All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa managed to sign one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the league this summer, acquiring Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m. Douglas Luiz was a midfielder sold by the Villans this summer, joining Juventus in a £42.35m deal.

Onana made 37 appearances for Everton last season in all competitions, scoring three goals, providing one assist and contributing to 11 clean sheets in his 2,698 minutes played.

Many top clubs were linked with a move for Onana, including the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but Villa managed to beat them to the coup.

The Belgian is now seen as Villa’s second most valuable player (£42.2m) according to Transfermarkt, with the most valuable being Ollie Watkins, valued at (around £55m).

That said, it’s still not as much as a certain Philippe Coutinho’s whose career has taken a nosedive in the last few years.

Philippe Coutinho's record at Villa

Coutinho joined Aston Villa from Barcelona in 2022 for a fee of around £17m, having already spent six months on loan with the Villans from January that year during the 2021/22 campaign.

The Brazilian made 43 appearances for Villa in all competitions, scoring six goals, providing three assists, and totalling 2,296 minutes for the club.

Coutinho is now out on loan with Vasco de Gama in Brazil, having spent some time last season on loan with Al-Duhail SC, playing in the Qatar Stars League, making 16 appearances and scoring three goals.

Coutinho's market value over time

Once described as a “magical” player by Liverpool and Brazil teammate, Roberto Firmino, Coutinho’s value peaked at a staggering £126m according to Transfermarkt, after joining Barcelona from Liverpool back in 2018. This is more than double the value of £55m-rated Watkins and goes to show just how highly he was rated prior to signing for Villa.

Coutinho has played for some of the best teams in the world, having stints with Liverpool, Barca, Inter, and Bayern Munich, along with his spells at Villa, Al-Duhail SC, Espanyol, and Vasco de Gama, his current club.

To compound his meteoric fall from grace, the Brazilian is now only valued at around £6m by Transfermarkt, as he enters the final years of his career.

14/15

14

15/16

19

16/17

23

17/18

36

18/19

16

19/20

20

20/21

5

21/22

10

22/23

1

23/24

12

As you can see from Coutinho’s G/A numbers, he joined Villa on the decline, with the 2022/23 season being his worst output season over the last decade of football. He contributed just the one goal that season, scoring against Arsenal in a 4-2 defeat.

However, at the peak of his powers, you can see what the attacking midfielder offered, not just with his wizardry on the ball, but also his output, with his best season coming in 2017/18, the year he moved from Liverpool to Barcelona in January.

That term, Coutinho scored 12 times and provided eight assists for Liverpool, before also scoring a further nine goals, and providing a further seven assists for Barcelona following his move.

Despite once being a +£100m value player, Coutinho joined Villa with a value of around £16.8m, therefore his time at the club which came with flashes of brilliance, cannot be overlooked.

However, as he plays out his final years in Brazil, Villa are more than equipped in the midfield department going forwards, with new signing Onana, and Morgan Rogers taking the attacking midfield strings it seems.

Cost £12m: Aston Villa's "Rolls-Royce" has seen his value rise by 175%

He was signed during the Dean Smith era.

ByConnor Holden Sep 12, 2024

Competing with Europe’s very best both on and off the pitch, Monchi is now reportedly positioning Aston Villa ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign a defender worth as much as £60m in 2025.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans made plenty of statements in the summer transfer window, from Amadou Onana to Ian Maatsen, all whilst keeping the likes of Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins. Now, Unai Emery has a squad capable of ensuring that last season’s Champions League qualification was no fluke and that the Villans are, in fact, here to stay in the Premier League’s top four.

Aston Villa thought they may have the next Messi, then he left for just £7m

He was dubbed the king of speed…

ByConnor Holden Sep 27, 2024

On that front, those at Villa Park have simply picked up where they left off, winning four of their first five games and sitting just one point adrift of leaders Manchester City. Easing past rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, Villa proved that they’re a cut above in the Midlands.

The most frightening aspect of their rise is the fact that they could still get even better by turning to the transfer market once again, if recent reports are anything to go by.

According to Caught Offside, sporting director Monchi is now positioning Aston Villa ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Castello Lukeba in 2025. The deal won’t come cheap, however, with RB Leipzig set to demand as much as £60m for their defender’s signature.

The Frenchman is a man in demand too, with Newcastle United and Manchester City also eyeing moves to sign the talented central defender. Fresh from the summer, Villa will of course be in a confident mood to compete with sides of such calibre in the next transfer window, as they look to complete Emery’s side.

"Elite" Lukeba would complete Aston Villa defence

With Duran and Watkins providing plenty of firepower going forward and the addition of Amadou Onana more than suring things up in midfield, Villa’s attention has seemingly turned towards central defence and adding to the likes of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres. Lukeba would certainly be an ideal choice on that front too at just 21 years old and flying in the Bundesliga.

Minutes

2,191

3,069

Progressive Carries

0.95

1.09

Progressive Passes

4.40

3.99

Tackles Won

0.49

0.94

With plenty of potential, Lukaba seems destined for the very top, which could yet feature a move to Villa Park along the way. During his time at both Lyon and now Leipzig, the Frenchman has earned plenty of praise, with analyst Ben Mattinson describing his body positioning in one vs ones as “elite”.

Competing against the very best in the transfer market, Aston Villa would be making quite the statement by signing Lukeba in 2025.

Turning their attention towards the future, Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move to win the race to sign an in-demand attacking midfielder after sending scouts to watch their target in action.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies, of course, have plenty of making up to do after a difficult summer transfer window led to a lack of reinforcements for Eddie Howe’s side. Paul Mitchell, in particular, must ensure that Newcastle welcome their targets in 2025 in what will be his second transfer window as the sporting director at St James’ Park.

Newcastle wanted to sign "electric" £50m talent but kept Almiron instead

This was a big blunder from Eddie Howe and his transfer team…

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 4, 2024

Mitchell recently spoke about his first transfer window at the club, saying via Chronicle Live: “I can’t speak to the past because I wasn’t here. I can only speak for this window. Like I said, we have spoken every single evening if we haven’t face to face during the day.

“I think there has been a lot of communication. My idea, rightly or wrongly, was to over communicate. My wife doesn’t get that! I felt that was necessary at this stage of the relationship. He was kept very updated on the transfer window.”

Taking harsh lessons from the summer, the Magpies have now seemingly turned their focus towards the future. According to Caught Offside, Mitchell is now plotting to win the race to sign Andrija Maksimovic after sending Newcastle scouts to watch the Red Star Belgrade teenager in a 4-0 defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The sporting director faces plenty of competition for the 17-year-old’s signature, however, with both Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also reportedly interested in signing Maksimovic in 2025.

The young attacking midfielder looks set to have quite the decision to make when the time comes to choose his next destination. Those at St James’ Park will simply be hoping not to miss out on yet another target.

"Confident" Maksimovic is one for the future

Of course, whilst Newcastle’s first aim is to get back into the Champions League or at least some form of European football this season, they’ll also have a long-term aim in mind that includes players of Maksimovic’s potential. Already making an impact at Red Star despite being just 17 years old, Maksimovic has four goals and three assists to his name in a campaign which may only get even better.

Unsurprisingly, the teenager has earned plenty of praise from those in his home country, with Serbian Football Scout dubbing Maksimovic “confident” in a detailed profile of his ability and potential.

It would be the small statement that Mitchell needs to get back on track at Newcastle if he managed to beat a plethora of European clubs all chasing the signature of a future star. Maksimovic, meanwhile, has the chance to simply take his pick, it seems.

Arne Slot has engineered a dream start to this strange post-Jurgen Klopp world, but one of his minor foibles during the early weeks has proved to be a lack of rotation as Liverpool head coach in the Premier League.

However, aside from one bitter blemish inflicted at Anfield by Nottingham Forest, Liverpool head into the October international break atop the league table after defeating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the weekend’s early kick-off.

It wasn’t quite a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance, but Liverpool failed to turn their sparkling early dominance into a handsome lead, instead shielding from Eagles swoops in the latter stages by holding onto their one-goal advantage, courtesy of a fine finish from Diogo Jota before ten minutes were on the clock.

It was a performance that saw some pleasing rotations. Cody Gakpo, earning his first starting berth of the league campaign, earned the assist after driving forward, riding the crest of some fluid play, and sweeping a cross-box ball into the vicinity of Jota, whose predatory instincts kicked in.

Curtis Jones also replaced Dominik Szoboszlai, whose indefatigable running has perhaps left him unable to play every three days, week in, week out.

Now, this may appear a little brazen, but Slot might find that the win in south London showed to him that even the club’s most super of stars are not nailed on from the outset, and indeed, Trent Alexander-Arnold might just be droppable.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance v Palace

Make no mistake, Alexander-Arnold was nowhere near being poor at Selhurst Park, offering some interesting balls forward while standing strong in defensive moments.

Minutes played

90

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

85

Shots (on target)

2 (1)

Accurate passes

42/60 (70%)

Key passes

2

Possession lost

25x

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

Total duels (won)

5 (3)

Alexander-Arnold has now created 15 big chances in the Premier League this season, more than any other defender, while also proving himself to be a refined defensive presence, by winning three duels, making two tackles and one well-timed clearance against Palace.

However, he didn’t quite look his natural self when on the ball, failing with nine of his ten attempted long balls and ceding possession 25 times.

He’s not perfect, but luckily, Liverpool have the perfect foil waiting in the wings. Conor Bradley deserves a shot from the outset sooner rather than later.

Why Trent is now droppable for Slot's side

Might it be that a lack of contractual resolution is weighing Alexander-Arnold down, that Real Madrid’s beckoning call, football’s most tempting of its type, could be affecting his performance, as he keeps an eye helplessly lingering on the Spanish capital?

Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool’s best players. He’s one of Europe’s finest playmakers and one of the Premier League’s foremost presences.

As per FBref, the England international ranks among the top 16% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 4% for assists and the top 1% for shot-creating actions, passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

Quite simply, he offers something that full-backs otherwise do not.

That said, Bradley’s quite the young buck and has not really been afforded all that much of a chance to showcase his quality under Slot this season, having yet to start in the Premier League.

He was immense last season, bursting onto the scene during a period that saw his senior positional peer lie in recovery from a knee injury. His goal against Chelsea at the end of January is the standout memory, but Bradley proved himself to be a star across numerous performances, hailed for his “superhuman” start to life in Liverpool’s first team by The Redmen TV’s Jack Gill.

This season, he’s played five minutes in the Champions League and has been an unused substitute across the Reds’ past three league fixtures, only entering the fray in the closing stages up to now.

Now, while Alexander-Arnold offers a quality of a singular nature, his Northern Irish teammate is not too shabby in attacking situations himself, ranking among the top 19% of positional peers for goals and shot-creating actions, the top 5% for assists, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 7% for tackles per 90.

He’s more energetic and driven in his approach, while he is capable of sparking a barnstorming counter as he ploughs down the wing, wreaking confusion and concern for his adversaries.

Thus, if Slot chooses to apply it with greater regularity, he could offer Liverpool a more dynamic approach to their play, opening up a different dimension to overlap and deal with that pesky low block – not that Trent’s celestial range of passing isn’t capable of unlocking a stiff defence.

Alexander-Arnold is a tremendous player and one of Liverpool’s very best, but he proved against Palace that he’s not undroppable and that perhaps, in certain situations, the bold move of offering a different kind of outlet might bear the riper fruits.

Klopp wanted to sign "world-class" £85m star but Liverpool got Gravenberch

In hindsight… this all worked out okay.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 4, 2024

A “special” player is likely to leave his club in 2025, despite only just signing a new contract, and it is believed he could join Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs' transfer plans for next year as Lange works behind-the-scenes

It has been a testing start to the season for manager Ange Postecoglou, with Spurs blowing hot and cold over their opening fixtures of the campaign.

Tottenham have "made a bid" to sign attacking gem who's "flying" right now

He’s a very wanted man.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 16, 2024

Recently, Postecoglou’s side went on an impressive five-game winning streak in all competitions, with Wales winger Brennan Johnson front and centre of it, as he enjoys quite a purple patch right now.

However, that run unceremoniously ended with a dramatic 3-2 defeat away to Brighton. Spurs were two goals up at half-time, but they ultimately capitulated at the Amex, with Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck cementing their fate.

Tottenham vs West Ham

October 19

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

October 27

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

November 3

Tottenham vs Ipswich Town

November 10

Man City vs Tottenham

November 23

“You never know if it [the international break] is good or bad. Maybe for the players it was good, but I don’t like sitting on a loss,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton.

“There can be a tendency to over-analyse things. It wasn’t a good one. The first half was unbelievable, but I didn’t like the second half and what we looked like. It wasn’t the loss, it was the manner I wasn’t comfortable with. I’ve been sitting on it for 10 days, I’m ready to explode once they get back in the building and that will be my therapy.”

As Postecoglou unleashes on his current squad, just before they take on West Ham in a fierce London derby clash this weekend, technical director Johan Lange and the Lilywhites recruitment team are working to bolster the Australian’s options in January.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are targeting Espanyol winger Javi Puado, with his deal set to expire next summer, so the La Liga side could be forced to cash-in on the cheap this winter. Spurs are chasing Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov as well, as Lange and co weigh up alternative attacking midfield options to James Maddison.

Patrick Dorgu could join Tottenham despite new contract

Another rumoured target for Postecoglou’s side is Lecce youngster Patrick Dorgu.

The Dane has been impressing in Serie A, with Dorgu attracting interest from Spurs among other elite Premier League sides. The teenage full-back recently penned a new deal with Lecce, committing his future to the club until 2029 and warding off potential suitors.

However, this apparently may not be the case, as Fiorentina News write that Dorgu is still likely to leave Lecce in 2025, with Spurs at the front of the queue for his services alongside London rivals Chelsea.

The fresh terms will hand Lecce an opportunity to garner more funds from Dorgu’s departure, according to Fiorentina News, which means the north Londoners will have to pay more than his previously reported £25 million fee.

“You can just say that with some players it can go incredibly fast,” said Denmark Under-21s coach Steffen Højer to bold.dk.

“He has already had a lot of playing minutes in Serie A with Lecce, and he has done really, really well. What is special about him is that he is a quiet and calm guy, but things are just incredibly natural for him on a football pitch.

“When he is put on a field, and it doesn’t matter which team, he just fits in, and he just makes incredibly many good choices for such a young player He has clear qualities, and then there is a lot of work that needs to be done in relation to both being part of the U21s, but also eventually making the national team.”

West Ham United have been trying to find a lethal number nine for the past decade, often coming up short, despite spending big fees on some big names in recent times.

This includes big deals for the likes of Gianluca Scamacca who cost around £35.5m, and Sebastian Haller who cost around £45m.

The 25-year-old Italian made just 27 appearances for the Hammers, scoring eight goals, and totaling 1,342 minutes played for the club. Meanwhile, Haller made 54 appearances, netting 14 times and, providing one assist in 3,681 minutes.

Michail Antonio

317

83

Danny Ings

56

5

Gianluca Scamacca

27

8

Sebastian Haller

54

14

Lucas Perez

19

6

Marko Arnautovic

65

22

Simone Zaza

11

0

Enner Valencia

68

10

Diafra Sakho

71

24

Andy Carroll

142

34

Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are still at the club, but both are approaching the back end of their careers, with Antonio aged 34, and Ings aged 32. Therefore, West Ham could be looking to add a younger striker profile to their ranks, and may already be looking at options ahead of the January transfer window.

West Ham eyeing new striker in 2025

According to reports from talkSPORT, West Ham are still interested in Panathinaikos striker, Fotis Ioannidis, who was also on their shortlist this summer. This comes after the club made the decision to go for Niclas Füllkrug, who has struggled to get up to full fitness since joining.

The 24-year-old striker has been described as “dangerous” by analyst Ben Mattinson, referring to his instincts in the box, the variety of finishing in his toolkit, and the accuracy he can provide on his shots in such little time.

Ioannidis made 44 appearances for Panathinaikos last season, scoring 23 goals, providing nine assists, and totalling 3,043 minutes played, as his side finished fourth in the Greek Super League.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

How Ioannidis compares to Fullkrug

The Hammers signed Fullkrug this summer ahead of Ioannidis and other options, joining from Dortmund for around £27m.

This came off the back of a 16-goal season, making 46 appearances for the German side, also providing ten assists, and making it to the Champions League final, where they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.

However, since joining the East London club, Fullkrug has made four appearances, only totalling 137 minutes played, and is yet to provide a goal contribution.

Goals

0.70

0.40

Assists

0.24

0.25

xG

1.04

0.48

Progressive Carries

2.08

0.76

Progressive Passes

1.67

2.28

Shots Total

3.60

2.34

Shots on Target

1.40

0.93

Goals/Shot

0.17

0.13

Key Passes

0.83

1.47

Shot-Creating Actions

3.13

2.52

Aerials Won

1.04

3.49

As you can see from the metrics, Ioannidis offers a more complete profile, with the ability to carry the ball forward for his team, take a high volume of shots, create for himself and others, and convert chances at a high level, scoring 0.70 goals per 90, generating 1.04 xG per 90, and converting 0.17 shots/goal per 90.

Fullkrug clearly has the qualities of a link-up striker, playing plenty of progressive and key passes, and winning aerial duels, but the fact Ioannidis can do this to a good level too, whilst adding more mobility, clinical finishing, and overall fitness/availability, makes him a great choice for the Hammers.

The Greece international could come in, change the dynamics of West Ham’s front line instantly, and offer them a more youthful option compared to the three strikers already at the club, with Antonio, Ings and Fullkrug.

West Ham could hire Lopetegui replacement who "oozes class"

West Ham could replace Lopetegui already at the London Stadium.

ByConnor Holden Oct 23, 2024

Manchester City are interested in signing a new midfielder but face competition from a European heavyweight, according to a new report. It has been a disappointing few days for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham during midweek and then were beaten 2-1 by AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. They now face games against Sporting and Brighton before going into November’s international break.

Man City battling to sign "interesting" in-demand £25m star for Guardiola

He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 2, 2024 Man City transfer news

The January transfer window is not that far away from opening now, and while City may not have plans to do much business, they are keeping an eye on certain individuals as they weigh up whether to move in the New Year or next summer.

The Blues are now interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera from La Liga side Valencia. The Premier League side are looking to strengthen their backline, which has been hit with several injury blows this season, and they have identified the 20-year-old as a potential target. However, City face competition for the defender valued at £25 million, as Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested.

As well as looking to improve their backline, City are also interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres, despite already having Erling Haaland at the top of the pitch. The Swedish international has a release clause of €100 million, which is roughly £83 million, but it has been reported that he could be allowed to leave for £50 million next summer.

However, they do face competition once again, as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and possibly Manchester United are also interested in the striker. The transfer news doesn’t stop there for the Blues, as now Guardiola is pushing his side to sign a midfielder who he seems to be a big fan of.

Man City eyeing possible Gundogan replacement

According to Calciomercato, relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are interested in signing Tijjani Reijnders from Italian giants AC Milan. The 26-year-old has played 12 times for Milan in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals, one coming over the weekend in their 1-0 win over Monza and two of which have come in the Champions League.

The Netherlands international, who is in the 94th percentile for pass completion, is contracted to AC Milan until the summer of 2028, a deal which sees him earn €1.6 million, which is roughly £1.3 million a year. The Serie A side are looking to extend his contract until 2023 and double his wages, but they face a battle as City hold an interest in the player.

The report goes on to add that Guardiola specifically has “a weakness for players like Reijnders”, who is described as being an “all-rounder”. However, Guardiola faces a battle as his old side Barcelona are also keen on the Netherlands international.

Apps

62

Goals

7

Assists

6

The Blues may see Reijnders as a long-term replacement for İlkay Gündoğan, who re-joined the club in the summer but only signed a one-year deal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants a £33 million star and believes that he’d complement club captain Martin Odegaard perfectly, according to reports.

Arsenal eager to sign alternatives for key players

The departure of sporting director Edu Gaspar hasn’t altered Arsenal’s transfer plans for 2025, as reliable journalist Simon Collings reported last week that the club’s homework is often done a year in advance, and the club’s remaining executives have experience managing seismic deals.

£310k-per-week duo expected to quit Arsenal with good chance they leave

The north Londoners have a decision to make.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024

This comes as a comfort for some Arsenal supporters, who are understandably concerned about the club’s business after watching such an influential behind-the-scenes figure depart N5.

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg recently stated that Arsenal are still considering the free transfer of Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich following Edu’s resignation, while other media sources have consistently linked the Gunners with fresh attacking options.

Arteta already has a wealth of forward talent at his disposal – including the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus – but recent injury woes have brought attention to the need for alternatives.

Emirates Stadium officials are casting their eyes on quality back-up options as a result, and players who could even compete with their current regulars for a place in Arteta’s starting eleven.

This has led to suggestions that Arsenal are keen on signing Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler.

The 18-year-old shone for his native Turkey at Euro 2024, helping his nation to an unexpected quarter-final against the Netherlands, which they narrowly lost 2-1.

Guler bagged an assist in that game, not to mention one against Austria in the last 16 and a goal in their opening tournament game against Georgia, which brought more attention to the teenager’s meteoric potential.

The attacking midfielder spent the first half of last season out injured for Real, but enjoyed a sensational end to 2023/2024, scoring five goals over their final six La Liga matches and making a real contribution.

However, this wasn’t enough for Guler to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans on a more regular basis, with the player’s future uncertain heading into January.

Arteta wants Arda Guler at Arsenal

According to Spanish media reports, as relayed by Football 365, it is believed Arteta is keen to bring Guler to Arsenal, with the north Londoners potentially looking to take advantage of his precarious situation at the Bernabeu.

The Turkish talent is apparently one of their main targets if they fail to land Barcelona star Raphinha, and Arteta apparently believes that Guler is an ideal complement for Odegaard in his midfield.

It is also believed that a fee of around £33 million could be enough to prise him away from Real, which would be an arguable bargain considering his obvious rising star quality.

It would also net the Galacticos a tidy £8 million profit, with their president Florentino Perez signing Guler for just £25 million from Fenerbahce in 2023.

Liverpool could be set to lose a member of their squad in the winter window as it emerged they were ready to cut ties with one man currently out of favour under Arne Slot as soon as January.

Liverpool flying high in the Premier League

After 11 games of the season, Liverpool are top of the Premier League. The Reds have lost just once all season – a shock defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest – and have already managed to open up a five-point gap over reigning champions Manchester City, while last season’s runners-up Arsenal sit nine points behind a quarter-way through the season.

Their success has been mirrored in other competitions too; Arne Slot’s side are top of the Champions League table as the only side with a 100% record in the competition, while they have also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, where they face a last-eight trip to St Mary’s to take on Southampton.

This has all been achieved with just a single outfield signing since the departure of Jurgen Klopp, though Federico Chiesa has managed just a single start for his new club since joining from Juventus.

Following the November international break, Liverpool will be asked more questions as they face a tricky run of fixtures against the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, but such is their buffer that even minor blips may not prove fatal, and they have shown themselves to be firmly in the title race.

Liverpool’s next five games

Opponent

Competition

Southampton (Away)

Premier League

Real Madrid (Home)

Champions League

Manchester City (Home)

Premier League

Newcastle United (Away)

Premier League

Everton (Away)

Premier League

However, not everyone is enjoying the newfound success, and one man could now be set to leave in January.

Liverpool ready to sell wantaway midfielder

That comes as a fresh report reveals Liverpool are ready to cash in on wantaway midfielder Wataru Endo, who has been used sparingly by Slot since his arrival at the club.

Signed 18 months ago, Endo endeared himself to the Liverpool fans with his work-rate under Jürgen Klopp, and the former Liverpool boss dubbed him a “machine” after one particularly impressive outing.

“He’s a machine. He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding”, the German explained.

However, Slot has decided to use Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield, leaving Endo on the bench more often than not. The Japanese midfielder has managed just 19 minutes of Premier League action across five appearances, and is keen to move away for more game time amid interest from the likes of Ipswich Town and Fulham.

Biggest gem since Trent: Liverpool have found an £89m star in the making

Liverpool have an academy talent who could be every bit as good as Trent Alexander-Arnold.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 12, 2024

Endo still has two and a half years left to run on his £50,000-a-week deal at Anfield, but could be set to leave much sooner than that.

Now, Football Insider reports that Liverpool are ready to accept offers for the 31-year-old in January, but they will only sanction a deal “if they make a signing of their own” to bolster that position.

Endo is clearly out of favour, and now at 31 years old, is rapidly approaching the end of his peak years. With Liverpool having already missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi in the summer, the desire to upgrade on the Japan star is clear, and January could offer the perfect opportunity to do so.

Leeds United are currently sat at the top of the pile in the Championship after their 3-0 win over recently-relegated Luton Town at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

The Hatters came down from the Premier League at the end of last season but played more like a team that had just come up from League One, as the Whites swatted them aside with relative ease.

Daniel Farke’s men were incredibly dominant, ending the match with 76% of the possession, and goals from Sam Byram, Joel Piroe, and Dan James ensured that the side came away with all three points.

However, the West Yorkshire outfit are only above Sheffield United on goal difference and are only two points above Sunderland in fourth place, which illustrates how tight it is at the top of the table.

This means that Leeds must remain consistent and avoid too many slip-ups, which was not the case in the second half of last season as they ended up in the play-offs.

To give themselves the best possible shot at automatic promotion to the Premier League, the Whites could dip into the market in the January transfer window, but they may have to cash in on a few players to make room for new additions.

Players Leeds should look to cash in on

Firstly, Farke must look to cash in on Joe Gelhardt amid reported interest from Scotland, England, and Belgium for the 22-year-old forward.

The Yorkshire Evening Post recently reported that there is interest building in the former Wigan Athletic youngster, with the likes of Stoke and Rangers keen on landing him on loan.

Gelhardt has only started two matches and made 12 appearances in the Championship since the start of last season for Leeds, which is why the manager should attempt to sell him – rather than sanction a loan – as he is seemingly not in his plans for the first-team.

Football FanCast also recently posted an article explaining why the former Norwich City head coach should cash in on Austria international Max Wober when the January transfer window opens for business.

The left-footed defender is reportedly on £35k-per-week at Elland Road and is yet to start a game, with two appearances in total, in the Championship this season, which is why Farke should look to move him on as the centre-back is one of the highest earners in the squad whilst not contributing much on the pitch.

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Another player the Whites should brutally bin ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 campaign is a forward who former sporting director Victor Orta once lauded.

The Leeds star who Victor Orta thought was a "top player"

Back in August of 2021, Patrick Bamford was called up to the senior England squad under Gareth Southgate for the first time and it led to high praise from Orta.

The Spanish chief hailed the former Chelsea and Middlesbrough marksman as a “top player” who had “developed magnificently” under the coaching of Marcelo Bielsa.

It was deserved praise at the time for the English centre-forward because he had just enjoyed a terrific 2019/20 Premier League campaign under the Argentine head coach, which earned him a place in Southgate’s squad.

Appearances

38

Goals

17

Big chances missed

21

Big chances created

5

Assists

7

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds striker plundered an eye-catching 17 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances in the top-flight, more than one goal contribution every other game on average.

The Whites forward had proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer at Premier League level, at that time, and it had come after his return of 16 goals in 45 matches during their promotion-winning season in the Championship the previous year.

This meant that Bamford had produced 33 league goals in two seasons with the West Yorkshire outfit, which is why Orta felt compelled to describe him as a “top player”.

The Leeds sporting director added that he was “sure” that there would be “more success” to come for the England international in the years to come.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case for the now-31-year-old number nine and, in the present day, Farke must ruthlessly cash in on the dud.

Why Leeds should cash in on Patrick Bamford

The experienced forward has not been a reliable goalscorer for Leeds for a number of seasons, now, and is reportedly the highest earner in the squad on £70k-per-week.

After his 17-goal haul in the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, Bamford managed a return of just six goals in 37 top-flight matches in two seasons.

That included four goals from 8.61 xG in 28 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, which shows that the attacker significantly underperformed as a finisher in the season that Leeds were relegated in.

Relegation down to the Championship provided Bamford with a chance to get back on track and start scoring goals on a regular basis again. Unfortunately, the English striker’s finishing left a bit to be desired, yet again.

Appearances

33

xG

9.52

Big chances missed

9

Goals

8

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds centre-forward underperformed his xG, again, and missed more ‘big chances’ than he scored goals in the second tier.

The 31-year-old dud, simply, did not provide consistent quality over the course of the season and was, therefore, not a reliable option for the manager.

That may be why he has started the current season as the third-choice number nine for Farke, with academy graduate Mateo Joseph and Dutchman Joel Piroe both preferred ahead of him in the pecking order as it stands, with six appearances and zero stars in the league so far.

Therefore, the manager must ruthlessly ditch Bamford, who is the highest earner in the squad, because he is not a regular on the pitch and has struggled to provide consistent quality in recent years.

Leeds must sell Elland Road flop who was "really exciting" under Bielsa

The Leeds United centre-forward should be moved on in the January transfer window.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 27, 2024

Farke must cash in on the forward in January, if there is enough interest in him, as the £70k-per-week wages he is currently on could be put to better use by finding a player who can contribute week-in-week-out to the promotion push.