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Carlos Corberan will hope he can rely on his more experienced heads next season to steer another West Bromwich Albion to another attempt at winning promotion, with the likes of Kyle Bartley and more shining last campaign in the Championship.

It would have been a welcome relief to see the ex-Arsenal man put pen to paper on a new contract this summer, therefore, whilst the likes of Alex Mowatt, Jed Wallace and others scattered around the Baggies camp have been there and done that up and down the EFL across their careers to date.

Even more wily heads could be added to the Hawthorns camp soon…

West Brom interested in serial promotion winner

According to football journalist Michael Graham earlier this week, Sunderland were said to in the driver's seat over a deal for former Sheffield United midfielder Oliver Norwood this summer.

It comes after prior reports stated that West Brom are also in the queue to try and snap up the successful free agent.

Norwood has four promotions to the Premier League on his CV from the second tier, with two of those coming during a fruitful patch of his career in South Yorkshire, as West Brom now hope his expertise in moving up to the top flight can rub off the rest of the Baggies ranks.

Slipping up in the play-off semi-finals last campaign to eventual promotion winners Southampton, the Northern Irishman could also fill a gap left behind by Okay Yokuslu's potential departure, with talk centring in on the fact the Turkish midfielder could move back to his native country this off-season.

How Norwood can be West Brom's next Brunt

Norwood could act as a dependable and reliable figure in the centre of the park in a similar fashion to the way former West Brom great Chris Brunt used to operate too, with the now retired star also hailing from Northern Ireland, after going down in the Baggies hall of fame as an esteemed servant to the West Midlands club.

Brunt ended up amassing a ridiculous 421 games in total for West Brom, with his calm and experienced head constantly showing its worth, as he ended up maintaining a starting spot for the majority of his 13 seasons at the Hawthorns.

Norwood was able to be a similar safe figure to rely upon when still playing at Bramall Lane, with 27 games coming his way last season in the Premier League for Chris Wilder's men, despite entering the twilight of his career now at 33 years of age.

23/24

30

1

1

22/23

51

3

5

21/22

49

1

4

20/21

37

0

1

19/20

41

3

1

18/19

44

3

9

Only absent from two Championship games the last two full campaigns he's competed in, Norwood would be a welcome signing if a move can be agreed, with the West Midlands outfit previously in desperate need of measured heads that have won promotion when crashing out of the play-offs, having unfortunately crumbled at St. Mary's in a 3-1 second leg exit.

Brunt also managed to lift West Brom up to the Premier League three times when he was a constant part of the furniture at the Hawthorns, operating in a central midfield spot like Norwood on occasion, but mostly standing out down the flanks for his long-standing employers.

It must have been a sad severing of the ties for Norwood walking away from his fixed home in South Yorkshire this summer, but he could well get one over on his former club if he was to pick up a mind-boggling fifth promotion under Corberan this forthcoming campaign.

Mulumbu 2.0: West Brom risk losing vital star worth more than Diangana

West Bromwich Albion really won’t want to lose this star this summer.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 8, 2024

With a number of Leeds United's biggest names set to depart Elland Road this summer, it appears that Daniel Farke's side are already making moves to sign replacements.

Leeds look for replacements for outgoing stars

The big stories out of Elland Road have centred around the futures of some of Leeds' biggest stars. Archie Gray was the first to leave the club, with the young midfielder completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur worth an initial £30 million. Whilst Joe Rodon returned to Elland Road to soften the blow, many of the Leeds faithful will still be disappointed to see Gray leave.

Leeds United’s 10 best managers of all time ranked by win percentage

The Whites are going for promotion back to the Premier League once again under Daniel Farke, but where does he rank among the best Leeds managers?

ByCharlie Smith Jan 4, 2025

With the Whites braced for a number of exits, the latest name linked with a move away from Elland Road is Junior Firpo. The defender is said to have agreed personal terms with Real Betis ahead of a return to Spain this summer. With the 27-year-old even willing to take a pay cut to leave Leeds, his departure seems extremely during the window.

Leeds' star player last season, Crysencio Summerville, is also subject to interest from other teams. Newcastle are the latest side to be linked with the Dutchman. The 22-year-old contributed 20 goals and 9 assists last season and would leave a massive hole in the Whites’ attack.

As far as incomings are concerned, Leeds are said to be eyeing a move for Crystal Palace's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who could help fill the void left by an outgoing Summerville. The winger has firm interest from Southampton, though the Eagles' preference for a loan deal could tip the scales in the Whites' favour.

With the higher-ups at Elland Road already working hard to find replacements for outgoing stars, it appears that the Whites have now made contact over a move for a new defender.

Leeds make contact for Ireland youth international

As reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Leeds United have made early contact over a potential deal for PEC Zwolle's Anselmo Garcia MacNulty. The Whites are said to be in the market for a new left-back this summer, partly owing to the likely exit of Firpo.

A report from earlier last week suggested Leeds were considering a move for Garcia MacNulty, with the West Yorkshire outfit first linked with the player as far back as April.

The defender made 32 appearances in all competitions last season as Zwolle finished mid-table in the Eredivisie. The 21-year-old was also able to contribute two goals and two assists over the course of the previous campaign.

MacNulty's exploits in the Netherlands last season saw him earn his first call-ups to the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s squad, appearing in friendlies against England and Croatia.

Whilst the 21-year-old is a left-back by trade, MacNulty was also deployed as a centre-back at times last season, suggesting that he would be a versatile addition to Leeds' side as they look to achieve promotion next season.

For some time, it looked as though Liverpool and Arne Slot were prepared to settle on the current squad left behind by Jurgen Klopp, but the Reds are now reportedly confident of kickstarting their summer business with a bang.

Liverpool transfer news

Slot used Liverpool's American tour to assess his new squad and seemingly came to a few conclusions about just what and who he needs to add before deadline day at the end of the month. Rumours have certainly picked up on that front too, with the Reds recently linked once again to Anthony Gordon and for the first time to Benfica's David Neres as an alternative to the Newcastle United star.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, it would be a dream move for Gordon, but it remains to be seen whether those at Anfield make another serious attempt for his signature. Now that Newcastle have allayed their profit and sustainability fears, they're no longer in need of such a sale, making a deal far more difficult for the Reds to negotiate. Whilst Gordon may not go down in history as Slot's first Liverpool signing, however, a La Liga star might just.

According to The Times and Paul Joyce, Liverpool are now confident that they will sign Martin Zubimendi this summer and hope that the midfielder pushes for a move away from boyhood club Real Sociedad. Joyce's initial report claimed that the Reds were "considering" a move for the Euro 2024 winner, who has a release clause of €60m (£52m), but their new-found confidence suggests that the deal is now progressing.

Liverpool offered "one-man army" who can finally replace Wijnaldum

The Reds have been given the chance to land a dream first signing for Arne Slot.

ByRobbie Walls Aug 7, 2024

The 25-year-old would be quite the coup, given that both Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in his signature throughout the summer, before failing in their pursuit. If Slot and Liverpool were to now complete a move for Zubimendi, it would be quite the statement.

"Special" Zubimendi can unleash Mac Allister

As impressive as Alexis Mac Allister's debut season at Liverpool was, it's difficult to not think that he was somewhat limited in the defensive midfield role at times.

When the Argentine was handed a license to pull the strings going forward thanks to Wataru Endo, he thrived, and the arrival of Zubimendi would hand him that license on a permanent basis. What's more, the focus on possession and control in Slot's system should breed the perfect partnership between the two midfielders.

Progressive Carries

34

44

Progressive Passes

152

209

Goals

4

5

Assists

1

5

Ball Recoveries

169

195

Earning a reported £48,000-a-week, Zubimendi's eye for goal alongside his clear ability to progress play would ensure that he's worth every penny to complete Liverpool's midfield rebuild once and for all.

Described as a "special talent" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Sociedad star has the world at his feet and quite the decision to make this summer. With the defensive midfield role and the chance to go down in history as Slot's first Liverpool signing awaiting at Anfield, the Reds will hope that Zubimendi chooses Merseyside before the end of the month.

Mason Mount arrived at Manchester United last summer with big expectations after his huge £60m move from Chelsea.

However, his first campaign at Old Trafford was nothing short of a disaster, making just 14 Premier League appearances, in a season constantly plagued by various injury troubles.

His issues resulted in a very sparse midfield department for Erik ten Hag, with the United boss already targeting reinforcements ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Manuel Ugarte and Richard Rios are just two players to have been linked with a move to the North West this summer, but moves are yet to materialise for either talent.

However, the club could be edging to the signing of one player who has previously been touted with a big-money move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United closing in on £67m talent

According to reports in Spain via Football 365, Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.

The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, although Ten Hag could finally get his man during the ongoing transfer window.

The report states that United have closed a deal worth €80m (£67m) with Barcelona president Joan Laporta for the Dutch international to move to the Premier League.

However, it also states that Ten Hag’s side may have some convincing to do, with De Jong not fully sold on a move to Old Trafford.

The deal would undoubtedly transform Ten Hag’s midfield, with the Barca ace a huge upgrade on Mount after his failed first campaign in Manchester.

Why De Jong would be an upgrade on Mount for United

Although he would be another huge addition for the club after the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee from Lille and Bologna respectively, De Jong would be a stellar signing and one that could hugely improve Ten Hag’s midfield.

When comparing the former Ajax ace to fellow big-money addition Mount, it’s evident that he would be a huge upgrade on the Englishman – allowing the Red Devils to push for a return to the Premier League’s top four.

De Jong also had an injury-affected campaign, only making 20 LaLiga appearances, but he’s dominated the current United man, finishing the season with a 10% better pass completion rate, among other standout metrics.

Games played

20

14

Goals + assists

2

1

Pass accuracy

92%

82%

Progressive passes

9.2

3.7

Progressive carries

3.8

1.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

57%

20%

The Barca ace, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best players in the world” by former boss Xavi Hernandez, has also averaged nearly three times the amount of progressive passes – showcasing his ability to play forward and create opportunities.

Whilst neither of their primary roles is to contribute with goals, De Jong has averaged a 50% shot on target rate, compared to Mount’s 27%, demonstrating that he possesses the added quality in the final third when called upon.

Although the club have spent big on European midfielders before, the Barca talent could buck the trend of disappointing additions, having all the qualities to thrive in the Premier League.

He’s certainly an upgrade on the current crop of players in the squad, potentially holding the keys to a top-four finish in 2024/25.

Man Utd battling to land "genius" who's a Simons & Bellingham hybrid

Manchester United looking to add creative star in attacking midfield

ByConnor Holden Jul 28, 2024

Arsenal chiefs are confident they'll sign a £55 million player soon, coming after he gave his green-light to join the north Londoners this summer.

Arsenal chase third summer signing as Premier League season nears

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be keen for Arsenal to seal their third summer signing of the window quickly, as the new Premier League season kicks off in just a matter of days.

Edu is a long-time fan of £30m striker as Arsenal eye Nketiah replacement

The Englishman could be joining Marseille this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 10, 2024

After missing out on the 2022/2023 crown to arch rivals Man City, Arsenal pushed them to the very final day last season and threatened to usurp Pep Guardiola's side, but they fell just short for the second successive season.

This weekend, Arteta will be looking to make the best possible start to the new campaign, as the Spaniard attempts to make it third-time-lucky and beat City in what could be another hotly-contested title race.

Team

Date

Wolves (home)

August 17

Aston Villa (away)

August 24

Brighton (home)

August 31

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

The summer transfer window hands Arsenal an opportunity to strengthen in key areas and raise Arteta's chances of clinching Arsenal their first Premier League title in over two decades, with sporting director Edu Gaspar already bringing in Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori whilst signing goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal.

However, apart from those two additions, Arsenal haven't exactly been busy – despite some claims before the window opened that Edu was ready to break Arsenal's summer transfer record with several new additions.

It is believed the north Londoners are still after both a new forward and midfielder before deadline day on August 30. Indeed, Arsenal have discussed the possibility of signing striker Joao Pedro from Brighton, while reports still surround Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

The latter has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the last three weeks. Merino's contract is set to expire next summer, meaning he could leave Sociedad for free, but the player himself is very eager to leave now and join Arsenal.

"The problem for Real Sociedad is that Merino is not extending his contract, at least as of today," said Fabrizio Romano.

"His desire is to go to Arsenal, he’s only waiting for Arsenal, and so I don’t think Zubimendi future will impact Merino. This is the feeling also at Real Sociedad they have, because they would face the risk to lose the player on a free … and that would be a big problem for a club like Real Sociedad.”

Arsenal chiefs confident they will sign Mikel Merino soon

While the 28-year-old's contract includes a £55 million release clause, the running time left on it means Edu and co can seal a deal for much less.

Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke have shared an update on the lengthy transfer saga, claiming Arsenal chiefs are confident they'll sign Merino soon as talks remain ongoing over a deal for the Spain international.

He's given his green light to the move, as echoed by Romano, so it is now down to the clubs to find middle ground on payment structure and terms. The former Newcastle star impressed at Euro 2024 and at club level last season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 45 total appearances.

Newcastle United are among the clubs plotting a late transfer move for a contract rebel, according to a new report.

It has been a low-key transfer window for the Magpies so far, as the club has had to endure to PSR, and that has meant the finances have been tight for Eddie Howe to make some big moves in the transfer market.

However, that hasn’t stopped the club from getting off to a good start in the Premier League, as they have picked up four points from a possible six, beating Southampton and drawing with AFC Bournemouth despite somewhat unconvincing performances.

Newcastle line up late move for £40m Wilson upgrade

Eddie Howe faces a busy few days ahead

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 27, 2024 Newcastle United transfer news

As Friday’s deadline gets ever closer, Newcastle United are currently going to go into September with five new signings on board. As stated, it hasn’t been a very busy summer for the club, as PSR has meant the Tynesiders have had to be patient and careful with the business that they have done.

Lewis Hall

Chelsea

Odysseas Vlachodimos

Nottingham Forest

William Osula

Sheffield United

Lloyd Kelly

Bournemouth

John Ruddy

Birmingham City

However, with two days of the window remaining, it appears that Newcastle’s business isn’t completely done, as they eye a few more deals. One player that has been on the club’s radar for a while now is Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford, with the club chasing his signature much earlier in the summer.

It has now been reported that the Magpies are ready to revisit a deal for Trafford, with the player himself believing he could join the club this week. Furthermore, personal terms are said to not be an issue, but the transfer does hinge on Newcastle either loaning or selling at least one, if not both of, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Martin Dubravka.

As well as looking to sign Trafford, Eddie Howe and Newcastle are also said to be weighing up a move to sign midfielder Santiago Hezze before the end of the transfer window. It has been claimed that the Premier League side are preparing a bid worth £17 million in order to secure his signing before the deadline.

Newcastle plotting a late move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are plotting a late transfer move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The report states that Everton have seen multiple contract offers for the striker rejected, and with his current deal set to expire in 12 months, meaning he can sign a pre-contract agreement in January, this summer presents the last chance the club has of selling the striker for a decent fee, which is necessary given their financial troubles.

Newcastle’s owner, PIF, pursued a move for Calvert-Lewin earlier in this transfer window but ended up walking away as they were not willing to pay the £40 million that Everton wanted. But in this report from Football Insider, it states that the Merseyside club will be forced to reevaluate their demands in these final days of the window given their situation and inability to extend his contract.

This comes after it was reported earlier this week that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a big fan of Calvert-Lewin, as the club now prepares to make a late move for the striker, so it appears PIF have pulled a masterstroke by waiting in the wings for their manager's top target to become available after their initial interest.

Eberechi Eze's sublime second-half strike denied Chelsea a second Premier League win on the spin, as the Blues' problems with inconsistent performances reared their ugly head once more.

Last time out in the Premier League, before this disappointing 1-1 draw, Enzo Maresca's side devastatingly beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2 on their own patch, as Noni Madueke fired home an unbelievable 15-minute hat-trick.

Back at Stamford Bridge though, Chelsea were made to rue their ineffectiveness in front of goal, which was alien from their emphatic display against Gary O'Neil's bruised side.

One player who used to star for O'Neil at Molineux was notably out-of-sorts against Oliver Glasner's Eagles, as Pedro Neto never got going in the early afternoon match-up.

Neto's performance vs Palace

The £54m signing from the West Midlands outfit this summer was below-par throughout, on what was only his third-ever clash wearing his new Chelsea blue.

Picking up an assist against his former employers in that 6-2 rout to get his Chelsea career off the ground, Neto displayed no such creative spark against Palace, with zero shots registered at Dean Henderson's busy goal.

Alongside going all goal-shy against Palace, the 24-year-old attacker only amassed 22 touches of the ball from his forgettable spell on the Stamford Bridge turf – which ended up being fewer than Robert Sanchez in-between the sticks for Chelsea who managed 41 – with zero accurate crosses tallied up too from four attempts.

Scott Wilson, who was covering the match for GOAL, dished out a low 4/10 match rating to Neto after the full-time whistle as a result, stating that the new Portuguese recruit 'struggled' as many Chelsea attacks were focused down the opposing right flank, as the game bypassed the former Wolves man subsequently.

23/24

20

2

9

22/23

18

0

1

21/22

13

1

1

20/21

31

5

6

19/20

29

3

3

Chelsea will just have to hope they've spent more of Todd Boehly's mega millions wisely on Neto, as he can be a menace for Premier League defences to contain at the very top of his game, with nine assists managed last season for Wolves from just 20 top-flight games, owing to an injury-disrupted campaign.

However, for Chelsea's next trip to AFC Bournemouth, the £54m-rated winger could well be sacrificed, as Maresca assesses who might start in the underperforming attacker's place now versus the Cherries.

Who Maresca could replace Neto with

During the game against Palace, Maresca threw another new signing into the mix in Neto's spot when the ex-Wolves man left the pitch on the 58th-minute mark in the form of Joao Felix, who can operate down the left channel if needed.

Neto's fellow compatriot returned to Stamford Bridge in dramatic fashion this summer and will want a starting spot soon in West London, with six goals managed from ten games lining up in the left wing spot when previously playing for Atletico Madrid.

There's also the small matter of trying to fit in Jadon Sancho to the Chelsea line-up for the Italian to get his head around, as the former Borussia Dortmund winger attempts to resurrect his Premier League career with the Blues.

He stands a good chance when it comes to featuring against Bournemouth, owing to the international break giving him time to get up to speed with things in his new location, on top of the fact Mykhaylo Mudryk isn't exactly banging the door down for his starting spot back on the left.

The hot and cold Ukranian forward did try and cut open Palace late on, with one key pass managed from 16 minutes of action, but his output of seven goals and five assists from 61 Chelsea contests to date still makes for underwhelming reading.

It's a selection conundrum that Maresca will have to solve moving forward, as the Blues now have a lengthy international break to contend with, which could prove to be beneficial on the training pitch.

Chelsea have struck gold on amazing star who's worth far more than Sancho

Enzo Maresca could hit the jackpot on a winger he has recently signed

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 31, 2024

Aston Villa’s return to the upper echelons of the Premier League has been years in the making, even though it may have taken the appointment of Unai Emery to act as a catalyst in their recent success.

The 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday was a reward for their ascendancy in recent months under the Spaniard, something which shows no sign of slowing down.

While Emery has made several signings that form the basis of the side now, there are a few who have been around since the days of Dean Smith, and even Steve Bruce.

Indeed, one player was signed way back in 2018, while the Midlands side were still in the Championship…

How much Aston Villa signed John McGinn for

Having lost the Championship playoff final in 2018 to Fulham, it was arguably now or never for Villa as the 2018/19 season loomed into focus.

After two years in the second tier, promotion had to be achieved, otherwise it could have seen the club endure an extended stay in the Championship.

To help things in the middle of the park, Bruce went out and signed Hibernian midfielder John McGinn for a fee of just £2m as he sought improvement, and it has turned out to be a sublime piece of business. Bruce hailed the Scot, saying…

He hasn’t done too badly recently, that’s for sure.

2023/24

53

9

7

2022/23

36

1

3

2021/22

36

3

4

2020/21

37

3

5

2019/20

30

3

3

2018/19

44

7

10

John McGinn’s market valuation in 2024

McGinn helped Villa return to the promised land during his debut season before becoming an integral part of Smith’s team in the Premier League during the first few seasons back in the big time.

The Scot was hailed as a “relentless creature” by journalist Mat Kenrick during his maiden campaign at the club and this battling quality has enabled him to work his way to becoming the captain of the side.

Last season was arguably one of his most impressive at Villa Park, as he featured in 53 games across the entire campaign, scoring nine goals while chipping in with seven assists to fire the Midlands side into the top four of the league table, thus securing Champions League qualification in the process.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

These displays helped boost his market valuation too, which means Emery could make a serious profit for the club should he decide to sell the player.

Indeed, according to Football Transfers, McGinn is now worth an impressive £36m, which is a staggering increase on the initial £2m outlay Bruce shelled out to sign him six years ago.

This represents an increase of 1700%, certainly proving that Villa has hit the jackpot on the former Hibs starlet.

Emery will surely be hoping he can continue to deliver wonderful performances for the club over the next few years, as he is vital to any success they may go on to have

Emery must instantly drop Aston Villa ace after 6/10 UCL display

He had fewer touches than Martinez in Switzerland.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 18, 2024

Leeds have been handed a massive blow on the personnel front after it emerged that one of their first team stars is set for a spell on the sidelines, in news that serves Daniel Farke a problem for the upcoming fixtures.

Leeds bouncing back after tough summer

After four games, Leeds sit firmly in the Championship promotion race and are unbeaten, having drawn two and won two of their games before the international break. It was a summer of turmoil for the Elland Road outfit after suffering playoff heartbreak at the hands of Southampton, dashing their hopes of an instant return to the Premier League.

The exodus that followed saw young homegrown talent Archie Gray sacrificed in order to meet financial fair play requirements, with the Englishman joining Tottenham in a deal worth in excess of £30m.

Championship player of the year Crysencio Summerville and fellow attacking star Georginio Rutter also departed for the Premier League, joining West Ham and Brighton respectively, while a host of players who had spent the 23/24 campaign away on loan departed either on loan or permanently.

Leeds United permanent departures summer 2024

Player

Club joined

Archie Gray

Tottenham

Crysencio Summerville

West Ham United

Glen Kamara

Rennes

Charlie Cresswell

Toulouse

Jamie Shackleton

Sheffield United

Cody Drameh

Hull City

Robin Koch

Eintracht Frankfurt

Ian Poveda

Sunderland

Luke Ayling

Middlesbrough

Marc Roca

Real Betis

Diego Llorente

Real Betis

Georginio Rutter

Brighton

Despite these exits and money being tight at Elland Road, it has been a strong start to the season for Farke's side, and they are among the favourites to secure at least a play-off berth come the end of the campaign. But now, they have been hit with an injury blow.

Winger set for month on the sidelines

That comes as Farke confirmed that he will be without the services of winger Daniel James for at least the next five games, with the Welsh winger facing at least a month on the sidelines.

The 26-year-old electric winger, who takes home £50k a week at Elland Road, started the first three games of the season for the Elland Road outfit, but picked up a hamstring injury before their win over Hull City which ruled him out of the clash with the Tigers.

Alongside Gnonto: £3.1m per year Leeds United ace now ready to pen new deal

It comes as more good news for Daniel Farke.

ByBen Browning Sep 13, 2024

It also ruled him out of international duty, and now Farke has issued a worrying update on his fitness.

"Some bad news with James, he will be out for four weeks so we will expect him back after the next international break,” said Farke when asked before his side's clash with Burnley.

Farke is a big fan of the winger, having dubbed him a "brilliant" person back in March after he scored a winning goal against Hull.

"He's a brilliant lad. It says all about the Leeds United family. We're happy for him, we are there for all family members," the Leeds boss explained.

Already light in attack, the Yorkshire side will now have to make do without James' services against the Clarets this weekend, as well as in away games against Cardiff City, Norwich City and Sunderland and the home fixture with Coventry City. He could even be sidelined for longer as he rebuilds match fitness following the October international break.

That absence could offer opportunities to summer signings Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani, both of whom made their Leeds debuts in the win over Hull City.

West Ham United have endured a tricky start to the new Premier League season, only winning one game out of the first five outings.

The Hammers crashed out of the Carabao Cup earlier this week, falling to a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield for the second time in as many seasons.

In the league, they’ve lost three successive home games for the first time in the club’s 129-year history – with the Hammers currently sitting in 14th place.

As a result of their shaky start to the new campaign, pressure is already being applied to the new boss with huge expectations on him to succeed after his appointment this summer.

It may be early days in the 2024/25 campaign, but the poor start at the London Stadium has seen questions start to be asked about the head coach’s long-term future.

Julen Lopetegui is a man under pressure

After David Moyes’ departure from the London Stadium at the end of last season, it was crucial that the hierarchy made the right decision with his replacement.

As a result, they decided to appoint Spaniard Julen Lopetegui with the expectation that he could take West Ham to the next level and become consistent European challengers.

His experience at the top level filled supporters with hope that they can replicate their success from the 2022/23 season which saw them win the Europa Conference League title.

However, his start to life in East London has been far from ideal, winning just two matches from the opening seven with results certainly not at the level many expected.

Lopetegui is yet to find a settled starting eleven, with the former Real Madrid boss often chopping and changing – which has resulted in consistent performances on the pitch.

Although he’s only a couple of months into the role, he could find himself on the brink of losing his job should he be unable to quickly change around the club’s dismal form.

Manager Focus

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

The man who could potentially replace Lopetegui

The club had a variety of different names on their shortlist during the off-season, but decided to appoint Spaniard Lopetegui.

One other manager who was linked with the role was former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, with the Englishman looking the favourite for the post at one stage.

The 49-year-old, who operates with a 3-4-3 system, is yet to get back into management after his departure from Stamford Bridge back in April 2023, but could yet again be of interest to the Hammers should they part ways with current boss Lopetegui.

Potter’s 3-4-3 system would provide defensive solidity, something which they’ve been lacking, whilst also an added dimension in attacking areas, potentially benefiting Jarrod Bowen.

2019/20

13

1

4

2020/21

40

8

6

2021/22

51

18

11

2022/23

54

13

8

2023/24

43

20

10

2024/25

7

2

1

Total:

208

62

40

The 27-year-old likes to cut inside onto his left foot, creating endless opportunities in the final third, with the potential of a right wing-back behind him removing his defensive responsibilities and allowing him to improve on his tally of 20 goals from last season.

Bowen is able to feature across the entire front line, with Potter’s possession-based system handing the attacker with an increase in chances – whilst aiding the club’s attempts of ending their poor form in front of goal.

Whilst Lopetegui is only a couple of months into his new role at the London Stadium, he has a huge task to improve on the dismal start to avoid facing the sack.

Should the hierarchy decide to pull the trigger, Potter – who has been dubbed a “genius” by reporter Sam Morton – would be an excellent option, improving the club’s league standing with his system allowing for improvements at both ends of the pitch.

Reporter now makes West Ham dressing room claim on Julen Lopetegui

The Spaniard has not started well…

1 ByTom Cunningham Sep 22, 2024