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While Afghanistan coach Trott believes “pressure is on South Africa,” SA coach Walter says burden of past losses should not be borne by current crop of players

Sidharth Monga26-Jun-20243:14

Rob Walter: ‘Getting over the line in close games gives us confidence’

At the risk of navel-gazing and giving too much importance to mainstream media, it is hard to contemplate team representatives outnumbering the press at a press conference before a World Cup semi-final. South Africa’s head coach Rob Walter arrived with their media officer and security officer to speak to a total of one member of the press. This is not the first time it has happened with South Africa during this World Cup – they kicked off their campaign on Long Island similarly – but there is something eerie about a semi-final creating no buzz in one of the most passionate centres for cricket at the T20 World Cup 2024.Well, almost one of the most passionate centres. For this ground – Brian Lara Cricket Academy – is located 50km from Port-of-Spain, on the outskirts of San Fernando. The Queen’s Park Oval, owned by a private club, has refused to upgrade with the times and has been left behind, but taking such a showpiece event away from the historic venue in the heart of Port-of-Spain to a ground that doesn’t necessarily hold more people is akin to cutting the nose to spite the face.Then comes the schedule, which doesn’t even give teams the time to train. South Africa at least held an optional training session after having arrived on Monday night, but Afghanistan finished their qualification well into the wee hours of Tuesday for a match on Wednesday. So excuse them for not training a day before the semi-final.Related

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Not that the ICC would have thrown open the gates to the public to watch the training anyway. There are lessons to be learnt from MCG in Melbourne and Eden Gardens in Kolkata, two of the few international grounds where people can come and watch the nets.Despite all this and other problems, the World Cup has been a roaring success. On TV, that is. Perhaps that’s the future of the sport? The fans at the grounds are just not worth the bother. The carnival atmosphere that World Cups of sports carry doesn’t seem to be a prerequisite for the cricket one to be a success.Not that South Africa mind. They allegedly freeze under the spotlight so perhaps it is best to stay under the radar? “This is an empty hall, which is a good sign, I think,” Walter joked when asked if it felt like a semi-final. Before he put the press in its place: “It’s not really about the press but about the occasion, isn’t it?”Walter did say that you can’t mislead yourself into believing it is just another game. Better to embrace it and the emotions that come with it. How does it manifest? Do you train differently? Do you not sleep well?2:11

Fleming: How Klaasen plays spin could decide the game

Walter again joked he is not the best person to talk about the quality of sleep since his is never “very good”. “I think there’s always an energy that you can feel that’s tangible when it comes to a semi-final,” he went on to say. “There’ll be a mixture of emotions which is with anxiety but excitement and I think anyone in any sport, if they get to this phase of a competition, feels that. And so really, it’s just acknowledging that and accepting it and then just understanding what you’ll do with that. We still want to play our best cricket in the key moments of the game tomorrow.”It is being said that this South Africa is different because it has been winning close games, but is a convenient, almost unfalsifiable claim: if they fail to win the title, it will again be said that they failed to win “when it mattered the most”. Walter chose not to argue that point but said whatever near misses have taken place, in the past, the burden is not theirs to carry.”The near misses in the past, they belong to the people who missed them,” Walter said. “To be honest, this team is a different team. We own whatever is ours to own. And so, our nearest reflection point is this tournament where we’ve managed to get over the line. So that’s what we think about.”That is exactly what another South African by birth, Englishman by nationality, and Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott is focussing on. “We go into the semi-final with no scarring or no history with regards to semi-finals,” Trott said minutes after winning against Bangladesh. “This is uncharted territory for us. We’re just going to go out there and give it our all. There’s no preconceived ideas on it all, or history of failure or success in semi-finals in past years. For us it’s a new challenge, and I think that makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition.”Now that feels like a semi-final-level attempt at needling.

Birmingham City are reportedly in talks to complete the long-term signing of a top target in their third deal of matching kind this summer.

Birmingham have to be "picky", says Davies

The Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship, following such a dominant and memorable title-winning season in League One, with the club in an exciting place currently.

Manager Chris Davies has outlined Birmingham’s approach this summer, admitting that they now need to be “picky” with signings, which hasn’t always been the case under him.

“Last season we found that we were convincing players and selling them a project. I was saying to them, ‘Look, come here and in 10 months’ time we won’t be in League One, we’ll be a Championship team’. Now they’re coming to us. A lot more are coming to us, ‘We want to be part of this’.

“You’ve got to be a bit more picky now about who you engage with. Birmingham is a club that is going somewhere and everybody wants to be at a club that’s going somewhere. A lot of people are talking about the club around the country, and internationally as well, so people want to come here. It’s important now that we make sure we pick the right ones.”

Birmingham are being linked with some exciting players, from Tommy Doyle to Demarai Gray, and now it looks as though they are looking to get another important piece of business over the line.

Birmingham in talks to sign Davies permanently

According to a new update from Birmingham World, Birmingham are in talks with Ben Davies over completing a permanent move to the club, following a successful loan stint from Rangers last season.

The Englishman only has one more year remaining on his current deal in Scotland, so they may be happy to cash in on him now, with his current market value said to be £2m.

The club have already completed two deals of this kind this summer, turning the loan moves of Alfons Sampsted and Taylor Gardner-Hickman into permanent signings.

In Davies’ case, the former Liverpool defender made 35 appearances in League One overall, 32 of which were starts, and he averaged 6.2 clearances and 4.1 aerial duel wins per game en route to the Blues comfortably securing promotion to the Championship.

Ben Davies’ 2024/25 stats in League One

Total

Appearances

35

Starts

32

Minutes played

2959

Clearances per game

6.2

Aerial duel wins per game

4.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Goals

1

Assists

1

Now 29, Davies is a hugely experienced head who could be a great squad option for Birmingham, with Klopp speaking fondly of him after he arrived at Liverpool in a shock deal in January 2021.

“He’s a really good footballer, looks like a proper leader in this Preston team, good in challenges, looks football smart, can play different positions because he played in a back three and a back four and all these things. That makes him really interesting so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

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There are few negatives to Birmingham snapping up Davies this summer, and if he performs like he did last season, the Blues’ hopes of a good campaign will be improved instantly.

After agreeing a deal worth over £17m to sign Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo, with a medical now scheduled, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly submitted a bid to sign another impressive star.

Wolves on course to sign Fer Lopez

Having lost both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, Wolves were always likely to spring into action in the transfer window sooner rather than later. It’s a crucial summer for Vitor Pereira, who has the task of pushing the Midlands club into mid-table and away from the relegation zone once again in his first full season in charge.

Lopez’s arrival is a good start on that front. The 21-year-old winger is someone who is only likely to get better, but also a player who is perfectly capable of making an immediate impact. After scoring eight goals and creating another three in all competitions at Celta Vigo last season, the Spaniard will have his sights set on improving those numbers in the Premier League.

At over €20m (£17m), Wolves’ deal to sign Lopez may seem steep but they’ve still got money to spend after selling Cunha and Ait-Nouri for large fees earlier this summer. Just what they do with that money now that they’ve added Lopez is the big question.

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To that end, a number of rumours have already arrived. The likes of Robert Renan, who Pereira has worked with in the past, has been among the headlines in recent weeks but those in the Midlands have seemingly set their sights on a Ligue 1 star before anything else.

Wolves submit offer to sign striker Guessand

According to Africa Foot, Wolves have now submitted an offer to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice this summer. The French club reportedly value their forward at around €30m (£26m) and, whilst it is currently unknown just how much Wolves offered, that is a price tag that they should be able to afford in the coming months.

Like Lopez, Guessand would help to replace Cunha’s hefty output at Molineux, having scored 13 goals in all competitions for Nice last season and create another 10. Suddenly, in two transfers, Wolves could be adding 21 goals and 13 assists to their side to more than replace Cunha’s 23 goal involvements last season.

Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Guessand would represent another impressive piece of business if Wolves manage to reach an agreement with Nice this summer.

Chelsea are showcasing real ambition in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League next season, with the Blues looking back to manager Enzo Maresca after a successful debut campaign in the dugout.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more signings identified

On Wednesday, Chelsea officially announced the arrival of striker Liam Delap, who joins in a £30 million deal from Ipswich Town.

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Delap, who scored 12 league goals for the Tractor Boys last season, but couldn’t save them from relegation, will wear the number nine shirt and becomes eligible to take part in the Club World Cup later this month.

Liam Delap’s best Premier League games for Ipswich last season

Match Rating

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

Chelsea can register players in time for FIFA’s competition due to a unique mini-transfer window, which is open until June 10, with Maresca having four more days to reinforce his squad ahead of the tournament.

BlueCo want one or two more new arrivals through the door before their CWC campaign kicks off, and Stamford Bridge chiefs have a number of plates spinning.

Journalist Simon Phillips claims Chelsea held fresh talks over a deal for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato recently, with personal terms not seen as an issue considering the defender’s desire to join Maresca’s side.

Meanwhile, links continue to surround Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who could be their second striker signing after Delap.

As well as in attack and defence, Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro.

The France international, who captained Milan last season, is valued at around £25 million by the Rossoneri, despite his contract situation. Right now, Chelsea appear unwilling to go that far, but there is a major willingness from the 29-year-old himself to make the move happen.

Mike Maignan tells AC Milan he wants to join Chelsea

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, backing up other reports, Maignan has informed Milan that he wants to join Chelsea.

Convincing him is no issue, with the clubs now having to find common ground when it comes to his asking price. Maresca’s side only want to pay around £10 million for the keeper as things stand (The Mail), so there are plenty of negotiations still to be had if a deal is still possible.

This comes after another report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who told GiveMeSport that Maresca has personally approved Maignan’s potential switch to west London.

With Chelsea’s manager and the keeper wanting this deal done, they’re simply waiting for club-to-club talks to reach a positive resolution.

Maignan, described as a “world-class” shot-stopper, has plenty of top-level experience – which is something lacking in Chelsea’s overall squad – and is widely regarded as one of Serie A’s top keepers.

If Arsenal needed any more motivation to get over the finishing line next season, Tottenham Hotspur have just provided them with it.

With second place in the Premier League now practically secured, the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta can turn their attention to the summer transfer window and the hunt for a new striker.

Two of the strikers most heavily linked with a move to the Emirates over the last few months have been Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, although, with the former lacking experience in a top-five league and the latter potentially costing upwards of £150m, other options have also been floated.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta and Co are now interested in an ideal Gyokeres alternative who has won comparisons to the Toon star.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other strikers who have been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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The former has enjoyed another impressive season with RB Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 games, although such a rate of return has reportedly seen his release clause increase to around £75m.

Delap, on the other hand, has a release clause worth just £30m in his current contract, although, with 12 goals and two assists to his name in 36 Premier League games this season, he’d represent more of a gamble.

Moreover, if Arteta and Co really want someone who’d be a genuine alternative to Gyokeres, they’d have to be a proven goalscorer, such as Julián Alvarez.

According to a recent report from journalist Matías Palacios via the Spanish football program El Chiringuito, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in the Atletico Madrid star.

In fact, the journalist claims that the Gunners, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all “want” the Argentine this summer and that “meetings with the interested clubs will begin” next week.

A potential price tag for the striker is not mentioned, but as he cost the La Liga giants around £82m only last summer, we wouldn’t be surprised to see his valuation hit nine figures, especially as the CIES Football Observatory price him at €125m, which is about £105m.

With that said, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Alvarez, as not only could he be an ideal alternative to Gyokeres, but he’s also won comparisons to Isak.

How Alvarez compares Isak

So, before we look at some of the other reasons Arsenal should be looking to sign Alvarez this summer, we should examine this comparison to Isak and where it comes from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and concluded that the Swede is the tenth most similar forward to the Argentine across the last 365 days.

We can better understand their similarities by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including, but not limited to, expected assisted goals, progressive carries, shots on target and goals per shot, key passes, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Alvarez & Isak

Statistics per 90

Alvarez

Isak

Expected Assisted Goals

0.17

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.79

2.77

Shots on Target

1.23

1.32

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.21

Passing Accuracy

74.6%

74.7%

Key Passes

1.45

1.39

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.47

All Stats via FBref for 24/25

On top of the clear statistical similarities, the former Manchester City star has also scored a similar number of goals as the Newcastle ace this season.

For example, in 53 appearances, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by City content creator It’s LB, has scored 29 goals and provided six assists.

In comparison, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 27 goals and provided six assists in 41 games for the Magpies this term.

Finally, on top of the goals and similarities to one of the best strikers in the world, the Gunners should seriously consider signing Alveraz because he’s a proven winner, having won the treble with City in the 22/23 season.

Therefore, whatever it costs, Arsenal should look to bring the World Cup winner to N5 this summer, even if that means not signing Gyokeres.

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Arsenal have had some contact over signing an alternative to heavily-mooted striker target Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports, and it is believed the man in question would cost Andrea Berta a very affordable fee this summer.

Arsenal reportedly advancing on deal for Viktor Gyokeres

Multiple reports from Portugal this week indicate that the Gunners are making serious moves for Gyokeres already, with productive talks held ahead of Berta’s debut summer window at the Emirates.

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A Bola even reports that Arsenal are ready to offer the 26-year-old a four-to-five-year contract worth around £135,000-per-week, as they look to tempt Gyokeres with a blockbuster Premier League move after his scintillating 50-goal campaign.

Viktor Gyokeres stats by competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Primeira Liga

32

38

8

Champions League

8

6

Portuguese Cup

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

Supertaca

1

2

via Transfermarkt

That same outlet later shared information that Gyokeres has his “heart set” on a move to Arsenal, with Sporting demanding a fee of around £63 million to let their star striker leave, which comes as a major discount on his £84 million release clause.

Reports of this nature are understandably getting supporters excited, especially when factoring in Berta’s need to bring in a prolific centre-forward.

The former Coventry City star would be the ideal player to end Arsenal’s search for a proven front man, but the unpredictable nature of football transfer dealings means we cannot completely rule out the prospect of Mikel Arteta missing out on a move.

Chelsea are also on the look-out for a new striker, and there are suggestions of concerns within London Colney that their English counterparts could launch a hijack attempt by bidding closer to Gyokeres’ release clause (Corriere de Manha).

Some media sources suggest that Arteta actually prefers RB Leizpig starlet Benjamin Sesko to Gyokeres as well, so there could be many twists and turns still to come in Arsenal’s pursuit of a number nine.

Arsenal in contact over signing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic

There are more alternatives to Gyokeres reportedly being considered by Arsenal, and one of them is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are in contact to be kept informed on Vlahovic’s situation, even if he’s further down on Berta’s shopping list.

The Serbia international has hit double figures over his last two campaigns at Juve, and four of his 14 strikes in all competitions this season have come in blockbuster Champions League encounters, so he’s an option capable of performing on the biggest stages.

Vlahovic, after failing to agree a new contract, is also free to depart Turin, and his agents have been reaching out to numerous Premier League sides, including Arsenal, in an attempt to find a new club.

What’s more, Juve could green-light his sale for just £25 million, making Vlahovic one of the potential bargains of the summer.

“I’ve been saying it for a long time,” said ex-Juve striker Roberto Boninsegna about Vlahovic.

“He’s strong, massive, he fills up front, he’s a reference, he’s a ‘left-footer’ full of courage. A good centre-forward.”

Liverpool’s attack has played a huge role in their Premier League success this campaign, allowing Arne Slot to claim the title during his first season at the helm.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the major contributing factor to the levels they’ve hit, notching 46 combined goals and assists in his 35 appearances to date.

Such a record has led to the Reds scoring 81 times in England’s top-flight, the most of any side in the division, certainly handing the manager something to build on in 2025/26.

However, despite the success, Slot has wasted no time in making reinforcements in the final third during the summer window, with incomings and outgoings expected.

With just a couple of weeks until the market opens, multiple players have already been touted with a switch to Anfield, strengthening the options at the Dutchman’s disposal.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been high on Liverpool’s wish list over recent months, with various names touted to potentially take the number nine spot after the summer window.

Liam Delap is the latest name thrown into the mix in recent days, potentially being a bargain option given his £30m relegation release clause within his current deal at Ipswich Town.

However, he’s not the only attacker linked with a switch to Merseyside over the coming months, with the Reds already making a move to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to TBR Football.

The report states that the club have already been in contact with the 24-year-old’s representatives over a switch to join the club, with the Brazilian open to a move to England.

It also claims that he’s unhappy with his lack of game time at the Bernabeu, with talks once again being held for his signature after trying to land the forward last summer.

The Liverpool target who could be their own Alvarez

Alongside Rodrygo, Liverpool have also been largely touted with a move to sign Atlético Madrid talisman Julian Alvarez during the off-season, subsequently improving the options at Slot’s disposal.

A deal for the Argentine could be tricky given the fact he only moved to the LaLiga side last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth in the region of £80m.

However, current Reds star Darwin Núñez has been rumoured to be a bargaining tool in such a transfer, potentially lowering the fee for any deal to see the 25-year-old return to the Premier League.

Such a deal may prove to be too expensive, with a switch for Rodrygo potentially allowing the club to land their own version of Alvarez – that’s if stats from 2024/25 are to be believed.

The pair are ranked as similar players by FBref, with the Real Madrid sensation outperforming the Atlético talent in various key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by boss Carlo Ancelotti, has managed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more take-ons and more passes completed per 90 – handing the likes of Salah the opportunity to further increase their own impressive tallies.

How Rodrygo compares to Alvarez in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Alvarez

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

11

17

Progressive carries

5.3

2.7

Progressive passes

5.1

3.1

Pass accuracy

86%

74%

Passes into final third

3.1

1.5

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.1

Carries into final third

4.1

1.8

Aerials won

30%

29%

Stats via FBref

Rodrygo has also won more of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing Slot another all-round presence within the final third of making it back-to-back titles at Anfield.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Rodrygo would set the hierarchy back this summer, but his talents are evident for all to see, given the stats he’s produced during the current campaign.

Alvarez would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the club, but if they are unable to land the Argentine, it’s evident that other super options are available within the market during the off-season.

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Leeds United have given themselves a chance to hit a century of points in the Championship for the first time in club history on the final day against Plymouth Argyle.

Daniel Farke’s side put on a show against Bristol City at Elland Road on Monday night, winning 4-0 under the lights, and are on 97 points heading into the last game of the season.

The West Yorkshire outfit have already secured their place in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign, having gained automatic promotion alongside Burnley last week.

There is still the small matter of the league title to battle the Clarets for, however, before attention can fully turn to the upcoming summer transfer window.

After the win over Bristol City, Farke revealed that there will be “tough” and “difficult” decisions to be made on players in the squad, as Leeds look to build a team that is capable of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has sparked debate among supporters is Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe, who is unproven in the top tier of English football.

Why Leeds may have to replace Joel Piroe

The former Swansea City number nine added a seventh assist to his season tally of goal contributions in the 4-0 win over Bristol City on Monday night, with a sumptuous cross-field pass to Wilfried Gnonto.

Piroe is also the top scorer in the Championship, with 19 goals in 45 appearances, and has outperformed his xG of 16.54 – helped by his recent four-goal haul against Stoke City.

Despite all of his contributions in the final third, Norwich City striker Josh Sargent was selected ahead of the Leeds attacker in the official EFL Team of the Season, voted for by the players.

Whilst Piroe has delivered goals and assists for the Whites, the Dutch striker’s all-round game leaves a bit to be desired, and former Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szomodics is a good example of how difficult the transition from the Championship to the Premier League is if you lack the physical attributes to make the step up.

Championship

Sammie Szmodics (23/24)

Joel Piroe (24/25)

Appearances

44

45

Goals

27

19

Assists

4

7

Duels won per game

2.5

1.6

Ground duel success rate

43%

33%

Aerial duel success rate

30%

20%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Szmodics rarely won duels and was dominated on the deck and in the air by opposition defenders in the second tier, but was still able to notch 31 goal contributions.

In the Premier League, however, the Ireland international has continued to lose the majority of his duels (64%) and has only racked up four goals and zero assists in 19 matches for Ipswich Town.

He has not been able to impose himself on games without the physical attributes, whether that be speed or simply strength in duels, and Piroe, as shown by his statistics in comparison to Szmodics’ in the Championship, could suffer similar problems.

With this in mind, Leeds must consider making a move to land an upgrade on the Dutchman in the summer transfer window, which they could do by swooping for one of their reported targets.

Leeds United's interest in £40m Premier League striker

Back in February, OnTheMinute reported that Leeds United are one of several clubs interested in a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.

The report claimed that the Whites are keeping tabs on the Denmark international because Farke believes that he is a player with big potential at Premier League level, and that the manager believes that the star would be interested in a move to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

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OnTheMinute added that West Ham United and Juventus have also been linked with a move for the striker, which suggests that Leeds could face significant competition for his services this summer.

The outlet revealed that, despite Hojlund joining the Red Devils for a fee of £72m from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, he could be available for a fee of £40m, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are prepared to spend that much money on him to bolser their squad.

Why Leeds should sign Rasmus Hojlund

The 49ers should push the boat out to land the Denmark international for £40m ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League because he could come in as an immediate upgrade on Piroe for Farke.

Hojlund, despite enduring a difficult season this year, has previously showcased his quality in the Premier League and the Serie A for Manchester United and Atalanta, and boasts the physical attributes to compete at the top level.

Content creator Alice Talks Football described the forward as a “physical monster” who has the “speed” and “athletic qualities” required at Old Trafford, whilst there remain question marks over whether or not Piroe has the athletic qualities required for the top-flight.

Hojlund, playing in a struggling Manchester United side, has scored four goals from 3.84 xG in 20 starts in the Premier League this season, but displayed more quality in the final third in the previous two campaigns.

Rasmus Hojlund

22/23 Serie A

23/24 Premier League

Appearances

32

30

xG

9.47

7.64

Goals

9

10

Assists

2

2

Duels won per game

3.0

2.8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old attacker scored 19 goals in the Serie A and the Premier League combined, overperforming his xG overall, in those two seasons, whilst winning more duels per game than Piroe has managed in the Championship this term.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the young marksman, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed has “electric pace”, to be a big goal threat for Leeds, as well as a ‘physical monster’ with his strength, athletism, and speed.

Hojlund could provide Farke’s team with a useful athletic presence at the top end of the pitch, and one that Piroe may not be able to provide based on his lack of mobiltiy at Championship level.

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Therefore, despite his goal return this season, Leeds could land an instant upgrade on the Dutchman by splashing £40m on this Premier League centre-forward.

Ipswich Town blissfully shrugged off the grim fact that a Premier League relegation looks a nailed-on possibility before their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Amazingly, the travelling Tractor Boys raced into a two-goal lead in the first half to stun the Stamford Bridge masses, but a share of the points was the final outcome for a relieved Enzo Maresca.

Kieran McKenna would have taken a lot of positives out of the entertaining 2-2 draw, knowing that some of the personnel who battled well with the Blues will be around next season when promotion is on the agenda.

What Ipswich's rebuild could look like

Away from the likes of Liam Delap and Leif Davis potentially leaving, McKenna will be hopeful that his tight-knit group stays together for the challenge of instantly returning to the Premier League.

He will certainly be calling upon goalkeeper Alex Palmer as his no.1 in the Championship, with the January signing already well accustomed to the second tier with ex-side West Bromwich Albion, on top of tallying up eight crucial saves in West London.

Moreover, faces such as defender Dara O’Shea should continue to start week in week out under McKenna, with the Irishman tallying up a whopping 11 clearances whenever Chelsea bombed forward.

But, with Delap potentially on his way out, how might the attack look?

Well, both George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead could benefit from more game-time by dropping down a division, with the lively pair in and out of the Ipswich starting lineup this season despite amassing 30 goal contributions between them when automatic promotion glory became reality.

Both players did start the contest at Chelsea and shone, but there’s one new standout talent in the Tractor Boys ranks who’s worth even more than the aforementioned duo and he caused the Blues a lot more bother on Sunday.

The "terrific" talent worth more than Hirst & Broadhead

One problem area for Ipswich next season could be down the right wing, with Omari Hutchinson another first-team figure who might fancy a Premier League stay at a different outfit rather than sticking it out at Portman Road.

With the likes of Wes Burns also injury-prone on the right flank, McKenna might well be calling upon ex-West Ham United man Ben Johnson as a first-team regular in this spot more often in the second tier, having been blown away by his quality up against Maresca’s hosts.

Johnson got up and running for Ipswich in terms of goals when powering home a header past Robert Sanchez, with the versatile 25-year-old also picking up his third assist of the Premier League season when helping Julio Enciso to fire home the opener.

These four goal contributions have come about despite Johnson only making 12 starts for the Tractor Boys in league action, but his impactful cameos here and there have made him a definite worthwhile signing, with the Ipswich number 18 entering the building last summer on a shrewd free transfer.

Johnson’s numbers for Ipswich (24/25)

Stat

Johnson

Games played

19

Games started

12

Minutes per game

61 mins

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Transfer value now

£6.8m

Sourced by Sofascore/ Transfermarkt

Now, off the back of his heroics in Suffolk, the 25-year-old’s transfer value – as per Transfermarkt – stands at a sturdy £7m, which is way above Hirst and Broadhead’s valuations in the process who are both worth a lesser £4m in contrast.

Heralded as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango when initially cutting his teeth at West Ham, Johnson could become even more important to the Ipswich cause when relegation is confirmed, with his ability to play all over the pitch a useful asset to have across a bumper 46-game campaign.

Both Hirst and Broadhead will also have key roles to play in the second tier, with the near future at Portman Road not all doom and gloom if their wounds are sutured quickly after their one-season Premier League adventure.

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It’s no secret that this has been an incredibly turbulent season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s job is currently hanging by a thread, and if his side don’t win the Europa League, then it’ll truly be a year to forget.

Fortunately, the transfer window is just around the corner, and with it, there is a chance to reinforce the squad with genuine quality, but even then, problems could be ahead.

For example, recent reports have claimed that one of the club’s most important stars is on the wishlist of a European giant and could leave in a move reminiscent of Kyle Walker’s all those years ago.

Spurs' potential exits

There isn’t just one first-team player who might be on the way out of Spurs in the summer, as reports from late last month revealed that the midfield could be in for a big revamp.

In particular, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur could be up for sale, with the former catching the eye of fellow Premier League side Everton and the latter simply “not part of Tottenham’s plans moving forward”, according to former scout Mick Brown.

However, while plenty of fans might be okay with their exits, they might be less so if Cristian Romero also leaves.

Transfer Focus

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

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Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Argentine has been a key target for Atlético Madrid ‘for weeks’, and to make matters worse, Diego Simeone has personally contacted the player.

Moreover, the report has claimed that the interest is mutual and that the Spanish giants are ”studying an offer that can convince’ the North Londoners into selling, which, according to another story, could be around the £67m mark.

It would be a sizable sum of money for Tottenham, but losing Romero could be a massive blow, akin to losing Walker in 2017.

Why Romero could be Walker 2.0

Spurs have made several defensive sales in the years since Walker left the club, including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Juan Foyth, and Toby Alderweireld. So, what makes this potential transfer so similar to the Englishman’s?

Well, there are a few reasons, the first being just how much money could be involved.

When the former Lilywhites star was sold to City in 2017, he went for a massive fee of up to £53m, and while that ended up being value for money, it was a world record for a defender at the time.

Granted, if the former Atalanta star does join Atlético in the coming months, it won’t be for another world-record fee, but it will be the most the North Londoners have got for a defensive player and the third-highest fee they’ve received full-stop, behind only Harry Kane and Gareth Bale.

The second similarity is that, like the multiple Premier League champion, the Córdoba-born World Cup winner would be leaving N17 as one of the club’s most important players.

Romero’s Spurs career

Appearances

115

Goals

7

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

29

Second Yellows

3

Red Cards

1

Points per Game

1.69

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, while he’s missed much of this season due to injury and fitness issues, the 6 foot 1 “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, has made 115 appearances for the club, in which he’s scored seven goals, provided one assist and been named as one of the squad’s co-vice-captains.

So, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to suggest that losing someone Lionel Messi describes as “the best defender in the world” would be just as, if not more, devastating to the North Londoners than losing Walker was.

Ultimately, if Romero is set on going, then Spurs might just have to make peace with it and get as much money for him as possible. However, if there is a chance he wants to stay, then they should be doing all they can to tie him down to a new deal, as they might find it as hard to replace him as they did Walker.

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