All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United have expressed an interest in signing one striker who they’ve previously bid for, as manager Julen Lopetegui looks to build upon the club’s recent resurgence and strengthen their options for the rest of 2024/2025.

West Ham targeting new centre-forward in January

In the last week, credible media sources have claimed that West Ham are indeed targeting a centre-forward for the January transfer window, even if they’ll have to operate a ‘sell-to-buy’ approach and offload players first (The Daily Mail).

West Ham have put "quick" £17.5m player up for sale after recall decision

The Irons are making key calls ahead of January.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 27, 2024

There are even suggestions that West Ham are becoming more open to selling Mohammed Kudus in January to raise funds, and they could demand as much as £100 million for the Ghana star if they’re to let him leave the club mid-season.

However, the more likely scenario is fringe players making way, and it is believed that West Ham are set to put Maxwel Cornet up for sale after deciding to recall the player from his loan spell at Southampton (The Athletic).

In any case, whoever is sacrificed in favour of West Ham potentially bringing in a new number nine, you can make a serious case that Lopetegui is in need of another option up top.

Niclas Fullkrug has recently returned to the fold after recovering from an achilles tendon injury, but the German is still finding his feet, and Lopetegui has precious few alternatives bar the out-of-favour Danny Ings or Jarrod Bowen as a makeshift striker.

West Ham have already had an offer rejected for Corinthians star Yuri Alberto, according to reports in South America, as the search for a new marksman begins.

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is also a rumoured target for West Ham, as the Seagulls are prepared to let the 20-year-old depart on loan when the window reopens.

“I’m told West Ham are among them,” said well-connected former scout Mick Brown on Ferguson’s January suitors (via Football Insider).

“They were already looking for a striker before Antonio’s situation came up, so I’d expect them to be even more-so now. He’s got a very good reputation as a young player, but he’s at a stage where he needs to prove himself.

“If he’s not going to play regularly in the Brighton team, he’s got to go somewhere where he can play first-team football and show what he can do. From what I understand, West Ham would be prepared to offer him that opportunity.”

West Ham express interest in signing Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze

According to AS Roma live.it, West Ham are also keen on signing Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze.

The Georgia international finished Euro 2024 as one of the tournament’s top scorers, bagging a goal in nearly every game he played, and some reports in France claimed that West Ham made a bid for Mikautadze in the summer before he joined Lyon (le10sport).

Multiple reports have claimed the Irons could reignite their pursuit of the 24-year-old next month, as Lyon suffer a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and are forced to sell players in an attempt to balance the books.

Roma live.it also say West Ham are eyeing a January move for Mikautadze, but they face stiff competition from Galatasaray, who are already in talks and have made a £14 million bid – even if it doesn’t live up to Lyon’s expectations.

The former FC Metz star has agreed to join Galatasaray, though, so time appears to be running out for West Ham to hijack these negotiations. Lyon signed Mikautadze for an initial £15 million in the summer, excluding bonuses, so perhaps a figure slightly above this mark would be satisfactory.

A week ago after Arsenal failed to find the net during a 0-0 stalemate with Everton, questions were raised about the quality of Mikel Arteta’s frontline.

Similar questions were asked a year ago but the Gunners found a solution, chiefly putting Kai Havertz up top.

Well, a readymade fix may have been found once again this time around with Gabriel Jesus of all people scoring five goals in his last two outings.

Before scoring a devastating hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, the Brazilian had not scored at the Emirates in over a year of football. It’s amazing what confidence does for you, isn’t it?

Jesus was selected to lead the line again when they took on Palace for a successive match on Saturday and the former Manchester City striker was in top form again, scoring twice against the Eagles.

However, with the blow of Bukayo Saka picking up a hamstring problem, any thoughts that had relaxed around the idea of signing more attackers should now be ignored.

Arteta and Co simply have to go out in January and bring in a new forward.

Arsenal chasing new centre forward in 2025

Back in the summer, all eyes were on Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko.

He looked like Arsenal’s top target but any hopes of a move were dispelled when the hulking striker signed a new deal with RB Leipzig to stay in Germany, terms that removed his £55m release clause.

Another option is Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres, a man who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the last 18 months.

Arsenal have regularly been touted as a destination for the ex-Coventry man and 2025 could be the year he heads back to English football.

New reports from Football Transfers over the last couple of days indicate that the north London side are still interested in a deal and ‘remain in negotiations’ to sign Gyokeres from Portuguese club Sporting.

It’s thought that they are willing to do business at a cheaper price that has previously been reported with a £54m asking price revealed.

Transfer Focus

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

How Gyokeres compares to Europe's top strikers

It’s become abundantly clear that Arsenal now need to finally bring in a top-tier striker.

Havertz’s form has, for the most part, been excellent in that central role, notably opening up the campaign by scoring four goals in his first seven Premier League fixtures.

However, he hasn’t been quite so relentless in front of goal during the middle phases of the season, scoring just twice in his last nine league appearances.

Jesus’ form has been timely, therefore, but having not actually scored a league goal since January prior to Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park, he cannot be relied upon long-term.

Thus, the arrival of Gyokeres, a “ball-striking monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, could be just what Arsenal need to win the Premier League title.

Last term, the Swede scored a mind-boggling 43 goals in 50 games and throughout 2024/25, he has found the net on 27 occasions from just 25 outings. That’s not bad, is it?

So, how does it compare to some of the game’s elite? Well, over the same time frame, the inevitable Erling Haaland has scored 56 goals, 14 fewer than Gyokeres has. If we compare him to his fellow countryman and another Arsenal target Alexander Isak, he is also streets ahead. Over the last season and a half the Toon star has found the net on 36 occasions.

Let’s compare them a little more deeply. Who’s the more complete striker?

As you can see above, Haaland doesn’t actually offer much beyond his astonishing goalscoring exploits. On the other hand, you’ll get a better all-round game out of two striker profiles like Gyokeres and Isak.

Importantly from an Arsenal point of view, Gyokeres supplies a higher volume of key passes and progressive passes than Haaland, while he’s no slouch in the air either, showcasing his ability to potentially hold the ball up and act as a focal point for crosses like Havertz.

What’s more, is his availability. Isak would be a phenomenal addition given his Premier League experience but has had a problem with injuries. The Sporting sensation, however, didn’t miss a single match last term.

Availability and reliability are often the best qualities but in this case it is merely a bonus. If Arteta manages to bring him to the Emirates, he may well have the most deadly of forwards in England.

Saved by Jesus: Arsenal were let down by "awful" 116-touch star at Palace

Arsenal returned to form in the Premier League with a thumping win over Crystal Palace.

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 21, 2024

Erik ten Hag is attending Roma vs Juventus in Serie A as he searches for his next job after leaving Manchester United in October.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ten Hag left Manchester United in October
• Searching for his next job
• Attending Roma vs Juventus

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ten Hag will be at the game as a guest of the Friedkins, Roma's owners, fuelling rumours that he is being lined up to take charge at the club in the summer. However, La reports that there has been no official contact about the role yet.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Claudio Ranieri is currently in charge at Roma but is highly likely to leave in the summer. Ten Hag is searching for his next job after he was sacked by United earlier this season. He was considered a leading candidate for the Borussia Dortmund job in January and is now being linked with a high-profile job in another of Europe's top leagues.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ten Hag is not just attending the game as a guest of the owners but is also being given the special treatment off the field. He is staying in a hotel that was also used by January signings Victor Nelsson and Anass Salah-Eddine.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ROMA?

  Roma are in fine form under Ranieri, winning their last seven Serie A matches to put themselves in contention for Champions League qualification. Sunday's game against Juventus is followed by a trip to Lazio next week.

Liverpool have watched an “exciting” winger “several times” ahead of a potential move at some point in 2025, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mohamed Salah's future still in doubt

Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield is very much up in the air, with the Egyptian giving indications that he is not close to signing a new deal to extend his stay on Merseyside beyond the end of the season.

When asked whether this is his final season with the Reds, the 32-year-old said: “So far, yes. It’s the last six months. There is no progress there. We are far away from any progress. So, we just need to wait and see.”

However, both Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville remain confident the forward will remain at Anfield beyond the end of the current campaign.

That said, it is still far from a certainty, so Liverpool may have to start looking at new forwards for the summer, and they are believed to be plotting a move for Feyenoord attacker Anis Hadj Moussa, who they are said to be watching closely.

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also of interest to Arne Slot, following the Cameroonian’s impressive first half of the Premier League season, although there will be competition from Newcastle United, who could be willing to pay £50m to get a deal done this month.

In truth, the Reds will be desperate for Salah to stay, as he will be nigh-on impossible to replace, but Romano has now dropped a new update on a winger Liverpool could look to sign in 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer expert said: “My understanding is that, from Borussia Dortmund, they can feel that in 2025, probably summer more than January, it’s going to be difficult to keep Jamie Bynoe-Gittens at the club, because the interest from Premier League clubs is more than strong.

“Several times, scouts from Liverpool, scouts from Chelsea and more clubs have been in attendance to follow Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ progress at Borussia Dortmund.”

Liverpool willing to cash in on "world-class" gem in awful Solanke repeat

This “world-class” Liverpool talent could be the club’s next Solanke failure.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 8, 2025

Gittens impressing in Germany

Although Jamie Gittens came through the youth ranks at Manchester City, he has followed a similar path to Jude Bellingham by choosing to make a name for himself with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

This season has undoubtedly been the 20-year-old’s best to date, proving he has what it takes to compete at the highest level by scoring four goals in the Champions League, and he has five goals and four assists in 15 Bundesliga outings.

Lauded as “exciting” by journalist Josh Bunting, the young Englishman, who can play on both wings, is a top prospect, so it is exciting news that Liverpool are in the race for his signature.

However, a deal would not be cheap, as Gittens is believed to be valued at €100m (£83m) by his current club, so the Reds will need to be certain he is capable of becoming a world-class player before orchestrating a move.

Ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba says he "can't wait" to return to football and that he has had "offers from all over" following his doping ban.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Pogba completes doping ban
• "Can't wait" to return to football
• Says he's had "offers from all over"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pogba's four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months last October after the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted it was "not intentional" when he ingested the banned substance, dehydroepiandrosterone. Now, however, the France international wants to return to club football and says he is not short of offers from teams.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT PAUL POGBA SAID

  He told GQ: “First of all, I can't wait to play. You know, it's been so long since I played football. I never imagined I'd be free at this time of the season. I've never really experienced a transfer like this. Today, there are offers. Coming from all over. From all over. I want to see what suits me best. Because I am in a crucial period of my life and career. It’s a decision I’m going to take the time to consider."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 32-year-old has not played competitive football for nearly two years since testing positive for the banned substance, where he had elevated levels of testosterone, at Juventus in September 2023. The midfielder admitted he considered retirement during his ban but now he seems raring to get back into the sport he loves.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen when the ex-United ace will get back playing and which team will sign him up.

Leeds United progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday after a 1-0 win over League Two outfit Harrogate Town at Elland Road.

The Whites secured the victory thanks to a second half goal from Largie Ramazani, who headed home from Manor Solomon’s cross, as they struggled to break down the lower league outfit for much of the match.

It was far from a perfect performance from Daniel Farke’s side and the German head coach may not have been pleased with some of the individual showings on display from some of the fringe players who needed to step up.

One Leeds man who did not make the most of his big opportunity to shine was centre-forward Mateo Joseph, in the absence of Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford.

Mateo Joseph's Leeds struggles

The Spain U21 international had a chance to show Farke that he deserves more minutes and starts in the Championship in the second half of the season, but he failed to take it.

Journalist Adam Pope praised the forward’s endeavour during the match but described his performance as “wasteful”, which has been a recurring theme for him this season.

LeedsLive awarded him a rating of 5/10 for his display and noted that the striker ‘struggled’ with the physicality of the three Harrogate defenders.

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate has been incredibly wasteful in the second tier this season, underperforming his xG tally by more than two goals.

It has been a consistent issue for the attacker and it is one that has prevented him from being a regular starter ahead of Piroe, and this latest ‘wasteful’ showing means that Farke must surely dip into the market to sign Mergim Berisha.

Why Leeds should sign Mergim Berisha

It was recently reported that Leeds are interested in a deal to sign the Hoffenheim forward, who could be available on an 18-month loan with the option to make it a permanent move next year.

Transfer Focus

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

Berisha, who has been described as being a “clinical finisher” by analysts Football Chatters, has only started five matches in the Bundesliga since the start of last season due to suffering an ACL injury in 2023.

The £56k-per-week forward’s form before that long-term lay-off suggests that the quality is there for him to come in and offer more to the club’s promotion push than Joseph in the second half of the season, if Farke can help him to get back to his best.

In the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign, the Germany international scored nine goals from 8.13 xG across 23 appearances for Augsburg, which speaks to his ability as a finisher in a major European league.

If Leeds can strike a loan deal for the 26-year-old marksman then he could be an excellent addition to the side, provided the attacker can get back to his 2022/23 form by playing regular football again.

Joseph’s performance against Harrogate, and his displays in the Championship more generally, suggest that a new striker could be needed and Berisha seems to fit the bill.

Leeds could land Rothwell upgrade in swoop for £8m Championship "monster"

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Championship midfield star.

2

By
Dan Emery

Jan 8, 2025

Confusion reigned at Aston Villa as the Europa League anthem blared out instead of the Champions League one ahead of facing Paris Saint-Germain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Aston Villa host PSG in Champions League
• Europa League tune blares out at Villa Park
• UCL anthem was supposed to be used

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Shortly before the second leg of this Champions League quarter-final tie got underway on Tuesday night, the competition's famous anthem was supposed to be played but instead the Europa League one was. This caused quite the stir on social media.

Advertisement

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @Vondopoulos wrote on X: "Emery's got them playing the Europa League music, he knows what he needs."

  @DanAV___ tweeted: "WRONG ANTHEM YOURE GETTING FIRED."

  @Jaytorial commented: "Aston Villa playing Europa League music instead of the Champions League anthem has to be the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen. How do you get it so wrong?!"

  @MN456782 put: "Tinpot Villa playing the wrong anthem they won’t ever playing champions league anthem. #avfc."

  @CFC_Danne added: "If I were a villa fan I’d be fuming, biggest night in your clubs recent history and they’ve played the wrong f*cking anthem."

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While this was a comical mistake by the stadium organisers, the main focus will be on Villa trying to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit to the recently crowned French champions. If they don't, this is still the furthest Villa have got in the competition since they won it in 1982.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  After this game, Villa host fellow top five hopefuls Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, whereas PSG entertain Le Havre in Ligue 1 on the same day.

Ange Postecoglou is expected to leave Tottenham regardless of whether his team wins the Europa League this season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Postecoglou set to leave Spurs at end of season
• Europa League win will not be enough to save coach
• Tottenham down in 16th place in Premier League table

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tottenham have endured a miserable season and are set to part ways with Postecoglou even if he wins the Europa League, according to . Spurs sit down in 16th place in the Premier League table but could still end the campaign on a high by winning the Europa League. Yet time is running out for Postecoglou in north London and there is a "growing sense" he will depart at the end of the season even if he does secure a trophy.

Advertisement

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tottenham will take on Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League, with the winners set to play either Manchester United or Athletic Club in the final. Postecoglou has spoken proudly of his record of winning silverware in his second season at clubs and remains on target to deliver again. But even if he does guide Spurs to European glory it's unlikely the trophy will save him from the sack.

• TELL ME MORE

  Postecoglou has admitted he has "no idea" if he will remain in charge of Spurs past the end of the current campaign, and an 18th Premier League defeat of the season on Monday against Nottingham Forest will have done little to help his cause. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva have both been touted as potential replacements should Postecoglou leave Spurs.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

  Tottenham return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Anfield to take on champions-elect Liverpool. Spurs then host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, May 1.

Nottingham Forest have triggered the release clause of a new exciting forward for Nuno Espírito Santo as they look to continue their strong Premier League campaign, according to an astonishing new report.

Can Forest lift the Premier League title?

After holding current Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground in midweek, Forest followed that result up with a 3-2 win over Southampton to maintain their strong form in England’s top tier.

Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, the Garibaldi now sit just six points off the top of the Premier League (albeit having played a game more than Liverpool) and are six points clear of Manchester City in fourth.

The form of Chris Wood has spearheaded their charge up the table, with the New Zealand international scoring his 14th goal of the season against the Saints to help them to their seventh win in their last eight games, form that has them in the mix for a shock Premier League title charge.

Speaking after the game, Elliot Anderson admitted that the City Ground side were just as concerned about the sides below them though, as they look to at least cement a spot in Europe for next season.

“We started really bright but made it hard for ourselves in the second half. Ultimately we got the three points and I’m really happy,” he explained.

“The manager said it’s always hard when you’ve got something to lose. We needed those three points because there are teams creeping up behind us.”

The club are expected to be active in January, with reports linking forward Taiwo Awoniyi with a move away from the City Ground and the club having already made clear their desire for a new striker last summer.

Nottingham Forest join race to sign £34m+ ace who could replace Awoniyi

He’s a wanted man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 18, 2025

Now, a shock report has tipped Forest to splash the cash this winter in a bid to cement their newfound place among the Premier League elite.

Forest "trigger" £50m release clause

That is according to a report in Spain, which has claimed that Forest are one of three sides who have triggered the €60m (£50.7m) release clause in Villarreal star Alex Baena’s contract ahead of the second half of the January transfer window.

The Spaniard has long been linked with a move away from the Yellow Submarine, having cemented his reputation as one of the best creators in LaLiga. He is enjoying another fine season in Spain’s top flight, with the 23-year-old having managed four goals and five assists in 17 outings, while the “sublime playmaker” leads the division for expected assists, chances created and shot creating actions.

As per the report, all of Forest, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have activated the player’s release clause this month in a bid to secure his services in the coming weeks, while Forest have “decided to go all out” on the Spaniard to try and complete the deal.

In truth, the report feels at the very least premature, with Forest and Newcastle in particular both under financial fair play scrutiny and unlikely to invest so heavily in one player this month, while a trio of clubs activating his release clause also seems far-fetched.

However, if Forest are indeed keen on signing Baena, then they will be getting one of the best creative forces in Europe as they look to make history this season.

Celtic are now eyeing up a very late swoop to sign a new star for Brendan Rodgers as they look to remain active in the transfer window right up until the deadline, according to a fresh report.

Celtic win again

A 3-1 win over Motherwell continued Celtic’s impressive Scottish Premiership campaign to date, keeping them 10 points ahead of Glasgow rivals Rangers with a game in hand on their title rivals.

They also qualified for the qualifying round of the Champions League despite a final-day loss to Aston Villa, and have been drawn against German giants Bayern Munich as they look to book a spot in the knockout stages.

Dream Kvistgaarden alternative today: Celtic could sign "brilliant" £8m ace

Celtic could land dream alternative to Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this player on deadline day.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 3, 2025

After their latest SPL win, Rodgers admitted that his side expected to be active on transfer deadline day as they looked to replace Kyogo, who departed for Marseille earlier in the month, with the Celtic boss adding that a loan move appeared likely amid links to Kelechi Iheanacho.

“I would think so. I think that to get the one that we would want for that longer term, if it’s not there, then I don’t want to just bring in anyone just for the sake of it. I’ll always look from within”, he revealed.

“We play so many games. And how we want to play takes a lot of work, a lot of intense work. My feeling was always once Kyogo was gone, was to have someone else come in. So that’s the plan. And hopefully that can be the case, and we execute that by Monday night.”

“I don’t expect it to be hectic, but I would hope that we could come out of this window stronger. And that’s always been the plan.”

But now it appears a striker is not the only position that could be targeted on deadline day, with a fresh report claiming the Bhoys are exploring a shock permanent move for a player who would fall firmly in the ‘one for the future’ category.

Celtic eyeing move for Motherwell ace

Now, as per a report in The Scottish Sun, Celtic are weighing up a late move to sign Lennon Miller from Motherwell in the final hours of the transfer window.

Still just 18 years old, Miller has been a mainstay in Motherwell’s midfield this season when fit, grabbing two goals and six assists, though he has not featured since December through injury after fracturing his ankle.

A Scotland U21 international, he was hailed as a player with “unbelievable talent” by former Rangers and Scotland man Barry Ferguson 12 months ago.

However, it is the Hoops who could look to strike a deal for him, with the report claiming that having had one offer rejected already this month, Celtic “are now weighing up an improved offer for the talented midfielder ahead of Monday night’s deadline.”

He won’t come cheap though, with Motherwell thought to be demanding well in excess of £4m to make a deal happen this late in the transfer window for their skipper. Miller remains under contract until 2026 as things stand, meaning that Motherwell will not be forced into a sale unless a bid meets their valuation.

Is it one that Celtic could get over the line in the final hours of the window?