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Manchester City failed to inspire much festive cheer as they dropped more points in the Premier League against Everton, drawing 1-1 with the Toffees.

Pep Guardiola’s men have endured a frustrating run of form in recent months and things don’t exactly look like they are going to change, especially with Rodri – seen as the fulcrum of the side – out until the end of the season.

Even Erling Haaland, who missed a penalty against Everton, has failed to work his magic, scoring just three Premier League goals since September 22nd.

Against Leicester City this afternoon, could the manager drop the Norwegian striker due to his poor performances of late? It is certainly a possibility.

Why Guardiola must now drop Erling Haaland

Haaland’s touch in front of goal has deserted him in recent months and, with no competition for his place in the side, the manager has been forced to utilise him, despite poor form.

Operating once again as a lone striker against the Merseyside outfit on Boxing Day, Haaland managed to take just 22 touches while completing ten passes during the 90 minutes.

The centre-forward also lost possession eight times and managed just one shot on target. His penalty miss will also affect his confidence, and it is evident that dropping to the bench could do the player the world of good.

This will mean Guardiola must make some tactical adjustments to his starting XI, indicating that Phil Foden could operate as a false nine against the Foxes.

Stat

Highest Ranked

Accurate passes

Mateo Kovacic (107)

Tackles

Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Idrissa Gueye (4)

Key passes

Phil Foden (7)

Ground duels won

Savinho (8)

Shots on target

Savinho (3)

With this in mind, Kevin De Bruyne should well come back into the side in place of the Englishman, operating directly behind him, and it could be the spark needed to get City back to winning ways.

Guardiola must unleash Kevin De Bruyne against Leicester City

Late last season, the Spaniard praised his talisman for being “unbelievable” during a 4-2 win over Crystal Palace. Just a few weeks later, the club won their fourth league title in a row and everything appeared rosy.

De Bruyne has missed a few games this term with a hamstring injury, meaning he has registered just four goal contributions in all competitions – two goals and two assists.

Despite starting only seven league games this season, De Bruyne has still managed to create seven big chances, averaged 2.3 key passes and succeeded with 58% of his dribbles, proving that he can still offer a lot in the final third.

By moving Foden to a false nine position, the Belgian will be able to slot in just behind him, allowing him to demonstrate his talents in an area where he will be able to cause plenty of damage.

Guardiola won’t be worried about performance, especially when the club requires all three points to remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

If dropping Haaland to the bench is the best way of going about this, then the manager must make the bold decision to drop him ahead of the game.

Man City can land Savinho upgrade in swoop for "unbelievable" £66m star

Manchester City are reportedly interested in a deal for the Premier League forward.

ByDan Emery Dec 27, 2024

One member of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad is set to depart Elland Road this January, it has emerged, as he seeks opportunities elsewhere.

Leeds slip up in Championship

Costly errors from goalkeeper Illan Meslier meant that Leeds were held to a 3-3 draw by Hull City in their most recent outing, allowing Burnley and Sheffield United to close the gap at the top of the Championship to just a single point.

Statistic

League Rank

Goals Scored

48

1st

Goals conceded

19

3rd

Wins

15

2nd

Losses

3

2nd

Goal difference

+29

1st

Like last season, it is proving to be a tight affair at the top of England’s second tier, with at least one of the three mentioned sides certain to miss out on automatic promotion come the end of the campaign, a fate that Leeds suffered last season.

However, Farke’s side look better equipped for promotion this season despite their firesale over the summer, with the Whites boasting the third-best defence in the division as well as the best attack.

Despite this, Farke was adamant that his side could not just “cruise” through the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.

“Overall you have to say it’s a sign of what we are – we are not the finished product which cruises through this league. We are one of the youngest sides in the league and we don’t play without making mistakes.

“A more experienced side at 3-1 up would have kept the ball and maybe scored a fourth goal but we allowed ourselves to not be switched on.”

With the January transfer window now here, Farke and the 49ers can add new blood to their ranks if they see fit, but a departure seems the most likely deal to be completed first.

Forward to leave Leeds this January

That comes as journalist Darren Witcoop claimed that forward Joe Gelhardt will be leaving Leeds this month, at least temporarily. The 22-year-old has featured just twice in the Championship so far this campaign, with Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford all preferred to the youngster by Farke.

He has not even been a part of a matchday squad since October, and his two substitute appearances have totalled just nine minutes of action, leaving a move away inevitable.

According to the report, he “will leave Leeds on loan this month”, with Gelhardt still having two and a half years left to run on his £15,000 a week deal at Elland Road.

He has been praised by Farke this season despite his lack of opportunities, with the Leeds boss explaining that he is “a really top-class human being and he’s a quality player”.

Imagine him & Piroe: Leeds lining up move for "huge talent" with 16 goals

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a move for the Premier League starlet.

ByDan Emery Jan 5, 2025

Though set to leave, where he will head remains unclear, with Witcoop adding that “several Championship clubs have registered an interest”, while there have been “enquiries also from overseas” in his services.

For his part, Gelhardt is reportedly “weighing his future up” as he looks for regular first-team opportunities in a bid to ignite his career.

Manchester United have undoubtedly been one of the most disappointing sides in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, currently occupying 13th place after the first 20 matches of the campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled at both ends of the pitch, conceding 28 times in the process, often struggling to deal with set pieces – as seen against Arsenal, with the hosts scoring both their efforts from corners.

As for the forward line, they’ve only managed to register 23 goals, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only scoring five league goals between them to date.

The latter was replaced after just half an hour in the defeat against Newcastle at Old Trafford at the end of December – highlighting the lack of impact he’s made since his big-money summer transfer.

The Dutchman may be set for an early exit from Manchester in the coming weeks, but one other player looks ever closer to ending his long-term affiliation with his boyhood side.

Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd future

Striker Marcus Rashford first appeared as though he would be a crucial player under the new management team, starting both of the first two Premier League matches of the 39-year-old’s reign.

The 27-year-old scored three times in those two outings against Ipswich Town and Everton but has since struggled for first-team minutes, leading to speculation about his long-term future at Old Trafford.

His representatives have held face-to-face conversations with Serie A outfit AC Milan over a potential move to the San Siro, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring his current situation.

West Ham United have also reportedly emerged as contenders to land the academy graduate after boss Graham Potter was appointed on Thursday following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.

It remains unclear at this stage whether any temporary move would include a potential buy option, which could bring his 20-year spell as a United player to a disappointing end.

However, if he were to depart this month, many replacements have already been touted, including one who could prove to be a huge upgrade on the Englishman.

The target who could be a huge upgrade on Rashford for Man United

Despite being just over a week into the transfer window, rumours have already circulated with multiple players already said to be of interest to new boss Amorim.

One name that was thrown into the hat earlier this week was PSG forward Kang-in Lee, who could depart the Ligue 1 side in a quest to gain more first-team minutes.

One Spanish outlet claimed he could be allowed to depart for €40m (£33m) this window, with Kang-in Lee potentially wanting a move and start a new challenge.

The 23-year-old South Korean international moved to the French giants in July 2023 from Spanish side Mallorca but has often been limited to substitute appearances following his move.

He’s started just nine Ligue 1 outings to date in 2024/25, but has still registered six goals and two assists – leading to FBref ranking the attacker as a similar player to Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior, who came second in the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri for 2024,

The pair do possess very similar traits with their excellent ball-carrying ability, plus their capability to beat an opponent and cut inside onto their stronger foot, albeit with Kang-in Lee doing so from the opposite flank.

If the former Valencia youngster could replicate such qualities in Manchester, he would be one hell of a coup, undoubtedly providing a massive upgrade on Rashford and allowing the South Korean to become Amorim’s own version of the Brazilian sensation.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing season in FBref, the PSG star has massively outperformed the homegrown talent – with the fee touted for his services an absolute bargain.

Games played

16

15

Goals & assists

8

5

Progressive carries

3.4

1.8

Progressive passes

7.7

1.9

Shots on target

1.1

0.8

Pass accuracy

87%

74%

Shot-creating actions

5.9

2.7

Take-on success

54%

23%

The South Korean, who’s previously been dubbed a “future legend” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has produced more combined goals and assists, but has also completed over four times more progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his creative skill set, something United have lacked of late.

He’s also managed more shot-creating actions, putting more efforts on target and completing more take-ons – dominating Rashford in all areas for an attacking player in Amorim’s current 3-4-2-1 system.

Seeing a homegrown talent depart in such a way is undoubtedly frustrating for the fanbase, especially considering the special moments he’s provided them on many dark days on the pitch.

However, Kang-in Lee would prove to be a superb replacement should the Englishman leave in January, slotting perfectly into one of the attacking roles behind the striker – potentially holding the key to ending the Red Devils’ current poor form in attacking areas.

Mainoo upgrade: Man Utd plot move to sign "one of the best in the world"

Manchester United could be about to land an elite-level talent this January.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 9, 2025

Manchester United could still conduct transfer business this month, as they are monitoring a record-breaking forward who is also being eyed by Liverpool, according to a recent report.

Man Utd transfer news

Ruben Amorim will have known this transfer window was going to be difficult for him to bring in new players, and while that remains the case, the Portuguese may hold some small hope that he can at least get one new player through the door before February 3rd.

Man Utd eyeing bid to sign £40m giant who turned down move under Ten Hag

Ruben Amorim is keen on signing a young player who has already been on Man United’s radar.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jan 15, 2025

Despite money being tight at Old Trafford, the Red Devils continue to be linked with potential new arrivals either for this month or for the summer transfer window. One player who has emerged on their radar in recent days is forward Nene Dorgeles, who plays for Austrian side RB Salzburg.

Fabrizio Romano states that United are monitoring the attacker, and he is among their list of options for either this transfer window or the summer. Romano goes on to add that initial talks have been held to get an understanding of the price and the overall package.

As well as looking at Dorgeles, United are also among the teams interested in signing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The 22-year-old might be a player United fans are aware of, as he was close to joining the Premier League side in 2023 but decided against it as he didn’t want to be back-up to Andre Onana.

Suzuki has since joined Parma and has continued to impress so much that United are again looking into a possible deal for the player, who could cost as much as £40 million.

Man Utd monitoring record-breaking striker who will cost £25m

The transfer links don’t stop there for the Red Devils, as according to TBR Football, Manchester United are monitoring FC Nurnberg’s Stefanos Tzimas after learning he is open to a move to the Premier League.

It’s reported that United, along with West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton, are all keeping a close eye on his progress in Germany. United’s arch rivals Liverpool may be considered ahead in the race as they have made an approach for the forward.

The 19-year-old is on loan at Nurnberg from POAK, but the German side have the option to make the move permanent for £15 million in the summer. They are expected to trigger that option and then look to sell him for £25 million after his exploits this season.

Apps

14

Starts

10

Goals

8

Goals per game

0.6

Shots per game

2.9

Big chances missed

11

Goal conversion

20%

Assists

1

Big chances created

2

Tzimas is already a record-breaker at the young age of 19, as when he scored for PAOK back in March 2023, he became the youngest goalscorer in their history at the age of 17. The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre forward, with Amorim ideally wanting to bring in one this month.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled in front of goal before and during Amorim’s reign, and if that doesn’t change before the end of the campaign, one or both could leave, and Tzimas could be seen as a potential long-term replacement. The concern for United fans would be that it is another unproven player in English football, and again, it is a striker who is very young, when they are crying out for a more proven, experienced striker.

Chelsea have struck gold in the transfer market of late, with players such as Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo proving to be some of the Premier League’s finest, capable of leading the Blues to glory in years to come.

To be honest, Chelsea have plenty of work ahead of them, on and off the field, if they are to slingshot past the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City and establish themselves as English football’s powerhouse once again.

But Enzo Maresca will take plenty of optimism from his squad’s start to the top-flight campaign; victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening would see Chelsea leapfrog Newcastle United back into the top four.

There’s so much to like about the Stamford Bridge squad, robust and slick in attack, but there’s still a lot of shuffling going on – with several exits anticipated.

Where Chelsea's frontline is headed

BlueCo seem intent on signing a new left winger. Mykhaylo Mudryk failed a drug test in December but maintains his innocence. However, the Ukrainian has not featured since playing and scoring against Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens has been placed on the club’s wishlist this month, while recent enquiries have also been lodged regarding Alejandro Garnacho, who has endured a rough patch under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

It points toward Maresca being discontented with his current options, for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel has also been identified as a winter target, with the Germans looking to sign Christopher Nkunku in a separate deal.

Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and several more are set to star under Maresca’s guidance for many years, but there’s another member who’s attracting interest from Italy and should be sold.

He’s only been back at the Bridge for a little while, but Joao Felix is struggling to impose himself in this talented and many-layered squad.

Why Chelsea must sell Joao Felix already

Felix’s career hasn’t really taken off since he left Benfica as a prodigious talent and landed in Madrid to complete a £113m transfer to Diego Simeone’s Atletico, where he scored 34 goals across 131 appearances.

Within that stint was a short loan spell in west London, arriving at Chelsea when they were at their nadir in a post-Abramovich world and showing flashes of quality but ultimately winding back in La Liga at the end of a disappointing Chelsea campaign.

One year later, the west Londoners returned for the silky talent – this time on a permanent deal, wrapping the signing up for a £45m fee last August.

It’s been a mixed bag of a season for the 25-year-old so far, with Felix having played a central part in Chelsea’s flawless Conference League campaign but typically pitted against lower-calibre opponents.

In the Premier League, he scored off the bench as Chelsea battered Wolves, but has since failed to add to his top-flight tally while only being handed three starting berths.

Chelsea are showing something of a ruthless edge in the transfer market and could continue this with Felix’s sale. According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, AC Milan are looking to strengthen its frontline after a largely frustrating term and have made Felix one of their priorities.

The Italian giants are looking to take advantage of his lack of authority under Maresca and tempt Chelsea into cutting their losses, initially bringing him in on loan before tying the move up for £30m at the end of the 205/26 campaign.

Yes, that means that Milan would like to land Felix on loan for the upcoming season too, so Chelsea would have to wait some time before earning their payday, but given that a continued role in the first team might see his value diminish further – even now, Transfermarkt record Felix’s market value at just £25m – it might be wise to get the terms finalised as soon as possible.

Felix has impressed in the Conference League but even against inferior opposition, his metrics on the European stage this term still don’t match up to Palmer’s making a telling comment on the player who Maresca should expend his tactical resources improving.

Matches (starts)

5 (3)

21 (21)

Goals

4

14

Assists

0

6

Touches*

45.0

55.7

Shots (on target)*

3.2 (1.4)

3.5 (1.9)

Big chances missed

3

9

Pass completion

84%

81%

Key passes*

1.4

2.8

Dribbles (success)*

1.6 (40%)

1.3 (50%)

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.9

Total duels (won)*

3.6 (51%)

4.0 (54%)

Of course, you can never have too much depth in football (financial parameters withstanding, of course), but if AC Milan are serious about signing the Portugal international, there’s just cause for Maresca to confirm to the powers that be that he would be willing to part ways with the mercurial player.

Not least because Felix’s £130k-per-week salary is actually right on par with that of Palmer, and that’s after the esteemed England international penned a new lucrative deal with Chelsea in August, extending his contract until 2033.

Jamie Carragher has proclaimed Palmer to be “the best player in the Premier League” this season, with Palmer posting 39 goals and 21 assists across 69 Chelsea appearances since leaving Manchester City in 2023.

There’s also the point that Chelsea will not be envisaging a second successive season in the Conference League and will exhaust every effort in qualifying for Europe’s elite competition.

This will surely serve as a natural streamliner, with fringe players finding their opportunities limited in the years ahead.

Well, it hardly looks as if Palmer is going to fall from his perch as Chelsea’s first-choice superstar at number ten, and if a club like AC Milan is interested in signing Felix, Paul Winstanley and Co might be well-advised to listen to the offer.

Chelsea leading race for £67m star who'd be a better signing than Garnacho

Chelsea are planning to invest in their squad this year, with several areas being targetted.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 19, 2025

Contact has been made with Manchester United as West Ham chiefs eye up a late January move, with co-chair David Sullivan and manager Graham Potter tipped to oversee a busy end to the window in east London.

West Ham target last-gasp January deals in multiple positions

The Hammers are in active pursuit of a new striker, following long-term injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio, but a fresh centre-forward option isn’t their only potential incoming before the deadline.

West Ham make late January contact to sign ex-Liverpool star on loan

The Irons are chasing late signings.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2025

West Ham had a bid rejected for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi (Fabrizio Romano), and could yet go back in with an improved winter bid (Rik Elfrink). The USA international, who’s bagged 18 goals already in all competitions this season, would be a stellar capture for Potter – but if they fail with another approach, it is widely believed that Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson is another primary target.

“The news has emerged last night that Ferguson’s move to Bayer Leverkusen may have fallen through due to Al Nassr choosing to sign Jhon Duran over their forward Victor Boniface,” said club insider ExWHUemployee on Thursday.

“If the club get this confirmed and are confident that his injuries are not long-term, then further negotiations with the hope of completing before Monday’s deadline will occur.

Chelsea (away)

February 3rd

Brentford (home)

February 15th

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

“West Ham are prepared to include an option or obligation to buy in the loan deal to try and get the deal over the line. Talks are continuing with Ferguson, they are going positively as the club tries to work towards a deal.”

Ferguson’s possible move to the London Stadium is looking well and truly on, as Sullivan seeks to back Potter with a centre-forward who can fill in for both Fullkrug and Antonio.

However, it is also believed that West Ham are targeting another centre-back before the deadline, with Brighton’s Adam Webster among West Ham’s defender targets for this window.

Now, the 30-year-old has been joined by United’s Victor Lindelof.

West Ham contact Man United over signing Victor Lindelof

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for United in Focus, West Ham have contacted United over signing Lindelof in January – with the £120,000-per-week Swede out of contract this summer and potentially available for a cut-price fee.

The 70-cap international appears out of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, motivating the Irons to test United’s resolve with an enquiry and gauge whether a mid-season deal for Lindelof is possible.

However, Bailey reports that the former Benfica star has no interest in joining West Ham, and has made that clear to his representatives.

Given Lindelof’s torrid injury record lately, not to mention the fact he’s now entered the twilight phase of his career, you could make a case that this is arguably for the best – and there could be better options out there for Potter.

Leeds United took a massive step towards Championship promotion last night, securing a convincing 4-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.

Goals from Dan James, Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon secured all three points for Daniel Farke’s side, moving them back five points clear of Sheffield United in second.

Whilst there are still 14 games to go between now and the end of the campaign, the win certainly puts the Whites in pole position for a return to England’s top flight, needing to maintain their superb form from the last few outings.

The four-goal haul further cements the club’s spot as the highest scorers in the division, a part of their armoury which is undoubtedly a key asset to their recent success in the Championship.

Numerous players impressed once again for the Whites during the victory, playing a huge part in yet another pivotal result if they are to right the wrongs of last season’s play-off final defeat.

Leeds’ star performers against Watford

Winger Solomon starred once again within the final third for Leeds last night, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a permanent move for his signature in the summer.

The Israeli international scored his seventh goal of the season, whilst also registering his seventh assist of the campaign – contributing to two of the four goals scored by the Whites.

He was the only attacker to impress, with Welsh winger James scoring twice in the first half to help the side maintain an early advantage in the capital.

The 27-year-old has now found the back of the net on 10 separate occasions, currently sitting as the club’s second top scorer – in what is the second-best goalscoring season of his career.

However, the aforementioned pair weren’t the only two attackers to impress against the Hornets, with one other player demonstrating why the boss has made the right call in standing by his selection.

The Leeds player who shone alongside Dan James

It’s safe to say throughout this campaign Farke has often had a selection headache over whom to start with at the top end of the pitch to push them closer to a top-flight return.

Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford are just two of the options at his disposal, but the pair have often failed to provide the goods, given their combined tally of just three league goals in 2024/25.

However, over the past couple of weeks, Piroe has returned to being the main centre-forward option, backing up the German’s decision to operate with him in the final third.

The Dutchman netted once more in the win last night, taking his tally to 14 in the league to date, the highest of any player in the side, showcasing his importance to the Whites.

He’s certainly had his doubters at various points of his Leeds career, but his all-round play along with his goal last night is evidence as to why he’s become undroppable in the last few weeks.

Piroe may have only registered 28 touches at Vicarage Road, but every one of them were meaningful – completing 100% of the 16 passes that he attempted against Tom Cleverley’s men.

Minutes played

81

Touches

28

Passes completed

16/16 (100%)

Shots taken

6

Shots on target

3

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

The 25-year-old registered six shots during the win, with three of which on target, looking like a constant threat within the final third and playing a huge role in their triumph.

He also completed two key passes in the process, setting up James for his second effort of the night, providing that all-round threat as a focal point that the club desperately searched for in the January window.

As a result of his impressive showing, the striker was handed a 9/10 match rating by Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson, further highlighting how impressive he was once more for Farke’s men.

After such a showing, it’s fair to say that Piroe now has to be the club’s leading talisman between now and the end of the campaign, potentially providing the difference between promotion and another year in the Championship.

6 Leeds United players in danger of Elland Road axe

It could be a busy summer in Yorkshire.

1 ByCharlie Smith Feb 11, 2025

2025 could be a year of huge change for Rangers at Ibrox.

13 points adrift Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and out of the Scottish Cup, following an historic upset at the hands of Queen’s Park, the Gers are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season.

This has led to mass speculation surrounding Philippe Clement’s future as manager, even though Chief Executive Patrick Stewart has reiterated his support for the under-fire boss, but it might not be just the manager on the chopping block, with a mass-squad rebuild forecast too, especially in light of this week’s news.

Rangers' proposed new owners

According to a report by Keith Jackson for the Daily Record, the San Francisco 49ers ownership group has held ‘discussions’ over a ‘multi-million-pound investment’ in Rangers, talks that they believe to be at ‘an advanced stage’.

Two years ago, 49ers Enterprises completed a takeover of Leeds United, paying £170m for 44% of the English club, with Paraag Marathe, who is the current Chairman of the EFL Championship side, overseeing ‘business ventures and major investment opportunities’ and would play a prominent role at Rangers, according to Tim Thornton and Sahil Jaidka of Sky Sports News.

The American investment group plan to ‘invest heavily’ in the Glasgow-based giants, according to Ewan Paton of the Herald, a takeover Matthew Elder of the Scotsman believes would be ‘transformational’.

Very much marooned in second in the Premiership, 13 points below Celtic but 18 points above Aberdeen, Rangers can start planning for next season, which for them will begin early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 or 23 July.

According to Football Rankings, their potential qualifying opponents include Feyenoord, Fenerbahçe, Lille, AEK Athens and Genk, underlining just how difficult these ties are likely to be, so the new ownership will want to invest heavily in this team and quickly too, so could one of Rangers’ current most-used players be sacrificed?

49ers must cut their losses on Rangers star

Since arriving at Rangers from Cremonese for £4.5m in July 2023, it’s fair to say Cyriel Dessers has divided opinion, with Graeme MacPhearson of the Scotsman saying he has been ‘both a hero and a villain’.

So, let’s dive straight into it and compare the Nigerian international to Rangers’ other strikers, namely Danilo, who arrived at the same time, and Hamza Igamane, who joined a year later.

Statistics

Cyriel Dessers

Danilo

Hamza Igamane

Appearances

93

38

31

Minutes

5,534

1,730

1,884

Goals

40

12

13

Minutes per goal

138

144

145

Assists

15

8

3

Goals – xG

-2.6

-0.6

+2.9

Big chances missed

44

15

5

Shot on target %

46.3%

49.4%

39.5%

Shots on target per 90

1.58

2.58

1.62

As the table outlines, Dessers has been far from useless for Rangers, averaging a marginally higher minutes-per-goal ratio than Danilo and Igamane, although more underlying statistics emphasise his struggles.

Since the start of last season, he has missed 44 Opta defined big chances, with the £27k-per-week star certainly not the most natural of finishers it must be said.

In this season’s UEFA Europa League, 670 different players have had at least one shot, with Dessers ranking second-bottom for goals – xG, his tally of -3 only usurped by compatriot Victor Osimhen, which isn’t too surprising considering the Galatasaray striker has attempted 25 more shots.

Mark Walker of the National believes Dessers to be a ‘flop’, while former Celtic striker Chris Sutton thinks now is the right time to sell the Nigerian, given that he’s now third-choice.

In January, despite the fact, reportedly, ten different clubs were interested in him, Dessers insists he “never wanted to leave”, adding he believes Rangers can achieve “something special” in the Europa League knockout stages.

However, come the end of the season, Rangers should certainly start listening to these offers for the centre-forward, because his relatively impressive goal-scoring figures will mean interest remains, and his market value won’t have dropped dramatically.

And so, while it remains to be seen if the 49ers would look to make a change in the dugout amid Clement’s precarious future, the incoming investors also need to drastically shake up the playing squad.

Clement upgrade: Rangers could hire 4-3-3 coach as their answer to Rodgers

With Rangers manager Philippe Clement under ever increasing scrutiny, could the Gers’ re-hire a former manager to replace the Belgian?

ByBen Gray Feb 19, 2025

Arsenal can now sign a January striker target for a very affordable fee this summer, following their rejected bid in the winter transfer window.

Arsenal targeting Alexander Isak alternatives

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is a priority transfer choice for manager Mikel Arteta, according to various reports, but a deal for the superstar Premier League striker will be very hard to pull off.

Arsenal seriously considering £60m Isak alternative after 17-goal haul

The Magpies star could be too unattainable.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 19, 2025

Arteta is a real fan of Isak, and has the Swede at the very top of his personal striker wishlist, according to David Ornstein, but Newcastle have zero intention of selling and he could be priced out of the market.

“The way he [Isak] has developed and flourished is just spectacular, and it probably makes Arsenal rue their missed opportunity,” said Ornstein on the Sky Sports Back Pages podcast earlier this month.

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

“There’s no doubt that he is the player that Mikel Arteta has at the top of his list. If he was to sign a striker, he’s seen as perfect for Arsenal’s system and everything he offers. But Newcastle fans will hate hearing that, because they’ve got him under contract for a few years yet. He’s their key player. He’s at the centre of what they and their Saudi-led ownership are doing.

“And they’ve got no intention of seeing him go anywhere. They want him to sign a new contract. If they don’t qualify for the Champions League, maybe there’s a consideration, but the price will be phenomenally high.”

Some reports this week have even suggested that Newcastle could demand around £160 million to sell Isak, which would be the second-highest fee in football history after Neymar’s £198 million move to PSG.

As such, Arteta’s side are weighing up other options, with Arsenal seriously considering Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ektike. Meanwhile, they’ve also been repeatedly linked with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.

Arsenal can sign Dušan Vlahović for just £33 million

The Serbian is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the end of this season, meaning Arsenal could sign Vlahovic for just £33 million in a bargain deal, according to Calciomercato.

Fiorentina’s ex-star has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances for the Old Lady this season, with Arsenal having a loan bid rejected for Vlahovic in January.

However, it appears the 25-year-old’s contract situation and fall behind Randal Kolo Muani could hand Arteta the chance to sign a prolific alternative to Isak at a very reasonable cost. Vlahovic has also been called the “strongest striker” in Serie A by his compatriot, Filip Kostić.

“He is very happy with my arrival. It feels wonderful to be a part of Juventus, which is among the biggest clubs in the world. It fills me with pride. It is important to have someone who speaks the same language. Having Dusan by my side is essential,” said Kostic in 2022.

“He is the strongest striker in the league. I’m fortunate to be able to play alongside him.”

Frank Lampard will forever be in Chelsea’s history books after his time at Stamford Bridge as a player, breaking numerous records during his playing career.

The 46-year-old made a total of 648 appearances for the Blues, registering a total of 211 goals – the highest goalscoring tally of any player in the club’s history – a staggering feat for a midfielder.

After spending the majority of his career in West London, Lampard hung up his boots and went into management, taking charge of the Blues on two separate occasions.

However, it’s safe to say his time as manager wasn’t as successful as a player, achieving a 52% win rate during his permanent spell as boss before making way for Thomas Tuchel, who would help the side win the Champions League that campaign.

Fast-forward to nine years after his retirement as a player, the Blues have often struggled to find a midfielder who can replicate his goal-scoring ability, with the responsibility now falling to one member of Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.

Enzo Fernández’s time at Chelsea

Back in January 2023, Chelsea raised eyebrows by forking out a then-English record fee of £106.8m for the services of midfielder Enzo Fernández from Benfica.

The 24-year-old has often partnered Moises Caicedo at the heart of the side, usually featuring in a box-to-box role whilst the Ecuadorian sits deep and regains possession of the side.

To date, Enzo has featured 93 times for the Blues, scoring on 11 occasions, offering the highest goalscoring threat from a deep-lying position within the current side.

In 2025 alone, he’s scored more goals than assists registered, showcasing the talent he possesses in front of goal, potentially emulating Lampard in that department – but remains nowhere the goal-scoring level of Lampard.

However, despite being a regular starter in Maresca’s first-team over the last couple of months, he may struggle to maintain his starting role when one player returns from his loan spell away from the Bridge.

The Chelsea loanee who could be the next Frank Lampard

Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos could prove to be a key member of the first-team squad over the next few years – that’s if his current loan spell is anything to go by.

He joined in an £18m deal back in January 2023 from Brazilian outfit Vasco de Gama, however, returning to his boyhood side until the summer and linking up the Blues at the end of the season.

He would subsequently join fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest on loan for the 2023/24 season, but after just two appearances in the first half of the campaign, he would be recalled and loaned out to sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

Such a temporary stint would allow him to gain valuable game time, rejoining the French outfit for the current season, thriving in the attacking third despite his midfield role.

Santos, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has registered eight goals in 23 appearances across all competitions – the second-highest tally of any player in the squad, highlighting his impressive form in front of goal.

Alongside his goal tally, his underlying stats have been just as impressive, making him a perfect box-to-box option for Maresca at the heart of the side, potentially putting Fernandez’s place at risk.

Games played

21

25

Goals scored

7

4

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

36%

Goal per shot on target

0.6

0.3

Pass accuracy

88%

81%

Tackles won

2.5

1.2

Duels won

7.5

5.5

Aerial success rate

58%

34%

The 20-year-old has won an average of 2.5 tackles per 90, along with 7.5 duels won, showcasing he has the defensive quality to star at both ends of the pitch, certainly handing the Italian boss a selection headache in the near future.

After such a run of form away from West London, it would be hard for the club to ignore including such a talent in the first team squad next season, providing added quality to the already stacked department.

However, a balance must be struck so he can still receive key first-team minutes to continue from the excellent strides he’s made in Ligue 1 – with Santos having a hugely exciting future, potentially filling the void after Lampard’s retirement.

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