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Glasgow Rangers looked a lot more solid in the heart of the pitch with a trio of Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande deployed together against Olympiacos.

The former two sat at the base of the midfield, while Diomande was unleashed in a more advanced role, something that certainly suits his attributes.

Going forward, this should be the trio that Philippe Clement uses on a regular basis. They might not give the side many goals, but their strength as a unit will be vital heading into the next few weeks.

It isn’t just this trio who have been impressive recently, as Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny have both shone on their respective flanks.

Cerny has scored five and registered three assists in his previous six matches, including setting up Cyriel Dessers for the Light Blues equaliser on Thursday evening.

The signing of Bajrami has arguably been one of Clement’s finest pieces of transfer business during the summer, adding some much-needed dynamism in his attack.

Nedim Bajrami’s stats for Rangers this season

The Albanian joined from Italian side Sassuolo for a fee in the region of £3.4m as the summer window was entering its dying embers.

He scored for Albania against Italy at Euro 2024, taking just 23 seconds to open the scoring for his country, although they did go on to lose the tie.

A tally of just three goals and two assists was hardly spellbinding, but the attacking midfielder offers more than just goal contributions, that’s for sure.

Indeed, in Serie A last term, Bajrami ranked in the top 9% for crosses per 90 (5.36) while also ranking in the top 20% for goal-creating actions per 90 (0.41). Considering the quality of players operating in the Italian top flight last season, Bajrami’s stats across these metrics were impressive.

It has been in Europe where the Albanian has shone the brightest for the Ibrox side. Across four Europa League matches, the 25-year-old has created an impressive five big chances, averaged 2.8 key passes per game and succeeded with 3.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 72% – which proves just how effective he has been on the continent.

Although his favoured position is through the middle as the number ten, due to injuries, Clement has utilised the former Sassuolo gem on the left flank. This positional swap has obviously been working wonders.

Goals

1

Assists

0

Big chances created

3

Key passes per game

1.3

Successful dribbles per game

2

Total shots per game

2.2

The more he plays, the better Bajrami will get, especially as he gets used to the rough and tumble nature of Scottish football. There is no doubt he will be a key asset for the Light Blues over the next few years.

He is one of the best players at Clement’s disposal right now. During the summer of 2023, however, the club had the chance to sign someone who is even better than the current Gers maestro – Malik Tillman.

Malik Tillman's record at Rangers

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst announced the loan signing of American starlet Malik Tillman in the summer of 2022, and it wouldn’t take long for him to make his mark.

Against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League qualifiers, the youngster set up Antonio Colak to score the winner in Eindhoven, which sent the Light Blues through to the money-spinning group stages for the first time in 12 years.

Across 40 matches for Rangers, Tillman scored 12 goals while chipping in with five assists, not a bad tally for someone who was a player in his maiden campaign at senior level. At times, he was raw, but it was evident just how talented the American was.

John Lundstram even lavished praise on the youngster following a game against Aberdeen, saying: “Tell him how good he can be and how good he is. Because he’s phenomenal, his talent is up there with one of the best young talents I’ve seen. Stick with him, rather than saying he needs to be dropped if he has one bad game.”

As part of his loan contract, the Gers had an option to buy the player for around £5m following the end of the 2022/23 campaign, but this agreement was cancelled by the Bavarian giants amid his excellent season.

Perhaps the Gers could have activated this clause earlier on in the season rather than wait until the end. Bayern knew they would be able to generate a bigger price from elsewhere, hence why the deal was cancelled.

In the end, Tillman joined PSV that summer on an initial loan deal, before signing permanently for a £12m fee back in May, a figure that Rangers simply wouldn’t have been able to afford.

Malik Tillman’s value has skyrocketed since joining PSV

Failing to sign the American has proven to be a big mistake by the Light Blues as Tillman is finally fulfilling his wonderful potential.

Since moving to the Netherlands, he has scored 15 goals and grabbed 19 assists in all competitions. In their recent Champions League tie against Girona, Tillman scored once and registered two assists, showing he is comfortable at this level.

In Europe’s premier club competition, Tillman has averaged 2.8 key passes, created one big chance and succeeded with 70% of his dribble attempts. These statistics show just how effective he has been for PSV in Europe this term as they seek progression into the knockout stages.

These displays have seen his value skyrocket too. Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, Tillman is now valued at €25m (£20.7m) and this will certainly increase as time goes by if he maintains his level of performance.

Imagine if Rangers had bitten the bullet and splashed £5m on him a couple of years ago? While there are no guarantees in football, there was no doubt they could have made a substantial profit on him after just a couple of years.

The “dynamic” star – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – is producing excellent numbers in the Netherlands, and he could find himself in a top five league sooner rather than later.

Rangers could regret selling a star who's now worth more than Bajrami

The former Glasgow Rangers attacker is worth more than what they sold him for.

ByDan Emery Nov 6, 2024

The Gunners thrashed the Cityzens and embarrassed Haaland in doing so, running out 5-1 winners on Sunday

Arsenal exacted their revenge on Manchester City with a mightily impressive 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners were left incensed after being denied a late victory in the reverse fixture, but came up with one hell of a performance to make up for such a grievance this time around.

Martin Odegaard put Mikel Arteta's men ahead early on after taking advantage of some sloppy passing from the City defence as Arsenal went into the break a goal up. However, they were pegged back by a nonchalant Erling Haaland, whose header stunned the home crowd into short-lived silence.

Alas, City were only on level terms for under two minutes, as Thomas Partey's deflected effort saw the hosts move back in front. Shortly after, Myles Lewis-Skelly steered home Arsenal's third of the day to give them some breathing space, but they weren't done there.

Kai Havertz, who drew the ire of home fans for a terrible miss in the first half, all but ensured the three points with a nice finish for four, while Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on the cake with a similar strike in added time.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Emirates Stadium…

Getty Images SportLOSER: Erling Haaland

The man at the centre of this newfound rivalry, the convoluted Oppenheimer of Arsenal's enjoyment today. From minute one, the Gunners sought to antagonise Haaland, and despite a bump in the road with his second-half header, they had their vengeance.

Gabriel Magalhaes, bounced with the ball after City's last-gasp leveller back in September's 2-2 draw, screamed and shouted in the Norwegian's face in the opening exchanges, setting the tone in the battle of wits. Lewis-Skelly's 'zen' celebration mimicked that of Haaland's former self, sliding to the floor and lovingly surrounded by his senior team-mates.

Home supporters revelled in Haaland's misfortune, sticking it to him with several derogatory chants. He tried to save face by pointing to the golden Premier League winners' badge on his sleeve at full-time, but given he stirred the pot with his 'stay humble' comments before, this was a lame get-out. You made this bed, Erling, and now you have to lie in it.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Lewis-Skelly was already popular among Arsenal fans heading into this game, an impressive addition to Arteta's senior squad having worked his way through the youth ranks. By half-time, he was on top of Phil Foden and locking the reigning Player of the Year down. Another 45 minutes later and he was just about shedding his 'prince' title for that of 'king'.

His goal, deftly cutting inside onto his right foot and firing into the far corner, was itself a thing of beauty, but to twist the knife with another Haaland jab will ensure he's remembered round these parts regardless of how the rest of his career pans out. If Haaland was the antagonist, Lewis-Skelly was his superior protagonist.

Those at the Hale End academy will have been left smiling from ear to ear, with Lewis-Skelly's goal followed by an equally superb effort from close friend Nwaneri. That youth production line just keeps on rolling.

Getty Images SportLOSER: Phil Foden

Foden, the worthy winner of last season's Player of the Year awards, hasn't quite looked himself this season. He put a slow start down to fitness and injury issues, particularly off the back of a gruelling and testing Euro 2024 campaign in which he was criticised for his performances.

The 24-year-old has found some form against some of the Premier League's lesser sides, but looked way out of his depth against top-quality opposition here. Lewis-Skelly locked him up with significant ease, and his only assist of the day came for Partey, handing the Ghanaian possession leading to Arsenal's second goal.

Guardiola had clearly seen enough when he hooked Foden just after the hour mark. His title-winning exploits feel like a lifetime ago, and with so much talent coming through, his England spot is certainly up for grabs.

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Getty Images SportWINNER: Kai Havertz

God loves a trier, and for better or worse, that's certainly what Havertz is. He may not be the most fierce of opponents, have the cleanest of technique or ooze charisma, but you can bet he will fight tooth and nail for this Arsenal side.

For many, that isn't enough to lead the line for a side hoping to win the Premier League and Champions League. That's completely fair, particularly once you factor in how horrendous his miss in the first half was, the confidence clearly drained from his body as he shaped up to roll the ball wide from close range.

But he kept at it. He kept going again and again. Maybe that's because he couldn't sink any lower, but he was rewarded in the end for his efforts. The goal Havertz did score was impressive, and he was suitably serenaded by the home crowd for it.

At least until the summer, Havertz's place in the starting line up should be safe. What he does between now and then will tell us how secure that spot is in the long term.

West Ham United turned a corner before the October international break, defeating Ipswich Town 4-1 to climb away from the lower levels of the Premier League and, perhaps, kickstart this new era, headed by Julen Lopetegui.

The Londoners were a day late and a dollar short under the wing of David Moyes last season, who had seen his illustrious tenure taper off, with perceived pragmatic tactics sitting at the crux of the growing discontent.

Many fans were left with a case of careful-what-you-wish-for after a disappointing start to the current campaign, although, with over £120m spent across the summer, it’s somewhat understandable that things wouldn’t click together from the bat, new parts all jammed into a new system.

The frontline was strengthened considerably, but technical director Tim Steidten is already looking to sign a new forward.

West Ham transfer news

Last month, West Ham were considered among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, who has been tearing it up in the German Bundesliga.

The news, according to TEAMtalk sources, claimed that West Ham were joined by top Premier League outfits Arsenal and Liverpool in pursuing a deal, with Frankfurt set to demand a figure of €47.5m (roughly £40m) to consider his sale.

Marmoush signed for the German club on a free transfer from divisional rivals VFL Wolfsburg in July 2023, and he has since gone from strength to strength, earning acclaim for his prolific performances. Sky Germany believe he is hesitating over committing his future in Frankfurt following interest from the Premier League.

Why West Ham should sign Omar Marmoush

This summer, West Ham signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in a £27m move. It was met with anticipation from Hammers circles, for Fullkrug had earned prominence for his clutch displays with Germany at Euro 2024 and had starred for the Yellow Wall throughout the 2023/24 campaign, posting 16 goals and ten assists across 46 fixtures.

No doubt, it’s been a frustrating start, not least for the hulking 31-year-old, who has not played since August after picking up an Achilles injury, featuring thrice off the bench in the top flight beforehand.

It means Michail Antonio and Danny Ings have been West Ham’s recognised focal frontmen throughout these opening months, but with news filtering through that Lopetegui is not convinced, and will seek to part ways with both in 2025, as per Football Insider, perhaps it’s time to bring in a star of Marmoush’s ilk.

Centre-forward

120

45

16

Left winger

24

6

4

Right winger

14

0

0

Second striker

13

5

3

Attacking midfield

4

1

0

Marmoush, a versatile forward, would have a mind to make the number nine role his own at the London Stadium but could fill in across a myriad of positions.

He was good last season, notching 17 goals and six assists across all competitions, but the Egypt international has been playing with transcendent quality this term, blistering through the German first division, scoring eight goals from just six appearances and averaging 2.3 key passes per game besides, as per Sofascore.

After such potent efforts, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, but also the top 4% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

It’s quite clear that he’d serve as an upgrade on both Antonio, 34, and the 32-year-old Ings, the latter of whom has only scored five goals from 56 outings after signing from Aston Villa for a £15m fee in January 2023.

Marmoush, hailed as a “10/10” signing from Frankfurt by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would truly bring a level of prolificness that east London hasn’t seen at centre-forward for a long while. He’s even outperforming most of the Premier League.

How he fares against Premier League strikers

West Ham have yet to fully click in attack, though their four-goal haul before the imminent international break has set the side in the right direction to be sure.

Welcoming a player of Marmoush’s ilk in 2025 would take the talented squad at Lopetegui’s disposal, however, and lift it to new heights altogether.

Erling Haaland

10

11

0

Omar Marmoush

9

9

6

Bryan Mbeumo

8

6

0

Cole Palmer

9

6

5

Mohamed Salah

10

6

5

Kai Havertz

10

6

1

Jarrod Bowen

9

3

2

It’s quite a thing that Marmoush is outshining the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer this season in all competitions, only failing to surpass the scoring machine that is Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Although, in fairness, Haaland’s 11-goal return this season has not come with any assists, and thus Marmoush is outperforming him in regard to total goal contributions (15 vs 11).

Much of West Ham’s targetted success this season is predicated on the success of the frontline, but with Fullkrug thus far playing a bit-part role, Antonio and Ings being considered disposable and Crysencio Summerville yet to register a goal contribution across his eight appearances in all competitions, there’s patently much to work on.

Marmoush is the rising star capable of lifting the squad to the desired level, offering something different to that of the existing options while carrying a shape goal threat that would work wonders in mixing with the quality of Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, for example.

For now, Lopetegui must make do with what he’s got, but if the aforementioned veterans are to be sold in January, Marmoush might just be the perfect option to lift the Irons back to their former position of prominence in the Premier League and continental stages both.

Lopetegui can make Kudus unplayable by unleashing "incredible" West Ham ace

He could help the Ghanaian explode into life…

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 7, 2024

Roma star Paulo Dybala was spotted with Hollywood A-lister Timothee Chalamet as the A Complete Unknown actor continues his promotion tour.

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Dybala took quick snap with ChalametActor in Rome to promote new filmArgentine fresh off win over GenoaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Fresh off Roma's big Serie A win over Genoa, attacker Dybala caught up with actor Chalamet, stopping for a picture with the superstar actor. The Dune star was in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico as Claudio Ranieri's side fought off their Italian rivals and took in a brilliant match under the lights.

AdvertisementAFPTHE GOSSIP

Chalamet is in Rome to promote his new film A Complete Unknown. The musical drama uncovers the life of renowned singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Chalamet stars as Dylan and also helped produce the film, which largely focuses on the controversy surrounding his use of electrical instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chalamet is a lifelong supporter of Saint-Etienne due to his French heritage and has previously spoken about his surprising admiration for players including Dimitri Payet and Bafetimbi Gomis.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHALAMET AND DYBALA?

'A Complete Unknown' was released in UK cinemas this week and premiered in the US last month. Chalamet is working around the clock to promote the film, while Dybala continues to lead Roma's charge towards the European places in Serie A. Next up is a Europa League clash against Az Alkmaar on Thursday.

Sunderland are interested in completing the signing of a 19-year-old goalkeeper who is also wanted by Premier League side Chelsea, according to a top foreign source.

Sunderland latest transfer rumours & team news

There continues to be plenty of exciting transfer rumours surrounding the Black Cats despite the window closing, although two worrying exit stories have been doing the rounds of late. Chris Rigg and Anthony Patterson are both being linked with moves away from the Stadium of Light, with the former wanted by both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old is a special talent who has already become a hugely important figure for Sunderland, appearing in all five of his side’s Championship matches this season and starting four of them, and goalkeeper Patterson is also a vital player with a bright future.

Away from the exit rumours, there are also injury concerns for Regis Le Bris, further adding to the current worries, even though things are going well on the pitch, with the Black Cats sitting second in the Championship table. Dan Ballard was left on crutches after limping out of Sunderland’s surprise 3-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle last Saturday, while new signing Ian Poveda is still sidelined with a thigh issue.

On a positive note, it now looks as though the Black Cats are eyeing the signing of an exciting young player, following a fresh report this week.

Sunderland keen on signing teenage shot-stopper

According to top Ukrainian source Zorya Londonsk, Sunderland are interested in signing Ukraine Under-19 goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov, with Todd Boehly’s Chelsea and Hull City also in the mix.

Krapyvtsov is understandably an unknown to many Sunderland supporters, but the idea of them snapping up a talented youth international with a big future in the game is exciting. Admittedly, it may lead some to further worry about Patterson’s long-term future between the sticks at the Stadium of Light, but the hope is that both are at the club for many years to come.

Krapyvtsov has won seven caps for Ukraine’s Under-19s, proving himself an important starter for his country, and he could grow further by playing alongside superior footballers at Sunderland, going into the youth team initially, before hopefully maturing and making the grade in the senior setup.

Sunderland dud who left in 2022 outscored every player at the club in 23/24

This past Sunderland flop has been enjoying life away from the Stadium of Light.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 16, 2024

Predicting the outcome of any young player’s career is never easy, so it is impossible to see how good the teenage ‘keeper will become, but the fact that he is on trial with Chelsea’s Under-21s immediately speaks volumes about his potential, suggesting Sunderland would be wise to try and entice him to the club.

The Spanish forward popped up with a late winner as the Blaugrana snatched a victory after twice surrendering the lead

Ferran Torres emerged as the surprise saviour for Barcelona as the substitute netted twice to seal dramatic a 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Good work from Raphinha and Torres had seen Barca take the lead on two occasions, but the German side found the weaknesses in Hansi Flick's defence to pull level before the ex-Manchester City star slotted home the winner.

Despite the occasional scare from Dortmund, Barca managed to dominate the ball but were restricted by their organised hosts as Raphinha failed to convert from a fantastic Lamine Yamal ball, while the Spain winger had a few efforts of his own kept out in the first half.

The German team had a bright start in the second period, but it was Barca who broke the deadlock. Raphinha raced onto a Dani Olmo pass and sent it rolling into the bottom corner of Gregor Kobel's net. It didn't last long, though, as Pau Cubarsi shoved Guirassy off the ball, allowing the striker to level from the penalty spot on the hour mark.

Hansi Flick made three substitutions for the last 20 minutes and two of them combined to restore the lead – Torres making no mistake from close range after Fermin Lopez's shot was parried into his path. Yet again, Dortmund pulled level shortly afterwards when Inigo Martinez's wayward pass was stopped by Yan Couto, who fed through Pascal Gross. Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena came rushing out but was easily beaten as Gross squared to Guirassy for an easy finish.

It wasn't over yet, though, as Barca hit the hosts on the counter attack, culminating in Yamal feeding Torres through and the forward took his time before firing past Kobel.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Signal Iduna Park…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Inaki Pena (5/10):

Floundered in front of Gross for Dortmund's second equaliser.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Useful going forward but Dortmund had some luck cutting through him.

Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

Looked strong against a lively Dortmund frontline but was silly for shoving Guirassy.

Inigo Martinez (5/10):

Shaky at times as Guirassy caused problems.

Alejandro Balde (4/10):

Had a woeful time up against Julien Duranville on the left side.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Marc Casado (5/10):

Slowed down Barca's attacks by always going backwards or sideways.

Pedri (6/10):

Won possession a few times and was typically tidy on the ball.

Dani Olmo (8/10):

Added some spark to his team's attacks and caused Dortmund plenty of issues.

AFPAttack

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Another fabulous trivela pass to set up Raphinha early on and had a few shots saved.

Robert Lewandowski (3/10):

Barely touched the ball. He managed two shots – one missed the target and the other was blocked.

Raphinha (8/10):

Made some amazing runs off the ball and was rewarded with the goal.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Frenkie de Jong (5/10):

Misplaced a few passes despite his limited role.

Ferran Torres (8/10):

What an impact! Pounced on the ball to make it 2-1 and delivered the winner again.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Made a positive impression, mostly for the second goal.

Pau Victor (N/A):

Had no time to make an impact.

Eric Garcia (N/A):

A late introduction.

Hansi Flick (7/10):

Will have some concerns about his team but will be delighted with the impact his subs made after a nervy win.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has certainly taken full advantage of the club’s financial flexibility, making a total of seven signings this summer, splashing out big on the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Füllkrug in a bid to strengthen his team.

They could be one of the most exciting sides in the Premier League if the Spaniard can get them performing to their potential, especially judging by the quality of their new additions – including the latest signing in the form of Jean-Clair Todibo.

West Ham seal Jean-Clair Todibo signing

The centre-back has sealed a move across the channel as Lopetegui has successfully fended off interest from Serie A to secure a deal for Todibo.

An initial loan deal has been agreed with Nice which includes an option to buy next summer for a fee in the region of £35m.

Manchester United were also keen on signing Todibo, yet the Irons have now won the race, representing a stunning transfer coup which could be the catalyst for them to shine next season.

He might not be the final defender the club sign this summer either, as Lopetegui is showing some interest in a Premier League star who has impressed in recent years.

West Ham's search for a full-back

It was reported earlier this week that West Ham are keen on signing Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier before the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month.

It was revealed that Trippier is one of the possible options being looked at for the troublesome right-back spot in the squad, depending on whether he will be available.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks to be closing in on a move to the capital himself, although it may not be out of the question that Trippier could also arrive to bolster the right flank.

With Todibo now confirmed as a West Ham player, Lopetegui could land a wonderful signing for the Frenchman by securing a deal to bring Trippier to London.

If so, West Ham’s backline would improve significantly and this could see them push for a European spot next term.

Kieran Tripper’s season in numbers

The 33-year-old enjoyed a solid campaign last year which culminated in him securing a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024. He played in every match aside from the final as England lost their second consecutive Euro final.

For Newcastle, he played 39 club matches, including six in the Champions League, as the Magpies failed to replicate their success from the 2022/23 season.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24 (Newcastle)

28

1

10

2022/23 (Newcastle)

38

1

7

2021/22 (Newcastle)

6

2

0

2018/19 (Spurs)

27

1

3

2017/18 (Spurs)

24

0

5

2016/17 (Spurs)

12

0

5

2015/16 (Spurs)

6

1

1

2014/15 (Burnley)

38

0

4

He has one year left on his contract and this could potentially see Eddie Howe cash in on the defender, especially if Trippier has no desire to renew his current deal.

Howe lavished the Englishman with praise last December, saying: “After giving us so much, it’s now our turn to support Kieran. He's taken the group to a different level and been a transformative signing for us. He's been the heartbeat of our performances.”

Among his teammates, the England international ranked fourth in the squad for goals and assists (11), while also ranking second for big chances created (13), first for key passes per game (2.3) and second for tackles per game (2), clearly demonstrating his wide range of skills.

It is clear West Ham need a much more dynamic full-back in terms of getting forward and creating chances from the back, as Vladimir Coufal created just six big chances and averaged only 0.6 key passes per game in the top flight last term.

Trippier – who has been dubbed a "warrior" by ex-England boss Gareth Southgate – could form a wonderful duo with Jarrod Bowen down the right flank that would surely terrorise defences in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Why Kieran Trippier would be a good signing for West Ham

As established, the right-back has clearly demonstrated his attacking qualities during his spell with Newcastle since arriving in 2022, but how good is he going forwards?

When he is compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Tripper has shone over the previous 365 days.

Indeed, he currently ranks in the top 1% for assists (0.36), the top 5% for shot-creating actions (3.8) and in the top 4% for progressive passes per 90 (6.52), which is yet more evidence of how attacking minded the defender is.

Last season, Bowen was the top scorer for West Ham with 20 goals in all competitions, with the majority of these coming from the right flank.

The winger also chipped in with ten assists for the Irons, showing his willingness to generate plenty of opportunities for his teammates.

30 goal contributions are certainly impressive, but Trippier managed to register more assists than Bowen, grabbing 11 throughout the season across all fronts

Imagine the English duo marauding down the right wing, causing unbridled chaos among defences up and down the country. It could make for a dream partnership.

According to WhoScored, Trippier’s main strengths are crossing, key passes and direct free kicks, which could see Lopetegui have a player in his squad who could add a goal or two from a dead ball situation.

Much will depend on whether Howe is ready to cash in on the 33-year-old this summer, but if there is any hint of restlessness on Trippier's part, then West Ham should be ready to make a concrete offer.

After Todibo: West Ham make contact over a bigger talent than Wan-Bissaka

Julen Lopetegui is eyeing up a move for a Spanish defender…

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 10, 2024

He may be heading towards the Indian summer of his career, but even for a season or two, the former Atlético Madrid star could give West Ham something they have missed over the previous few years – a dynamic right-sided defender.

Bowen would excel if he had someone like Trippier playing directly behind him. It would signal another wonderful statement of intent if Lopetegui could bring in the Newcastle defender in the next few weeks, that’s for sure.

American investors are supposedly asking “how do we get to be Kim Kardashian or The Rock’s English football team?” after witnessing Wrexham’s success.

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• Hollywood co-owners at SToK Racecourse
• NFL greats with Birmingham & Burnley
• U.S. investment trend expected to continue

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have enjoyed quite the adventure in North Wales, with an award-winning documentary allowing them to open up a window to the world and build a global fan base. They have stepped out of a Hollywood comfort zone and found success in a surprising sporting venture.

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• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  NFL legend Tom Brady is now an investor at Birmingham City, while Will Ferrell has linked up with Leeds United and Michael B Jordan boasts ties to Bournemouth. JJ Watt is another American football great with links to the EFL, alongside his former USWNT star wife Kealia at Burnley, while there has been talk of rapper A$AP Rocky – the partner of music icon Rihanna – forming part of a takeover bid at Tranmere Rovers.

• THE GOSSIP

  More funding from North America is expected to flood into the English game, with investors able to take moderate financial risks in pursuit of potentially lucrative gain – while building on the relationships that they already have in place with famous celebrities.

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  WHAT INVESTMENT BROKER SAID

  Adam Sommerfeld of Certus Capital, a firm that brokers the sales of English sports teams, has told of the growing EFL trend: “Investors can afford to have a go without it being significant for them and their capital. Potential investors will be trying to figure out ‘How do we get to be Kim Kardashian or The Rock’s English football team?’”

Chelsea are closing in on another signing this summer after agreeing a £17m+ deal for the next exciting talent out of Brazil, according to recent reports.

Chelsea building for the future

It has been a strange two years since Todd Boehly's arrival at Stamford Bridge, with much of the first team sold off to fund moves for future gems.

Significant sums have been spent on players who are either yet to join or who have been sent out on loan for the most part, with only Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu likely to be part of Enzo Maresca's squad for the upcoming Premier League season from the teenagers signed.

Teenage signings since Todd Boehly's arrival

Player

Fee

Gabriel Slonina

£7m

Romeo Lavia

£58m

Andrey Santos

£18m

Cesare Casadei

£12m

Carney Chukwuemeka

£20m

Malo Gusto

£30m

Lesley Ugochukwu

£23.2m

Angelo

£13m

Deivid Washington

£17.2m

Omari Kellyman

£17m

Caleb Wiley

£8.5m

Marc Guiu

£5m

Estevao

£30m

Kendry Paez

Undisclosed

The method is yet to truly bear fruit either, with Chelsea finishing in a Europa Conference League spot last season despite five straight wins to end the season, a finish that saw them part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, homegrown talents are being sold off to make space for the additions; Ian Maatsen has joined Aston Villa this summer and Conor Gallagher is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, while Trevoh Chalobah continues to be ostracised from the squad amid reports he could leave the club too.

Chelsea agree deal for "Neymar-esque" forward

Chelsea have reportedly finally agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Brazilian talent Gabriel Mec from Gremio. The attacker is yet to make a senior appearance for Gremio, and has just six U20 appearances to his name, registering one goal in the process.

However, he is already widely touted as a future superstar; Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as "a 2-footed, skilful Brazilian attacker" with a "Neymar-esque play-style" on X. He tends to play in the wide areas or as a number 10, but it is added that "wherever he plays he’ll drop deeper or central to receive the ball".

Boehly now working to sell "the future of Chelsea" after £21m signing

The west Londoners have offered him out across Europe.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 3, 2024

Now, the same outlet that broke Chelsea's initial interest in the teenager have claimed that a deal has been agreed, with the Blues ready to pay in excess of 20m euros (£17m) with add-ons included.

Meanwhile, other reports claim Mec is "open to the move" to Stamford Bridge, where he would join a growing contingent of Brazilian youngsters with Estevao already set to make his way to west London to join Angelo and Andrey Santos.

Of course, Mec can not leave Brazil until he turns 18, which will see him head across the Atlantic in the summer of 2026 to join his new club. If he lives up to the weight of expectation that surrounds him, he could prove an excellent piece of business for the Blues, albeit at the cost of their current squad.

West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten are close to sealing another new summer signing for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham promise busy summer transfer window

The Irons have already been productive in the market with deals to sign Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for a fee worth around £25m and Wes Foderingham on a free transfer. Lopetegui was officially unveiled to the press as the new Hammers boss earlier this week and was quizzed on further incomings, to which he said:

“Of course we are working to improve (the squad). The first thing to highlight is that we’re happy with the players, but of course we’re going to try to improve. We have to work very hard to be ready for the Premier League, and we would like players as soon as possible, but it’s not easy.”

Steidten also promised a busy summer window, adding: “I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”

Another target in recent weeks alongside Guilherme and Foderingham has been Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who worked under Lopetegui at Molineux. The Irons saw an opening bid turned down but were working on an improved package for the 27-year-old, and it looks as if they are closing in on their man.

West Ham agree Max Kilman deal

Taking to X on Thursday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that there is now a £40m deal in place between West Ham and Wolves for Kilman, who was viewed as a “key target” for Lopetegui.

Insider ExWHUEmployee provided further details on a transfer, claiming personal terms have been agreed upon, a medical went to plan and an announcement is possible on Friday or Saturday.

“Kilman was at West Ham today for his medical and all has gone to plan. Personal terms for the player have been agreed as has the fee which was said to be a straight £40m. The only negotiations that were still going on was agent fees as they often are but the player is expected to either sign on Friday or Saturday at the latest.”

Kilman, who former Wolves captain Conor Coady lauded as “outstanding” in the past, now looks likely to rival Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos at centre-back at the London Stadium.

Interestingly, reports earlier this week even claimed that Lopetegui could make Kilman the West Ham captain straightaway ahead of the forthcoming campaign, so that will be one to watch with a move set to go through.