John Obi Mikel took another dig at a misfiring Nicolas Jackson as he urged Chelsea to sign Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyokeres.
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Jackson hasn't scored in last four games
Chelsea have dropped 10 points during this period
Mikel wants top-tier striker
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Jackson started the season with promise but has struggled to find the back of the net in the recent past. The forward has failed to score in Chelsea's last four games, a period where the team squandered crucial points and slipped further behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
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WHAT MIKEL SAID
Mikel, a known critic of Jackson, addressed this issue during , stating that Chelsea's lack of clinical finishing is hindering their progress.
"We are creating chances, we are still playing well, we are still doing the right things but we’re not clinical enough, we’re not scoring goals," Mikel said.
"We’ve talked about getting another top, top striker who can win us these kind of games, difficult games where if Nicolas Jackson is not firing on all cylinders you can give him a rest and then get someone else to come into the team and try to win us games and score goals. We are not clinical enough, he is not scoring enough goals. He puts himself in the right positions but then he’s not finishing, he’s not scoring enough.
"He’s not a striker who’s going to get us to the top four or win us the Premier League title. He’s not that striker. I don’t think he can get us over the line in terms of winning trophies. For me, he’s a player who can link up play, he’s good on the ball but he’s not scoring enough goals."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mikel emphasized that Chelsea need a top-tier striker to complement Jackson or even replace him when necessary. He went on to specifically name Victor Osimhen, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle's Alexander Isak as players who could significantly improve the team's offensive capabilities.
"If we had Victor Osimhen or the guy from Sporting, Viktor Gyokeres, trust me, we’d still be competing for the Premier League," Mikel added. "Nicolas is not scoring enough, the finishing, he needs to find a way. For me it’s a bit of a worry because we’re not scoring enough.
"Without Cole Palmer I don’t know where we would’ve been this season, definitely not where we are right now, he’s carrying the team on his shoulders, he’s creating chances, scoring goals, what more can he do? One goal in six [from Jackson] is not good enough. You talk about top, top strikers, look at Isak at Newcastle, he’s flying, that’s what we need."
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA & JACKSON?
Chelsea's relatively light January schedule provides a window of opportunity to recalibrate their approach. They face League Two side Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on January 11, followed by league matches at Stamford Bridge against Bournemouth and Wolves. These fixtures could allow Jackson to regain his confidence and fire on all cylinders until the business end of the season.
Manchester United have been given a massive boost as Amad Diallo has signed a new long-term contract at the club.
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United and Amad agree contract terms
Commits to club until 2030
Has turned down two teams to stay
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Ivory Coast international has signed a new contract with the Red Devils and put pen to paper on a deal that runs until June 2030. He told the club's official website: "I am really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already but there is so much more to come. I have huge ambitions in the game and I want to achieve history at Manchester United."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 22-year-old's new contract is a reward for some impressive performances for United. Amad has six goals and three assists in the Premier League so far this season and had been approached by two top teams, according to Fabrizio Romano, but had no interest in leaving Old Trafford. Amad's latest goal was an 80th-minute strike that secured a 2-2 draw against runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, further underlining his importance under new coach Ruben Amorim.
WHAT MAN UTD SAID
Jason Wilcox told the club's website: "Everyone is delighted with Amad’s development; his quality on the ball, versatility and determination makes him a key part of the future of Manchester United. The best years of his career are ahead of him, and we all look forward to helping Amad to reach his immense potential and achieve success at the club in the coming seasons.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR AMAD?
Amad will hope to continue his fine form when United return to action against Arsenal in the FA Cup on January 12.
In 2024/25, Newcastle United would view a poor campaign as one that concludes without a concerted shot at silverware and without qualifying for next year’s European competition.
How things have changed. Eddie Howe has been the architect of something special since his appointment shortly after the lucrative PIF takeover.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
But we need only cast our mind back across the past 15 seasons and view two Toon relegations from the Premier League – with plenty of near misses and disappointing finishes throughout.
Oh sure, Newcastle have deeper pockets than once before, but the errant strategy has also been swatted away. High-profile signings of players such as Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have hit the mark.
It wasn’t always the case, with money spent hastily and efforts to land top targets falling short. The transfer of Gabriel Obertan is one such case – just wait until you hear who could have been signed instead.
Why Newcastle signed Gabriel Obertan
It was the summer of 2011, and Newcastle were about to be treated to a season of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba-fuelled wonder, so it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
But not everything worked out all dandy. That same summer, Obertan moved to Newcastle from Manchester United in a deal worth £3m. The 22-year-old had featured 21 times for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils after emerging from the youth ranks, but he scored just one goal and patently needed a fresh lease of life.
Newcastle struggled to give him the conditions he needed – and vice versa, in a way. But it didn’t work out in any case, with Obertan suffering injury misfortune and failing to grow into the player that Ferguson thought he might become, having once hailed him as an “exciting prospect”.
And it was luckless fitness dips that proved to form the crux of Obertan’s woes at St. James’ Park, for he was scarcely found in the starting lineup in the Premier League and failed to hit the consistency that would have earned him the right kind of form.
Indeed, Obertan scored three goals and added ten assists across 77 matches for Newcastle, meaning that he technically cost the club £1m per goal.
Gabriel Obertan Newcastle Stats by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
15/16
6 (4)
0
1
14/15
16 (11)
1
2
13/14
5 (0)
0
0
12/13
24 (14)
1
3
11/12
26 (19)
2
4
Stats via Transfermarkt
Grim reading, especially when considering the track that Newcastle took to secure the Frenchman’s signature. Mike Ashley’s Magpies were unable to cash in on their wayward venture due to his issues, and thus he trundled through his contract and departed on a free in 2016, having not returned to the Premier League since.
It could have been so different, for Newcastle could have signed Mohamed Salah instead…
When Newcastle missed out on Mohamed Salah
It’s a well-known name on the English scene. Salah has been the veritable lifeforce of Liverpool’s frontline throughout an illustrious point in their history, notably winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup under Jurgen Klopp’s wing.
One of the Premier League’s finest forwards, Salah, aged 32, has scored 160 goals and supplied 72 assists across 267 matches in England’s top flight, principally for Liverpool but also, briefly, for Chelsea.
The Egypt international is widely regarded as a “world-class” player, as Klopp states below, but he really could have enjoyed his rise and rise as a Magpie – just think of the difference it could have made over the past decade.
It dates back to the winger’s humble beginnings in his homeland, with Al Mokawloon, one of Egypt’s most prestigious outfits. Newcastle had noted his potential and wanted to bring him across the seas and allow him to cut his teeth in the Premier League.
There’s no word of mouth here, the news came from the man himself, who said back in 2011: “Newcastle will soon make an official offer to sign me for one season. I don’t think contractors will refuse to let me play in the English Premier League. It’s a dream for any player to play in one of the strongest league competitions in the world.”
It, obviously, didn’t work out. Salah would move to FC Basel and hone his craft in Switzerland before catching Chelsea’s attention and transferring to the Premier League for an £11m fee in 2014.
But just think of what could have been. Salah has become one of Europe’s most devastating players at Anfield and actually emerged as the Saudi Pro League’s top transfer target in 2023, with Al Ittihad willing to pay £150m for his services – this was rejected by Liverpool who clearly valued him even higher.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Newcastle have had to live with the fact that they opted against signing Salah way back when. Let’s face it, the young talent was awestruck by the prospect of donning the black and white stripes and would have boarded the first plane had Ashley’s outfit followed up their interest with a bid.
He signed for Basel in 2012 for an undisclosed figure that can’t have been much more than was paid for Obertan at Newcastle one year earlier, so it would take a brave football fanatic to stake a convincing argument as to why, in hindsight, the Magpies decided not to swoop.
Anyway, it’s all water under a bridge. Newcastle are on the up and are targetting new levels of success once again this season – deals like this one matter little now, but it’s a stark reminder not to deviate from the thriving strategy of modern times.
Forget Wilson: Newcastle can unearth Isak 2.0 in sensational teen
Eddie Howe has a young talent present in the academy who could replace Wilson…
Tottenham Hotspur are a club that have been blessed with a number of seriously talented players over the years.
The likes of Luka Modrić and Gareth Bale wowed fans in the early 2010s, Harry Kane broke through just a few years later, and Son Heung-min is now captaining the side and can still look incredibly dangerous at times.
However, the Lilywhites have also had their fair share of less successful signings over the years, and while there is still time to turn it around, Richarlison looks like he might be the club’s latest big-money flop.
Richarlison in anguish for Tottenham
What makes it worse is that just a few months before they signed the Brazilian, Antonio Conte was pushing the club to secure the services of a player who’s been on fire this season.
Richarlison's Spurs career
In June 2022, Tottenham spent a whopping £60m on Everton forward Richarlison, who had looked like a sensational talent for the Toffees over the last few years.
In all, the Brazilian attacker scored 53 goals and provided 13 assists in 152 appearances for the Merseysiders before moving down south, but unfortunately for the Lilywhites, his form did not follow him.
The 27-year-old’s first campaign in the capital saw him score just three goals and provide four assists in 25 appearances. While he did improve last year, racking up 12 goals and four assists in 31 games, it would be fair to say he has flattered to deceive so far.
However, while there is still time for him to improve, it does look like Postecoglou and Co have given up on him ever becoming the club’s starting number nine, as they splashed £65m on Dominic Solanke in the summer.
So, it’s hard to deny that when his fee and impact are taken into account, Richarlison’s move to Tottenham has been a failure, one made worse by the fact that a player the club tried to sign first is now tearing it up for a rival.
Spurs' failed pursuit of Luis Diaz
Yes, in the January transfer window, about six months before they signed Richarlison, Spurs were gunning to secure the services of Colombian international Luis Diaz.
According to an article from the Guardian at the time, Conte wanted to strengthen his team, and the then Porto star was one of the club’s key targets, so much so, in fact, that they made a £37.6m offer, which the club rejected.
Unfortunately for the North Londoners, this forced Liverpool into action, and just a few days later, they signed the tricky winger for an initial fee of £37.5m with £12.5m in further add-ons.
Since then, the 27-year-old dynamo has been through an awful lot on and off the pitch, and while there were some questions over his ability at points last season, he has started this year like a house on fire.
So far, the Barrancas-born star has scored five goals and provided one assist in just six games.
Diaz’s Liverpool record
Season
21/22
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
26
21
51
6
Goals
6
5
13
5
Assists
5
3
5
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.42
0.38
0.35
1
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Unsurprisingly, such incredible form has seen his valuation soar as well, with Transfermarkt now valuing him at around €75m, which is about £62m.
Ultimately, while all clubs miss out on transfer targets, Diaz would have been sensational under Postecoglou, and while Richarlison could eventually prove to be worth his £60m fee, it feels like that ship has well and truly sailed now.
Defoe loved him: £26m Spurs signing became the biggest "flop of the season"
The Spain stopper threatened to derail Chelsea's top-four bid further but Enzo Maresca's men fought well and ran out deserved winners
Chelsea ended a run of five Premier League games without a win by beating Wolves 3-1 on Monday night.
Enzo Maresca's side were in serious need of restoring momentum to a flailing top-four charge having dropped out of the Champions League qualification spots recently, and were on song to pick up three valuable points and climb back above fifth-place Manchester City ahead of this weekend's trip to the Etihad Stadium.
The hosts dominated possession in the opening stages and had the ball in the net midway into the first half through Tosin after Reece James fired a shot through a crowd of bodies following a corner, with the centre-back swiftly swivelling and finishing past Jose Sa. The flag went up for offside, but after a VAR check, the decision was reversed and his goal was confirmed.
Chelsea appeared to be heading toward a half-time lead, only to concede in added time. A corner from Matheus Cunha flew towards the near post but was dropped by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, allowing Matt Doherty to prod in from close range.
On the hour mark, the Blues went back in front. Noni Madueke's deep cross was nodded on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and into the box-crashing Marc Cucurella, who had time to adjust his feet and scramble the ball over the line.
Shortly after, Chelsea added their third. Cole Palmer's free-kick from towards the corner flag was headed back down by the returning Trevoh Chalobah and converted on the goal-line by Madueke.
Nicolas Jackson thought he had scored the Blues' fourth having met a threaded through ball from Palmer, only for a late offside flag to deny him, and VAR was not Chelsea's friend on this occasion with the goal ruled out.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (3/10):
Chelsea have brought in many goalkeepers in the BlueCo era, yet it remains their number one problem position. Only Ipswich's Arijanet Muric (five) has committed more errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season than Sanchez (four) after he dropped the ball at the feet of Doherty. Made some decent saves in the second half at least.
Reece James (7/10):
Made his first Premier League start since November's draw with Manchester United (Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was still in interim charge of the Red Devils, just to highlight how long ago that was). Did well to silence Cunha from open play and asserted his authority in every challenge. Came off for Disasi towards the end of the night.
Tosin Adarabioyo (8/10):
Who would have predicted such a scoring surge from Tosin? Now up to four goals in Chelsea colours and was solid in his defensive duties to boot.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
Back from Crystal Palace and straight into the starting lineup – a move which caught the club's editorial team off guard. Formed a fine partnership with Tosin and was cruelly denied a goal when Madueke essentially stole it from him on the line. That chalked up an assist for his troubles, so, every cloud.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Threatened to meet several crosses even before popping up with his goal after an hour, with Wolves flummoxed at how to defend a left-back who was crashing their box. Ended the game playing in midfield.
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Midfield
Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Far more comfortable back in midfield as opposed to right-back. Broke up play in a scrappy midfield battle.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (7/10):
Has had to wait until January to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea following his summer arrival from Leicester. Made a fine impression with an excellent range of passing before coming up with an assist for Cucurella. Subbed for Gusto.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Strangely quiet in the first half but the game started to open up when he started registering more touches after the interval. It was his free-kick which led to Madueke's goal. Given a rest towards the end when taken off for Felix.
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Attack
Noni Madueke (7/10):
Tormented Wolves (plus the citizens of Wolverhampton) back in August, and though he wasn't quite as successful with all his endeavours on his occasion, he still gave the visitors plenty of headaches. Would estimate his header to stoop in Chalobah's came in at 0.99 expected goals. Replaced by George for the last few minutes.
Nicolas Jackson (5/10):
For the most part wasn't on the same wavelength as his team-mates and brought frustration from both them and the home supporters. Won the free-kick leading to Madueke's goal with some neat trickery out of the corner, but that was as positive as his contribution got.
Pedro Neto (5/10):
Lacked adventure and seemingly confidence, often cutting inside and passing the ball back. Booed by the Wolves fans who used to sing his name. Replaced by Sancho immediately after Cucurella's goal.
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Subs & Manager
Jadon Sancho (6/10):
Came on for Neto. Showed flashes of flair but the game had died down by the time he entered the pitch.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Replaced Dewsbury-Hall for the final 15 minutes.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
There were a few murmurs of discontent when he was brought on for James.
Joao Felix (N/A):
On for Palmer though didn't have time to get too involved.
Tyrique George (N/A):
Made his Premier League debut in place of Madueke.
Enzo Maresca (8/10):
Chelsea responded brilliantly to the surprise setback heading into the break with a strong second-half display.
Manchester City are optimistic that they can agree a new contract with manager Pep Guardiola after news broke on Monday that the Blues have been successful in challenging the Premier League’s sponsorship rules. City go into this international break unbeaten in their opening seven league games, with a 3-2 win over Fulham on Saturday putting them within a point of leaders Liverpool.
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He has completed 92.2% of his passes this season.
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Man City may look to be active in the transfer market in January, and they have been boosted off the pitch by the news that the top flight’s rules over associated party transactions (APT) have been deemed unlawful. This is seperate to the 115 alleged breaches for failing to provide accurate financial information, but could influence that case and will certainly take some pressure off City in the transfer market.
The Blues are obviously missing a key player in Rodri, and while players like Mateo Kovacic, who scored two goals on Saturday, and Rico Lewis are stepping up to the mark, City appear keen to land a long-term replacement for the Spaniard in the market. The latest player to be linked with City as a possible replacement for Rodri is Alan Varela, who currently plays for Porto. Scouts have been sent to watch the 23-year-old in person, and he’s got a release clause in his contract worth £60 million.
Alan Varela for Porto.
As well as looking at Varela, City are looking to open talks about signing Swansea City duo Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham. Manchester United are also interested in the pair, but City haven’t given up signing the youngsters and have meetings scheduled to secure a deal. As Man City have their eye on potential transfers that they can conclude in 2025, the Blues also have another important matter they want to address, and they are taking a different approach to doing so.
Man City chiefs readying unique offer to keep Guardiola at the Etihad
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City have optimism that they can persuade Pep Guardiola to sign a new deal at the Etihad. The Spaniard is in the final year of his contract with the Premier League side, and the Blues hope a new strategy can help them keep him beyond this campaign.
City’s board have made it clear to the 53-year-old that they are keen for him to stay at the club, and they are willing to play a different approach by offering him a unique rolling one-year deal, which will put the power in his hands for when he decides he wants to leave.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City record
Games
483
Won
357
Drawn
60
Lost
66
Guardiola has been in charge of City since 2016, overseeing countless major trophies. City supporters revealed a banner for their game against Fulham, which said in his native Catalan: ‘We want you to stay’. Guardiola responded on Match of the Day by admitting that he feels the love from the supporters.
“From day one (I felt love from Manchester City’s fans), yeah. Definitely. The gratitude is immense; otherwise, I would not be nine years here; it’s impossible.
“Of course the results help. In modern football, when you don’t win, they sack you; we know that. They were happy to extend because we won. This is a business. It has to be like that.
“But apart from that, there are many, many details, many experiences that I lived in these many years, daily, during games, or not during games that made me feel part of this club deeply, deeply.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has claimed that the Reds made 'the signing of the season' despite their lack of transfers through the summer window.
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Liverpool only made one signing this season
Carragher claims Reds made 'signing of the season'
Claims the signing of Arne Slot has been pivotal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Liverpool had been expected to be heavily involved in the summer transfer window after Jurgen Klopp's departure and Arne Slot's appointment as his successor over last summer. However, the Reds ended up staying quiet through the entire summer and only signed Federico Chiesa while their attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad failed to bear fruit.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, Carragher has now claimed that Liverpool made the best signing of the season when they signed Slot to take over as the Dutchman has led the Reds into the lead of the Premier League and Champions League league stage standings. The former defender also opened up that if Liverpool were to win titles, the Dutchman would be at the end of all the praise, however, if they fail, the ownership would be the one's targeted by the fans for the lack of transfer activity.
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WHAT CARRAGHER SAID
In his column with The Telegraph, Carragher wrote: "Headhunting Slot was another masterstroke by FSG. Identifying the right successor for Klopp was a defining moment in Liverpool’s modern history, comparable to replacing Bill Shankly or Sir Kenny Dalglish, Manchester United moving on after the retirements of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, and Arsenal post-Arsene Wenger. We have seen many glorious eras grind to a halt when the figurehead left the building.
"Time will tell if Liverpool’s general inactivity in the transfer market across the past two windows is dangerous or clever. Given that small details make a big difference in sport, it could be both. If Liverpool win the title, Slot will be the hero. If it goes wrong from here, [Michael] Edwards, [Richard] Hughes and the rest of the FSG hierarchy will be cast by some as the villains.
"That’s how it works in football. Owners, executives and sporting directors are as unpopular as referees, thanked for nothing but blamed for everything.
"Many directors in the position of Edwards and Hughes could dine out for a while on making such a big call as replacing Klopp with Slot. Not at Liverpool.
"But whatever the outcome in the title run-in, Liverpool can claim they have already made the signing of the season: Slot himself."
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
While last summer did not see much transfer activity, next summer will likely be filled with movements. The future of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker remain under question and their departures will make signings necessary.
Aston Villa took on European heavyweights Bayern Munich on Wednesday night and came out on top, continuing this impressive rise under Unai Emery, a rise that is now seeing one of their key players looked at by teams across Europe, according to a new report.
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The 1-0 victory over Bayern continues what has been another impressive start to a season for the Midlands side. Emery has got his team competing on multiple fronts, but it appears he still wants more, as they eye potential new recruits for 2025. The Villans have already been linked with moves for Valencia’s Hugo Duro and Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Lino in recent days, as Emery looks to improve his forward line in the New Year.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
They are not the only players being watched by the Premier League side, as Villa had scouts in place on Tuesday night to watch Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough. But as Emery eyes potential new arrivals at the start of the New Year or next summer, the latest transfer update will come as a concern, as one of Villa’s important players is being linked with a move away.
Aston Villa's £130k-p/w star tracked by European clubs
According to Aston Villa’s former senior scout Mick Brown, Ollie Watkins is being closely watched by teams from across Europe. Brown was at Villa Park until 2021 and has continued to maintain close connections with the club, and he has now told Football Insider that Watkins’ ability has significantly improved, and he could now be ready for a bigger step into one of Europe’s super elite.
Brown told Football Insider: “I’ve heard there are plenty of top clubs interested in him.He’d definitely be able to make the step up. When I was at Villa, I was always on to the management about getting Ollie Watkins from Brentford.
Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa stats
Apps
176
Goals
74
Assists
29
“At that time, he was one of the few players, and still is, that wants to run in behind.All the strikers want to come to feet now and lay it off to a midfielder and play from there. Sometimes you’ve got to play off the shoulder and run in behind.
“If you drew up that profile, he’s your man. That’s what he does. It’s something different these days.The lad has improved his whole game since we signed him, and he scores goals.
“Plus, he runs in behind, which is not just about him; it’s about the rest of the team. He gets the team up the park and inspires them.That type of player will always attract interest from top sides wherever they are. He’s a game-changer, and he’s shown that for Villa and for England.”
The 28-year-old, who was dubbed a “nightmare to play against” by Conor Coady, has been at Villa since 2020, when he joined from Brentford, and he has been an important figure for the Midlands side for a number of seasons. In the 2023/24 campaign, Watkins netted 27 goals in all competitions, and that earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad. The forward is said to be on a weekly wage of £130,000, which could well be doubled if he were to get a big transfer.
U.S. women's national team defender Jenna Nighswonger has signed with Arsenal, the WSL club confirmed on Thursday
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Nighswonger moves to Arsenal
Reported $100,000 fee
Becomes the latest USWNT star to head to Europe
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that U.S. international Jenna Nighswonger has joined the club on a permanent transfer from Gotham FC, with the fee reportedly around $100,000. The left-back will join a USWNT teammate in London, as American right-back Emily Fox has been with the Gunners since January 2024.
Nighswonger was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and immediately became a key player for Gotham, winning a league title and the NWSL Rookie of the Year award in her debut season. On the international level, Nighswonger has made 18 appearances for the USWNT and was a member of the gold medal squad at last summer's Olympic games.
The Athletic reported Nighswonger's transfer fee.
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WHAT WAS SAID
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Nighswonger. “I’ve always wanted to play in England and joining such a historic football club is a dream come true. I want to win trophies with this club and help the team in any way possible. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to call myself an Arsenal player and I can’t wait to get started.”
Added Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “Jenna has had a great trajectory in the game and we’re delighted to bring her to Arsenal. Despite being only 24, she plays with great maturity and presence and knows what it takes to compete to win on the biggest stages at both domestic and national team level. Jenna is an important addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to getting started together.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Nighswonger becomes the latest USWNT star to trade the NWSL for Europe. She's the second major NWSL departure this offseason, following Naomi Girma, who moved to Chelsea earlier this week.
She joins Fox, Mia Fishel, and Catarina Macario among the Americans now playing in the WSL, while Lindsey Horan, Korbin Albert, Eva Gaetino, and Lily Yohannes are currently featuring for big European clubs as well.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Currently fourth in the WSL, Arsenal will be back in action this weekend when they face third-place Manchester City before facing the very same opponent four days later in the League Cup semifinal.
Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become the new England manager, with the German replacing Gareth Southgate as the permanent Three Lions boss.
The 51-year-old has managed in England before, winning the Champions League during his time with Chelsea, while he has also taken charge of the likes of European heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the last 10 years.
Tuchel will officially take charge of England in 2025, and his first major tournament looks set to be the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the United States. But who could really shine under Tuchel for England? We’ve taken a look at 10 players who could enjoy working under the German.
All stats correct as of 16th October 2024.
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1
Harry Kane
England caps: 101
England’s captain and record goalscorer, Harry Kane already has previous experience of working under Tuchel at Bayern Munich.
The centre-forward has scored goals under 17 different managers during his career for club and country, though his best minute-to-goal ratio has come when playing for Tuchel.
In 45 games, Kane has scored an impressive 44 goals and registered 12 assists under Tuchel, so the striker will surely be delighted that he is the new Three Lions boss.
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2
Jude Bellingham
England caps: 38
England international Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham looks set to be an extremely important player for England over the next decade, and the Real Madrid star already has an admirer in Thomas Tuchel.
During his time at Bayern Munich, Tuchel hailed Bellingham, saying: “Jude has had an extraordinary development. He was fantastic here in the Bundesliga and how he progressed here shows the level of personality, this is only possible with a huge personality.
“Everyone who plays for Real Madrid also plays with the pressure of the shirt, plays with the pressure to play for this club with the demands and expectations. He handles it like he has never done anything else before.
“He is very dangerous, very physical in his game and is an absolute key player.”
Should Tuchel apply his 3-4-2-1 system he used at Chelsea with the Three Lions, Bellingham could perhaps star as one of two in behind Kane.
3
Cole Palmer
England caps: 11
A Chelsea star who Tuchel didn’t work with at Stamford Bridge is Cole Palmer, who has arguably been one of the most in-form players in world football during 2024.
Palmer was reduced to a role from the bench at Euro 2024 under Southgate, though he scored in the final against Spain and registered an assist in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
Should his incredible form at club level continue, Tuchel may have no choice but to find a place for Palmer in the England XI, whether that be in a 3-4-2-1 system or a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to supply Kane in attack.
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4
Mason Mount
England caps: 36
Central midfielder Mason Mount starred under Tuchel during his time at Chelsea, winning the Champions League in 2021. Talking after 12 months working under the German, Mount spoke about the attacking role he’d been given.
“This season over the last few I’ve probably played a little bit higher than I was used to – playing as a kind of forward 10, or sometimes a winger or a false 9. So I’ve had to adapt a bit, but that gives me more opportunity to get into the box and have the opportunities to score and create.
“So far this season that’s been a big focus of mine, to improve that and to put pressure on myself to be someone who wants to go forward and step up and score goals and create assists. That’s definitely something that’s improved over the time he’s been here.”
Mount’s since had a frustrating spell with Manchester United, but if he can play regularly for the Red Devils, Tuchel may look at a reunion with the midfielder on the international stage.
5
Marcus Rashford
England caps: 60
One player who hasn’t been as prolific as Kane in front of goal during his career is Marcus Rashford, though the Manchester United winger is a player who Tuchel rates highly. Even though the two haven’t worked together during their careers, the German heaped praise on Rashford during his time at PSG.
He has struggled for consistency with the Red Devils, which resulted in failing to become a regular under Southgate, but he could be a player who Tuchel is relishing the chance to work with following his previous comments.
6
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
England caps: 10
Another former Chelsea player who may be in line to work with Tuchel is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The midfielder’s last England appearance came way back in 2018 and has since featured under Tuchel for the Blues, with the German even comparing Loftus-Cheek to the iconic Michael Ballack.
“I was quite a fan of him when he was younger. He reminded me of Michael Ballack in his style of play, his movements. There were links with him moving to Germany. We are well aware of his talent.”
Loftus-Cheek was sold to Milan in 2023 and has been a regular for the Serie A giants since then, so perhaps a call-up could be on the cards.
7
Conor Gallagher
England caps: 19
Continuing the trend of ex-Chelsea midfielders who could shine under Tuchel for England is Conor Gallagher, now at Atletico Madrid.
The new England boss once compared Gallagher to N’Golo Kante and even handed the former his full Blues debut after numerous loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.
The pair’s time working together at Chelsea may have been short and sweet, but with Gallagher now an important member of Diego Simeone’s plans in Spain, perhaps an international role could be his in the near future.
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8
Eric Dier
England caps: 49
Centre-back Eric Dier appeared to surprise Tuchel during his time at Bayern Munich, with the coach admitting the defender was an “excellent signing” from Tottenham Hotspur that “exceeded expectations” for the German giants.
Dier was once a regular member of Southgate’s England squads, and with Tuchel knowing all about the player and what he could bring to the squad, perhaps a first call-up since 2022 could be on the cards.
9
Ben Chilwell
England caps: 21
Left-back has been an unsettled area of the pitch for England in recent years, with first-choice Luke Shaw struggling with various injuries.
Right-back Kieran Trippier was used there often by Southgate, but Ben Chilwell could be the one to star for England under Tuchel. The pair know each other from Stamford Bridge where there were ups and downs, but at one point, Tuchel hailed Chilwell’s role as an attacking wing-back.
If he goes with a similar 3-4-2-1 system on the international stage, perhaps Chilwell could become a starter under Tuchel’s plans.
10
Trent Alexander-Arnold
England caps: 33
Trent Alexander-Arnold for England
If wing-backs are the way forward for Tuchel with England, that could suit Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled to star under Southgate in recent years.
A role in midfield was tried at Euro 2024, but Tuchel allowing Alexander-Arnold to shine as a wing-back could be the way forward for a player with exceptional ability on the ball.
Three covering centre-backs would allow Alexander-Arnold to focus on getting forward, and he could be preferred to Reece James, who has struggled with injuries in recent years.
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