Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Hull City forward Mallik Wilks after being warned that they will need to increase their bid if they want a chance at signing him.
The Lowdown: Wilks keen on Owls move
The 23-year-old still has 12 months remaining on his current contract at the MKM Stadium, but has reportedly been told that he is free to leave the club this window.
A move to League One is very much a possibility after it was reported last week that the Tigers had agreed an initial deal with the Owls, with the winger believed to be keen on making the switch to Hillsborough.
Following a fresh update though, it now looks like Darren Moore’s side will need to improve their offer in further negotiations if they want to get a deal done.
The Latest: Kesler’s warning
Speaking to BBC Humberside (as quoted by The Star), Hull’s vice-chairman Tan Kesler provided an update on Wilks’ transfer situation, revealing ‘negotiations’ need to continue as there is no agreement yet.
“They have a genuine interest.
“Mallik has had good days with us, he is out there training properly and is competing and always has a jersey here.
“But with all respect to Sheffield Wednesday, the offer is not enough. The offer for Mallik needs to be higher. If they are seeing him at that sort of price level, I think he better stay here.
“The negotiations are open. You cannot close the door to any player. You need to understand where the players stand in the market anyway, even if you don’t do the deals or conclude the deals.
“That’s the only way you can get the real value of your players.
“So as not to confuse anyone, with Mallik, the offer is not enough. If the offer is improved, we will consider for any of our players.”
The Verdict: A fantastic addition
Ever since Shota Arveladze was appointed manager of Hull in January, Wilks has majorly fallen out of favour, only playing six minutes in just one appearance since the start of the New Year, but he still has bags of potential to give.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Throughout the 2020/21 campaign, the attacker netted an outstanding 19 goals and provided eight assists in 44 third-tier appearances(Transfermarkt), highlighting his prowess in the final third.
If the Leeds-born talent were to reach an agreement with Wednesday, he would become Darren Moore’s sixth signing of the summer in what is expected to be a very busy few weeks ahead before the start of the new season.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, some major Man City transfer news has emerged involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.
The Lowdown: Guardiola blown away…
After Pep Guardiola’s side hammered Sporting 5-0 away in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League Round tie, one opposition player who seemingly blew away City’s boss was in fact Nunes.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-newest-updates/” title=”Man City newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
Speaking to media afterwards, the Sky Blues head coach lavished praise on Sporting’s in-demand midfielder, even going on to claim he is ‘one of the best players in the world today’.
Guardiola’s rave review of the 23-year-old has prompted links to signing him in the summer window with A Bola (via SW) now sharing a promising transfer development out of Eastlands.
The Latest: Man City hold discussions…
According to their sources, City chiefs have apparently held ‘informal’ discussions with Sporting over a transfer for Nunes.
In perhaps the most exciting part of this story, the player himself is very keen on moving to Manchester, with there even being suggestions he ‘dreams’ of signing for Guardiola.
It’s also pointed that both Sporting and City’s ‘privileged relationship’ could boost them further in an attempt to land Nunes.
The Verdict: Make a move?
The Premier League champions already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in midfield, but given they could sign him for just €40 million (£33m), it appears there is little financial risk for City.
Called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, the player’s WhoScored stats point to someone who could actually be of use in Guardiola’s unique false-nine system.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
A superb ball-carrier, Nunes completes more dribbles per 90 on average domestically than any City star has in the Premier League – backing why they’re allegedly interested.
Given his quality and fairly cheap potential sum, the Sky Blues should at the very least consider a transfer this summer.
In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep now eyes ‘absolute beast’ alongside Haaland! Find out more here.
2021 has been a year filled with joy for Rangers fans as they ended a long wait for a top-flight title with their success last season.
Steven Gerrard guided the Gers to glory to end Celtic’s domination of Scottish football, before heading off to Aston Villa in November of this year.
He was then replaced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has won seven of his eight matches in charge of the club in all competitions. This has left the Gers heading into Christmas top of the league table and eight points clear of the Hoops as it stands.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Dutchman will be able to carry on his fantastic start to life in Scotland by winning the Premiership and going far in Europe in 2022, but it is safe to say that 2021 has been a fine year for those assossiated with the club.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Take our big, bumper, Rangers quiz of 2021 and see if you can get 100% – only true die-hards will!
Some Liverpool supporters have criticised Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain despite a video emerging of him scoring a stunning goal in training.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has had an up-and-down Reds career in many ways, with high points thrown in but injuries often holding him back.
The 28-year-old has increasingly struggled to hold down a regular place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup, making just two starts in the Premier League last season.
[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]
Despite this, there is no doubt that Oxlade-Chamberlain is a talented technical footballer and a video shared by Liverpool’s official Twitter account has highlighted that to perfection.
The clip shows the midfielder rifling a stunning volley into the top corner in training before he nonchalantly celebrates the moment.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-3/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]
Liverpool fans critical of Oxlade-Chamberlain
While the video clearly shows what a talented player Oxlade-Chamberlain is, these Liverpool fans saw the negative side on Twitter, claiming he doesn’t replicate it enough during matches.
“Do it in a game”
Credit: @KlngJohnson_10
“He absolutely stinks in matches”
Credit: @Rome_yR
“I’d rather you’d do one thing that would impress me during an actual match”
Credit: @WasonJack
“Only at training”
Credit: @KatlegoPodile
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Admin releasing Ox’s season highlights”
Credit: @tannaknowsball
“Would be great to see that in a game”
Credit: @AbsolutefitOC
In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited after a January transfer rumour emerged. Read more here.
Liam Rosenior will have his work cut out for him to turn around Chelsea’s middling season.
Slumping all the way down to an unsatisfactory eighth spot in the Premier League standings, after losing 2-1 at near neighbors Fulham, it’s fair to say the Blues’ campaign has unravelled, leading to Enzo Maresca being dismissed.
It remains to be seen whether Rosenior is the man to reinvigorate Chelsea out of their slouched state, with the January transfer window no doubt a helpful boost to his chances, as he attempts to stamp his authority on his fresh ranks.
Chelsea handed edge in race for £38m star
Rosenior will surely aim to strengthen the backline at Stamford Bridge this month, with Chelsea’s last clean sheet in all competitions falling all the way back in mid-December, when winning 2-0 versus Everton.
Antonio Rudiger could spectacularly return to West London to fix these defensive concerns, while a Strasbourg reunion with Valentin Barco could also be on the cards for the newly appointed Englishman, as the inconsistent Blues look for more competition with Marc Cucurella.
Rosenior could also be gifted a very promising starlet for the future, a mere month into his new job post, as talkSPORT now reports that the Blues have an edge over Arsenal in the race for Genk gem Konstantinos Karetsas.
The report revealed that Mikel Arteta’s men very nearly sealed a £38m deal for the Greek playmaker in the summer, only for a move to fail to get over the line.
Now, with Rosenior installed in the Chelsea hot-seat, European football expert Andy Brassell has tipped the West Londoners to make a January swoop for the 18-year-old, who would surely jump at the chance of working under the ex-Derby County boss, owing to his ability to develop players at Strasbourg.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will push for a move for the teenage sensation, but if a deal were to whir into motion, Rosenior could be about to win his very own Estevao, as another exciting midfield talent prepares to take the Premier League by storm.
Why Karetsas can be Rosenior's own Estevao
While the wheels came off the Maresca reign quickly, the Italian should be commended for how much he managed to get out of Estevao, as he hung onto his Chelsea employment.
Indeed, the worry with signing such a highly-regarded youngster is that they could flop on the big stage. But, the Brazilian has managed to live up to his “world-class” billing – as was once handed to him by scout Jacek Kulig – consistently at Stamford Bridge, with his stunning strike against Barcelona the pick of the bunch from his six goal contributions donning Chelsea blue.
It would be deemed rather far-fetched for Karetsas to make similar strides immediately if he were to relocate to England over staying put in Belgium, but in time, he could become Chelsea’s next version of Estevao, under the new spell of Rosenior.
After all, the 18-year-old has already surpassed expectations so early into his fledgling career, with Karetsas capped nine times at a senior level by Greece.
He has been deserving of all these international opportunities, at such a tender young age, too, with the teenage attacker already up to 71 senior appearances for Genk, with a stunning five goals and 15 assists heading his way.
Subscribe to our newsletter for Chelsea transfer insight Get deeper transfer analysis by subscribing to the newsletter: informed breakdowns of Rosenior’s rebuild, profiles of targets like Konstantinos Karetsas, and scouting-led context on the young talents who could shape Chelsea’s squad.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Subsequently, off the back of such inspired form in the senior ranks, Karetsas has been noted as being “so incredibly special” to watch by the aforementioned Kulig, alongside also being tipped to be a “future legend” of Greek football, as Estevao-levels of hysteria begin to build.
Karetsas vs Estevao (25/26)
Stat
Karetsas
Estevao
Games played
28
24
Minutes played
1821 mins
1005 mins
Goals scored
2
5
Assists
10
1
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Chelsea fans will be hoping they can cheer on another electrifying youngster who can instantly settle in the Premier League, much like Estevao, therefore, with Karetsas’ spellbinding form in the Jupiler Pro League and beyond this season, even seeing him trump the South American’s promising moments at Stamford Bridge.
If a move was to spark into life, Rosenior could soon win his very own Estevao, with the 41-year-old stating – after his reveal – that “I am good at what I do” as a new promising dawn spearheaded by Maresca’s bold successor is hopefully on the horizon.
Chelsea looking to sign Silva 2.0, he's one of "the best CBs in the world"
The incredible veteran would be the perfect signing for Chelsea and their next Silva.
Manchester City could make a sensational bid for an “insane” player, who they made contact with earlier this summer, it has been revealed.
Lijnders impacting Guardiola's style at Man City
Jamie Carragher believes former Jurgen Klopp assistant Pep Lijnders is having a real impact on Pep Guardiola’s style of play, with Man City now playing a high defensive line, and scoring goals on the counter-attack against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Carragher said: “I couldn’t believe what I saw, the players were all jumping high up to try and catch the Wolves players offside. This is very Liverpool-like. It made me think how much influence is maybe the new coach having on this team.”
However, the Blues’ defensive frailties were on show in the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last time out, with James Trafford making an error leading to Joao Palhinha’s goal, while Rico Lewis won just two of the eight duels he contested.
Man City set to fight PSG for skyrocketing winger amid Donnarumma talks
The Citizens are ready to swat aside the Champions League holders…
1 BySean Markus Clifford
Consequently, Pep may want to bring in a little more experience at the back, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma emerging as a major target, and there is also interest in a new right-back, who Lijnders knows very well…
Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Man City could make a sensational bid to sign Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January transfer window, with the former Liverpool man not exactly making a flying start to life in La Liga.
Dani Carvajal has managed to force his way back into Xabi Alonso’s side, which has led to doubts over Trent’s future, and City are monitoring the situation, having already contacted the right-back over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer.
The 26-year-old, who is reported to earn a base salary of around £276k-a-week at Real Madrid, has only made seven appearances for Real Madrid so far, but City are now in the picture for a shock move, with Guardiola in need of a long-term Kyle Walker replacement.
Trent would be "insane" signing for Man City
Given the recent history between Man City and Liverpool, the full-back linking up with Guardiola doesn’t seem like the most plausible of scenarios, although he has praised the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium in the past.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The England international said: “People talk about City’s atmosphere and you know, hand on heart when we play them, the atmosphere is incredible, like we feel it. It’s intense.”
Lauded as “insane” by former footballer George Chomakov, the ex-Liverpool star has established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world, while also impressing from a defensive point of view on occasion over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Assists
0.22 (87th percentile)
Progressive passes
8.40 (99th percentile)
Tackles
2.64 (87th percentile)
Interceptions
1.23 (82nd percentile)
That said, even though Trent seemingly burned his bridges with Liverpool by leaving in the summer, a move to Man City seems relatively far-fetched, especially considering he is still in the very early stages of his Real Madrid career.
Tottenham Hotspur are now very interested in signing a “sensational” Premier League forward this summer, and they are preparing a €60m (£51m) offer for his services, according to a report.
Spurs planning for the summer transfer window
The 1-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night was a stellar effort, with Ange Postecoglou’s side booking their place in the Europa League semi-final, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty lingering over Tottenham as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.
Given Spurs’ very poor Premier League campaign, Postecoglou’s future remains in doubt, and AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been invited for talks over a potential move to north London this summer.
The Lilywhites are also putting plans in place to improve their squad, and there could be a focus on bolstering their attacking options, with Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet recently joining the list of targets, given the Spaniard’s goalscoring exploits.
The next Dele Alli: Levy readying Spurs offer for the "next big talent"
2025 could be a big year of change at Tottenham Hotspur, so are Spurs seeking to sign the “next big talent” in sensational Dele Alli repeat?
ByBen Gray
Signing a new winger is also on the agenda for Tottenham, and scouts have been left hugely impressed by Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa, having recently watched the Frenchman in action.
However, given that Bakwa remains unproven in the Premier League, it could be viewed as a risk to sign the 22-year-old, and Spurs have also set their sights on a winger from much closer to home, namely AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo in Premier League action for Bournemouth.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Lilywhites and by extension Daniel Levy are now preparing to make a €60m (£51m) offer for Semenyo, having been impressed by the forward’s performances in the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth are open to negotiations over a move, which suggests the door could be open for a deal, should the north Londoners be willing to stump up a sizeable fee.
"Sensational" Semenyo impressing for the Cherries
The Ghanaian made a flying start to the campaign, and he has continued to impress throughout the season, picking up ten goals and six assists in all competitions, most recently scoring the winning goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over Fulham.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Journalist Thierry Nyann lauded the Bournemouth star as “sensational” earlier in the campaign, and he has developed a reputation for scoring some spectacular goals, including a fine effort in his side’s 3-1 victory against Southampton in September.
The only concern about signing the winger will be the fact he is yet to prove himself at the very highest level, but he has shown remarkable signs of development throughout his career, working his way up from League 2 to the Premier League.
At 25-years-old, Semenyo still has time on his side to improve even further, and he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer.
With the New Year on the horizon, those of a Manchester United persuasion will no doubt be looking to forget 2024 in a hurry, with it having been a simply miserable 12 months at Old Trafford on the whole.
The notable high point came at Wembley back in May, yet that shock FA Cup final triumph has been quickly forgotten amid the club’s woes both prior and since, with manager Erik ten Hag shown the door just a matter of months after lifting the trophy.
New boss Ruben Amorim has arrived with bold new ideas and an engaging personality, although as recent results have shown, it has largely been more of the same for a side that still languishes in 13th in the Premier League table.
Just a month or so into the Portuguese’s tenure, the Red Devils reached their latest nadir following Sunday’s grim 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, with that result laying bare just where the three-time European champions are at present.
Seven goals conceded across their last two games in all competitions may point to worrying issues defensively, although it is the attacking unit which remains a “major problem” – as noted by journalist Liam Canning.
Man Utd's attacking woes
It says a lot that the Old Trafford side meekly capitulating on home soil no longer sends shockwaves across the game. In truth, defeats like the one to the Cherries have simply become the norm over the last 18 months or so.
This season alone, the Red Devils have now lost 3-0 on three occasions at the Theatre of Dreams, having also wilted up against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to mark the beginning of the end for Ten Hag.
Again, the defence will cop much of the blame for those dismal results, but the lack of goals has become a real concern of late. Indeed, United have scored just 21 league goals thus far, leaving them level with the likes of Leicester City, while even behind relegation strugglers, Wolverhampton Wanderers (27).
Those woes were even evident at the weekend, with the hosts registering 23 shots in total and finishing with an xG of 2.28. Bournemouth, meanwhile, had just ten shots and finished with an xG of only 1.63, as per Sofascore.
As Amorim lamented after the defeat to Spurs in the Carabao Cup, his side simply just aren’t “clinical” enough, with the lack of a reliable number nine still a significant issue.
Indeed, while young Rasmus Hojlund has scored seven goals in 20 appearances in 2024/24 thus far, only two of those have come in his 12 league outings.
As for summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutchman has had an even worse time of it, netting only four times in 25 appearances since his arrival from Bologna.
Man Utd – Top scorer by season
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25*
Alejandro Garnacho
8
2023/24
Rasmus Hojlund
16
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
30
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
24
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
28
2019/20
Anthony Martial
23
2018/19
Paul Pogba
16
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
27
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
28
2015/16
Anthony Martial
17
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
14
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
19
Stats via Transfermarkt
The return of the latter man, in particular, simply isn’t good enough, with a swift upgrade needing to be found to resolve what has long been a problem position at Old Trafford.
Man Utd's search for a striker
Back at Sporting CP, Amorim’s success was built on the strength of his leading goalscorer, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring 66 goals in just 68 games during their time together in Lisbon.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As a result of that fruitful partnership, there will be clamour for a reunion to occur between the pair in Manchester, although according to recent reports, United could well look elsewhere to make a dream first signing of the Amorim era.
Indeed, there have been claims that the Red Devils are among the clubs keen to sign Nigerian sensation, Victor Osimhen, with the 26-year-old currently on loan at Galatasaray from parent club, Napoli.
Reportedly valued at around £62m, the former Chelsea target could make a belated move to the Premier League after a Stamford Bridge switch broke down over the summer, with the striker’s capture likely to be just what United are craving to end their goalscoring woes.
Why Osimhen would be a dream signing for Man Utd
The former Lille man may now be operating outside of Europe’s top five leagues in Turkey, yet it is hard to overlook his goalscoring prowess, having already bagged 12 goals in just 15 games during his time in Istanbul.
That haul ensures he has scored more times than Zirkzee and Hojlund combined in 2024/25 thus far, with the young pair netting just 11 goals between them across all competitions.
This red-hot form follows a prolific spell back in Naples for Osimhen, with the in-demand hotshot having netted 76 times in just 133 games for the Serie A side. In total across his career, the £62m man has scored 126 goals from 238 senior appearances.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
To put that into context, Hojlund has scored just 50 senior goals in his career thus far, while Zirkzee’s record is even worse, having scored just 40 times (not including his stint with Bayern Munich’s second team).
Zirkzee vs Osimhen – 2023/24 Serie A stats
Stat (*per game)
Zirkzee
Osimhen
Games (starts)
34 (32)
25 (22)
Goals
11
15
Minutes per goal
252
133
Big chances missed
4
15
Assists
4
3
Big chances created
11
5
Key passes*
1.3
0.9
Total duels won*
40%
43%
Aerial duels won*
43%
44%
Stats via Sofascore
The difference in quality between Zirkzee and Osimhen is stark indeed, as evidenced by their respective statistics in Italy’s top-flight last term, with Osimhen simply far more clinical, even if Zirkzee offers a greater creative influence. Amorim needs to ensure this deal gets done as a matter of urgency.
There will no doubt be fears over whether the Napoli man can make the transition to life in the Premier League, although any concerns should be eased by his likeness to a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with that comparison having been made by his former Charleroi manager Felice Mazzu:
While Ibrahimovic’s time at Old Trafford was fleeting, the veteran certainly made his mark under Jose Mourinho, having ended the 2016/17 campaign with 28 goals to his name in 46 appearances.
As that short but sweet stint proved, players of that ilk can score goals anywhere without the need for a period of adjustment, with United – and Amorim – in need of a repeat scenario with the capture of Osimhen.
For too long, since the days of ‘Ibra’ and Robin van Persie before him, have the Red Devils been seeking a genuine world-beater to lead the line. Now is the time to go out and get one.
Man Utd can axe Ten Hag's "most poignant signing" with move for £5m star
Ruben Amorim could be about to target a new star for Manchester United in January.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are eyeing a £12 million player alongside their pursuit of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
Spurs pursuing move for Dominic Solanke and other strikers
Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed last week that Spurs are actively looking to sign a striker as a priority before deadline day, so it appears a new number nine is certainly one to watch in the coming weeks.
Tottenham predict late exit as £134,000-per-week star holds talks to leave
He could be yet another name out of the door at Spurs.
ByEmilio Galantini
Postecoglou was heavily reliant on both Son Heung-min and Richarlison for the majority of Spurs' goal tally last season, with the duo scoring 29 between them in all competitions, but Postecoglou doesn't want a repeat of that for the 2024/2025 season – explaining how he would've certainly utilised Harry Kane if he hadn't decided to join Bayern Munich.
"If Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him!," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's plans to sign a new striker.
"So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould.
Tottenham's top goalscorers in all competitions – 2023/2024
Player
Goals scored
Son Heung min
17
Richarlison
12
Dejan Kulusevski
8
Brennan Johnson
5
Cristian Romero
5
James Maddison
4
"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us.
"Irrespective of the approach, I like to think I've always been pretty clear on what I want. I've had success for the most part of my career with transfers and, I mean, I thought last year's window was excellent."
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are in talks over signing Solanke from Bournemouth, and Spurs are pushing to seal a deal for the Englishman who scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last term.
However, he is by no means the only forward target on their radar, as fellow reliable reporter Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport backs that Tottenham have a concrete interest in signing Brentford's Ivan Toney as well.
While bringing in a striker is a top priority, Spurs also may need to sign another right-back, with Emerson Royal thought to be closing in on a move to AC Milan.
Tottenham also thinking about signing Issa Kabore from Man City
Speaking to GiveMeSport, amid their high-profile chase for Solanke, Romano says that Tottenham are considering a move for Issa Kabore – who would come in to replace Emerson if the Brazilian does, at long last, seal his San Siro move.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Tottenham would look to fill the gap, for sure, because they have Pedro Porro, but they would need one more player," said Romano.
Fulham'sJoaoPalhinhain action with Luton Town's Issa Kabore
“It's true that Kabore at Manchester City, former Luton Town player, is appreciated by Tottenham. But I’m told he is not the only option. So there are several possibilities being considered."
The Burkina Faso international spent last season on loan at Kenilworth Road, making 24 Premier League appearances, with City believed to value Kabore at around £12 million. Ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor also branded Kabore a "top athlete" when the pair worked together in Ligue 1.
The 2023/24 season has been a breakout campaign for many young stars across the world. Chelsea have many, although not all of them have seen much game time.
The same cannot be said for Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and soon-to-be Real Madrid forward Endrick who have all announced themselves into professional football in recent months.
Both Mainoo and Yamal are products of Carrington and La Masia, their respective clubs’ youth systems, and will hope to be the next academy success stories of two legendary clubs.
Endrick, however, was bought by Real Madrid from Palmeiras for a fee rumoured to be £52m. Los Blancos were not the only club vying for the 17-year-old’s signature, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City also interested in signing the forward.
Endrick for Palmeiras.
Chelsea were actually rumoured to be the club most likely to sign Endrick before Madrid beat them to it. Aiming to sign youngsters from South America is a policy that the Blues have often employed under Todd Boehly. Endrick is rumoured to not be the only name on their list.
Chelsea’s youthful transfer policy
It is no secret that since Boehly took over the reins of Chelsea, their transfer policy has been chaotic, to say the least.
They have spent over £1bn and had a squad so inflated that "some players had to sit on the floor during team meetings while others changed for training in the corridor", according to The Athletic.
The aforementioned policy of signing, or trying to sign, South American wonderkids is certainly one that Chelsea have at least unofficially employed in Boehly’s time at the club.
Aside from missing out on Endrick, the other notable failure was young Gabriel Moscardo, a midfielder from Brazil. The 18-year-old had offers on the table from Chelsea and PSG but opted to go with the latter.
However, there was one South American youngster Chelsea managed to land. Ecuadorian attacking midfielder Kendry Paez will join the Blues from Independiente del Valle for a fee that could eventually rise to £17m, according to Fabrizio Romano. Aged just 16, he could well be Chelsea's answer to Endrick.
Chelsea's answer to Endrick
It will not be until the summer of 2025 that Paez can join Chelsea, as he must wait until he turns 18, although he has trained with the first team already.
Incredibly, at just 16 years of age, Paez is already a full international with Ecuador and has six caps to his name so far, scoring once and registering two assists.
Paez plays as an attacking midfielder and possesses all the flair that you would expect from a South American number 10. Paez is a creative genius, who has an eye for goal, and already has seven goal involvements in 16 starts in the Ecuadorian top flight so far.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The youngster has a brilliant low centre of gravity and an eye for a pass. He loves to pick the ball up in deeper areas and spray long passes into teammates ahead of him and is excellent in combination play around the penalty box.
His previous manager had spoken very highly of him in the past. In an interview with Ole, Martín Anselmi, the former manager of Independiente del Valle, said “In Kendry we find a daring one. A boy who asks for it, and he is 15 years old and he doesn't care who is in front of him, and he asks for it.”
Not only that, Paez is highly rated by former Ecuardioan national team players. Carlos Tenorio, who made 52 appearances for Ecuador, compared him to two legends of the game when Paez was just 15. “He has the potential to be better than Lionel Messi and Neymar, but much will depend on him and the people around him”.
It is certainly high praise for such a young talent. Chelsea’s transfer policy towards signing youngsters might have been hit-and-miss so far, but it seems they have certainly struck gold with the signing of Paez. Together with Endrick, they could be the next superstar talents to emerge from South America.
Chelsea: Poch's stunning starting XI in 2025 built around Kendry Paez
Chelsea’s starting XI in 2025 which includes the exciting Kendry Paez is a mouthwatering prospect.