All posts by z3u9t.icu

In recent years, West Ham have been looking to increase their level of recruitment, aiming to improve their squad year upon year which has become even more possible since the big-money sale of Declan Rice.

The England midfielder was sold to Arsenal for a fee of around £105m, allowing the Hammers to invest plenty in the past two years.

In West Ham’s top ten most expensive transfers, four of the ten have been signed since Rice left the club, £123.5m being spent in the 2023/24 campaign and spending a further £123.4m in the 2024/25 season.

Sebastien Haller

£42.7m

Maximilian Kilman

£40.6m

Mohammed Kudus

£36.8m

Lucas Paqueta

£36.7m

Gianluca Scamacca

£33m

Edson Alvarez

£32.5m

Felipe Anderson

£32.5m

Kurt Zouma

£29.9m

Nayef Aguerd

£29.9m

James Ward-Prowse

£29.7m

But away from this list of their top ten most expensive transfers, the Hammers have had some bargains over the years, including one of their best-ever players who ranks 29th in the club’s most expensive transfer fees.

Dimitri Payet's incredible spell at West Ham

West Ham made the signing of Dimitri Payet from Marseille in 2015, with the Frenchman joining the Hammers for a fee of around £10m, which would turn out to be an absolute bargain.

West Ham co-chairman, David Sullivan, labeled Payet a “world-class” player who would be worth triple what they paid had he been in his “prime”. It’s easy to see why.

For the Irons, Payet made 60 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing 22 assists in 4,981 minutes.

Capable of the magical and the extraordinary, his best moment was the extraordinary free-kick goal against Crystal Palace, a goal which finds itself on repeat to this day.

Unfortunately, Payet decided he wanted to return to France in 2017, heading back to Marseille for a fee of around £25m.

To this day, they arguably still lack that magic man, Jarrod Bowen aside, but they may well have the next Payet brewing at the London Stadium.

West Ham's "future icon" could be the next Payet

Bowen has been incredible since signing for West Ham from Hull, notably scoring the winner in the Conference League final, but he’s not the player in question here, it’s Mohammed Kudus.

Signed from Ajax in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, the 24-year-old forward joined for a fee of around £38m and has been a revelation since.

Indeed, Kudus has made 73 appearances for the club since arriving, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in his 5,718 minutes played. He may not have hit the dizzy heights of last term but he’s still a cracking player on his day.

Goals

0.37

0.12

Assists

0.17

0.12

xG

0.23

0.26

xAG

0.14

0.10

Progressive Carries

3.99

3.51

Progressive Passes

2.96

2.77

Shots Total

2.52

2.54

Key Passes

1.14

1.13

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

3.68

Successful Take-Ons

3.93

3.16

When comparing the underlying metrics between Kudus’s first season at the club and this season (his second season) you can see how similar the metrics are. Despite this year being much tougher for the Hammers and the Ghana international struggling for output, the underlying metrics still look very strong, ranking highly for things like successful take-ons and shot-creating actions.

Described as a “future icon” of Ghanaian football by scout Jacek Kulig, he could also become this at West Ham, following in the steps of another magician in Payet. However, Kudus is already subject to plenty of interest from other clubs, and therefore, his decision to stay or leave could prove vital.

If Kudus decides to stay, he could go down as a legend over time, depending on the uplift of performances under Graham Potter.

However, if he does choose to leave, the fee that would be obtained would be very substantial, and it would be tough for Hammers fans to feel too aggrieved.

Best signing since Bowen: West Ham struck gold on £90k-p/w "game-changer"

West Ham have struck gold on their “game-changer” who is easily their best signing since Bowen.

ByConnor Holden Mar 31, 2025

As the international break slowly comes to an end, managers and supporters will be praying their players return healthy, but that may not be the case for Nottingham Forest after Chris Wood limped off the pitch in the early hours of Monday morning.

How Forest players are getting along on international duty

Given how the season has gone for the Reds so far, it is no surprise to see a lot of their key players away on international duty representing their national teams.

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Forest captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White is the only player from the City Ground to be representing England during this break after he was called up to the squad as a replacement for Cole Palmer. Gibbs-White was not named in the 23-man squad for England’s game against Albania on Friday but has been recalled to the squad for their game against Latvia.

Meanwhile, defenders Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and Ola Aina are away representing Brazil, Serbia and Nigeria respectively. Milenkovic left the Serbian media impressed after his defensive display in a 1-1 draw in Austria, which he followed up with a clean sheet in a 2-0 win in the return leg on Sunday.

“He had his moments of hesitation, especially at the start of the game in the 9th minute when he came forward and left a gap for Strahinja Pavlović, but he did his job very well until the end, showing that he is one of the best stoppers in the Premier League this season for a reason.

“He also tried his head, and it seems that he was very happy when he saw Arnautović as a new task. He successfully stopped him as well as Grilič.”

Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are both representing the Ivory Coast as they play their final game on Monday evening against Gambia – the defender was an unused substitute in their 1-0 win in Burundi while Sangare got some minutes off the bench.

Neco Williams, Anthony Elanga, Matz Sels, Elliot Anderson and Wood are all away representing their respective countries, and while Williams produced a fabulous display in a 3-1 Wales win over Kazakhstan, there is serious concern for Wood, who limped out of New Zealand’s 3-0 win against New Caledonia on Monday.

Darren Bazeley shares update on Chris Wood injury

New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley spoke to the press on Monday and confirmed Wood has picked up an injury but was hesitant to provide too many details. He did, however, state the issue is “not ideal”.

New Zealand became the second nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over New Caledonia, but theirs and Forest’s talisman had to be replaced 54 minutes into the game with what appeared to be a hip injury.

Apps

40

Goals

28

Assists

3

The 33-year-old, who has 18 goals to his name in the Premier League this season, bagged a hat-trick in New Zealand’s win over Fiji on Friday night, making it back-to-back hat-tricks for his country in the World Cup qualification campaign before blanking against New Caledonia.

Forest and their fans will now be sweating as they await the results of any further tests and scans before they face Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, with a huge Premier League game against Manchester United then looming on Tuesday.

In a major boost ahead of the summer transfer window, Everton have reportedly been given the green light by one particular midfield target to push on and complete their move.

Friedkin could hand Moyes midfield boost

Everton could be one of the sides to watch this summer. The arrival of The Friedkin Group already resulted in the loan arrival of Carlos Alcaraz in January and now they’ve seemingly set their sights on further reinforcements in the next transfer window.

Names such as Tammy Abraham and Hamza Igamane have already been mentioned and it should come as no shock to see the Toffees in pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Abraham would be a particularly interesting arrival, given his past Premier League experience at Chelsea before leaving for Italy where he has enjoyed a mixed spell.

In joining Everton, the experienced striker would be replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to become a free agent this summer when his current contract expires. If that is to be that for the academy graduate, then his Goodison Park spell may well be summarised by injuries rather than his inconsistent goalscoring record.

Meanwhile, it’s not just Abraham who could arrive. As Graeme Bailey told Everton News, Everton have now been given the green light to sign Sean Longstaff this summer with a move to Bramley-Moore Dock one that appeals to the Newcastle United midfielder.

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ByAngus Sinclair Mar 12, 2025

He could come fairly cheap too. Just last summer, Newcastle set his price tag at just £12m. Now, one season later and into the final year of Longstaff’s contract, the midfielder’s valuation should – in theory – remain the same or be even more accessible.

A player with Champions League experience, David Moyes is reportedly a fan of the midfielder and could welcome him with open arms in pursuit of taking Everton back into the top half next season.

"Excellent" Longstaff could partner Gueye

Whilst a place in Eddie Howe’s midfield three ahead of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali is far harder to come by these days, Longstaff would have an instant role to play at the heart of Moyes’ Everton side next to Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Likely taking the place of the less experienced James Garner, Longstaff could complete a solid foundation that should see the Toffees push beyond relegation scraps.

Starts

8

25

Progressive Passes

4.58

4.21

Tackles Won

1.93

2.69

Ball Recoveries

3.49

5.91

Just eight league starts sum up the struggles that Longstaff has endured at St James’ Park, with a move away no unsurprisingly on the cards. There was, of course, a stage in which the midfielder had an important role to play at his boyhood club – earning praise from Howe as a result.

The Newcastle boss told reporters in 2023 after Longstaff netted twice against Southampton in the FA Cup: “I’m so pleased that he’s got the headlines tonight. The two goals were great finishes. His all-round performances this season have been excellent. He’s getting the rewards for what I saw last year.”

Glasgow Rangers turn their attention to the Europa League this evening as they prepare to travel away to Turkey to take on Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side.

The Light Blues are fighting for a place in the last eight of the competition and will take on the Turkish giants, away and at home, in their next two matches, with a weekend off this week due to their loss to Queen’s Park in the SFA Cup.

Rangers come into this game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend, and interim head coach Barry Ferguson may look to make some changes to the starting line-up.

One player who could be taken out of the XI is Dutch central defender Robin Propper, who was hauled off at half-time in last weekend’s loss.

Why Robin Propper should be dropped

The former FC Twente star lost 100% (2/2) of his ground duels in the first half against Motherwell, before Leon Balogun came on to win three of his five as Propper’s replacement in the second half.

Ex-Gers defender Craig Moore said the Dutchman “is not a real physical player” and claimed that opposition forwards find it too easy to get the better of him in physical battles, which is backed up by his form in the Europa League.

The 31-year-old flop has lost 54% of his ground duels and 56% of his aerial contests in Europe this season, whilst Balogun has won 73% of his battles on the deck and 100% of his aerial duels across three appearances.

With this in mind, Ferguson should – as he did at half-time on Saturday – switch Propper for Balogun from the start for this clash with Fenerbahce to improve the physicality of the Rangers defence.

Chalkboard

The former Eredivisie defender is not the only player who should be taken out of the XI, however, as Cyriel Dessers should also be dropped to the bench.

Why Cyriel Dessers should be dropped

The Nigeria international, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed can be “awkward” to play against, did score in the defeat to Motherwell at the weekend, but he also missed a ‘big chance’ and lost all seven of his duels with opposition defenders.

That, more or less, sums up the Dessers experience for Rangers. He has the ability to step up with a goal but his general play, duelling with defenders, leaves a lot to be desired, and the forward is far too wasteful with the chances that do come his way.

Appearances (starts)

8 (5)

xG

5.13

Goals

2

xG differential

-3.13

Big chances missed

9

Duel success rate

37%

As you can see in the table above, the former Cremonese striker has been particularly wasteful in the Europa League this season, underperforming his xG by more than three goals.

Dessers, who also scored one goal in seven matches in the Europa League last term, has proven himself to be unreliable in Europe and that is why Ferguson must ditch him from the XI for this big clash with Fenerbahce, playing Hamza Igamane in his place.

Football FanCast recently published an article explaining why the club’s prospective new owners, the 49ers, must part ways with the striker in the summer transfer window, and his lack of consistency as a finisher was the biggest reason.

Dessers, as shown by his aforementioned statistics, has not provided a physical presence to make the ball stick for Rangers in European matches, nor has he offered a clinical touch in front of goal, and Ferguson must drop him to the bench to ensure that his wastefulness does not cost the team this evening.

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ByDan Emery Mar 4, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to test the water with an offer to sign a potential replacement for exit-linked forward Richarlison, and it is believed the Spurs target is keen on a big move elsewhere this summer.

Tottenham prepared to sanction cut-price Richarlison sale

The Brazilian was linked with a move away from N17 last summer, with clubs in Saudi Arabia displaying a public interest, but Richarlison opted to remain in north London and fight for his place under Ange Postecoglou.

£35m Premier League forward wants to join Tottenham after talks

Spurs are convinced.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 6, 2025

Richarlison was adamant that a move to Saudi didn’t interest him at the time, but the forward has since struggled with injuries and a lack of opportunities to establish himself as a star player under Postecoglou as a result.

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

Reports suggest this could be the South American’s final season at Spurs, with Everton said to be planning talks to sign Richarlison early on in the summer window as they prepare for life in a state-of-the-art new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is apparently prepared to take a £20 million loss on the 27-year-old’s sale this summer as well. Tottenham are willing to sanction Richarlison’s sale for £40 million, far beneath the £60 million they paid to sign him from Everton in 2022, according to GiveMeSport.

With Everton lurking in the background for Richarlison’s signature, there are now reports emerging of the Lilywhites scouring for possible replacements. As per CaughtOffside, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is firmly in Spurs’ thinking.

Tottenham set to bid £34 million for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo

According to their information, Semenyo is one of Tottenham’s priorities to replace Richarlison, following his excellent campaign under Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium.

It is also claimed in the report that Spurs are set to test Bournemouth’s resolve with a £34 million bid for the 25-year-old, who will actually face off against Postecoglou’s side later today, so it will be interesting to see how he performs.

In the build up to this game, Semenyo has bagged nine goals and five assists across 30 appearances in all competitions, with his performances also attracting attention from Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Serie A title chasers Napoli.

It is added that Semenyo is keen on a big move elsewhere this summer, which could hand Spurs a boost. The former Bristol City star has also been praised for his top flight performances this season, especially by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“He’s a lovely footballer to watch”, said Redknapp on Premier League productions earlier this term.

“The manager’s taken him to another level, he obviously has that capability because you saw it with Solanke. I’m just seeing him elevate his game right now, we’ll talk about why does that happen, a lot of it is purely on confidence.

“He looks like he’s enjoying his football, his shoulders are back, he’s relaxed, every time he gets it, he plays with a bit of a swagger. He’s actually a joy to watch right now.”

Chelsea returned to fourth in the Premier League for the time being, after beating Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with goals coming from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

They also kept their first clean sheet in the Premier League since December 22nd, when they drew 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park. The Blues have conceded 36 goals in 27 games so far this season.

Despite only facing seven shots against the Saints, they did create two “big chances” with their two shots on target, generating 0.72 xG and forcing Chelsea’s new shot-stopper into action.

Chelsea's rising star

Filip Jorgensen was signed in the summer by Chelsea, joining from Villarreal for a fee of around £20.7m.

First Impressions

Since arriving, the 22-year-old has been the number two keeper, making 17 appearances so far for the Blues, most of which have come in cup competitions, conceding 18 goals in total and keeping six clean sheets.

However, in recent weeks, thanks to the poor form of Robert Sanchez, Jorgensen has been made Chelsea number one according to Enzo Maresca, which has seen him start the previous four Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa and Southampton.

Whilst Jorgensen did make a big mistake of his own against Villa, he has clearly done enough to earn the trust of Maresca for the time being, both on the ball and making important saves, which will allow the Italian to fully axe one of their worst performers this campaign.

Chelsea can now finally sell £60k-p/w flop

Since Sanchez joined Chelsea back in 2023 for a fee of around £25m, the 27-year-old has made 43 appearances for the Blues, conceding 59 goals in total and only keeping nine clean sheets, totalling 3,864 minutes played.

When the £60k-per-week flop was first signed, sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart were “excited” by his arrival:

That said, things haven’t turned out quite as planned….

Stats (per 90 mins)

Sanchez

Jorgensen

Goals Against

1.38

1.07

Shots on Target Against

4.58

4.40

Saves

3.20

3.33

Save %

74.8%

77.3%

Clean Sheets

0.18

0.33

Passes Attempted

40.8

31.5

Pass Completion %

73.3%

83.6%

Crosses Stopped

1.38

0.33

When comparing both Sanchez and Jorgensen’s underlying numbers so far this season, the 22-year-old shot-stopper comes out on top, making more saves despite having fewer shots taken against him, conceding fewer goals and even having a higher pass completion.

Having the ability to play short-circuit passes around the back to attract the opposition press is very important to Maresca’s system, and the fact Jorgensen is doing it without making the same mistakes as Sanchez – or at least to a much lesser degree – is another positive sign for the Blues.

With Jorgensen now Chelsea’s number one, it is in his hands to make that position his own, keeping Sanchez out of the fray and finally allowing Maresca to settle on one goalkeeper, with Sanchez’s future potentially now lying elsewhere.

With the former Brighton man having made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League in 2024/25 alone, Winstanley and Co’s initial excitement has undoubtedly disappeared.

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1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 26, 2025