Cheikhou Kouyate was something of a fan favourite during his time at West Ham United but his performances since leaving suggest that the Hammers did very well to sell him for £11m.
How did Kouyate do during his time at West Ham?
West Ham signed the Senegal international from Belgian side Anderlecht in the summer of 2014, with the powerful midfielder joining in a deal worth £7m.
He quickly established himself as a regular with the east London outfit, contributing an impressive four goals and three assists in 31 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign at Upton Park.
The 6 foot 2 titan was a mainstay in the Hammers' side throughout his five years at the club, registering 15 goals and ten assists in 147 appearances in all competitions, so it was no surprise that he would earn West Ham a profit when he departed for Crystal Palace in 2018.
The Eagles would pay £11m to bring him to Selhurst Park ahead of the 2018/19 campaign but he simply wouldn't be able to replicate the form he showed at West Ham after moving across London.
During his time with the Hammers, Kouyate consistently averaged above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, apart from his final season at the club, which saw him earn a strong 6.80 rating.
Journalist Sam Inkersole also summed up the midfielder's inconsistency when describing his "dreadful" performance in an embarrassing 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury Town back in 2018.
It makes it even more impressive therefore that the club were able to sell him for £11m to Palace on the back of his worst campaign as a West Ham player, and that regression has continued with age.
The defensive-minded midfielder failed to average above a 6.75 rating from WhoScored during his time at Selhurst Park and managed just three goals and five assists in 141 appearances, certainly a 'dreadful' return to quote Inkersole again. Indeed, he couldn't replicate the attacking nous he showed on regular occasions in east London.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Aston Villa v Crystal Palace – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – May 15, 2022 Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for
It was perhaps no surprise therefore when Palace released Kouyate upon the expiry of his contract last summer, with newly-promoted Nottingham Forest later picking up the 33-year-old on a free transfer.
The £42k-per-week earner has managed just 12 Premier League appearances for Steve Cooper's side so far this campaign, averaging a less-than-impressive 6.50 rating from WhoScored, which has unsurprisingly seen his market value according to CIES Football Observatory drop to just €2m (£1.8m).
Therefore, while West Ham have been criticised for some of their transfer business in recent years, it seems clear that they hit the jackpot with Kouyate by selling him at the perfect time.
Rangers youngster Bailey Rice is beginning to receive a lot of interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including Spanish giants Real Madrid.
What clubs are interested in signing Bailey Rice?
Reports have suggested the likes of Newcastle United and the two Manchester giants are believed to be holding an interest in from the Premier League.
However, it is apparent the interest is not only coming from the United Kingdom with the likes of Porto, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring the 16-year-old.
Rice only made the move to Ibrox last summer having signed from Motherwell after beating their city rivals to the signing of the midfielder.
Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has provided some insight into the level of interest in the youngster ahead of the summer:
"Michael Beale likes him a lot. He was signed from Motherwell last summer when he turned down Man City at the time, but yeah, a lot of clubs looking at him, including Real Madrid.
"I think when some good 16-year-olds come up, I think clubs know about them pretty quickly. And obviously, everyone south of the border knows about him as well. But an interesting one this guy – Bailey Rice, a defensive midfielder for Rangers. If someone comes calling, as we know with Rangers and the financial situation in Scottish football, it will be very hard for them to turn down a good offer."
Why do clubs want to sign Rice already?
Although there are said to be a number of clubs looking at Rice ahead of the summer, it seems Rangers were not the only club with him on their radar last summer.
Indeed, Bailey has claimed the current Premier League champions, Manchester City, were looking at the midfielder as an option to bring into their youth setup.
Having snapped Rice up over the summer, the 16-year-old has continued to impress in the Rangers youth side which has seen him catch the eye of Michael Beale.
Rangersmanager MichaelBealespeaks to his players after their Scottish league Cup final defeat at Hampden Park.
Along with making 13 appearances in the Lowland League, Rice has played in the UEFA Youth League six times this season against the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax's youth sides (via Transfermarkt).
And it is these games which saw the 16-year-old handed his senior debut by Beale just last month in Rangers' convincing away win against Livingston.
Granted, the youngster was only on the pitch for two minutes, however, it is more of an indication as to the trajectory he could be in line for over the coming years, having already caught the attention and earned the trust of Beale.
With this in mind, it will be interesting to see where he feels his future may be best spent.
If a club like Real Madrid were to come in for him, it could be an opportunity too big to turn down, however, it does seem as if he could potentially be able to make an impression on the Rangers side over the coming years.
Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal are eyeing up big signings for the summer in order to go to the next level.
Who could Arsenal target in the summer transfer market?
It seems that the priority for Mikel Arteta is to sign a new central midfielder, following a failed pursuit of Moises Caicedo in January, and Declan Rice is reportedly the top target.
Rice would likely be an expensive deal, but also a statement signing in the midfield – and he may not be the only big-name arrival at the Emirates this summer.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones claimed that Arsenal will target big players to help them raise their current high levels of performance, which have seen them lead the Premier League for the majority of the season.
He said: “We know Arsenal are going to be looking at big options for the summer.
“There are concerns, obviously, about how this team gets to the next level, but it will all depend on what they manage to do between now and the end of the season and [at] what level they can recruit.”
Where do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta need to strengthen?
The quality of Arsenal’s first XI has helped them reach the summit of the Premier League after their best-ever start to a league campaign, but their strength in depth has been questioned.
Whilst they recruited Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard in January, they could do with more options in midfield to cover for the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, whilst extra cover for Bukayo Saka could be a useful addition given he has started every league game this season as other attackers Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus have spent time out injured.
Arteta has already shown a willingness to rotate, with Martinelli benched for the first time in their victory over Aston Villa, as Trossard started, so another top-class wide attacker on the other side could help ease the burden on the two young stars.
West Brom want to offer manager Carlos Corberan a new contract in order to ‘fend off interest’ from Leeds United, according to a new report.
The Lowdown: Leeds eyeing Corberan
Over the weekend, the 39-year-old was linked with becoming the Whites’ next boss, with Jesse Marsch’s departure now confirmed.
It is a concerning update from a West Brom perspective, considering the impact Corberan has had since replacing Steve Bruce back in October.
He has turned the Baggies from relegation fodder to genuine promotion hopefuls, with his side now sitting sixth in the Championship after Friday’s 1-0 win at home to Coventry City.
The Latest: New deal incoming?
According to Football Insider, West Brom are ‘ready’ to offer Corberan a new contract at the club, as they aim to fight off Leeds.
The Baggies are believed to be ‘aware’ of the Premier League club’s interest in the Spaniard, who worked under Marcelo Bielsa during his time at Elland Road.
The Verdict: Would be a huge blow to lose him
It is imperative that West Brom keep hold of Corberan for as long as possible, considering the vast influence he has had since picking up the mess left by Bruce, being called a ‘genius’ by Romario Vieira.
He has won ten of his 13 league matches in charge at an average of 2.31 points per game – they are third in the Championship form table in the last ten league outings – highlighting how big the turnaround has been.
Losing Corberan at this point in the season doesn’t bear thinking about and the hope is that he remains loyal to the club for at least the remainder of this season, and hopefully well beyond.
Liverpool’s issues have been laid bare this season, and the formerly imperious outfit have fallen from grace like a rock from a cliff this term, losing all sense of stability and style, consequently languishing in ninth place in the Premier League.
While the decline in points is indeed alarming, it is the lack of tenacity and unrelenting passion that will leave Klopp with his gravest concerns, and fresh faces are paramount in order to ensure future success.
A plethora of names have been touted with a move to Merseyside, most notably that of Jude Bellingham, but the latest ace to find themselves linked with a transfer is Chelsea star, Mason Mount.
That would be a most compelling deal if Liverpool’s technical director Julian Ward is to distance himself from the Dortmund star and chase a player closer to home instead.
The news comes courtesy of The Guardian, who claim that Chelsea could be set to lose one of their most coveted assets if they cannot tie him down to a new deal, and Liverpool could indeed pounce.
With Thiago Alcantara the only senior centre-midfielder to sign for the Reds since 2019, a deal of Mount’s ilk could represent a major shift in momentum that could stabilise the ship once again.
Klopp’s own KDB
Since emerging from the Cobham youth academy, and bursting onto the scene with a successful loan spell at Derby County in the Championship in 2019/20, Mount has become one of the standout stars in a Chelsea team that has clinched the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with him as a centrepiece.
Over his 187 appearances, the 24-year-old has scored 33 goals and provided 37 assists, and would bring a layer of creativity and flair that has been sorely lacking among Klopp’s current crop.
By bringing this “world-class” sensation to Anfield – as dubbed by former Chelsea reporter Sam Inkersole – Liverpool would utilise a midfielder who ranks among the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top divisions for rate of assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions.
With those numbers in mind, it is hardly a surprise to see Manchester City phenom Kevin De Bruyne listed as a comparable player to the Chelsea gem, as per FBref. As such, the Reds manager could mould Mount into a premium midfielder of his own creation, with De Bruyne having starred for the Cityzens since signing for £55m in 2015.
Having made 333 appearances for his current club – scoring 89 goals and registering 138 assists – the Belgian sensation has won four Premier League titles and a wealth of further honours in Sky Blue colours, and the £70m-rated Mount could indeed ascend to the next level under Klopp’s wing, emulating his superlative positional peer.
As such, Liverpool must consider upping the interest in Chelsea’s dynamic maestro, his work-rate and ball-playing prowess would prove to be a match made in heaven to inject the vitality and energy needed to recharge the batteries of Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane system.
Newcastle United could look to sign exciting Dundee United teenager Rory MacLeod in a bid to improve their youth system, according to Keith Downie.
The Lowdown: MacLeod making a name for himself
The 16-year-old is certainly a long way from being a household name currently, but he is considered a highly-rated prospect north of the border.
The teenage centre-forward has already made six senior appearances for Dundee United, earning the same number of caps for Scotland’s under-17s.
Newcastle may now have the financial power to bring in big-money signings, but it looks as though they are also focusing on youth, which is where MacLeod comes into play.
The Latest: Newcastle linked with MacLeod
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie claimed that the Magpies want to sign the Scottish gem amid the club’s overarching efforts to become more competitive at underage level, with the Tyneside club ‘looking at’ a number of potential academy signings.
The Sky Sports reporter said:
“I think he’s just another one for the youth team. They’re trying to really bulk up the youth side because the academy at Newcastle has been neglected for years.
“What they want to do is just have a more competitive under-23 team and they want to have a more competitive academy and better youth players.
“He’s one of a number that they’re looking at. I heard about that one last week. But he’s certainly not for the first team.”
This is a refreshing approach that Newcastle are taking, considering that they could easily focus on simply signing big-name players who can aid Eddie Howe’s first team, given the enormous wealth at PIF’s disposal.
It is essential that the Magpies also have a stellar youth system, though, as other affluent clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have excelled in this regard over the years, producing the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Reece James, to name but a few.
For that reason, MacLeod would be an exciting addition at Newcastle, coming in as an academy player with great potential and either becoming a first-team stalwart one day or potentially being sold on for a hefty sum.
Liverpool are interested in making a move for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Moukoko a massive talent
The German is arguably one of the most exciting teenage footballers in Europe currently, proving to be an influential part of Dortmund’s attack.
Moukoko has nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in the Bundesliga this season and has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Axel Witsel, while even Erling Haaland said the youngster is ‘amazing’.
The 18-year-old’s current Dortmund deal expires at the end of the season and there is likely to be huge interest in him as that deal ticks down.
The Latest: Liverpool linked with move
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs who could look to sign Moukoko:
“Manchester United are one of those. They’ve tracked him for quite some time. They haven’t entered into any kind of advanced talks yet.
“Liverpool and Spurs are ones to watch and don’t rule out a move to La Liga and Barcelona either. Barcelona’s position is very much that they’re working on the player’s side to try and persuade him not to sign a new contract in the hope they’ll get him for free.
“As soon as transfer fees come into it, it wouldn’t surprise me if they back off the race. So, lots of suitors here.”
The Verdict: Part of the rebuild?
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is ageing and in need of fresh blood, so Moukoko could be someone who comes in as a long-term acquisition who can lead the line in the future.
[freshpress-quiz id=“419074″]
Age is only a number, however, and the young starlet is already showing that he can thrive for a big club, so the Reds could even see him as an important figure from the off.
Granted, Liverpool already have a plethora of attacking options, but Roberto Firmino’s very best days are behind him and the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are becoming injury-prone, so Moukoko could help ease those issues.
Tottenham Hotspur could move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka in the January transfer window, according to a recent report.
The Lowdown: Ndicka’s Premier League interest
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT in October that Arsenal had done the ‘legwork’ in their attempt to sign the Frenchman amid interest from a whole host of clubs across Europe.
It was then reported that Tottenham were one of the clubs who had emerged as potential suitors for the 23-year-old, who is available on a pre-contract agreement in January as his contract expires at the end of the season.
It now appears as though Spurs could take that interest one step further…
The Latest: Tottenham eyeing Ndicka move
According to a report from Football London on Sunday, Antonio Conte may look to bolster his options with another left-footed centre-back, given that he currently only has Ben Davies and Clement Lenglet at his disposal in that area.
It is detailed that Tottenham may look towards a move for Ndicka on a free transfer, in which case the Frenchman would not be immediately available.
The centre-back has experience playing in a three-at-the-back system in Frankfurt, with that being the chosen formation in 18 of the club’s 23 matches so far this season, so he would be able to seamlessly transition into Conte’s preferred way of playing.
Hailed as ‘incredible’ by journalist Christopher Michel, the 6 foot 3 colossus has been in impressive form over the past year, averaging 4.47 clearances and 1.47 blocks per 90, an increase on the 2.63 and 0.96 per game respectively from Clement Lenglet in the same timeframe.
Tottenham have struggled defensively this season, with these issues coming to the forefront once more in the 2-2 draw against Brentford yesterday as their Premier League goal concession tally grew to 23.
Therefore, it is evident that they need reinforcements at the back, and Ndicka would appear to be the perfect target for Conte.
Glasgow Rangers target Josh Onomah ‘could definitely do a job’ in the Scottish Premiership, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Lowdown: Beale driving a move
The Ibrox outfit are reportedly considering a move for the 25-year-old in the New Year, with Michael Beale a huge admirer having previously tried to sign him at QPR.
The Fulham midfielder will be out of contract at the end of the season, and after making zero starts and just two substitute appearances this season, is surely very unlikely to pen new terms at Craven Cottage, making a winter exit their last chance to cash in.
The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, who was still at Villa when Onomah spent a season there on loan, suggested that a move to Glasgow could help him begin a new chapter of his career:
“I do like Josh Onomah.
“Steve Bruce was after him at West Brom before the transfer window closed.
“He just never kicked on, to be honest. I don’t know why.
“Maybe the Premier League hasn’t been kind to him but he could definitely do a job in the Championship or the Scottish Premiership at a club.
“He just needs a run of games, he just needs to go somewhere where he’s going to play.
“He’s not going to play at Fulham, there’s no point in him being there in the Premier League.
“He’s at that age now, 25, where he needs to play football.”
The Verdict: Double signing?
Rangers have been heavily linked with a swoop for Ryan Porteous, with journalist Alan Nixon confirming this week he’s ‘heard a rumour’ about a deal, and Onomah could be the perfect complement to follow in his footsteps in January.
The Cottagers ace has recorded eight assists and five goals during his time in the capital, where he was previously described as a ‘powerful’ player by his former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Beale must be keen on landing him to make a second attempt, and securing both Onomah and Porteous would quickly strengthen the spine of the team before Beale’s really even got started.