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USMNT star Christian Pulisic has returned to the United States and has begun his Copa America preparations with a trip to the 'Stomping Grounds'.

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• Pulisic returns to United States
• Begins preparations for Copa America
• Visits the Pulisic Stomping Grounds

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pulisic has finished a positive season with AC Milan and has now returned to where it all began for him in the States as he looks to prepare for the USMNT's Copa America campaign. The forward posted a photo on Instagram of his return to the Pulisic Stomping Grounds along with the caption: "Where it all started".

  instagram/cmpulisic

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The USMNT will be hoping for a positive Copa America campaign with them being the host nation for the prestigious tournament. The Americans will take on a rather lopsided group alongside Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia and will be hoping to make it to the knockout stages at the least.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Pulisic Stomping Grounds in Miami were officially opened by the AC Milan star in June of 2023 with the goal of enabling underprivileged kids in North America to participate in the great game of football through product donations, clinics, camps, safe access to playing fields and other programmes.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

  The former Chelsea man will now soon begin training with the USMNT and will be next in action when Gregg Berhalter's men take on Colombia on June 9 in a preparatory friendly.

AC Milan look set to scupper Arsenal's chances of signing Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee as they are reportedly ready to pay his €40 million release clause.

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• Arsenal linked with Dutchman Zirkzee
• Bologna star wants to stay in Italy
• AC Milan ready to match release clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal have long been linked with the Dutch forward but Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claims Milan are willing to secure his services for £34m ($44m). He adds the Rossoneri are working to reach an agreement with the 23-year-old and his agent and there is optimism between all parties.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zirkzee, who scored 12 goals and bagged seven assists this season for Bologna, reportedly has no desire to leave Serie A and has set his sights on playing Champions League football next season. Whether that is with Bologna or Milan remains to be seen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  When asked about his future, the former Bayern Munich man said in late May: "At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I want to recover from the injury, have some nice holidays in the United States with my childhood friends and then we’ll see what happens. I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Dutch under-21 international Zirkzee, who has been out with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, will step up his recovery in the close season while transfer rumours continue to swirl around him.

After Tottenham officially confirmed the departure of Ivan Perisic to Hajduk Split on Friday, it appears another player wants out as he sets his sights on joining a specific club.

Spurs offloading surplus players in wave of loan deals

Club chairman Daniel Levy, chief football officer Scott Munn and technical director Johan Lange have guided the club through a pretty active January transfer window so far.

Romano says Ange really likes midfielder alongside Nusa, Spurs bid possible

Postecoglou is a big fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 19, 2024

As well as the new arrivals, midfielder Timo Werner and defender Radu Dragusin, Spurs have managed to offload a number of unwanted players on loan deals.

Despite nearing the end of his contract, centre-back Eric Dier is among them, as he actually signed for Bayern Munich on a six-month temporary deal.

This is presumably so Bayern can get him permanently for nothing when he becomes a free agent in the summer, but it's still good business for Spurs as they rid themselves of Dier's £85,000-per-week wages.

Alongside the Englishman, youngster Ashley Phillips, Djed Spence, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga and Ivan Perisic have also departed on loan.

The latter man's move back to his homeland with Hajduk Split was officially announced by Tottenham yesterday, with the 34-year-old sealing a move despite still recovering from a complex ACL injury.

After Perisic, more outgoings certainly aren't ruled out, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of midfielders Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil.

Hojbjerg could be sold by Spurs in January to make way for a new midfield signing, with Postecoglou personally eager to bring in Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

Gil, meanwhile, is failing to establish himself as a mainstay starter under Postecoglou – leading to suggestions he could move back to Spain.

Gil "looking forward" to La Liga return with Sevilla

As per Vamos Mi Sevilla.com, Gil is "looking forward" to a La Liga return and would be delighted to join Sevilla, his former club.

As relayed by the website, Levy has reportedly lowered his asking price to around £6-7 million, and it is believed the 22-year-old is "within reach" of Sevilla. This comes amid reports from Spain (via Daily Express) that Gil is eager to secure a permanent move away with the help of the Spurs chairman.

However, Sevilla are not the only Spanish top-flight side chasing him, as it is believed Real Sociedad are also contenders for his signature.

Despite his lack of game time at Spurs, Gil has been touted as a promising talent in recent years, with ESPN's David Cartlidge calling him "very exciting".

After beating Newcastle and Manchester United in his first three games in charge, Nuno Espirito Santo has been handed a reality check over the last few matches.

Nottingham Forest only edged Blackpool in extra time of the FA Cup replay after playing out consecutive 2-2 draws against their League One opponents.

The Tricky Trees were also handed a 3-2 defeat by Brentford at the weekend, which has forced the boss to look to the transfer market for reinforcement.

The latest on Forest's hunt for Reyna

On Tuesday evening, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg took to X to announce the surprise news that Forest are actively working on a deal to sign Giovanni Reyna from Borussia Dortmund.

A verbal agreement has been reached between the USMNT star and Forest, as the youngster is desperate to get game time.

Plettenberg shared a further update on Wednesday, detailing that they were in "concrete talks" with the player and "there's a total verbal agreement between Forest and Gio Reyna about a move in the next days".

The player is allegedly keen to join Forest with the Tricky Trees pushing to secure an option to buy the American as well.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 1, 2024

How Reyna would fit into the Forest team

Since switching Saudi Arabia for England, Nuno Santo has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, but due to injuries to Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga, the boss has been forced to field Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez in unorthodox attacking roles.

However, prior to his injury, Gibbs-White was relishing the opportunity to play under his old Wolves boss once again, as he had netted twice and provided a goal in four matches. Yet he cannot take all of the attacking responsibility on his own, therefore, Reyna could become the perfect partner for the England U21 ace.

The BVB wonderkid has struggled with injuries over the last few years, which has hindered his development. However, the 21-year-old is looking for a new challenge away from Germany after playing just 255 minutes all season, and he could slot into the attack alongside Gibbs-White.

Nonetheless, let's take a look at Reyna's Bundesliga statistics from last season, where he featured 22 times for BVB.

Despite also having limited time on the field last term, his numbers across the board are those of an elite talent. Reyna predominantly plays in an attacking midfield role, but he can comfortably play anywhere in the attack.

With Gibbs-White's being a creative outlet and having the highest expected assists (xA) in the squad, the addition of Reyna would give the number ten a player he can rely upon to score goals in the final third.

The Dortmund star is also "highly creative," according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, as highlighted by his passes into the penalty area, and shot-creating actions, which would elevate the former Sheffield United player's goal-scoring traits.

The American also has the work rate to back up his technical quality, as highlighted by his tackling stats. This means he would fit perfectly into Forest's style of play, which demands a high level of intensity off the ball.

Overall, this is an extremely smart move by Forest. Gibbs-White and Reyna linking up is a frightening thought, and their relationship could transform the Tricky Trees.

The striker wasn't the biggest name to join the Middle Eastern footballing revolution, but his performances in the Gulf have been scintillating

When the Saudi Pro League kickstarted their plans for footballing domination last summer, they initially seemed to be targeting a certain profile of player. Namely, those approaching the twilights of their careers who were conscious that paydays like this were in diminishing supply. The likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson were just three examples.

However, as the transfer window progressed, the Pro League's other objectives became clearer. If they wished to properly disrupt the established footballing order, they needed to pluck players away from the biggest leagues in the land when they were still at their peaks.

Nothing typified this aim more than Al-Hilal's protracted pursuit of Aleksandar Mitrovic. During the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, the Serbian had scored 14 times in just 24 appearances, a tally that would have been even greater if he had not received a lengthy ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during an FA Cup quarter-final. If he was to leave Craven Cottage, one would have expected a top-tier Premier League club to be his destination.

Instead, Mitrovic would wind up in Saudi Arabia, with this decision and his agitation for the transfer being roundly criticised in the British media. Indeed, upon its completion, Cottagers boss Marco Silva admitted: "It is not the ideal scenario, not because he received an offer. It is all the situation about himself. He is not working properly with his team-mates, and when I say it is not the ideal scenario, this is the situation."

Mitrovic, though, has never been one to shy away from confrontation, and he has fully owned his decision – as well as taking the Pro League by storm – in the months that have followed.

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  Refusing to go quietly

  Mitrovic's first swipe back at his detractors came in September. In an interview with the , the striker said: "When I received the offer from Al-Hilal, I talked about it with my family, giving up was impossible. I have no nostalgia for England, I played many years there."

  Then came the spiciest line of all: "I’m happy to have finally arrived at a top club, Al-Hilal is a bit like Real Madrid in Europe." For fans of Newcastle and Fulham, this jibe would have stung, and Mitrovic has continued to strike a defiant tone whenever he's been quizzed by the Western media about his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.

  More recently, he told : "After seven years in England, I think the first thing was the sun. I never had summer sun in my life. It's been different you know, different culture, different football, the mentality of people as well, but so far I'm really happy. My family is happy. The club is amazing so far it's a great experience and looking forward to more years."

  "The people here are crazy about football, but you have a bit more privacy here," he added. "We live on a compound, we're a little bit more isolated and people from Europe and around the world live there. The life is really nice. You wake up, have breakfast, a little workout, then recovery in the pool in the sun."

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• Electric form

  The financial aspect of the move cannot be ignored, of course. It's been reported that Mitrovic is earning in excess of £400,000 ($507,000) at Al-Hilal. But unlike some of his other former Premier League contemporaries, he certainly cannot be accused of simply kicking back and picking up his pay check.

  After scoring on his debut against Al-Raed, Mitrovic wrote his name into Al-Hilal folklore a few weeks later. Rivals Al-Ittihad were his side's opponents and he struck three times – including one ridiculous volley – in a dramatic 4-3 victory that set the tone for an amazing season.

  Scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Al-Khaleej in mid-October then instigated a startling 10-game scoring run for Mitrovic. This included a fine brace in a victory against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, which helped Al-Hilal pull well clear at the top of the table.

  And Mitrovic and Co refused to relent as the campaign progressed. He eventually finished with an outstanding 28 goals in as many Saudi Pro League matches as Al-Hilal went the entire season undefeated.

  His fine form extended to other competitions, too. Mitrovic was consistently decisive in his side's run to the King's Cup final, and had he not been absent for the AFC Champions League semi-finals against Al-Ain, you would have fancied them to be in with a shot of winning that trophy as well.

  His end-of-season stats made for mightily impressive reading. When all was said and done, Mitrovic contributed 40 goals and eight assists in only 43 appearances in all competitions.

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  Outshining bigger names

  These contributions are made all the more impressive when you consider how badly some of the Saudi Pro League's other big-name arrivals struggled in their new surroundings. Before the season kicked off, it would have taken someone brave to predict Mitrovic outscoring the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner. But that's exactly what happened.

  While Mitrovic was banging them in with metronomic regularity, Benzema's season was characterised by underperformance and punctuated by dressing-room controversy. Sadio Mane – one of Al-Nassr's marquee buys – fell way short of the Serbian's standards too, managing a fraction of his goal contributions, while Riyad Mahrez only scored twice in his final 11 Saudi Pro League games of the season. Roberto Firmino, meanwhile, fared so poorly that Al-Ahli were trying to dispose of him in January, while Neymar – his Al-Hilal team-mate – has barely played after suffering an ACL injury.

  Even Cristiano Ronaldo, who has embraced life in Saudi Arabia like few other foreign imports, could be argued to have enjoyed a weaker season than Mitrovic. Yes, a late surge may have been enough to secure Ronaldo the Golden Boot, but the ex-Real Madrid man was left inconsolable on the field after Al-Hilal ended their chances of silverware on penalties in the King's Cup final.

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  Incredible international record

  All of this means that Mitrovic will be charging towards Euro 2024 with a head of steam. This was typified in Serbia's final warm-up game before the tournament against Sweden, when he netted his side's second goal in a 3-0 victory with his final touch of the game.

  Scoring for his country has rarely been an issue for Mitrovic. Even when his club form has faltered, he's remained reliable. Overall, he boasts 58 goals from just 91 caps, giving him a better international strike rate than Lautaro Martinez, Robert Lewandowski and Alvaro Morata.

  He has a point to prove at this tournament, too. This is Serbia's first Euros since gaining independence, but at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Mitrovic could not prevent his side crashing out at the group stages despite scoring three times across the two tournaments.

John McGinn has promised fans will see a "different Scotland" in their second Euro 2024 group game against Switzerland following a 5-1 Germany defeat.

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• McGinn defiant after Germany loss
• Midfielder admits he played sub-par
• Scotland now to face Switzerland

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McGinn seemed to suggest that Scotland have identified the cause of their heavy opening loss in the first game of the tournament. There is now an opportunity to right those wrongs in Wednesday's clash with Switzerland, potentially getting their Euros campaign back on track.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Scotland fans have descended on Germany in their many thousands, which made it all the more painful when the hosts were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes, then 3-0 ahead and with a man advantage by half-time. In the end, a late Antonio Rudiger-own goal was a scant consolation given that Germany finished with five goals.

• WHAT McGINN SAID

  "It doesn't take a genius to work out where it went wrong," McGinn told . "On Wednesday, you'll see a different Scotland. A team with a point to prove, probably more to ourselves than anything else. Seeing the amount of Scotland fans in Munich, that's the disappointing thing, feeling like we've let them down. We can't forget the opportunity is still there.

  "It's been quiet in the camp but I think that's determination," he added.

  "As I get older, I get more used to dealing with these situations. It doesn't get easier. I always say the lows in football make the highs higher. The lows are brutal. I don't look at the opinions of anybody else. I'm sure we've had a lot of criticism and deservedly so. It's about how we react. Knowing I could have given more is what's been stewing in my mind. If the manager gives me the opportunity again, it has to be a completely new version of myself."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Scotland are attempting to make history for themselves at Euro 2024. No senior Scottish national team – male or female – has ever gone beyond the group stage of either a World Cup or European Championship in 13 previous attempts.

Manchester United have reportedly made their move to sign Karim Benzema, who is looking to leave Al-Ittihad on a temporary basis.

Anthony Martial injury

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been short of goals this season, with every side in the top 14 in the Premier League scoring more than United’s tally of 24 from 21 games.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Therefore, the need for attacking reinforcements seems clear, especially with Anthony Martial struggling for game time and form, netting just once in the top flight.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and it has now emerged that the forward is set to be out for 10 weeks after surgery on a groin issue, with a Man United statement reading:

“Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about 10 weeks as he rehabilitates. We wish Anthony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.”

Therefore, the need for a short-term striker solution to help Rasmus Hojlund for the second half of the season appears to be clear, and it looks as if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are wasting no time in searching for a new marquee attacker.

Man United open Karim Benzema talks

According to reports in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness on Wednesday, the Red Devils are in talks with Benzema’s entourage over a January deal, with the Frenchman looking to leave Saudi Arabia on a temporary basis.

The ownership of Al-Ittihad have not granted the 36-year-old’s request, though, but it is added that discussions are continuing and Benzema’s entourage are talking to various clubs, including Manchester United.

Manchester United now eyeing Brighton-esque centre-back signing

But a recent Seagulls transfer has made life more difficult for the Red Devils…

By
David Comerford

Jan 24, 2024

Benzema is thought to be on a whopping £200m per season salary in Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid last season, so you can see why Al-Ittihad would want to keep hold of the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.

Goals have continued to flow for the legendary striker in the Saudi Pro-League, contributing to 17 goals in 20 appearances for his current employers. However, the Premier League is a competition that Benzema has never played in throughout his career after long stints at Lyon and Real Madrid, so he could well be open to a short-term deal in England with United.

If that is the case, then Ten Hag could be getting the “best no.9 in the world”, as Benzema was dubbed by former manager Zinedine Zidane back in 2018.

“I know what a player Benzema is, everyone knows it. The number of goals he’s scoring is incredible. I’m made up for him. Everyone can have their opinion on who is the best No.9 in the world and for me it’s Karim. He is confident, he knows you can always improve too, which is great. It doesn’t surprise me what he’s doing.”

Aston Villa have pulled the plug on a new signing, with a report sharing Unai Emery’s new plan.

Aston Villa transfers

NSWE have really kicked into gear in the final days of the January window, with a number of new players set to follow right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic through the Villa Park door.

The Serbian, who has been loaned back to Red Star Belgrade, was the only winter window addition for the majority of the month. However, Villa now look on course to seal as many as three deadline-day signings.

Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers is the big new name in the Midlands in the final hours of the window, whereas Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci and Arsenal youngster Lino Sousa are also set to be announced as signings.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

That will be a goalkeeper, two full-backs and a winger brought in, but when it comes to a striker, it looks as if Emery has different ideas.

Aston Villa abandon striker signing

As per Football Insider in the last 24 hours, Aston Villa have abandoned their plans to sign a new striker. The club held talks with multiple attacking targets this month, but Emery is now planning to use summer signing Nicolo Zaniolo as a back-up striker to Ollie Watkins for the remainder of the campaign.

"Aston Villa have abandoned their plans to sign a new striker late in the window due to their concerns over breaching financial guidelines, sources have told Football Insider. The Villans, like many clubs across the Premier League, have been very cautious of overspending this month and this has now halted plans to add depth to their frontline.

"It comes following talks this month with multiple forward targets who could have slotted straight into the team. Sources have told Football Insider that Villa boss Unai Emery and his coaching staff are now planning to use summer addition Nicolo Zaniolo as a back-up striker to Ollie Watkins for the remainder of the season."

The likes of Chelsea’s Armando Broja and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee have been mooted as striker targets throughout the month, but it looks as if Emery will go with Watkins, Jhon Duran and Zaniolo as his central options until the summer.

Watkins has been in fine form once again during Emery’s first full season in charge, scoring 15 goals and registering 10 assists in 31 games in all competitions. Duran has netted four times in 23 appearances, whereas Zaniolo’s two Villa goals came in December. The Italian has already played in six different attacking positions this season, but it looks as if Emery wants to mould him into a striker when Watkins isn’t available.

Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo posted an adorable selfie with son Thiago as they watched Argentina beat Chile 1-0 at the Copa America.

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• Roccuzzo posts selfie on Instagram
• Messi played with injury
• Winner scored by Lautaro Martinez

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina faced Chile in their second game of the Copa America and won 1-0, thanks to Martinez's 88th-minute winner. After the game, Messi admitted that he played with "discomfort", and he could now be rested against Peru after Argentina secured safe passage into the knockout rounds, having won both of their opening two games.

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• WHAT ROCCUZZO SAID

  Writing on Instagram, Roccuzzo said: "I love you baby. One more together. Let's go Argentina."

• THE GOSSIP

  Roccuzzo has been present at both Argentina games thus far, also watching on as the reigning world champions beat Canada 2-0 in their opener. Now, manager Lionel Scaloni is likely to rotate against Peru. As such, Messi may well be on the bench for the final game of the group to keep him fresh for the knockout rounds.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Argentina face Peru on Sunday. There is some danger to come with that game, as Peru are still mathematically in with a shout of qualification to the knockout stage, although they would need to win.

It's impossible to know which Chelsea will show up these days.

Is it going to be the Chelsea who lost 4-1 to Liverpool and 4-2 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in back-to-back Premier League games? Or the Chelsea who beat a formidable Aston Villa 3-1 away from home in the FA Cup before doing the same to Crystal Palace in the next game?

Mauricio Pochettino clearly has some talent in his side, but if he can't get them to show it consistently, he might not be in the dugout for much longer.

This inconsistency is made all the more frustrating by the fact that one of their former players, who many considered a flop, has been a consistent goalscorer since leaving West London and has actually even outscored Cole Palmer this season.

Chelsea's club record signing in 2017

The player in question is none other than Spain international and former club-record signing Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard signed for Blues in July of that year for around £60m after enjoying a fruitful 2016/17 season at Real Madrid, in which he scored 20 goals and provided six assists in 43 appearances for Los Blancos.

Unfortunately for the Chelsea faithful, he would never prove to be this effective in London, and while he did manage to score 15 goals and provide six assists in the 2017/18 season, this was as good as it was going to get.

The following season, he scored just nine goals in his 24 appearances for the Pensioners before he moved to Atlético Madrid on loan in January, where he managed six goals and one assist in 17 appearances.

While his overall record of 24 goals and six assists for the Blues wasn't horrendous, he was seen by many fans and pundits alike as an abject failure, with Rio Ferdinand saying on BT Sport after the 2018 Community Shield that (via Football 365) "from a centre half's point of view, he does not scare you" while Richard Dunne was even harsher, claiming the Spaniard was "a disgrace up front, he was awful."

So, with underwhelming performances and scathing reviews, the Madrid-born forward made his move to Atleti permanent in the summer of 2019 for £58m, although the West Londoners could undoubtedly do with his goals this season.

Morata's stats after leaving Chelsea

Now, life after Chelsea wasn't necessarily all plain sailing for Morata, as his first full season back in Spain was only marginally better than his first year in England, with 16 goals and five assists coming in his 44 games for Los Colchoneros.

It was this middling return that saw him sent back to Juventus on loan for two seasons so that Atleti could sign Luis Suárez, and while some players might've downed tools at the idea of being moved on once again, the former Real Madrid youngster put his head down and enjoyed a brilliant two years in Turin.

In his first season, he scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances before scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in 48 games the following season, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.73 games for the Old Lady.

Following the end of his two-year loan deal, the "prolific" number nine, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, returned to Atlético and provided 18 goal involvements in 45 appearances for Diego Simeone's side last season.

Alvaro Morata's stats this season

While Morata's output across the four seasons following his move to Atlético is impressive, his performances this season have bordered on world-class.

The 31-year-old has seemingly reached a whole new level this campaign and has already found the back of the net 19 times and provided three assists in just 33 appearances.

Unfortunately for fans and Morata himself, he is currently set to miss up to ten games with a knee ligament injury, but should he be back by the end of next month – as he's expected to be – then there is no reason he couldn't end the season with 30 goal involvements.

Simeone clearly shares this sentiment, as in November, on the Spanish podcast El Larguero (via GOAL), the Argentine claimed: "Alvaro Morata is on par with Erling Haaland. In terms of goals and his numbers, he can certainly be compared to him."

While that comparison might be a step too far, Morata has enjoyed an impressive few years bouncing between Juventus and Atlético, and while he might not be the best striker in the world, his 19 goals would see him top Chelsea's squad if he was still in England

The top scorer in Pochettino's squad at the moment is arguably one of the few Chelsea players who will end this season with their stock higher than it was at the start, Palmer.

The former Manchester City prodigy has found the back of the net on 12 occasions across all competitions this season, and while that is undeniably impressive for anyone in their first season at a new club, it's even more remarkable considering he's just 21 years old.

However, that is still a considerably lower goal tally than Morata's and considering the next highest goalscorer in the team is Nicolas Jackson with nine goals, the Blues are clearly crying out for a new clinical number nine this summer.

Chelsea star with 144 touches was even better than Gallagher vs Palace

Another magnificent performance from the 23-year-old.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 13, 2024

Ultimately, the Blues might have thought they were doing the right thing selling Morata when they did, but he has since proven himself in both La Liga and Serie A, and with Chelsea's current goalscoring woes, Pochettino would probably love to have him at his disposal.