Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now claimed that it is a ‘real cruel blow for Wolves’ that strikers Raul Jimenez and Sasa Kalajdzic have both picked up injuries.
The Lowdown: Injury woes
It has been reported that Jimenez has picked up a serious injury on international duty with Mexico, and he is now a doubt for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November.
This adds to the serious injury that new striker signing Kalajdzic picked up on his debut, which Bruno Lage has since confirmed will rule him out for at least six months.
The Latest: ‘Cruel blow’
Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, when asked if the Midlands club should have let Fabio Silva go out on loan in light of their injury problems in the striker position, O’Rourke claimed that they should not have in hindsight, but added that it is a ‘real cruel blow’ to lose both Jimenez and Kalajdzic to long-term injuries:
“Yeah, well hindsight, it’s a wonderful thing. They wouldn’t have expected these injury problems that hit them so badly, as they have with Raul Jimenez and especially the Sasa Kalajdzic one.
“He was the big signing as a striker this summer, they thought he was the man to solve their goalscoring problems, and unfortunately he suffered that cruciate knee ligament injury on his debut.
“So, a real cruel blow for Wolves and for Kalajdzic as well.”
The Verdict: Others now need to step up
With the injuries to Jimenez and Kalajdzic, and the fact that Silva has gone out on loan, the Molineux outfit now need others to step up in their absence and get the goals needed to climb up the Premier League table.
They are currently the joint-lowest scorers in the division alongside West Ham United with three goals, and incidentally face them over the weekend.
The Wanderers have brought in Diego Costa as a free agent, but he has not played any competitive football since December of last year, so it will be up to the likes of Daniel Podence, Pedro Neto and Goncalo Guedes to provide the goals needed until Jimenez and Kalajdzic return.
Celtic’s hopes of Champions League progression were dealt a significant blow on Wednesday evening, as Ange Postecoglou’s side slipped to a 3-1 defeat away in Germany to leave them with just a solitary point from their opening three group games.
It was seemingly the same old story for the Hoops on the night as they were once again made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal, with the visitors squandering a handful of chances in the first half to go ahead, having previously missed notable openings against both Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk earlier in the campaign.
Having been dealt an early reprieve following Christopher Nkunku’s disallowed goal, the Old Firm outfit were then left to rue Callum McGregor’s uncharacteristic mistake, as the skipper played his part in the lively Frenchman eventually getting on the scoresheet.
While the Glasgow side would pull a goal back through the ever-dangerous Jota, an awful blunder from ‘keeper Joe Hart simply gifted the Bundesliga side the lead, with the Englishman’s errant pass allowing Andre Silva to score just moments after the home side had had another strike perhaps harshly ruled out for offside.
The former Manchester City stopper will likely shoulder the blame for that loss – with Marco Rose’s side adding a third late on through the aforementioned Silva – although another figure who also underwhelmed was Reo Hatate, with the Japan international producing a particularly erratic display in the opening 45 minutes.
That shaky showing saw journalist Josh Bunting describe it as the “worst half of football” he’d seen from the January arrival, with the playmaker having been a “mess” with regards to his failings in possession.
Having been “really poor” on the ball in that first half – in the words of Bunting – the £2.25m-rated ace somewhat redeemed himself after the break with an incisive forward pass in the build-up to his side’s equaliser, albeit with his overall performance still far from his usual high standards.
Fresh from netting a stunning strike to clinch victory over Motherwell at the weekend, the £14.5k-per-week menace had far less of an influence on proceedings this time around, losing possession every 3.8 touches and recording a pass accuracy rate of just 64%.
His tepid display was epitomised in the second half as the one-cap sensation slipped while attempting to play the ball forward, with it simply having not been the 5 foot 8 man’s night, both in a defensive sense, but also offensively.
Following the diminutive gem’s winner at the weekend, Postecoglou had suggested that there was still room for improvement from Hatate moving forward, with this latest performance having showcased that he is not yet the finished article.
Aston Villa appear to be going through something of a goalscoring crisis at the moment. Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins have netted just three times between them all season, with Villa scoring only six times in the Premier League.
Steven Gerrard will now surely be regretting not bringing in another striker during the summer transfer window, and this could come back to haunt the 42-year-old if Villa’s form doesn’t pick up soon.
If the Englishman could turn back time, he might wish he could have a former Villa hitman leading the line in his current team…
Juan Pablo Angel would star under Gerrard
In December 2000, Villa manager John Gregory splashed out a then-club record transfer fee of £9.5m to bring Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel to the Premier League.
He had shone at River Plate, scoring 36 goals for the Argentine club, and this prompted Gregory to make a move for the player.
Angel struggled initially in the Midlands, not scoring his first goal for the club until May 2001, but this proved to be the catalyst which endeared the striker to the Villa faithful over the next six years.
The Colombian eventually went on to score 62 times in a Villa shirt and became quite a fan favourite in his seven-year spell with the club.
He was extremely strong and clinical once he got into the penalty box and these attributes enabled him to shine in the Premier League. His best season was 2003/04, when he scored 23 goals and led the club to a sixth-place finish and a League Cup semi-final.
His later years at the club weren’t as prolific, and he moved to the MLS, playing for New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy and Chivas USA before retiring at his first club Atletico Nacional in 2014.
A total of 72 goals during his time in MLS proved that he still had the finishing touch, and he will surely go down as one of the finest Villa strikers of the 21st century.
Angel would star in this current squad, especially with creative talents such as Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia supplying him with plenty of goalscoring opportunities.
Aston Villa’s official Twitter channel still regularly posts videos of his goals and have dubbed the striker as “vintage” in one of their goal-of-the-day videos.
He would terrorise defences in the current top flight and who knows how many goals he would score. One thing seems for certain – if he were leading the line for them this season, Villa would have scored more than six league goals by now.
Fabrizio Romano has shared more information on Douglas Luiz’s new Aston Villa deal, which runs until 2026.
The Lowdown: Luiz signs new deal
On Friday, it was confirmed that Luiz has extended his stay at Villa Park, signing a new long-term contract after months of speculation regarding his future.
Arsenal tried to sign the Brazilian a number of times on deadline day, but to no avail, and with his old deal expiring in 2023, many felt his departure was a given.
Instead, Luiz has committed his future to Villa, in what is undoubtedly a positive piece of news for the club.
The Latest: Romano provides more info
Writing on Twitter, Romano explained the length of the deal and revealed that both parties were actually in talks over an extension immediately after the summer window closed:
“More on Douglas Luiz. Understand new deal with Aston Villa will be valid until June 2026, four year contract.
“Negotiations started right after the end of the market as Arsenal had three bid rejected for Douglas on Deadline Day.”
The Verdict: Great news for Gerrard
This is a massive boost for Gerrard and anyone associated with Villa, considering what an influential figure Luiz has been in the middle of the park, being described as ‘fantastic’ by journalist Gregg Evans.
The 24-year-old has appeared in eight Premier League games so far this season, averaging one tackle per game, and while his form hasn’t necessarily been at its best, the Villans are stronger when he is involved.
Not only that but if Luiz does demand a move next summer, Villa are now in an extremely strong bargaining position, being able to demand huge money for his services.
David De Gea sent a hilarious birthday message to ex-Manchester United colleague Juan Mata as he compared him to Malcolm in the Middle's protagonist.
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De Gea wished Mata on his 35th birthday
Compared him to Malcolm in the Middle star
Goalkeeper remains free agent since leaving Man Utd
WHAT HAPPENED?
De Gea, who spent eight years at United and six years in the Spain national team with Juan Mata, wished the midfielder a happy birthday on social media as the ex-Red Devils and Chelsea player turned 35 on April 28.
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WHAT DAVID DE GEA SAID
The goalkeeper uploaded three different Instagram stories tagging his close friend. The first story comprised a photograph of the duo from a Spain national team training, where he wrote, "Happy birthday Amigo. Best of the best."
David De Gea Instagram
In the second story, he uploaded a major throwback photograph of Mata from his Real Oviedo days. The third photograph was an image of Malcolm in the Middle protagonist Malcolm, portrayed by actor Frankie Muniz.
David De Gea InstagramDavid De Gea Instagram
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THE GOSSIP
De Gea remains a free agent following his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the 2022-23 season. Several clubs approached him in the last two transfer windows including Saudi Pro League teams but he refused to accept those proposals. However, as per the latest rumours, Real Betis are reportedly keen on signing the ace custodian as a free agent ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
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WHAT NEXT FOR DAVID DE GEA?
The 33-year-old recently fuelled speculation that he could be nearing a return to professional football after posting a video of himself training on social media.
For all intents and purposes, Liverpool are the Champions Elect at the top of the Premier League table, but Newcastle United can upset their party both this week and in three weeks.
Anfield awaits for Eddie Howe’s men, whose shaky form in recent weeks was epitomised during Sunday afternoon’s thrilling win over Nottingham Forest, winning 4-3 in a game that highlighted strengths and exposed flaws.
Liverpool are ruthless, but they aren’t perfect. The Magpies earned a draw at St. James’ Park in December and have ample firepower to strike a blow to Arne Slot’s high-flying season, indeed making themselves known ahead of next month’s Carabao Cup final.
Howe’s dealing with a few injuries, but it’s largely positive news for the travelling Toon.
Newcastle team news
Joelinton remains sidelined after sustaining a knee injury at the beginning of the month. He won’t be fit for this one but Howe remains adamant the Brazilian is in contention to play at Wembley in three weeks.
Newcastle’s depleted backline remains without Jamal Lascelles for most of the campaign, but Sven Botman is looking to return from his latest setback. Albeit, this one might come a tad too soon.
Newcastle’s gaffer revealed he reluctantly replaced Joe Willock with Sandro Tonali against Forest at the weekend, initially unwilling to make the change after the silky midfielder felt a twinge in his hamstring earlier in the week. As it is, he’s in contention for Anfield.
Luckily, it’s a clean bill of health for United’s ferocious frontline – and it’s a good thing too, for the Magpies will need all their firepower to overcome the unstoppable Mohamed Salah.
Howe must unleash his own Mohamed Salah
Salah has scored 30 goals and provided 21 assists from 38 matches in all competitions for Liverpool this season, and while the Merseysiders have a range of dangerous forwards, he is the chief sharpshooter and supplier, all wrapped into one.
The only forward to outscore Alexander Isak in the Premier League this season, Newcastle’s defence will need to be on their a-game, but Howe must also meet fire with fire in some instances, and may want to consider unleashing his own version of the Egpyt star.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers
Rank
Player
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
1.
Mohamed Salah
27 (27)
25
16
2.
Alexander Isak
24 (24)
19
5
3.
Erling Haaland
25 (25)
19
3
4.
Chris Wood
26 (25)
18
3
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
26 (26)
15
4
Stats via Premier League
As such, this might be a good game for Harvey Barnes to make a rare start in the Premier League, having last been unleashed from the outset against Brentford in December – it was a chastening 4-2 defeat for Howe’s men, but Barnes scored.
His clinical edge can rival Salah’s. As per FBref, Barnes ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored (0.57) and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area (6.90) per 90.
Such skills have seen Salah drawn by FBref as a player of statistical likeness, curiously. Pundit Matthew Upson has even praised Barnes for his “razor-sharp” finishing.
Harvey Barnes in action for Newcastle
Anthony Gordon has wheels and multi-dimensional wide qualities, so he could play on the right flank in place of Jacob Murphy, to allow the right-footed Barnes space and positioning to arc inside and strike past Liverpool’s redoubtable goalkeeper.
Barnes is also something of a secret weapon, with five of his last six Newcastle goals coming on the road. The England international’s pace and potency in the final third could see Liverpool come unstuck, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate going to have an eye on Isak at all times.
It’s a move that would be somewhat contentious, moving Murphy to the bench after such committed and balanced attacking performances, but he flattered to deceive during December’s 3-3 draw, withdrawn after 74 minutes having completed only seven passes, missed a fantastic chance to score in hitting the woodwork and lost all three ground duels, squandering possession 12 times, as per Sofascore.
Against Liverpool’s mean defence, Newcastle need something more deadly to alleviate Isak’s workload, and Barnes might just be the man for the job.
Newcastle must rue selling world-class star who will be better than Gordon
Newcastle were forced to sell off two of their most prized assets in June to avoid a PSR breach, and one in particular is starring on the South Coast.
Leeds United will remain in Europe during the World Cup having initially planned a trip to America, reliable journalist Phil Hay has confirmed.
The Lowdown: World Cup fast approaching
The Whites have three more Premier League matches to come before the World Cup gets underway next month, starting with Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.
It is a huge period for Jesse Marsch, who knows that he will likely be out of the job after the tournament ends, should performances and results not improve, with next week’s match against Bournemouth perhaps the major breaking point.
Leeds were planning to cross The Atlantic during the World Cup and enjoy a training camp in California, friendlies with Mexican teams and a visit to the club’s minority shareholder in San Francisco, but a fresh update suggests that the club have had a change of heart.
The Latest: Leeds to stay in Europe
Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Athletic‘s Hay confirmed some changes to the training schedule through the international break, including cancelling the trip to San Francisco:
“Few EPL teams are more in need of the World Cup break than Leeds United, to reset and regroup. So changes afoot. Club now planning to stay in Europe during it, rather than heading to the US. Time off for players not involved in the World Cup to be cut.”
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The Verdict: Right call?
While a trip to California may have had its benefits, allowing the non-World Cup players some warm-weather training and potentially growing the club’s popularity in America, this sounds like a more logical option.
It means less travel for Marsch and his squad, assuming he is still in charge at that point, and possibly a more settled time of things for the players without a long excursion, as they look to work on solving their current issues.
It’s also unlikely fans would be too delighted to see their players frolicking around in the California sun given their current predicament.
Either way it is going to be a vital period in Leeds’ season, in terms of working on tactics and recharging the batteries, as they look to fend off the threat of relegation.
West Ham United find themselves in a three-way Premier League race to land a transfer deal for FC Midtjylland winger Gustav Isaksen, according to reports in the last 48 hours.
The Lowdown: West Ham’s transfer race
The east London club had a rather bury previous summer transfer window in terms of the number of new players they brought into the club to help strengthen David Moyes’ squad.
Now though, with the January transfer window approaching, it appears as though the Hammers have already identified one potential target they could look to add to their summer haul.
The Latest: A player in demand
According to a recent report from Calciomercato, West Ham are one of the clubs looking to sign Isaksen alongside the likes of Newcastle United and Arsenal, as well as clubs in Italy such as AC Milan and Fiorentina.
It was reported earlier this month that the east London club had been scouting the 21-year-old in action for Midtjylland.
The Verdict: A top talent
Having made 150 appearances for the Danish club across their senior and youth sides, Isaksen has scored 39 goals and delivered 21 assists, highlighting the attacking talent he has.
Hailed as an “incredible” player by journalist Steven Moore, the winger has also shown this attacking talent on the European stage this season by scoring three goals in five Europa League appearances.
In fact, his performances across those five appearances have earned the youngster a solid rating of 7.24/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at the club.
Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why so many clubs have Isaksen on their radar.
Moving forward, we feel that the Hammers should do all they can to beat their Premier League rivals to the winger’s signature as he could be a very smart investment for the club to make given his age and clear talent.
Carlos Corberan would have been keen to build upon his first victory as manager of West Bromwich Albion in midweek, and a fine win on the road today against promotion-chasing Queens Park Rangers certainly came as a surprise considering the Baggies’ position in the relegation zone.
In a game where he started without a recognised striker, it was clear that the Spaniard had a gameplan which relied upon blistering speed on the break. This was applied with Matt Phillips, Grady Diangana and Jed Wallace all starting in a front three.
Whilst none of them exerted their offensive will on the home side, it was the creative presence just behind them which truly stole the show.
John Swift, who has been the Baggies’ highest-rated player so far this term, continued to shine under the new manager with a display worthy of winning any match.
Although the headlines may go to goalscorer and clean sheet holder Kyle Bartley, who did boast the highest SofaScore rating of the match, the unsung heroics of the 27-year-old were instrumental in their victory. His rating of 7.6 was not far behind the match-winner.
Without a target man to hit for large parts of the game, at times the midfielder was starved of the ball. When he did get it, though, there was a pinpoint accuracy which at times left Michael Beale’s side helpless.
With his 56 touches, he managed to complete an exceptional five key passes, creating one big chance which won them the game as his wicked delivery was met by Bartley. To further showcase his influence and accuracy, he also recorded six completed crosses alongside an 80% pass accuracy.
Swift offered a steady pair of legs alongside the more defensive-minded Okay Yokusly and Jayson Molumby, who was more than happy to dig in when his team required it. This was outlined in his 15 duels in which he competed, while he even recorded one clearance and one tackle.
It was the quintessential all-round performance that Corberan needed to drag his team through this game, and West Brom are finally seeing flashes of the man who former Reading manager Veljko Paunovic dubbed “super talented”.
Having toppled the which that started the day in fourth, the result drags Albion closer to safety despite them remaining in the relegation zone.
Swift went somewhat under the radar today but stepped up to quietly be the star of the show at Loftus Road.
Manchester City are ‘ready’ to make a summer 2023 move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Attacking abundance…
The Premier League champions are currently enriched with real depth in the attacking areas as top-flight clubs continue to struggle with Pep Guardiola’s scintillating brand of football.
No other team in the English top tier has scored more goals than City so far this season, thanks in part to the imperious form of marquee summer signing Erling Haaland, who already has a staggering 18 goals in 12 league games.
Alongside the Norway star, Guardiola has Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez at his disposal going forward in a real nightmare for their competitors.
Despite City’s numerous attacking options, though, sporting director Txiki Begiristain is seemingly always working overtime to bolster Guardiola’s squad even further.
The Latest: Man City ‘ready’ to make Leao move next summer…
Reports suggest that City and Begiristain are firmly in the mix to sign Leao, who is in line to feature for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The 23-year-old has been a key player at the San Siro for some time, prompting interest from the Sky Blues and other major clubs.
Journalist Rudy Galetti claims on Twitter that City are ‘ready’ to knock on Milan’s door for Leao next summer, alongside Chelsea and Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.
The Verdict: Ambitious move…
Milan apparently value their ‘jewel’ at no less than €120m (£105m), but if City were to move for him next year, Leao’s club may be forced to accept a lower offer.
The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, and if he hasn’t penned fresh terms by then, the Rossoneri would have to consider either selling him or else risk losing him for nothing soon after.
Called ‘world class’ by members of the Italian press, no Milan player has attempted more shots or completed more dribbles per 90 than Leao this season (WhoScored), so it’s clear to see why a pursuit is firmly on City’s agenda.