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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

The summer signing of Jetro Willems went somewhat under the radar, due in part to Allan Saint-Maximin joining at the same time, but he is quickly proving himself to arguably be their best capture of the previous transfer window.

Newcastle spent big on the likes of Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, but loanee Willems has outperformed both and looks natural in the left wing-back role at St James’ Park, making him a valuable asset to Steve Bruce.

The Magpies boss has set-up with the same formation in the majority of the 11 Premier League games he has overseen, and Willems is a commanding figure in the 5-3-2 formation.

His pace and tireless energy allows him to get up and down the flank with great effect, and it hasn’t taken long for him to win over the fans.

An expertly taken goal at Anfield helped with that, but in truth he has been effective in a number of games, and defensively has helped his side keep three clean sheets in the league.

His 2.1 tackles per game, according to WhoScored, have been crucial to that. Only two players in the squad have averaged a higher amount, and considering his usefulness going forward there aren’t many more well-rounded players than him at the club.

The only downside is that he is not yet a permanent Newcastle player, but judging by his stats so far the Magpies should look to meet the €11m (£9.5m) agreed clause with parent club Eintracht Frankfurt.

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He has impressed with his close control and clever touches at times, too. He has only averaged one successful dribble per game but he is unpredictable and adept with both feet, and that was what allowed him to get the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold for his Anfield goal.

Willems’ technical ability has been recognised by Guus Hiddink, and the former Chelsea boss previously suggested the Netherlands international could be “as good as Roberto Carlos”.

Though it looks unlikely he will reach such heights, his ten key passes in the league prove that he is deserving of greater praise than what he has received so far, and if he maintains his current level then he should help his team move away from relegation trouble.

To do that he will need to improve his pass accuracy of 77%. It is a poor return and a contributing factor to Newcastle’s terrible average of 38% possession, and if the Magpies are to begin imposing themselves on matches then he will have to perform better.

That being said, £9.5m is still a bit of a bargain in the current transfer climate, and given the dearth of quality in that area of the squad, it is a deal the club should look to get over the line soon.

A recent report from 90 min has split Spurs fans.

According to the football website, Tottenham are considering a swoop for Ajax forward Hakim Ziyech, but supporters can’t agree on whether the club should come good on their alleged interest.

Indeed, some Spurs fans are very much in the yes camp and unsurprisingly so.

The 26-year-old has already notched up six goals and 15 assists this season, and was part of the Ajax team that almost beat Tottenham in last season’s Champions League semi-final.

In fact, one supporter believes the north Londoners should have nabbed Ziyech as soon as the full-time whistle was blown on Tottenham’s iconic comeback against the Dutch side.

Another, meanwhile, has dubbed him a ‘real’ replacement for Christian Eriksen, whose Spurs contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Indeed, 90 min’s report centres around the idea of the Moroccan international being identified by the club as a potential successor to their current playmaker-in-chief.

Ziyech is more of a winger than the Dane, who tends to do his best work from more central and deeper roles, but there’s an obvious comparison in the sheer number of goals both players create. Ziyech weighed in with 24 assists last term, while Eriksen amassed 17.

But not all Spurs supporters are on board with the idea, for two main reasons.

First and foremost, with no replacement for Kieran Trippier arriving in the summer, Spurs conceding 17 Premier League goals already this season (the same amount as Brighton) and Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s contracts also being due to expire, a number of fans want the club focusing on defensive recruitment instead.

One even acknowledged Ziyech’s qualities by labelling him a ‘class signing’, but still declared the need for new acquisitions at the other end of the pitch first.

Secondly though, a portion of Lilywhites followers believe that essentially, the club have already missed the boat. It was revealed in October by De Telegraaf’s football podcast that Ajax had managed to remove a €30m (£25.7m) release clause from Ziyech’s contract, meaning any suitor will likely have to pay much more for a key player whose current terms don’t expire until 2022.

A number of Spurs fans have picked up on that, believing the club should’ve swooped long ago.

Whether Spurs do end up moving for Ziyech remains to be seen, but it’s clear from these reactions that the swoop wouldn’t be welcomed by every supporter.

Sky Sports reporter Dan Bardell has shared his concern for Leeds United with a key star described as their biggest injury worry at Thorp Arch.

Leeds dealt fitness concerns with Farke cautiously hopeful

Following their first Championship defeat of the season against Burnley last weekend, with Basir Humphreys breaking Whites hearts in the dying seconds of added time, manager Daniel Farke must now prepare his side for their all-important clash at Cardiff City.

No Gnonto & "explosive" star unleashed in predicted Leeds lineup vs Cardiff

The possible starting XI that Daniel Farke could select for this Championship clash.

ByDan Emery Sep 20, 2024

The Yorkshire side are looking to secure Premier League promotion after narrowly missing out on a place in the top flight last term, having lost 1-0 to Southampton in their Championship play-off final back in May.

Leeds lost a host of players over the summer window as well, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter, so Farke really cannot afford an injury crisis on top of this.

Cardiff City vs Leeds United

21 September

Leeds United vs Coventry City

28 September

Norwich City vs Leeds United

October 1

Sunderland vs Leeds United

October 4

Leeds United vs Sheffield United

October 18

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Cardiff, Farke revealed the players who have been suffering with a few problems in the build up to their trip to Wales.

“We had a few little knocks and hits and problems during this week. Rodon missed two training sessions due to some glute problems,” said Farke on Leeds team news.

“Junior Firpo was struggling a bit with his MCL, Manor Solomon with some back problems. Joe Rothwell rolled his ankle, a few concerns but I’m carefully optimistic all of them will be available. Biggest question mark is [Manor] Solomon. [Max] Wober back in training today, just a light session, we wait to see his body reacts.

“Patrick Bamford back in team training since last Tuesday. Like all the players he can’t wait to be involved again. He tries to earn his place back in the squad and he’s edging closer.”

While Farke is hopeful Manor Solomon will be available, the Israeli international has been described as a “major” doubt in the build up to this game (Adam Pope).

The Spurs loanee has impressed in parts since making the move to Elland Road from N17, with pundit Paul Robinson calling him “quality” and Leeds’ best signing of the summer window.

Solomon absence would be real "blow" for Leeds

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Sky journalist Bardell says potentially losing Solomon is a real worry for Leeds and would be a “blow”, and they cannot afford any more high-profile absences.

“Leeds are taking a few hits at the moment,” said Bardell.

“They can’t afford to be without too many players at one time and obviously they’ve lost a few attacking players. It’s a blow to lose Solomon because I’m not convinced they’ve got the squad depth at the moment to cover a mass of injuries. Losing two key players who play in the same position is a blow.“

The winger, valued at a sky-high £11 million by Transfermarkt, was out for the majority of the season in his debut campaign at Tottenham through injury – so supporters will be hoping he has better luck further north.

Liverpool have reportedly sent officials to watch a “progressive” young defensive midfielder in action, as they look to snap him up in the January or summer 2025 transfer window.

Liverpool's midfield search goes on

The Reds made it clear that they wanted to complete the signing of Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, with the Spaniard considered the primary target to master the No.6 role in front of the defence. He ended up deciding to remain at his current club, however, acting as a blow to Arne Slot.

No other midfielder arrived, and while Slot still has a plethora of options at his disposal in his squad, Liverpool continue to be linked with new signings in the middle of the park.

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is another player who has been mentioned as a target is the last month or so, having burst onto the scene at Selhurst Park midway through last season after arriving from Blackburn Rovers, even being named in England’s squad for Euro 2024, but he would be extremely expensive.

Representatives of free agent Adrien Rabiot are also believed to have approached Liverpool about a move for the 29-year-old, but the Reds didn’t show an interest in him, despite his pedigree as a top-level midfielder.

Liverpool send scouts to watch "progressive" midfielder

According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs to have sent scouts to watch Angel Gomes in action, with Michael Edwards ensuring there were representatives from Anfield watching Lille’s 1-0 defeat at Saint-Étienne this past week as they eye a January move.

The 24-year-old’s profile has grown in recent weeks because of his call-up to Lee Carsley’s England squad, with the former Manchester United ace now plying his trade in Ligue 1.

Gomes could be such an intriguing signing for Liverpool, not least because of the controversial nature of his United past, and he showed on England duty what he is capable of. Against the Finland earlier this month, he completed 94% of his passes and played three out of four accurate long balls, while Ian Wright heaped praised on him after the game.

“Seeing Angel Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move whether he’s high up, middle, or at the back for us in the six. He was doing progressive things, everything he was doing was very progressive. And again, all the time, constantly available in any area, wanting the ball.”

At 24, Gomes is at the perfect age to come in and be a success straight away, possessing enough experience in his career and also being young enough to improve further under Slot in the No.6 role.

England

2

0

England Under-21s

18

0

England Under-20s

6

2

England Under-19s

6

1

England Under-18s

1

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England Under-17s

13

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England Under-16s

9

2

A return to the Premier League may also appeal to him, in terms of keeping his profile high and enhancing his hopes of featuring prominently in an England shirt, so it is a move that would make plenty of sense for all parties.

Six points would have been the general expectation for Chelsea heading into the first international break of the season, and while Crystal Palace pegged Enzo Maresca’s men back to claim a draw on Saturday, there’s reason to be positive.

Stamford Bridge was always going to undergo something of a transitional period at the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, and after showing spirit in their loss against Manchester City in the opener, Chelsea decimated Wolverhampton Wanderers one week ago, winning 6-2 at Molineux.

They couldn’t repeat that free-flowing form against the steely Eagles, but a rich assortment of attacking talent and a sense of identity continues to knit together.

The club’s decision to allow Raheem Sterling to go to Arsenal might have raised an eyebrow or two, but it was the right move for a player who had drifted from his new head coach’s plans.

Why Chelsea parted with Raheem Sterling

Arsenal have bolstered their frontline with Sterling, a straight loan signing, though Chelsea were determined to ship him on after adding Pedro Neto and Joao Felix to the ranks this summer before completing the last-gasp transfer of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.

Speaking of the new Arsenal recruit last month, Maresca said, “He’s a fantastic guy but only thing is every manager has a different idea.

“He is not the type of winger I like… that says nothing about him, the history and numbers speak for Raheem”.

One of the Premier League’s most decorated players, Sterling will hope to enjoy a more fruitful period under Mikel Arteta, but he only scored 19 goals across 81 matches and never really justified the £50m price tag and £350k-per-week salary at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, the 29-year-old was Chelsea’s highest earner before his loan move, with his earnings now split – albeit, the Blues are still forking out over half of his weekly pay packet.

Another high-earner needed to leave Chelsea

It was necessary to have taken Sterling out of the first-team squad and the same can be said for Ben Chilwell, but alas, the struggling left-back remains in west London.

Chilwell has endured a torrid time over the past few years, limited to just 30 Premier League starts since the start of the 2021/22 campaign due to recurring injuries.

He arrived from Leicester City for £50m in 2020 and played an instrumental role in winning the Champions League, but he’s struggled since and has found his woes exacerbated by the appointment of Maresca, who does not favour him and urged him to join Sterling this summer in seeking out a new club.

That hasn’t happened, and while Portuguese, Turkish and Saudi Arabian markets are yet to slam shut, the 27-year-old doesn’t look like he’s going to be going anywhere until January at the earliest.

For Chelsea, it’s a frustration, with Marc Cucurella and teenage summer arrival Renato Veiga ahead of him in the pecking order, despite Chilwell earning quite the pretty penny.

1.

Reece James

£250k-per-week

2.

Ben Chilwell

£200k-per-week

2.

Wesley Fofana

£200k-per-week

4.

Christopher Nkunku

£195k-per-week

5.

Enzo Fernandez

£180k-per-week

You might notice that there’s quite a noticeable omission on that highest-earning list of Chelsea players. Indeed, Cole Palmer might have been rewarded with a lucrative new contract last month following his jaw-dropping maiden year at the club, but the prodigious forward still only pockets a mere £150k-per-week in comparison.

Comparatively, that’s not loads. But it is an illustration of the revised wage strategy under Todd Boehly and Co, with an emphasis on synthesising the collective earnings to stand below that of certain Premier League rivals.

August transfer rumours suggested that the England international was on Man United’s radar, but nothing materialised. Moreover, Brentford were keen on completing a late deal but ultimately moved to sign 18-year-old talent Jayden Maghoma for a £10m fee.

With Chilwell bleeding the club of financial resources and looking decidedly unlikely to be returning to prominence in west London, there is bound to be a rueful air around the inability to find a suitor to take him away.

75% duels lost: Maresca must surely drop 6/10 Chelsea ace after Palace

The Blues drew but are making gains…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 2, 2024

Manchester United have made an enquiry about the availability of Utrecht midfielder Taylor Booth, according to a recent report from ESPN.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United's pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has reached an impasse, as the Blues were unwilling to accept a bid of £55m, meaning Erik ten Hag and the club have now started to refocus on other targets, identifying several options.

The Red Devils could still make a move for Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, who would be more than willing to make the switch to the Premier League, with transfer expert Dean Jones also confirming West Ham United's Declan Rice is of interest.

Jones outlines the likes of Romeo Lavia, Adrien Rabiot and Amadou Onana as alternatives to Mount, and a new report from ESPN has now linked United with a move for Booth, who currently plays for Utrecht in the Eredivise.

The report confirms that Man United's £55m offer for Mount remains on the table, should Chelsea choose to change their stance, but they appear to have moved on to other targets, with an enquiry being made about the Utrecht midfielder, amongst others.

Contact has been made with Ajax over the availability of Mohammed Kudus, while they have also asked about Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo. The Red Devils are said to be working within a strict budget this summer, with Ten Hag keen to bring in a midfielder, striker and goalkeeper.

Who is Taylor Booth?

The 22-year-old is lesser known than the majority of players Man United have been linked with, however, he is starting to make a name for himself in the Eredivisie, with members of the media praising him for his performances last season.

Journalist Joseph Lowery has described the American midfielder as "skillful, creative, quick, intense and versatile", while he has also added he is "tearing up" in the Netherlands, and it is hard to disagree.

The Utah-born ace displayed his versatility by regularly playing on the left-wing, right-wing and through the middle last season, during which time he weighed in with two goals and four assists, earning himself his first call-up to the USMNT.

That said, Booth is still young and not yet the finished article, so it could be a big risk for Man United to bring him in as an alternative to Mount, who has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years.

Aston Villa are "keeping tabs" on Almeria winger Largie Ramazani ahead of a potential summer move for him, according to a new update.

Who is Largie Ramazani?

The 22-year-old is an exciting young player who is currently plying his trade in La Liga, catching the eye with his performances for an Almeria side who finished 17th in 2022/23, avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth.

Despite their struggles, Ramazani still chipped in with three goals and one assist in 13 starts in the league, doing his best to provide an attacking spark.

The Belgian's current Almeria deal runs out in the summer of 2025, but he could look for a move away before then, in order to test himself at a bigger club. Not only that, but his current side will be aware of his contract situation, knowing that now could be the best time to cash in on him.

With Villa looking to make some significant reinforcements during the summer window, it looks as though the young winger is on their radar.

Could Ramazani be off the Villa this summer?

According to Diario de Almeria [via Sport Witness], Villa are one the clubs who are "keeping tabs" on Ramazani, with the Almeria man having a "good reputation" in England.

The situation is seen as "win-win" by the La Liga side, considering their prized attacker would either stay put or they will earn good money for his signature, even though the report states that an "exorbitant amount" won't be needed to prise him away. In fact, Almeria feel that the "time has come to sell him", seeing him as a "sellable" asset.

Ramazani could be an exciting long-term acquisition by Villa, not definitely coming in as an immediate nailed-on starter under Unai Emery, but representing a good squad option and someone who should only grow as a footballer as the years pass.

The four-cap and two-goal Belgium Under-21 international has been described as "The Mini-Vinicius" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, referring to his similarities to Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr as a player, as he also highlights the starlet's "electric pace and accelaration" and "superb dribbling skills and close control".

This perfectly illustrates what a big prospect Ramazani is moving forward, and why Villa signing him could potentially be a masterstroke by Emery, as he looks to bring in both established and young talent between now and the start of next season.

Manchester United remain interested in the Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the summer transfer window having missed out in January.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Erik ten Hag's season may be over on the touchline, however, he is seemingly set to tackle the summer transfer window ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils have been linked with potentially huge moves already following the conclusion of the action on the pitch with the likes of Mason Mount reportedly a target.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea will hold out for a bid in the region of £68m this summer but United are one of the sides believed to hold an interest in the England international.

As well as Mount, it is claimed the Premier League giants have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane as a serious option to address their issues up top.

However, there could be another star from the World Cup who could be an option for the Dutchman this summer with Amrabat once again linked with a possible exit from Fiorentina.

This comes after the reports in January which had linked the 26-year-old with interest from both United and the newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed – although La Liga is his preferred option – the Premier League is an attractive proposition for the midfielder this summer:

"Let me say there's a lot of interest into this player, Sofyan Amrabat. It's true that Bayern Munich have an interest but the priority of the player is La Liga, is Spanish league or Premier League also really attractive to him.

"But La Liga is the priority with Barcelona or let's see if Atletico Madrid will return to the race. Mentioning Premier League, let's see what happens with Chelsea and Man United because these two clubs were in contact with his agents in January."

How much is Sofyan Amrabat worth?

The Moroccan was linked with a potential move to the Premier League last year when Spurs were heavily linked with interest in the 26-year-old.

However, it was in the World Cup that he made a real name for himself over the winter after playing a significant role for Morocco as they made their way to the semi-finals.

Indeed, the 26-year-old became the first player in the tournament to record 50 recoveries as he became a real rock in the middle of the Morocco midfield.

The 26-year-old's performances in Qatar saw him dubbed as an "absolute midfield monster" by some in the media as they ended the tournament in fourth place.

Amrabat has played a significant role for Fiorentina this season having totalled 49 appearances across all competitions, however, his deal is now running into its final year.

And as a result, the 26-year-old could potentially be made available for a reduced price with the Serie A side believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, amid reports regarding the Old Firm outfit's apparent interest in Rijeka's, Matija Frigan.

What's the latest on Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are said to have made an enquiry regarding a possible summer move for the 20-year-old striker, with manager Michael Beale in need of a new centre-forward addition amid Morelos' impending departure.

The report suggests that while the Glasgow giants have not yet submitted a bid for the promising Croatian, the belief is that his current side are set to demand a fee of around £5.2m, with two years left to run on the youngster's existing deal.

The piece does also add that the Gers may have competition in their bid to land the 6 foot 1 ace, however, with Dinamo Zagreb also in the running for his signature – albeit while having had a £3m offer rejected.

Who is Matija Frigan?

The Croatian youth international could well prove to be Rangers' next Antonio Colak, with the latter man – who also turns out for Croatia at international level – having also made his name at Rejika prior to joining the Scottish Premiership side last summer.

After spending his early career plying his trade for a variety of clubs in his native Germany, Colak particularly caught the eye after plundering 51 goals and providing 15 assists in just 90 games for Rejika, having initially joined the club on loan in January 2018.

That prolific form earned the three-cap marksman subsequent moves to Greek outfit PAOK and Swedish giants, Malmo, before being snapped up by Giovanni van Bronckhorst last summer on a £1.8m deal.

While there are reports that new boss Beale could already be looking to move the 29-year-old on after just a solitary season at Ibrox, the £18k-per-week asset did seemingly enjoy a respectable campaign last time out, having netted 18 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

Clearly a clinical presence in front of goal, young Frigan also appears to share that prolific nature having scored 15 goals in only 31 appearances so far this season, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as "another extremely interesting youngster from Croatia".

Also dubbed a "complete forward" by Kulig, the exciting goal machine is also able to offer a creative outlet in attack having created three big chances in the league in 2022/23 as well as averaging 0.6 key passes per game, with Colak also creating three big chances and averaging 0.5 key passes per game from his 25 Premiership appearances.

That would suggest that there is a real likeness between Frigan and the current Gers forward, with the hope being that the younger man can go on to achieve even bigger and better things than his compatriot under Beale next season.