The star-studded NL West got a bit more crowded Sunday when the San Francisco Giants pulled off the most stunning trade of the 2025 campaign, landing All-Star slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for four players.
Clayton Kershaw, who is attempting to stave off the rival Giants in the NL West, reacted to the blockbuster move during ESPN's broadcast of the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-4 victory over San Francisco on .
"How about that trade? That's wild. [Giants president of baseball operations] Buster [Posey] is really doing it over there," Kershaw said on the broadcast. "Good for Buster, man, he's going for it. I'd consider [Devers] probably one of top 10 hitters in the game, at worst. He's definitely a game changer."
The fit for Devers in San Francisco is interesting. The three-time All-Star does indeed one of the best bats in baseball, hitting .272/.401/.504 with 15 homers in 73 games this season. But he became disgruntled with Boston when it signed Alex Bregman in February, taking his starting spot at third base. Devers publicly rejected the team's request to shift to first base and appeared in 73 games at designated hitter this year.
The Giants already have one of the best third basemen in all of baseball in Matt Chapman, who has won five Gold Glove awards in the hot corner in eight seasons. San Francisco's top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who could debut at some point this year, plays first. It appears Devers might be back in the designated hitter role in the Bay Area.
"It'll be interesting to see what position he plays over there. I know they have a big prospect at first base coming," Kershaw said. "It'll be interesting to see if he plays first. Obviously they have Matt Chapman, he's one of the best in the game at third. Even if he's just DH for however long that contract is … it makes them better right now, for sure."
The Giants lost two of three games at Dodger Stadium over the weekend to slip two games behind Los Angeles in the NL West. But San Francisco clearly is going for it—and now it has another big name to take up the middle of manager Bob Melvin's lineup.
Liverpool’s defence have borne the brunt of the criticism for the club’s landslide in form this season. Such reproval has hardly been undue. However, Arne Slot’s forwards have also struggled to implement his tactics.
The plain truth is that the Reds have so many punctures across their system, and the boss has an increasingly slim period to overturn the plummet in form that has led to nine defeats across 12 matches in all competitions.
Ahead of their trip to West Ham United on Sunday, Liverpool languish in 13th place in the Premier League, and there are so many creases for Slot and his staff to iron out if a turnaround is to be found.
Mohamed Salah has for so long been an unstoppable force for the Anfield side, but he’s been among the most disappointing members of the team this season, and the right wing is becoming a weak link.
Liverpool considering Mo Salah successor
If Salah sees out the £400k-per-week contract he extended back in April, he will leave Liverpool in 2027, marking a decade on Merseyside.
He has scored 250 goals and provided 116 assists across 419 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, and he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.
Goals scored
0.77
0.34
Assists
0.48
0.17
Shots taken
3.23
2.43
Shot-creating actions
4.51
3.27
Touches (att pen)
9.50
6.21
Pass completion (%)
70.6
68.1
Progressive passes
3.84
4.19
Progressive carries
4.14
3.94
Successful take-ons
1.55
0.92
Ball recoveries
2.70
2.77
But there’s no denying the 33-year-old has been miles south of his usual standards this season, wasteful in the final third and drifting on the edge of Slot’s malfunctioning system.
There remains hope that Salah will rediscover his form, but a success plan needs to be put in place, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh has been earmarked as a possible option.
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ‘seriously considering’ a move for the 21-year-old winger, who has established himself in the Premier League since the start of last season.
It’s unclear at this stage what Brighton would demand for their rising star, but he wouldn’t come cheap, certainly more than the £35m figure the Seagulls paid Newcastle to bring him to the south coast in 2024. Some sources suggest discussions could enter the £100m ballpark.
Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh
Minteh has actually worked under Slot’s wing before, scoring nine times across 36 matches on loan during the 2023/24 season, assisting five goals too.
Yankuba Minteh scores for Feyenoord
Newcastle were then forced into selling their Gambian prospect to ease PSR-related concerns, and he has become a star in the Premier League, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the standout wingers” in the division back at the start of the term.
While he’s only scored once across 12 matches, Minteh has assisted four goals and maintained the kind of athletic level of performance that would raise the bar at Liverpool, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 2.5 dribbles and won 6.3 duels per game.
His qualities are further underscored by FBref’s data. In the Premier League this term, Minteh ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 11% for tackles won per 90.
This blend of physicality and potency – the wide forward scored seven goals last year – is almost reminiscent of Sadio Mane in his Liverpool pomp.
This was actually picked up by one football scout, who has said that Minteh can “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” if he continues to foster his natural qualities.
Minteh is still so young. He is 21. Mane, for what it’s worth, was 24 when moving from Southampton to Liverpool in a £34m deal.
Sadio Mane for Liverpool
Mane didn’t match Salah’s jaw-dropping output, but he certainly came close, and 120 goals and 46 assists over 269 outings during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years is hardly a poor return.
Unlike Salah, the 34-year-old always had a bit more fury in his game, so combative and electric on the ball.
If Minteh could capture even a portion of the form Mane projected at Anfield over so many years, he would more than endear himself to the Reds fanbase.
But, as those in the know would tell you, he has what it takes to emulate the Senegalese icon.
He'd revive Isak: “Best manager in the world” now Liverpool's top target
Arne Slot is losing grip on his position as Liverpool manager after a shocking run of form.
Chelsea have been in constant contact to discuss the signing of an “unbelievable” Barcelona player who they absolutely love, according to a report.
Blues' summer transfer plans taking shape
The Blues’ form in the second half of the Premier League season has been patchy to say the least, but they have returned to form in recent weeks, securing two wins on the spin to ensure they are firmly in contention for the Champions League places.
As such, Enzo Maresca should be well-positioned to attract some top players this summer, and the manager appears to be especially keen on signing a new striker, with Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap among the targets.
Maresca is also eager to bolster his options at the opposite end of the pitch, with a new centre-back of interest, and the west Londoners are now believed to be the favourites to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, having proposed a seven-year contract.
Chelsea now have "strong" chance of signing £206k-per-week Barcelona star
Enzo Maresca’s side have thrown their hat in the ring.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025
Huijsen is attracting widespread interest, however, which means Maresca may have to move on to alternative targets, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed Chelsea absolutely love Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues have been in constant contact with Kounde’s agents, such is their level of interest, with the Frenchman’s future now up in the air, given that he is yet to commit to a new contract to extend his stay at the Camp Nou beyond 2027.
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
Barca want to keep hold of the defender, and talks have been held over a new deal, but a move could be possible if the two parties are unable to make any progress, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool also in the picture for his signature.
"Unbelievable" Kounde could upgrade Maresca's backline
It is little wonder the Blues are so keen on signing the France international, given that he has been a vital player for a Barca side on course to win a treble this season, after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.
Kounde scored the winning goal with just minutes left to play in extra time, finding the back of the net for the fourth time this season, while he has also showcased his attacking threat by picking up eight assists.
The 26-year-old has predominantly featured at right-back, but he is also very much capable of playing in the centre of defence, and he has impressed manager Hansi Flick with his fitness levels, which were lauded as “unbelievable” earlier this season.
The £223k-a-week defender could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but it looks like it could be difficult to pull off, given that he has been one of Barcelona’s most important players this season, and his recent performance against Real Madrid may make them even more hesitant to sanction a departure.
Ipswich Town could buckle under the strain of the battle to stay up in the Premier League over the course of the next few contests, with two tough clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United coming the way of the Tractor Boys in quick succession.
However, both reverse fixtures did see Kieran McKenna’s men impressively pick up a stunning away victory at Spurs, whilst also collecting a deserved point during Ruben Amorim’s first clash in the Red Devils dug-out.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKennaapplauds fans after the match
Off the back of a battling draw with Aston Villa too, McKenna’s men won’t go into either encounter riddled with fear, especially if Liam Delap is on top form attempting to cause both inconsistent teams trouble.
Delap's red-hot form for Ipswich
It goes without saying now that the £20m capture of Delap last summer was a masterstroke of a buy on the newly promoted side’s end, with the ex-Manchester City wonderkid turning into a deadly Premier League centre-forward in Suffolk.
Indeed, as a result of his opener against Unai Emery’s shellshocked Villa, Delap is now up to ten goals for the season in the league, with Sammie Szmodics way behind his bumper total with four as Ipswich’s second top scorer.
McKenna will be hoping Delap’s continued excellence in front of goal gives his underdogs a fighting chance at survival, because if Ipswich do go down, there will be a whole host of higher-up suitors wanting to win the exceptional 22-year-old’s services.
But, whilst his bumper goal total is an obvious joy to behold for the Portman Road masses, there is one former Tractor Boys attacker who is actually bettering the 6 foot 1 forward’s electric goalscoring form now all the way down in League Two.
The unexpected star who's outscoring Delap
This ex-Ipswich man did have the unfortunate reality of being in a side that was languishing all the way down in League One, instead of one punching above its weight in the top flight.
Still, Armando Dobra’s lacklustre output of two goals and four assists from 30 largely forgettable appearances would see the Albanian attacker be moved onto Chesterfield in 2022 on a free transfer, with McKenna the cutthroat manager to finally wave him on his way.
Burton Albion 2-1 Ipswich, 14th of August 2021
1. GK -Vaclav Hladky
2. RB – Kane Vincent-Young
3. CB – Janoi Donacien
4. CB – Luke Woolfenden
5. LB – Matt Penney
6. RM – Armando Dobra
7. CM – Rekeem Harper
8. CM – Lee Evans
9. LM – Scott Fraser
10. AM – Louie Barry
11. ST – Joe Pigott
Whilst Vaclav Hladky and Luke Woolfenden would go on to be key parts of the jigsaw under McKenna – who both lined up alongside Dobra during his final ever Tractor Boys start – the 23-year-old had to go and repair his career with the Spireites and he has done just that based off his superb showings in League Two this campaign.
Where Are They Now
In all competitions, the one-time Ipswich reject is amazingly trumping Delap’s weighty ten goals with 11 of his own, alongside also boasting two assists as a constantly creative option for Paul Cook’s lower league side.
As assistant manager Danny Webb has stated, amid January interest in the forward, he is “a massive player” for the lower league outfit.
It’s not as if Dobra has suddenly sparked into life for Chesterfield either and become this rejuvenated presence, having now collected a bumper 32 goals and 15 assists from 116 clashes donning a more comfortable shade of blue.
Cook and Co even have an outside shot of the League Two playoffs in their sights, whilst Dobra’s former club have one simple survival aim etched into their brains all the way up in the Premier League.
Worth more than Hutchinson: Ipswich have struck gold on "remarkable" star
Ipswich Town struck absolute gold when signing this star.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is pushing the club to offer a new long-term contract to an “amazing” ace ahead of the summer transfer window opening, according to a new report.
Crystal Palace sail into FA Cup 5th round
The Eagles secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday night, as they comfortably beat League Two side Doncaster Rovers 2-0. Goals from Daniel Munoz and Justin Devenny on either side of halftime were enough to get Palace through and book a tie against London rivals Millwall.
Textor could now sell £50m Crystal Palace star with Guehi this summer
It would not be a popular decision at Selhurst Park.
2 ByBen Browning Feb 10, 2025
The Eagles met Millwall not so long ago, as the pair were drawn against one another in the FA Cup in 2022, with Palace winning 2-1, and Glasner has labelled the fifth-round match “even more special”.
“I could feel the excitement in the dressing room,” the boss said after Monday’s victory at Doncaster Rovers. “It makes this game even bigger than it is.
“As long as you are in the competition, you can win it. We will go for it. I don’t know if it will work, but we will go for it – definitely. I’m pleased with the performance [against Doncaster]. Over the first 60 minutes, I think we controlled the game and didn’t give them anything.
Crystal Palace manager OliverGlasnerbefore the match
“We wanted to give Ben [Chilwell] some minutes. We could see he’s comfortable in possession, in passing – a little bit more attacking than [Tyrick Mitchell].”
Glasner pushing Palace chiefs to offer long-term deal to Mateta
Away from matters on the pitch, according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are looking to hold contract talks with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, as they look to secure his long-term future at Selhurst Park.
The 27-year-old, who originally joined Palace on loan from Bundesliga side Mainz 05 in 2021 before joining on a permanent basis in 2022, is under contract at the Premier League side until the summer of 2027. The Eagles triggered the one-year option in the forward’s contract in December but are now keen to tie him down to a longer contract, with Glasner desperate for the club to retain his services.
Palace’s urgency to give Mateta a new contract comes as Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in signing him, as well as Manchester United. 10 goals in 24 league games this season have put him on the radar of some big European sides, and the Eagles will be keen to avoid any transfer speculation when the summer arrives.
Apps
135
Goals
42
Assists
8
Mateta, who has been hailed as “amazing in the box” by Glasner, scored 16 goals in 35 Premier League games last season, becoming a real prominent figure for the South London side. If a new deal cannot be agreed upon, Palace still have time on their hands, as his contract doesn’t end for another two years, but it could become harder to refuse bids, especially if they reach the £50 million price tag that has been reportedly placed on his head.
تتواصل الاستعدادات المكثفة لانطلاق الموسم الكروي الجديد 2025-2026، حيث يشهد اليوم الأحد الموافق 3-8-2025، عددًا من المباريات الودية المثيرة التي تجمع كبار الأندية الأوروبية والعربية في مواجهات تحضيرية تحمل طابعًا تنافسيًا رغم طابعها غير الرسمي.
وتحظى هذه المباريات باهتمام جماهيري وإعلامي واسع، خاصة أنها تأتي قبل أيام قليلة من انطلاق الدوريات المحلية في مختلف البلدان، ما يجعلها فرصة أخيرة للمديرين الفنيين لاختبار جاهزية اللاعبين وتحديد التشكيل الأساسي الذي سيخوض غمار المنافسات الرسمية.
وتتجه الأنظار في مصر اليوم إلى النادي الأهلي الذي يخوض مواجهتين وديتين ضمن برنامج الإعداد للموسم الجديد، حيث يلتقي أولًا مع منتخب الشباب، قبل أن يعود للمشاركة في لقاء ودي آخر أمام فريق بتروجيت، وذلك ضمن خطة الجهاز الفني لتجربة أكبر عدد من اللاعبين وتحقيق الجاهزية الكاملة قبل انطلاق الدوري يوم 8 أغسطس.
وفي الوقت نفسه، يترقب عشاق الكرة الأفريقية منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا للمحليين، والتي تُستكمل اليوم بثلاث مواجهات قوية، أبرزها لقاء المنتخب المغربي أمام نظيره الأنجولي.
وتتنوع المباريات الودية الأوروبية لتشمل مواجهات بين فرق بارزة مثل نيوكاسل وتوتنهام، وبورتو وأتلتيكو مدريد، ما يجعل اليوم الكروي زاخرًا بالإثارة والتشويق.
طالع أيضًا | جوائز دير جيست.. إمام عاشور أفضل لاعب في الدوري المصري 2024-2025 مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأحد 3-8-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات كأس أمم إفريقيا للمحليين اليوم
كينيا ضد الكونغو الديمقراطية، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”.
المغرب ضد أنجولا، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”.
مدغشقر ضد موريتانيا، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”. مواعيد المباريات الودية اليوم
نيوكاسل ضد توتنهام، الساعة 2 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ليستر سيتي ضد فيورنتينا، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
الأهلي ضد منتخب الشباب، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
السد ضد الاتفاق، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
نابولي ضد بريست، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
الأهلي ضد بتروجيت، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
بورتو ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا
Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with intermediaries as they eye a late January move for one “remarkably” fast defender, with manager Ange Postecoglou arguably in need of more centre-back options.
Spurs urged to sign new centre-back before deadline day
As the Lilywhites wait for Mathys Tel’s decision over join them, after agreeing a fee with Bayern Munich (Fabrizio Romano), technical director Johan Lange and the Spurs recruitment team remain hard at work on other potential incomings.
Lange travels for January talks as Tottenham push to sign "strong" £40m ace
The Dane has held in-person negotiations.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2025
Tottenham have apparently guaranteed Bayern a £50 million payment for Tel’s signature before the end of this January window, coming as good news for supporters who could see the highly-rated Frenchman bolster Postecoglou’s attacking options.
However, despite Micky van de Ven’s return to the team and Cristian Romero being back in training, you can make a serious case that the north Londoners should at least attempt to sign central defensive cover before the window shuts in four days time.
Brentford (away)
February 2nd
Man United (home)
February 16th
Ipswich Town (home)
February 22nd
Man City (home)
February 26th
Bournemouth (home)
March 9th
Van de Ven, Romero and Ben Davies’ absences from the side in recent months forced teenager Archie Gray into an unfamiliar role, partnering Radu Dragusin at the heart of Postecoglou’s defence, and the Australian will be keen to not be left so short in that area during the second half of 24/25.
Spurs have been urged to sign a fresh defender before the clock runs out, and many were linked in the build up to January.
A rumoured option under consideration by Lange is AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, with the Englishman ticking many boxes as a homegrown player and one who possesses plenty of experience at the highest level.
AC Milan's FikayoTomoriand Slovan Bratislava's Idjessi Metoko react
Tottenham are considering a bid for Tomori, according to some reports, and Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari says that the 27-year-old remains in their thinking.
Tottenham reach out to agents over signing Fikayo Tomori in January
Longari, via X, claims that Tottenham have probed intermediaries to gauge Tomori’s availability – with the £25 million ace one of many potential San Siro exits as we approach the final days of this window.
The former Chelsea defender started his career at Milan in impressive fashion, earning call-ups to the England squad, but his place in the starting eleven has been less guaranteed this campaign.
This could hand Spurs an opportunity to tempt him with a move back to the Premier League, and his sheer pace could suit Postecoglou’s high-line down to the ground.
“He is remarkably quick, but the way he comes out and closes down people and spaces is tremendous to see,” said Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports. “He is a student of the game, he is intelligent, he will keep on growing.”
da bet nacional： Manchester United claimed just their fourth Premier League win of the Ruben Amorim era last night, beating Marco Silva’s Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage.
da esport bet： It was by no means a pretty game, but Lisandro Martínez’s deflected effort secured all three points for the Red Devils, moving them up to 12th in the table.
However, with the club’s current dismal situation on the pitch, it’s not about how attractive the performances are, but ultimately getting the points on the board to turnaround the recent slump.
Whilst the display wasn’t the best since the 39-year-old’s appointment, he must take some satisfaction that his side were able to walk away with all three points despite not being at their best.
That being said, numerous players failed to impress in West London, producing displays that could see them replaced before the end of the window.
Man United’s poor performers against Fulham
Despite the recent transfer rumours about his future at the club, Alejandro Garnacho started the clash in the capital but was unable to showcase why the club are demanding £55m for his services.
The Argentine featured for 81 minutes before replaced, but his performance warranted his withdrawal, losing possession 13 times during his time on the pitch.
He also only completed one of his three attempted dribbles, failing to register a single effort on goal – looking toothless within the final third for the Red Devils.
Noussair Mazraoui has often featured as a wide centre-back for United since the arrival of Amorim, but was selected to operate in a left wing-back role against Fulham – a position in which he struggled.
The Moroccan was also wasteful with the ball, losing possession 12 times, but didn’t have his usual defensive presence, completing just one tackle and unable to make any interceptions.
However, both of the aforementioned players were better than one of their teammates, who once again ensured an evening to forget despite the manager’s continued faith in him.
The Man United player who dropped a 3/10 against Fulham
Striker Rasmus Hojlund has been a player low in confidence and evidently struggling in recent weeks, but Amorim has continued to stand by his number nine to produce the goods.
However, the Denmark international has been unable to produce, failing to score in any of his last 11 outings across all competitions, only registering two goals in 18 league outings.
Yesterday was another goalless display for the 21-year-old, undoubtedly cranking pressure on his shoulders over his regular starting role – with his all-round play just as alarming as his lack of tangible contribution.
Hojlund was only on the pitch for 58 minutes before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, a substitution that simply had to be made after the Dane’s inability to hold the ball up at the top end.
He only completed six of his attempted passes during his display, registering a measly tally of just 21 touches, with goalkeeper Andre Onana managing more than double with his tally of 47.
Hojlund’s stats for United against Fulham
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
58
Touches
21
Passes completed
6/8 (75%)
Possession lost
12x
Duels lost
9/11 (82%)
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0/1 (0%)
Stats via SofaScore
The striker also was guilty of squandering possession on the rare occasion the ball fell his way, conceding play 12 times also losing 82% of the duels he entered – leading to content creator Jon Denton dubbing him as United’s “worst player” and receiving a 3/10 rating from Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
Hojlund also, like Garnacho, was unable to register any efforts on goal, highlighting the desperate need for investment from INEOS before the end of the ongoing transfer market.
Amorim’s current two senior striker options, Hojlund and Zirkzee, have only scored a combined five Premier League goals throughout 2024/25, with their fortunes only changing with new additions.
Viktor Gyokeres, Christopher Nkunku, Matheus Cunha and Jonathan David have all been touted with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, with all the options providing a massive upgrade on the current crop of options – all scoring more so far this campaign.
With just over a week to go, time is ticking for the hierarchy to provide Amorim with the ammunition needed to succeed and build on the latest victory, with last night’s display at Craven Cottage added evidence that the current options are simply not up to scratch.
Better than Garnacho: Man Utd eyeing "one of the world's biggest talents"
Manchester United could be in for a frantic few days towards the closing stages of the transfer window.
While Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League is currently rather uncertain, one thing is for certain; the Gunners must strengthen their squad this January.
If Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury wasn’t enough, then more dropped points against Brighton and Ethan Nwaneri’s muscular problem that will keep him out for ‘a few weeks’ should be.
That said, supporters will have to remain patient as the winter window is a notoriously difficult one to do business in.
Clubs don’t want to lose their star players due to the limited amount of time they have to replace them and as a result, it’s likely you have to pay way over the odds if you want your man and they aren’t available.
Despite that, not bringing in any new players would be inexcusable given Arsenal are six points behind league leaders Liverpool having played one more game.
Arsenal's January transfer window plans
We are now a week into the January window and haven’t seen much activity on Arsenal’s end.
A potential move for Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha has been touted but the latest on that is the Brazilian could be set to put pen to paper on a new deal at Molineux.
Arsenal may have to get creative therefore and reports suggest they have had a bid rejected for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.
So, who else have they been linked with? Well, they could prise away Jude Bellingham’s brother, Jobe Bellingham.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That’s according to Football Transfers who report this week that ‘Arsenal have set their sights’ on the 19-year-old
The club’s scouts are monitoring his progress closely and it’s thought that Bellingham is now a ‘top priority for manager Mikel Arteta’.
According to talkSPORT, the midfielder is expected to cost around £20m. Any move could well see a repeat of a deal to bring Aaron Ramsey to the Emirates Stadium back in 2008.
How Jobe Bellingham compares to Aaron Ramsey
In the summer of 2008, a young Welshman was capturing the imagination of plenty in English football.
Ramsey was making waves with Cardiff City in the Championship and it wasn’t long before Manchester United came calling. Infamously they even announced they had agreed a deal on their official club website.
Luckily for those of an Arsenal persuasion, he rejected the Red Devils and ended up signing for the Gunners in a £5m deal.
262 Premier League appearances and two FA Cup final goals later and the midfielder had cemented himself as a firm fan favourite at the Emirates. It’s just a shame the way he left.
Well, as a young star also shining in England’s second tier, a deal to bring Bellingham to north London would certainly evoke memories of Ramsey’s arrival.
They’re not too dissimilar either with the Sunderland ace not too far behind when it comes to goal and assist rate in the EFL during the embryonic stages of his career to date.
Ramsey joined Arsenal as an exciting attacking midfielder and Bellingham is certainly similar in that regard. Described as a “game-breaking midfielder” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he highlights the teenager’s ‘powerful ball carrying’ and notes that he ‘loves to make runs into the box off the ball and arrive to finish cutbacks.’
That trait was something the Welshman certainly perfected during his time in red and white, notoriously scoring as many as 16 goals in the 2013/14 campaign when Arsenal won the FA Cup.
Bellingham has four league goals and three assists this term so he’s not quite in that ballpark yet but his ability to create magic in the final third is not going unnoticed.
A further look at the stats, however, tells us why we should all be excited about the Englishman’s potential.
Goals
86%
Assists
80%
Progressive carries
52%
Progressive passes
61%
Key passes
75%
Ball recoveries
90%
Aerial duels won
96%
Compared to positionally similar players in the Championship this term, he ranks among the top 9% of players for combined goals and assists while sitting in the best 10% for ball recoveries, rubber-stamping the Ramsey-like qualities at his disposal.
Indeed, the Wales international wasn’t just competent in attacking areas but like Bellingham, he worked hard to win the ball back and made sure he did his job from a defensive standpoint.
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The Sunderland sensation is far from the finished article but as project signings go, you’d find few better than the talented teen.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a £5 million bid to appoint an “unbelievable” manager, according to a new report. Gary O’Neil’s position as Wolves manager has been under threat for a large part of the season, but the pressure has been intensifying in the last week or so, given they have just won two league games and are four points adrift of 17th place Crystal Palace.
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Gary O’Neil could be relieved of his Wolverhampton Wanderers duties very soon.
By
Kelan Sarson
Dec 10, 2024
Wolves manager latest
Wolves’ defeat to the Hammers is likely going to pile the pressure on O’Neil even more, with many probably expecting the Englishman to have been sacked by now. However, reports have stated that O’Neil is expected to be in the dugout for the game against Ipswich Town at Molineux on the weekend.
It is likely seen as the last chance for O’Neil, as defeat to the Tractor Boys will surely end his time in charge at the Midlands side. Talk regarding who could replace O’Neil has been ongoing for a while now, as Graham Potter, Rob Edwards and David Moyes have all been mentioned as options.
Potter and Moyes are currently unemployed, with their last jobs being at Chelsea and West Ham, respectively. Meanwhile, Edwards is in charge of Luton Town, but it has been a difficult time for the Hatters of late, and he may relish the chance to manage back in the Premier League.
It has also been reported that Wolves may have another option in mind, and that is West Brom’s Carlos Corberan. The Spaniard has been impressive in management so far and has done a good job at the Hawthorns. That has caught the attention of Wolves, but it would be unusual for Wolves to go after a manager who is in charge of their arch-rivals.
Wolves make £5m bid to appoint "unbelievable" José Mourinho
According to Turkish outlet AS Marca, Wolves have made a £5 million bid to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager. The Portuguese is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and has been since the summer, and given the fee involved this may be one to take with a pinch of salt.
Mourinho, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former Chelsea captain John Terry, was in charge of Serie A side AS Roma at the start of the year but left that role after being sacked by the Italian side. The 63-year-old had to wait six months but got back into management in July, as he was appointed Fenerbahçe boss on a two-year deal.
Overall, it has been a relatively successful spell so far, as he’s overseen 23 games in all competitions, winning 14, drawing five, and losing four. Fener are six points behind leaders Galatasaray, having played the same games, while the Turkish side sits 15th in the Europa League table.
Jose Mourinho’s Premier League record
Games
363
Won
217
Drawn
84
Lost
62
Points
735
Points per game
2.02
This report claims that Wolves have made a £5 million bid to release Mourinho out of his Fenerbahçe contract. The Midlands side are apparently keen on bringing the Portuguese back to the Premier League as soon as possible. It remains unclear if Mourinho would be interested in a move back to England and especially a team second from bottom, as he stated to Sky Sports in October that he wouldn’t manage a team fighting relegation.
Mourinho said: “I’m never going to a team fighting relegation. I will never go. But I’m not going to fight relegation. It’s too hard! Honestly, I believe that has to be the hardest thing.
“It’s more difficult than playing for titles. It has to be very hard emotionally because it’s something that changes lives. I think it’s brave guys that do it.”