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In a period that has seen fans and pundits alike become obsessed with ‘winning the transfer window’, Liverpool – intentionally or not – have bucked the trend, having proven that getting the best out of what you already have at your disposal can be just as fruitful.

Indeed, the Premier League champions have made just one senior signing since snapping up Ryan Gravenberch back in the summer of 2023, albeit with that man Federico Chiesa merely something of an afterthought under Arne Slot, having made just five top-flight outings this season – none of which have come from the start.

While the impending exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold – alongside the need for a new striker and centre-back – will likely see the Reds dip into the transfer market this time around, there should be a sense of caution this summer, amid the need to avoid upsetting the applecart.

The pursuit of a certain Martin Zubimendi last summer should be an example to follow, with the Anfield side deciding not to pursue an alternative to the Spaniard, after the Real Sociedad man turned down the chance to move to England.

The aforementioned Gravenberch – who has since started 35 league games in 2024/25 – has proven to be a more than worthy in-house solution for Slot, with Zubimendi’s rejection perhaps a sliding doors moment for the season.

By all accounts, the Euro 2024 winner will belatedly move to the Premier League this summer, but not to Anfield.

The latest on Martin Zubimendi's future

Jurgen Klopp’s final summer had seen a real overhaul in the midfield department, with four new faces brought into the fold in 2023, amid the departures of the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabinho.

That quartet were seemingly not deemed to be enough as far as Slot was concerned a year later, with the Merseysiders looking hellbent on bringing Zubimendi to the club, in order to replace Wataru Endo as the starting option in the number six role.

Despite having appeared convinced that the Sociedad star would be keen to leave his boyhood club, the midfield maestro ultimately opted against joining Slot’s ranks, having seemingly “changed his mind”, according to Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan.

Fast forward less than 12 months, however, and it would seem that the 25-year-old has again had a change of heart, with the Independent’s Miguel Delaney revealing last week that a deal to take the £51m man to Arsenal has already been “wrapped up”.

That has since been followed by a report from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian journalist outlining that Zubimendi has “verbally agreed to sign a long-term deal” with the Gunners, following in the footsteps of compatriot and former club colleague, Mikel Merino.

Liverpool have missed out, although it should well be Zubimendi left with the tinge of regret. While Slot’s men have claimed title glory, the Basque ace, meanwhile, has been part of a side that are currently 12th in LaLiga, amid a deeply disappointing campaign for La Real.

It would appear that things have worked out for the best as far as those at Anfield are concerned, not least with the club boasting a midfield superstar of their own.

The Liverpool star who's worth far more than Zubimendi

The revelation of the campaign, from a Liverpool perspective at least, has been Gravenberch, with club legend Jamie Carragher hailing the Dutchman as “the biggest surprise” of the season, due to his standout form.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

That said, the man who takes the acclaim as arguably the Premier League’s “outstanding midfielder”, as per Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, is his World Cup-winning teammate, Alexis Mac Allister, with the Argentine having again been simply masterful in 2024/25.

Signed for a minimal fee of just £35m from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023, the playmaker has proven to be something of a bargain over the last two years, having played a central role in the club’s title success.

Indeed, this season has seen Mac Allister rack up five goals and five assists in the top-flight, with his thumping effort against Tottenham Hotspur sparking jubilant celebrations that even measured at 1.7 on the Richter scale, as Liverpool closed in on the title.

Not only the man who can provide that cutting edge in the final third, the midfield metronome has also averaged 1.3 key passes per game, while averaging 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game. In all, the 26-year-old ranks sixth in the division for tackles made this term, with 95.

Games

35

33

Goals

5

2

Assists

5

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes*

1.3

0.5

Pass accuracy*

87%

84%

Tackles*

2.7

2.2

Interceptions*

0.6

1.2

Total duels won*

48%

58%

That ability to thrive both in and out of possession is also showcased by how he stacks up against his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref. For example, the former Seagulls star ranks in the top 7% for non-penalty goals and the top 6% for shot-creating actions, albeit while also ranking in the top 1% for blocks and the top 8% for tackles made per 90.

Unsurprisingly, such form has seen his valuation soar following that £35m move, with Transfermarkt deeming him to now be worth in the region of €90m (£76m). To put that into perspective, the aforementioned Zubimendi is valued at €60m (£51m) – thus matching his reported release clause.

Zubimendi may be a talent and could certainly thrive under Mikel Arteta’s watch next season. That said, even if he does make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League, Liverpool can rest easy knowing that they already have a far more valuable talent of their own.

He may not yet be of the status of an Alisson, a Virgil van Dijk or a Mo Salah, although on the evidence of 2024/25, in particular, Mac Allister is just as important as any of them.

Fewer touches than Alisson: Slot must axe 5/10 Liverpool dud after Arsenal

Arne Slot must drop this Liverpool dud who was worse than Conor Bradley against Arsenal.

3 ByDan Emery May 11, 2025

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign is all but over as they cannot be relegated, and they cannot push on to finish in any of the European positions.

The Red Devils, who were beaten 4-3 by Brentford on Sunday, are now 15th in the table and only have the Europa League to play for before the end of the season.

It has not been good enough for Ruben Amorim’s side on the domestic front, which could lead to some business in the summer transfer window to improve the squad.

In fact, United have already been linked with potential targets to bolster the team, including one player who currently plays in the Championship.

Man Utd target Championship star for summer move

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Sunderland central midfielder Jobe Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that both the Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are both eager to sign the England U21 talent in the summer window.

Transfer Focus

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

It also reveals that Borussia Dortmund are eyeing up the English midfield star and that Sunderland have set a valuation of £20m for the promising youngster.

Manchester United should now push to win the race for his signature in the summer window because he is an exciting prospect who has shades of Paul Pogba.

Jobe Bellingham has shades of Paul Pogba

The 19-year-old starlet is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, having only played in the Championship for the Black Cats so far, but he has already shown plenty of promising signs.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once stated that Jobe “carries the ball with such elegance” and that the teenage gem is a “top athlete” and “box-crasher”. Remind you of anyone?

Ryan Giggs once said that Paul Pogba was physically “immense” and that the France international had “everything” in his locker to succeed, as the midfield maestro offered a physical presence to go along with his technical qualities.

Jobe, who stands at 6 foot 2, has shades of the former United star about him as he mixes physical and technical attributes to offer an all-round presence in the middle of the park.

Appearances

40

xG

3.14

Goals

4

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

Duels won per game

5.9

Duel success rate

52%

As you can see in the table above, the £20m-rated dynamo has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also winning almost six duels per game, and winning the majority of his physical battles, despite being just 19.

The Sunderland star, who was described as a “freak of nature” by teammate Dan Neil due to his physicality, has already shown that he can compete physically against senior professionals, which suggests that he could deal with the step up in intensity that comes with a move to the Premier League.

Like Pogba, Jobe could offer physicality, goals, assists, and drive in midfield for Manchester United and Amorim, whilst also having plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player at the age of 19.

He's more prolific than Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks for £60m "monster"

Manchester United are in regular contact over a deal to sign a £60m star who has outscored Mbeumo and Cunha.

ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Whilst he may not be an instant success at Old Trafford, due to his age and room to grow, the English youth prospect could be a future star in Manchester due to the technical and physical qualities that he possesses.

Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have made £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star a top transfer target, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing attacking reinforcements this summer

The Magpies still have plenty to play for in what has been a tremendous campaign, as they ended their long wait to lift a trophy. Eddie Howe’s side are still firmly in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and the hope will be that securing that will help them when it comes to transfers this summer.

Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward

Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2025

The transfer window doesn’t open until the beginning of June, but already, Newcastle are lining up potential arrivals. According to a recent report, Newcastle are interested in a move to sign Alexis Saelemaekers from Italian giants AC Milan. The midfielder has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season, and on his return at the end of the campaign, he could be allowed to leave, with Milan looking to get around £17 million for his services. His arrival would strengthen a midfield that already has plenty of exciting options.

As well as looking at ways to improve their midfield, Newcastle are also looking at improving their forward line, especially as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have made Emanuel Emegha a transfer target, as the forward has been mightily impressive for Strasbourg. The striker is said to be open to a move to England and could be seen as a potential replacement for Isak, should he depart.

Barcelona now choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace De Jong

However, signing a player like Saelemaekers may become more of a priority for the Magpies, as according to a report from Spain, Barcelona now want to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong.

The report states that Deco is now working on a replacement for De Jong, as while the Dutchman is under contract until the summer of 2026, talks over a new deal are not advancing.

Therefore, he could be moved on by the Spanish giants, and they have identified Tonali as the perfect replacement. It claims that Barça see the Newcastle midfielder as someone who can immediately fit into their system and would be perfect to cover De Jong.

Tonali, who earns £120,000 a week at St James’ Park, has been on Barça’s radar for a while, even before he joined the Magpies. His performances in England for Newcastle have now confirmed to the Spanish giants how good he really is.

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

3

xG

3.53

Shots per game

0.9

Assists

2

xAG

1.35

Big chances created

2

Key passes

0.4

Tackles per game

1.5

Interceptions per game

0.9

Barça would place Tonali as essential to their midfield plans, but the fact he is under contract until 2028 and is expected to cost a lot of money are two stumbling blocks for Barcelona. However, they are confident that if De Jong doesn’t sign a new contract, it will give them an opportunity to sign Tonali, but this transfer hinges on what happens to the future of De Jong.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is on borrowed time, with tonight’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt vital for his future.

The Aussie has the opportunity to end a dismal season on a high by claiming European glory, which would undoubtedly allow supporters to forget about their lowly league standing.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 15th place in the Premier League, with their only hope of securing another season in Europe coming down to any triumph in this season’s Europa League.

His side come into the clash level with the Bundesliga outfit after a 1-1 draw in North London seven days ago, with Pedro Porro scoring the goal to ensure they enter the second leg level.

Make or break is a phrase you could describe tonight’s meeting as, with rumours rapidly building over a deal to land a new manager should the 59-year-old fail to deliver later on this evening.

An update on Spurs’ hunt to replace Postecoglou

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been high up on the hierarchy’s list to replace Postecoglou should he get sacked between now and the end of the season.

The Spaniard has led the Cherries to 8th place in England’s top-flight, potentially securing the side European football – an incredible feat for a side who are punching way above their weight.

However, it’s been reported this week that the 42-year-old has held positive talks with the Bournemouth hierarchy over extending his stint at the Vitality.

Such a decision would be a huge blow to the Lilywhites’ pursuit of landing the manager, potentially needing to target alternatives to replace Ange should he depart.

It appears they’ve wasted no time, with TEAMtalk claiming that the hierarchy will make contact with Brentford over a deal to land manager Thomas Frank during the summer.

The Dane has a £10m buyout clause in his deal at the Bees, with the club willing to trigger such a price tag during the off-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Frank would be an upgrade on Ange and become Poch 2.0

Mauricio Pochettino is arguably Spurs’ best manager in recent memory, with the decision to sack him back in 2019 undoubtedly a huge mistake by the hierarchy.

The Argentine was appointed as the club’s manager in the summer of 2014, arriving from Southampton and exceeding the expectations of all supporters during his five-year stint at the helm.

The 53-year-old achieved a 55% win rate during his tenure, notching a record of 1.8 points per game, helping the club reach the Champions League final back in the 2018/19 season.

In his five full seasons in charge, he did a superb job, with his lowest league finish being 5th place during his maiden year, with a Champions League finish a distant dream for supporters in the present day.

However, 10 years on from Poch’s appointment, the club could land the next version of the Argentine in the form of Frank, who could follow suit by taking his biggest step in his career by moving to Spurs from a less established top-flight outfit.

When comparing the Dane to current boss Postecoglou, Frank has massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be an upgrade on the Aussie in North London.

Games played

32

32

Wins

12

11

Draws

7

4

Losses

13

17

Points per game

1.34

1.15

Points total

43

37

Net spend

£24m

£120m

The Bees boss, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has picked up more Premier League wins than Ange this season, subsequently achieving a higher points per game average.

He’s also led the side to a higher league standing, doing so whilst having nearly a £100m lower net spend throughout the 2024/25 season – highlighting the impressive job he’s done on a budget.

From the stats mentioned, it’s evident that Frank would be a huge upgrade on Postecoglou, potentially being the man to catapult the wide back towards the hunt for a Champions League spot.

If he were to be appointed over the summer and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Poch, he would go down in the club’s history forever, with his £10m buyout potential a bargain if he can take the club back to where they belong.

Bigger star than Bergvall & Moore: Spurs have struck gold on "monster" gem

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could surpass the levels achieved by Lucas Bergvall & Mikey Moore.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race for an “unbelievable” Premier League forward, who could be a “key player” for Ange Postecoglou’s side, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Tottenham set sights on new winger

Tottenham’s injury crisis this season, which could arguably be attributed to Postecoglou’s style of play, underlined the need for the manager to bring in more strength in depth this summer, should he remain in his post beyond the end of the campaign.

With Son Heung-Min’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, it may be particularly important for Spurs to bring in a new winger this summer, and a number of targets have now been identified.

Most recently, Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman was added to the shortlist, with Florian Plettenberg revealing the Lilywhites would like to sign the Frenchman, although a move to Arsenal is more likely, and there are some concerns over his potential wage demands.

Tottenham: Barcelona in early talks with £50m Spurs star as contact made

The Catalans are looking to poach a key Lilywhites player.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 13, 2025

Postecoglou’s side are also eyeing wingers from within the Premier League, and they have now joined the race for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, while Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has previously been named as a potential target.

There has now been a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Madueke, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are now leading the race for the winger, and there is a belief they will be able to convince him to move across the capital this summer.

The report goes on to relay quotes from former scout Brown, who says: “Tottenham are one of the teams who have been looking at him, I think Aston Villa have been too.

“From what I hear, Tottenham believe they can tempt him to make that move because they’re prepared to offer him regular playing time.

“He’ll be given the opportunity to make a name for himself and establish himself as a key player.

“If he can play regularly at Tottenham, there’s no reason why he can’t do that.”

"Unbelievable" Madueke could be quality addition for Spurs

It would be a little strange for Chelsea to consider selling the 23-year-old this summer, given that he has shown clear signs of development this season, picking up seven goals and three assists in 25 appearances in the Premier League.

In light of the right-winger’s impressive performances, he received his first cap for England against Finland back in September, assisting Harry Kane’s second goal in the 2-0 triumph.

The England international also received high praise from former manager Mauricio Pochettino near the back end of last season, with the Argentine saying: “Noni Madueke, unbelievable. He did a fantastic job with the ball and without the ball.”

The former PSV Eindhoven man, who cost Chelsea £30m in 2023, could be an excellent signing for Tottenham this summer, so it is promising news that they are now leading the race for his signature.

After a career full of incredible teammates – from Paul Gascoigne all the way to Terry Butcher – Ally McCoist has now revealed the two Rangers players that he feels went under the radar during his time at the club.

Ally McCoist's legendary Rangers career

A clinical striker who became a champion in Scotland as many as 10 times with Rangers, McCoist is an undeniable Ibrox legend who saw it all during his time at the club as both a manager and a player.

Of course, it must be said that his time as a player compared to his time in the dugout both came with incredibly different experiences and challenges. As a player, the Scot was part of a winning Rangers side who often took their place at the top of Scottish football – a contrast to Celtic’s current dominance under Brendan Rodgers.

As a manager, however, McCoist was left to pick up the pieces at a crumbling club as they went into administration and down from the Scottish Premiership. Stepping up nonetheless, the former Rangers man played a vital part in helping to drag the Gers back up the divisions in Scotland.

"Madness" – McCoist stunned at Rangers claims to sign £15k-p/w Celtic star

There have been some suggestions of a move.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 10, 2025

Whilst many will be naturally quick to praise the likes of Gascoigne, Butcher or players of Brian Laudrup’s calibre for their success alongside McCoist, the man himself named two teammates who went under the radar during their time at Rangers.

McCoist names most "underrated" teammates

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, McCoist revealed two players who didn’t get enough of the spotlight: “I’ll give you two actually who were underrated. I was very lucky, I played with some brilliant players. Big Goughy (Richard Gough), Cooper, Gascoigne, Laudrup, Gordon, Terry Butcher, Ray Wilkins, guys like that. Fantastic players, absolutely fantastic players.

“Probably two underrated ones would be Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson. Stuart was a brilliant midfielder, as was Ian.

“Stuart was just so underrated as a football player. The first thing that struck you about Stuart was his energy and his willingness to run about and work hard and I think in many ways that masked his ability in some people’s opinions, because he was a far better football player perhaps than the way he played.

“What caught your eye when he played was his work rate and his closing down, getting the ball back, but far cleverer with the ball and a better player than a lot of people imagined.

“And Ian Ferguson was the exact same. Those two guys could’ve played in any team at any level. Fergie came from St. Mirren as a younger man and Graeme (Souness) and Walter (Smith) turned him into a very mature, level-headed midfield player who was aggressive and had one of the hardest shots out of any players I ever played with.”

“The one thing about Fergie that helped was that he was a Rangers boy growing up so he absolutely loved every minute of putting on that blue jersey. Probably two I’d value as high as any are Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson.”

It was a typical Bruno Fernandes display on Sunday afternoon, with the Manchester United skipper shaking off a stodgy first-half display to ultimately prove the difference-maker yet again for Ruben Amorim’s side.

In that opening 45 at Selhurst Park, both Fernandes and his ageing midfield partner Casemiro were given the run around by Crystal Palace’s boy wonder, Adam Wharton, with United heading in at the break having once again seen their midfield unit woefully exposed.

Fast forward to just past the hour mark, however, and the visitors had completed a creditable comeback, with the captain first teeing up Joshua Zirkzee – à la Anthony Martial in the March 2020 Manchester Derby – before then reacting swiftly to lay the ball for Mason Mount to dispatch what proved to be the winner.

Now fourth on the all-time list for Premier League assists for the Old Trafford side with 56, ahead of Paul Scholes, the 31-year-old remains United’s beloved maverick.

But for how much longer will he be the main man still?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

Having been refreshingly open about his discussions with Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, Fernandes suggested that no further talks would take place over his future until after next summer’s World Cup, with his existing deal set to expire in 2027.

Amorim has already suggested that the Portuguese playmaker may have to adjust to more “rotation” next season, should the club return to European competition, while reports this season have even suggested that INEOS could look to cash in on the club’s number eight to fund a midfield rebuild.

In any case, depth and competition is certainly needed in the centre of park heading into 2026, with the likes of Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson all deemed to be leading targets.

Transfer Focus

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

Equally, however, reports in Spain are even suggesting that United have lodged a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Real Madrid sensation, Federico Valverde, with the Red Devils said to have taken the ‘first step’ toward trying to seal that marquee move.

As to be expected, the LaLiga giants won’t allow their Uruguayan star to depart on the cheap, with the report outlining that Xavi Alonso’s side are likely to demand in excess of €100m (£88m) if they are to even consider sanctioning a sale.

United will then have to up their bid if a deal is to be struck, with Valverde’s existing deal set to run until 2029, although this is certainly a pursuit worth continuing.

How Valverde compares to Bruno Fernandes

If Amorim – and INEOS – is to persist with this much-discussed 3-4-2-1 set-up, then acquiring a figure like Valverde might just be the perfect solution, with the 27-year-old lauded as the “most complete player in football” not too long ago by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

That assessment is certainly warranted considering the versatility that the Montevideo-born talent has showcased in recent times, having frequently flitted between operating in central midfield or at right-back for Los Blancos.

Like Fernandes – who has missed just three games through injury or illness since joining United, as per Transfermarkt – one of Valverde’s key strengths is that he’s “always available”, in the words of Ancelotti, while willing to perform to his best no matter the position he is deployed.

While not a natural creator or playmaker like Fernandes, the one-time Penarol man does still boast four assists in LaLiga this term, only just behind the United skipper’s return of five in the Premier League.

As indicated below, Valverde’s all-round quality can be evidenced in his superior record with regard to pass completion and duels won, in particular, while he is also far less erratic in possession, losing the ball less than half as many times per game as Fernandes.

Games (starts)

14 (12)

13 (13)

Goals

0

2

Assists

2

5

Big chances missed

1

4

Big chances created

2

3

Pass accuracy*

90%

84%

Total duels won*

58%

50%

Dribbled past*

0.4

1.6

Possession lost*

7.4

15.8

Equally too, the Madrid man’s physical superiority can be seen in how little he is dribbled past per game in LaLiga, whereas Fernandes – seemingly unsuited to a deep-lying role – is regularly outpaced or outmuscled by his opposite number.

What also sets him apart from Fernandes is his proven, consistent quality at Champions League level, winning the competition on two occasions to date, alongside his three Spanish titles and various other domestic or continental honours.

He may not rank as the outright best midfielder in the world right now, but he seemingly warrants his status as among the top ten – arguably even above Fernandes.

Now approaching almost 350 games for his current side, the 71-cap international is about as proven as they come, while at 27, he would still be an asset for the long-term, were he to arrive in Manchester.

Of course, Fernandes – as was evident at the weekend – is still a majestic, creative genius, but for this system and for this current iteration of the Premier League, Valverde would surely represent the perfect midfield upgrade.

Anderson upgrade: Man Utd set to bid for "the best English CM since Scholes"

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for a new midfielder in the January transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Dec 2, 2025

Two of Manchester United’s biggest summer signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, are starting to get into full flow for the Red Devils.

Mbeumo, in particular, has started life at Old Trafford quickly, with eight goals and assists in 16 games across all competitions.

As for his Brazilian teammate, things haven’t been quite as smooth sailing. He’s struggled with a few minor injuries and hasn’t been at his best.

The United number ten only has one goal and one assist in 12 Premier League games, but has shown flashes of his best form.

United are not done there when it comes to strengthening in attack, and could dip back into the market this winter.

United’s latest attacking target

It is not just in attack that the Red Devils might be looking to strengthen their side, with midfield a focus area too.

Transfer Focus

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

They are reportedly plotting to sign Elliot Anderson and are even linked with a sensational, if expensive, move for Jude Bellingham.

Looking further up the pitch, the Mancunian giants are linked with a move to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, United are able to meet the Ghanaian’s release clause and could make a move for him.

This, of course, will not be a cheap deal. Semenyo’s release clause is worth a reported £65m, a fee Ruben Amorim’s side ‘would be able to match’ this winter.

However, they would face tough competition for his signature, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City all interested in signing him, too.

Why Semenyo would be a good signing

There is no doubt about 25-year-old Semenyo’s quality. The versatile forward, who can operate on either flank, has been described this season as a “world-class” operator by Cherries teammate Justin Kluivert.

Indeed, the numbers he has put up are reflective of someone deemed an elite winger. This season in the Premier League, Bournemouth’s number 24 has played 14 games, scoring six goals and assisting a further three.

There have been some real standout moments for the 25-year-old, too. He’s scored twice and assisted the other in a 3-1 win at home to Fulham, and scored a sublime solo goal against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

United would love for the winger to have the same sort of impact as Mbeumo if he were to join. The Cameroonian attacker has been one of their most consistent players this season, even winning November’s Premier League player of the month award.

His most recent goal came on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mbeumo and his new teammate Cunha can have a “big impact” on the club if they are able to “find a way to click,” according to United great Gary Neville.

If the Red Devils were to acquire Semenyo in the winter window, they would love for him to add to that threat with their two summer recruits.

You could certainly make a case that the Ghanaian is a hybrid of both players. At least, according to FBref, he has similar underlying numbers to Mbeumo over the last year and to Cunha in the top flight this term – noted as statistically similar both men in those respective fields.

Well, to factor in both, let’s look at numbers from the last two Premier League seasons. A standout number is their combined goals and assists per 90 minutes, with Semenyo averaging 0.5, Cunha 0.6 and Mbeumo 0.65.

0.5 goals & assists

0.6 goals & assists

0.65 goals & assists

1.29 key passes

1.78 key passes

1.79 key passes

1.85 take-ons complete

2.09 take-ons complete

1.22 take-ons complete

3.85 progressive carries

3.63 progressive carries

3.26 progressive carries

4.6 ball recoveries

4.36 ball recoveries

3.98 ball recoveries

It is easy to see how the three players are similar, based on those numbers.

If Semenyo – who, like the United pair, is Premier League proven – can offer the goal and assist numbers of Mbeumo, and the threat carrying the ball which Cunha brings, he would be a dangerous addition to Amorim’s side.

£65m is not the most unreasonable fee for a player of his class, and United fans will be hoping he can have a quick impact at Old Trafford.

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West Ham have been handed an injury update on Crysencio Summervile after the winger missed their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

The Hammers have rediscovered hope in their battle against relegation after an impressive three-game unbeaten streak that has breathed new life into their campaign under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

West Ham United’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Liverpool (h)

November 30th

Manchester United (a)

December 4th

Brighton & Hove Albion (a)

December 7th

Aston Villa (h)

December 14th

Manchester City (a)

December 20th

The turnaround began with a crucial 3-1 home win over Newcastle at the start of November, ending a dismal 248-day wait for a London Stadium victory. Lucas Paqueta’s strike and Sven Botman’s own goal overturned Jacob Murphy’s early opener before Tomas Soucek sealed the points in stoppage time.

The victory was significant not just for the three points but for demonstrating resilience after falling behind early, a scenario that had previously prompted capitulations against Chelsea, Tottenham and Brentford.

Six days later, West Ham delivered another comeback against Burnley, grinding out a vital 3-2 victory. After Zian Flemming’s header put the visitors ahead, Callum Wilson equalised before halftime with his eighth career goal against Burnley. Soucek then produced another crucial intervention, bundling home with thirteen minutes remaining before Kyle Walker-Peters wrapped up all three points just minutes from full-time.

The momentum continued at Bournemouth, where Wilson tormented his former club with two excellent first-half goals. Although Nuno’s side surrendered their two-goal advantage through Marcus Tavernier’s penalty and Enes Unal’s late equaliser, the 2-2 draw extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

West Ham have now got eleven points from their last twelve games, climbing out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

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Nuno has brought defensive organisation and tactical discipline that was absent under his predecessor Graham Potter. Wilson’s form has been crucial too. Despite initially not being fancied by West Ham’s boss (ExWHUemployee), the summer signing has now bagged four goals in his last three matches.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman have improved recently as well, among others, with vice-chair Karren Brady’s decision to push for Nuno’s appointment now paying dividends.

Nuno is on record suggesting that Summerville will be a crucial player for West Ham, and the winger had started every Premier League game for West Ham’s new boss before last weekend’s draw.

ExWHUemployee shares Summerville injury update out of West Ham

Nuno will be keen to have him back to face Liverpool this weekend, and the consensus is that may well be likely.

However, ExWHUemployee has shared an update erring on the side of caution.

Writing via his Patreon, Ex claims that, while Summerville’s injury is perceived as minor, an eight-word message from one of his sources suggests that there is a degree of uncertainty.

If Summerville isn’t fit enough to take part against Liverpool, Nuno will likely call upon Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme, as he did against Bournemouth last Saturday.

It feels like things are going from bad to worse for West Ham United this season.

For example, Nuno Espírito Santo appears unable to buy a win in the Premier League, and now there is talk of Lucas Paqueta leaving.

Losing the Brazilian in the winter window would be terrible for morale, even if he’s not exactly been lighting it up over the last year or so.

However, if he is to leave, there might be an internal solution Nuno can turn to.

Paqueta's record with and without David Moyes

Now, there is no denying the fact that Paqueta is an extraordinarily talented footballer who, on his day, can almost singlehandedly win games.

However, what is equally true is that over the last year or so, he’s not been anywhere near his best.

In fact, from looking at the statistics, it would be fair to say he’s not looked anywhere near his mercurial best since David Moyes left the club.

The Scotsman signed the 28-year-old from Lyon in the summer of 2022.

In that first season under the Scotsman, Paqueta was able to rack up a brilliant tally of 12 goal involvements in 41 games, and even provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s Conference League-winning goal.

The following year saw the dynamic game-changer reach his zenith in Calret and Blue, producing 15 goal involvements in just 43 appearances.

However, that summer saw Moyes depart the London Stadium, and since then, the output from his record signing at the club has not been good enough.

25/26

10

3

24/25

36

5

23/24

43

15

22/23

41

12

For example, across 36 appearances in 24/25, the Paquetá-born ace produced just five goal involvements, and so far this season, he’s produced just three in ten appearances.

In short, Paqueta has been nowhere near as effective since Moyes left the club, so there is certainly an argument to be made that selling him might not be a total disaster, especially when there is a youngster in the squad who might be a perfect replacement.

Nuno's internal Paqueta replacement

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that the best way to replace Paqueta, should he leave, is by signing someone.

Chalkboard

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

While that might end up being what West Ham does, there is another option: to start giving Luis Guilherme more minutes in the ten position.

Yes, the young Brazilian might be seen as more of a winger, and a raw one at that, but he’s no stranger to playing as an attacking midfielder, and is looked at as one of the more exciting youngsters in the league at the moment.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the teenager as a prospect who “still has the world at his feet” and a player who has “similarities to Kudus” in his style of play, specifically the positive ones.

According to Mattinson, the dynamic Brazilian is “a complete profile” blessed with “electric pace” and an “explosive first step” which enables him to “beat a player in a split second.”

He’s not just someone who relies on his physical traits, though, as the former Palmeiras gem has “a killer final ball” and “an awareness of space which helps him to break down teams by identifying and exploiting space in defences.”

It’s not just Mattinson who has high hopes, though.

For example, U23 scout Antonio Mango has stated that starting him in attacking midfield would “suit his profile brilliantly” and that he “just needs confidence and consistent game-time” to show the Irons faithful how good he could be.

Ultimately, Guilherme is still developing and will take some time to reach his peak, but if Paqueta is to leave this season, then the young Brazilian could be the perfect in-house replacement.

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