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Chelsea have been contacted over signing a £50 million star from Barcelona, as the player now sets his sights on a move to the Premier League this summer.

Chelsea in the market to sign new forward before deadline day

Summer deadline day looms at the end of next month on August 30, and reports suggest Todd Boehly could still back new head coach Enzo Maresca with fresh faces before that point.

£25 million forward likened to Luis Suarez holds talks to join Chelsea

He’s been highly praised by Joe Cole.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 18, 2024

Official deals for defender Tosin Adarabioyo (free), striker Marc Guiu, homegrown starlet Omari Kellyman, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Portuguese ace Renato Veiga, alongside Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who'll join in 2025, set Chelsea back around £93 million.

The west Londoners, in total, have spent near-£120 million so far, including Chelsea's signings of Aaron Anselmino and Caleb Wiley from Boca Juniors and Atlanta United respectively, with the duo costing around £25.5 million (The Athletic).

Despite their serious investment in both senior players and talents for the future, co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley remain in the market for a new forward and centre-back.

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a new winger as one of their top transfer wishes, with Maresca apparently keen on providing competition for the likes of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk.

They hold no shortage of options, as reports heavily link Chelsea with the likes of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi lately.

Chelsea contacted over signing Raphinha from Barcelona

According to HITC, Chelsea may now have a chance to do a deal for Raphinha, who is said to be keen on making a move back to England from Barcelona.

The former Leeds United star, who is valued at around £50 million, scored six goals and registered a further nine assists in La Liga last season. HITC claim Chelsea have been spoken to about signing Raphinha this summer, but it is unclear whether they were approached by the Brazilian's agents or Barca themselves.

The 27-year-old's proven top-flight experience could be a draw for Maresca's side, with Raphinha attracting plenty of praise during his time in the Premier League.

“Each week we are seeing more and more of his repertoire. He has so much to offer Leeds United," said former Whites striker Noel Whelan on Raphinha during his time at Elland Road (Football Insider).

“That skill in the corner against Gary Cahill was a typical bit of Brazilian magic. He really embarrassed Cahill with a clever megs. He is a player now who continuously has an effect on a game, in a positive way. Even if he is not on the scoresheet, he will have played a hand in the goal. He is relentless.

“He gets on the ball, has great balance, is very dynamic and he takes the game to the opposition. What impresses me is that he is not afraid to do the horrible side. I get more and more impressed by his worth ethic.”

Tottenham chiefs are "determined" to sell striker Richarlison this summer, despite him finishing last season as their second top goalscorer in all competitions, and it is believed one forward in particular is keen on replacing him.

Richarlison linked with Spurs exit amid interest from Saudi Arabia

The former Everton star endured an underwhelming debut campaign at Spurs under former boss Antonio Conte, scoring just once in 27 league appearances, after making the move from Goodison Park in a deal worth £60 million.

Tottenham consider swap move for £162k-a-week forward with Ange "obsessed"

The Australian is desperate for a new attacker.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 1, 2024

Richarlison, in comments to the Brazilian press late last year, opened up about his struggles with mental health issues off the field, which could've been a key reason behind some of his performances, but then backed himself to come back stronger under Ange Postecoglou.

“On the field I’m a happy team player, I try to help as much as possible," said Richarlison on his psychological challenges.

"Sometimes, things don’t go the way we want. I think this part is a bit of the off-field side that ended up getting in my way. Even though you want to do things right, it ends up going wrong. I will continue to focus on the club, the storm has passed.

“I went through a turbulent time in the last five months off the field. Now things are right at home. People who only had an eye on my money walked away from me. Now things will start to flow, I’m sure I’ll get a good run at Tottenham and make things happen again.”

The 27-year-old proved himself correct, as things did start to flow for him in a Lilywhites jersey.

A phenomenal mid-season purple patch saw Richarlison bag nine goals in eight Premier League appearances from mid-December through to early February, finishing 23/24 as Tottenham's second top scorer behind Son Heung-min with 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.

However, it has been reported this summer window that Spurs are willing to sell the South American regardless. Technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the wider recruitment team are fully aware of interest from the Middle East, with clubs in Saudi Arabia keen on signing Richarlison.

Lange is prepared to green-light Richarlison's exit for £60 million, according to some reports, and GiveMeSport have now gone one step further.

Tottenham "determined" to sell Richarlison with Ivan Toney keen to join

According to the news outlet, Tottenham are determined to sell Richarlison in the coming weeks, and it is believed that Brentford striker Ivan Toney likes the idea of joining Spurs as his potential replacement.

Saudi sides are still keeping a watchful eye on Richarlison, while Spurs have "emerged" as Toney's "most likely landing spot". The Bees forward, who is reportedly valued at around £50 million, wants to join a club with regular European football prospects and Tottenham fit the bill.

GMS sources close to the situation claim a move for Toney could go right down to the wire, meaning it may not be completed till nearer the end of the window, so it will be interesting to see how this develops.

Lucy Bronze could not take to the field as a substitute in the Lionesses' friendly win over Switzerland due to a "human mistake".

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• Wiegman wanted Bronze to come on for final 10 minutes
• However, she was told to go back to the dugout
• Jess Carter was instead given a run

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 33-year-old right-back, who was poised to join the action in the final ten minutes at Bramall Lane, had to retreat to the bench despite being fully prepared in her full England kit. With Bronze unable to enter the field, defender Jess Carter was called upon as a substitute instead.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT SARINA WIEGMAN SAID

  England manager Sarina Wiegman later explained that Bronze was excluded because her name was mistakenly omitted from the official team sheet, making her ineligible to participate.

  Speaking to after her team's 1-0 victory, Wiegman stated: "Yes, that was a moment where she was not on the list. So there had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake, and we found out there. We still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately, she couldn't go (on) so that was really frustrating — of course the most for herself — but we couldn’t change it.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The International Football Association Board's (IFAB) regulations state that only players listed on the official team sheet may participate in the game. Any individual not included is considered an "outside agent," disqualifying them from taking part.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The friendly against Switzerland saw England field a relatively inexperienced lineup, with Wiegman making wholesale changes to the squad that had drawn 0-0 against the United States Women's National Team just days prior at Wembley. Grace Clinton scored the game's only goal in the first half, securing the Lionesses' victory. The match also marked the senior debuts of Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown, as Wiegman used the opportunity to test new players and the squad depth.

Celtic have taken their time to get going in the summer transfer window but their business appears to be picking up pace with the deadline set to pass at the end of the month.

The Hoops had signed Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and Paulo Bernardo on permanent deals to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options, with two new goalkeepers and a central midfielder, who was on loan from Benfica last season.

They have now added to that with a £9.5m deal to bring Adam Idah back to the club on a permanent basis, after he spent the second half of last term on loan from Norwich City.

The Scottish giants have agreed to pay an initial fee of £8.5m to land the Ireland international, with a further £1m in add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause for the Canaries.

He scored eight goals in 15 appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season, and popped up with a 90th-minute winner in the League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park, with his performances convincing the club to pursue his services on a long-term basis.

After this swoop for Idah, the reigning league champions are also reportedly looking at a potential addition to their midfield ranks this month.

Celtic eyeing Bundesliga starlet

According to FootballTransfers, the Hoops are interested in a potential deal to sign Augsburg central midfielder Arne Engels before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the 20-year-old starlet has emerged as a priority target for the Scottish giants, who would like to bring him to Glasgow.

It states that Rodgers wants to improve the quality of his options in the middle of the park and has identified the young talent as someone who could come in and provide competition for places.

The outlet adds that Engels is now a top target for Celtic between now and the deadline passing at the end of this month, but it does not say whether or not they have made contact with Augsburg to discuss a transfer.

FootballTransfers does not outline how much the Bundesliga side would want for the midfielder but does place his Expected Transfer Value (xTV), per their own player valuation system, at up to €11.9m (£10m).

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops will be able to get a deal over the line for their priority target before the end of the window. Rodgers could, though, land his next version of Reo Hatate by bringing Engels to Parkhead.

Reo Hatate's midfield excellence

The Japan international is an impressive central midfielder who has the quality to push further up the pitch to make contributions as a scorer and a creator of goals in the final third.

His 2023/24 campaign was riddled with injury issues, missing 40 games for club and country with hamstring and calf problems, but he has made a strong start to the current season.

Hatate has scored one goal and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in two appearances in the Premiership so far this term, as Celtic have won both of their opening games without conceding a goal.

Last season, the 26-year-old maestro racked up three goals and four assists in 12 top-flight starts for Rodgers' side, which means that he averaged a direct goal contribution more than once every other start on average.

His attacking qualities were on full display in the 2022/23 campaign, prior to his injury struggles, as the central midfielder caught the eye with his impressive displays for the Scottish giants.

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese dynamo produced 16 goals and 'big chances' created combined in 32 appearances for the Premiership champions.

These statistics, from the last two seasons and the start to the current term, show that Hatate is a dynamic midfielder who can influence matches by getting forward to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst he remains the first-choice in his position and is very much a key player for Celtic, having started both league games so far, Rodgers could secure his future heir by landing Engels.

Why Engels could be the next Hatate

Firstly, the Augsburg midfielder is only due to turn 21 next month and is in the early stages of his career. This means that he is a young talent with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve over the years to come.

Rodgers could bring him in to play a rotation role initially, which would allow him to get game time across all competitions whilst learning from the likes of Hatate, Callum McGregor, and, hopefully, Matt O'Riley, in training and in matches.

However, Engels is not a young player who would come in with no experience and no track record of performing at a high level in a first-team environment, as he played 32 matches in the German top-flight last term, and started 18 times in the 2022/23 campaign.

Last season, the Belgian whiz, who was described as a "revelation" by Bundesliga pundit Ronan Murphy, did not start games regularly but did chip in with moments of quality when called upon.

As you can see in the table above, the central midfielder was directly involved in five goals in 13 starts and held his own in physical duels on the ground, despite his young age and inexperience.

In the 2022/23 campaign, Engels averaged 1.3 key passes per game and created four 'big chances' in 18 appearances in the Bundesliga, which shows that he can be a creative threat from midfield, just like Hatate.

The £10m-rated Hoops target ranked within the top 19% of midfielders in the division for assists per 90 (0.19) and the top 24% for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.94).

Imagine him & Idah: Celtic eyeing up move for "tricky" 6 ft star

The Hoops are reportedly one of the teams keeping tabs on the England youth international.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 14, 2024

These statistics show that the talented youngster has the potential to be an impactful midfielder who can push forward from a number eight role to make things happen offensively, which is why he could develop into the next Hatate for Rodgers at Parkhead.

The visitors stole all three points at Etihad Stadium in dramatic fashion thanks to the brilliance of their Ivorian attacker

A piece of late magic from Amad Diallo saw Manchester United ransack the Etihad Stadium and snatch a stunning 2-1 victory in the derby over Manchester City.

United were trailing for most of the game to a Josko Gvardiol header but Amad won a penalty which Bruno Fernandes took full advantage to level in the 88th minute. The Ivorian forward then produced a stunning piece of control before finishing past the hapless Ederson in the 91st minute, handing United their first win on enemy territory since 2021.

Ruben Amorim made a gutsy decision pre-game by leaving Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of the squad, although the players he did select did not exactly do him proud until the final stages. Mason Mount was forced off injured in just the 13th minute while Amad was repeatedly caught offside in a bitty first half.

Gvardiol headed City in front following a short corner routine, the fourth goal United have conceded from a set piece in three Premier League games and their eighth this season. Amorim was staring down a third consecutive league defeat but, just as in midweek in the Europa League, he turned to his bench and watched his side stage a memorable turnaround.

GOAL rates Man United's players from the Etihad Stadium…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (5/10):

  Nothing he could do about the goal. Tipped a deflected Foden shot round the post. Looked a little nervous on the ball after his howler in Pilsen.

  Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):

  Looked comfortable on and off the ball.

  Harry Maguire (7/10):

  Excellent. Barely allowed Erling Haaland a sight of goal, reacting quickly to snuff out any sense of danger.

  Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

  Confident playing out and put in several key blocks to limit City's threat, at least in open play. A fine pass released Amad for the second goal.

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• Midfield

  Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):

  Tidy defensively, limiting Jeremy Doku's threat. Couldn't do much going forward.

  Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

  Worked hard to disrupt City's flow.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Couldn't influence the game as he would have liked. Was unable to release runners and his passing was sloppy, then he badly miscued when clean through. Kept his cool from the spot, though.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10):

  Beaten in the air by Gvardiol. Didn't trouble Kyle Walker as much as he would have hoped.

• Attack

  Amad Diallo (7/10):

  United's most lively attacker and after a largely disappointing game he turned it on at the crucial moment, winning the penalty before showing real composure against Ederson. A pivotal performance.

  Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

  Played most of the game with his back to goal. Had zero shots but crafted the clear chance for Fernandes. Booked for clashing with Walker.

  Mason Mount (N/A):

  His big opportunity lasted just 13 minutes before he limped off looking distraught. Just as he looked to be on the road back, his injury curse struck again.

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• Subs & Manager

  Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

  His composure limited the extent to which City could control the game.

  Antony (5/10):

  Didn't do loads but dovetailed nicely with Amad.

  Leny Yoro (6/10):

  His calm passing laid the platform for the turnaround.

  Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

  A late introduction and held the ball up well to get the win over the line.

  Victor Lindelof (N/A):

  Introduced late on.

  Ruben Amorim (7/10):

  A statement win to kickstart his United career. Laid down the law by leaving Rashford and Garnacho out. Produced a cautious tactical plan and it paid off right at the end, with the help of his substitutions.

Julen Lopetegui has been backed to the hilt in the transfer market this summer, with technical director Tim Steidten authorising around £120m of signings at West Ham United following David Moyes' departure at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Still, the Spanish tactician benched four for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa last weekend, ending in a 2-1 defeat for the Irons.

There is plenty to come from this rich crop of players, but Lopetegui could yet see one or two more through the door, with a creative midfielder being considered.

It's a deal that might just be worth pursuing, ensuring that centre-forward capture Niclas Fullkrug has the tools to succeed.

Why West Ham signed Niclas Fullkrug

Supporters might have trudged off home after watching West Ham lose at home against Villa, but at least Fullkrug got his first taste of Premier League football, replacing the struggling Michail Antonio after 70 minutes.

He didn't quite catch the eye but the German international will continue to grow in strength. The problem, or one of the central issues in any case, was that he lacked service.

Fullkrug was signed from Borussia Dortmund in a £27m package this summer to bring goals and steel to the frontline, having posted 16 goals and ten assists for the Yellow Wall last term before lighting it up at Euro 2024.

His performances for his country showcased an innate clinical ability, and as he finds his rhythm over the coming weeks, Lopetegui's side will feel the benefits.

But they might need another midfielder. James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move away and played only 16 minutes against Unai Emery's side, so West Ham might be wise to act on their summer interest in Carlos Soler.

Why Carlos Soler would thrive at West Ham

According to the Daily Mail last week, West Ham are considering a swoop for Soler this month, with the Spaniard surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain.

Valued at €20m (£17m) by the Ligue 1 champions, Soler would add a dimension to the Hammers midfield, opening up creative channels and ensuring that the London Stadium's forwards are sufficiently supplemented.

Soler might have only started 12 matches in Ligue 1 last year but he's battled for a spot in a bloated squad brimming with quality and might find a promising new home over in east London.

Soler's dynamic performances have seen him impress through his potency in front of goal, both scoring and assisting, and this could be excellent behind Fullkrug, who is deceptively creative himself and could advance the Spaniard's goalscoring success, ranking among the top 12% of centre-forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90, as per FBref.

PSG's versatile ace also completed 88% of his passes in the French top flight last term, emphasising a sharpness to his passing that will enhance the overall fluency of Lopetegui's attacking sequences.

He's even been dubbed the "complete midfielder" by former Valencia player Curro Torres, such is his quality across the different facets of the role.

He has the roundedness to survive the rigours of the Premier League, and he certainly has the creativity to ensure that a forward like Fullkrug, of the traditional mould, is provided with the right service to rise to the fore and score with deadly consistency.

Antonio upgrade: West Ham favourites to sign exciting "goal machine"

Lopetegui has work to do after losing his first Premier League match in charge…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 19, 2024

Harry Kane has shared an emotional message on social media after news broke of a horrific attack in the German city of Magdeburg.

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• At least 68 people injured
• Kane shares message
• Says football isn't "most important" thing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A video shared by the BBC showed a suspect being arrested in the wake of the attack, where two people were killed including a child and 15 others seriously injured when a car ploughed into crowds at the Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. More than 50 other people sustained less serious injuries.

  Bayern Munich star Kane reacted to the shocking event, posting on Instagram that on nights like this, "football isn't what's most important" after his side beat RB Leipzig 5-1 on the same evening.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reports suggest that the suspect, believed to be acting alone, is a 50-year-old Saudi citizen who had worked as a doctor and had been in Germany since 2006. Further details about this horrific attack are yet to be revealed, but alongside sportspeople like Kane, various other notable figures in Germany have already spoken out publicly, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying: "We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT KANE SAID

  Kane wrote on Instagram: "Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important. My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy."
  

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• WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  An emphatic 5-1 home victory against RB Leipzig last night left Bayern Munich top of the Bundesliga, leading by seven points going into the German winter break after an impressive first half of the season. Bayer Leverkusen could close the gap to four points with a win against Freiburg on Saturday, but Kane's side will still hold the title race advantage whatever happens.

Leeds United are thought to be in advanced talks to sign a goalscoring midfielder for Daniel Farke, according to a new report.

Midfielder wanted at Leeds before deadline

Manor Solomon became the club’s sixth signing of the summer recently, joining Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle and Largie Ramazani at Elland Road. The Israel international joined on a season-long loan from Tottenham and looks set to help fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.

However, after losing a number of star players over the course of the window, including midfielders Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, another addition has been wanted for a number of weeks alongside Rothwell.

Farke said during Leeds' pre-season tour of Germany last month that a new signing in the middle of the pitch is wanted: “Overall we have lost two really good midfield options with Archie Gray and also Glen Kamara. We brought in Joe Rothwell, also a pretty experienced player and also good in possession, can chip in with goals and great set-pieces.

“So happy so far, but especially in the central position we won’t fall asleep until the window is really closed. And yes, definitely. In many positions we are already more or less done in our planning but it’s definitely one of the positions where we could do perhaps also with a new addition.”

Terms agreed: Report now claims £15m midfielder has said yes to Leeds move

The Whites now need to increase their bid.

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By
Charlie Smith

Aug 28, 2024

A number of targets have been linked, including Koln’s Dejan Ljubicic and Sheffield United’s Gus Hamer. The 49ers Enterprises appear to have pulled out of the race to sign Ljubicic, whereas a £13m bid for Hamer was rejected by the Blades. That appears to have led Leeds back to a 2023 target.

Leeds in advanced talks to sign Ao Tanaka

According to Football Insider, Leeds are in advanced talks to sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the final days of the window. The report states that the 25-year-old is keen on a move and that he has a release clause in the region of £2.65m.

The Japan international is also out of contract in under 12 months time, so it looks as if a transfer to Elland Road could go through before the deadline.

Tanaka can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, as per Transfermarkt, so would offer plenty of versatility to Farke’s options alongside Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Rothwell.

As can be seen, Tanaka has an eye for goal from midfield compared to his positional peers, scoring 28 goals during his career for club and country, so he could be a shrewd pick up before Friday.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is set to leave Istanbul to undergo surgery for an unspecified health problem he's currently experiencing.

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• Mourinho to undergo surgery
• Leaving Istanbul
• Fenerbahce now on winter break

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Turkish sports journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu revealed the news on X, writing: "Jose Mourinho will leave Istanbul today [21 Dec] to undergo surgery abroad due to a health problem he is experiencing."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The exact details of Mourinho's health issue remain unclear at this point, but the football world will be hoping it's nothing serious. The Turkish Super Lig's short winter break means that the Fenerbahce boss will at least get some decent recovery time before his team are back in action. They go into that pause second in the league but six points off top, after a 1-1 draw with Eyupspor on Friday.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite Fenerbahce still being within sight of league leaders Galatasaray, many fans have already given up hope of silverware this season amid concerns that their manager's demise is continuing in Turkey. Mourinho's side has no wins against the top six this season and currently sits 21st in the Europa League table after recent losses against Athletic Club and AZ Alkmaar.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR FENERBAHCE?

  After a couple of weeks off over the Christmas and New Year period, Fenerbahce are next in action on January 5 when they welcome Hatayspor to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Supporters will be hoping that Mourinho will be back in the dugout and ready to start transforming what he calls a "transition period" into a genuine league title challenge.

Despite reaching an agreement over the potential sale of one their most expensive players, Southampton now reportedly face a nervous wait for FIFA approval and the £17m involved in the deal.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints endured a mixed summer transfer window. Whilst they welcomed added experience in the form of the returning Adam Lallana and gave Russell Martin the reunion he so desperately desired with Flynn Downes, their recent results suggest that they still needed further reinforcements.

Walcott 2.0: Southampton could soon unleash "flamboyant" teenager

Southampton could discover their next Theo Walcott with this young ace.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 3, 2024

Opening the campaign with three defeats from three and, as such, taking their place in the bottom three of the Premier League as the only newly promoted side without a point so far this season, not even fresh arrival Aaron Ramsdale could prevent his new side's most recent loss against a Brentford side in a clinical mood last time out.

Things may not get any better during the international break either, with those at St Mary's now facing a nervous wait over one particular sale. According to talkSPORT, Southampton are still awaiting FIFA's approval over their deal to loan Kamaldeen Sulemana to Ajax this season in a move that would include the option to buy at £17m.

The Dutch giants reportedly believe that they secured the deal before Monday's deadline in the Netherlands, but only time will tell whether FIFA deem that to be the case and the deal is ratified as a result.

Having signed Sulemana for a reported £22m back in 2023, it would represent quite the deal if Southampton managed to make back £17m next summer for a winger who has ultimately failed to make his mark at St Mary's.

Sulemana needs Ajax move

It would suit all parties if the deal went through and secured FIFA's approval. Ajax need a replacement for Steven Bergwijn, Sulemana needs a fresh start and Southampton would bite the Dutch giants' hands off to potentially receive £17m when all is said and done.

Things just never quite worked out for the 23-year-old at Southampton, even when the Saints dropped down the Championship just months after his arrival. For the £22m that they reportedly paid, the Saints would have been forgiven for expecting more when they dropped down to England's second tier, but Sulemana never found his feet under Martin.

The numbers paint a picture that the winger will want to forget as he sets his sights on a move to Ajax. It's there that he will hope to rediscover the form that once attracted Premier League attention whilst at Stade Rennais.

As things stand, however, all parties face a nervous wait for FIFA's approval. In Southampton and Sulemana's ideal world, of course, the Saints will bank £17m next summer and watch on as their once big-money signing becomes an Ajax player on a permanent basis.