All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers have begun to find their footing under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, after what was a dreary summer for the Old Gold.

From financial fair play (FFP) woes to the departure of Julen Lopetegui just five days prior to the 2023/24 Premier League season opener, it was a testing time for those at Molineux.

Ten games into the season and O’Neil is finally getting the best out of his side, who sit 12th in the league table having netted 13 goals, just 18 shy of their total tally of last term to highlight their progression under the new manager.

Unfortunately, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Midlands club, who were humbled last time out as star man Pedro Neto was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury, a sight no one wanted to see.

Pedro Neto injury news

The Portuguese winger pulled up during Wolves’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Molineux unchallenged and was stretchered off in what was an anxiety-ridden sight for those associated with the club to witness.

After struggling to fully emerge at Wolves over the years due to injury woes, Neto has finally hit top form this term, highlighted by his eight goal contributions in ten league appearances so far.

The 23-year-old currently tops the Premier League assists chart with seven, as his creative eye on the right flank continues to cause havoc, with him averaging a stellar 2.5 key passes per game.

Speaking after the Newcastle draw in which the winger was hurt, O’Neil provided a hopeful first-look evaluation of the Portugal international, saying that he was “moving around” after the game.

The manager spoke from the experience of Joe Hodge who also injured his hamstring this term, saying that as the midfielder was not out for long, he was “hopeful” that Neto will follow a similar fate.

With Hwang Hee-chan on the left, Matheus Cunha in the centre and Neto on the right, O’Neil has unlocked a new level of direct threat going forward, however the Englishman must now look for other options to fill the forward’s absence.

The stats that show Jean-Ricner Bellegarde could replace Pedro Neto

One player that the boss shed light on returning was deadline day signing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, saying that he will “find a way” to cope without Neto.

While fielding the typically central player on the flank is a less conventional rotation to make, the numbers suggest that the Frenchman could thrive in the role played by the injured number seven.

Prior to his move to Wolves, the 25-year-old had started the Ligue 1 campaign impeccably with Strasbourg, scoring two and assisting two in only three appearances for his former side.

Lauded as “incredibly direct” by football data expert Thom Harris after his debut against Liverpool, Bellegarde showcased just how frightening his talents can be when on the ball, suggesting he could replicate Neto’s dynamism in the wide channels.

Harris also noted the midfielder as being “versatile”, which would add even more of a claim to his potential of being utilised as a wide forward, with his statistics in France earlier in the season reinforcing his threat.

As per Sofascore, the £12.8m signing averaged an impressive 2.7 successful dribbles per game prior to his Ligue 1 exit, a higher average than that of Kylian Mbappe in the French top-tier, who averages 2.2 per game so far.

O’Neil could utilise the power and direct danger that Bellegarde causes when on the ball to fill the void left by Neto, in a move that could keep momentum going in the squad without their lead forward involved.

Leeds United's business over the summer has helped them to enjoy a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign as they aim for an instant return to the Premier League.

The Whites were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season to end their run of three years at the top table of English football, following their promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.

They now find themselves back in the Championship and fighting for promotion back to the big time, which is why they appointed second division expert Daniel Farke.

The 47-year-old tactician has won the league twice throughout his career, both times with Norwich City, and knows what it takes to get out of the second tier.

He was backed throughout the summer transfer window as Joel Piroe, Djed Spence, Jaidon Anthony, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Glen Kamara, Joe Rodon, Ilia Gruev and Sam Byram were all brought in.

That may not be the end of their business this season, though, as the Whites have been touted with an interest in Fenerbahce forward Ryan Kent.

Leeds transfer news – Ryan Kent and Amad Diallo

TEAMtalk recently reported that Leeds are one of three clubs eyeing up the English winger ahead of a possible swoop to sign him during the upcoming January transfer window.

Premier League side Bournemouth and Scottish giants Rangers are also looking at the possibility of a move for the former Liverpool prospect, who left Ibrox on a free transfer over the summer.

His move to Turkey has not been a roaring success, as of yet, and the report stated that Fenerbahce are now prepared to sanction a loan for the 27-year-old whiz for the second half of the season.

They are also willing to include an option to buy as part of any deal, which could allow Leeds to snap him up on a permanent deal next summer.

However, Farke could land a dream alternative to Kent by securing a loan for another talented winger – Amad Diallo from Manchester United.

The Whites were reportedly keen on a temporary deal for the Ivory Coast international over the summer but a knee injury in pre-season put any talk of a transfer to bed.

TEAMtalk have since claimed that the Red Devils are now prepared to send him out on loan for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign after he recovers from that pre-season blow.

Sunderland are said to be keen on a move to bring him back to the Stadium of Light after an impressive season on Wearside last term but Leeds must now reignite their interest in the young gem in January.

Amad could be a dream alternative to Kent as he is a proving Championship performer who showcased his ability at that level on a regular basis throughout the 2022/23 campaign and could, therefore, hit the ground running.

Whereas, Kent has spent the majority of his career in Scotland and has struggled since his move to Turkey earlier this year.

Ryan Kent's statistics since the start of last season

First of all, the 27-year-old flop has not made a positive impression on the pitch for Fenerbahce this season after his switch on a free transfer from Rangers.

The Oldham-born talent has only managed one goal and two assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish giants, and two of those three goal contributions came in Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Kent has produced zero goals and zero assists in seven Super Lig outings throughout the 2023/24 campaign, although he has only started one of those matches.

His lack of quality in front of goal is startling, however, the ex-Gers star could lay some of the blame with his teammates as he has created two 'big chances' and not been rewarded with any assists.

The English forward's struggles for Fenerbahce have come off the back of an impressive season with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership under Michael Beale last term.

Kent racked up three goals and eight assists in 29 top-flight appearances for the Scottish giants, alongside nine 'big chances' created and 1.9 dribbles completed per match.

Although, he did also end up with zero goals and zero assists in six Champions League starts for the Light Blues, which was, perhaps, a warning as to what might, or might not rather, happen against a higher calibre of opponent.

Amad, on the other hand, has no recent poor performances to put behind him and, instead, would arrive at Elland Road off the back of positive memories on the pitch last term.

Amad's Sunderland season in numbers

Sunderland snapped the former Atalanta prospect on loan for the 2022/23 campaign and he proved to be an inspired signing as the gem helped them to reach the play-offs.

Appearances

Six

41

46

Five

Goals

One

23

13

One

Assists

Three

Six

15

Zero

The 21-year-old maestro, who was hailed as "incredible" by Black Cats teammate Luke O'Nien, contributed with 14 goals and three assists across 29 starts in the Championship.

This means that Amad was directly involved in 17 goals in 29 league starts last season, which was six more than Kent managed in 28 starts during the same period.

The left-footed magician, who created four 'big chances' and completed 1.7 dribbles per match across those games, was Sunderland's top-scorer as he proved his worth as a regular source of goals from a wide position.

Although his current knee injury is a cause for concern, as there is no telling how it may or may not affect his performances on the pitch, the 5 foot 8 wizard's performances for the Black Cats suggest that there is a supremely talented player there for Leeds to bring in.

He is a proven Championship performer who could come in and hit the ground running to bolster Farke's hopes to win promotion to the Premier League during the second half of the season.

Whereas, Kent has not played in the second tier of English football since the 2017/18 campaign and would arrive off the back of a dismal first half of this term.

Therefore, Amad would be a dream alternative option for Leeds to sign on loan to add to their attacking options out wide, which is why they should swoop for him in January over the Fenerbahce forward.

Nottingham Forest are plotting a January swoop to sign a new striker who is currently playing his football overseas, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Steve Cooper's striker options running thin…

The Reds have Taiwo Awoniyi, Chris Wood and Divock Origi as their natural options at centre-forward as it stands so usually there wouldn’t be any need to enter the market to find further reinforcements, but the former has recently suffered a huge blow.

During the international break, Awoniyi sustained a serious groin injury, and having immediately undergone surgery to rectify his problem, Steve Cooper will now need to find a suitable replacement because his striker is set to be on the sidelines for months.

Nottingham Forest make enquiry regarding deal to sign "relentless" forward

The Reds are set to face stiff competition from one of their rivals in the Premier League.

ByChloe Chadwick Nov 29, 2023

The City Ground manager has turned his attention towards Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind, who has made a total of 54 appearances for his side since joining them from FC Copenhagen back in January 2022 (Transfermarkt – Wind statistics).

The Denmark international has firmly established himself as Niko Kovac’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.41 (WhoScored – Wolfsburg statistics), and the 24-year-old’s impressive form has caught the eye in the Midlands.

Evangelos Marinakis eyeing Jonas Wind

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Wind at the start of next year, though he's not the only candidate that the board are considering bringing to the Premier League in January.

"Nottingham Forest have set their sights on signing Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind ahead of the January window, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed the 24-year-old is one of several options being looked at as the new year approaches."

Cooper could land "great talent" in Wind

Across all competitions this term, Wind has posted 13 contributions (ten goals and three assists) in 14 appearances, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, so there’s no doubt it would be a coup if he was to put pen to paper at Nottingham Forest.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Hvidovre’s native has recorded 32 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Wolfsburg statistics), highlighting his constant desire to hit the back of the opposition’s net even if the end product doesn't always come to fruition.

Centre-Forward

159

Second Striker

17

Attacking Midfield

4

Left Winger

1 (Data via Transfermarkt)

In terms of experience, Kovac’s talisman has plenty of it having represented his country at the likes of the World Cup and the Euro’s, whilst competing in the Europa League for his club, so he knows what it takes to achieve big things and be successful at a high level.

Considering all of the positive qualities that he has, Wind is a “great talent”, as hailed by football scout Jacek Kulig, and with the difference he could make under Cooper, this is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue should the right opportunity present itself in January.

Liverpool weren't at their best – they were far from it in fact – but Jurgen Klopp's side emerged from Bramall Lane with three points against Sheffield United.

So often over the past year or so, the Reds have produced under-par performances against the ostensible lower sides in the Premier League – more than a few times failing to produce a winning display.

But last night, the Reds showcased their rekindled title credentials and maintained pursuit of first-placed Arsenal, who enjoy a two-point cushion after 15 matches. While it was not the most cohesive and high-octane of outings for the visitors, there were several standout showings, with Virgil van Dijk leading by example.

Virgil van Dijk's performance in numbers

Appointed captain in the summer following the exits of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, Van Dijk has been exceptional this season after struggling as Liverpool languished last year.

Minutes played

90'

Goals

1

Touches

99

Pass completion

92%

Tackles

2

Clearances

4

Interceptions

1

Duel success

6/8 (75%)

As the statistics show, the 32-year-old was as crisp as ever against the Blades and rebuffed danger whenever it drew near; the fact that Ibrahima Konate contested 24 duels, winning 20, as opposed to Van Dijk's eight illuminates the opposition's strategy of probing for openings away from his realm.

With Manchester City falling to defeat against Aston Villa, Liverpool are starting to unearth an almost tangible pathway to the Premier League title, and with their captain producing such mighty performances in the rearguard, this really could be realised.

In his post-match ratings, the Liverpool Echo's Paul Joyce was in awe and handed the 6 foot 4 titan and wrote: 'Superb defending stopped one Archer raid and emphatic first-time finish for the first goal. Marshalled the backline with a real captain’s showing.'

He wasn't the only player to shine, with Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly gliding into the next phase of his career and doing so with string-pulling brilliance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was "sublime" at Bramall Lane

Alexander-Arnold has been utterly mesmerising of late, really growing into the role of Liverpool's centrepiece, transcending the right-back typecast and emerging as something greater. Something ineffable.

Across his past four matches across all competitions, the 25-year-old has posted two goals and assists apiece, and he contributed to that tally last night after setting up the sole goal of the affair.

Playing the full 90, Alexander-Arnold's pinpoint delivery from the corner spot allowed Van Dijk to coolly breach Wes Foderingham's goal, also making two interceptions, a clearance and a tackle.

While the dynamic £180k-per-week star was dribbled past four times – perhaps the crux of his weakness – he remarkably took 115 touches and created seven key passes – for reference, Kevin De Bruyne averaged 3.1 key passes per game in the Premier League last season.

Joyce gave him an 8/10 match score, writing: 'Began to find his passing range and whipped in fine corner for the opener. By some distance Liverpool’s most creative force.'

Alexander-Arnold's willingness to serve as the fulcrum of his side's flow – and indeed his teammates' desire for him to take centre stage – is a testament to his unparalleled ability to manufacture openings from nothing.

In clashes such as the 1-0 win at Bramall Lane, when Liverpool are not quite clicking, Alexander-Arnold can conjure up moments of magic in an instant, and as Liverpool chase down the title, he will be right there, making the difference.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been handed a transfer boost over one of his targets, coming after "further talks" behind-the-scenes.

Spurs identify signing priority for January

The north Londoners are very keen to shore up their fragile backline next month, coming after a long-term injury to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's absence crippled them for a time.

Van de ven remains on the treatment table but is reportedly fighting to make his comeback next month, while Romero is often walking a tightrope when it comes to risking suspension.

Tottenham favourites to sign "serious" defender who's "similar" to Maldini

Mauro Tassotti thinks he resembles the Milan legend.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 16, 2023

Postecoglou has publicly admitted to wanting a new centre-half as a result, and it's believed they have their eyes on a few names heading into the January window.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, Genoa defender Radu Dragusin and others stand out as the most regularly mentioned centre-backs linked with Tottenham lately, but Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo appear to have climbed his way to the top of sporting director Johan Lange's target list recently.

The Frenchman has been an imperious member of Francesco Farioli's side, who are contending near the top of Ligue 1. Commanding a fee of around £35 million, Todibo represents both a quality and affordable option for chairman Daniel Levy.

Spurs hold "further" Todibo talks

According to an update by The Daily Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Spurs have held "further talks" to sign Todibo with the player's representatives. Indeed, they appear to be moving for the player quickly as Postecoglou seeks to make signings as soon as possible, rather than wait nearer to deadline day.

The Australian wants three new additions in the winter; a defender, midfielder and forward. In a boost for Tottenham's head coach, Todibo is believed to be keen on joining Spurs and Postecoglou's rejuvenated squad.

Todibo is one of a number of options being discussed behind the scenes, but the in-form ace is pretty enticing given his age, quality and £35m price tag. He's also been praised by numerous high-profile figures, like former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey and ex-Bayern Munich defender Dante.

“Of course, we would like Todibo to stay," said Dante when speaking at a recent press conference.

"But it can be complicated. We have to wait to see who will want to buy him and if everyone finds himself there. He is a leader, a very strong player mentally, he has improved a lot and he is ready to reach the very top level."

Ramsey, meanwhile, is convinced Todibo can reach the very peak.

“Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top," said Ramsey (via Get French Football news).

"For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible."

The defender, going by recent reports, may be edging closer to making an English move – and it could well be Tottenham.

Tottenham have now made a pre-January move for a new winger target as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to upgrade his wide options.

Spurs targeting forward signing in January

In recent weeks, Postecoglou appears to have rediscovered a winning formula with the attacking front four of Richarlison, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson.

Richarlison has bagged three goals in his last two Premier League games as the Spurs frontman, while Son is maintaining his excellent form despite being moved back out wide.

Ange handed Spurs injury boost after update on van de Ven and "quality" ace

The injured duo are “most advanced” in their recoveries.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 15, 2023

Kulusevski's replacing the injured James Maddison as Tottenham's central attacking midfielder, with Brennan Johnson now playing regularly on the right.

However, one thing supporters have learned from the last four weeks is that one or two injuries can really tip the balance and upset Spurs' run of good form. The January transfer window, which is set to open in just under a fortnight, represents a brilliant solution to Tottenham's lack of squad depth as they chase new signings.

Postecoglou confirmed that Spurs are working on transfers ahead of the winter market, and it is believed sporting director Johan Lange has his eyes on a new winger.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree," said Postecoglou on Spurs' transfer plans to Standard Sport.

"Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January."

The Lilywhites are targeting both Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior and Al-Ittihad ace Jota as possible options, according to recent reports, but it is now believed they also fancy Lazio star Felipe Anderson.

Spurs make pre-Januay move for Anderson

An Olympic gold medalist from the 2016 games in Rio, Anderson's spell in east London ended up being one to forget for the Brazilian.

Since joining Lazio, though, he has come on leaps and bounds as a regular under Maurizio Sarri. This season, Anderson has been a fixture in their starting eleven, providing more assists than any other player in Lazio's squad.

This has apparently attracted attention from north London, as TV Play claim Spurs have made contact to sign Anderson in the form of an enquiry.

The 30-year-old is also being targeted by AC Milan and Juventus, who are taking note of Anderson's exploits. His contract expires next summer, meaning Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could strike a fairly cheap deal as things stand.

Former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas, commenting on Anderson during his spell at West Ham, called him a player of "unbelievable" quality.

"All of these things he is doing are effortless to him," said Jenas on Match of The Day (via football.london).

"The quality he possesses is unbelievable. Make a good run, he's going to find you. He's not selfish. He should have had more than one. He's just kept coming back for more. The strength he showed too was too much. He's becoming that cult hero that West Ham love to have in their ranks."

Newcastle United are on a dismal run of form ever since the beginning of December. That 1-0 victory over Manchester United on the 2nd of the month seems like a distant memory now, with the Magpies having since suffered seven defeats in eight games.

What will worry Eddie Howe more is his side's defensive record. Newcastle have already conceded just four fewer goals in the 2023/24 campaign than the whole of last term.

Newcastle could land dream Lascelles upgrade in "underrated" £60m gem

Howe could look to bolster Newcastle’s defensive department this winter.

ByAdam Scully Jan 3, 2024

With the January transfer window now open, the Geordie outfit may need to sign some reinforcements at the back to stop the rot and Howe has already started compiling his list of targets.

Newcastle United transfer news – Jonathan Tah

According to a report from Football Transfers at the end of last month, Newcastle United are eyeing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen's star defender Jonathan Tah this month. The outlet are claiming that, while the Magpies may be under Financial Fair Play constraints this winter, the club see Tah as an affordable option.

It has been widely reported that the Germany international has a £15.5m release clause in his contract but this expired back in July. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old's market value is merely £26m, as per the CIES Football Observatory, so Tah could still be in Newcastle's price range.

There has been talk that the English club are also keeping tabs on Genoa's Radu Dragusin, with the Italian club holding out for £26m, although it is believed that Spurs will come out on top in the race for the Romanian central defender. Tah could prove to be a greater alternative.

Jonathan Tah's stats this season

Leverkusen are making an unprecedented push for the Bundesliga title, having never won the competition in the club's history. Under the guidance of Spanish legend Xabi Alonso, Die Werkself are top of the league by four points. Tah has been instrumental to Leverkusen's success thus far, having made 23 appearances in all competitions, while starting 15 of the side's 16 league outings.

The German's quality has been evident for some time. Five years ago, football agent Craig Honeyman described Tah as "an absolute monster" and admitted that the central defender would walk into any Premier League team. Now could finally be the right time for Tah to make the jump to England's top flight, having spent the past decade in the Bundesliga.

Newcastle seems like a great fit for Tah. Both club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar are on the wrong side of 30 and will need replacing in the near future, meaning there is a hole next to £35m signing Sven Botman in the backline that may need to be filled. Dragusin could be a good option for Howe's side but, statistically, Tah has been outperforming him, Lascelles, and Schar this season and could easily be Newcastle's best right-sided centre-half.

Goals

0.2

0.1

0.05

0.04

Expected Goals

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.05

Progressive Passes

4.16

1.61

2.41

3.86

Passing Accuracy %

94.9

81.8

85.7

85.5

Long Passing Accuracy %

76.6

50

55.1

60.1

Passes To Final Third

4.84

1.22

2.83

4.18

Tackles

1.05

0.83

1.14

1.27

Tackles Won

0.59

0.63

0.74

0.91

Aerial Duels Won %

84.2

69.5

68.1

45.8

Stats via FBref

In possession, transfer target Dragusin and Newcastle pair Lascelles and Schar don't come close to Tah's quality. Out of possession, the trio are comparable to Leverkusen's star defender but this can put be down to Alonso's side averaging 60.7% of the ball per game.

Given that Tah has the same market value as Genoa's asking price for Dragusin and is statistically an upgrade on Lascelles and Schar, Newcastle United must do everything in their power to entice the German to come to St. James' Park before the winter deadline passes.

Sunderland experienced stage fright on the biggest occasion this afternoon, the Tyne-Wear Derby won by Newcastle United as a result who ran the nervous Black Cats ragged all match in a 3-0 victory.

The obvious gulf in quality between the two sides really stuck out from the match, the Magpies exploding into life in the second half to make sure of a passage into the next round of the FA Cup but Eddie Howe's team barely broke a sweat in the first 45 minutes and led 1-0.

Michael Beale will have to lift his players after such a soul-crushing defeat when Sunderland return to Championship action, with various members of the first-team squad falling way below their usual standards.

Daniel Ballard had a topsy-turvy contest at the Stadium of Light to say the least, battling admirably with Alexander Isak moments before firing into his own net to give the away side from enemy territory the lead.

Daniel Ballard's game vs Newcastle in numbers

Ballard has been a consistent bright spark for Sunderland in the second tier this campaign, but had a notable off-day in the fierce showdown with Newcastle.

The former Arsenal man did show signs of his defensive acumen at points, battling well in one instance in the first half involving Isak breathing down on goal without giving away a silly foul.

Yet, all of his early good work was undone when the number five fired past Anthony Patterson in his own net to unfortunately gift the Magpies a golden opening strike – Ballard needing to be there in an effort to stop a Newcastle shirt from tapping home, a sickening moment for the centre-back.

Ballard's frustrations also came to the forefront late on when Anthony Gordon was unleashed into acres of space, the 24-year-old bringing the pacey winger down in the area to give Newcastle a penalty which was confidently dispatched.

Beale will hope that Ballard won't produce any clangers in the league similar to this display any time soon, the Newcastle attackers having a field day at the expense of the ropey defender.

Ballard wasn't the only shaky member of a susceptible back four, however, in the 3-0 defeat, with Trai Hume letting his side down constantly in the Tyne-Wear Derby at right-back too.

Trai Hume's game vs Newcastle in numbers

Extending his contract with the Wearside club in the off-season before this campaign got underway, Hume is a much-loved figure at the Stadium of Light who will pray that this display against Newcastle is a blip.

The expansive full-back did notch up two key passes in the loss, but it was his work at the back that continually let him down away from his creativity charging forward.

Giving away three fouls in the game, Hume was a little too rash and hot-headed when the hosts needed some more calm on the pitch.

Duels won

5/11

Possession lost

15x

Fouls given away

3

Touches

68

Passing accuracy

71%

Key passes

2

Stats by Sofascore

Moreover, Hume couldn't handle both Gordon and Miguel Almiron darting up the field in waves of attacking pressure with the Northern Irish full-back dribbled past twice.

It was his feeble display going into duels and keeping possession that also stuck out, winning just five of his 11 duels in the game whilst further losing possession 15 times which proved costly.

It led to football journalist Andy Tomlinson of the Roker Report brandishing Hume with a lowly 3/10 match rating in his post-match thoughts, a below-par day for the defender amongst a collective nightmare for Sunderland.

The first Tyne-Wear Derby since 2016 certainly lived up to its billing as an enthralling and entertaining spectacle, with Sunderland not wanting another contest of this magnitude for quite some now after being humiliated on their own patch.

Liverpool are believed to have sent scouts to watch a European club's "golden boy", and they must have liked what they saw having enquired about the cost of a potential deal.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are flying at the moment, topping the Premier League table by five points and looking completely revitalised after Jurgen Klopp's midfield rebuild last summer. That doesn't mean that new signings in the January transfer window wouldn't still be received positively by Liverpool supporters, however, in order to make their squad as strong as possible up against Manchester City in the title race, not to mention trying to win all four competitions they are playing in this season.

A host of names have been linked with moves to Anfield in recent times, with David Hancko and Goncalo Inacio both seen as strong centre-back targets, as they continue to shine for Feyenoord and Sporting CP respectively. Ousmane Diomande is another option, with Chelsea battling the Merseysiders for his services.

Borussia Monchengladbach's Ko Itakura has also been linked, with the Japan defender capable of excelling at both centre-back and in central midfield.

Liverpool scouting Bilal El Khannouss

According to Het Laatste Nieuws [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are interested in signing Genk youngster Bilal El Khannouss, having sent scouts to watch him in action.

The Reds have made enquiries regarding the acquisition of the highly-rated 19-year-old attacking midfielder, but face competition for his signature in the form of Atletico Madrid. The report states that he is considered to be Genk's current "golden boy", such is his potential, and the club's director, Dimitri De Conde, said last year:

"I have always said to Bilal and his entourage that we believe he should become the most expensive outgoing transfer in Belgian football."

El Khannouss is someone who could be such an eye-catching addition by Liverpool, at a time when it is important that Klopp continues to look towards the future, as he builds his 2.0 era at Anfield. The playmaker has been hailed as a "wonderkid with a huge future ahead" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and snapping up Europe's best young talent is something that the Reds should always be aiming to do.

Granted, breaking into Liverpool's midfield is going to be difficult for any player at the moment, following the successful signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch – Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have also come of age as players this season – but El Khannouss could be loaned out to begin with, in order to keep maturing as a player.

Impressive Liverpool whiz was Klopp's unsung hero alongside Nunez and Jota

The Reds central midfielder caught the eye with an excellent display in the middle of the park.

ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2024

The three-time capped Morocco international could then eventually become more of a key figure on Merseyside over time, assuming he keeps developing at his current rate, hopefully reaching the vast potential that he possesses.

The January transfer window has been discernibly slow across the park but West Ham United are picking up steam as David Moyes looks to combat a poor start to 2024.

Earlier this week, an exciting loan deal (with an option to buy) was struck with last season's treble-winning Manchester City for centre-midfielder Kalvin Phillips, while chatter has risen since regarding deals for wingers such as FC Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman and Portuguese ace Jota, seeking an exit from Al-Ittihad.

Phillips will instil composure in the midfield and can take control of matches through his tenacity and technical acumen, but Moyes appears to be targeting further arrivals and has shifted his attention to the German Bundesliga as he identifies the perfect player to come in and complete an exciting January transfer window for the club.

West Ham's January targets

Whether West Ham succeed in tying up a deal for a new winger remains to be seen at this stage but regardless of this endeavour, it would be wise to advance interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus, who could make the leap to England this month.

According to SPORT BILD, the German ace is seeking an exit from his side after becoming disillusioned under head coach Gerardo Seoane.

While there have been tenuous links across Europe, it's understood that there is concrete interest in the Premier League and the Hammers will rival Aston Villa for his services, with a loan move the most probable route this month.

Why West Ham want Florian Neuhaus

Once hailed as a "complete" midfielder who will be a "top-class player for many years to come" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Neuhaus, aged 26, has served Gladbach well since signing from 1860 Munich back in 2017, making 190 appearances, scoring 25 goals and supplying 26 assists.

Proficient with his gliding movements and spatial awareness, Neuhaus likes to operate between the lines and scan the action as it unfurls before him, picking his moment and moving into free space to latch onto passes and drive into the final third.

This season, he has only started seven times in the Bundesliga but does boast three goals for his labours, also racking up two assists in the DFB Pokal, and would add a dimension to West Ham's side, opening up another offensive angle from the centre of the park.

As per FBref, Neuhaus ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and shots taken, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for touches in the attacking box and the top 24% for progressive carries per 90.

Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have both picked up injuries this month and the latter faces several months on the sidelines in what is a shattering blow for the Irons, and Neuhaus offers the skill set to succeed the Brazilian; on a loan move too, this could be the perfect route for Moyes to delve down.

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Having spent much time with the Foals, perhaps Neuhaus needs a change of scenery to rekindle his best football, and at West Ham, the £66k-per-week star could provide the skills to finish the campaign with a bang, especially given that he's been remarked to play like Barcelona sensation Frenkie de Jong.

How Florian Neuhaus compares to Frenkie de Jong

Neuhaus, it would seem, does need to make a move this month, and with the ten-cap international said by an official Bundesliga player profile to offer immense close control and high-class distribution much like De Jong, it might be a worthwhile venture for Moyes' side, with a defensive aggressivity to boot.

One of the great passers of his generation, De Jong ranks among the top 3% of midfielders for pass completion and the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90, even heralded as a "generational genius" by writer Muhammad Butt.

Passing

Key passes

Through balls

Concentration

Aerial duels

Signing for Barcelona in a £65m deal from boyhood club Ajax back in 2019, the Dutchman indeed blends beguiling technique with crisp defensive work, winning 59% of his duels in La Liga this season and averaging 2.3 tackles per game.

The 26-year-old doesn't offer the same level of direct attacking ability as the 5 foot 11 Neuhaus, scoring only 16 times for La Blaugrana across 202 appearances, but is an elite operator in the centre of the park and is crucial to the build-up of many an attacking sequence.

De Jong has not played in the Premier League but was fiercely fought for by Manchester United back in 2022 and Barca and the Red Devils had even reached an agreement on a fee for €85m (£70m), though the move was scuppered due to complications with the players' salary and a reluctance to make the move to Old Trafford.

Nonetheless, he's one of the finest midfielders in the business and if West Ham were to secure the services of a player of similar style in Neuhaus – whose rise at Gladbach has been referenced as "incredible" by Gladbach sporting director Nils Schmadtke – Moyes could land the asset that ensures his United squad continue this remarkable chapter in the club's history.

With West Ham enjoying so much glittering success under Moyes' wing throughout the past several years, sealing a swoop for a player such as Neuhaus could be the perfect way to cement the strength of the midfield in a counterbalancing deal with Phillips.

Paqueta's not going to be returning to the grass any time soon and Neuhaus could be the enterprising player to spark success over the crucial next few months for the east London outfit, with continental qualification and silverware very much attainable.