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The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Newcastle United.

We don’t dwell too much on that transfer saga during the transfer, but despite the form of new fan favourite, Nick Woltemade, the Toon have struggled to find consistency.

In the league, Eddie Howe’s men have won just two of their first eight games but in the Champions League, they are soaring high.

Defeat to Barcelona is no embarrassment and since then they have bounced back well, beating Union Saint Gilloise 4-0 in match week two and then seeing off Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0 on Tuesday evening.

This was one of Newcastle’s best performances of the season, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both on the scoresheet.

While Howe was missing Sandro Tonali, it was arguably no surprise that one of the best results of the campaign came when Anthony Elanga and Joelinton were both on the bench.

Elanga has failed to score since his mega-money £55m move from Nottingham Forest while it does look as though we’ve now seen the best of Joelinton in black and white.

Newcastle's Joelinton problem

After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend, Howe rang the changes for the visit of Mourinho’s men.

Jacob Murphy – who assisted Gordon’s strike – came in for Elanga on the right flank while in midfield it was all change.

Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley came into the team at the expense of the unavailable Tonali and the out-of-form Joelinton.

The Italian is likely to walk back into the team once he returns to full fitness but the future of their Brazilian warrior is less certain.

The £40m man’s time in the north east has been that of a movie. He joined as the club’s record signing during the Steve Bruce era and was initially acquired as a centre-forward.

Yet, after bagging just two goals in his debut Premier League campaign with the Toon, an alternative solution was thought of.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park coincided with Joelinton’s transition to become a central midfielder. Since then, he’s been a wonderful asset to the club. He’s been a mainstay, missing just nine top-flight games last term.

He was also vital as Newcastle ended their trophy drought in 2024/25. Journalist Craig Hope remarked that the 29-year-old had his “greatest game in black & white” during the final at Wembley.

Yet, 2025/26 has been a tale of woe for such a much-loved figure. The nadir of his season so far came in that game against Brighton.

Hauled off at half-time, he was criticised by various sections of the media, including Toon reporter Mark Douglas who said that he is now “nowhere near his best”.

Minutes played

45

Touches

39

Accurate passes

21

Dribbled past

2

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Aerials lost

100%

While Joelinton’s downfall is sad, for the sake of Newcastle’s season, Howe needs fresh blood and that’s exactly what he got against Benfica on Tuesday.

Newcastle's Joelinton solution

During their 3-0 win in midweek, Howe turned to a midfield trio we have never seen play together before.

Bruno Guimaraes kept his place in the middle of the park but he was joined by summer signing Ramsey and young Miley.

Ramsey has missed a lot of football since moving to St James’, largely due to injury, and did perhaps struggle on Tuesday. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder noted that the former Aston Villa man ‘did not fully grasp his opportunity’.

Yet, Miley certainly did. In fact, he’s grasped his opportunity incredibly well in the last two games. Hailed as “the next young English superstar” by BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin, it’s easy to see why comparisons to fellow academy graduate Elliot Anderson have begun to be made.

It was Miley who produced the assist for Woltemade’s goal against the Seagulls a few days ago and it was Miley who ran the show in the middle of the park against Benfica.

The aforementioned Ryder summed up his performance well, writing that ‘the teenager stepped up to the challenge with ease. He battled well against seasoned European campaigners and passed with purpose and showed no fear.’

No fear is precisely what the 19-year-old has showcased since bursting onto the scene. After all, it was the young Englishman who dazzled PSG as a 17-year-old during Newcastle’s last Champions League venture.

Miley’s career has been rather stop-start since then due to injury, but the few cameos we’ve seen from this week are a timely reminder of just how good a player Howe has on his hands.

His performance against Benfica was remarkably complete, something the numbers help substantiate.

Minutes played

90

Touches

51

Accurate passes

37/41 (90%)

Shots

2

Expected goals (xG)

0.53

Key passes

1

Tackles

2

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

5

Duels won

4/6

He completed 90% of his passes and completed 100% of his pass attempts inside his own half, dictating the play beautifully. While he did not pick up an assist on this occasion, he did register a key pass and also had two shots.

Miley also demonstrated what a marvellous ball winner he is, winning both of his aerial battles and winning 50% of his ground duels.

This performance, in particular, should have made him undroppable for the game versus Fulham on Saturday. In the process, he may well put a permanent end to Joelinton’s Newcastle career too.

For the Brazilian, this should be the end of his time as a regular starter and it would not be a surprise if new sporting director Ross Wilson soon deemed him surplus to requirements.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Premier League over the weekend as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at home on Saturday.

The Lilywhites bounced back from a 2-2 draw with Everton by securing a win over Roberto De Zerbi's side, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Brennan Johnson.

Heung-min Son, on his first appearance since returning from international duty, supplied the assist with a perfect cross to the back post for the former Nottingham Forest attacker to convert into an empty net.

It was a third Premier League goal of the season for the Wales international, whilst Timo Werner failed to register a goal or an assist on the opposite flank.

Both players arrived at Spurs this term, with the former in the summer and the latter in January, but some may wonder what could have been with one of the club's reported targets.

Tottenham's interest in Wolves star

During the January transfer window, it was reported that Tottenham and Liverpool both had an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Hee-chan Hwang.

Football Insider claimed that both clubs were monitoring his performances as the South Korea international had been on fire in the Premier League for Gary O'Neil's side.

The outlet claimed that a move ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 campaign was unlikely but added that Wolves are fearful of a summer exit for their impressive attacker.

There was no mention at the time of how much it would have cost Spurs to sign him in January, or how much they are prepared to demand at the end of the season.

Ultimately, Tottenham did not decide to test Wolves' resolve with an offer to sign Hwang and missed out on acquiring his services last month.

Whilst they may revisit their interest in the summer, Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy could have landed an upgrade on Werner, who they signed on loan from RB Leipzig, if they had convinced their rivals to part way with Hwang, who has more goals and assists than Johnson this season.

Brennan Johnson's season in numbers

The Welsh whiz has made 21 appearances in the top-flight since his move from Nottingham Forest and has failed to provide consistent quality in the final third.

His finishing has left a lot to be desired as the 22-year-old winger has scored three goals from an xG of 4.80, which suggests that he has let his teammates down at times with wasteful finishing.

Whereas, his fellow attackers have more than made the most of the chances that Johnson has created for them, as the young gem has recorded four assists from an xA of 1.93.

In total, the Spurs forward has produced three goals and four assists in 24 matches in all competitions, with three appearances in the two domestic cups, which is a return of one goal or assist every 3.43 games on average.

It has been far from a perfect first season at Tottenham for Johnson but he has plenty of time left, at the age of 22, to develop and improve over the years to come.

Whereas, Werner, 27, was brought in to make an instant impact on loan and Hwang would have offered far more than him at the top end of the pitch.

Werner's struggles in front of goal

The Germany international joined the club from RB Leipzig last month and registered an assist on his debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Werner is five appearances into his career in North London and is still on the search for his first goal for the club, although he did add another assist in the 3-2 win over Brentford at the end of January.

His lack of consistent quality in the final third should not come as any real surprise given his struggles with Leipzig during the first half of the season.

The 27-year-old winger scored two goals, from 2.36 xG, and failed to provide a single assist, from 0.10 xA, in eight Bundesliga outings for the German side. He also ended up with zero goals and zero assists in four Champions League matches for his parent club.

In total, Werner has two goals and three assists to his name in 19 appearances in all competitions for Spurs and Leipzig combined so far this season, which is just shy of one goal contribution every four games on average.

This shows that the former Chelsea attacker has not provided outstanding quality as either a scorer or a creator of goals for either side, as a striker or a winger.

Why Hwang would be an upgrade on Werner

Meanwhile, Hwang's performances for Wolves this season suggest that Spurs could have brought in a better player than Werner – an upgrade – if they had secured his services in January.

The 28-year-old dynamo has proven his quality in the Premier League with a string of impressive displays for the Old Gold since O'Neil's arrival in the dugout last summer.

He has produced ten goals, three assists, and four 'big chances' created in 20 top-flight appearances, which includes 17 starts, and scored one goal in one EFL Cup match.

This means that Hwang has racked up 11 goals and three assists in 21 outings in all competitions for Wolves, which is a return of one goal or assist every 1.5 games, and that is seven more goal contributions than the aforementioned Johnson has managed.

Appearances

12

20

xG

2.93

5.96

Goals

Two

Ten

xA

1.07

2.34

Assists

Two

Three

Big chances created

One

Four

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Old Gold star, who was recently hailed as "fantastic" by O'Neil, has offered more at the top end of the pitch than Werner throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Whilst the German attacker has underperformed his xG with wasteful finishing, Hwang has been lethal in front of goal with roughly four more goals than expected.

The £70k-per-week whiz currently ranks within the top 6% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals (0.56) per 90, which illustrates how impressive his scoring has been in the top-flight.

Therefore, Spurs missed out on a big Werner upgrade, who has also outperformed Johnson, by opting against a swoop to sign the Wolves dynamo in January.

Rasmus Hojlund is thriving out on loan at Napoli currently and a new update claims that a permanent switch there from Manchester United is already close.

The £87,000-a-week Dane found it tough to shine in a Red Devils shirt after joining in a big-money move from Atalanta, proving to be one of many disappointing young signings at Old Trafford in recent years.

Last season, Hojlund only managed four goals in 32 appearances in the Premier League, not offering enough consistency leading the line, and it felt right for him to enjoy a new challenge.

The 22-year-old was shipped out on loan to Napoli during the summer transfer window, and he is enjoying a far more fruitful time of things in Germany, already netting twice in five Serie A outings, and also bagging a couple of goals in the Champions League.

It remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim sees a long-term future for Hojlund at United, but a new update suggests that a permanent exit is far more likley than him returning to Old Trafford.

Napoli close to permanent Hojlund move and now want Mainoo

According to a key claim from Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Napoli now want to trigger the buy clause in Hojlund’s Manchester United contract once this season comes to an end. Talks have been held and a deal looks set to be finalised ready for the summer.

“Napoli are confident. They’re in a strong position with the buy clause and they’re ready to activate it. Talks have been taking place and it should be finalised soon, ready to formally go through at the end of the season.”

It is also stated that Napoli want to sign Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window, with the England international “likely to push for a move away” from the club.

There is a certain risk in United allowing Hojlund to leave, considering he is still young, but they now have Benjamin Sesko in their ranks, suggesting that they have moved on from the Denmark international.

With all due respect to Serie A, it is a weaker division than the Premier League, so he is naturally standing out more – Scott McTominay was arguably the best player in the whole league last season, which speaks volumes – and he has struggled with the pace of English football.

Hojlund may simply be one of many transfers that just hasn’t worked out for United, but that’s not to say he can’t still enjoy a strong career for club and country. He possesses plenty of attributes, from speed to power, but his finishing is inconsistent and the Red Devils need a far more prolific figure to lead the line.

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Granted, Sesko is still finding his feet and hasn’t exactly been perfect yet, but the likes of Amorim and Jason Wilcox seem to be confident in him being an upgrade on Hojlund, and they need to be trusted after this recent improved run of form.

As for Mainoo, on just £25,000-a-week, it would be a shame to see such a talented homegrown player leave, but if United’s manager doesn’t see him as an important part of his plans, a move away may be best for all concerned.

Man Utd flop Rasmus Hojlund has seen value fall £20m since Amorim was hired

Liverpool are eying a swoop for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to Dutch media outlet Voetbal, who claim the winger has already spoken with Liverpool regarding a transfer to the Premier League side at the end of the current campaign.

However, the report goes on to state that the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and even Bayern Munich are also interested in a move the PSV sensation this summer.

It looks increasingly likely that Gakpo will be leaving the Dutch side and he has no shortage of admirers. The player did recently sign a new contract until 2026 following discussions with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently and this could be to secure his club the best possible fee.

Mane 2.0

Liverpool’s recent recruitment has been excellent, with the additions of Luis Diaz and Diego Jota have added extra dimensions to the Reds’ attack and it looks like Klopp is looking to the future.

With Gakpo only being 22, he could well be a fine signing and eventually look to take over from the ageing Sadio Mane.

Indeed, the Dutchman’s attacking output is similar to that of the 30-year-old, having scored a scintillating 18 goals and registered 15 assists over 42 outings in all competitions this season. Although primarily a left-winger, he can play across the forward line.

His performances have gathered a great amount of praise, with the former Netherlands midfielder, Theo Janssen, stating his belief that Gakpo is a talent who “has everything.”

Liverpool could secure his services for £33m which, would be a record fee for PSV.

Indeed, considering the sheer amount of potential the Netherlands international quite clearly possesses, it would not be surprising to see the 22-year-old – if he does indeed secure a move to Anfield this summer – eventually go on to take the place of Mane in the Reds’ starting XI – as it is clear Gakpo is very much a player in the Senegal international’s mould.

AND in other news: Cost £3.5m now worth £19.8m: Liverpool struck gold with “sensational” gem – opinion

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a promising transfer update out of Rush Green involving Leeds United and Premier League star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Hammers make move…

Hammers boss David Moyes, according to reports, was heavily interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker over winter.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

West Ham apparently made a move for Raphinha in January but to no avail with the South American coming as yet another marquee target GSB couldn’t bring in for the club.

Their bad luck in the last transfer window has even lead to doubts surrounding head of recruitment Rob Newman, according to Claret & Hugh again, with the Irons chief now facing a pivotal summer window.

As Newman aims to take his next set of opportunities to land key targets, C&H have shared an update on Raphinha and West Ham’s interest.

The Latest: Newman could launch ‘cut-price’ move…

According to their information, West Ham, and by extension their transfer chief Newman, are keeping a ‘close eye’ on Leeds’ situation in case they’re relegated.

The club insider goes on to say that the Whites’ drop down to the Championship could allow West Ham to ‘launch cut-price moves’ for Raphinha and another target in Kalvin Phillips.

C&H add that ‘deals will surely be there to be done’ if Jesse Marsch’s side go down.

The Verdict: Promising update…

Signing a player of Raphinha’s calibre for a bargain fee would be pretty special, especially given his serious links to La Liga giants and footballing heavyweights Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at Elland Road and one of their most pivotal figures, with ex-top flight goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny claiming he has been ‘unbelievable’.

Raphinha’s sensational numbers back his obvious quality with the Whites superstar averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than anyone in Marsch’s squad this season (WhoScored).

If Leeds do indeed drop a division, we believe West Ham shouldn’t hesitate in making a bargain move for the attacker.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployee shares West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Leeds haven't signed any new players so far this month, but Daniel Farke will need a full-back through the door at Elland Road by the time the transfer window shuts on 1 February. He's already lost two from his squad this month, having sent Djed Spence back to Tottenham halfway through what was supposed to be a season-long loan spell and then allowed Luke Ayling to join Middlesbrough on a temporary deal.

The Championship promotion-chasers have subsequently been assessing multiple targets, with Tottenham's Ben Davies among those admired. Elsewhere, there's interest in West Ham's Ben Johnson, and another candidate in Burnley's Connor Roberts is apparently open to joining.

Leeds now "working on" three deals at once

Speaking to GiveMeSport at the weekend, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Leeds are actively working on a deal for Davies, but still investing time into trying to sign Johnson and Roberts. Farke feels that the Spurs man could be a "two-for-one" addition due to his versatility, but is keeping his options open by pursuing two more defenders in tandem. There could, then, be a surge of activity in West Yorkshire before the window is out.

"I think that Leeds are keeping across Ben Davies because, if Tottenham are to make some changes in their squad, he might be the one that becomes available.

"The beauty of Davies is that he can play at left-back and centre-back. Given the need to strengthen, and how little time there is left in the window, Daniel Farke would like versatile players. He feels like Davies – or equivalents to Davies – could almost be seen as a two-for-one signing. Versatile players are going to be given preference.

"Davies, Ben Johnson and Connor Roberts are the names that Leeds are working on at the moment. It really wouldn't surprise me if they are active and they get some joy over the course of the next two weeks."

Davies would be a standout coup

Of the three players mentioned, it's surely Davies who would generate the most excitement among the fanbase if he landed at Leeds before the end of the month. With nearly 300 Premier League games (293 to be precise) and 327 appearances for Spurs under his belt, this is a player with real pedigree.

And it's not like he's a fading force either. Davies has started ten of Tottenham's 21 Premier League matches so far this season, but the hope will be that he's made available for transfer following the arrival of Radu Dragusin from Genoa.

In addition to his domestic experience, Davies has played 27 games in the Champions League, including six starts on Spurs' run to the 2018/19 final, and also been capped 85 times for Wales, which ranks him inside the top 10 all time. The table below shows the advantage he over holds Johnson and Roberts when it comes to experience.

Age

30

23

28

PL apps

293

58

38

European apps

72

17

0

International caps

85

0

54

A player like this could make a huge difference in Leeds' push for promotion, with the Whites still in with a real chance of going up automatically after closing the gap on 2nd to just four points with a run of three straight wins.

Of course, even if Spurs greenlight a move, Davies would still have to be persuaded to drop a level to the second tier, but perhaps his international teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James can play a big part in that.

Leeds United fans will already be nervous about their team’s promotion chances in the Championship, despite the fact the Whites are only 15 games deep into the marathon of the second-tier campaign.

Supporters that pack out Elland Road are far too used to heartbreak on the big occasion, especially when it comes to trying to leap back up to the Premier League, with a 1-0 playoff final defeat earlier this year to Southampton still no doubt stinging.

Of course, there’s also the agony they experienced under Marcelo Bielsa – before triumphantly winning the league in 2020 – after Frank Lampard’s Derby County took great delight in toppling the West Yorkshire giants over two legs in the playoff semi finals the year prior.

With Leeds just outside of those top two automatic promotion spots at the time of writing, the die-hard Whites masses will just be fearing another disastrous near-miss is on the horizon.

Away from all that pessimism, however, there is plenty to still latch onto that’s positive, with Daniel Farke boasting two promotions up to the top-flight on his managerial CV, and plenty more could come from his steady Leeds side who have only tasted defeat twice in league action to date.

Alongside that, the January transfer window also gives Leeds adequate time to strengthen ahead of a crucial 2025, with this being what their lineup could look like come February next year when glancing at some significant transfer rumours…

1 GK – Illan Meslier

Although Illan Meslier has been suspect of some shaky displays this season in goal, he is likely to remain as the Leeds number one shot-stopper moving forward.

The 24-year-old has picked up an impressive nine clean sheets from his 15 Championship games to date, which included a shut-out coming his way versus Queens Park Rangers just before the international break.

2 RB – Jayden Bogle

Jayden Bogle is also likely to remain as Leeds’ main right-back in early 2025, considering he was only purchased this summer.

Alongside the fact he’s still a fresh-faced recruit, the former Sheffield United man has also shone in spurts for Farke’s side by picking up two league goals as an attack-minded option on the right.

3 CB – Joe Rodon

Joe Rodon was also another summer purchase made by Farke to shore up the defence in West Yorkshire and he has become an ever-present under the German’s guidance in the second tier.

He was particularly impressive against Plymouth Argyle in early November, amassing 98 touches as an assured but imposing centre-back figure.

4 CB – Pascal Struijk

Pascal Struijk has also been top-drawer this campaign to date after finding his 2023/24 season was largely stop-start owing to injury issues.

The 25-year-old is now making up for lost time, with two goals bagged from 15 league games so far as a menacing presence from corners, which has even seen him take on captain duties for his promotion-chasing employers.

5 LB – Dennis Cirkin

The first of a trio of new signings comes in the form of Dennis Cirkin, who has been linked with a switch to Elland Road heavily in recent weeks.

With Junior Firpo’s contract up in the summer of 2025, this would be smart planning on the end of Leeds to buy his replacement in January, with the “fantastic” defender – as he was once labelled by former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson – more than capable of replacing the ex-Barcelona left-back.

The standout Black Cats number three is equally as creative as Firpo, having accumulated seven goals and five assists on Wearside from 92 games, and might well be available to pick up for a reported fee of £6m

6 CM – Ao Tanaka

Leeds will know they don’t need to splash the cash in order to obtain some exceptional talents this forthcoming window, as Ao Tanaka only cost Farke and Co £3.5m to acquire in late August.

Helped by an injury crisis in the holding midfield positions, the Japanese gem has been quietly superb for the Whites since entering the first-team fold, with a 92% pass accuracy averaged per second-tier clash among other glowing numbers.

7 CM – Lewis O'Brien

Leeds might well be in the market for another new holding midfielder this January, with Lewis O’Brien previously on their transfer radar.

O’Brien is being touted to make a £7m move to LAFC, but as the former Huddersfield Town man narrowly missed out on promotion with the Terriers back in 2020, he could fancy a return to the EFL with Leeds.

He was also a top performer when on the books of Leeds’ near neighbours, amassing eight goals and ten assists as a reliable head from 131 total games. He could, therefore, be a potential option ahead of Joe Rothwell.

8 RM – Wilfried Gnonto

Leeds fans must go into a state of panic whenever a window opens, knowing full well that Wilfried Gnonto might finally up and leave.

The Italian winger could stay put this time again, having mustered up two goals and five assists in league action so far for the West Yorkshire titans.

9 CAM – Brenden Aaronson

The ex-FC Zurich star is likely to be partnered by Brenden Aaronson in attack past January, with the American breathing life back into his playing days at Elland Road this season.

He already has four goals and one assist next to his name as the former RB Salzburg man aims to offer even more during some high-stakes games to come near the summit of the table.

10 LM – Ryan Kent

The last incoming on the transfer front could see Farke and Co add a free agent into their ranks with Ryan Kent linked to potentially further bolster their left wing options.

Largie Ramazani is currently sidelined after an encouraging start to life in England, whilst Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon has largely underwhelmed in this spot, with no goals and just one assist picked up from eight appearances.

Kent could offer the Whites something different down this channel, therefore, with the ex-Rangers man boasting 33 goals and 56 assists from his memorable stay at Ibrox.

Following an inconsistent start to the season, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly willing to show the door to a player in January that Eddie Howe previously blocked from completing a departure.

Newcastle transfer news

It’s been one step forward, two steps back for the Magpies so far this season. Whilst Howe’s side secured impressive victories over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest before the international break, they’ve since suffered defeat at the hands of struggling West Ham United and were forced to settle for a point against relegation contenders Crystal Palace. With Premier League leaders Liverpool up next too, those at St James’ Park could be in for another difficult evening.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Newcastle could be one of the most interesting clubs to watch, given how they failed to complete their recruitment during the summer.

Deals for players such as Marc Guehi never quite got over the line and amid their recent defensive struggles, it would come as little shock if the Magpies went again in pursuit of the defender, whose own goal to give Newcastle the lead this weekend was full of irony.

There could also be movement on the exit front, meanwhile. According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, PIF and Newcastle are now willing to accept offers to sell Kieran Trippier in the January transfer window just months since Howe reportedly blocked the right-back from leaving St James’ Park.

Howe must now ditch 6/10 Newcastle star who lost the ball 20x vs Palace

Newcastle failed to secure three points against Crystal Palace today

2 ByRoss Kilvington Nov 30, 2024

Now 34 years old and behind in the pecking order to the impressive Tino Livramento, a January exit could suit all parties. But Newcastle should act with caution, given just how fragile the depth of their squad has been throughout the current campaign. The last thing Howe needs is to be scrambling for internal solutions that have already headed for the exit door.

Newcastle must still replace "strong" Trippier

Although it’s far from in doubt that Trippier, on £120,000-a-week, is now past his best and is now a backup and backup only to Livramento at St James’ Park, Newcastle must still ensure that they replace the right-back if he completes a move away in the January transfer window. A player with experience on Europe’s biggest stage and someone who now offers key depth, the Magpies can’t afford to stretch their defensive options thinner than they have done already this season.

Trippier’s potential exit comes just one season after he found himself at the centre of Howe’s praise, with the Newcastle boss telling reporters as relayed by the Daily Mail last December: “Tripps [Trippier] is an incredibly strong character. As I’ve said many times he’s a transformative signing. Someone that’s taken the group onto a totally different level.”

All good things must come to an end, however, and after starting just three Premier League games all season, Trippier looks destined for the Newcastle exit door. Livramento, meanwhile, looks likely to only push on after making the right-back role his own in the last few months.

Ruben Amorim suffered a second consecutive defeat as Manchester United boss, losing 3-2 to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

Goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes weren’t enough to secure anything out of the clash, with the defeat the first during the 39-year-old’s tenure on home soil.

The clash got off to the worst possible start after Nikola Milenkovic took advantage of the Red Devils’ dismal set piece record, to power his header home after just 90 seconds.

Nuno Espírito Santo ultimately played the perfect strategy to frustrate Amorim and his side, leaving United 13th in the Premier League table, eight points off the top four after the first 15 outings of the campaign.

One player in particular had an evening to forget at Old Trafford, potentially putting his starting role at risk ahead of the Europa League clash on Thursday night.

Man United's worst performer against Nottingham Forest

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been a key player for United during the opening months of the season, finally showing why former boss Erik ten Hag was keen to fork out £47m for his signature in the summer of 2023.

During 2024/25, he’s kept seven clean sheets in all competitions, producing numerous memorable displays that have earned points for the Red Devils.

His outing against Crystal Palace is still up there with one of his very best for the club, making a magnificent double save that earned him the Save of the Month award by the Premier League for September.

However, last night’s showing against Forest was one he will want to forget in a hurry, costing Amorim’s side dearly and preventing them from walking away from the clash with any points.

The Cameroonian was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White’s strike, unable to keep out the effort that appeared to be heading straight towards him.

The 28-year-old also failed to deal with Chris Wood’s header, which somehow found its way into the bottom corner after he and Lisandro Martínez were unable to deal with the effort.

Onana wasn’t the only player to fail to impress, with Amorim needing to drop one talent after yet another dismal showing in the first-team.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Not just Onana: Man United forward needs to be dropped

Winger Alejandro Garnacho has struggled since the appointment of Amorim, unable to feature in his preferred left-wing role in the 3-4-2-1 system.

The Argentine suffered a similar fate against Arsenal in midweek, but despite his disappointing display, he was kept in the starting lineup to try and recapture his best form.

However, it was once again an evening to forget for the youngster, being replaced after just 59 minutes, looking disgusted with the decision by the boss to replace him with Marcus Rashford.

When delving into his underlying stats from the loss against the Reds, his withdrawal was understandable, failing to create any real impact in the final third once again under Amorim.

The Argentine only managed 31 touches during his time on the pitch (fewer than Onana’s 38), failing to complete a single cross and winning just three out of the five duels he entered.

Minutes played

59

Touches

31

Passes completed

20/21 (95%)

Big chances missed

1

Successful dribbles

0

Key passes

0

Possession lost

5x

Crosses completed

0/1 (0%)

Duels won

3/5 (60%)

Tackles

0

Garnacho also missed one big chance, losing possession five times in the process and looking wasteful when on the ball in attacking areas.

As a result, he was handed a 5/10 match rating by The Express’ Joe Krishnan, evidence of how disappointing he was once again for the Red Devils.

Given his display, he will be lucky to keep his place in the starting XI in the Europa League on Thursday night, giving other players an opportunity to stake their claim.

It’s been a week to forget for Amorim with two defeats in as many matches, but if he is to turn such form around, the previously “really good” Garnacho, in the words of Dan Ashworth, must be given a night off.

He lost the ball 20x: Amorim got it wrong by giving Man Utd star 90 minutes

The Man Utd ace was poor against Nottingham Forest

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 8, 2024

Liverpool have had a world-class strikeforce for the best part of a decade, but a common theme throughout has been the absence of an out-and-out midfield playmaker.

Oh sure, Phil Coutinho made a mockery of the Premier League during that snapshot period in 2017 when he sat behind Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino, but then he forced his way out to Barcelona for a staggering £142m fee at that season’s midpoint, proving to be a watershed moment.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

Goals

7

Assists

6

Pass completion

79%

Key passes*

2.9

Dribbles*

2.8

Tackles*

1.2

Total duels won*

5.6

Presently, Harvey Elliott pushes for a greater role in Slot’s squad, while the tireless Dominik Szoboszlai starts most weeks, but then he’s not really a playmaker, in the truest sense of the word.

Jurgen Klopp’s long reign was charged by a workhorse midfield, with the full-backs overlapping to create from wide and the aforementioned front three working in a beautiful tandem to dismantle defences.

But Slot is not Klopp, and while his system bears a certain semblance to his predecessor, some differences speak of the inclusion of a skilful playmaker from the middle, tasked with the express purpose of creating and influencing in the centre, adding a dimension to this already many-layered Liverpool side.

Liverpool eyeing another forward

This talk of a new dynamic ten is all down to surfacing reports that Liverpool have a vested interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who has been in dazzling form for the Ligue 1 side this season.

It feels very FSG to be pushing to add another talented forward to Liverpool’s chock-full ranks when other areas of the field clearly demand attention, but then who can blame them when Cherki is available for such a nominal fee?

As per French outlet Foot Mercato, Liverpool are pushing to sign Cherki, 21, in a stunning January transfer. The talented Frenchman is contracted until June 2026 and thus could be available for just €30m (£25m).

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested and there might be a certain allure to staying in your homeland with the division’s dominant outfit, but Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe right now and playing within such a thriving attack could hold sway.

Sky Germany have previously revealed that a winter transfer cannot be ruled out, and so Liverpool may now be impelled to act on their intrigue and prevent any rivals from claiming one of the great young playmakers of the generation.

What Rayan Cherki would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool’s attack is chock-full indeed, and there’s a sold ring of truth behind arguments that transfer energy is better directed elsewhere, with the sole signing of the summer being the £12.5m arrival of Federico Chiesa from Juventus, whose impact has been minimal.

Mohamed Salah

23 (21)

16

13

Luis Diaz

22 (14)

9

3

Cody Gakpo

24 (13)

9

3

Diogo Jota

12 (9)

5

2

Darwin Nunez

21 (12)

4

3

Federico Chiesa

4 (1)

0

1

But Cherki wouldn’t quite fit into this bracket, instead veiled by a roving occupation that would see him work between the lines, flitting between attacking midfield and the wide area typically covered by Salah. He is not, however, the same as the Egyptian.

Lyon haven’t been brilliant this term but Cherki has been in fine fettle, posting five goals and seven assists across 17 matches in all competitions. However, it’s not really his output that earns him his stripes, but rather his quick-footed, skilful flair.

In fact, ex-Chelsea star Frank Lebouef has already hailed the prospect as “one of the best players already on earth” when talking about the player’s tricks and skills, and given that he’s stylistically similar to Cole Palmer, there’s perhaps something in that comment.

Palmer is a playmaker at his core, but then the Chelsea superstar has been transcendental in his performances and can’t really be defined through his positioning.

Only 22, Palmer is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best players and has notched 57 goal contributions from 63 matches since leaving Manchester City for Chelsea in a £42.5m move.

An attacking midfielder with the artistic license to do what he wants, something those select few world-beaters are granted across the globe, Palmer is the Premier League’s poster boy, and Liverpool could now secure their own version in Cherki, with data-driven site FBref recording the pairing as statistically comparable players.

Goals

0.80

0.31

Assists

0.56

0.62

Shot-creating actions

5.91

7.28

Progressive passes

6.44

8.67

Progressive carries

3.86

4.80

Successful take-ons

1.66

4.39

Ball recoveries

3.27

5.37

It bears testament to Cherki’s athleticism and constancy in regard to his ball-playing output that he outstrips Palmer across a range of relevant metrics. Of course, he doesn’t have the same impudent disregard for goalkeepers quite yet, but keep working, keep working.

It bodes well for Cherki’s chances of succeeding in Slot’s Liverpool team though, for the Dutch tactician demands hard work and commitment to the cause, and the French ace is demonstrating qualities that seem tailor-made for that style.

Whether the midfielder slash right winger would be fit for purpose as Salah’s long-term successor is open to question at this point, but Liverpool would be wise to forge ahead and clinch his signature before other suitors steal ahead.

Who knows, perhaps Slot will fashion his own Palmer-type sensation from the mercurial talent.

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