GOAL analyzes the weekend for the USMNT's biggest stars across European competition

It's a pretty big week. The transfer window slams shut on Friday. The international break is right around the corner. And, just a few games into the European season, the U.S. men's national team's biggest stars are setting the tone for what this season is going to look like.

For some, the season started hot. There have been goals. Plenty of them. Christian Pulisic got one this week. He certainly wasn't alone. From superstars to fringe players, there has been no shortage of big moments in just these first two weeks.

In some ways, it's been a tale of extremes. While several Americans are dominating early, others find themselves glued to the bench. Given where we are in the summer, that's concerning for some key players. Time is running out for a big change.

Much may change over the next few days and, for some, so much will have to if they want to remain in the USMNT picture. For many, this week might just define what the next few years could look like.

Let's see where all of the pieces end up. GOAL takes a look at the most significant takeaways from Americans Abroad over the weekend.

• Getty
  

  Tough start for Milan, big goal for Captain America

  It's all been a mess so far at Milan. A draw with Torino was followed by a loss to newly-promoted Parma. These are supposed to be gimmes for title contenders. Milan clearly isn't that.

  Christian Pulisic made his mark, though, scoring a goal that put him in the history books.

  With his goal in the 2-1 loss to Parma, Pulisic became the first American to score in 10 different seasons in Europe's top five leagues. Of course, Pulisic still has plenty of time to add to that record int he years to come.

  The goal wasn't outrageously special. Rafael Leao did most of the hard work, centering it to Pulisic and allowing him to simply turn it in. It was a case of right place, right time, but, hey, you take those, don't you?

  Pulisic is coming off his best individual season, and this campaign is about proving that wasn't anything close to a fluke. The hope is that Pulisic takes an even bigger leap forward this season, becoming an even more dominant presence in the Milan attack.

  Those around him are struggling mightily, but Pulisic has his goal, which is something positive to take from what has been a disastrous start for Milan.

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• Getty Images
  

  Should we be worried about Balogun?

  Being benched as Monaco turned to a kid instead? Not ideal.

  That's what happened with Balogun this past weekend, as Monaco earned a 2-0 win over Lyon. After a rough season opener, Balogun was relegated to the bench, with Moanco starting Breel Embolo up top with Eliesse Ben Seghir, Takumi Minamino and Maghnes Akliouche just behind.

  That part's fine. A change in formation sometimes moves things around. What wasn't fine was that Adolph Hutter turned to 18-year-old forward George Ilenikhena to replace Embolo in the second half. Despite his ability to inject life into a game, as he did with the USMNT in Copa America, Balogun was passed over.

  OK, so don't read into it too much. He was selected to start the first game, after all. However, it is worth keeping an eye on as Balogun's spot at Monaco is far from guaranteed.

  That could end up being a good thing for a player who also faces a fight to remain the USMNT's starting No. 9. It's a big season for Balogun to now prove that he can be a major contributor at a club such as Monaco and for a national team like the U.S.

• Getty
  

  Championship, stand up

  If you love American soccer and haven't been watching the Championship, boy, have you been missing out.

  This week, it was headlined by Brenden Aaronson, who is proving the doubters wrong at Leeds. With his goal in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United, Aaronson now has two in three games, which is huge for the young American. After two difficult seasons at Leeds and Union Berlin, many wrote off Aaronson. But still just 23, Aaronson has something to say about that. Often criticized for his physical profile, Aaronson is scoring in the world's most physical league. It's a huge statement, for sure.

  Know who else is making statement after statement? Josh Sargent. He also already has two goals this season, following up on a 16-goal breakout last season. We haven't seen a healthy, confident Sargent in a USMNT jersey, maybe ever? Could this finally be his chance to really make his mark for the national team?

  Either way, among Aaronson, Sargent, Haji Wright, Auston Trusty, Ethan Horvath, Aidan Morris and, soon, Daryl Dike, it's worth keeping a close eye on England's second tier this season.

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  PSV goes nuclear

  It was like a riff on the old Oprah meme. You get a goal! You get a goal! You get a goal!

  By the time it was all said and done, PSV had cruised to a 7-1 win, and CONCACAF players had hands all over it.

  Malik Tillman scored one. So, too, did Ricardo Pepi. Mexican international Hirving Lozano joined them on the scoresheet as well. Richy Ledezma, the young American midfielder-turned-fullback, must have felt left out as, despite completing 92 of his 97 passes, he somehow didn't even get an assist.

  This is the what PSV can do to teams in the Eredivisie. They nearly went unbeaten last season and, based on this performance, they're out for more blood. This team is very good, and Americans are playing their part.

  Tillman is a locked-in starter. Ledezma, surprisingly, is getting there based on these early-season performances. Pepi will need to prove himself more as he remains No. 2 behind Luuk de Jong but, for now, we'll just celebrate his goal. And then there's Sergino Dest, waiting in the wings as he continues his recovery.

  Pepi's situation is the one drawback and that will need to get sorted. For now, though, it's fun just watching PSV go crazy against an overwhelmed opponent, particularly when it's a group of familiar faces leading the charge.

Galatasaray are in talks with Napoli to sign Victor Osimhen, who saw moves to Chelsea and Al-Ahli fall through.

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Osimhen could finally leave NapoliGalatasaray in talks to sign forwardFailed to secure a move to Al-AhliWHAT HAPPENED?

Osimhen had desperately pushed for a move away from Napoli while the summer transfer window was open. He was linked with moves to Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, but they didn't materialise and he remained stranded in Italy. Soon after the deadline day was over, the striker was banished from Napoli's first team as Romelu Lukaku took his place as well as his shirt number.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, an opportunity has come for the Nigerian striker to finally complete his transfer away from the Serie A side as Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Turkish giants Galatasaray are working on a deal to sign him. They have initiated talks with the Italians and could end up signing him on a loan deal before the transfer window closes in Turkey on September 13.

DID YOU KNOW?

Galatasaray are looking for a big name in their attack after Mauro Icardi suffered an injury. The club are also looking to switch to a 3-5-2 formation as they envisage a partnership of Osimhen and Icardi upfront.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GALATASARAY?

While the club continue negotiations with Napoli behind the scenes, they will be next seen in action after the international break as they take on Rizespor in a Turkish Super Lig clash on September 15.

Kane Williamson, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Ross Taylor took the limited-overs honours at the New Zealand Cricket annual awards.Williamson claimed the men’s ODI player of the year title following his outstanding 2019 World Cup campaign where he was named player of the tournament with 578 runs at 82.57.ALSO READ: Tim Southee and Tom Latham take first-class honours at NZC awards“Kane fully deserved his selection,” men’s head coach Gary Stead said. “He builds great partnerships with our well-established middle order and when he bats deep in an ODI innings, we’ll invariably be in a good position to win most of those matches.”He leads the team well, he has his own style and certainly the respect of his peers. His calm, purposeful demeanour flows through his leadership and, in turn, the team.”Bates was named the women’s ODI player of the year after making two half-centuries in three matches against South Africa – the team’s only games in the format over the last 12 months.On the T20 front, Devine’s prolific run continued to be recognised with the women’s award after she became the first player – male or female – to score five T20I half-centuries in a row, which she extended to six while amassing 429 runs over the period.”What can I say? Sophie had an exceptional season with the bat in T20 cricket,” women’s head coach Bob Carter said. “Our T20 side is at its best when Sophie is scoring runs at the top. She gives others around her the freedom to play their natural game”Sophie’s ability with the ball in T20 cricket goes under the radar at times. She will often step up and bowl the hard overs and uses changes of pace to her advantage. She is a top quality all-rounder and an exceptional T20 talent.”Taylor took the men’s T20 award after consistent returns against Sri Lanka, England and India.The final group of awards, which are being done virtually due to covid-19, will be announced on Friday and include Test player of the year, umpire of the year and the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal.

Despite spending close to £1 billion on transfer fees since the summer of 2022, Chelsea have actually done a fantastic job at keeping a lid on the majority of player wages.

Excluding four players, the entire squad is earning less than £200k-per-week, which is relatively impressive for a club of Chelsea’s stature.

On top of that, most of the Blues signings this season have been hits, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson thriving in their new colours with 21 and 14 league goals apiece.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at one player who’s struggled to have a huge impact this season, despite earning five times more than Jackson.

Raheem Sterling’s 2023/24 stats

Since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, Raheem Sterling’s role in the starting team hasn’t been as frequent, with Mykhailo Mudryk sharing the left-wing spot.

Nonetheless, the England international has still made 21 Premier League starts in 29 appearances, boasting an average of 65 minutes per game.

After sitting on the bench against West Ham United, Sterling was the hero against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, scoring to help Chelsea overturn a 2-1 deficit at the City Ground, which took his tally for the season to seven league goals.

Additionally, the former Manchester City star has provided four assists, which makes him the fourth-highest Premier League goal contributor for Chelsea this season with 11.

Despite boasting relatively respectable statistics this season, the number seven still hasn’t convinced the Argentine that he should be the first-choice left-winger, but one thing is certain: he’s not justified his salary.

Sterling’s wage compared to Nicolas Jackson’s

Since joining in the summer from Villarreal for a fee of £30m, Nicolas Jackson has developed into a vital player for Chelsea, and he’s finally hit form at the business end of the season.

The Senegal striker has played 33 Premier League games in his debut campaign, with Pochettino sticking by the 22-year-old despite the fact that he’s missed 23 big chances this season.

Luckily, he’s discovered how to find the net more frequently, taking his goals tally to 14 league goals this season, as well as supplying five assists.

This return is obviously superior to what Sterling has produced this season, but how do the duo compare in terms of their wages?

1. Raheem Sterling

£325k

2. Christopher Nkunku

£195k

3. Mykhaylo Mudryk

£100k

4. Cole Palmer

£75k

5. Nicolas Jackson

£65k

As you can see in the table above, Sterling is by far the highest earner at Chelsea, on a whopping wage of £325k per week, which, for context, is £45k-per-week more than Arsenal’s highest earner and former Blue, Kai Havertz.

For such high wage demands, the expectation would be for the English winger to put up similar numbers to Jackson, who earns just £65k-per-week.

When broken down, this means that Sterling currently earns five times more than Chelsea’s second-highest top scorer, which is rather shocking.

However, there’s no doubt that on his day, Sterling can be “unplayable,” as dubbed by journalist Bobby Vincent, but consistency has to be a minimum requirement for that wage to be justified.

Furthermore, the fact that Sterling has another four years on his contract indicates that his salary could become a problem if performances don’t improve.

Overall, it’s no surprise to see that Chelsea could listen to offers for Sterling this summer as they look to increase funds and reduce the wage bill.

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Quick-to-quick, bowlers prepare for hostilities to resume

Valkerie Baynes14-Jun-2020There will be no place for friendship when West Indies take on England belatedly this summer, Kemar Roach has warned fellow Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer.While no one will be happier to see each other on a cricket pitch than the combatants when their long-awaited three-Test series gets underway behind closed doors at the Ageas Bowl on July 8, destructive West Indies fast bowler Roach says his team’s focus will be purely on winning.”Jofra has made his decision and I think he’s done a fantastic job so far in his career but obviously there’s no friendships and stuff in this series,” Roach said via video conference on Sunday. “It’s all about winning and playing hard cricket so when we come up against Jofra I think we’ll devise a fantastic plan to counter him. I’m looking forward to that battle and we as a team are doing the same.”I saw him as a youngster in domestic cricket back home in Barbados. I always thought he was talented and he has shown that over the years. He came over here and he has done a fantastic job and I want to wish him all the best for his career.”Asked if Archer, who faced West Indies at the World Cup but is set to play them for the first time in Tests since qualifying to represent England last year, could come in for some extra verbal attention when the sides meet, Roach said: “We’ll see when that comes round, we’ll definitely see.”ALSO READ: West Indies ready to defend our trophy – SimmonsRoach has enjoyed red-ball success against England at home and abroad. His 5 for 17 in the first Test at Bridgetown in January 2019 was instrumental in bowling England out for a first-innings 77 and setting West Indies off to an eventual 2-1 series win. He also took 5 for 72 at Lord’s in 2017, although England won the match and clinched the series 2-1.Having taken 42 wickets against England, 19 of those in England, Roach is now just seven wickets shy of the 200-mark in Tests and he is looking forward to reaching the milestone during their upcoming contest, in what he described as a “fast-bowling paradise” where he expects West Indies’ bowlers to present similarly hostile tactics to those that delivered victory in their most recent series.”Different conditions obviously to the Caribbean, the ball does a little bit more in England so we have to adjust our plans, obviously devise a great plan to go against the English batsmen but I don’t think our mode of attack is going to change much,” Roach said. “You saw it in the Caribbean and it’s pretty fresh in our minds.”It’s always going to be tough to play in England but I think once you get stuck into them we stand a great chance of beating them. Our plan was always to make it tough for the England batsmen. I think we did that fantastically well. Once you can execute that again here, I don’t see any reason why you can’t cause trouble and get over the English batsmen.”Kemar Roach arrives at Manchester Airport with his West Indies team•Getty ImagesThe ban on using saliva to shine the ball in an attempt to limit the risk of infection amid the Covid-19 pandemic has brought some challenges, as has becoming used to extra safety precautions being the norm, such as wearing masks and gloves while preparing for the series in quarantine since their arrival in Manchester last Tuesday. But Roach said the team felt secure within their training set-up.”Everything is here,” Roach said. “The rooms are on the compound and it’s just a walk over to the nets and it’s fantastic. It really breeds a great work ethic.”The atmosphere out here is pretty chilly so there’s not much sweat that you can produce. There’s plenty of other ways to shine the ball. No saliva’s allowed so it’s pretty tough but we’re coming up with some ways that we can probably get a good gloss onto the ball. It takes a lot more practice but we’re going to keep working at it and then we’ll see what’s the best way going forward.”West Indies’ bowling attack could yet be strenthened by the return of Shannon Gabriel, who – while not part of the 14-man Test squad – is among 11 reserves while he continues to recover from an ankle injury.Meanwhile, already within the Test squad and poised to break through for his debut is another Barbadian quick, Chemar Holder, whom Roach rates highly: “The future of West Indies fast bowling is obviously in good hands with him around.”It was a sentiment echoed by West Indies head coach Phil Simmons.”His ability to hit the right length, he’s got good pace, higher 80s [mph] and his all-round stamina and his ability to bowl long spells – I think that gives him a lot of pluses in being a fast bowler and someone who can spend a long time in the West Indies cricket team,” Simmons said. “He has a lot of attributes that would make him one of the greats of West Indies cricket in the future.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar do 9º lugar na classificação da Série B, Marcelo Chamusca acredita que o Botafogo joga para estar em um lugar maior. O treinador avaliou, em entrevista coletiva após a derrota por 2 a 0 para o CRB, na última terça-feira, no Rei Pelé, que o próprio desempenho tem sido bom.

+ Análise: a impressão é que o Botafogo não pode (ou não gosta de) facilitar a própria vida nos jogos

– Em relação a performance, e o treinador passa diretamente por isso, meu trabalho tem sido positivo. A maioria dos jogos, se for analisar, a gente tem tido um domínio. Finalizamos mais, o goleiro deles trabalha mais que o nosso. Ainda não conseguimos transformar esse domínio no resultado final do jogo – analisou o treinador.

Chamusca colocou que o Botafogo cria chances para vencer, mas não coloca as bolas na rede. Diante do CRB, o treinador admitiu que os jogadores seguiram o plano de jogo à risca, mas que a equipe foi derrotada por um acaso.

+ Veja a tabela da Série B

– Existe o trabalho do treinador, que é mostrar o caminho. Existe o jogo, que é jogado pelo jogador dentro do campo. O técnico tem controle com a estratégia. No jogo de hoje (terça), os jogadores seguiram o plano para o jogo com fidelidade e nós tivemos controle absoluto do jogo. Tivemos um êxito entre aspas, porque não tivemos o resultado final. Passei o máximo de informação, nós performamos, mas não tivemos o resultado – completou.

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There is often much debate about who the greatest Premier League striker of all time is. Of course, the frontrunner in many debates is Alan Shearer. The former England striker is the all-time top goalscorer in the top-flight, with 260 goals in 441 games.

Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney are second and third respectively on the all-time list. Former Tottenham man Kane scored 213 Premier League goals before his move to Bayern Munich last summer, and Wayne Rooney 208 goals in his illustrious career.

Players with shorter times in the Premier League are often thrown into the mix, too. Currently, the main name in that bracket is Erling Haaland, who has been in England for almost two seasons and currently sits on 56 Premier League goals.

Another name mentioned when it comes to shorter Premier League careers is former Liverpool man Luis Suarez. Whilst the Uruguayan legend only played 110 times in the competition, scoring 69 times, he left an astronomical impact.

Despite having left in 2014, Liverpool haven’t had a classic striker to fill the boots of Suarez since. They have replaced his goals with Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino was signed as the centre-forward but was more of a false 9.

However, the Reds have recently been linked with someone who is a very similar player to Suarez and could prove to be the striker they have been looking for since their former number nine left.

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans

It will be all change in the summer for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp set to leave the club. Rumoured incoming manager Ruben Amorim, who denied agreeing personal terms with the Anfield club recently, could look to bring in his striker from current club Sporting, Viktor Gyokeres.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are now showing interest in Amorim’s star man at Sporting, which could well “scupper” a move from arch-rivals Manchester United for the 25-year-old Sweden international.

Previous reports from CaughtOffisde suggest a fee in the region of £68.5m would be enough to prise the forward away from Sporting, with Arsenal another side that are thought to be considering a bid for the 25-year-old.

How Suarez and Gyokeres compare

Football analyst Ben Mattinson on X once described Gyokeres as “a very physical striker”, before simply going on to say he is a “powerhouse”. Certainly, it is easy to see why he has said this.

Gyokeres’ strength is a big feature of his game, assisting in his wonderful hold-up play. This shows in his 1.82 key passes per 90 minutes, which rank him in the top 5% of strikers across Europe, according to Fbref.

Gyokeres’ 1.07 goal involvements per 90 minutes place him in the elite bracket amongst Europe’s centre-forwards too. The 25-year-old, who also has six goals in 25 appearances for Sweden, places in the top 1% for goals plus assists per 90 minutes. He is an elite all-round centre forward.

With Liverpool’s pursuit of Gyokeres signalling a potential out-and-out replacement for Suarez a decade since he left the club, it is worth seeing how their goal and assist tallies stack up against each other, when Suarez was 25 years old, as Gyokeres is now.

It has been a superb term for for the former Coventry man, who has scored 36 goals and has registered 16 assists in 44 games for Sporting in all competitions. In the league, that breaks down to 22 league goals scored. Remarkably, at the age of 25, Suarez scored 22 Premier League goals, which, like Gyokeres, is a superb return.

The similarities between the two don’t end at their goalscoring numbers. Like Gyokeres, Suarez was a superb all-round player, and managed to register nine assists in the Premier League at age 25, just one less than Gyokeres, who has ten.

With Suarez noted as one of the fourth most similar player to the Swede in the last year, as per FBref, the likeness in stats and style of play between the two players is incredible.

Capable of dazzling defences, setting up teammates and burying chance after chance, should Liverpool decide to sign Gyokeres for the £68.5m quoted earlier, he could finally be the direct replacement to Suarez that the Reds have been looking for in the decade since the Uruguayan legend left the club.

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 16, 2024

Last summer, it was all about Declan Rice for Arsenal. The Gunners broke the bank, not literally, but it felt like it to acquire the England star for £105m.

It was a drawn-out transfer saga but Edu and Co prevailed, beating Manchester City to one of the Premier League’s finest talents.

Rice has shown as much this season, now nominated for the Player of the Season award after a stunning campaign in which he’s registered a career-best haul of seven goals and nine assists.

Who will it be about this summer? Well, there are reports suggesting that Alexander Isak is Arsenal’s priority when it comes to bolstering their forward ranks. Fellow Toon star Bruno Guimaraes has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Recruiting from the Premier League has been a common theme right throughout Arteta’s reign in north London and that approach looks set to be adopted once more this summer.

Crystal Palace star Michael Olise is another who could move across London.

What Ray Parlour has said about Michael Olise

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting, Ray Parlour raved over the Palace winger’s ability to dazzle defenders.

“Olise is a top player. I’ve seen him many times and he is always looking to be on the ball and drive forward. He is a talented footballer and will get a big move soon,” the former Arsenal star began.

Indeed, this has been an excellent but injury-disrupted campaign for the France U21 international. Olise has missed 19 Premier League matches due to hamstring issues. Still, in 18 appearances for Roy Hodgson and then Oliver Glasner, he has been a star, scoring ten goals and supplying five assists.

Under Glasner, in particular, the winger has taken his game to new levels, scoring four goals in his last five matches.

As a result, he’s high on the wish list of plenty of clubs, notably Manchester United and the Gunners.

Further speaking to Football FanCast, Parlour stated: “He is one all the top sides will be after and Palace will get a big fee for him. He would naturally fit into Arsenal’s side and benefit from the way Arsenal play and would light up the Emirates should he join, but Arsenal have Saka, Martinelli, Trossard as well so it’s going to be difficult to see where he could fit in, but for Olise, to work under Arteta can only benefit his game for sure and he would fit in well.”

It would be tricky for Olise to gain regular starts but Arsenal have long needed someone to be able to compete with Saka for a spot on the right wing and the 22-year-old is exactly the right profile of player for that role. It’s just a pity his release clause stands at £60m. Pricey stuff.

Ray Parlour backs Arsenal to sign PL star who will cost as much as Rice

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ByMatt Dawson May 8, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

A técnica Pia Sundhage mostrou cautela ao falar sobre as adversárias da Seleção feminina nas quartas de final dos Jogos Olímpicos. Em entrevista coletiva após a vitória por 1 a 0 sobre Zâmbia, a sueca frisou seu respeito ao Canadá, adversário desta sexta-feira (30) e disse que não chegou a fazer conjecturas sobre quem estaria no caminho do Brasil.

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-Não é o melhor nem o pior adversário para enfrentar nas quartas de final. Qualquer equipe que chega às quartas de final tem condições de ir até a final, e nós respeitamos qualquer adversário – destacou.

De acordo com a comandante, o fato da Seleção já ter enfrentado as canadenses em quatro das 18 partidas sob o comando de Pia não chega a ser um trunfo para as Guerreiras do Brasil.

-Jogamos contra o Canadá algumas vezes, mas claro que agora será diferente, nas quartas de final – disse.

Em relação à vitória por 1 a 0 sobre Zâmbia, a técnica reconheceu que a partida foi desafiadora. O Brasil teve uma equipe repleta de reservas.

-Elas jogaram duro, principalmente no combate uma contra uma. Foi muito difícil para nós, mesmo tendo uma jogadora a mais. O importante foi ter vencido o jogo – afirmou.

O Brasil enfrenta o Canadá na sexta-feira às 5h (de Brasília), em Miyagi.

Sunderland will, when the curtain falls on the Championship season at the start of May, just write this campaign off as a misstep on the way to greater success down the line.

Mike Dodds has failed to reinvigorate a group who were down on their luck already managed by Michael Beale, with the interim boss almost a certainty to step down at the end of the season having overseen a poor mid-table finish.

The team, looking at the future, could well be moulded around the exploits of 18-year-old Jobe Bellingham going forward, who has still managed to excel with seven goals in the Championship despite his team's dire standing in the division.

Staggeringly, when Sunderland were competing with the top dogs in the Premier League, one horrendous flop was earning nearly four times Bellingham's wage even whilst firing blanks for the Black Cats.

Ignacio Scocco's record at Sunderland

Signed under the tenure of Gustavo Poyet – who would only pick up 23 wins from his 75 games in charge – Ignacio Scocco undoubtedly goes down as a major dud from this period that did initially raise eyebrows.

The Argentine attacker would join for a bumper £3m mid-way through the 2013/14 campaign, joining the Wearside outfit alongside fellow flop Jozy Altidore who struggled to settle in his new surroundings much like Scocco.

Sunderland made a mistake signing flop who would've cost £16.4m in 2024

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Altidore would at least manage to find the back of the net three times as one of the new strikers on the block after joining, with Scocco failing to ever score for Sunderland during his troubled couple of months at the Stadium of Light.

The South American centre-forward would only make eight appearances for the Black Cats, before returning to his native Argentina with Newell's Old Boys as a bad mistake on Sunderland's end.

On top of costing Sunderland an extortionate £3m, Scocco's wage would have burnt a hole in the Wearside club's pocket even from such a short time in England with his wage far greater than Bellingham's own pay packet currently.

Ignacio Scocco's wage at Sunderland

Scocco would end up costing his then Premier League side £25k-per-week during his turbulent spell at the Stadium of Light, exposing how much money the Black Cats wasted on failures when still playing in the top flight.

Bellingham earns just £6.5k-per-week in contrast, clamouring for an eventual pay increase next season as his importance to the Sunderland cause only grows heading into a more promising campaign on the horizon.

1. Jack Clarke

£16.9k per week

2. Daniel Ballard

£15k per week

3. Bradley Dack

£15k per week

4. Patrick Roberts

£12.5k per week

5. Anthony Patterson

£10k per week

Scocco would rise to the top of Sunderland's high earner list with his bumper £25k-per-week pay packet looking at the table above, pipping Jack Clarke to top spot even whilst the former Tottenham Hotspur winger has bagged 15 goals from 40 appearances this season.

Anthony Patterson also earns £15k-per-week less than Scocco, despite being an everpresent member of the Sunderland team this campaign through all the ups and downs.

Sunderland will have learnt their lesson about splashing obscene amounts of cash looking back at the likes of Scocco, moving towards an approach where the promising youngsters at the club are front and centre.

Bellingham could well become even more of a star for the Black Cats if he can steer them to a promotion push next season, whilst Scocco continues to enjoy his retirement without ever really thinking about his woes at Sunderland.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.