played.
Fortunately, his teammates put in an impressive showing and came away with all three points and, in turn, protected him from what could have been a considerable level of backlash had they lost with ten men.
Unfortunately, he was much more at fault for the loss to Galatasaray last week, as he once again made countless foolish fouls, took a poor touch that led to Victor Osimhen’s first goal and generally looked out at sea in what was an extremely hostile environment.
It’s not just been in Europe where the former Genoa ace has struggled either, as he was notably poor against Ipswich Town in the Premier League last weekend as well and received a paltry 3/10 match rating from respected Spurs writer Alasdair Gold.
Overall, it’s hard to see Dragusin improving much as the season progresses, so it would be wise for Levy and Co. to look for an upgrade, and the good news is that they have already been linked with one.
The impressive defender who could replace Dragusin
So, while there are undoubtedly a whole host of talented defenders that Spurs could work on bringing to North London next year, one in particular would be an excellent addition to the team: Jonathan Tah.
Jonathan Tah
The good news is that, according to a report from the Boot Room earlier this week, the club are interested in the German ace and have already talked with intermediaries about a potential deal.
However, it gets even better, as the 28-year-old’s surprisingly small £45k-per-week contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning he’ll be available for free and will be able to sign a pre-agreement with non-German clubs from January.
With all that said, why would the Bayer Leverkusen ace be a great signing?
Well, the first big bonus is that, as well as being 6 foot 5, which should help him adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League, the Hamburg-born “battleship”, as dubbed by former teammate Christoph Kramer, is vastly experienced.
Appearances
20
23
370
Goals
0
0
15
Assists
1
1
12
Goal Involvements*
0.05
0.04
0.07
Across his career, the defensive titan has made 20 appearances for Hamburg, 23 for Düsseldorf, 370 for Leverkusen, who he helped win a league and cup double last season, and has won 32 caps for the German national team, so it’s unlikely that there would be any situation in a Spurs shirt that would see him overawed and make silly mistakes akin to Dragusin last week.
Finally, he’s no slouch with the ball at his feet, either.
According to FBref, which compares players across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the German ace sits in the top 1% of centre-backs for pass completion, the top 6% for total shots, the top 11% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the top 14% for attempted and progressive passes, all per 90.
Ultimately, given his incredible ability and experience, Spurs should be looking to sign Tah whatever he costs, so the fact he’ll be available for free when Transfermarkt values him at €30m – £25m – makes this potential transfer a total no-brainer.
Spurs may already have a bigger talent than Moore up their sleeve
The sensationally talented youngster could have a bright future at Spurs.
Premier League giants Arsenal are keeping tabs on a Celtic player backed to have a “bright future” in the game, according to a fresh transfer claim.
Celtic losing lots of young talent
The Hoops have had so much success in recent years, winning countless Scottish Premiership titles and proving to be comfortably the most dominant side in the Scottish game under Brendan Rodgers.
Despite this, one of the few negatives on show at Celtic currently is their inability to keep hold of some of the most talented young players at the club.
For example, Liam Morrison departed for Bayern Munich back in 2019 – he is now playing for Queens Park Rangers – explaining his reasons for leaving Parkhead back in 2021, saying: “Leaving Celtic was a difficult decision but when a team like Bayern Munich are offering to sign you it’s very hard to turn down. They had the right pathway for me, so that was the decision I made.”
Ben Doak has been one of the most high-profile Celtic youngsters to move on in recent years, with the flying winger moving to Liverpool in 2022 and now shining on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough. Now, it looks as though the Hoops are under threat of losing another exciting starlet, following a new claim.
Arsenal eyeing move for Celtic starlet
According to an update from 67 Hail Hail, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Celtic teenager Rocco di Giacomo, with the creative 15-year-old wide player one of the brightest young talents at Parkhead currently.
While the attacking maestro is “not yet old enough to put pen to paper on a professional deal in either Scotland or England and would have to wait to do so”, that hasn’t done anything to stop the north London club from “taking a closer look” at him. In fact, they have even sent scouts to watch him in action.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looks on.
While Di Giacomo may not be known to all Celtic supporters, considering his age and the fact that he has understandably never threatened to play for the senior team to date, losing him would be another big blow.
The attacking gem has been tipped for a “bright future” in football by St. Ninian’s Football on X, having played for Scotland in the UEFA Development Tournament last year:
Having a strong nucleus of young talent is always so important at Celtic, but it increasingly feels as though youth players are finding it hard to justify staying there when even bigger clubs come calling, with Morrison and Doak perfect examples of that.
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The lure of Arsenal is clear right now, with Mikel Arteta building an exciting young team that looks capable of winning the Premier League title, so it is easy to see why Di Giocomo could see the Gunners as the ideal club for his future development.
There’s always a real sense of intrigue when a player chooses to fly the nest at Manchester United, with supporters no doubt torn between wishing the star well, while also hoping that his exit doesn’t come back to bite them.
In the case of Angel Gomes, for instance, the Red Devils will certainly be ruing letting him slip from their grasp back in 2020, with the Englishman leaving on a free after limited game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, having made just ten first-team appearances for the club in all competitions.
The youngest player to feature for the first team since Duncan Edwards after replacing Wayne Rooney at the age of just 16 and 263 days back in 2017, Gomes has since gone on to flourish in France, via a stint in Portugal, at Ligue 1 side Lille, culminating in a first senior England call-up last month.
Last season in the league, the 24-year-old created 15 ‘big chances’ and provided eight assists from his deep-lying midfield berth, with speculation rife that United are among the clubs who are eyeing a potential move for the diminutive playmaker next summer.
With less than 12 months to run on his existing deal, the 5 foot 6 sensation surely won’t be short of suitors, with the Red Devils plotting a potential Paul Pogba repeat in bringing back an asset they previously let go for nothing.
Paul-Pogba-Man-Utd-France
The one-time Boavista loanee may not be the only asset that INEOS could look to bring back to Old Trafford, however, with there another rising star who could be worthy of a second chance in the near future.
Man Utd have a chance to right a wrong
In cases like Pogba and Gomes, talented youngsters perhaps need to move on from the United bubble in order to flourish, allowing them the chance to gain regular game time away from the intense scrutiny that life in Manchester provides.
There is no harm in then plucking those talents once they have realised their potential elsewhere, however, with the club likely to be keeping a close watch on the likes of Willy Kambwala and Hannibal Mejbri in the coming years – two players who have buyback clauses in the deals that took them to Villarreal and Burnley, respectively.
The same could also be said of a certain Alvaro Fernandez, with the promising Spaniard having made the move to Benfica on an initial £5m deal over the summer after a six-month loan spell – a move that also includes a buyback (as well as a sell-on clause)
The 21-year-old departed after failing to make a first-team appearance for the club, with the towering left-back having arrived from Real Madrid as part of a trio of Spanish imports in the summer of 2020, alongside Marc Jurado (Barcelona) and Alejandro Garnacho (Atletico Madrid).
While Garnacho has since gone on to sparkle, both Jurado and Fernandez have fallen by the wayside, although after a bright start to life in Portugal, a return to United in the near future should be in store to help aid the club’s left-back woes.
Alvaro Fernandez's start at Benfica
Described as a “quality” player with an “amazing engine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig during his time in United’s youth ranks – where he notably made 47 U21 appearances, providing 14 goals and assists – the youngster notably sparkled during the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Preston North End.
That stint at Deepdale saw Fernandez register six assists in 42 games in all competitions as an illustration of his attacking prowess, having been hailed as “immaculate” by then-boss Ryan Lowe.
With Tyrell Malacia subsequently missing the entirety of last season through injury, and with Luke Shaw enduring his own stints on the sidelines, the hope was that Fernandez would come into the first-team picture.
Ultimately, however, he was sent on loan to Granada for the first half of the campaign, before joining his current side on an initial temporary deal in the winter window – even with Sergio Reguilon’s own loan having been cut short in January.
Yet again, United have been forced to start the new campaign without a recognised left-back, while the Spaniard has flourished again in Lisbon, notably averaging 1.8 key passes per game from his six outings in Liga Portugal in 2024/25. Only Amad Diallo (2.4) has bettered that return among those back at United in the Premier League.
He also impressed during his first Champions League start against FK Crvena zvezda last week, providing three key passes from his defensive berth in that 2-1 win, while also completing three of his five crosses.
The Spain U21 international remains rather raw, but at a time when Erik ten Hag’s side are so lacking in that left-sided department – with Harry Amass still also just 17 – he could well have been a worthy part of the Red Devils squad this season.
Thankfully, while the club have let him slip from their grasp, the inclusion of that buyback clause ensures that they could have first dibs over re-signing the 6 foot 1 ace in future, allowing Ten Hag and co the chance to rectify their mistake.
Player
New club
Fee
Scott McTominay
Napoli
£25m
Mason Greenwood
Marseille
£26.6m
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
West Ham
£15m
Willy Kambwala
Villarreal
£4.6m
Hannibal
Burnley
£5.4m
Facundo Pellistri
Panathinaikos
£6.8m
Alvaro Fernandez
Benfica
£5m
Donny van de Beek
Girona
£500k
Raphael Varane
Como
Free
Omari Forson
Monza
Free
Jadon Sancho
Chelsea
Initial loan
Anthony Martial
AEK Athens
Free
Brandon Williams
Free agent
N/A
Perhaps, both he and Gomes could be lining up back up in a United shirt once again…
INEOS believe they can afford to sign "superb" Shaw replacement for Man Utd
At the start of the season, Arne Slot faced a few questions regarding his true tactical integrity and how much of Liverpool’s rip-roaring start was a product of Jurgen Klopp’s legacy.
For sure, some claimed the Dutchman was riding on his predecessor’s coattails, but such arguments have been reduced to flaking, brittle deadwood as Liverpool enter the new year confidently atop the Premier League and Champions League tables.
Liverpool players celebrate
Klopp’s residual ferocity, his counter-pressing snap, can be found in this current Liverpool team. It’s like one of those lenticular paintings that shift when moving to different perspectives.
Optical illusions on the pitch can give the appearance of Klopp’s system, but make no mistake, Slot is very much his own man. He has willed and shaped the Anfield side into his own design despite the weight of the task and the bereftness of activity during the summer transfer window.
Goals scored
2.11
2.50
Goals conceded
1.08
0.94
Possession
61.3
56.9
Progressive passes
55.5
47.7
Progressive carries
24.3
21.4
Ball recoveries
53.5
44.3
Tackles won
11.0
11.7
Duels won
48.9%
51.2%
Sidenote: See the table above; Liverpool are more relaxed in their build-up, less frenetic and energetic. However, they are scoring more and conceding less. This is the marker of Slot’s genius, calming things down through phases while ensuring that his side retain the ability to ramp it up to the nth degree when the situation demands.
Federico Chiesa was snapped up for an eye-catching £12.5m but has only featured four times as he battles injuries. With Darwin Nunez’s future somewhat unclear too, FSG could authorise a statement signing this year – and perhaps even this month.
Liverpool eyeing new forward
As per Sky Sports, Liverpool have shortlisted Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and may move to sign him this year. While the door is not closed on January spending, resolving Anfield’s contractual concerns is the pressing issue.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo’s a prized signature after his prolific performances in the Premier League this term, with reliable reports suggesting that Newcastle United are also in the race and willing to pay £50m this month, though they are wary of PSR restrictions.
Liverpool boast the world’s best right winger in Mohamed Salah but with Chiesa homesick, peripheral and looking for a way out, this could be the perfect move to bolster Slot’s thriving frontline.
Bryan Mbeumo's season in numbers
Mbeumo has been a part of Brentford’s remarkable journey under Thomas Frank’s management, notching 105 goal contributions over 222 appearances.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
Joining from Troyes in French Ligue 2 in 2019, Mbeumo has achieved modern-legend status in west London and, still only 24 years old, will feel that his best days lie ahead.
And rightly so. Regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards, his goal against Arsenal on New Year’s Day was his 45th since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, placing him seventh in the division since that timeframe, directly behind Alexander Isak.
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He’s always there, hunting down goals, but he’s not just a marksman. As per FBref, Mbeumo actually ranks among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 14% for tackles per 90. He’s the complete package.
In fact, such metrics have seen him compared to players such as Isak and Nunez, among forwards in his position across Europe’s top five leagues. The Liverpool striker has his faults, to be sure, but he’s still imbued with a kind of electricity and chaoticness that convinced Liverpool to pay for his services.
And Isak. Well. Wouldn’t Liverpool like to sign the kind of forward who could replicate some of the Newcastle man’s quality?
A Darwin Nunez & Alexander Isak hybrid
Imagine a player carrying properties distinctive to both Nunez and Isak. Imagine the kind of player you’d get. Mbeumo could be that type of striker for Liverpool, one who can shift between number nine and the flank.
It could be an irresistible recipe for success. After all, Slot has demonstrated through Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz that he is willing to field wide players in central striking roles to great effect.
For example, Mbeumo has scored 20 Premier League goals since the summer of 2023, missing only 14 big chances in that timeframe, as per Sofascore.
Isak, one of the deadliest finishers on the continent, has missed 30 big chances since 2023/24, albeit scoring 33 goals since. Nunez represents the converse, having scored just 13 Premier League goals in the discussed timeframe, missing, however, 30 big chances, embarrassingly matching Isak.
It’s grim reading for Nunez acolytes, albeit they can take solace in the fact that Liverpool’s agent of chaos is a thorny customer, using his athletic style and dynamism to help his team toward their goal.
He ranks among the top 14% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 3% for tackles per 90, which is impressive, but we can see that Mbeumo would implement a tactical strategy that could negate Nunez’s role, his expertise while bringing a whole new cutting edge to complement the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo.
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While Mbeumo wouldn’t provide Liverpool with the ball-striking ability of Isak, they could mimic it in their own form. This is enough. More than enough. Liverpool perhaps boast the finest frontline in the country under Slot, and Mbeumo, described as an “output machine” by producer Michael Johnston, would make it even better. It’s as simple as that.
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A journalist has provided an update on Leeds United’s January transfer plans and it’s great news for Daniel Farke. The January transfer window will open in less than a month’s time, and given how desperate the Whites are to return to the Premier League, it could be a perfect time for them to further strengthen their promotion bid.
Leeds have found a "monster" who's now a potential £50m star in the making
Daniel Farke has hit the jackpot with the impressive Leeds United leader.
ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2024 Leeds transfer news
Defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday put a dent in Leeds’ promotion bid, as they slip three points behind leaders Sheffield United and a point behind second place Burnley. However, there is still a long way to go in the race, and Farke will think a productive January transfer window can help them reach their goals in the second half of the campaign.
One player who could be heading to Elland Road is Lennon Miller, as the 49ers have sent Leeds officials to join the race for the Motherwell player. Miller is very highly rated, and he has been valued at £5 million by the Scottish side, as several Premier League teams also circle with interest.
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Exits may also be on the cards for certain Leeds players in January. Striker Joe Gelhardt could be one to leave the club, as he is keen to leave in search of more playing time. Several teams are interested in a possible loan switch in January, given Gelhardt has hardly featured in this current campaign.
January transfer update as Leeds free up funds for Farke
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Leeds United are preparing to make more money available for Daniel Farke in January. The January transfer window is an opportunity for teams across all divisions to make changes they see fit to their squad, and with the Whites fighting for promotion, they are laying the “groundwork” for a winter “spree”.
The Yorkshire side did spend significant money during the summer, as they added Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani, Jayden Bogle, Ao Tanaka, and Isaac Schmidt to their ranks. However, they have had several injury concerns throughout this first part of the campaign, which compounded with the exits in the summer have left the manager a little light.
The club received hefty amounts of money from selling the likes of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Glen Kamara in the summer, and this report states that Leeds’ hierarchy are prepared to make a chunk of that money available to Farke this winter.
It is unclear where Farke plans to prioritise strengthening, but given their recent injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, a midfielder purchase may be high on the list.