Liverpool have been made aware that they could sign an "incredible" Premier League player for £60m in the summer window, according to a transfer update this week.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds continue to be linked with new signings ahead of the summer, at which point Jurgen Klopp will have moved on and a new manager will be in place. Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is one player who has emerged as a possible target for Liverpool, with the German believed to be "stalling" on a new deal because of interest from the Merseysiders.
Leroy Sane
Another report has claimed that the Reds are in talks to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Englishman is a versatile player who can thrive at centre-back and left-back.
There has also been speculation about the future of some current Liverpool heroes, with Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially signing a contract extension in the near future. The same will hopefully apply to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool can sign Pedro Neto for £60m
When it comes to Salah however, FSG have the perfect chance to secure a long-term replacement. According to an update from Football Insider, Liverpool can sign Pedro Neto if they cough up £60m this summer, with Wolves keen to recoup a big fee to offset their FFP issues.
Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
"Wolves will demand a fee of between £50-60million to let star man Pedro Neto depart in the summer, sources have told Football Insider. The forward penned a long-term contract valid until 2027 with Gary O’Neil’s side in March 2022, meaning they have ground to seek a massive fee for one of their star players.
'It is believed that Liverpool could also enter the race for the Portugal international as they seek a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, while clubs from across Europe are also monitoring the 23-year-old."
Appearances
15
Starts
14
Goals
2
Assists
8
Key passes per game
2.3
Dribbles per game
1.9
Pass completion rate
83.5%
Neto is an exceptional young player whose future surely belongs at one of the Premier League's biggest clubs, or a European giant, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is mouthwatering.
The only concern surrounding the Portuguese is the injury problems he has suffered down the years, but it doesn't look to have affected his game, as he continues to enjoy an excellent season. He has eight assists in just 14 league starts in 2023/24 to date, and Wolves manager Gary O'Neil lauded him earlier in the campaign, saying:
"He has been absolutely incredible for the six or seven weeks I have been here. I am really pleased with where Pedro is at. He has given absolutely everything and showed a big moment of quality [at Luton] which sums up how he has been for me for the last six weeks."
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It is clearly preferable for Salah to stay at Liverpool beyond this season, considering he still looks in and around his prime, but if he does move this summer, Neto looks like a perfect candidate to fill the sizeable void that he would leave.
Sunderland will be desperate to stop the rot this Saturday when Stoke City travel to Wearside, Michael Beale keeping everything crossed that his Black Cats side don't succumb to their third defeat in a row in the Championship.
If they were to lose another game – putting them onto 13 losses already after 29 games played – the playoff picture could become even more distant for the stuttering Black Cats and Beale's job could even eventually be on the line.
Beale could attempt to win back over the hardened Sunderland masses with this January buy, therefore, shopping in France potentially to win the player in question's services.
Sunderland want to sign Lyon midfielder
According to a report in French outlet L'Equipe, Sunderland are interested in signing Olympique Lyonnais' midfield warrior Skelly Alvero who comes in at a lofty 6 foot 7 frame.
With the 21-year-old finding himself frozen out of the first-team in France currently – absent from Lyon's last five league encounters – Sunderland could come to the rescue and offer Alvero more game-time.
German side Werder Bremen are also reportedly interested in signing Alvero on a loan deal until the end of the campaign according to L'Equipe, Sunderland just behind the Bundesliga outfit in the queue for the young midfielder.
Having success recently signing Pierre Ekwah, who is a fellow compatriot of Alvero, the 21-year-old could well come into the Sunderland side and usurp the settled Black Cats first-teamer's presence regardless.
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The current Lyon man could well come in and form an intimidating midfield duo with Dan Neil in the process, a transfer for Sunderland fans to certainly keep an eye out on.
How Alvero would slot into the Sunderland team
Joining Lyon from fellow French side Sochaux just last summer, Alvero starred for his former club before making the big leap to the Groupama Stadium.
During his time with his previous employers, Alvero would bag five goals and pick up four assists playing for both the Sochaux B team and the senior side.
Moreover, looking at FBRef statistics, Alvero excels in his diligent defensive duties more so than Ekwah currently does at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Helped by his imposing frame on the pitch, Alvero – over the last year on average per 90 minutes – has won 3.05 tackles and 3.98 aerials in contrast to Ekwah's lesser 1.87 tackles and 0.69 aerials.
Whilst Neil in the central midfield two enjoys roaming forward more than the Sunderland number 39, as seen in Neil's 7.01 progressive passes averaged over the same time period, Alvero could come in and fulfil the role of anchor in the Black Cats side far more impressively than Ekwah.
Still, Alvero beats Neil when it comes to successful take-ons – the former coming in at 2.24 to Neil's 0.96 – and could complement Neil's tenacity on the ball brilliantly with similarly brave runs going forward.
Ekwah has also had his fair share of off-days in the Sunderland first team ranks recently, notably giving the ball up against Newcastle United in the already tense Tyne-Wear Derby after a short goal kick out from Anthony Patterson for Alexander Isak to then rifle home.
Signing Alvero would see the Black Cats shop in a left-field market, but with the potential deal being risk-free by loaning Alvero into the building until the end of the season, it could be a buy that pays off.
Manchester United's January transfer window has been quiet so far, but they could be in for a busy last stint with Erik ten Hag demanding reinforcement.
The Red Devils certainly need inspiration, with the side sitting eighth in the Premier League having scored fewer goals than all but three sides in the division.
A new signing could provide that, with a striker the main target for the Dutch boss, who wants to improve his side's output in the final third.
A striker is Ten Hag's priority
According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, United are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee. Below is what the journalist had to say:
"It's not easy for Manchester United to find a striker in this window, but Zirkzee is a genuine target and there has already been some early contact between the clubs."
As mentioned, a deal this month is unlikely, with the Red Devils financial fair play guidelines and Zirkzee's reported £50m price tag hindering the process.
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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Joshua Zirkee compares to Harry Kane
Ten Hag's biggest problem since the summer has been finding a way to get his attackers firing, with United scoring 1.14 goals per game, which is down from 1.53 last season.
The focus has been on Rasmus Hojlund, who has netted just twice in 16 Premier League games, but Bruno Fernandes (3), Marcus Rashford (4), and Antony (0) have all underperformed in attack as well.
The player who could help ease their attacking woes is Zirkzee, who has been described as a "special" player by Italian journalist Pietro Blazano Prota. The 22-year-old number nine has scored seven goals and created two assists, which is the best goal-contribution record for the Bologna team by three.
Unsurprisingly, football writer Ben Mattinson has compared Zirkzee to former Man United target and Premier League legend Harry Kane, stating that the two are "so similar."
That certainly bodes well for any prospective transfer, and with that in mind, the table below showcases a handful of statistics from their respective leagues that compare the duo.
Goals
0.40
1.32
xG
0.29
0.98
Progressive passes
2.72
2.94
Key passes
1.42
1.20
Touches
42.59
31.72
Although Kane obviously wipes the floor with Zirkzee pretty much across the board, notably for chance conversion and scoring goals, there are still certain similarities between the two. Firstly, they are both strikers who love to get involved in the play and use their intelligence to affect the game from a deeper position, as you can see by the touches, progressive passes, and key passes.
They're both also excellent finishers who outperform their xG, and although it cannot be displayed via statistics, Zirkzee and Kane are extremely composed and will often find space in the box, regardless of how little room there is. The ability to shift the ball quickly to either foot inside the penalty area is what makes them both so dangerous.
The signing of Zirkzee would make United far less predictable in the final third, and he could become a much cheaper alternative to Kane for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been here before, in the Premier League title race after the new year and knowing that the terrifying force that is Manchester City linger just behind, ready to capitalise on the slightest setback.
Still, the Reds are in first place after 20 matches and will be confident that they can stay in contention for a shot at silverware right until the very end, though there is likely an acceptance that the January transfer window might need to be utilised to strengthen the squad.
Arsenal have suffered a blip in form of late and Pep Guardiola's side has been somewhat out of sorts so far (write them off at your peril), while Aston Villa's surprise title-chasing form puts them in the conversation.
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All are in with a shout, and given that Liverpool's backline is somewhat thin – even if it is formidable – then this is surely the area that Klopp needs to target over the coming weeks, bolstering the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and co.
Liverpool transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo
According to French newspaper Monaco-Matin – via Paisley Gates – Liverpool have shifted their focus on OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Klopp searches for a viable new option in central defence.
Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all have a vested interest in the France international, though it is understood that he would command a fee of £40m and this has dissuaded several of the aforementioned suitors.
Piero Hincapie
17th December
Goncalo Inacio
17th December
Leny Yoro
15th December
Ronald Araujo
12th December
Maxence Lacroix
8th December
Given Liverpool's acquisitions of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo across recent winter windows, there's a possibility that a deal could be struck, and it's down to Klopp and technical director Jorg Schmadtke to assess the feasibility of a formal offer.
Jean-Clair Todibo's season so far
Once described as the "complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Todibo has been a mainstay for a Nice side this term that are deservedly sat in second place in Ligue 1 with the best defensive record after 17 matches, with just nine goals conceded from 17 fixtures.
Typically found on the right side of the central defence, Todibo, aged 23, has been crucial in this feat after impressing with his blend of passing ability and defensive application, building on his previous performances and being rewarded with his Les Bleus debut in September.
As per Sofascore, Todibo has featured 14 times in the French top flight and has kept eight clean sheets, a rather remarkable record, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.9 tackles, 3.2 clearances and a whopping 7.9 ball recoveries per game, succeeding with 71% of his dribbles and 65% of his aerial battles.
His veteran defensive partner, Dante, spoke effusively to discuss his rise and improvements, revealing that his mixture of qualities allowed his brazen-at-times style to flourish.
Dante said: "He always played a risky game, far too risky. Now he has found real balance in his game between taking risks, dribbling out from the back because it’s the best thing to do and having fun on the pitch! I’m not saying he should kick the ball out into touch, never! I’d rather he takes a risk. And he’s progressed in that domain!"
Such traits have set him aside from the lion's share of defenders in Europe and have attracted the attention of ambitious outfits in the Premier League, who no doubt view that 'complete' modern style as something worth pursuing.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Passing
Discipline
Tackling
*Sourced via WhoScored
As per FBref, Todibo ranks among the top 15% of centre-halves across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted, successful take-ons and tackles and the top 18% for interceptions per 90.
The £20k-per-week titan is considered to be a "Rolls-Royce" of a player journalist Antonio Mango and would be a worthy addition at Anfield, especially so given the fact that Joel Matip's knee injury has ruled him out for the season – with the Cameroonian currently set for departure in June to compound his situation.
Todibo would be the perfect heir, and could even prove to be a better purchase than Goncalo Inacio, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Why Liverpool should sign Jean-Clair Todibo over Goncalo Inacio
Mere days ago, Portuguese media speculated that Liverpool are frontrunners for Sporting CP star Inacio's signature and have even tabled an official bid, though given the lack of reputable corroboration this should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Nonetheless, the interest is unquestionable and it's clear to see why Inacio – aged 22 – is such a sought-after commodity, with his level of creativity something that perhaps no other natural centre-back can quite replicate.
Indeed, the dynamic defenders ranks among the top 8% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for pass completion, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.
lucas-beraldo-goncalo-inacio-liverpool-opinion
Now, these are incredible metrics and it wouldn't be a bad piece of business to meet Inacio's €60m (£52m) release clause, even if this might seem a little expensive.
And Inacio's left-footed style is something that Liverpool have been searching for too; in this regard, he holds an advantage over Todibo.
But the Les Aiglons phenom is no wayward distributor and he has an inventive approach that Liverpool could benefit from, with his defensive metrics also superior.
Inacio, for example, averages one tackle, 5.4 recoveries and 1.9 clearances in the Portuguese top flight this term while only succeeding in 47% of his contested duels. – which hardly evokes confidence in his solidity.
#
Player
Club
1
William Saliba
Arsenal
2
Fikayo Tomori
AC Milan
3
Pau Torres
Aston Villa
4
Sven Botman
Newcastle United
5
Ronald Araujo
Barcelona
*Sourced via Football Transfers
Further, a glance at the type of player Todibo is comparable with only enriches the argument that he is the man for the job, with a variegated approach that has now left him "solid as a rock", as was said by Kulig.
Also ostensibly cheaper, Todibo would be the better option for transfer and this is who Klopp must invest time and effort into signing this winter, ahead of the crucial business end of the campaign.
To the surprise of barely anyone, Tottenham Hotspur have made a busy start to the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou relishing the opportunity to strengthen his team across the park.
Adding talent to the backline is the Australian's priority – with discussions for a new defender still ongoing – but this has not stopped an agreement from being reached for the loan transfer of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Nor has such a priority meant rumours concerning a new midfielder have subsided, with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher at the front of such transfer discourse.
Looking ahead, Spurs likely still need a centre-forward to replace Harry Kane and Dominic Solanke could be one to watch following the 2023/24 campaign's conclusion.
Spurs transfer news – Dominic Solanke
According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs – speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast – Tottenham have already enquired to Bournemouth regarding Solanke's availability, though a summer transfer looks far more likely at this stage.
With Arsenal also interested, Cherries boss Androni Iraola has attempted to dissuade suitors by slapping a reported £50m price tag on his talisman's signature, though as the goals keep coming such a figure looks increasingly less ludicrous.
Despite the acquisition of Werner, Spurs need a prolific target man to ease the burden from Heung-min Son's shoulders, and the 26-year-old could be the perfect addition to complete the frontline.
Dominic Solanke's style of play
Solanke is an energetic striker with an imposing presence, and having been hailed for his "predatory" instinct by one Sky Sports pundit after bagging a recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, is starting to back up Iraola's transfer valuation.
As per FBref, Solanke ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box and the top 8% for clearances per 90, highlighting his presence in the danger area and his desire to get stuck in and contribute toward the defensive effort.
Given Solanke's formative days with Chelsea and subsequent move to Anfield to serve under Jurgen Klopp's stewardship, it's clear that the striker has long been regarded as a talented forward.
And while his time with Liverpool didn't work out, Bournemouth still forked out an initial £19m to snap him up in January 2019, with Solanke scoring just one goal from 27 appearances.
But he's been shaped into a "top, multi-faceted forward" – according to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell – and while he's quietly been impressing on the south coast for the past few years, his qualities have finally amalgamated to provide the complete, clinical package.
1.
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
14
1.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
14
3.
Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth
12
3.
Heung-min Son
Tottenham Hotspur
12
4.
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham United
11
5.
Hwang Hee-chan
Wolverhampton Wanderers
10
Joint-third in the Premier League's scoring charts this season – alongside Son and behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah – Solanke is in fine company indeed and if he can sustain a striking rate such as this then he will be in good stead to earn another shot at a team vying for silverware and continental competition.
Given that the £50k-per-week gem has also netted a goal against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup this term, taking his tally to 13, he is actually outscoring Son (who has 12 goals) across all competitions, emphasising just how effective he has been in striking sequences.
As per Sofascore, Solanke is taking 3.5 shots per game and hitting the target with an average of 1.2; last season, he was unleashing 2.3 shots per outing.
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
The newfound confidence and increased output in front of goal have allowed Solanke to take a major step in his development, and there is now a tangible sense that he will be headed for a team such as Tottenham in the coming transfer windows.
While Arsenal are among the contenders for his services, the 6 foot 2 centre-forward would perhaps have greater assurances regarding the regularity of his match action should he head down the N17.
Pulling the string behind him, James Maddison might be the best fit to fully unlock his skills in front of goal too.
Imagine James Maddison & Dominic Solanke
Tottenham signed Maddison from Leicester City for £40m in June following the Foxes' unexpected relegation from the Premier League, though the England international's creativity barely waned all year and he finished with a laudable return of ten goals and nine assists from 28 starting appearances.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison.
Crowned the English top-flight's Player of the Month for August, Maddison swiftly proved himself to be a bona fide star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was the inventive life heartbeat at the core.
Ranking among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, it's clear to see why he might be the perfect player to supplement a prolific phenom such as Solanke.
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He has averaged 2.9 key passes per game this season too, which is a frankly absurd level of creativity; for reference, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne – one of Europe's finest ever playmakers – averaged 3.1 in the Premier League last season.
Maddison has unfortunately been injured since November with an ankle injury and this has been a defining factor behind the up-and-down form that Spurs have finally shaken off with a recent bright spell, but his return will be huge.
The £170k-per-week ace would be perfect for Solanke, as specified, with the Bournemouth talisman receiving 4.63 progressive passes per 90 in the league this season, hinting that he thrives as a mobile target man from which a pinpoint player such as Maddison could locate with constancy.
Postecoglou simply has to get this one over the line, and should Solanke continue his rich vein of form and mould it into something permanent, then he really could be the perfect summer signing to continue the revolution down the N17.
With the January transfer window now open, Chelsea once again have the chance to splash the cash in another attempt to solve their problems. The Blues attempted to do exactly that in the summer, of course, but as the Premier League table shows, they failed to find the right reinforcements in the previous window, at least for the short term. At the halfway mark and with a season to turn around, Mauricio Pochettino and co must get things right this time around.
With that said, the London giants have reportedly put together a transfer plan to land a player that Todd Boehly dreams of signing this month and one who could really solve Chelsea's biggest problem.
Chelsea transfer news
Whilst Nicolas Jackson has hardly set the world alight at Stamford Bridge this season, his AFCON departure will still frustrate Pochettino, who could be forced to turn to the likes of Armando Broja as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast in England's top flight.
Claudio Echeverri
19th December
Santiago Gimenez
18th December
Dusan Vlahovic
15th December
Lautaro Martinez
1st January
Artem Dovbyk
31st December
If not Broja, then the Blues could yet find a new option to lead the line in both Jackson's absence and the long-term to finally put an end to their striker woes. That new option is unlikely to be the striker Boehly dreams of signing though, as per reports.
Simon Phillips describes on his Substack that is is impossible for Chelsea to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen this month to put an end to Boehly's dream.
The Blues were at least given hope, however, with the London club hatching a plan to go back in for the Nigerian during the summer window. Then, they could activate his hefty release clause of around £120m ahead of fellow admirers Real Madrid, having had time to manouvre around FFP with a few sales by that point.
Osimhen, who has just signed a new contract in Italy, could be set to make a Premier League switch and perhaps become Chelsea's ultimate solution under Pochettino, but not until the end of the campaign.
"Complete" Osimhen would put an end to Chelsea's striker problems
Chelsea fans are often left holding their breath when it comes to big-money signings these days, waiting to see whether they rise to stardom or join a growing list of transfer flops. And whilst they'd naturally have similar nerves over Osimhen due to his price tag, they needn't. The Napoli forward has such a price tag for a good reason and would be a major upgrade on Jackson, be it this month or during the summer. Osimhen's stats this season more than back up his more clinical nature too.
Player
Starts
Goals
Expected Goals
Shots on Target
Victor Osimhen
11
7
6.7
12
Nicolas Jackson
16
7
10.6
17
Osimhen has already earned the approval of Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola too, who told Sky Sports when comparing the Nigerian to Didier Drogba: "But Didier didn’t dive. That’s because Didier was too strong to dive! I see a lot of similarities but it’s unfair to compare players from different eras. They both play with a lot of physicality and they are both very good with scoring, taking their opportunities. He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders."
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring John McGinn to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte has now added the Aston Villa central midfielder to his list of summer transfer targets, with the same publication reporting earlier this year that Steven Gerrard would demand a figure of around £40m in order to part with the 27-year-old.
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The report goes on to state that, despite Fabio Paratici having already brought the impressive Rodrigo Bentancur to north London in the January transfer window, with both Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele looking set to leave the club this summer, Conte has targeted the Scotland international as a replacement for either the England or France international.
Conte can axe Winks with McGinn
Considering just how impressive McGinn has been for Aston Villa in recent seasons, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances this term, the £27m-rated talent has been in exceptional form for Gerrard’s side, scoring three goals, registering three assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.
The £70k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 28.4 passes, 3.4 long balls, 1.0 interceptions, 3.1 tackles, 0.8 clearances and winning 7.4 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per fixture.
These returns have seen the player who Sam Morsy dubbed “unreal” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.30, not only ranking him as Villa’s best performer in the top flight but also as the joint 14th-best player in the league as a whole.
As such, considering just how little Winks has featured under Conte, it would indeed appear a wise move for Paratici to move the £91k-per-week midfielder who John Wenham dubbed “terrible” on this summer, before reinvesting the funds received from his sale into a move for the much more promising McGinn.
AND in other news: Conte could land the new Broja as Spurs eye “serious” 20-goal gem who’s “like a beast”
Stuart Dallas’ injury is a massive setback for Jesse Marsch and Leeds United, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
The lowdown
The 31-year-old was forced off deep into first-half stoppage time against Manchester City at the end of last month after challenging Jack Grealish for the ball.
It has since emerged that he has suffered a fractured femur, and The Athletic’s Phil Hay has said that the Northern Ireland international will be fortunate to return before Christmas.
Leeds are fighting for their Premier League status as they enter their final three games of the season. Their 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday saw them slip into the bottom three, level with Burnley on points but with a far inferior goal difference.
It was a sign of the ill fortune that the Whites are currently enduring that the first goal for the Gunners came about from a shocking error by Illan Meslier.
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The latest
O’Rourke has said that Dallas’ injury is a ‘huge’ problem for Leeds at a critical time and thinks that the player’s versatility will be one of the things that Marsch misses most.
The journalist told GiveMeSport: “It’s a huge blow for Leeds to lose someone like Stuart Dallas, especially at such a crucial stage of the season, you want all of your best players fit.
“We know how important Stuart Dallas is to Leeds, he can play in so many positions, which he has done in the past. He’s played in midfield and defence and would probably play up front if he was asked to by Leeds.”
The verdict
Dallas is the ultimate utility man. This season, he has operated in both full-back positions, defensive midfield, central midfield and on the left wing.
The £53,000-per-week stalwart had started all 34 of Leeds’ Premier League matches before suffering the nasty injury, along with all but one league game in the preceding two campaigns, so his importance to the team is clear.
More generally, the Whites’ injury woes this season have been extensive. As of 5 April, they were second in the division for total injuries and first for total days missed (via Ben Dinnery), with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper all enduring lengthy absences.
Perhaps if they had better luck, they simply wouldn’t be in this position. Alas, they can’t afford to wallow in self-pity, with their Premier League status very much on the line over the next fortnight.
In other news, a pundit makes a worrying Calvin Ramsay transfer claim.
As Alexander Isak edges closer to the exit door, Newcastle United are beginning to map out life without their talismanic striker.
The Swede’s choice to skip Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia and instead train at former club Real Sociedad has only heightened speculation about his future.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
While Liverpool lodged a bid to secure his signature, the Magpies are already working on contingency plans. In Benjamin Šeško, Newcastle believe they have identified an heir to Isak’s throne.
A towering presence at 1.94m, the 22-year-old is equally capable of leading the line with intelligence and intensity.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal
Despite the club’s willingness to meet RB Leipzig’s valuation, the Slovenian appears to prefer a move to Manchester United – even in the absence of European football.
This has left the door open for alternatives.
One name is emerging as a serious contender – a raw but high-ceilinged talent who combines power, pace and composure in front of goal.
Newcastle looking at Europe's next powerhouse forward
According to TEAMTalk, Newcastle and Aston Villa are among five Premier League clubs interested in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
The 21-year-old Spanish-Nigerian powerhouse has taken Europe by storm since joining Porto from Atlético Madrid for around £15m last summer.
Aghehowa has scored 27 goals in 45 games, including six in the Europa League and two against Manchester United, evidence of his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
As per the report, sources close to the player suggest he is keen on a move to the Premier League, drawn by its competitiveness and global appeal. However, Porto’s valuation, a steep £70 million, partly due to Atlético Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause, may complicate matters.
Nevertheless, it’s believed a lower fee could be negotiated, with £50m-£60m having been suggested.
Why Samu Aghehowa Might Be the Next Šeško — Or Better
Standing at 1.93m, Aghehowa fits the same physical profile as Šeško. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson described Omorodion as an “absolute powerhouse”, while also noting that he is the “real deal”.
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto.
Crucially, he’s already proven capable of shouldering a club’s attacking burden, an attractive quality for both Newcastle and Villa, especially with the latter facing uncertainty over Ollie Watkins’ future.
Should Newcastle miss out on Šeško, Aghehowa represents a similarly ambitious gamble, albeit one with a potentially higher ceiling.
Benjamin Sesko
In truth, comparisons between the pair are as inevitable as both are towering, physically dominant forwards.
What’s more, both are under the age of 23 and represent the archetype of the modern target man: capable of bullying defenders whilst also possessing the technique to play in dynamic, high-tempo systems.
According to data from FBref, his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stood at 8.4, with 11 goals scored in open play, and he averaged 2.5 shots per 90 minutes. But as promising as those numbers are, Aghehowa’s hold up well in comparison.
In the Liga Portugal, the Porto man scored 19 league goals and added three assists. Across all competitions, he notched 27.
The same data shows he ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43) and the 86th percentile for total shots per 90 (3.10).
In terms of pass completion, he’s even more efficient than Šeško, ranking in the 96th percentile (77.8%), demonstrating his ability to play quick link-up football.
Additionally, the former Atleti starlet is an active presence in the box.
Sesko vs Samu
He ranks in the 86th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (5.45), and, surprisingly for a striker, in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – testament to his defensive work rate.
Šeško, for all his finishing prowess, has a more passive off-ball profile. With Isak increasingly detached, training independently at Real Sociedad and unlikely to return without resolution, Newcastle’s hierarchy must make a call.
Wait for a Šeško U-turn, or invest in the next rising star before the market catches up?
Aghehowa might not be a household name yet, but neither was Haaland before his Salzburg breakout, nor Šeško before Leipzig.
The traits are all there: size, speed, hunger, and a fearless eye for goal. In the end, signing him wouldn’t just be a response to Isak’s departure, it could be a defining statement of ambition for the years ahead.
Gordon's new Isak: Newcastle leading the race for £50m Sesko alternative
Newcastle are faced with the unenviable position of finding an Isak replacement this summer.
Everton could reportedly now sell as many as three of their players to Tottenham Hotspur as some transfer news has emerged in Mike McGrath’s column for The Telegraph.
The Lowdown: Poor season
Even though the Goodison Park faithful now look quite likely to survive the relegation threat, they have still had a poor season by their standards.
Sitting just above the bottom three, they have not finished lower than 12th since the 2004/05 campaign, and with the amount of money that they have spent over the years, they really should not be in this position.
Given their troubles with Financial Fair Play, it would not be a surprise to see the Blues offload some players even if they stay up.
The Latest: Tottenham lurking
As per The Daily Telegraph’s McGrath, Spurs have now been keeping an eye on Richarlison, Ben Godfrey and Anthony Gordon ahead of potential moves in the summer.
Given their situation, it is likely that the Merseyside club could look to move on some of their players for big money, in order to help fund a rebuild.
The Verdict: Difficult to keep
If a club like the Lilywhites, who are pushing for UEFA Champions League qualification, come calling for some of the Toffees’ best players, then it will be difficult to keep them.
Richarlison currently ranks as their best performer in the Premier League, while Gordon has come on leaps and bounds this term with four goals, two assists and two man-of-the-match awards, and Godfrey ranks highly among his teammates in some key defensive areas (WhoScored).
Rated at £45m, £14.4m and £19.8m respectively, a value totalling £79.2m, selling them would increase the transfer budget significantly, although the Blues supporters would surely see keeping Gordon in particular as a big priority this summer.
In other news, find out what huge in-house EFC update has now emerged here!