All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made several additions to the playing squad during the summer transfer window, and Wilfried Nancy is tasked with getting the best out of them.

The Northern Irish boss made 11 signings to bolster his options across the pitch before he eventually resigned after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts at the end of October.

Nancy has to try to get the best out of those signings in the coming months and years, as many of them have failed to live up to the hype so far this season.

Ranking Celtic's summer signings

Whilst this may say more about the rest of the business done in the summer, Benjamin Nygren has been the club’s best signing of the season, as he is currently Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, with seven goals in 25 games.

Kieran Tierney, who arrived on a free transfer, and Marcelo Saracchi, who joined on loan from Boca Juniors, have also been solid additions in the left-back position, sharing duties in that role.

Callum Osmand joined from Fulham after his contract expired with the English side and scored one goal and won a penalty in three first-team matches before picking up an injury, which suggests that he is an exciting talent to watch out for when he is back fit.

1

Benjamin Nygren

2

Kieran Tierney

3

Callum Osmand

4

Kelechi Iheanacho

5

Marcelo Saracchi

6

Ross Doohan

7

Sebastian Tounekti

8

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

9

Hayato Inamura

10

Shin Yamada

11

Michel-Ange Balikwisha

Ross Doohan, who joined on a free transfer as a third-choice goalkeeper, is the dividing player between poor and good signings in the rankings above, as the most average addition to the squad.

We have Sebastian Tounekti in the lower half of the rankings because he is starting to look like one of the biggest wastes of money since Albian Ajeti.

Why Sebastian Tounekti looks like a waste of money

After creating four chances, completing five dribbles, and scoring one goal in his first two matches, per Sofascore, the Tunisia international looked primed to be a star for the Hoops. Rodgers even claimed that he “excites the crowd”.

Celtic paid £5.2m to sign the forward from Hammarby to make him the most expensive signing of the summer, falling just shy of the £6m mark that would have taken him into the club’s top ten most expensive signings in their history.

Unfortunately, three months later, Tounekti has recorded two goals and zero assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has struggled to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Since Celtic paid £5m for Ajeti, who scored just nine goals in 48 games as a striker (Transfermarkt), the Hoops have signed six players for more than £5m: Jota (twice), Cameron Carter-Vickers, Arne Engels, Adam Idah, Auston Trusty, and Tounekti.

Jota was sold for £25m, before being re-signed, and Idah was sold for £6m after scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season, which shows that they were not complete wastes of money.

Carter-Vickers, of course, has been a long-serving regular starter for the club and Auston Trusty has made 50 appearances, now established as a regular starter, per Transfermarkt.

Engels, signed for £11m from Augsburg, has been fairly effective at the top end of the pitch, per Transfermarkt, with a return of 12 goals and 17 assists in 76 appearances since the start of last season.

This shows that the five other most expensive signings since Ajeti flopped at Parkhead have either been successful signings or had plenty of positives in their time at Celtic, even if it did not work out perfectly.

Tounekti, though, has one goal and no assists in his last 16 appearances for Celtic, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be a regular starter under the new manager, after he was the first player to be substituted in the 2-1 defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Worse than Yang: Nancy must bin 3/10 Celtic dud who once had "the X factor"

This Celtic star who had “the X Factor” should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting line-up on Thursday.

ByDan Emery 3 days ago

For a player signed for £5.2m, he has not delivered enough quality at the top end of the pitch to suggest that he was a worthwhile signing, which is why he currently looks like one of their biggest wastes of money since Ajeti flopped at the club with his nine goals in 48 games.

Leeds United are keen to revive their Premier League fortunes after a poor start to the season under Daniel Farke, who has now found out where he stands ahead of their trip to face Manchester City.

Leeds United and Daniel Farke caught in awkward situation

There is no point in beating around the bush. Farke has come under significant pressure recently at Elland Road, and a run of five losses in his last six matches has done little to win fans over in West Yorkshire.

On the face of it, the German is a talented coach who deploys an exciting brand of football that has won plenty of adulation, albeit the Whites have been undone too often by the fine margins of the top-flight.

Facing Manchester City is a daunting task at the best of times, not least when they managed to give a rest to key players during their Champions League exploits in midweek.

Another misstep and Farke could be in serious trouble, with former Union Berlin boss Bo Svensson and ex-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Leeds’ shortlist should they decide to call time on his spell at Elland Road.

Survival is a difficult ask for any newly-promoted side, and nobody was expecting the Whites’ return to the Premier League to be straightforward. However, results are critical, and they appear to be in short supply at the moment.

Ultimately, only time will tell whether Farke gets an extended period to turn things around. As supporters hunt for clarity, a new update has now emerged regarding his future.

Daniel Farke given Leeds United sack ultimatum

According to sources from Football Insider, Leeds boss Farke has two matches to save his job at Elland Road, and the 49ers Enterprises are now ‘exploring new manager options amid growing fan discord over the performances and results under Farke’.

Carlos Corberan and Marcelo Bielsa are also mooted as options alongside Rodgers and Svensson, though whoever takes on the mantle, should the 49-year-old be relieved of his duties, will face some tough festive fixtures in the cold light of day.

Leeds United’s tough upcoming matches

Manchester City (A)

Premier League

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

Liverpool (H)

Premier League

Brentford (A)

Premier League

Crystal Palace (H)

Premier League

For now, Farke remains in post, but the fact that his club are already on the lookout for alternatives paints a bleak picture for his future unless Leeds can string together a run of meaningful results in the near future.

Leeds have a "laughable" signing who's a bigger waste of time than Perri

Leeds United fans must now be scratching their heads as to why their beloved side ever signed this dud.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 28, 2025

Truthfully, the Whites’ boss has been uncompromising in his methods and is willing to go down on his own terms rather than be forced to deviate from his tactical style.

While that is admirable in theory, it remains to be seen if he can evade doubters over the coming weeks with his job well and truly on the line.

Chelsea hold a Premier League star in very high regard, and it is believed they’re prepared to battle for his services, as those within Stamford Bridge believe he could be an imperative addition to the squad.

Chelsea prioritise centre-back with Wesley Fofana out for a long period

Enzo Maresca confirmed the news that Chelsea supporters really didn’t want to hear, with mainstay centre-back Wesley Fofana facing a lengthy absence for the second time in his career at the club.

PSG willing to table stunning £150m+ offer to sign "fantastic" Chelsea star

The French giants are not messing around…

4 ByTom Cunningham Jan 3, 2025

The Frenchman has partnered Levi Colwill to brilliant effect so far this season, but Maresca will now have to cope without him for a very long time, which could even be for the rest of this season, despite Chelsea’s boss originally predicting he’d miss just “three, four, or five weeks”.

“Unfortunately, he could be out for the season, so we don’t know exactly for the entire season, but unfortunately he could be out for part of the season,” said Maresca on Fofana’s injury at Chelsea.

“And we are together here since we start, and every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times that I’m in love with Wes.

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

“I was in love with Wes, also because Wes is that kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and be aggressive and to leave him 1v1 with Watkins on pitch.

“We did exactly the same when Wes was injured with Benoit Badiashile, 1v1 with Solanke on pitch, and they can deal with that, and it’s very difficult to find that kind of defender, but now unfortunately both are injured. We are trying to find different solutions, but for sure for us Wes is a huge loss.”

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a centre-back in January, even before Fofana’s injury, but there are also some suggestions that they have their eyes on reinforcing their forward options.

Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is a target for Chelsea, and they’ve had some contact with his club in the build up to this window (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea view Newcastle star Isak as "key" potential signing

According to reports out of Spain, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is on their striker shortlist too. It is believed Chelsea view Isak as a potential “key” signing for Maresca, and they’re “ready to compete” with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal for his signature.

The Magpies will demand a price tag of around £99 million, or perhaps even more going by other reports, which is hardly surprising given Isak is arguably the division’s best centre-forward right now.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently.

“The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all. He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better.

“He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

Aston Villa have now made contact over the signing of an “impressive” Bundesliga star who is enjoying a fantastic season, according to a report.

Villa could be set for a busy January

There has been a lot of activity at Villa Park in the first two weeks of the January transfer window, with Unai Emery looking to strengthen his squad heading into the second half of the season.

Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen recently became Emery’s first January signing, and the manager has now expressed his happiness about getting a deal done, saying: “We are excited how he can help us and these players. Hopefully we can get his best.”

In terms of outgoings, Jaden Philogene has now completed a permanent move to fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town for a fee of around £20m, which could provide the Villans with important funds to do more transfer business this month.

Aston Villa join race to sign "exciting" new £21m+ striker alongside Malen

The Villans are wasting little time…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 15, 2025

Foot Mercato has now provided an update on a player Villa are targeting, reporting they have asked for information about Mainz’s Anthony Caci, but there is set to be stiff competition for his signature. The former Strasbourg man’s passing ability has particularly caught the eye, and now a whole host of top clubs from across Europe are queuing up for his signature.

Caci is also attracting interest from the likes of Fulham, Valencia, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund, having been impressed by his performances this season, but Mainz are in a strong negotiating position, given that he is contracted until 2027.

However, if the Bundesliga side receive a big offer, they would be willing to consider a sale, indicating that a deal could be there to be done if Villa formalise their interest with an official bid.

Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Arsenal (a)

January 18th

West Ham United (h)

January 26th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

February 1st

Ipswich Town (h)

February 15th

Chelsea (h)

February 22nd

Caci could be a versatile option for Emery

The report details that the 27-year-old has predominantly played at right-back this season, and he has clearly put in some quality performances, having been nominated for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award back in November.

The Frenchman has amassed four assists in 17 league outings, while also filling in at centre-back, as he has done many times throughout his career, showcasing his versatility by also getting regular minutes at left-back and on the flanks.

Mainz'sAnthonyCaciin action with Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson

As such, the “impressive” Mainz star could be capable of pushing Matty Cash for a starting spot at right-back, but he would also be able to deputise in different positions, which could make him very useful, given that Villa set for a busy second half of the season.

The Villans are yet to make a formal offer for Caci, but it is promising news they have now made contact over a deal, positioning themselves to potentially make a move during the final two weeks of the January transfer window.

West Ham are in dire need of a new striker to relieve the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Espírito Santo requests three signings for West Ham in January

Alongside a centre-forward, it is also believed that West Ham’s new boss has personally urged both chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to bring a new defender and midfielder as soon as the next January window (GiveMeSport).

This is somewhat backed up by Sky Sports too, who reiterate that the Hammers are indeed targeting a defender, midfielder and attacker in January, with Nuno also getting “confirmation” he would have money to spend.

Going by this flurry of reports, West Ham could be set for one of their busiest January windows in recent memory, and it’s definitely needed.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

West Ham limped to an uninspired 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their last game, which was Nuno’s first home match since taking charge as manager, with the east Londoners completely failing to lay a glove on Keith Andrews’ side who strutted to victory with ease.

The scoreline could’ve been even worse for West Ham, on a night marred by large protests from the Hammers faithful against their club’s ownership. Brentford attempted a whopping 17 shots on goal and found it far too easy on enemy turf, with this performance highlighting exactly why reinforcements are badly needed.

Even though West Ham look soft as butter defensively, almost every supporter is desperate to see Sullivan and Brady go into the market and sign an exciting striker who can provide that needed injection of quality going forward.

Callum Wilson, who has a torrid injury record, and the inexperienced Callum Marshall are Nuno’s only natural options right now, forcing the West Ham boss to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine against Brentford on Monday.

This experiment failed, with Paqueta failing to make an impact and losing possession a whopping 23 times.

Niclas Füllkrug, adding to his extensive list of missed games already for West Ham, is set to be “out for a while” after tearing a muscle bundle in his thigh, so the German cannot be relied upon yet again.

Luckily for Nuno, media sources suggest that West Ham are actively trying to solve their striker conundrum, and a key target emerging for the Irons is £53 million Real Madrid sensation Endrick on loan.

Some reports claim that West Ham are even holding talks with Real over a temporary deal for Endrick already, coming after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Brazil international is expected to leave on a dry loan.

Given Endrick’s desperation for game time, a temporary stint at West Ham could be perfect for all parties involved, with the 19-year-old still classed as one of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

West Ham in pole position to sign Endrick from Real Madrid

Endrick, thanks in part to fitness issues, hasn’t managed to work his way into the Real starting eleven on a consistent basis, but did score five Copa del Rey goals en route to the final last season, before Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona.

The Premier League could be beckoning for a player who’s looking to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup, and West Ham are looking to take advantage.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are “leading the race” to secure Endrick on loan, ahead of both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Nuno’s side have expressed serious interest in bringing the teenage striker to England, and Endrick himself sees a temporary move away as critical for his development.

However, while it is reported by some that discussions have been held, a temporary move to another La Liga side is also factored in as a serious option, so West Ham won’t have a free run at his signature.

Gary O’Neil looks set to remain in the Wolverhampton Wanderers hot seat for the time being, despite his side’s recent set of dreadful results in the Premier League.

The 44-year-old has been given the dreaded vote of confidence by the Molineux hierarchy, but no doubt a defeat this coming weekend to Ipswich Town would again ramp up speculation that the former AFC Bournemouth boss is soon to be a goner.

Emotions abruptly change in football after all, with a number of rumoured faces being linked to the Old Gold job post whilst O’Neil is yet to be axed.

Rumoured names to replace O'Neil

The name with the most weight behind it at this moment in time does seem to be Graham Potter, who is also being heavily linked with a move to West Ham United who have just beaten Wolves 2-1 funnily enough.

Talks had even allegedly taken place between the ex-Chelsea man and the relegation candidates, but nothing has obviously yet materialised with O’Neil still in the dug-out.

Moreover, other left-field shouts have included Carlos Corberan and David Moyes when looking at the ongoing rumour mill, with Corberan a potentially controversial appointment, considering his current side West Bromwich Albion are fierce rivals with O’Neil’s men.

But, away from those named so far, there is another spectacular option reportedly available to the Premier League strugglers who could become the club’s next Nuno Espirito Santo if he is handed the reins shortly.

Wolves chasing the next Nuno

Wolves fans would love to have Santo back in an alternate reality, as the former Old Gold favourite has Nottingham Forest in an unbelievable fifth spot in the top-flight rankings currently.

Whilst he is obviously out of reach, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho isn’t, who could love a return to English shores after once honing his craft as the ‘Special One’ in the Premier League before going on to succeed all across Europe.

Reports from Turkey seem to suggest that Wolves have bid £5m to try and get Mourinho out of his current contract at the Super Lig giants, with the 61-year-old more than well-equipped to turn around the Old Gold’s stuttering fortunes.

Of course, Mourinho didn’t win that much-talked-about nickname by chance, with a stunning three Premier League titles collected whilst at Stamford Bridge, but it will be the defensive stability he could bring to proceedings at Molineux that will catch the eye more considering Wolves’ lowly predicament.

Stat

Mourinho

Santo

Potter

Games managed

363

158

141

Wins

217

59

41

Draws

84

40

50

Losses

62

59

50

Goals scored

625

190

152

Goals conceded

305

209

169

Looking at the table above, Mourinho – whilst at the helm of the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United alongside the Blues – had only seen his teams leak 305 goals from 365 Premier League games, helped of course by the fact he once had the likes of John Terry at his prime to call upon when at Chelsea.

But, he would be more likely to get a tune out of the downtrodden Wolves camp than Potter, who only has 41 top-flight victories next to his name from 141 career clashes, with just seven of those coming when in charge of the West London club.

The Portuguese icon is also unlikely to put up with any poor performances based on his past outbursts in the Premier League, with a number of Wolves underperformers perhaps raising their game if such an esteemed appointment was made.

As his compatriot Nuno – who Jamie Carragher dubbed “Jose Mourinho lite” in the past – has shown this season for Forest, a defence-first approach can work in guiding your team up the league, with his side conceding fewer goals than Manchester City at 18 from 15 games, whilst the Old Gold have shipped a disastrous 38.

The “outstanding” manager – as he was once labelled by Joe Cole – has only overseen 13 goals being leaked in league action back in Turkey, with this managerial coup having the potential to turn Wolves’ dire season around, away from simply sticking with what they have.

After notably securing promotion and qualifying for Europe during Nuno’s time at Molineux with a defensive-minded set-up – having been dubbed a “pragmatic coach” by Carragher – the appointment of another former Porto man in Mourinho could help to get this struggling side back to those previous heights.

Better than Corberan: Wolves can finally axe O'Neil by appointing "genius"

Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon be welcoming in a new boss if Gary O’Neil is sacked.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 11, 2024

Ipswich Town have also made an offer to sign an international defender after their move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Julio Enciso.

Ipswich Town busy in January

The Tractor Boys and Kieran McKenna have been busy so far in the January transfer window, with a number of new faces arriving at Portman Road.

First to sign was centre-back Ben Godfrey who joined on loan from Atalanta, and Jaden Philogene quickly followed him through the door, signing permanently from Aston Villa.

Imagine him & Delap: Ipswich set sights on signing their own Anthony Gordon

Kieran McKenna would love to add this tricky attacker to his Ipswich Town ranks.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 22, 2025

Talking about more signings, McKenna said last week: “We’ll try to, if we can find quality that can improve us. I think our depth is pretty good now. “If we can get everybody back fit, our depth is fine.

“But if we can add quality that can help the starting eleven, or quality that can help from the bench, then we’ll certainly aim to try and do so – but only if the right players are available that can really push us on.”

Now, another loan deal has been secured for Brighton attacking midfielder Enciso. There is no option to buy the Seagulls gem at the end of the season, but he could prove to be a shrewd signing, especially as Manchester United reportedly made a late attempt to sign him over Ipswich.

There were reports that McKenna and Ipswich could make up to five signings this month, and with a centre-back, winger and attacking midfielder landed, attention has seemingly turned to a new full-back.

Ipswich Town make offer for Elias Jelert

According to reports in Turkey, relayed by Sport Witness, Ipswich Town have made an offer for Galatasaray defender Elias Jelert. The 21-year-old can leave his current employers for the right price, with Galatasaray looking to recoup the €9m (£7.6m) they paid for Jelert just last summer.

However, Ipswich’s offer seems to be below that figure, with the report stating: “If the red-yellows are willing to lose money on the Danish player they invested €9m in, this transfer will happen.”

Jelert, a Denmark international, was recently linked with Everton as a potential replacement for both Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young.

However, it is Ipswich who have seemingly made the first move, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig waxing lyrical over Jelert back in 2023, describing him as a “complete full-back”.

Primarily a right-back, Jelert can also play as a left-back or a right midfielder so he should offer plenty of versatility to McKenna’s side, should he join.

He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray, however, only six of those have come as a starter. It looks as if it will be one to keep a close eye on before the deadline, with Jelert potentially rivalling the likes of Leif Davis, Conor Townsend, Ben Johnson and Harry Clarke at full-back.

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign for the 2024/25 season came to an end on Thursday night. The Red Devils lost 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in North London, in one of the most chaotic games of the season so far.

Tottenham were 3-0 up with half an hour to go, but two goalkeeper blunders from Fraser Forster gifted two goals to United, with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo profiting from his errors to give United hope. Spurs scored directly from a corner to make it 4-2 and managed to avoid a late scare despite Jonny Evans scoring in stoppage time.

United played well on the night but there were some poor performers. Two of their worst players were signings made by Erik ten Hag.

The Ten Hag signings who struggled vs Spurs

Former Red Devils manager Ten Hag loved to sign his players from his old club Ajax. Two of those he brought with him to the Red side of Manchester were Antony, who cost £81.3m, and Lisandro Martinez, for whom the club paid £56.7m.

It was those two who struggled against the Lilywhites in the Carabao Cup. Antony put in an incredibly frustrating performance and was subbed off after 55 minutes. Playing as a number 10, he failed to create any chances, which was noted by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

He gave Antony a 4/10 for his efforts against Spurs and was incredibly critical of the United number 21. He explained that he ‘did not make United play’ even though he was one of the key attacking players in the team.

Martinez was also poor, and at fault for arguably two goals. His clearance for Dejan Kulusevski’s strike to make it 2-0 essentially put it on a plate for the Swede.

Then, for Dominic Solanke’s second of the night and Spurs’ third, he played the striker onside and then failed to put in a challenge, as the England international burst past him and fired home.

Just as he did for Antony, Luckhurst gave the Argentine World Cup winner a 4/10 for his performance. He was critical of Martinez’s ‘weak clearance’ for the opener, before explaining he was ‘even worse’ for Solanke’s finish.

Those two Ten Hag signings certainly let United down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there was arguably one who was even worse, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who needs to be sold

It was a tough night for Turkey international Bayindir, who has barely played this season or last, acting as second choice to Andre Onana. In total, the 26-year-old has played just four times, conceding eight goals in that time.

Against Spurs, he was poor. The Red Devils’ number one received a 3/10 rating from Luckhurst for his performance, who left him a scathing review. He described his efforts for the first goal as ‘shoddy goalkeeping’, and explained he was ‘pathetic’ for Son’s strike.

Indeed, the former Fenerbahce man had some dismal stats from the game according to Sofascore. His kicking was inaccurate, and he completed just 61% of his passes, which included two from 12 long balls. The goalkeeper also made one error that led to a goal.

Stat

Number

Pass accuracy

61%

Touches

38

Passes completed

17/28

Long balls completed

2/12

Saves

2

High claims

1

Errors leading to goal

1

Interestingly, however, his value has risen by 100% since he joined. He cost the Red Devils £4.3m two summers ago, and is now valued at €10m (£8.6m), according to Transfermarkt.

Given that spike in value, perhaps Ruben Amorim will choose to cash in on Bayindir as he looks to freshen the squad up.

It might well be time to cash in on this calamitous Ten Hag signing. Bayindir – who reportedly wants to leave in January – has not exactly covered himself in glory for United, although his opportunities have been limited during his time at the club.

Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd star who looks a "shadow of his old self"

Man Utd crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a crazy encounter…

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 20, 2024

It’s now amazingly been four Championship games since Carlos Corberan left his West Bromwich Albion post, with Chris Brunt steering the ship on an interim basis ever since.

He has managed to pick up one win from this quartet of fixtures, with a second unfortunately slipping out of his grasp last time out, owing to a dramatic late equaliser from Swansea City.

Whilst Brunt was a beloved figure as a player, it seems he might not be cut out for the permanent role past Corberan, with a number of names now floating about to replace the Spaniard.

Managers lined up by West Brom to replace Corberan

It’s not through a lack of trying on the end of the Baggies why they haven’t yet appointed a successor to the 41-year-old when you consider the ever-extending list of faces being linked with the second-tier vacancy.

The freshest rumour involves ex-Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky, who is allegedly set to have talks with the Hawthorns hierarchy about taking on the reins, having previously made a name for himself managing in his native Switzerland.

Other rumoured figures have included Luke Williams and former interim England boss Lee Carsley, but it seems as if the promotion chasers could now go after a fellow Championship manager as their next viable option away from a left-field name like Wicky.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast's Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

West Brom looking at "excellent" Wicky alternative

As per BBC journalist Chris Lepkowski when speaking on the Liquidator Podcast, there has been some form of dialogue between West Brom and Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace surrounding a surprise mid-season switch.

Lepkowski states that the ex-Birmingham City manager would probably “welcome a move” to his former club’s near neighbours, with the 45-year-old still reportedly situated in the West Midlands.

Away from close geography, Eustace’s name will also be up for consideration based on his glowing managerial CV in the Championship to date, which saw him have the Blues in a playoff spot last season after 11 games, only to then be controversially dismissed.

The rest is history now as Birmingham sunk down to League One after some self-destructive decision-making, with Eustace now working his magic in the league once more with the Riversiders, who he has competing in and around those positions at this very moment in time.

24/25

25

11

6

8

23/24

28

9

11

8

22/23

46

14

11

21

18/19

7

2

1

4

Eustace has only lost 16 of his last 53 games in the unforgiving division, with his achievements this campaign with Blackburn made even more impressive when you consider the second-tier side had to wave goodbye to the goals of Sammie Szmodics last summer.

Regardless, he has Blackburn in with a fighting chance of a playoff spot, with only 23 goals shipped from 25 clashes showing off a similar style to the one Corberan had engrained into players in the West Midlands about remaining firm and strong in defence.

Whilst Wicky boasts his own plus points as a flashier option, such as getting the better of both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho when manager of Young Boys, Eustace does feel like an appointment that would be far more seamless in knowing the EFL inside out.

Once described as an “excellent” manager by journalist Alan Biggs when making a name for himself at Birmingham, West Brom would love to welcome Eustace in through the door as Corberan’s successor soon, with this appointment a statement of intent in poaching a transformative figure away from a promotion rival.

West Brom could hire great Corberan replacement who's beaten Pep & Mourinho

West Bromwich Albion’s hunt for Carlos Corberan’s replacement might well have an end in sight.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 7, 2025

An £80,000-a-week “leader” is ready to join Aston Villa before the transfer window closes at 11pm tonight, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa transfer news

It has been a busy end to the transfer window for the Villans, as they have seen Jhon Duran leave to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and have added Marcus Rashford on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester United and are also close to bringing Marco Asensio in from Paris Saint-Germain.

He'd explode with Rashford: Aston Villa in talks to sign "immense" talent

Aston Villa can form exceptional duo with Marcus Rashford by signing this “immense” star

ByConnor Holden Feb 2, 2025

Villa announced they had completed the loan signing of Rashford on Sunday evening, with the Midlands side covering the majority of his wages and having a £40 million buy option. After the deal was announced, Rashford took to Instagram to state that it was an “easy decision” to join Villa as he just wants “to play football.”

Rashford wrote: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen. I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season and the managers’ ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”

As well as Rashford, Asensio is also joining Unai Emery’s side, but his deal is just a straight loan from the French Champions, but David Ornstein has reported that PSG would be open to extending Asensio’s time at Villa if the Premier League side wanted to.

£80k-p/w “leader” wants to join Aston Villa

Rashford and Asensio may not be the only new arrivals at Villa Park, as according to Romano, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi wants to join Aston Villa after agreeing terms with the Midlands side.

Romano has reported that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a loan deal with Chelsea to sign the defender, with no buy option included. However, Disasi is not accepting the move to Spurs because, as mentioned, he’s agreed terms with Villa. But a move to Villa Park for Disasi appears difficult, as Chelsea have no intention of letting him join Emery’s side, as they are seen as competitors for a place in next season’s Champions League.

The 26-year-old, who has been labelled a “leader” in the past, has been at Stamford Bridge since August 2023, and despite being a regular in the side last season, he has fallen out of favour under Enzo Maresca in this campaign. Disasi has played just six games in the Premier League, four of which have come as starts, and given he is under contract until 2029, it may make a deal difficult to do.

Apps

6

Starts

4

Goals

1

Clean Sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.3

Tackles per game

1.2

Balls recovered per 90

2.5

Clearances per game

1.7

Villa are in the market for a centre-back, as they have seen Diego Carlos leave to join Fenerbahce, whereas Tyrone Mings has picked up an injury after only returning to the matchday squad. Ezri Konsa is Villa’s only recognised centre-back fit and available at this moment in time, so ideally, Emery will want to bring in another centre-back before the window slams shut. Disasi, who earns £80,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, also being able to play at right-back means he can provide more cover throughout the season, but a deal looks tricky with the Blues.