There was confusion and hysteria late on in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ MLS play-offs clash with LAFC, with the match referee knocking a player over.
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Action-packed encounter in CanadaLate goal ruled out for offsideOfficials off the hook after bizarre incidentWHAT HAPPENED?
The incident in question occurred in stoppage-time towards the end of a lively contest in Canada. The hosts found themselves trailing with a matter of seconds left on the clock, resulting in them sending everybody forward for a corner.
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As the ball was partially cleared to the edge of the box, Alessandro Schopf attempted to make his way towards it and keep the attack alive. He clattered into the referee, leaving him on the deck, and LAFC raced up the other end of the field as Denis Bouanga tapped into an unguarded net.
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The officials were unable to do anything about their involvement in a bizarre passage of play that swept from one end of the pitch to the other, but the effort was eventually ruled out for offside following a VAR review – much to the relief of those charged with keeping a lid on proceedings.
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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Tim Ford – the referee at the centre of the drama – had already incurred the wrath of Vancouver boss Vanni Sartini when awarding a first-half penalty that Bouanga successfully converted, with the Caps losing their head coach to a red card in a game that eventually finished 1-0.
Nottingham Forest striker Kelechi Iheanacho is a 'hit-and-miss' player that could have a similar lack of impact to Emmanuel Dennis at the City Ground, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
How has Kelechi Iheanacho fared at Leicester City?
As per The Guardian, Iheanacho joined Leicester City back in 2017 for a reported fee of £25 million and has gone on to be a useful player during his time at the King Power Stadium, producing some moments of brilliance for the Foxes.
Overall, Iheanacho has netted 55 goals and laid on a further 33 assists in 206 appearances across all competitions for Leicester City, as per Transfermarkt.
Contractually, Iheanacho is tied to Leicester City until next year on terms worth £80,000 per week and could leave the club on a free transfer if his future is not resolved, as per Capology.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has revealed that Nottingham Forest are keen on the Nigeria international this summer and have opened talks over a deal to sign him, stating on Twitter: "EXCL: Championship. Nottingham Forest have opened talks to sign Kelechi Iheanacho from Leicester. He’s on top of list. Nottingham want to close the deal in the next days."
According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has designs on adding four bodies to his squad over the duration of the window, including a goalkeeper, central defender, left winger and a 'goalscoring forward'.
The outlet also claim that several big names may be on the way out of the City Ground to help reduce the Reds' hefty wage bill, with Jonjo Shelvey, Remo Freuler and Dennis being deemed as 'surplus to requirements' by Nottingham Forest boss Cooper.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express journalist Taylor has indicated that he isn't convinced that Iheanacho would be a good fit to help Nottingham Forest's goal flow in 2023/24, similar to that of Nigeria counterpart Dennis during his time in the East Midlands.
Taylor stated: “I've tried to do some digging into this one. I do expect Iheanacho to leave the club. I don't know whether that is a legitimate transfer link.
“However, I'm not sure about Iheanacho as a player. I think for Forest, he's a bit of an Emmanuel Dennis. He’s hit-and-miss. Forest probably need a bit more consistency.”
What now for Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest manager Cooper will be keen to get new players in as early as possible to ensure his side are in a strong position to retain their Premier League status for a second successive campaign.
The Reds have been linked with a range of names that could potentially come to the City Ground to help their cause. According to FootballTransfers, Nottingham Forest have made an approach to Atletico Madrid as they explore returning for Renan Lodi on a permanent deal.
Jacob Murphy battles againstRenan Lodi as Newcastle united beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek is another man that has cropped up on Nottingham Forest's radar this summer and the Reds are believed to be 'monitoring' his situation alongside a host of clubs in England and further afield, as per 90min.
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi is available for a cut-price fee of £15 million and Nottingham Forest are said to have registered interest in offering him an escape route from Stamford Bridge; however, they face competition from Fulham, AC Milan and Saudi Arabian clubs, cited by The Guardian.
Arsenal could be set to add the crowning jewel to their already stunning transfer window, by bringing in a young superstar to prop up Mikel Arteta's regime…
Who else could Arsenal sign this summer?
The Spaniard has taken great strides with each year he has spent at the helm of the Gunners, yet seeks to make the largest step yet this campaign.
Having pushed Manchester City so close last year, the plan will be to finally end their monopoly over English football with a Premier League title of their own, cementing their manager's legacy as one of the best young coaches in the world.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
To do so, perhaps they could seek to invest even more heavily in him, reigniting their reported interest in Ansu Fati and capping off a fine summer of signings.
However, his £90m price tag could prove a stumbling block especially given the fees already expended on their three other permanent additions. Perhaps some outgoings might have to first be prioritised before their spending can resume.
How good is Ansu Fati?
Of all the deadwood still circulating around the Emirates, few stand out as brazenly as Nicolas Pepe.
Signed for a club-record fee, which has only since been broken this window, the Ivorian winger was expected to transform Unai Emery's reign into a truly outstanding one, with his pace and trickery almost certain to take the Premier League by storm.
However, under the weight of such an enormous price tag, it would have been an impossible task to reach the expectations immediately placed upon him.
He has since made just 112 appearances for the north London side, with the now-Aston Villa boss having since admitted he did not even want the 28-year-old, with the hierarchy opting for him over Wilfried Zaha.
ansu-fati
Such a poor career at the club even led pundit Jermaine Pennant to suggest:
"There have been some awful Arsenal signings down the years but because of the amount, how much he’s played and the performances then you have to say Pepe is one of the worst signings".
Saudi Arabia now seem to be circling around the lucrative dud, finally set to bring an end to this ugly period.
Therefore, should Fati be brought in to replace him, the standards for an alternative would be on the floor, therefore easing expectations for the exciting new forward.
It's mesmerising just how much experience the 20-year-old already boasts for his age, with 111 appearances for Barcelona's first-team, posting an impressive 39 goal contributions.
Despite recent years having been marred by injury, just last term he still recorded seven goals and four assists in LaLiga.
His proficiency is best outlined by FBref, who help to compare him against other wingers across Europe. There, he ranks in the top 1% for total shots, touches in the attacking penalty area and expected non-penalty goals per 90.
He is clearly prolific when fit, and has so much of his glittering career yet to be played. Perhaps he could now make the bold decision to enjoy it in England, helping to usher in an era of dominance for Arteta.
After all, his current boss Xavi had suggested he was a "generational" talent just last year, likely explaining his ludicrous price tag.
Although it would not be hard to replace the 27 goals that Pepe managed during his time at Arsenal, if Fati was the man to finally push him out, fans already would be in awe of the young trickster.
The Blues have found the net just five times in four games this season, with echoes of the goal-scoring woes that plagued them throughout 2022-23
There was an alarming sense of deja vu at Stamford Bridge during and after Chelsea's woeful home defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break; confronted by an inferior opponent and dominating the ball, the Blues were bereft of creativity and blunt in attack. Their profligacy was encapsulated by an inexplicable and inexcusable miss by striker Nicolas Jackson, who ballooned the ball into row Z from all of four yards out with just seven minutes left on the clock.
Chelsea's struggles in front of goal became infamous throughout a nightmarish 2022-23 season. The campaign was characterised by agonising home losses to relatively weaker opposition, and failing to put the ball in the back of the net was as much to blame as a leaky defence.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a huge job on his hands to get the attacking formula right, with the pressure already mounting after two defeats in just four league games. GOAL assesses his options before domestic action resumes…
GettyTime for a change of shape
Pochettino has built his reputation on playing a fluid, attacking 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his managerial career to date, but since arriving at Chelsea he has discarded that shape in favour of a defensive 3-4-2-1.
Although this Chelsea squad will have grown accustomed to playing three at the back under the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, it's a decision that has almost certainly been motivated by an untimely pre-season knee injury to new signing Christopher Nkunku, who would have been earmarked for the No.10 role behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1.
It's already evident that the west Londoners are sorely missing the Frenchman, who was a goal-contribution machine in his time with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, but the £42.5 million ($53m) capture of Cole Palmer from Manchester City represents a more-than adequate mitigation.
He looked sharp on his debut floating about between the lines, suggesting a change of shape to a 4-2-3-1 with him in the hole could help to unlock the Chelsea attack.
AdvertisementGettyLess caution in the midfield
A defensive set-up and a lack of creativity from the midfield has been a big part of the problem for the Blues, with Pochettino most recently opting to deploy Enzo Fernandez alongside £115m ($143m) signing Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher – none of whom are known for their attacking output.
Enzo has started the season in fine form, but he is perhaps better suited to the role of the midfield orchestrator in Pochettino's fluid system, ahead of a defensive midfielder like Caicedo and behind a would-be goal-scoring No.10 such as Palmer.
A change of personnel would lend itself to that new formation, with Gallagher – who has toiled during Chelsea's early-season struggles – dropping to the bench.
GettyOnus on the wingers
Chelsea rely heavily on their wide players to supply goals and assists, but only Raheem Sterling has looked anything close to his best since the start of the new campaign. Carney Chukwuemeka was getting better with every game, but a knee injury of his own has ruled him out of contention.
Pochettino will require and demand more, then, of both Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk – both of whom have made somewhat understated starts to the season. The former has been eased back in after a busy but successful summer with England at the Under-21 Euros, while Mudryk still looks bereft of confidence in competitive action despite an encouraging pre-season during which he finally registered his first goal.
The best course of action may be to launch them into the deep end and let them play their way into form. Chukwuemeka's injury has freed up space on the left-wing, and a formational tweak could be what it takes to get the best out of the pair of tricky wide men.
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GettyArmando Broja's moment?
Another option for Pochettino is Chelsea's forgotten man: Armando Broja.
The young striker has returned to partial full training as he enters the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury picked up during the World Cup break in late 2022, before which he was getting regular minutes under Tuchel and Potter.
Although he wasn't prolific in that brief period in and around the first-team, Broja should feel like a new signing when he eventually makes his comeback, and he provides much-needed depth and competition behind Jackson.
The academy product showed that he can cut it in the Premier League on loan at Southampton in 2021-22, and if he can build some confidence and momentum he could become a very useful weapon.
Speaking recently, Pochettino said of the striker: "He’s close but sometimes you are close but still the last step is always difficult after the injury that he suffered. He is training well, we have hope also."
The Premier League has overcome the circus of the summer transfer window, with clubs spending a record £2.36bn on signings in the highly-inflated market. Wolverhampton Wanderers took part in the spending, despite being anonymous for the most part due to restrictions on funds as a result of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches from windows prior.
The Old Gold welcomed eight new arrivals this summer, including the permanent moves of Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore, as well as the deadline day swoops for loanee Tommy Doyle and £12.8m Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Selling Matheus Nunes on the final day hugely bolstered Gary O’Neil’s chances of strengthening his squad for the season ahead, adding much-needed funds to the bank to enable such moves.
Despite bringing in reinforcements, the club missed out on a number of targets that could have been fundamental assets to O’Neil’s plans to better the squad's form of last season.
Who was linked to Wolves this summer?
The one that got away this summer was most prominently former Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, whom Wolves made two bids for below the asking price of £25m.
The highly-rated Englishman made the move to the Premier League with Bournemouth, in a deal that highlighted how much of an issue the Midlands club’s financial struggles were at the time.
In July, it was reported that the Old Gold had got talks underway over the potential move for Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez but nothing came of the rumours. However, it did signify the area that the club were hoping to improve.
Bristol City's Alex Scott
A deadline day saga over the reported interest in Southampton’s Che Adams also equated to nothing as the Saints blocked the striker’s move, leaving Wolves short on forwards.
While missing out on such deals is disappointing, one that truly could’ve made the difference at Molineux was Fluminense midfielder Andre, who was linked with the club by reports in Brazil.
The £35m-valued man was also eyed by Liverpool, who had a bid of £26m rejected by the Brazilian outfit, telling of his talents to be wanted in the Premier League and valued so highly at Fluminense.
A combative and lively central midfielder, Andre could have replenished the wilted middle of the park at Molineux, which was left relatively bare following the departures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.
Who is Andre?
A product of Fluminense’s academy, the 22-year-old has cemented his worth in his homeland, becoming a vital part of the club’s side as highlighted by his 43 appearances over the 2022/23 campaign.
Lauded as “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his playing style and described as a “roaming play-maker”, the 2001-born gem has a host of attributes that could have been useful at Molineux.
Fluminense midfielder Andre.
To reward the impressive performances of Andre, the Fluminense ace was handed his first cap for Brazil in an international friendly against Senegal in June, the game ended in defeat but marked the start of something potentially special for the rising star.
Competent in both defensive and offensive roles relative to a player of his position, it’s unsurprising that he has gained attention from the Premier League, as both Liverpool and Wolves endeavoured on quests for a player fitting of his style.
South American football expert Nathan Joyes was full of praise for the 22-year-old following his links to English clubs, tipping him to become Brazil’s “next best defensive midfielder."
What could Andre have offered to Wolves?
Hiring from Brazil has already worked well for Wolves this year, with Julen Lopetegui sealing a deal for former Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes in January.
Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has become a key member of the side at Molineux, with his playing style and tackling ability making him a reliable figure to balance play in the engine room.
As per FBref, the former Flamengo whiz averaged 4.00 tackles per 90 during his first taste of the Premier League, a figure that places him in the top 1% of midfielders in the English top tier.
As such, the more progressive Andre could have been the perfect partner in the middle of the park.
Andre averages per 90 in 2023 Serie A.
Pass Completion %
93.8%
Progressive Passes
5.76
Passes Attempted
80.32
Final Third Passes
7.07
Interceptions
1.43
Tackles
2.44
Figures provided by FBref.
It didn’t take long for the new arrival to settle into his new surroundings, which poses the thought of what could have been for Andre at Wolves, should the Old Gold have had the finances to sanction a swoop for his services.
Joyes also described the bright midfielder as an “unbelievable talent”, whom he believes has the ability to “flourish in the Premier League”, praise indeed for a player coming from afar to feature in one the best leagues in the world.
So many players have arrived in England with huge potential and little to show for it at the time of their eventual departure, with the demands of the English game deemed to be incomprehensible to the playing style of some.
Being identifiable as an individual who could take to the Premier League made Andre even more of an attractive coup for Wolves, pondering the question of just how well he would have fitted into the squad.
This summer induced change at Molineux, with long-serving midfielders Neves and Moutinho calling it quits on their career with the Old Gold, leaving behind a sense of instability in the middle of the park in their absence.
andre-transfer-gossip-Fluminense
With reference to his statistics in Brazil, Andre is the definition of stability, averaging a passing accuracy rate of 93.3% per 90, as well as making an average of 2.32 tackles per 90 over the past year for Fluminense, via FBref.
Amid all the chaos over the summer, Wolves could have captured the signature of a talent that could have replaced the calibre of the departed midfield duo, as well as introducing a state of control at a time of need.
Hailed as a “midfield orchestrator” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Old Gold missed a huge chance to seal the signing of a player highly lauded and backed to become one of the best as his career progresses.
Finances and changes within the club acted as a smokescreen to the potential that could have been captured in the window, however with the 22-year-old still playing his football at his boyhood team, maybe a move could still be on the cards in the near future.
The Blues shipped four goals for the second successive game as they slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table
Matheus Cunha's hat-trick ensured Chelsea conceded four goals for the second straight game as Wolves handed out a thrashing to Mauricio Pochettino's side that heaps more pressure on the former Tottenham manager.
The Blues, who lost 4-1 to Liverpool last time out, took the lead in the 19th minute through Cole Palmer's neat side-footed finish, only for Cunha to equalise three minutes later courtesy of a wicked deflection off Thiago Silva.
Chelsea were short on luck again when Rayan Ait-Nouri's effort ricocheted off Axel Disasi past unfortunate goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, with the strike going down as an own goal for the centre-back. Cunha then swept home a lovely flowing move to make it 3-1 just after the hour mark, before converting a penalty he won eight minutes from time.
Thiago Silva nodded home in the 84th minute to reduce the arrears, but the visitors held on for a deserved 4-2 win to leapfrog the Blues into 10th in the Premier League table.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Djordje Petrovic (6/10):
Made some smart stops early on but could do nothing about Wolves' two deflected goals in the first half. Not helped by a poor defence in front of him as a third and then a fourth went in.
Malo Gusto (3/10):
The right-back struggled in the first half as he was suspect in defence, ineffective in attack, repeatedly gave the ball away and was booked, too. He then conceded a penalty late on for bringing down the impressive Cunha.
Axel Disasi (5/10):
Popped up with some important clearances at the back early on but was unlucky to see Ait-Nouri's effort deflect in off his legs for an own goal. Looked more shaky as the game wore on.
Thiago Silva (6/10):
The left side of defence, where he was, looked more secure than the right, but lost the flying Neto for Wolves' third. Took his goal well late on, but his defence was not up to scratch.
Ben Chilwell (5/10):
Was kept busy by the pacey Neto and Semedo, and struggled to handle the former in particular. However, the England international looked good going forward on occasion.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Moises Caicedo (4/10):
While he got an assist with a lovely threaded pass to Palmer, he was at fault for Wolves' equaliser as he gave away the ball in midfield, and throughout he didn't looked comfortable in possession. Made some clumsy fouls as well and picked up a yellow card before being hooked.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Struggled to impose himself on the game as Wolves' midfield swarmed all over the Blues in the centre of the park. Seems to be going backwards.
Conor Gallagher (6/10):
Looked the midfielder most likely to create something with his driving runs and array of passing. Fought hard, but had a quieter game than usual.
Getty ImagesAttack
Cole Palmer (7/10):
Took his goal with aplomb with his weaker right foot, and was one of Chelsea's bigger attacking threats. Needs more creativity from his team-mates.
Christopher Nkunku (5/10):
Missed a great chance early in the first half as Wolves' defence got back at him and looked a little off the pace for much of the match. Perhaps not 100 percent fit yet.
Raheem Sterling (5/10):
Was well contained by Wolves in the first half despite showing good movement, but looked better in the second, though he spurned a big chance after a lovely lay-off by Chilwell.
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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Nicolas Jackson (5/10):
The forward had to score from a lovely Gusto cross, but he could only head wide from six yards. A poor miss. Needs to show more up front.
Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):
Offered very little when he came on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (5/10):
Was quite anonymous when he was introduced in the second half.
Alfie Gilchrist (N/A):
Had no time to make an impact.
Benoit Badiashile (N/A):
Couldn't do much in his short cameo.
Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):
At times it is not clear what the Argentine is trying to do strategy-wise with the west London outfit. Is likely to be under be mounting pressure to keep his job right now.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why he substituted Kobbie Mainoo at half time against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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Ten Hag explains Mainoo's substitutionMcTominay replaced Mainoo at half timeUnited went down 2-1 against ForestWHAT HAPPENED?
The youngster made it to Ten Hag's starting lineup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but was subbed off at half-time as the Dutch manager brought in Scott McTominay in midfield. The United manager later confirmed in a press conference that Mainoo did not suffer an injury, and his removal from the pitch was a tactical call for which he has "no regrets". Ten Hag's decision was met with general confusion amongst fans and pundits alike, as the teenager was one of his side's brighter sparks.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT TEN HAG SAID
Speaking to reporters after the game, the Dutchman explained why he introduced McTominay in place of Mainoo in the second half. He said, "Scott [McTominay] brought energy, I think the second half was much better on our side. The first goal, when you analyse it well, has nothing to do with the midfield. The second goal came from poor communication."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Red Devils ended 2023 on a depressing note as they suffered their ninth defeat of the ongoing Premier League season. Forest took the lead with Nicolas Dominguez's strike in the 64th minute before Marcus Rashford brought his team back into the game for a brief period. Morgan Gibbs-White then scored the winner in the 82nd minute to seal a memorable win for the hosts.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
Ten Hag's side's first game of the new year is an FA Cup third-round clash against Wigan Athletic on January 8, before they take on Tottenham in their first league game of 2024 on January 14.
With Manchester United currently enduring a dismal start to the season after slipping to a sixth defeat in all competitions against Galatasaray earlier this week, the focus is once again on the club's recruitment following a mixed summer of business.
While £72m man Rasmus Hojlund has begun to fire with three Champions League goals under his belt so far, fellow marquee additions Mason Mount and Andre Onana have failed to convince in recent months, with the latter having been particularly culpable in the defeat on Tuesday night.
Unsurprisingly, there will be those questioning the decision to let former number one David De Gea depart on a free transfer over the summer, although the Spaniard was seemingly allowed to leave at the right time, having become "a big problem" for Erik ten Hag last season – as per pundit Jamie Carragher.
There are other figures whom the club have let go in the recent past that were possible errors of judgement, however, with promising playmaker Angel Gomes now flourishing after leaving Old Trafford on a free during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at the helm.
The diminutive midfielder – who was part of England's European Championship success at U21 level earlier this year – is now even being considered for a senior call-up by Gareth Southgate, indicating just how far the 23-year-old has come since moving on from Manchester.
Gomes isn't alone in having made Solskjaer look rather silly, however, with former academy colleague, Largie Ramazani, also now flourishing elsewhere following his departure from the Theatre of Dreams back in 2020.
Why did Largie Ramazani leave Man United?
Much like in the case of Gomes, the 5 foot 6 sensation had opted for a fresh start just over three years ago after failing to force his way into the first-team reckoning in Manchester, with the youngster's only senior outing coming in the Europa League dead rubber against Astana back in November 2019.
That late substitute appearance in the 2-1 group stage defeat had come amid Ramazani's sparkling form in the youth set-up for United, notably bagging 12 goals and assists in just 30 games at U18 level, before scoring 11 goals and contributing two assists in only 11 games for the U21's.
Largie Ramazani
The promising Belgian had begun life on the books at Anderlecht before making the move to England in order to join Charlton Athletic, with that followed by his eventual switch to United on a scholarship contract in 2017, at the age of just 16.
Despite his promise in the youth ranks, it looked unlikely that the wideman would ever force his way into Solskjaer's plans, with the player ultimately rejecting the offer of a contract extension in 2020 after demanding a wage that the club are said to have deemed 'excessive' – as per Manchester Evening News.
With the Red Devils not necessarily viewing him as a player with a 'long-term future at the club' – as per MEN – there was seemingly an acceptance to let him depart, as Ramazani went on to join Spanish outfit, Almeria following the expiry of his deal.
How much is Largie Ramazani worth now?
The decision to not give the fleet-footed forward a proper chance to impress in the first team – and the subsequent decision to allow him to move on – appears to be a notable blunder as far as those at Old Trafford are concerned, with the 22-year-old having thrived since his move to Andalusia.
Having departed United for nothing under Solskjaer's watch, the Belgium U21 international is now valued at around €10m (£9m), according to CIES Football Observatory, with that only set to rise even further over the coming months and years.
UD Almeria forward Largie Ramazani.
There was even talk that the young dynamo had caught the attention of a raft of Premier League clubs during the recent summer window, with Everton having been quoted a fee of around €40m (£35m), amid their interest in the former Carrington gem.
That hefty price tag is yet another indication of the potential jewel that Solskjaer let slip from his grasp, with the Norwegian having overlooked a player who is now being described as the "Mini-Vincius" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – in relation to Real Madrid's Brazilian star.
How good is Largie Ramazani?
After previously flourishing in Spain's second tier – notably scoring eight league goals during the 2021/22 campaign – the £2.5k-per-week asset has made a smooth transition to life in La Liga since then, scoring three goals and contributing two assists last term.
As for this season, the "explosive" talent – as lauded by Kulig – already boasts four assists from just eight league outings, notably providing all three assists for teammate Luis Suarez – not that one – in the draw with Granada at the weekend.
That haul of four goal contributions is even more than young Alejandro Garnacho has achieved so far this term, with the Argentine international scoring just once and providing no assists in eight games in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly, Ramazani ranks in the top 8% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for assists per 90, as well as in the top 11% for successful take-ons, indicating his elite dribbling prowess and creativity from the flanks.
That is ahead of what the United teenager has recorded of late, with Garnacho ranking in just the top 42% and the top 37% for those same two metrics, respectively, showcasing that there is still room for improvement from this emerging superstar.
Alejandro Garnacho
One further benefit that Ramazani also offers is his defensive work ethic as he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 – ahead of Garnacho (top 6%) – having been hailed as a "counter-attacking weapon" by Kulig.
With Ten Hag's attacking options currently failing to fire – with the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho having been sidelined in recent weeks – having a player like Ramazani in the fold could have been hugely beneficial, yet alas, the Belgian gem is now shining elsewhere.
If they aren't already, United will increasingly grow to regret moving on Ramazani, such is his undoubted talent.
Leeds United are “one of the clubs” in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer, and a reliable journalist has revealed when to expect developments on a potential move.
Where was Cameron Archer born?
Archer was originally born in Walsall and has been at Villa Park since his childhood days having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first team back in 2021, but having only ever made 13 senior appearances, he’s spent most of his career out on the road.
The England youth international has carried out three development loans since bursting onto the scene, the first at Solihull Moors, the second at Preston North End and the third and most recent being last season at Middlesbrough, and it sounds like he could now be heading for a permanent exit despite still having four years remaining on his contract.
Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the Midlands outfit are “open” to selling the 21-year-old as a result of strong interest from the likes of Sheffield United and Michael Carrick’s side once again, but if the following update is to be believed, Daniel Farke has entered the race with the aim of bringing him to Elland Road.
Are Leeds signing Cameron Archer?
Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs delivered an update on Archer’s future at Aston Villa and name-checked Leeds as a team firmly in the running to secure his signature. He said:
“With Archer, what's interesting is that he's been made for sale now. So there is an opportunity to do that deal. He's had a couple of good loan spells in the Championship including with Middlesbrough and now, Aston Villa are willing to let him go. I think that he put himself in the shop window with I believe, a couple of goals and an assist at the under 21 Euros for England.
"He also scored plenty of goals, he got into double figures for Middlesbrough last season and I think that was only in about 20-odd appearances and he added several assists on top of that. So that can be one to watch because Aston Villa are now prepared to sell him. Leeds are one of the clubs no doubt Middlesbrough are another. So I would expect movement on Archer between now and the end of the window."
Middlesbrough's former loan striker Cameron Archer.
How many goals has Cameron Archer scored?
At Middlesbrough last season, Archer posted a remarkable 17 goal contributions (11 goals and six assists) in 23 appearances, with this form having seen him hailed “incredibly prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Leeds.
Villa’s £20k-per-week earner also has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline so he would be a great option for Farke to have in the building, not only in terms of being able to cover for injuries in other roles but additionally if the boss ever wanted to switch up his team selection to have multiple top players out on the pitch together.
Furthermore, the centre-forward shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Karl Darlow, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage should they try to get a deal over the line.
The Whites have also been heavily linked with a swoop for Everton striker Tom Cannon, but with the need for attacking reinforcements strong, Archer could be following in the formerly mentioned player’s footsteps to walk through the doors as a pair before September 1st.
James Neesham and Neil Broom were left out of NZC’s list of 20 contracted players for the 2018-19 period
ESPNcricinfo staff15-May-2018Canterbury’s legspinning allrounder Todd Astle has been offered a New Zealand contract for the first time, while James Neesham and Neil Broom were left out of the list of 20 contracted players for the 2018-19 period.List of contracted players
Corey Anderson, Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, George Worker
“Todd’s progress over the past 12 months has been exciting to see. When fit, he made the most of his opportunities in both Test and ODI cricket,” said New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. “We have a big summer ahead; we know Todd performs well in New Zealand conditions, and we also have a spin-friendly tour against Pakistan coming up.”Between Todd, Ish and Mitchell our spin bowling stocks have probably never looked better. Jimmy and Neil didn’t show the consistency required over the past year and we’d like to see them go back and demand our attention again through domestic performance.”The new master agreement between NZC and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association is yet to be finalised, but both parties came to an agreement so that the contracts process was not delayed.The new contracts will come into effect from August 1.