All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United are set for a new era under Ruben Amorim, with the hierarchy backing the manager in his quest for success during the off-season.

He’s already spent around £200m on new additions, largely having to work with the players signed by former boss Erik ten Hag – who was sacked back in October last year.

The Dutchman led the side to third place in the Premier League back in his first year, but his £600m spending spree was ultimately a failure, which saw various talents fail to impress at the club.

Lisandro Martínez and Antony are just two players who followed the former boss from Ajax in the summer of 2022, costing a staggering £142m combined – with the latter set to leave this summer for nearly a third of his original fee.

However, Amorim may be about to repeat the dealings made by Ten Hag at Old Trafford this window, especially if one player makes the move to join the Red Devils.

Man Utd plot move for Carlos Baleba alternative

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Brighton star Carlos Baleba has emerged as a key target for United between now and the end of the transfer window.

Whilst he still remains a viable option for the Red Devils, his current £100m price tag could prove to be too much given the recent business, with other talents needing to be considered in due course.

As a result, a shortlist of alternatives have been drawn up by the hierarchy, which has seen Feyenoord star Quinten Timber being considered, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that Amorim’s men are closely monitoring a move for the 24-year-old, who made 26 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Dutch Super Cup.

It also states that his current employers, who are managed by former United star Robin van Persie, are open to allowing the midfielder to leave, should they receive an acceptable offer for his services.

Why Timber would be another Ten Hag-esque signing

Despite previously holding talks to land Baleba over the last couple of weeks, a deal between now and the September 1st deadline could appear to be unlikely.

His staggering asking price would see United fork out a club-record fee for the 21-year-old, surpassing the £89m they paid for Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.

Ahead of the first Premier League matchday of the 2025/26 season, Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about Baleba’s future at the club and a potential move away from the AMEX.

He stated that he’s extremely confident the player will stay beyond the summer, which could see the Red Devils go on and pursue a move to land Timber from Feyenoord.

There’s no denying that the Dutchman would be a cheaper signing, but he could also prove to be a better addition if he can replicate his recent form from the Eredivisie.

When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Dutchman managed to outperform Baleba in various key areas, potentially handing the manager a better option at the heart of the side.

Timber, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, showcased his excellent ability in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more which being into the opposition’s box – handing the new attacking trio a chance to impress this season.

Games played

18

34

Goals & assists

6

4

Progressive carries

1.6

1.4

Progressive passes

4.4

3.8

Key passes made

1.4

0.7

Passes into the 18-yard box

1.1

0.7

Tackles won

1.6

1.5

Tackle success rate

61%

60%

Aerials won

69%

60%

He also dominated the Cameroonian out of possession, registering more tackles per 90, whilst winning more of the dispossession attempts he entered – offering the ball-winning presence the boss craves.

His aerial ability is also far superior compared to the Brighton star, having the talent to be a needed presence at both ends of the pitch when called upon.

It’s unclear how much the Dutch outfit are currently demanding for Timber’s signature, but it’s clear that he’s a sensational talent who could provide a bargain solution to the midfield issue.

However, caution must also be taken by the Red Devils hierarchy in the coming weeks, needing to take their previous dealings from the Ten Hag era into account before making an official approach.

As previously mentioned, the additions the former boss made from the Dutch top division have so far proved unsuccessful, which would undoubtedly present questions over a move for Timber should he wear the club’s red shirt in 2025/26.

New Pogba: INEOS chasing "extraordinary" Baleba alternative for Man Utd

Manchester United are preparing a move for a new midfielder and it’s not Carlos Baleba.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 15, 2025

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement over the £37m signing of an exciting attacking player alongside their deals Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds are having a busy period in the summer transfer window, with Rennes striker Kalimuendo reportedly on the verge of joining the club for around £25m to become their sixth capture after Igor Jesus, Dan Ndoye, Jair Cunha, Angus Gunn and Zach Abbott.

The 23-year-old will arrive as a hugely exciting signing – one who registered 17 goals and three assists in Ligue 1 last season – as Nuno Espirito Santo makes additions to his attack ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Forest’s business is far from done there, however, with McAtee expected to arrive from Manchester City for around £30m, coming in as a gifted young player who won the European Championship with England’s Under-21s earlier this summer.

Now, another player is thought to be on the verge of becoming a Reds player, too, with Evangelos Marinakis not messing around and granting his manager a whole host of new attacking options.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Hutchinson

Writing on X on Friday morning, Romano reports that Nottingham Forest are closing in on the £37m signing of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town, with a medical happening imminently.

This is fantastic for Forest fans, who will no doubt be loving the amount of focus on new attackers currently, as Nuno reshapes his squad and adds depth to it. In Hutchinson, the Reds could be signing a player who is not only a key man from the off, but also a future star at the City Ground, considering he is still only 21 years of age.

The Englishman was a part of the Euros-winning team alongside McAtee, scoring once in the tournament, and he also bagged five goal contributions in the Premier League for a struggling Ipswich side last season, as well as being lauded by Kieran McKenna in the past.

Deal close: £15k-p/w Nottingham Forest "miracle worker" on verge of exit

The player only joined last summer…

ByCallum Kemp Aug 15, 2025

Hutchinson can come in and provide strong competition out wide for Callum Hudson-Odoi, also helping fill the void left by Anthony Elanga, and he could prove to be an eye-catching and influential signing for Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur have already splashed just shy of £150m on new transfers throughout the summer window, with Thomas Frank being backed in his quest for success in North London.

The Dane took the reins during the off-season, already making an excellent start to life in the role – beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad in recent weeks.

However, his side have been further bolstered in the last couple of days, landing the signature of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a huge €60m (£52m) transfer.

The Dutchman looked set for a move to Chelsea during this window, but the Lilywhites completed their own hijack after missing out on the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

With a couple of days left in the transfer window, Frank could yet land further reinforcements to his first-team squad, with numerous other options emerging on their radar.

Spurs’ hunt for new additions after signing Simons

After bolstering the midfield department, the Spurs frontline now looks to be the next focus of the recruitment team – with Manchester United star Jadon Sancho a player they’re considering.

It was reported in recent days that the winger has been offered to the Lilywhites, but it’s unclear if any deal for the Englishman would be a temporary or permanent one.

However, another Premier League forward in the form of Brentford star Yoane Wissa has also been touted with a switch to North London, according to Football Insider.

Their report claims that Frank is considering a late move for his former striker, after previously having an excellent relationship with the DR Congo international at the GTEC.

It also states the player is also subject to interest from Newcastle United, looking almost certain to leave before Monday’s deadline, given his reluctance to feature for the Bees – with a £60m transfer fee mooted.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be Frank’s answer to Isak

Alexander Isak is a talent who has constantly tormented countless backlines in the Premier League, with Spurs being just one of the clubs who have felt the wrath of the Swedish striker.

In his five appearances against the Lilywhites throughout his career, the 25-year-old has scored six times – the joint-most of any side – resulting in the Magpies claiming an 80% win rate against the club since his arrival in England.

However, he looks almost certain to depart St James’ Park this window, after refusing to play under Eddie Howe so far this season – amid huge transfer links to Liverpool.

Undoubtedly, his current employers don’t want to lose the Swede, after he netted 20+ top-flight goals in each of the last two campaigns – cementing himself as one of the most threatening talents in the division.

He and Wissa both share similarities given their respective situations at their current clubs, subsequently both wanting to depart to pursue new challenges in 2025/26 and beyond.

However, they also possess matching qualities, as they’ve been labelled as similar players by FBref, with the Brentford star managing to outperform Isak in key areas throughout 2024/25.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one content creator, posted a better goal per shot on target rate, whilst also getting more of his efforts on target – arguably being a more clinical option in attacking areas.

Games played

35

34

Goals & assists

23

29

Shot on target accuracy

46%

43%

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Pass accuracy

77%

75%

Passes into the final third

1.4

1.1

Progressive carries

2.9

2.7

Fouls won

1.6

0.4

Aerials won

46%

32%

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90 – offering a perfect ball-playing option – something which made him such a success in Frank’s system last campaign.

Despite his smaller frame, Wissa also managed to win more of the aerials he entered in 2024/25, potentially being the perfect all-round option for the Lilywhites in their quest for added success.

£60m for the DR Congo star’s signature may seem hefty, but when Isak is currently being valued at £150m, the move for Wissa could actually be a superb deal for Frank and his team.

If he can replicate such levels in North London, he would add a new dimension to the frontline, subsequently boosting the club’s chances of Premier League success in the years ahead.

A Kudus repeat: "Incredible" £70m ace now wants to join Spurs after Simons

Tottenham Hotspur could now complete another deal after landing Xavi Simons earlier today.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly sealed a record deal to bring Alexander Isak to the club, but their business doesn’t appear to be done yet in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool agree record deal to sign Alexander Isak

After the 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, the Reds were given another added bonus, with Isak’s £130m move to Anfield on the cards.

Newcastle have remained stubborn for weeks, potentially refusing to sell the Swede for less than £150m and making him train on his own.

The signing of Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart has changed things, however, with the Magpies also pushing to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, and they have decided it is now best to sell Isak to Liverpool.

It is a stunning piece of business for the Premier League champions, assuming there are no late issues with the move, but another exciting update has also emerged regarding more transfer business.

Liverpool close to agreement for Premier League ace

According to the reliable Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Liverpool are edging closer to signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi alongside Isak, with an agreement getting closer all the time.

Steele also provided another update on the situation on Monday morning, with Palace owner Steve Parish set to make a key decision on Guehi.

“Marc Guehi latest for those asking: told last night an agreement was ‘getting closer’ and ‘good chance’ it happens. Right now, still waiting on sign-off from Steve Parish, with CPFC in for replacements. Oliver Glasner involved too, but hope of a £35m+£5m handshake.”

This is huge for Liverpool, with Guehi their leading centre-back option for some time, with added depth badly needed there, especially if Joe Gomez departs for AC Milan.

The 25-year-old showcased his quality with a brilliant goal in Palace’s 3-0 win away to Aston Villa on Sunday evening, while Joe Hart hailed him in an England shirt at Euro 2024 last year.

“Huge shoutout to Marc Guehi. I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that [centre-back] partnership will get.”

As good as Szoboszlai: £40m star dropped his best game in a Liverpool shirt

Liverpool dug deep to defeat title rivals Arsenal to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2025

If Liverpool can get deals for Isak and Guehi done and dusted, it will round off a memorable summer in the transfer market, arguably giving them their best squad in many years.

In a game that sums up exactly why Newcastle United pushed so hard to qualify for the Champions League last season, Eddie Howe’s side will play host to Barcelona under the lights at St James Park on Thursday night.

Newcastle vs Barcelona team news

Whilst the game represents quite the spectacle, it also represents the chance for Newcastle to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The Magpies edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out in the Premier League, courtesy of a debut goal from Nick Woltemade. Now, the towering striker will be looking to make it two from two against one of the biggest clubs that European football has to offer.

The German is likely to receive another start too, given that Yoane Wissa is still on the sidelines following his injury in the recent international break. As for the rest of the Newcastle squad, Jacob Ramsey is the only other injury concern that Howe has to deal with in another blow for one of the Magpies’ summer arrivals.

It’s set to be some challenge that lies ahead of Howe’s side, but one that he has welcomed with open arms even without Ramsey and Wissa on Thursday evening.

In search of three points to get their Champions League campaign underway, Newcastle have already been handed a boost by Barcelona’s own injury news. The Spanish giants have travelled without star man Lamine Yamal, who missed a 6-0 thrashing of Valencia last time out through a groin injury.

Manager Hansi Flick was left unhappy with Spain after the 18-year-old came back from international duty with the injury, telling reporters: “Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain.

“He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That’s not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players.”

Newcastle predicted line-up (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier; Schar; Burn; Livramento; Tonali; Guimaraes; Joelinton; Elanga; Woltemade; Gordon

Barcelona predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde; Garcia; Cubarsi; Martin; Casado; Pedri; Raphinha; Fermin; Rashford; Lewandowski

Newcastle vs Barcelona H2H & recent results

Without a defeat all season and coming in off the back of a 6-0 defeat of Valencia, standing in the way of Flick’s Barcelona machine will not be an easy task for Newcastle. But the Spanish giants are not without their weaknesses.

Why Newcastle could be facing instant punishment from UEFA back in UCL

It could be bad news for the Magpies…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 17, 2025

They eventually saw their Champions League run come to an end amid defensive frailties last season and those frailties are still there for all to see. The Catalan club conceded twice against Levante in a 3-2 victory and were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallencano last month. So, as scintillating as they are going forward, Barcelona are vulnerable going the other way.

It’s Woltemade that could exploit that, too. At 6’6, the German will tower over all of Barcelona’s backline and that’s the route that Newcastle must take towards goal. Be it from set pieces or from open play, targeting the forward as well as tall centre-back Dan Burn is how the Magpies could snatch a shock victory here.

When it comes to form, Howe will be hoping that Newcastle have turned a corner after defeating Wolves. Before last weekend’s victory, Newcastle had gone three games without three points.

Judging any head-to-head record between both sides may not provide an accurate prediction, either. The last time that Newcastle played Barcelona came in 2003, when the Spaniards picked up a 2-0 victory in Tyneside. Meanwhile, the three games before that came in 2002 and 1997, which featured just one Newcastle victory.

The odds also have Barcelona as the narrow favourites at 13/10, with Newcastle not far behind that price at 7/4 and a draw at 13/5, setting up a highly-anticipated affair.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison has nominated a Chelsea icon for the Premier League Hall of Fame, ahead of Jermain Defoe and Teddy Sheringham.

2025 Premier League Hall of Fame vote underway

Voting for the 2025 inductees into the Premier League Hall of Fame is now underway, with the fan vote now closed, and the results have been shared with the existing 24 members, who for the first time will get the final say in who joins them.

The likes of Alan Shearer, Steven Gerrard and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the current members, with all the legendary former players and managers allowed to choose who else is inducted, ahead of the big reveal in early November.

Cesc Fabregas, Sol Campbell and Jermaine Defoe are among the players that have been shortlisted this time around, with the ex-Tottenham striker sitting 10th on the all-time top scorers list, which should stand him in good stead to be inducted.

Tommy Fleetwood said one Premier League manager "could be a champion" golfer

The Ryder Cup star has described one Premier League boss as a “very good golfer”.

ByDominic Lund Sep 28, 2025

Fellow former Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham is also among the nominees, having found the back of the net 146 times across a very successful career in the Premier League, but Maddison has snubbed both former Spurs players in favour of a Chelsea legend.

In a video on the Premier League’s TikTok account, the former Leicester City man said: “Eden Hazard, got it! For me, one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League. Got his shirt on my wall and probably my favourite one on there. So I’ll go with Edwin (van der Sar) and Eden Hazard, I’m happy with that.”

Hazard undoubtedly among the Premier League's greatest players

2024 inductee John Terry has previously spoken fondly about playing alongside Hazard, describing the Belgian as an “absolute superstar” and praising his ability to take games by the scruff of the neck, despite showing little interest in pre-match tactical instructions.

The enigmatic Chelsea legend is well-known to not have been the best of trainers, but he certainly came alive on match day, chipping in with 85 goals and 57 assists in 245 games, during a highly successful spell with the Blues.

Season

PL appearances

Goal contributions

2012-13

34

22

2013-14

35

21

2014-15

38

24

2015-16

31

8

2016-17

36

21

2017-18

34

16

2018-19

37

31

The 34-year-old won two league titles and the 2014-15 Premier League Player of the Season award during his time at Stamford Bridge, so there can be no denying that his Hall of Fame nomination is fully merited.

As such, it is no surprise that Maddison has suggested Hazard should be inducted in 2025, but Tottenham fans will no doubt be hoping that Defoe can win the battle, given the Englishman’s exploits in north London.

Everton’s 2025/26 season has opened with a sense of both transition and promise.

After five matches, the Toffees sit in 10th place in the Premier League with seven points, though they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup this week by Wolves.

The club’s summer business has been shaped by significant departures and bold moves in the transfer market, signalling a shift in strategy under David Moyes.

Veterans Ashley Young, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all departed, leaving gaps in leadership and experience.

In their place, Everton turned to proven top-flight quality in Jack Grealish from Manchester City and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea.

Both players add flair and creativity to the midfield.

Perhaps more importantly, Moyes has overseen a clear push towards youth development.

Alongside 22-year-old Thierno Barry, the club added highly rated teenagers Tyler Dibling from Southampton and Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich.

Everton were also linked with the likes of Abdul Fatawu (21) and Omari Hutchinson (21), highlighting the direction of travel.

With Goodison Park increasingly becoming a platform for emerging stars, Moyes appears determined to blend youthful exuberance with established quality.

Tyler Dibling is a prime example of Everton’s youth drive

At just 19 years old, Tyler Dibling has become the poster boy for Everton’s summer recruitment.

The winger was one of Southampton’s most promising prospects last season, making 33 Premier League appearances.

Matches Played

33

Minutes

1,874

Goals

2

Progressive Carries

69

Progressive Passes

64

Though he scored just two goals and registered a single assist in 1,874 minutes, his impact extended beyond statistics. Dibling’s direct dribbling style drew admiration from scouts across the country.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich were all credited with interest before Everton secured his signature in a deal worth up to £42m – the club’s biggest signing of the summer.

For Moyes, who had grown frustrated with the lack of activity earlier in the window, Dibling’s arrival marked a decisive statement of intent.

The England U21 international has already been trusted with minutes for the Toffees. He came on in the Merseyside derby, replacing Iliman Ndiaye – a significant moment for a player tipped to play a long-term role in Moyes’ plans.

His signing was also strategically important, filling the right-wing berth vacated by Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.

What sets Dibling apart is his well-rounded statistical profile.

He ranks in the 92nd percentile for fouls drawn (2.49 per 90) and an incredible 98th percentile for penalty kicks won (0.10 per 90), per FBref.

Defensively, he is remarkably diligent for a teenager, ranking in the 88th percentile for tackles in the midfield third (0.86) and in the 98th percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled (61.5%).

He also excels in blocking shots (96th percentile, 0.24 per 90) and consistently challenges defenders, ranking in the 87th percentile for attempted take-ons (5.28) and 81st percentile for successful take-ons (2.16).

This blend of defensive tenacity, attacking ambition, and technical flair makes Dibling one of the most intriguing prospects Everton have invested in for years.

His presence offers fans hope that the club’s commitment to youth will produce tangible results in the seasons to come.

Kieran Dowell was the one that got away

For every Dibling, however, there is a cautionary tale.

Kieran Dowell is one name that still lingers in Evertonian memory, though not for the reasons once hoped.

A product of the club’s academy, Dowell made his debut in 2014 at just 16 years old during a Europa League group stage.

His talent was evident early on, and he became part of the U23 squad that won the inaugural Premier League 2 title. Yet Dowell’s path never truly took flight at Goodison Park.

A series of loan spells followed, including stints at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, as Everton searched for the right environment for his development. Ultimately, he was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular, and in 2020, he departed permanently for Norwich City for £1.5m.

Now 27, Dowell is playing for Rangers in Scotland, where he has made six appearances this season, including three in Champions League qualifying.

During his time at Norwich, though, the left-footed attacking midfielder, who has a similar profile to Dibling, had some moments of pure quality, including the wonderful link-up with Emi Buendia in the clip below.

Journalist Alex Dicken once remarked that he “offers something different in the final third,” and indeed, Dowell’s creativity has been valued previously, with that creativity also on display in that strike against Huddersfield.

He also enjoyed a strong international youth career, representing England at every level up to the U21s, for whom he made 17 appearances, his last cap coming in 2019.

The hope will be that young Dibling’s trajectory ends differently, as another talented, young, left-footed playmaker, cementing Everton’s gamble on youth as the foundation for lasting progress.

Dowell showed great potential as a youngster and went on to showcase his quality with Norwich, winning the Championship in the 2020/21 campaign, which is why the Toffees may feel that they messed up by selling him for just £1.5m in 2020.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke will surely be pleased with how his side has adapted to Premier League football after their promotion from the Championship.

The last six teams to have come up from the second tier have all been relegated at the first time of asking, and the Whites, Sunderland, and Burnley are hoping to avoid making it nine from nine.

Leeds have racked up eight points in seven matches in the Premier League so far this season, lifting them above the relegation zone, in what has been an impressive start to the campaign.

They lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur last time out in the top-flight at Elland Road, but they had a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which included a stunning goal from Anton Stach, prior to that.

The German central midfielder smashed his free-kick right into the top corner for his first goal for the club after his move from Hoffenheim in the summer window.

Another signing from the summer transfer window who has impressed since his arrival at Elland Road is exciting wide attacker Noah Okafor.

Where Noah Okafor ranks among Leeds United's attackers

It may not be unfair to suggest that the Switzerland international is the best and most effective attacker within Farke’s first-team squad in the Premier League this season.

Okafor, who was signed from AC Milan, has hit the ground running in English football with two goals in four starts in the Premier League, per Sofascore, which is twice as many goals as any other player in the team has managed.

He is the only Leeds player who has scored more than one goal this season in the top-flight, with his strikes against Wolves and Spurs, and that suggests that the forward is, at the very least, the most effective goalscorer in the attacking ranks.

Sofascore rating

7.06

1st

xG

1.16

2nd

Goals

2

1st

Minutes per goal

153

2nd

Big chances created

1

2nd

Dribbles completed per game

2.2

1st

Key passes per game

0.8

2nd

As you can see in the table above, Okafor ranks either first or second in a host of key attacking metrics for the Whites in the Premier League, which speaks to how influential he has been at the top end of the pitch in the early stages of the campaign.

The Swiss speedster, who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Spurs last time out, is an electric dribbler who can score goals and create chances for his teammates, which makes him an invaluable part of Farke’s attack.

Despite that, Transfermarkt have Okafor as the 13th-most valuable member of the squad, at £11m, and the seventh-most valuable winger or striker, even below Jack Harrison at £12m.

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?

Another player who is worth even more than the Switzerland international, despite his impressive form in the Premier League, is central defender Pascal Struijk, whom the Whites have hit the jackpot with since his move to the club from Ajax.

Leeds have hit the jackpot with Pascal Struijk

The Dutch central defender joined the club at U21 level on a free transfer at the start of 2018, as his contract with Ajax was due to expire, and he was able to rise through the ranks at Thorp Arch.

Struijk made seven appearances for the U21 team before he emerged as a regular first-team squad member in the 2020/21 Premier League season under Marcelo Bielsa, playing 27 times, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed star has since racked up 166 appearances for the first-team in all competitions for the West Yorkshire outfit, and has started all seven of the club’s league matches this season.

Struijk was particularly important to the club’s promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring five goals in 35 appearances, as he formed a reliable partnership with Joe Rodon.

The 26-year-old titan, who scored two late goals in a dramatic comeback against Sunderland, kept 14 clean sheets in 31 starts in the second tier last term, per Sofascore, which speaks to how defensively solid the team were with him in it.

Farke has kept his faith in both Rodon and Struijk, despite the signings of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, in the Premier League so far this season.

The German boss described him as a “crucial” player back in 2023, and he still relies on the Dutchman, even if his performances this term have not quite been up to scratch.

Tackles

6

Bottom 34%

Duels won

19

Bottom 40%

Duel success rate

43.2%

Bottom 3%

Aerial duel success rate

46.4%

Bottom 13%

Interceptions

2

Bottom 9%

Blocked shots

2

Bottom 34%

As you can see in the table above, Struijk currently ranks among the worst centre-backs in the division in a host of defensive statistics, which suggests that he needs to improve his performances if he wants to remain in the side.

Despite his slightly concerning form at this moment in time, the Dutch star is valued at a whopping £15.6m by Transfermarkt, which means that he is worth more than Okafor (£11m). He is also the joint-fourth most valuable player at the club, per Transfermarkt.

Considering that the Whites picked him up from Ajax’s academy and he started his career in England at U21 level, it is fair to say that Leeds hit the jackpot when they signed Struijk back in 2018.

He has developed into, at the very least, a Championship promotion-winning central defender, and one of the most valuable players in the squad at £15.6m.

Farke struck gold on Leeds star who came from "the school of Haaland"

Leeds United hit the jackpot on this star who Phil Hay compared to Erling Haaland.

ByDan Emery Oct 8, 2025

At the age of 26, Struijk also has plenty of time left ahead of him to increase in value, but he must first turn his Premier League form around and show that he is good enough to start week-in-week-out in a top-flight side that can avoid relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign a “special” £70m attacker, who has made a fantastic start to the season.

Spurs return to form with victory at Everton

Tottenham became the first visiting team to defeat Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, emerging as 3-0 winners courtesy of a Micky van de Ven brace and a late Pape Matar Sarr effort, which saw them rise to third in the Premier League table.

Spurs returned to form on Merseyside, but they have struggled to create chances at times this season, and Thomas Frank is very fortunate his side managed to come away with a point from the trip to AS Monaco in the Champions League.

It would also be fair to say Xavi Simons hasn’t exactly hit the ground running in north London, chipping in with just one goal contribution in six Premier League games, and the Lilywhites have since set their sights on a new attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which reveals Tottenham were one of the clubs to scout Eintracht Frankfurt’s Can Uzun in the German side’s recent 5-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Uzun is attracting interest from a whole host of clubs, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing scouts from English sides have taken a liking to the youngster, saying: “This boy is ‘special’ was the comment I received from a scout attached to one of the Premier League’s top clubs.

“Uzun might be considered under the radar to some but he is a huge talent. He has become one of the most talked about players in the Bundesliga and he really is a huge talent.

“There is not a major club who doesn’t have him on their radar.”

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Signing the Frankfurt star could be a costly operation, with it widely being reported they value him at the €80m (£70m) mark earlier this month, but there are clear indications he could go on to be a top-level player.

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The 19-year-old scored in each of his opening five Bundesliga games this season, and he has already amassed ten goal contributions in 12 matches across all competitions, catching the eye of scout Jacek Kulig in the process.

In fact, the Germany-born maestro places in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, having averaged 0.62.

Uzun has proven he has an incredibly exciting future ahead, so it is promising news that Tottenham are tracking his progress, although their interest appears to be tentative at this stage.

Celtic have now reportedly been “made aware” of an opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the winger still frozen out at Stamford Bridge.

It’s a busy time for the Hoops, who were thrown into chaos when Brendan Rodgers made an unexpected decision to resign earlier this season – sparking the return of Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.

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Since then, the 73-year-old has turned back the clock to get Celtic back on track and send the rumour mill into overdrive that he could yet extend his second stint in charge of the club.

O’Neill, however, has often distanced himself from the permanent job and candidates such as Wilfried Nancy and Kjetil Nkutsen are beginning to emerge as potential options to take the reins.

The next two weeks should be crucial for Celtic in their managerial search, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll have a new name in charge by the time that the international break comes to an end.

If their search is ongoing, then O’Neill has reiterated that he’ll be happy to stick around until the club no longer need his services – telling reporters: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that.”

Of course, whoever is in charge will have plenty of work to do in the January transfer window, with Celtic in need of reinforcements and a number of potential options already coming to the fore.

Celtic "made aware" of Raheem Sterling option

As Graeme Bailey told 67 Hail Hail, Celtic have now been “made aware” of the chance to sign Sterling in January, as Chelsea continue to give the four-time Premier League winner the cold shoulder in West London.

Without an appearance all season, the former Manchester City winger desperately needs a move this winter, but must face up to the reality of a significant pay-cut if he is to move onto a club like Celtic. As things stand, Sterling earns an eye-watering £16.9m-a-year at Chelsea.

To put that figure into context, Celtic’s record signing, Adam Idah cost them £11m so, in one swoop, Sterling’s wages alone would beat the Bhoys’ record transfer fee and that’s simply not doable in Glasgow. The Chelsea man will need to make a major sacrifice.

There would also be question marks over Sterling’s ability to make an instant impact. Although former Chelsea boss Graham Potter dubbed the winger “excellent” during his time at the club, those days are long gone and he hasn’t played a senior game since a loan spell at Arsenal last season. Even if he were to halve his salary, it would be an expensive gamble for Celtic.

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