Newcastle United are enduring their first real blip under head coach Eddie Howe since the PIF takeover two years ago which has been compounded by the increased weight of expectations.

More money equals greater expectations and given the Magpies have spent over £400m since Howe took charge of the club, four losses in five games could be deemed a crisis, particularly since the Geordie outfit exited two major competitions in that timeframe.

However, it seems as though the manager will use the January transfer window as a means to alleviate Newcastle’s difficult spell of form.

Newcastle United transfer news – Jonathan David

According to journalist Marco Conterio, Newcastle are set to do battle with Champions League rivals AC Milan for the signature of Lille attacker Jonathan David this winter. The Canada international has been in France for almost four years, even winning the title during the 2020/21 campaign, but now seems primed and ready for a move to English football.

David has been one of the most reliable goalscorers in Ligue 1 since arriving from Gent back in 2020 and was even described as a “silent assassin” by former Canada manager John Herdman.

“Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.”

Now, this silent assassin could be on his way to the Premier League as Howe looks to bolster his attacking department ahead of the second half of the campaign, although a deal could be costly, with Lille reportedly holding out for €60m (£51m) for David’s services.

Jonathan David’s stats this season

David was one of the most prolific players in Europe’s top-five leagues last season, having scored 26 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions, including 24 in Ligue 1. The Canadian finished third in the French top-flight’s charts in the previous campaign, with only Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe converting more opportunities.

The 23-year-old scored more goals last season than both of Newcastle’s star strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak who bagged 18 and 11 goals respectively.

However, this season, David’s output has declined as the young attacker has scored seven goals in 23 matches for Lille. This is less than both Wilson and Isak, although only six players have been more prolific than David in the French top tier this season.

While David may not be as potent this term as Newcastle’s two centre-forwards, he is scoring more frequently than £45m signing Anthony Gordon and right-winger Miguel Almiron, who have six and five apiece. Perhaps there is a chance that David could be brought to St. James’ Park as a wide player rather than in his favoured spot up top since Isak was signed for a club-record £63m and will likely be the Mags’ first-choice number nine in the long-term.

The likelihood would be that Howe could deploy Gordon on the right flank while David takes the position on the left-hand side. David has played as a winger before and even has an impressive record, having bagged six goals and three assists in eight matches in the wide areas.

While Gordon was signed for a lot of money, he may be forced to swap to his weaker right side if David arrives at Newcastle as the latter has been statistically better than Howe’s number ten in several key metrics for a winger.

Goals

0.37

0.28

Expected Goals

0.55

0.28

Assists

0.06

0.19

Expected Assists

0.11

0.13

Progressive Passes

3.17

2.95

Progressive Passes Received

7.45

7.41

Shots

2.73

2.04

Goals Per Shot

0.09

0.14

Key Passes

1.06

1.14

Passes To Penalty Area

1.3

1.35

Take-Ons Success Rate %

47.8

29.5

Stats via FBref

This could be an expensive, yet superb deal by Newcastle and would offer Howe’s attack more balance by having a goalscoring "phenom" on the left in David – as described by podcaster Tony Marinaro – and a more creative winger on the opposite side with Gordon.

Sunderland picked up a massive victory against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Boxing Day to overtake the Tigers in the final playoff place, while putting the ghosts of last Saturday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Coventry City behind them from Michael Beale's debut in the dugout.

Ever the hero this season, Jack Clarke scored the only goal of the game to clinch all three points for his side, putting him on 11 goals in the Championship this term.

The Black Cats' goalscoring burden has been placed heavily on the 23-year-old's shoulders this season but Beale could alleviate this pressure on Clarke by signing one former player in January.

Sunderland transfer news – Amad Diallo

Over Christmas, Football Insider reported that Manchester United are willing to let Amad Diallo head back out on loan in January, having not played a single minute all season for the Red Devils. Reports have also claimed that Sunderland are keen to acquire the Ivorian attacker once more after such a successful spell in England's second tier last season.

Diallo has spent the majority of the campaign sidelined through a serious knee injury which he sustained on pre-season with the English giants. As a result, the youngster is yet to feature under head coach Erik ten Hag in a competitive game this term, although the £9m-rated forward has recently returned to training.

It was recently revealed that the Atalanta youth product was keen to stay at Old Trafford to fight for his place but now it seems as though the decision may be taken out of his hands and a return to the Stadium of Light could be just what the doctor ordered for all parties.

Amad Diallo's stats – 2022/23

Diallo joined Sunderland at the beginning of the previous campaign on a season-long loan spell and quickly became a hero on Wearside. The Ivory Coast international ended the season as Sunderland's top goalscorer in all competitions with 14 goals as Tony Mowbray's side made an unprecedented finish inside the playoff places, unfortunately losing to Luton Town in the semi-finals. Mowbray even described Diallo as "magic" as the loanee finished joint-eight in the league's scoring charts.

Player

Goals

Expected Goals

Chuba Akpom

28

21.9

Viktor Gyokeres

21

19.5

Carlton Morris

20

15

Joel Piroe

19

18.5

Tom Bradshaw

17

13.9

Nathan Tella

17

10.3

Zian Flemming

15

9.6

Ben Brereton Diaz

14

11.9

Iliman Ndiaye

14

12.8

Jerry Yates

14

11.2

Amad Diallo

13

8.1

Stats via FBref

Nevertheless, the difference between Sunderland over the past two seasons is that the club are far more reliant on one player this term compared to the last campaign. The Black Cats have found the net 33 times this season in the Championship. However, this time around, only 11 teams have scored fewer goals. Additionally, Jack Clarke has bagged 33.3% of the side's league goals this season.

In the 2022/23 campaign, Sunderland had three players reach ten or more goals in all competitions: Diallo, Ross Stewart and Clarke, while Ellis Simms followed closely behind with seven. Now, the side's second-highest goalscorer spot is shared between Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham on four apiece.

The main issue Beale has to fix is the team's lack of potency up top. Nazariy Rusyn, Hemir Semedo, Mason Burstow, Jewison Bennette, and Eliezer Mayenda have all rotated the number '9' position at different times in the season but none have managed to convert a single opportunity, leaving the manager to get creative up top.

On Boxing Day, Beale threw Bradley Dack up top but the ex-Blackburn Rovers star failed to have any impact at all, recording just one shot which registered a measly xG of 0.07 before he was replaced in the 44th minute with an injury. Chronicle Live handed the 29-year-old a 6/10 match rating for his display.

Nevertheless, with a potential arrival of Diallo, Beale could try Clarke up front given how potent he has been for Sunderland this term. The former Tottenham Hotspur man has only started four times up front and has a decent record when leading the line.

Position

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Left Midfielder

40

13

6

Left-Winger

36

8

10

Centre-Forward

4

2

1

Right-Winger

1

0

0

Attacking Midfielder

1

0

0

Right Midfielder

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

In addition, the new manager could put Diallo out on the wing in Clarke's position to alleviate the loss of the Englishman on the flanks. While Sunderland may lose some aerial threat, the side will have a much better balance in the forward line and won't be as reliant on Clarke's goals with the addition of Diallo.

Michael Beale hasn't quite been able to stamp his authority on Sunderland just yet, the ex-Rangers manager picking up just one win from his opening three games in charge of the Black Cats.

It's not as if the second-tier side have been humiliated in any match under their divisive new manager however, Beale only coming up short with one defeat so far from his opening trio of Championship contests.

He could well tinker with the lineup for Sunderland's lunchtime game on New Year's Day against Ryan Lowe's Preston North End in a bid to find the golden starting eleven that clicks everything into place, a team worthy of competing for promotion and going the distance instead of narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

Here's the Sunderland predicted XI for their showdown with the Lilywhites, with three potential changes from the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United last game present…

1 GK – Anthony Patterson

Anthony Patterson will continue being Beale's first-choice goalkeeper, the Sunderland shot-stopper making three saves last game – as per Sofascore – to ensure the Black Cats came away from Rotherham with at least a point.

2 RB – Jenson Seelt

Playing in an unorthodox right-back position last match, Jenson Seelt still put in a competent display against the Millers.

Seelt's composure on the ball stood out in the game under the New York Stadium floodlights, misplacing just three of his 41 passes before being hauled off by Beale in the second half.

Timothee Pembele will give Seelt competition now however, the former Paris St.Germain defender fit enough for a cameo off the bench in place of Seelt against Rotherham.

Still, Beale should keep faith in his young Dutch defender who has barely put a foot wrong playing as a stand-in full-back to date.

3 CB – Daniel Ballard

Daniel Ballard makes up the next part of an unchanged back four, the ex-Arsenal centre-back resolute versus the Millers with 12 aerial duels won in total over the course of the 90 minutes.

Clearing the ball away seven times too, Ballard will hope his efforts against Preston are rewarded with a clean sheet.

4 CB – Luke O'Nien

Sunderland's captain was the standout performer from a resilient defence against Leam Richardson's hosts last game, winning an astounding 16 duels in total.

Luke O'Nien was also measured on the ball playing out from the back, misplacing just six passes as a calm but authoritative presence in the 1-1 draw.

5 LB – Trai Hume

Trai Hume will also be retained at left-back for the test of the Lilywhites on Monday – switching over to the left-hand side to make up for Niall Huggins being sidelined – with the Northern Ireland international constantly involved in passages of play at the New York Stadium.

Hume would accumulate a staggering 120 touches in the draw, showing off his dominance in the air with four out of five aerial duels won.

6 CM – Pierre Ekwah

Pierre Ekwah will also start against Lowe's Lilywhites, the central midfielder focusing on his football still despite interest from Premier League suitors which is predicted to heat up this January.

Ekwah wasn't at his best in South Yorkshire last match however, only winning a solitary duel in the competitive clash.

7 CM – Dan Neil

Dan Neil and Ekwah have formed a formidable partnership in recent weeks from holding midfield, with Neil the more creative and forward-thinking of the fixed duo.

That was apparent in the Rotherham game, with Neil attempting to test Victor Johanssen in the opposing goal with one off-target effort whilst notching up five accurate long balls in the clash to push his timid team further up the pitch.

8 RM – Abdoullah Ba

The first change Beale could make to his starting eleven would be dropping Patrick Roberts for Abdoullah Ba, gifting the 20-year-old a rare start owing to Roberts hobbling off the pitch last game.

Roberts came off with a suspected muscle issue, but Ba deserves to start regardless of the ex-Celtic man's ailment potentially ruling him out.

Ba impressed throughout the 75 minutes he was on the field versus Rotherham when replacing Roberts, 100% successful with all of his dribble attempts in the contest with the French winger regularly twisting and turning Millers defenders for fun.

The young French attacker will see this as the perfect opportunity to kickstart his faltering campaign again, proving to his manager that he's a useful weapon within the Black Cats ranks to rely upon.

9 CAM – Alex Pritchard

The second change could well see Jobe Bellingham drop out of the starting lineup for the more experienced Alex Pritchard, Bellingham nowhere near his electric best against Rotherham.

Bellingham could well be experiencing lethargy, the teenager rarely given a breather this campaign in an unforgiving league – the 18-year-old midfielder failing to register a single shot on the Rotherham goal, whilst successfully completing just two of his six dribbles on the night.

Pritchard deserves another run-out in Bellingham's place, the former Huddersfield Town man still able to conjure up moments of magic for the Tyne and Wear side despite reaching the twilight of his career now at 30 years of age.

The ex-Terriers man has received glowing praise throughout his Black Cats career for his obvious pedigree and ability on the ball, described in the past as having "incredible technique" by Not the Top 20 Podcast host Ali Maxwell in set-piece situations.

10 LM – Jack Clarke

Jack Clarke also possesses dazzling ability at this moment in time for Sunderland, showcased throughout this second-tier season to date.

Clarke's equalising goal against Rotherham was his 12th strike of the season already, the Tyne and Wear outfit heavily reliant on the former Leeds United man to lead from the front and secure results off his own back.

Not fazed by this pressure on his shoulders whatsoever, Clarke will no doubt want to be the hero again versus Preston tomorrow lunchtime.

The relentless Championship schedule is already starting to impact Leeds United and their performances as they have dropped points in the last two matches.

Daniel Farke's side were held to a 1-1 draw last time out against Coventry at Elland Road and that came off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Those two results have left the Whites a staggering ten points adrift of Ipswich Town in second and 13 points behind league-leaders Leicester City, who currently occupy the two automatic promotion places.

Leeds are competing to make an instant return to the Premier League after they were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season, but will have to do so via the play-offs unless they can oust one of the top two out of the way during the second half of the campaign.

The January transfer window is set to open for business next month and the Yorkshire-based outfit could dip into the market to provide their promotion push with a boost heading into the final few months of the season.

Leeds transfer news – Kerem Akturkoglu

A recent report from Turkish outlet Fanatik claimed that Leeds are one of the teams showing an interest in Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu.

It was stated that the Whites and Italian side Lazio are both eyeing up the talented whiz ahead of a possible swoop for his services in 2024.

Fanatik also reported that several clubs from England, Italy, and France have been in 'frequent' contact with the player's agents to determine how viable a transfer could be either in January or next summer.

However, it was also claimed that Galatasaray have decided, after an internal meeting to discuss their strategy, that they will not be cashing in on any of their star players and only those already on the transfer list will be allowed to depart.

This means that Leeds could have a tough job on their hands to convince the Turkish giants to part ways with Akturkoglu when the window opens.

However, the sale of one of their current forwards could provide them with the funds to make an attractive offer to Galatasaray, which is where Wilfried Gnonto could come in.

Football Insider recently reported that Leeds could accept an offer for the Italy international in January as the 20-year-old wants to play regular first-team football.

Premier League and Serie A sides are said to be keeping an eye on his situation and it was previously claimed by TEAMtalk that Everton, Roma, and Lazio are keen on the gem, who would cost a fee in the region of £25m.

Cashing in on Gnonto could allow Farke to invest in another forward and this could, therefore, open the door for a swoop for Akturkoglu, who could come in as the manager's new version of Crysencio Summerville.

Summerville's season in numbers

The Dutch forward has been in terrific form so far this season in the Championship and has proven to be a reliable attacking outlet for his side.

Summerville managed four goals and two assists in 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign as they were relegated to the second tier.

The 22-year-old has been able to use that top-flight experience to become a superstar for the Whites with his electric performances this term.

He has spearheaded Farke's attack on the left wing and has been one of the best players in the entire division, with his average Sofascore rating of 7.89 topping the league ahead of the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Gabriel Sara, and ex-Leeds forward Jack Clarke.

Summerville is currently third in the league for goals (ten), only behind Sammie Szmodics and Adam Armstrong, and is joint-fifth for assists (six), as it stands.

The impressive left-winger, who has created ten 'big chances' for his teammates, is also top of the Leeds squad for key passes (3.1) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game so far this season in the Championship.

These statistics show that the Dutch wizard has the quality to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch week-in-week-out with his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

He provides variety in his game that makes it difficult for defenders to stop him as Summerville can just as easily dribble on the outside to create a chance for a teammate as he can dribble inside to open up space for himself to score.

The statistics that show why Akturkoglu could be Summerville 2.0

Farke could now land his next version of the Leeds star by securing a deal ahead of Lazio to land Akturkoglu's signature before the end of next month.

The 25-year-old whiz, who can play out wide on either flank, has been in sublime form for Galatasaray since the start of last season and has the potential to offer similar qualities to Summerville in the final third.

He is a winger who has the ability to contribute with goals and assists at an impressive rate, which could make him a fantastic addition to the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Last term, Akturkoglu racked up nine goals, 11 assists, and 17 'big chances' created in 34 Turkish Super Lig outings for Galatasaray.

The exciting dynamo has followed that up with a return of four goals, five assists, and 11 'big chances' created in 13 Super Lig starts so far during the 2023/24 campaign.

This means that the Turkey international, who was once described as “unstoppable” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has produced 13 goals, 16 assists, and created 28 'big chances' in his last 47 league outings, which highlights how productive he is at the top end of the pitch.

The Whites target is a right-footed winger, who can play on either side, and has the quality to score and assist goals at an eye-catching rate, just like Farke's current superstar on the left flank.

Akturkoglu has made 2.9 key passes per game for his teammates this season and only Summerville (3.1) has managed more than that within the Leeds squad.

These statistics all indicate that the 5 foot 8 Turkish sensation could be a phenomenal addition to the club if he is able to translate those performances over to English football, due to the impact he could have on matches with his attacking contributions.

Glasgow Rangers defeated Motherwell in their latest Premiership clash on Christmas Eve, and it looked to have set them up nicely for their clash against Ross County just a few days later.

Unfortunately, due to storm Gerrit causing havoc in the north of Scotland, the match was postponed as travel from Dingwall proved to be impossible.

This has given Philippe Clement a much-needed respite following a hectic fixture list over the previous few weeks, and it will set his side up nicely for the clash against Celtic this afternoon.

With the Gers closing the gap at the top of the Premiership to just five points – albeit with two games in hand – they are in a much better position than they were a few months ago.

With a squad ravaged by injuries, the Belgian coach doesn’t have much room for manoeuvre with regard to rotation and the key question will be who will start at left-back this afternoon?

Ridvan Yilmaz’s game in numbers vs Motherwell

The Turkish defender was given the chance to shine in the starting XI against Well having played the full 90 minutes just a few days prior against St Johnstone, and he played his part in the 2-0 win.

Yilmaz was solid against the Steelmen, winning four out of his six total duels, making three clearances and four interceptions as he impressed defensively.

In an attacking sense, he didn’t quite have as much influence. The youngster made only one key pass during the clash while delivering just two successful crosses, and he ended up losing possession a staggering 21 times.

The left-back does need a decent run of matches in order to showcase his true potential, and he has shone in spells during his time in Scotland.

Ridvan Yilmaz’s statistics at Rangers

The former Besiktas defender cost the Light Blues a fee of £5m back during the summer of 2022 as former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was aiming to build a side which could dominate Scottish football.

Former sporting director Ross Wilson lavished praise on the young gem, saying: "He's a talented young player who has been coveted throughout Europe following outstanding performances for Besiktas.

"We also know how highly regarded he is in the Turkish National Team. This is another exciting young player to join our squad, and we are delighted to bring Ridvan to Rangers."

23.9

24.1

0.7

2

0.7

0.8

2.8

2.9

2

0

Unfortunately, his first full season was filled with more lows than highs as he struggled to settle. The 22-year-old missed 29 matches due to suffering a hamstring injury after making only five appearances for the club and this injury disrupted any progress he had made.

He recovered and played the full 90 minutes in all of the club’s final five league fixtures of the season, and it looked as though he was establishing himself as someone who could be a key player during the current campaign.

Like 2022/23 however, this term has seen Yilmaz play rather intermittently. Michael Beale left him out of the Europa League squad therefore he hasn’t played a single minute of continental football this season.

He has started seven league matches and even scored his first goal for the club during a League Cup tie against Livingston, yet with a clash against Celtic proving to be arguably the biggest game of the season so far, Clement may go with experience in his defence.

This could see Borna Barisic return to the starting XI having missed the clash against Motherwell and, while he may not be the answer, especially in the long term, he does have plenty of experience in the Old Firm derby.

Borna Barisic’s record vs Celtic

The £21k-per-week left-back has been at Rangers since 2018 and since then, he has played against Celtic a total of 17 times.

During these clashes, Barisic has been on the winning side on just seven occasions, missing victories in 2018, 2019 and 2023 which would have boosted his tally of wins against Celtic.

During these 17 games, the Croatian has registered five assists and Clement will be keen on seeing him bombing down the left wing often if he starts this afternoon.

He has starred in notable matches such as their first win at Parkhead in nine years in December 2019, along with the 4-1 Scottish Cup victory in 2021 which saw the Gers secure passage into the quarter-finals.

His contract expires at the end of the current season and while his future remains uncertain, there is no doubt the 31-year-old will be keen on adding another two or three Old Firm victories before he moves on to pastures new.

Borna Barisic’s statistics this season

The left-back might not be in the best form of his career, but he has impressed in spells during the current season.

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Indeed, among the Light Blues squad, Barisic currently ranks second for key passes per game in the Premiership (2.2) along with ranking fourth for assists (two) and for tackles per game (1.6) and it proves he is still proving to be among the best members of the squad with regard to these performance metrics.

He has been a mainstay in the defence since 2018 and during the 2020/21 title-winning campaign, journalist Josh Bunting heaped plenty of praise on him, saying:

“Borna Barišić is just incredible, fantastic player he has everything in his locker, brilliant from set-pieces and his free-kick today proves that. Has so many different elements to his game and for me is extremely underrated.”

These statistics will give Clement the licence to unleash Barisic against Celtic for the 18th time in his Gers career and with a win crucial with regard to the title, he will be more than up for the clash.

Yilmaz’s time will come in the future surely, but for now, the Belgian manager simply cannot afford any gambles as he prepares to manage in his first-ever Old Firm derby.

Having not won at Parkhead since October 2020, the onus will be on the Light Blues to end this hoodoo and, given their recent form, they have every opportunity to put on a performance and claim all three points.

The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday August 15 as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield, and as always the eyes of Fantasy Premier League players will be on Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian King has been a near permanent fixture in FPL teams since his Reds debut, but has faced more competition for the top scorer crown in recent years, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer challenging his dominance.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

To help you select your teams for opening night, we’ve asked AI tool ‘Grok’ to predict the ten best FPL assets for the 2025/26 season based on total points.

10 James Maddison (Midfielder, Tottenham) Estimated FPL Points: 130–160

Grok believes a breakout season is on the horizon for England and Spurs star Maddison, expecting an uptick on his end product to around ten goals and 12 assists, with plenty of potential for bonus points due to his chance creation and dribbling ability.

The former Leicester City star has the added bonus of taking several of Spurs’ set pieces, and will hope to take centre stage in Thomas Frank’s new look attack.

9 Eberechi Eze (Midfielder, Crystal Palace) Estimated FPL Points: 140–170

Eze managed 161 points in 2024/2025 and if he stays put under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park there is no reason he can’t replicate that feat at the bare minimum.

The FA Cup hero has been linked with a move to Arsenal however, which could reduce his ceiling if he is forced to rotate with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

8 Bryan Mbeumo (Midfielder, Brentford) Estimated FPL Points: 140–180

Grok predicts the Brentford star’s move to Manchester United will go through in the coming weeks, but after ranking as the second-highest FPL scorer in 2024/2025 this is actually expected to reduce his points potential.

Indeed, a reduction in role and no penalty taking duties at his new club leads to a prediction of 10–15 goals and 8–12 assists.

7 Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder, Manchester United) Estimated FPL Points: 150–190

Fernandes has a stunning 62 goals and 51 assists in 195 Premier League appearances, proving himself as one of the most potent midfielders in FPL.

His creativity and penalty taking duties make him a must-own asset whenever Manchester United hit a good run of form or some appetising fixtures.

6 Alexander Isak (Forward, Newcastle United) Estimated FPL Points: 160–200

Isak had his finest season yet in 2024/25, scoring 23 times and recording six assists despite missing a few games through injury.

The Sweden international has now improved his goal tally in each year of his Newcastle career, and his sure fire status as the penalty taker and head of the Magpies’ attack makes him a very safe FPL pick.

Starts

17

27

34

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Dribbles per game

1.5

1.4

1.2

5 Bukayo Saka (Midfielder, Arsenal) Estimated FPL Points: 170–210

“Saka’s assists and consistent performances in 2024/2025 made him a key FPL asset,” writes Grok, predicting further success on the creative front due to the arrival of a clinical number nine, such as Viktor Gyokeres.

The England star takes Arsenal’s penalties and has a good record from the spot in the top flight, with just one of his four career misses coming in the league.

4 Florian Wirtz (Midfielder, Liverpool) Estimated FPL Points: 180–220

It may be a surprise to see Liverpool’s record signing crack the top five, but Grok believes he will reach a minimum of 15–20 goal involvements in his debut Premier League campaign, due in large part to a thriving relationship with Salah.

The Germany superstar may have to compete for minutes however, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s running from the number ten position an important part of Arne Slot’s system.

3 Erling Haaland (Forward, Manchester City) Estimated FPL Points: 200–240

Grok expects a bounce back season for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City after a miserable 2024/25 campaign by their own lofty standards.

Haaland is predicted to score a minimum of 22 goals, but will rack up fewer bonus points than Salah due to his role as a pure number nine.

2 Cole Palmer (Midfielder, Chelsea) Estimated FPL Points: 220–260

Palmer led all players in 2023/2024 with 244 points and followed that up with 214 last season, proving he has the consistency to be one of the best assets in FPL.

As the “creative hub” in Enzo Maresca’s system Grok sees another fruitful campaign for the Blues’ new number ten.

1 Mohamed Salah (Midfielder, Liverpool) Estimated FPL Points: 300–350

No surprises here, as the AI tool predicts Liverpool’s Salah to continue his dominance as the go to captain choice most weeks in FPL.

Salah registered 344 points last season, and will now have even more weapons at his disposal with the addition of Wirtz.

Leeds recorded the second-highest spend of any team in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last summer, with only Leicester (£38m) eclipsing their outlay of (£31m). The Whites brought new nine new faces into Elland Road, but there was also an inevitable exodus that recouped £27m, meaning the club's net spend was slight at £4m.

It's been a quiet January for Daniel Farke's side so far, with the big story Djed Spence's early return to Tottenham Hotspur midway through his loan spell. Sonny Perkins has been recalled to Yorkshire from Oxford United, but aside from that there's been nothing to report.

Farke has previously played down the chances of a busy window at the club, while stressing that Leeds will be alert to opportunities. "I expect a much more quiet and calm January to the last transfer period for example," he said. "We wish for a quiet January, but won’t fall asleep and when there are decisions to make, we will also make decisions and you never know what happens."

Mepham a target in "ambitious" window

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook offered a markedly different insight into Leeds' transfer plans based on what he's been hearing behind the scenes. He's told Whites supporters that the the 49ers will be "ambitious" in the market as they try to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Farke will want a new full-back after Spence left, wide player David Brooks is a known target, and Crook says Bournemouth teammate Chris Mepham is also on Leeds' radar.

"It's interesting because the manager said they're not going to do much to this window because he's happy with his squad," he said. "But I've been told by people actually they're going to be quite ambitious. They think they've got a great chance of getting in the Premier League, so they're going to go for it. You mentioned David Brooks, Chris Mepham of Bournemouth is someone else I think they admire.

"Having sent Djed Spence back, you'd have thought they've got a full-back lined up. So I think Leeds might be a lot more active than Daniel Farke is laying on."

Mepham faces uncertain future

Within Crook's update, it's Mepham's name that will catch the eye of the Leeds faithful, and this would be an astute signing for the club's promotion push. Having originally been part of the Chelsea academy, Mepham then spent seven years with Brentford before joining Bournemouth for around £12m in 2019. He signed a contract extension in the autumn of 2022 but his deal only runs until the summer of 2025, so he's now entered the final 18 months, and his slide down the pecking order will surely render his future uncertain.

After starting 24 top-flight games last year following Bournemouth's promotion, Mepham has only made the XI for two of the first 20 this term under new manager Andoni Iraola. Tellingly, he's actually started more games (three) in the two domestic cup competitions.

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Rather than being a limited defender, he may be absent from the line-up simply because Iraola stylistically prefers other options. The stats suggest that Mepham excels at the fundamentals – he ranks in the 92nd percentile or better for shots blocked (1.13), interceptions (1.82) and clearances (6.17) per 90 minutes, which speaks to his appetite for the dirty side of the game as well as his smart positioning. His aerial duel success rate of 65.9% is also well above average for his position (73rd percentile).

A 34-cap Welsh international who's played all but one game for his country at the last two major tournaments, Mepham would be an experienced and solid addition to the Leeds backline. A loan until the end of the season makes sense for all parties.

Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal were travelling back to London following an impressive draw away at Anfield and celebrating that they would be top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day. Everything was looking good for Mikel Arteta's men.

However, three losses from the three games that followed have left the Gunners in fourth place, out of the FA Cup and in the midst of a mini-crisis.

While the whole team has slipped as of late, the main culprits for this poor run of form are the frontline, as rather shockingly, they have scored just one goal from the 63 shots they have had since their draw against Liverpool.

This lack of goals has clearly worried the club, as the latest player touted for a move to N5 has been on fire in La Liga and could have an impact similar to Leandro Trossard's last season: Getafe's Borja Mayoral.

Arsenal transfer news – Borja Mayoral

According to The Sun, Arsenal have made an official £22m bid for Getafe's in-form striker, Mayoral.

The report has revealed that the former Real Madrid star's exploits for the Madrid-based side have caught the Gunners' attention as they desperately look for a goalscorer this month, although unfortunately for Edu and Co, their offer has already been knocked back.

The Sun claims that the Deep Blues are holding out for an offer closer to their £39m valuation of the Spaniard, which could cause problems for an Arsenal side that are reportedly hamstrung by FFP concerns at the moment.

That said, if the club can find a way to make this deal work, it could be precisely what they need to get the season back on track, especially if he can replicate the sort of impact Trossard had when he arrived last January.

Borja Mayoral could replicate Leandro Trossard's impact last season

There are evident parallels between the Trossard transfer last year and this potential move for Mayoral. Data analyst Ben Mattinson seems to agree, as he has described this possible transfer as a "Trossard type signing" – and he's right.

When Arsenal signed the Belgian international from Brighton & Hove Albion last January, the reception was rather reserved. It wasn't necessarily that fans were unhappy with the tricky wideman's arrival; it was more the disappointment at losing out on the much more expensive – and shiny – Mykhailo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea that left fans feeling somewhat deflated.

However, fast-forward a year – or just a couple of months really – and it was the west Londoners who were regretting their choice in the transfer market thanks to the instant and brilliant impact that Trossard had made in N5, finishing the season with one goal and ten assists in just ten starts.

Similarly, much of the talk surrounding Arsenal's hunt for a new striker this month has focussed on the far more expensive and better-known – to English fans – Ivan Toney. The Brentford man would still likely be an excellent option for the club, but with him costing potentially £100m, Mayoral is the smarter option.

Stats

Mayoral

Nketiah

Jesus

Games

19

19

15

Goals

12

5

3

Assists

1

1

1

Goal Involvements

13

6

4

Expected Goals and Assists

0.58

0.43

0.60

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Moreover, the performances of the Spanish "goal machine", as described by journalist Dean Jones, this season have been a level above Arsenal's strikers, as Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus' combined ten league goal involvements pale in comparison to his 13.

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Ultimately, it might not be the flashiest or most exciting of transfers.

Still, neither was Trossard's move last January and with how well Mayoral has been performing in Spain this year, there is no reason to suggest that he could not replicate the Belgian's impact when he signed last season.

It’s nearly a month now until Sunderland kick their Premier League season off on home turf versus West Ham United as the Black Cats’ transfer business continues at a hundred miles per hour.

Six new faces have joined the ever-expanding Stadium of Light ranks so far, with the pick of the recent bunch who have relocated to Wearside being Simon Adingra, as the Premier League-capable attacker left Brighton and Hove Albion behind for a fresh adventure up North.

Don’t be surprised if the number of exciting bodies to join the building rises into the double-digit range very soon, with more and more high-profile signings expected to be made before August arrives.

£9m star now on the Sunderland shopping list

Whilst the cash thrown around to land Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi would have caught the eye of those with connections to Sunderland, as £67m was excessively splashed, the pick up of Adingra will be the most pleasing capture to date, considering his wide knowledge of the top-flight.

Aaron Ramsdale might well add to that if he joins Regis Le Bris’ camp very soon, with new rumours seeming to suggest that the goalkeeper might be the new number one the Black Cats desire when climbing back up to the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has even been allegedly on the Sunderland shopping list as well. However, the European markets will no doubt still be tapped into again as Le Bris and Co now enter the race to try and snap up Spezia gem Salvatore Esposito.

As per a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the one-time Italy international is firmly on Sunderland’s summer radar, with the likes of Brighton, Burnley, Brentford, Everton, and Fulham all also interested in the 24-year-old after Spezia failed to win promotion to Serie A.

Valued at just £9m – as per Transfermarkt – this could well prove to be a great steal on the end of Sunderland if Esposito instantly acclimatises to the demands of the English game and shines, with the Spezia number five perhaps going to be an even better talent than the £30m-rated Diarra down the line.

How Esposito could be even better than Diarra

Of course, Diarra does have plenty of top-flight experience under his belt that will help him when trying to become an instant success on Wearside.

Indeed, the 21-year-old had amassed 94 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg with a hefty tally of nine goals and ten assists also coming his way lining up for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Games played

30

34

Goals scored

4

7

Assists

5

10

Touches*

43.5

80.6

Accurate passes*

26.3 (87%)

48.8 (85%)

Big chances created

9

18

Ball recoveries*

3.0

6.3

Total duels won*

3.3

7.3

Yet, it’s very clear when looking at the above table – even if Esposito has played the majority of his career in the Italian second tier to date – that the 24-year-old definitely has a higher ceiling than the Serie B, with a ridiculous 17 goal contributions next to his name from 34 league clashes last season.

The most exciting takeaway from the table, however, will be how well-rounded Esposito’s game looks as a midfielder who is capable of dazzling crowds with that output, but he is also a talent hungry to battle away for his team’s cause, as seen in his mammoth 7.3 duels being won per game last campaign as Spezia gunned for promotion.

Diarra’s numbers do fall flat in comparison, with the former Inter Milan man even going on to win that solitary Italy call-up when he was known as a rising gem.

Therefore, the “elegant” midfielder – as he’s been lauded in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – should be able to make the first-team cut under Le Bris very soon, even if the jump up in quality is disorientating at first.

Diarra could well find that transition to be even trickier, considering he has that lavish £30m price tag above his head.

Whereas, for only £9m, Esposito – who has also been labelled as a “technical genius” by football analyst Ben Mattinson – won’t have that same level of anxiety on his shoulders, with the 24-year-old hopeful he can be an immediate success story that helps Sunderland to survive.

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This summer is a huge one for Mikel Arteta if he is to be successful at Arsenal, needing to secure key additions to his first-team squad to help take them to the next level.

The Spaniard has been in the role since December 2020, conducting an overhaul of the squad and helping them rise back up the Premier League table over recent years.

However, in the last two years, the Gunners have only been able to finish in second place, unable to make the leap and go one step further and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph.

During his tenure, the 43-year-old has only won one major trophy, claiming the FA Cup back in 2019/20 – with more success needed if he is to maintain his position at the helm.

If he is to do that, he will need to be backed by the board in the transfer market, needing to land various key targets in multiple areas to provide the strength and depth he greatly desires.

An update on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, a striker has been top of Andrea Berta’s shopping list as Arsenal’s sporting director, with Viktor Gyokeres being his number one option this summer.

The Swede is of huge interest from multiple clubs across Europe after netting 52 goals in his 48 games across all competitions in 2024/25 for Sporting CP.

However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist, with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz the latest name to emerge on their summer shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Serie A side could entertain offers in the region of €90m (£76m) for the 20-year-old Turkish international in the coming months.

The Gunners are said to be wanting to improve Arteta’s options within the final third, with Yildiz high in their estimations given his versatility and that they could offer the youngster an exciting opportunity in North London.

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Martin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s go-to star in terms of creativity over the last couple of seasons, handing Arteta the platform to succeed in the Premier League.

The Norwegian has been a regular starter in the attacking midfield role for the Gunners since his £30m move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.

However, he’s been unable to produce his best performance levels in recent months, with injuries hampering his progress and undoubtedly having an impact on his showings.

The ankle issue he suffered back in September saw him miss six weeks of action, only registering nine combined goals and assists in the league since, highlighting his lack of form at the Emirates.

The summer will give the 26-year-old more time to regain full fitness, but he may not be able to thrive in his regular role in 2025/26 should the hierarchy pull off a deal for Yildiz.

The youngster, who’s primarily a winger, is also capable of operating in a number 10 role, which could end the Norwegian’s time as a regular starter in Arteta’s plans.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Turkish star has managed to outperform Odegaard in various key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be in North London.

Games played

33

27

Goals & assists

8

9

Progressive carries

4.1

3.4

Shot on target accuracy

36%

30%

Take-ons completed

2.3

0.9

Take-on success

56%

51%

Tackles won

1.2

0.4

The Juve star, who’s been labelled “spectacular” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more progressive carries per 90, along with more take-ons completed – showcasing the threat he poses with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate and more tackles won, having the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch within Arteta’s system.

Whilst it would be a hefty addition given the price tag that has been mooted, Yildiz has showcased his quality consistently at the top-level despite his tender age.

He has the potential to take his career to the next level in the Premier League, arguably being the club’s shining light in their ambitions of returning to the top of the division in the near future.

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