All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United are keen to kick on under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to target a defender as part of a two-pronged solution to bolster their ranks.

Man Utd look to tie Harry Maguire down to contract extension

Harry Maguire was the man of the hour for the Red Devils last weekend after scoring the decisive goal in their victory over Liverpool at Anfield, though there is still a question mark over his future with the New Year now approaching.

The England international earns around £9.8 million annually at Old Trafford and has more than proved his worth. With that in mind, former chief scout Mick Brown made it clear to Football Insider that the defender appears primed to extend his stay.

He explained: “As long as he’s still got an important role to play, for Manchester United, I still feel there’s a willingness from all parties to get a new contract done.

“Maguire is very much open to staying at Man United. There’s been talk of reported interest from the Saudi pro league, but Maguire would prefer to stay at Manchester United as long as the terms are right.”

Leny Yoro appears to be a natural long-term heir once Maguire moves on. However, there is still a collective realization that further defensive reinforcements are needed to ensure the Red Devils can challenge for major silverware under Amorim.

Man Utd now eyeing "world class" Brazilian youngster who wants to be the next Casemiro

The Red Devils want to add midfield quality in 2026.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 24, 2025

January promises to be another significant milestone during his reign, and new blood will be imperative if aspirations of qualifying for continental football is something that is on their agenda.

With that in mind, Amorim may now have turned his attention towards a star who could solve one of his key concerns at Old Trafford.

Man Utd could kickstart January transfer spree with Ousmane Diomande

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are keen to land Sporting star Ousmane Diomande, who has a release clause deemed to be in the region of just under £70 million.

Nevertheless, there is belief that he could be attainable at the £43.6 million mark, and Amorim views the Ivorian, previously labelled “assured” by Goncalo Tristao Santos, as someone who could fit perfectly into his complex tactical set-up.

Intruigingly, the youngster profiles as the next Thiago Silva from a statistical standpoint, ranking similarly to the PSG and Chelsea legend in goal threat, passing ability and aerial prowess.

Most similar players to Ousmane Diomande – (FBRef)

Thiago Silva

Fluminense

Sergio Ramos

Monterrey

Nehuen Perez

Porto

Jeison Palacios

Nashville

German Pezzella

River Plate

Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet has also been budgeted for in what could be a combined spend on both players of almost £105 million. However, Diomande would be an impressive arrival due to his ability to play out from the back and willingness to take on responsibility.

Making four appearances acros all competitions this season, the 21-year-old is currently suffering from a muscle injury, though it is believed that his relationship with Amorim could see a swift transition into starting matches at Old Trafford.

The mid-season window is nearing and Manchester United appear to be preparing their strategy in plenty time, which will delight supporter as they aim to keep pace with the Premier League’s big-hitters.

Newcastle United are now interested in signing a “clinical finisher” who could be available in the January transfer window, according to a report.

Newcastle transfer news

Although Eddie Howe may feel he needs to make some additions in January, in light of his side’s disappointing campaign up to this point, the manager’s transfer policy continues to be limited by the Premier League’s financial rules.

When asked about an alleged £65m bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, the manager said: “Firstly, I don’t think any bid (for Guehi) reached that level (£65m). That is far in excess of what the reality was. Secondly, with PSR, there is no pot of money that we have sitting there waiting to be spent.”

As such, Newcastle fans may be best advised not to have their expectations too high this January, despite the club’s continual links to some top players in the Premier League and beyond. The Magpies will be all too aware of Bryan Mbeumo’s abilities after his goal in the 4-2 defeat against Brentford last week, and there have been reports that a huge offer could be on the way, with Howe prioritising the signing of a right-winger.

As the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future continues to mount, the manager may also be tasked with bringing in a new striker, and there have now been reports linking Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto with a move to St. James’ Park.

According to The Boot Room, Alberto is on Newcastle’s radar, but they may face competition for his signature from a number of other Premier League clubs, with Everton and Nottingham Forest also named as potential suitors.

The forward has admitted he has a “dream” of playing in the Premier League, while also saying there is a 50/50 chance he leaves Corinthians in January, meaning he could be available sooner rather than later.

Should the Brazilian club sanction his departure this winter, they would be looking to receive a fee of around £17m, having turned down a £14m bid from West Ham United over a year ago.

Newcastle leading the race to sign £16.5m gem with a "magical" left foot

The Magpies are in pole position.

1 ByHenry Jackson Dec 9, 2024 Alberto impressing in front of goal

The Brazilian has been capped for his national side on one occasion, and he poses a very impressive goal and assist record throughout his career so far.

Club

Games played

Goals

Assists

Santos

25

3

1

Internacional

85

31

5

Zenit

15

6

4

Corinthians

148

57

18

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also been very complimentary of the 23-year-old in the past, saying he’s a “complete forward” and praising his finishing in particular.

Of course, Newcastle’s main priority should be to keep hold of Isak amid interest from a number of top clubs, but Alberto could be a brilliant acquisition this January, particularly considering he may be available for the relatively low price of just £17m.

Nottingham Forest’s side that won promotion back to the Premier League in the 2021/22 season will live long in the memory of their supporters.

Although much of that team now plays elsewhere, the men in Garibaldi Red that season wrote their names in the history books as the side who returned the Midlands club to the Premier League.

Despite struggling at the start of the campaign, Forest, managed by Steve Cooper, ended up finishing fourth in the second tier of English football. In the playoff final, the East Midlands outfit beat Huddersfield Town at Wembley to secure Premier League status again.

One of the standout players for Forest that year was Brennan Johnson.

Brennan Johnson’s Forest career

23-year-old winger Johnson came through the ranks at the City Ground. After a loan spell at Lincoln City, he eventually broke into the first team at Forest and became a crucial player, helping the club to promotion in 2021/22.

In total, the Welshman played 109 times for the club, scoring 29 goals and grabbing 12 assists. In the promotion season, his 16 goals and two assists in 46 Championship games, and two goals in three playoff games, ensured he could help bring his boyhood club back to the top flight of English football.

It is fair to say that, in his first season as a Premier League footballer, the Wales international impressed. He scored eight goals and grabbed three assists in 38 games as Forest survived by the skin of their teeth. He scored some crucial goals, but perhaps none more so than both strikes in a 2-0 win at home to Leicester City, who ended up being relegated themselves.

Sadly for Forest fans, he left his boyhood club for pastures anew on deadline day in 2023. Tottenham Hotspur paid £47.5m to sign Johnson from Forest, which was a record sale for the club.

There is no doubt it was a big loss for the East Midlands side, and they could be in danger of losing another star for perhaps an even bigger fee.

The £60m star who Forest could lose

According to a report last week from the Mail, Morgan Gibbs-White is someone who is of ‘keen interest’ to several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

At this stage, a price is not clear should a deal materialise. However, Gibbs-White was valued at a reported £60m over the summer, with the club likely looking to make a profit on their initial investment.

There is no doubt that losing Johnson was a disappointing thing for Forest, even if the club did not stand in his way when the right price arrived. Losing Gibbs-White, however, could arguably be even worse.

He is the main man in a side flying this season under Nuno Espirito Santo. Forest are currently third in the Premier League on 40 points, the same amount as second place Arsenal and just six points off leaders Liverpool.

Their most recent win was a 3-0 thrashing away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is no doubt that Gibbs-White’s four goals and three assists in 16 games are a big reason for that form. Initially, the 24-year-old started the season slowly, with just one goal in his first ten appearances.

However, in the last six games, he has really kicked on, with an impressive six goals and assists in his last six games. It is certainly no coincidence that his electric form has coincided with Forest winning six games in a row.

Opponent

Goals

Assists

Chances created

Dribbles completed

Duels won

Man United

1

1

1

2

5

Aston Villa

0

1

3

3

5

Brentford

0

0

1

1

9

Spurs

0

1

2

1

4

Everton

1

0

1

1

5

Wolves

1

0

0

0

5

Losing a man with 15 goals and 21 assists in 96 games across competitions would be a huge blow for Nuno and his squad. Those donning Garibaldi Red this season are doing an exceptional job, spearheaded by Gibbs-White.

It was never going to be easy to replace Johnson, yet Forest have found a man who is filling the boots of his former teammate pretty well, to say the least.

The last thing they need is for Gibbs-White to leave, meaning they would lose another of their talismanic attackers.

Nottingham Forest prepared to move for "exceptional" £25m player in January

The Tricky Trees could sign a midfielder this winter…

ByDominic Lund Dec 31, 2024

Sheffield Wednesday now have only one win to shout about from their last five Championship games after an action-packed 2-2 draw versus Bristol City.

Danny Rohl’s Owls looked to be heading for all three points but Ross McCrorie ended up breaking Wednesday hearts at Hillsborough with a late equalising strike for the Robins.

The German will hope his team’s season doesn’t unravel from this point onwards, as the South Yorkshire outfit find themselves just four points shy of the playoff picture in spite of their inconsistencies on the pitch.

To help their chances of being dark horses for the top six, the ongoing transfer window will be key in adding in some impactful new additions, with one deal already playing on their minds.

Sheffield Wednesday make bid for £6k p/w star

As per a recent development by journalist Alan Nixon, Wednesday could be set to tie down loan star Shea Charles to a deal that lasts until the end of the campaign.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Charles’ loan stint at the club has come to an end after parent employers Southampton recalled the young midfielder this week, but the Owls could be about to reverse that call having now allegedly upped their offer to keep the Northern Irishman situated in South Yorkshire.

Amazingly, the Owls are battling it out with fierce rivals Sheffield United to try and win the £6k-per-week man’s extended signature, with Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann further adding fuel to the fire by stating a deadline has been above Wednesday’s head to secure a deal.

What Charles could offer Sheffield Wednesday

If Charles was to stay put, this would no doubt help the Owls’ chances of breaking into those coveted playoff positions, with the ex-Manchester City youngster already forming an impressive midfield partnership with Barry Bannan.

There wouldn’t be that awkward acclimatisation period for Charles, therefore, considering he has already starred this season at Hillsborough, hence the frenzy to keep him around.

The Owls number 44 had been a revelation before being recalled, with his grit in the middle of the park coupled with his composure on the ball making him an obvious fan’s favourite alongside familiar faces such as Bannan.

Games played

25

27

Goals

1

4

Assists

4

2

Touches*

56.3

64.4

Accurate passes*

30.1

39.3

Interceptions*

1.4

0.4

Tackles*

3.2

1.6

Ball recoveries*

5.8

5.2

Total duels won*

6.6

3.1

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that the Owls duo complement each other nicely, with Charles more content at doing the dirty work than Bannan away from also being competent in pushing further up the pitch to help out his attacking teammates.

After all, that one strike Charles has managed this season in league action was his first ever professional goal, but his ability to win a high amount of duels per league clash among other battling numbers – as can be seen looking at the table above – has no doubt helped the Scotsman up his levels after a forgettable 2023/24 campaign passed him by.

Bannan would only muster up three goal contributions across 42 league clashes, with his figure for this season already up to six owing to his lively teammate perhaps giving him more freedom to fire home beautiful strikes like this one away at Derby County.

Labelled as “fantastic” player in the past by Pep Guardiola, on top of also being noted as having “undeniable Premier League potential” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Charles staying put at Hillsborough until the end of the season would be a phenomenal move if pulled off.

Wednesday supporters have been here before in being disappointed by what transpires in a transfer window but they will be waiting with bated breath all the same to see what the final outcome will be.

Sheffield Wednesday could sign "incredible" Gassama upgrade this month

Sheffield Wednesday would surely rise up the Championship table with this stunning January buy.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 22, 2025

Something feels different about Arsenal this season, doesn’t it? The Gunners sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table and they have a 100% record from their three Champions League matches.

A year ago, it was a struggle. Multiple red cards and injuries plagued a heavily talented squad and, until the latter stages of European competition, they struggled to hit top gear.

Yet for all of the reliance on set-pieces, for all of the ridiculous comments on long throws in recent days, Arsenal looks like the best team in the land.

Steady on. We know. Let’s not count our chickens just yet, but everything is looking rather rosy. Mikel Arteta’s men have shipped just one open-play goal all season and are yet to concede in the Champions League.

Their forward line, as demonstrated in that stunning 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid, is improving all the time too.

That’s hardly a surprise. Andrea Berta – once of Atleti’s parish – invested KSE’s money heavily over the summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Gyokeres went nine goals without finding the net before his brace on Tuesday night. The relief and delight were clear to see on the Swede’s face.

The number 14 has some way to go before he can be considered an all-time great but amidst Arteta’s setup, there are a few faces beginning to make themselves modern icons. Gabriel Magalhaes is the prime example.

Why Gabriel is now the best centre-back on the planet

Swing in a corner or set-piece and there is usually one result. Gabriel will be on hand to head home.

His record in recent years and indeed this season has been extraordinary. No central defender across the top five leagues in European football has scored more goals than his tally of 22 since 2020.

The big Brazilian is inevitable and his remarkable record in 2025/26 has only strengthened his argument as the best goalscoring defender around.

In his last five games, he has scored twice and also picked up two assists. There was that crashing header in the dying embers to win the game at Newcastle United and he followed that up by flicking on Bukayo Saka’s corner for Leandro Trossard’s winner at Craven Cottage a few days ago.

His performance against Atleti, however, was colossal. It was the 27-year-old who headed the Gunners in front from Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick and it was Gabriel who got on the end of Rice’s corner minutes later in the second half. He didn’t find the net this time but he did put it on a plate for Gyokeres to score from a matter of yards out.

But, can he defend too? You bet he can. Gabriel is one of the sternest central defenders in the land.

He has been dribbled past just 0.4 times per game in the league this season and is winning 77% of his ground duels. For context, of Premier League defenders to win more than ten ground duels in 2025/26, he ranks joint-fifth for percentage of ground duels won. He sits level with Virgil van Dijk in that regard.

1. Joel Veltman

89%

2. Noussair Mazraoui

82%

3. Daniel Ballard

78.57%

3= Trevoh Chalobah

78.57%

4. Kenny Tete

77%

5. Virgil van Dijk

76.92%

5= Gabriel

76.92%

Defenders who have won 10 + duels only

So, he’s a set-piece menace. He’s a warrior, he’s a leader of men and he’s a pretty damn good defender too.

Is there anything Gabriel cannot do? Perhaps not. He is undoubtedly one of the best players we’ve seen in the Emirates Stadium era. But, is he the best?

Arsenal's best player since Arsene Wenger retired

While Arsene Wenger’s final few years at Arsenal were not as victorious and triumphant as the early days, he is still remembered fondly. Besides the great Herbert Chapman, he is the finest manager the club have ever had and he had some remarkable players in his armoury.

Whether it was Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Robert Pires, the greats of Arsenal were around when Wenger was.

Chalkboard

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

Yet, since he retired, the Gunners have struggled and it’s not until recent years that Arteta has transformed them into title challengers again.

The aforementioned Gabriel has been a big part of that. As has Saka. Without him, there’s a very realistic chance that Arteta wouldn’t even still be in the job.

During the infancy of the Spaniard’s coaching career in north London, it was the Hale End marvel who got the Gunners out of plenty of sticky situations.

Yet, in recent years, they’ve found a transformational player, a generational talent who looks like he could eclipse some of the best players we’ve seen at Arsenal since Wenger walked away. Mesut Ozil? He’s making a bigger impact than him. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? He’s certainly earned more respect than their former no.14.

Even better than Gabriel and Saka? Arguably so. Rice is your man and he’s becoming one of the finest specimens in world football.

Back in 2023, Edu and Co moved heaven and earth to bring the England international to the Emirates, paying a club-record £105m to sign him from West Ham. They fended off serial winners Manchester City to do so. It was a landmark move.

Well, since heading to Arsenal, Rice has made that fee look like a bargain. Since when has that sort of money ever looked cheap? Well, West Ham must be cursing their luck that they did not get more bang for their buck.

The midfielder was a mighty fine player at West Ham but he has gone on another level after his big-money move.

At the Irons, he was seen as a defensive midfielder but Arteta has transformed him into one of the best, if not the best box-to-box midfielder in the land. Rice’s work rate is simply incredible and his ability to win the ball back is second to very few.

But, at Arsenal, he’s now become a threat in the final third. He scored nine goals and registered ten assists last term, his best tally in a single season.

While the 26-year-old has only scored once in 2025/26, he has registered four assists, all from set-pieces. Indeed, that’s one area where Rice has been exceptional, particularly in the last year.

You won’t need a reminder but we’ll bring it up again anyway. His free-kicks against Real Madrid last season were a thing of beauty. However, it’s his delivery into the box that stands out most.

He was involved in two of the four goals against Atleti this week, swinging in a delicious ball for Gabriel to head home and then firing in the corner that led to Gyokeres’ second.

In the words of Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz, the Three Lions star is now “the best set-piece taker in world football.”

If you didn’t think Rice could get any better, think again. He is the perfect all-rounder. Gabriel is a menacing centre-back and Saka’s creativity skills are sublime. Yet, the £240k-per-week earner has it all. He can score, he assist, he can defend and he’s arguably got the best set-piece delivery in Europe.

Few will argue against just how good Rice has been since he moved across London. The best signing we’ve seen since Wenger left? It’s hard to suggest he hasn’t been.

Liverpool and FSG are now unwilling to offer new terms to one of their star men as a result of financial fair play concerns, a fresh report has claimed, with the Reds risking losing him instead.

Liverpool locked in contract talks

Contracts have dominated the early part of Arne Slot’s time at Anfield, even as he guides the Reds to the top of the Premier League. Liverpool have a two point advantage over Chelsea in second place, while also having a game in hand on all the sides around them, while they also sit top of the Champions League with six wins from six.

Liverpool could axe one of Trent's "closest friends" by signing £40m star

Liverpool need to make one or two signings in 2025 to consolidate their position of power.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 18, 2024

Though things are going almost perfectly on the pitch, there are still concerns off it, with much of the focus on contracts.

All of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and though all have been offered fresh terms, none have yet committed their futures to the club.

Another player that Liverpool are keen to reward is defender Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal at Anfield expires in 2026 and who is expected to agree a new deal which will see his new status in the squad rewarded.

However, elsewhere things are less clear; Trent Alexander-Arnold remains in the sights of Real Madrid, who are reportedly planning a meeting in early January to try and convince him to join close friend Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Now a shock report suggests that another Liverpool player could follow him to Spain, with the Reds not ready to offer new terms in line with his demands.

Liverpool not willing to offer star new deal

That is according to reports coming out of Spain, which point to Luis Diaz as the man in question and suggests that he could look to leave Liverpool in the near future as a result. The Colombian forward, who has started 10 of Liverpool’s 15 Premier League games this season, was linked with a move away from the club over the summer but has emerged as a key man for Arne Slot.

His current deal runs until 2027, which sees him take home £2.8m a year (£55,000 a week), a wage that puts him among Liverpool’s lowest earners.

Player

Weekly wage

Conor Bradley

£10,000

Curtis Jones

£15,000

Jarell Quansah

£30,000

Harvey Elliott

£40,000

Wataru Endo

£50,000

Luis Diaz

£55,000

That salary, which the report claims “no longer corresponds to his importance in the team”, is seemingly unlikely to change any time soon though. They add the Reds are “not willing to make a financial effort to renew him” due to the “delicate situation with financial fair play” they find themselves in.

It is claimed that this has seen Barcelona rekindle their interest in the forward, though they will be unlikely to move for the Colombian any time soon given that they currently cannot even register summer signing Dani Olmo for the second half of the season due to financial issues of their own.

Nonetheless, it is added that a move for the winger “could become a priority if his contractual situation does not improve at Anfield”, and they may not be the only interested party able to offer a significant wage bump to the south American if Liverpool continue to overlook his importance.

Leeds United are now preparing a new formal offer for a young forward who is keen on a move to Elland Road, according to a new report.

Leeds searching for goals in the transfer market

Leeds will aim to strengthen their position at the top of the Championship when they welcome Cardiff City to Elland Road on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s team, who recently played out a goalless draw against third-placed Burnley, currently hold a two-point lead at the summit.

Meanwhile, Cardiff, despite a recent upturn in form which has seen them go undefeated in seven, remain down in 18th.

Speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of the game, Leeds boss Farke said he expects the Bluebirds to pose a tough challenge.

“They will come with confidence and freedom given their good past couple of results,” he explained. “Cardiff play with intensity and are active. Really good team spirit so we have to move the ball really quick. We have to be on it.”

Farke's next Pukki: Leeds enter talks to sign "incredibly prolific" CF

Leeds United could be about to give Daniel Farke the dream striker he’s been craving all January.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jan 31, 2025

Farke also touched on Leeds’ transfer plans, suggesting that he’s in the market for a new striker before the window closes on Monday night.

“We also stay awake for the striker position if we are one injury away from being unable to use in a game,” said the German coach. “I look at Manchester City. If Haaland scores, they are successful. If not, they are not. Due to the situation, we will [consider options].”

Leeds to make second Archer bid

One striker Leeds reportedly have their eye on is Southampton’s Cameron Archer. Leeds have already had a loan bid for Archer turned down. However, according to TeamTALK, the Whites are expected to return with another offer in the near future.

The publication claims that the second bid will be a permanent one, which will be just over the £15 million Southampton paid Aston Villa for Archer in the summer. With the 23-year-old himself understood to be keen on moving to Elland Road, Leeds are hopeful of getting the deal over the line despite Saints’ insistence on not losing the player this month.

Archer came through the ranks at Aston Villa, but never made his mark at Villa Park and moved to Sheffield United in 2023 after loan spells with Solihull Moors, Preston North End, and Middlesbrough. He signed for Southampton in August, just three months after he rejoined Villa on a permanent transfer.

In December, former Saints boss Russell Martin heaped praise on the Englishman, who has scored two goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season.

“I think he’s been really good for us,” Martin said in a press conference. “In his short spell here, he’s been a real threat. He’s improving all the time. I really love him as a boy. I think he’s a brilliant signing for us. I think he’ll score a lot for us.”

West Bromwich Albion had to make do with a draw on the road last time out in Chris Brunt’s latest game as Baggies interim boss.

If it hadn’t been for Welsh veteran Joe Allen unexpectedly scoring at the death, it would have been a successive win for the Northern Irishman in the Championship, but the Swansea City midfielder had other ideas unfortunately.

Whilst Brunt has impressed in spells since taking on the reins unexpectedly from Carlos Corberan, it seems as if the second-tier promotion candidates are pressing on with replacing the Spaniard outright.

West Brom holding talks with bold Corberan replacement

As per recent reports from @talkwba on X (formerly Twitter) West Brom look set to hold talks with former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky about taking over from Corberan, in what would be a left-field choice of replacement.

Described as being ‘well liked’ by the second-tier outfit, the Swiss manager would join the English game off the back of succeeding in his native Switzerland, alongside managing further afield in the United States with Chicago Fire.

Whilst he boasts no experience of the tough demands of EFL football yet, the Baggies will pray he acclimatises swiftly to his new surroundings if a deal is to be secured, having already made a name for himself on these shores when getting the better of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City back in 2018 as Basel boss.

Manager Focus

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

What Wicky could offer West Brom

Wicky wasn’t facing off against the battered and bruised version of City now either, with his Basel side handing out a first home loss of the season to the super-confident hosts when picking up an almighty 2-1 scalp.

In that same run of fixtures in the Champions League, Basel also managed to get the better of Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United 1-0, with both titans of the English game remarkably humbled by the 47-year-old’s methods.

Domestically in Switzerland, Wicky would also prove to be a hit when he was Young Boys manager, leading the side to a Swiss League and Cup double as boss during a very successful 2022/23 season.

Therefore, everything points in the direction that he could go on to be a great successor to Corberan’s throne in managing to get more out of an underdog team like the now Valencia boss pulled off for the Baggies when he first arrived and they were near the foot of the Championship.

Games managed

321

244

Wins

168

96

Draws

62

64

Losses

91

83

Yet, despite Corberan turning West Brom into regular play-off challengers away from worrying about the drop under Steve Bruce, Wicky boasts more overall victories as a manager at 168 contrasted next to his counterpart’s 96, albeit from a significant boost of 77 more clashes.

Still, that win percentage – which comes in at 52% – cannot just be brushed aside after one look, with the 47-year-old wanting to pick up more and more victories as a boss if the Hawthorns do come calling soon.

Often utilising the 4-2-3-1 formation when in charge at Young Boys – alongside a more preferred 4-4-2 set-up – this will suit the current Baggies set-up perfectly well with Tom Fellows a constant menace down the wings alongside offering the team a strong defensive shape.

It was always going to be a tough ask for West Brom to immediately go out and find a dream successor, but in Wicky, the promotion hopefuls could strike gold on what is somewhat of an unknown entity.

West Brom struck gold on star who is now worth more than Mowatt & Johnston

West Bromwich Albion will pray this star isn’t tempted by a move away this January.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 4, 2025

Heading into the 2024/25 campaign, it was clear Chelsea had the idea of bringing one more striker through the door to compete with Nicolas Jackson. The 23-year-old has started the season in good stead, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 20 appearances so far (1,485 minutes played).

But the Blues failed to acquire another first-team striker option (not including Marc Guiu, an 18-year-old signed from Barcelona). This has led to Christopher Nkunku being played out of position as a striker for Enzo Maresca’s side, mainly as a backup option in the UEFA Conference League games when Jackson is rested.

The 27-year-old has made 28 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists, albeit while starting just three Premier League games.

But heading into January, Chelsea have a chance to address this, looking to bring a different striker profile to the club to provide competition for Jackson upfront.

Chelsea's search for a striker

Reports earlier this week indicated that Chelsea are among the clubs who have made an enquiry regarding the signing of Aston Villa sensation, Jhon Duran, with Paris Saint-Germain currently leading the race for his signature.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

A potential price tag has now since been revealed, with journalist Ben Jacobs claiming that Duran would cost around £80m to sign this month, amid that interest from PSG in the 21-year-old forward.

So far this season, Duran has made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals in 976 minutes played. He could well represent the perfect replacement for Nkunku.

Duran vs Nkunku comparison

The Colombian centre-forward has been brandished a “maverick” by Ben Mattinson, praising not only his immensely powerful shot, but also his physicality and the way he carries the ball. His unpredictable nature makes him a “chaos” number nine, who adds a different dimension of play when leading the line.

Duran could be the right man to replace Nkunku, providing competition for Jackson and offering something different with his play style from the bench. Chelsea have struggled against ‘low block’ opposition in recent weeks, and the 21-year-old could actually be a huge asset towards breaking those down.

Duran and Nkunku are very different types of player, the former being that maverick/chaos type striker we spoke about, whilst the latter is more of a ‘shadow striker’ wanting to link play, play off of other players and create for not only himself, but also others.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Duran

Nkunku

Jackson

Goals

1.09

0.86

0.56

Assists

0.00

0.31

0.19

xG

0.62

0.95

0.60

Progressive Carries

1.11

2.18

2.17

Progressive Passes

1.89

3.45

1.30

Shots Total

4.82

3.05

3.11

Goals/Shot

0.21

0.23

0.18

Key Passes

0.67

1.61

1.06

Shot-Creating Actions

2.22

4.14

2.92

Touches (Att Pen)

6.67

5.52

5.90

Aerial Duels Won

3.11

1.03

0.56

However, Jackson is also this complete type of striker, who likes to drop deep and link play, often spinning his man and driving the team forwards. That ability to contribute in different phases of play is why Jackson gets the nod over Nkunku, as he also works hard for the team off the ball, often leading the press for Maresca’s side.

What Jackson doesn’t possess though, is the same type of box threat and aerial presence Duran could bring, winning 3.11 aerial duels per 90, as well as having 6.67 touches in the opposition penalty area, bullying defenders in the box and attacking crosses put into the area.

Nkunku, being more suited to playing behind the striker, could have to leave in order to get the minutes he wants – as has been reported – as Cole Palmer currently stands in his way in that area of the pitch.

Therefore, a move for Nkunku to leave and be replaced by Duran would suit all parties involved, having a positive effect on the makeup of the team.

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Sheffield United really did flex their muscles during the winter transfer window with a mammoth seven new signings entering the building.

Three of those fresh recruits joined right at the death on deadline day too, with left-field faces Christian Nwachukwu and Jefferson Caceres relocating to England from Bulgaria and Peru respectively, alongside forgotten Crystal Palace centre-back Rob Holding joining on loan.

The last of those new arrivals could signal the end of this Blades stalwart’s concrete space in the XI, as Chris Wilder now goes about tinkering with his side..

The Sheffield United player who could be axed after Holding's arrival

This would be a harsh alteration to make, but Holding’s arrival on the scene could displace United captain Jack Robinson in the starting lineup moving forward.

After all, despite wearing the captain’s armband with pride when selected, the ex-Liverpool man has only started 17 of his side’s 30 Championship contests this season, meaning they would be able to survive without him regularly playing in the heart of defence.

When he has been fit, however, Robinson has been a consistent performer for the Blades over the years, with seven strikes next to his name from 140 games, alongside also being a brave battler at the back.

This campaign so far, Robinson has also won 4.9 duels per league contest when starring alongside his equally formidable partner in Anel Ahmedhodžić, with Wilder once even labelling the former Reds youth product as “excellent”.

But, the 57-year-old will be well aware that Holding wouldn’t have chosen to join the Blades on loan if he didn’t think regular minutes were going to come his way, with Wilder succeeding in the past few games with some last-minute alterations that could give him the confidence to boldly start the Palace outcast straight away.

Chris Wilder's success changing the Sheffield United lineup

Indeed, United’s last win away at Derby County saw Wilder throw both Harry Clarke and Hamza Choudhury straight into the first-team fold for their debuts.

On top of that, both Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon remained in attack at Pride Park fresh off playing just one game prior for their new employers, only for all these surprise calls to pay off come full-time.

Minutes played

78

62

90

90

Goals scored

0

1

0

0

Assists

1

0

0

0

Touches

19

27

64

60

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

16/19 (84%)

34/43 (79%)

27/33 (82%)

Successful dribbles

1/3

1/2

3/3

0/0

Total duels won

1/6

1/7

8/12

7/12

Looking at the table above, it’s clear from the numbers put in by the quartet that all four fresh faces left their mark on the 1-0 win, with both Cannon and Brereton Diaz combining well for the only strike of the day.

Whilst the new attacking pair showed off their prowess in front of goal, both Choudhury and Clarke showed off their dogged natures in helping their team grind out a hard-fought victory on the road with 15 combined duels won.

Therefore, it’s not completely out of the question that the Blades boss would gamble on introducing Holding straight into the first team fold, with the loan defender one figure who could be a capable performer at the level when up to full speed glancing at his 92 career Premier League appearances.

Holding will need to fight hard to secure a starting spot for good, however, with Robinson a rock at the back Wilder can rely on.

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