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It was a mixed transfer window at West Ham United in the end, but things could have been so much different had they signed the attacking target that they set their sights on.

West Ham's transfer window in review

To say it was a slow start for the Hammers would be an understatement. It looked as though they were going to stand still entirely at one stage, opting to welcome just Callum Wilson and El Hadji Malick Diouf, until they finally returned to the transfer market late on and signed the likes of Mateus Fernandes.

West Ham's "unbelievable" star was their OG Fernandes, then Moyes sold him

The dynamic ace was a brilliant player for West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 6, 2025

It could be that late flurry that sparks a much-needed turnaround under Graham Potter. Before their 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest before the international break, the Hammers had lost all three of their first games, and had conceded 11 goals in the process. Pressure, as a result, was increasing on Potter.

The former Brighton manager would have breathed a greater sight of relief than anyone else involved at the City Ground, but West Ham must now kick on when they return to action.

Only time will tell whether late deals for Fernandes, Igor Julio and Soungoutou Magassa are enough to turn things around permanently at West Ham and save their transfer window, but Potter can no longer say that he wasn’t backed.

Up next for the Hammers after the international break is the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby. The Lilywhites have looked much-improved under Thomas Frank, although West Ham are no strangers to defeating their rivals and will be hoping to pick up where they left off against Forest.

It is, of course, the type of game that Aleksandar Mitrovic would have thrived in, but West Ham can thank one reason why he’s not lining up for Potter’s side after the summer transfer window.

West Ham made late Mitrovic offer

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, West Ham made a late offer to sign Mitrovic after he was granted an exit from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Alongside Leeds United, the Hammers were pushing to welcome the forward back to the Premier League to solve their attacking problems.

Ultimately, however, he opted against returning to English football as he didn’t want to tarnish the relationship that he has with Fulham, having spent five years at the West London club.

Once dubbed “outstanding” by Fulham boss Marco Silva, there’s no doubt that Mitrovic would have been an instant upgrade on West Ham’s current options.

Everton laboured their way to defeat on the opening day of the Premier League season, losing at Elland Road to newly-promoted Leeds United.

Contentious penalty or not, David Moyes will be frustrated with his outfit’s lack of coherence and bite in the final third, especially after a drab opening half.

Might a few more signings be in order? Perhaps so. But Everton are “on it”, as Moyes says himself, and further than a week of transfer window terrain stretches in front of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which awaits further fresh faces.

Marquee man Jack Grealish has been welcomed to the fold, with raw striker Thierno Barry, 22, also touted for big things.

But more is needed.

Everton's late-stage transfer targets

Everton desperately need a right-back, and a right-sided forward too. Lyon’s Malick Fofana, a versatile winger, has been touted as a player of interest.

However, Everton would be remiss not to consider other areas too, with depth, or a lack thereof, appearing a glaring concern at the moment.

That’s why one notable Everton insider has revealed that Everton are working on a deal to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, perhaps in response to Jarrad Branthwaite’s recent hamstring injury.

Everton have a good relationship with the Etihad Stadium side and have already completed a loan deal for Grealish this summer. They must now use this line of communication to complete a shrewd swoop for the experienced Ake.

Why Everton want Nathan Ake

Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko missed the season opener with a fitness problem, heightening the need for reinforcements. Ake, who operates across the backline, would be a fantastic addition in this regard, covering and challenging the established starters.

A dynamic defender, Ake has been hailed for his “incredible” efforts in a City shirt by Pep Guardiola, having played 145 times for the club, scoring ten goals, since joining from Bournemouth five years ago in a £41m package.

However, his match action dried up last year, in part because of injuries, and with Guardiola’s recent comments regarding a desire for a slimmer squad, the Toffees must pounce on the 30-year-old Dutchman, in doing so, replicating what might turn out to be fantastic business for Grealish.

Grealish was in a similar boat as a Citizen, having been pushed toward the periphery over the past couple of years in Manchester, consequently missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision that polarised England’s football community.

At Everton, he has the chance to shine once again, and showed flashes of his quality on a dour evening in Leeds on Monday night, taking some smooth touches and fizzing a dangerous delivery into the penalty area across his second-half cameo.

That crossing ability could play to Ake’s strengths. The Netherlands defender is renowned for his aerial ability and would add a dimension to Everton’s threat from set-pieces.

Moreover, he would add depth to Moyes’ build-up play, with a passing game fit for a transitional approach. Data from FBref reveals Ake ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90.

If Everton pull this off, they will be repeating a move for Grealish that holds so much promise. Adding such talents to his team, Moyes is demonstrating a tactical acuity that suggests he wants to widen the scope of Everton’s potential. He might just succeed by completing a deal for Ake.

Moyes' own Lukaku: Everton still chasing move for £51m "game changer"

Everton are still in the market for new players this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 21, 2025

يعتقد آلان شيرر نجم نيوكاسل يونايتد السابق أن آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول لا يثق تماماً باللاعب جيريمي فريمبونج حتى الآن، موجهًا دعمه لـ محمد صلاح لاستعادة مستواه المعهود.

وكان ريال مدريد قد أنفق 10 ملايين جنيه إسترليني لإلغاء عقد تريست ألكسندر أرنولد مع ليفربول لكي يشارك في كأس العالم للأندية، وتعاقد ليفربول مع جيريمي فريمبونج من بايرليفركوزن لزيادة المنافسة على هذا المركز مع كونور برادلي.

وقال شيرر في تصريحات نشرتها “ليفربول إيكو” البريطانية: “سيعود صلاح لقمة مستواه ويبدأ بتسجيل الأهداف وسننظر جميعاً للوراء ونتساءل عن سبب كل هذه الضجة”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ميرفي يفسر سر تراجع أداء محمد صلاح مع ليفربول: إذا حدث هذا الأمر سيكون سخيفًا

وأضاف :”إنه يجسد ما يحدث في ليفربول حالياً من حيث تأثره بالتوازن، وليفربول وسلوت لم يجدا التوازن بعد مع الصفقات الجديدة”.

وواصل: “لا يثق سلوت بجيريمي فريمبونج حتى الآن في مركز الظهير الأيمن كما لا يثق في كونور برادلي لذلك أشرك دومينيك سوبوسلاي في مركزه”.

وتابع: “كان جو جوميز على مقاعد البدلاء ووضع جرافنبيرخ في مركز قلب الدفاع وأعتقد أنه لا توازن في التشكيل حالياً، ولا يقتصر الأمر على صلاح بل يشمل الجهتين اليسرى واليمنى”.

وأكمل عن سلوت: “سلوت مدرب رائع والأمر مسألة وقت قبل أن يبدأ ليفربول العمل بجدية، الآن الوقت المناسب للأندية الأخرى لمحاولة تعزيز فارق النقاط، قبل ستة أيام كان آرسنال متأخر بخمس نقاط عن ليفربول”.

واختتم شيرر: “بعد مباراتين، أصبحوا متقدمين بنقطة واحدة والأمور قابلة للتطور بسرعة وليفربول سيتحسن وكذلك صلاح”.

Tottenham Hotspur are in for a season of change throughout 2025/26, after Thomas Frank was appointed following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal earlier this summer.

The Aussie was brutally dismissed during the off-season after winning the Europa League, subsequently ending their 17-year drought without any form of silverware.

However, it was the club’s 17th-placed Premier League finish that saw his time in North London come to an end, with Daniel Levy wanting the club to become serial winners in the near future.

The new manager will want to put his own stamp on the first-team squad, as demonstrated by the additions of Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha already this summer.

Despite the work already being conducted in the window, the Dane evidently wants further reinforcements to make his first year at the helm a positive one.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Eberechi Eze has once again emerged on Spurs’ radar over recent days, after previously being a target before their failed move for Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Lilywhites have entered talks with the player’s representatives over a move to North London, but face competition from rivals Arsenal to complete a deal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only attacking midfielder in their sights this window, with Como star Nico Paz a player who could join the Lilywhites, according to The Athletic.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are huge admirers of the 20-year-old, who registered 14 combined goals and assists across all competitions last campaign.

It also states that Real Madrid could yet trigger a buy-back option after selling him last summer, with a £60m asking price being mooted for the Argentine’s signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Savinho

Alongside Spurs’ hunt for a new number ten, they’ve also made moves to land a new left-winger after Heung-min Son’s £20m move to join LAFC in recent weeks.

Manchester City star Savinho has been mentioned as a potential option for the Lilywhites, even entering direct talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a deal for the Brazilian.

Whilst they’re currently holding out for £60m to part ways with the 21-year-old, it’s been reported that the player himself has already given the green light over a move to North London.

However, Frank already has numerous options at his disposal in such an area, with Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert all capable of filling the void left by the South Korean.

Savinho’s tally of 14 combined goals and assists last season would undoubtedly provide an added threat to the side in attacking areas, but a move for Paz would be a much better addition this summer.

James Maddison’s injury has left a huge hole in the middle of the side, but any move for the Como youngster would offer an immediate and long-term option to Frank’s first-team squad.

When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from the recent season, Paz managed to outperform the attacker, further showcasing why he’d be a better addition this summer.

Games played

35

29

Goals & assists

14

9

Progressive passes

5.5

3.4

Pass accuracy

81%

80%

Passes into final third

3.9

0.9

Take-on success

51%

46%

Goals per shot on target

0.2

0.1

Aerials won

57%

33%

Paz, who’s been labelled a “magician” by one analyst, posted a higher tally of goals and assists last campaign, whilst also registering a better goal per shot on target rate – offering the Lilywhites a more potent threat in front of goal.

He also achieved a higher pass accuracy, whilst completing more passes into the final third, with such tools making him a more creative option – subsequently producing another threat with the ball at his feet in the attacking third.

Such all-round dominance over the City star is further highlighted in the take-on success and aerial ability, subsequently being the perfect all-round option in and out of possession.

Whilst £60m may be a steep fee for a young talent with one year’s experience in senior football under his belt, it could prove to be an excellent piece of business if he can build on his early success.

Whilst Savinho would also be a great addition, the hierarchy should be prioritising a move for the former Real Madrid youngster between now and the end of the summer window.

Better signing than Rodrygo: £60m star is ready to join Spurs alongside Eze

Tottenham Hotspur have received the green light over a deal to land a top-level talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 12, 2025

There’s no denying that West Ham United look a little light with the 2025/26 Premier League season just two weeks away, even after the defensive acquisitions of Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadj Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.

Mohammed Kudus has not yet been replaced after completing a controversial £55m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville remains injured after sustaining a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the final 18 games of the term.

However, Lucas Paqueta’s absolution from wrongdoing in a two-year-long spot-fixing case marks a galvanising lift and potentially the catalyst for change. A turning point.

However, the Irons still need more, and no mistake. Paqueta is a high-level playmaker, but he could with a foil, someone to shoulder his burden at times.

And Potter has got the perfect young star in his sights.

West Ham lining up more attacking quality

Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s offensive linchpin, but he needs some help in the final third after a rather uninspiring 2024/25 as a collective.

Goalscoring quality remains a pressing issue, but United averaged just 1.53 goal-creating actions per 90 last term, as per FBref, which surpassed only the three relegated sides.

As such, Potter may look to complete a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, having been limited for playing time under Arne Slot.

Football Insider report that the Hammers are ready to make their move, pushing ahead with plans to sign the £50m-rated midfielder.

Elliott, 22, has held talks with a number of suitors, and West Ham are joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham, among others, in their intrigue.

Why West Ham want Harvey Elliott

Though Elliott struggled for match action at Liverpool last season, he still managed to showcase his ability on numerous occasions, notably scoring in three successive Champions League fixtures.

A diminutive and versatile midfielder, Elliott’s technical ability on the ball serves as the staple of his skill set, with one-time Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley praising his ability to create “magic” through his passing.

As per FBref, the England U21 international ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal involvements, passes attempted and progressive passes, as well as the top 15% for goal-creating actions per 90.

Thus, Elliott’s potential to become a special player for a team like West Ham is underscored, and he could even rekindle the finest form of Bowen, who still wrapped up the latest campaign with a respectable haul of 13 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.

Elliott came up trumps through the 2023/24 campaign, providing plenty of creative support as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool struggled against a slew of unfortunate injuries.

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

He has the tenacity and winning mentality, inculcated in him through his years on Merseyside, to combine with Bowen, who is a spirit-lifting star in his own right.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino once said that Bowen is “direct and he’s a bit like Salah” when discussing the complete forwards’ fast rise at the London Stadium, and this only strengthens the case for him being a dream partner for Elliott.

Landing Elliott would be a statement signing, all right, and perhaps what West Ham need to hit their stride and return to the forefront next season.

Potter's new Bissouma: West Ham accelerate move for "outstanding" £20m star

West Ham want to sign at least one midfielder this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 1, 2025

Warwickshire dropped to third but scheduling issues mean they will host the semi-final against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network14-Aug-2024

Nottinghamshire ended their inconsistent Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign on a high with a 12-run (DLS) victory over Warwickshire at Rugby School.Warwickshire still qualify for the quarter-finals – they will face Worcestershire at Edgbaston on Friday – but need to reboot after ending the group stage with successive defeats.The home side was bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs, only Ed Barnard reaching 30 against an impressive attack led by Robert Lord (3 for 24) and Liam Patterson-White (3 for 26).Nottinghamshire’s reply was heavily rain-affected and closed on 135 for five after 28 overs, chasing a DLS target of 173 in 38. They were in trouble at 62 for 5 but were lifted ahead of the equation by a composed unbroken stand of 73 from Jack Haynes and Tom Moores.The defeat dropped Warwickshire to third in the final Group B table but they will still host Worcestershire (who finished second in Group A) because New Road will be hosting England Lions vs Sri Lanka on Friday.Nottinghamshire chose to bowl at a home batting unit deprived of Rob Yates and Hamza Shaikh by England Lions duty. Those two were missed as no Warwickshire batter lasted 50 balls.Zen Malik, on his debut, soon edged James Hayes to wicketkeeper Moores. Barnard and Will Rhodes took the score to 45 for one before the fall of the former, lbw to a fine delivery from Lord, sent the innings into decline.Rhodes was run out by a direct hit from the boundary by Haynes. Michael Burgess pushed forward down the wrong line to Patterson-White and was bowled.Chris Benjamin and Kai Smith added 30 but both fell in Matthew Montgomery’s first over, each caught at deep mid-wicket. When Patterson-White trapped Theo Wylie lbw through an ill-judged reverse sweep, three wickets had fallen for one run in seven balls.Michael Booth edged Patterson-White to second slip as Warwickshire dipped to 141 for 8 before Jake Lintott and Tazeem Ali added 41 in 11 overs to give their side something to bowl at. Lintott hit the only six of the innings, over long on off Montgomery, before skying Lord to extra cover.Embarking on a target of 183 in 48 overs, Nottinghamshire lost early wickets in thickening drizzle. Freddie McCann chipped Barnard to mid-wicket, Ben Slater edged Booth behind and Haseeb Hameed was adjudged caught at gully off Lintott when the ball apparently bounced before being scooped up by Smith. That wicket, quickly followed by Montgomery edging Lintott behind, tilted the DLS equation Warwickshire’s way.After an hour-long rain break at 56 for 4 (12.5 overs) changed the target to 173 from 38, Lintott quickly struck again when a full-length ball trapped Sam King lbw, but Haynes and Moores batted sensibly in poor light and drizzle. Haynes reached a 64-ball half-century and nudged his side calmly into control before the rain thickened up and off came the players once and for all.

Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe’s heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.

In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.

Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail’s correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.

He stated: “I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.

“They’ve got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they’ve got in the Champions League. If they don’t, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn’t like doing that.”

Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?

Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson

Pep Guardiola wants to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

Amid doubts over Ederson’s future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.

However, it appears that Manchester City aren’t just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.

Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit

According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.

Kees Smit in the Eredivisie – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

10

Touches in opposition box

40

Duels won

53

Recoveries

59

Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: “Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on.”

Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar’s senior side and second string.

While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.

Unbeaten half-century lacks support as Sunrisers fall short in 18-over chase

ECB Reporters Network15-Jun-2024

South East Stars 153 for 4 (Redmayne 38*, E Jones 36) beat Sunrisers 111 for 5 (Scrivens 62*) by 19 runs – DLSGrace Scrivens’ stylish half-century proved in vain as Sunrisers slipped to a 19-run defeat under the DLS method to finals day-bound SE Stars in a game reduced to 18 overs aside at The Oval.The England A captain in New Zealand last winter struck 62 not out off 48 balls with a six and eight fours, but with only Jo Gardner (23 from 16) offering meaningful support, the visitors were 111 for 5 and behind the clock in the chase for 154 when the rain drove the players off with 13 balls remaining. Dani Gregory took 2 for 21 while Tilly Corteen-Coleman (1 for 14) kept up her remarkable record of taking a wicket with her first ball.Earlier, Stars’ impressive score of 153 for 4 was built around Australian debutant Georgia Redmayne’s patient 38, the fireworks being provided by Emma Jones (36 from 23), Phoebe Franklin (23 from 21) and Bryony Smith (21 from 11). Mady Villiers was the pick of the Sunrisers attack with 2 for 23.Morning and afternoon rain delayed the start until 3:50pm, but Smith made up for lost time after losing the toss and being put into bat, plundering four boundaries from one Eva Gray over, the pick a back-foot drive creamed through extra-cover.Smith fell in the next over bowled by Villiers, the spinner luring her down the track to be stumped by Amara Carr, who then caught England opener Sophia Dunkley, holding onto a skied top edge.Franklin though picked up the baton, a delightful square cut and a bludgeon over the head of mid-on among her four fours. Villiers cut the innings off in its prime when Franklin hoisted one into the hands of Gray at cow corner but that was the cue for Jones to unleash her power.The all-rounder hit two mighty sixes, the first at long-on where Jo Gardner got fingertips to it but could only parry the ball over the rope. No such doubt about the second blow however which sailed five rows back into the seats at deep square.Left-hander Redmayne was content to play second fiddle in a stand of 57 and when Jones departed to a catch on the fence, the Aussie gave the stage to Alice Davidson-Richards, who smote a six and a four in reaching 16 off 6.Chasing 154 for an unlikely win, Sunrisers were soon in tatters. They lost Villiers without a run on the board, Jones in the action with a catch on the fence from the bowling of Stonehouse.Lissy Macleod then top edged one from Ryana MacDonald-Gay into the hand of keeper Redmayne and when Corteen-Coleman produced her latest party trick to trap Carr lbw for a duck the visitors were 19 for 3.Skipper Scrivens, who’d watched the carnage from the other end, responded with the first six of the reply, before being given a life by Aylish Cranstone, who spilt a regulation chance at point from the bowling of Jones. By then though Gregory had struck twice in three balls to remove Amu Surenkuma and Flo Miller.Scrivens continued to hit boldly, reaching 50 in 41 balls and Gardner too cleared the ropes but the task was just beyond them.

If there is one thing that has come to define this season for Tottenham Hotspur, it’s injuries.

It’s undeniable that Ange Postecoglou’s side have massively underperformed over the last nine months, but the number and severity of the team’s injuries cannot be ignored.

For example, Archie Gray, an 18-year-old midfielder, has made 19 appearances at centre-back, nine at right-back and five at left-back this season, as there were simply no other options at certain points.

Unfortunately, this rotten luck with injuries has struck the North Londoners once again, and they will be without Dejan Kulusevski for their game this weekend and the Europa League Final next week.

Kulusevski's injury disaster

Likely in a bid to keep him fresh and to try and help rediscover some of his incredible form from earlier this season, Postecoglou opted to start Kulusevski against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Chalkboard

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

Unfortunately, it was a decision that quickly came back to bite him, as just 19 minutes into the game, the Swedish international hobbled off the pitch, clearly in some discomfort.

After the game, the manager told the press that it was “just a knock” and that “he should be ok,” although this has since been proven very wrong indeed.

Just yesterday evening, the club announced that the former Juventus star had “suffered an injury to his right patella” against the Eagles and has now “undergone surgery”, which will keep him out of action for the rest of the season.

With James Maddison out for the rest of the campaign as well, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that Tottenham are now in an injury crisis when it comes to the number ten position.

Unfortunately, there are simply no perfect solutions at the moment, but Postecoglou could be bold and start one of his most exciting options there on the weekend, ahead of the final.

The Spurs player who should start for Kulusevski

While some fans will want Postecoglou to play the kids this weekend, it’s probably better that he plays something close to the team that’ll take on Manchester United on Wednesday, at least for the first half.

Doing this should avoid any players getting a little rusty, and it will give the manager a chance to see how Mathys Tel fares in the number ten position.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we know this is an unorthodox suggestion, but as things stand, there aren’t many other options.

Moreover, while the young Frenchman – who could sign permanently in a £45m deal this summer – is primarily a winger and striker, he has shown himself to be quite a creative attacker, especially with Bayern Munich last season.

For example, FBref placed him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last year for goal-creating actions, the top 2% for goals plus assists and medium pass completion, the top 4% for long pass completion, the top 6% for carries into the penalty area, the top 9% for assists and more, all per 90.

On top of that, FBref considered Florian Wirtz to be the eighth most similar player to the Sarcells-born gem last season and Jamal Musiala to be the tenth.

So, if he’s statistically similar to two of Germany’s most technically gifted number tens, then there must be something in his game worth exploring this weekend, which, if successful, could see him start there again next week.

Moreover, if Ange plans to start Dominic Solanke up top, then the “generational talent,” as Spurs themselves described him internally, could almost act as a second striker at points, dovetailing with the Englishman and giving the Red Devils’ backline a real headache.

Ultimately, there simply isn’t an ideal solution to Spurs’ current injury crisis, but in Tel, Ange has a promising youngster who at least has the parts to his game that could see him do a job in attacking midfield.

Therefore, the Australian should start the Bayern Loanee there this weekend as a test case for the final next week.

Spurs can axe Solanke by signing £25m star who's only 4 goals behind Kane

Spurs could sign a striker who’s nearly on par with Harry Kane this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 12, 2025

West Ham continued their winless streak, losing 3-2 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, making it now seven games without a victory. The Hammers, despite going 1-0 down early on, managed to claw it back, going 2-1 up in the 83rd minute, before conceding an 89th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner.

Graham Potter’s side held 47% possession in the game, creating two ‘big chances’, taking 12 shots, and generating 1.25 xG in total. Meanwhile, Brighton, having 53% possession, also managed to create two ‘big chances’, taking 16 shots and generating 1.35 xG.

Despite going without a win in the Premier League in their last seven games, West Ham are now safe due to Ipswich also losing against Newcastle, securing the Hammers’ safety. But that won’t dismiss the poor performances of certain individuals, who will likely be playing for their shirts in these final games of the season.

Jarrod Bowen's performance against Brighton

One man who didn’t disappoint with his performance was West Ham’s captain, Jarrod Bowen, who provided both assists against Brighton. The 28-year-old has made 32 appearances this campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in his 2,805 minutes played.

Alongside his two assists, Bowen had two shots blocked in the game, provided four key passes from his 21 total passes attempted, created two ‘big chances’ and won two of his five ground duels, showing his effectiveness in the match despite only having 36 touches (fewer than Alphonse Areola in goal).

But despite a strong performance from Bowen, West Ham had more poor performances than good ones, with one man in particular standing out in this game after losing 100% of his duels.

The West Ham flop who lost 100% of their duels

Jean-Claire Todibo has struggled in his first season in England, losing his place in the side under previous manager, Julen Lopetegui, but earning a spot under Potter, starting eight of their last nine Premier League games and contributing to two clean sheets.

Minutes

90

Touches

60

Accurate Passes

46/50

Clearances

4

Blocked Shots

1

Dribbled Past

1

Ground Duels Won

0/3

Possession Lost

6

Successful Dribble Attempts

0/1

Alongside losing all three of his ground duels, Todibo also didn’t contest a single aerial duel in the match, lost possession six times, failed his only dribble attempt in the game, and was dribbled past once. He did manage to make four clearances and complete 46/50 passes, but the overall performance was not up to standard.

Todibo was awarded a 5/10 match rating by West Ham Zone, making him the joint-second lowest rated. West Ham have struggled defensively this campaign, conceding 58 goals in 34 games, so next season it will likely be a position they look to upgrade on for Potter’s squad.

The French defender is only currently on loan, but these last four games of the season could be key as the Hammers will then decide whether they want to keep hold of Todibo by activating his buy option and keeping him at the club next season.

For now, though, Potter must drop the flop from the starting line-up after his disappointing display, which even Bowen could not save with his two assists.

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