Liverpool are reportedly looking to beat Arsenal to the signing of a player who is "ripping it up" this season, in what could be an exciting addition at Anfield.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds have been linked with a number of new additions during the winter window, and it certainly seems as though their midfield rebuild is far from finished. Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a possible target in recent days, with the Brazilian's future up in the air, amid interest from the Reds, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. They are also reportedly keen on snapping up Juventus teenager Kenan Yildiz, who is predominantly a centre forward – one with a high ceiling in the game in the coming years.
Liverpool's midfield revamp was well-documented last summer, as Jurgen Klopp ripped up his plans and completely rebuilt in the middle of the park, but there are still some who feel that an out-and-out defensive midfielder is needed.
Liverpool join race for Douglas Luiz
As per a fresh report from Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, as they look to pip Arsenal to his signature.
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz
"Liverpool are admirers of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz with La Liga giants Barcelona also ready to join the race for his signature, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the 25-year-old won’t be on the move this month with all interested clubs now focusing their attention on a potential summer swoop.
"A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Liverpool are planning to rival long-term admirers Arsenal for Luiz in the off-season. Barcelona are also ready to enter the race for the Brazil international as they plot a midfield rebuild."
Luiz would have the potential to be a magnificent signing for Liverpool, should they acquire his services at the end of this season, with the Brazilian such an impressive performer for Villa. In fact, he has a strong argument for being one of the Premier League's standout midfielders in 2023/24 to date.
Appearances
20
Goals
6
Assists
3
Tackles per game
2.1
Key passes per game
1.5
Aerial duel wins per game
0.9
Pass completion rate
88.6%
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has lauded the 25-year-old in the past week or so, too, hailing his performances this season and saying: "Douglas Luiz is an established campaigner. He can sit as a holding midfielder and mop things up for his team but he also gets in the box and scores goals – as we’ve seen so often this season. He’s quite well-rounded and still very underrated. When Arsenal wanted to sign him a year ago, but people didn’t really rate him too highly but now, everyone can see what he’s all about as he’s been absolutely ripping it up for Aston Villa this season."
Luis really could be perfect for Liverpool, providing so much cover and quality in front of the defence, but Liverpool are now admittedly well-stocked there, so if Klopp sees Alexis Mac Allister as his No.6 moving forward, it is hard to see the transfer happening.
It is fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur have performed admirably despite losing talisman Harry Kane over the summer, with new skipper Heung-min Son leading the charge at the top end of the pitch as the club's leading scorer this season.
While the South Korean sensation has looked at home in his new, unorthodox number nine role, the question remains as to whether he is a long-term fit through the middle, with teammate Richarlison also still dividing opinion after scoring just five league goals for the club to date.
With Ange Postecoglou likely still hoping to fill the void that was left behind by the club's all-time top scorer – Kane – following his departure to Bayern Munich, it is then no surprise that the Lilywhites have been touted to make a high-profile swoop in January.
Spurs could sign Son a "terrifying" £75m partner who loves Harry Kane
Postecoglou will look to add a true striker to his side.
By
Tom Lever
Dec 13, 2023
One striking target who has been mooted of late is none other than Brentford star, Ivan Toney, with the 27-year-old likely to spark something of a transfer battle, either in the new year or next summer.
Spurs transfer targets – Ivan Toney
As per a recent report from the Mirror, Spurs are said to be 'in the running' for Toney's signature ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea also believed to be plotting a move for the one-time Newcastle United man.
The indication is that Postecoglou is 'optimistic' of securing a new centre-forward next month, albeit the jury is out on whether the England international will be that man, with the Bees likely keen to keep hold of their prize asset until the summer.
Equally, any deal for the former Peterborough marksman – who is currently sidelined due to a betting ban – is likely to cost an arm and a leg, with a fee as high as £100m having been suggested.
For a player currently valued at just €20m (£17m), according to CIES Football Observatory, that may appear rather steep, yet Toney's prior Premier League success should make him a worthwhile investment.
The stats to show why Spurs should sign Ivan Toney
Still seeking to replace the 30 league goals that Kane plundered last term, Postecoglou could well forget all about the England captain by turning to Toney in 2024, with the latter man proving his top-flight credentials with 32 league goals since Brentford's promotion in 2021.
While the £20k-per-week hitman – who fired Thomas Frank's side out of the Championship with 33 goals in 2020/21 – has been out of action this season, there should not be too many fears over his ability to hit the ground running once he can return to the pitch.
If a deal is agreed for the "proven goalscorer" – as described by pundit Jermaine Pennant – then Spurs could find their answer to a certain Ian Wright, with the beloved pundit memorably trading Crystal Palace for another north London outfit, Arsenal, back in 1991.
That is the view of Pennant, at least, who recently described Toney as like a "modern era Ian Wright" amid reports of a possible move to the Emirates, albeit with the hope being that the in-demand ace choose the Lilywhites over the Gunners in the near future.
In the case of Wright, the prolific striker made the step up from Palace to the Gunners just prior to entering his peak years at the age of 28 – similar to Toney – joining for a then-club record fee of £2.5m.
Such a deal was a huge success for Arsenal as he went on to bag 185 goals in just 288 appearances in all competitions over the next seven years, cementing his status as an undisputed Gunners legend.
Ivan Toney's Premier League record vs the 'Big Six'
Games
Goals
Assists
Arsenal
3
1
0
Chelsea
5
0
1
Liverpool
3
0
1
Manchester United
5
1
2
Manchester City
2
2
0
Spurs
3
1
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Much like Wright – who was a relatively late starter in professional football – Toney has not had a smooth ride to the top amid various stints in the EFL after leaving St James' Park, yet now could be his chance to really blossom at a truly elite club.
As far as Postecoglou is concerned, the hope will be that the Northampton native, unlike Wright, goes on to perform heroics in Lilywhite, rather than the colours of their rivals.
Manchester City are considering a move to sign a new central talisman who has been made a top target by Pep Guardiola ahead of January, according to a fresh report.
Kalvin Phillips set to leave Man City
In the Premier League this season, Kalvin Phillips has made zero starts and just four substitute appearances (WhoScored – Phillips statistics), and as a result of being so far low down in the pecking order, there’s an expectation that he will be heading for the exit.
During his goal celebration in the Champions League 3-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade in midweek, Guardiola’s out of favour star looked very much like he was waving goodbye to supporters, and should he indeed leave in the coming weeks either on loan or permanently, the manager will have to enter the market to find a suitable replacement.
Bayern Munich’s defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich has emerged as Thomas Tuchel’s second best-performing defensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Bayern Munich statistics), and his impressive performances appear to have brought him onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium.
Back in October, TEAMtalk reported that the Sky Blues would be interested in a deal for the Germany international should he decide that he ever wants to leave the Allianz Arena, and if the following update is to be believed, they may have been given the perfect opportunity to land him.
Man City keen on Kimmich
According to Football Transfers, Man City are interested in Kimmich and have even made him their number one target to sign in January.
“Manchester City are looking to bring in Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as Pep Guardiola has put the German international at the top of his list of targets, FootballTransfers sources reveal.
"We are told that the 28-year-old has fallen out with head coach Thomas Tuchel and his future at the Allianz Arena looks more uncertain – with the Citizens extremely hopeful of securing his services.”
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Guardiola could land "passing master" in Kimmich
In the Bundesliga this season, Kimmich has won 16 out of his 22 tackles, which is the highest success rate throughout the whole of his squad, highlighting that he loves to get stuck into challenges to try and win back possession for his team (FBRef – Bayern Munich statistics).
The Rottweil native is also extremely calm and composed when he does have the ball at his feet, where he’s currently recording a 90.4% pass success rate in the league as it stands, and his ability to dictate the game from in front of the backline has previously seen him receive praise (WhoScored – Kimmich statistics).
According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kimmich is a “passing master”, and having even scored once against Man City when having faced them in the past (Transfermarkt – Kimmich statistics), it comes as no surprise that Guardiola views him so highly and now wants him to become a member of the home side in the top-flight.
Leeds United's promotion push is gathering momentum following an impressive six victories from their last seven Championship matches.
The Whites are approaching an important part of the season that could see them mount a serious challenge on the automatic promotion places.
On Friday night, Daniel Farke's side are essentially batting first and have the opportunity to close the gap to five points when they take on Rotherham United before Leicester City and Ipswich Town are in action on Saturday.
With a few of their key players returning from international duty, including Welsh trio Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu, there could be some fatigued legs that take to the field in South Yorkshire.
Nonetheless, Farke will be keen to avoid changing a winning formula and there could well be just two alterations to the side that beat Plymouth 2-1 prior to the international break.
Here's how Leeds could line up for this mouth-watering Yorkshire derby…
1 GK – Illan Meslier
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Illan Meslier will continue in between the sticks against Rotherham. The young shot-stopper, who has kept the second most clean sheets (6) in the Championship this term, has also impressed with the ball at his feet, recording a 96% pass completion in his own half.
The 17-year-old wonderkid, who is the subject of interest from a whole host of European clubs, will carry operating in his right-back role against the Millers. The teenager has featured in all but one match in the second tier this season and his impressive form has kept veteran Luke Ayling out of the team.
3 CB – Joe Rodon
Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.
The key to any promotion-winning squad is acquiring a quality defender on loan from a Premier League side, as Burnley did with Taylor Harwood-Bellis last term, and Joe Rodon has certainly shown his credentials as an exceptional centre-back. The Welshman has impressed from a defensive capacity and with the ball at his feet; yet to be dribbled past and has completed 90% of his passes.
4 CB – Liam Cooper
Liam Cooper
Cooper suffered a terrible injury at the start of the season but in the absence of star centre-back, Pascal Strujik, the Scotsman has returned to the heart of the Leeds defence. A commanding and experienced presence, the 32-year-old has won 63% of his ground duels across eight second-tier matches this season.
5 LB – Junior Firpo
Leeds defender Junior Firpo.
Once dubbed as "immense" by Connor McGilligan on the One Leeds Fan Channel, Firpo could replace the recovering Sam Byram and make his first start of the season. While the Spaniard's career at Elland Road has been a mixed bag, he did end last term in impressive form, ranking in the top 9% for tackles against his positional peers in the Premier League and the top 8% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref.
6 CM – Ethan Ampadu
Ethan Ampadu has been incredible since arriving from Chelsea in the summer and is, therefore, one of the first names on the team sheet. Through his ferocious tackling and near faultless playmaking displays, he's made himself undroppable, averaging a mammoth eight balls recovered per game and 2.2 tackles across 16 Championship starts.
7 CM – Glen Kamara
Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
A classy midfielder, who was captured from Rangers in the summer, Glen Kamara is strong in the tackle, excellent at recycling possession and superb at splitting lines with his exquisite passing range. The 28-year-old compliments the tough-tackling displays of Ampadu well with his tidiness on the ball, having averaged a 92% pass completion this term.
8 RW – Daniel James
Leeds forward Dan James.
The fleet-footed Welsh winger is often criticised for his lack of end product, but since dropping down to the Championship, Dan James' quality in the final third has shone through. He's supplied the second most goal contributions in the Leeds squad – four goals and four assists – and kept the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony out of the team.
9 CAM – Joel Piroe
Leeds forward Joel Piroe.
With Georginio Rutter coming of age in the striker position, Joel Piroe has been utilised as an attacking midfielder under Farke, dropping deeper to receive possession and spraying delicate passes through the thirds. Despite ushering more creative responsibility, the Dutch dynamo is still their joint-top scorer with six goals in 13 appearances.
10 LW – Crysencio Summerville
If anyone is going to carve open Rotherham, who are expected to operate in a low block, it's the sensational Crysencio Summerville. The explosive wide-forward has wreaked havoc on Championship defences down the left flank, scoring six and assisting five in 14 appearances. If the Millers afford him any space, they could be in big trouble.
Arsenal head into December with a seat at the top of the table, with Mikel Arteta's side taking advantage of Manchester City and Liverpool's draw last weekend by beating Brentford and bouncing ahead to first place in the Premier League.
Some have claimed that Arsenal's awe-inspiring attacking flair from last season has dissipated like dust in the wind: Wednesday's 6-0 romp over Lens in the Champions League answered that one.
Fair enough, the Gunners are currently sixth in the English top-flight's scoring charts with 27 goals but have demonstrated their title-winning credentials with a rock-solid base, with their ten goals conceded the best in the division.
£16m Arsenal star deserves as much credit as their six scorers after Lens
One Arsenal man shone despite not scoring in their 6-0 rout of Lens.
ByMatt Dawson Nov 30, 2023
It's a testament to the team that Arteta has meticulously created over the past several years that some question the snap and the wow factor while forgetting to factor in the unadorned certitude that this is a fantastic set of players with enough quality to compete and triumph in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta would be the first to acknowledge in the transfer room that the work is hardly done, with technical director Edu believed to be working on a fresh addition to augment and improve the existing ranks.
Arsenal transfer news – Ousmane Diomande
According to Portuguese outlet Record – via Sport Witness – Arsenal are in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande in 2024, having failed with a €35m (£30m) offer already.
The talented defender is understood to have an €80m (£69m) release clause embedded in his contract, with the Leões certain to demand a figure in that ballpark for his departure.
Real Madrid are also interested in a deal, which only accelerates the urgency surrounding a prospective transfer, though with the Gunners 'guaranteed' to return with a bid in 2024, Arteta may well get his man.
Diomande's style of play
Aged just 19, Diomande has already amassed 33 appearances for Sporting, having broken into the first-team across the latter half of the 2022/23 season, making 17 displays across all competitions.
Notably, the teenage titan played both legs in Sporting's Europa League knockout ties against Arsenal and Juventus last season, completing 91% of his passes, averaging two tackles and clearances per game, succeeding with 100% of his dribbles and remarkably winning 73% of his contested duels, as per Sofascore.
Such metrics are just a representation of his imperious skill set, which he has built and sculpted into something even greater this season, sustaining a noteworthy level of performance that has compelled Arteta to further his intrigue, moulding it into something solid and imminent.
Statistic
#
Apps
11
Starts
11
Goals
1
Assists
1
Pass completion
90%
Key passes per game
0.5
Tackles per game
1.7
Recoveries per game
5.7
Clearances per game
1.6
Dribble success
73%
Duels success
65%
*Sourced via Sofascore
One of the most exciting modern-styled centre-backs around, Diomande ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for goals, the top 4% for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 6% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
Effectively, such metrics showcase the celestial precocity that has arrested the intrigue of Arsenal and Los Blancos; moreover, the “Ivorian Jewel” – as he has been dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has started all 11 matches in the Portuguese top-flight, and a forthcoming role in a squad such as Arsenal's may well be attainable.
FBref even lists Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber as Diomande's most comparable player, which only strengthens the notion that the 6 foot 3 colossus would be a worthy addition to a youthful Gunners side, still burgeoning and coursing toward more silver-laden success under Arteta's wing.
How Diomande compares to Jurrien Timber
The one-cap Ivory Coast international is first-class with his distribution and frequently seeks to drive the ball forward by playing out from the back, instigating promising passages from deep while also driving up the pitch himself.
Such skills are indeed similar to Timber's, who signed for Arsenal from Ajax for £38m in the summer after impressing in his native Netherlands, completing 121 matches and even being branded a "generational superstar" by journalist Antonio Mango for his labours.
Sadly, the 22-year-old managed just 50 minutes on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest before being forced off with a serious knee injury, which required surgery and ruled him out for the lion's share of the 2023/24 campaign.
Dynamic and fluid in his positional value, Timber ranks within the top 5% of central defenders across divisions similar to the Dutch Eredivisie for shot-creating actions, pass completion, progressive passes, progressive carries, successful take-ons and passes attempted per 90. Similar to Diomande indeed.
While such statistics are not applicable in comparison to Premier League players, the £90k-per-week whiz is still evidently one of the most creative and athletic defenders around, slotting into Arteta's system like a dovetail joint.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Passing
Aerial duels
Dribbling
Tackling
Concentration
*Sourced via WhoScored
While Timber is comfortable playing centrally and out wide, something that, so far, Diomande has not shown signs of emulating, the Sporting starlet still boasts many similar qualities that make Arteta's vested interest in his signature more than understandable.
Last season, in the Netherlands, Timber completed 92% of his passes in the league, with security in possession and crispness and creativity in distribution seemingly staples of Arteta's reign.
And such a method speaks for itself, with the Gunners perched in first place after flirting so tantalisingly with the Premier League title last campaign.
There has been a discernible growth; a maturity, perhaps, that bespeaks Arsenal's ability to vanquish the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool and win the trophy.
By signing the "elite talent" that is Diomande – according to Kulig – the strength in depth could give the club's Spanish manager the ingredients to stir Arsenal towards success.
Newcastle United just keep on going. Injuries, suspensions, and early-season disgruntlement concerning squad cohesion have all come into play on Tyneside this season, but Eddie Howe's side have hurtled through the gears and now stand a good shot of significant success both domestically and in the Champions League.
Having defied expectations to finish fourth in the Premier League last season, Newcastle have rebounded from a wobble in the 2023/24 term's early phase, losing three straight, to climb into European contention, though having dropped points across two of their past three matches there will be an increased weight on the forthcoming fixture against Arsenal.
Indeed, Mikel Arteta's title-chasing side travel to St. James' Park this evening to continue their fight for a first Premier League trophy in two decades, but will be met by one of Europe's most unified forces.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Newcastle's ascendancy over the past few years has been a product of Howe's ability to instill his system into the squad, and the fact that it has suffused every corner means that injuries, of which there are many, do not necessarily prove to be detrimental.
Newcastle team news
Matt Targett is the latest player to pick up an injury after tweaking his hamstring in the opening phase at the Theatre of Dreams, though United are emboldened by the goalscoring return of Joe Willock in midweek.
Club record talisman Alexander Isak is not expected to be back until after the international break later this month, though the Toon boast a worthy replacement in the prolific Callum Wilson.
Elsewhere, both members of Howe's starring defensive axis – Sven Botman and Fabian Schar – are doubts, while Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and Elliot Anderson remain on the sidelines.
Tino Livramento's season by numbers
Howe will have to continue to contend with a mountain of injury issues against the Gunners, though Newcastle evidenced their strength in depth when dispatching dreary Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
When the line-ups were announced on Wednesday, few thought that this makeshift Magpies side would stand a chance against a purportedly superior Red Devils side.
Doubters were emphatically corrected, and the 3-0 scoreline showcased this remarkable squad's credentials, with none more impressive than summer signing Tino Livramento.
The 6 foot Livramento joined from Southampton for an initial fee of £32m, having spent the majority of the 2022/23 campaign injured, with Saints plummeting into the Championship.
Despite his scant match action over the past year, the dynamo has taken to life on Tyneside with aplomb, earning four substitute appearances in the English top-flight so far but playing the full 90 across both Carabao Cup matches thus far, against the two Manchester sides, and excelling on each occasion.
Against Manchester City in the third round, Livramento made eight tackles – including a "match-winning" late lunge on Matheus Nunes, as said by reporter Craig Hope – and won 11 of his 18 contested duels, as per Sofascore, superlative against one of football's most frightening attacking threats.
Howe would have hoped for him to emulate his previous showing this week against Erik ten Hag's Old Trafford side, but he did take his opportunity, earning a stunning assist after an unstoppable cross-pitch dribble and producing an all-encompassing display that Phillip Lahm would have waxed approval over.
Complementing that assist with five tackles, two clearances, success with both of his dribble attempts, also coming out on top in nine of his 12 duels (a 75% success rate), Livramento has announced himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents.
Opponent
Result
Competition
vs Aston Villa (H)
5-1
Premier League
vs Manchester City (H)
1-0
Carabao Cup
vs Sheffield United (A)
8-0
Premier League
vs Paris Saint-Germain (H)
4-0
Champions League
vs Manchester United (A)
3-0
Carabao Cup
*Results provided by Sky Sports
Newcastle have collected quite the list of victories already this season, and there will now be confidence that Arsenal could be the latest to fall on Tyneside, especially with Livramento unleashed from the outset.
Why Tino Livramento should start vs Arsenal
The mere fact that the youngster has provided the perfect performance against the Manchester giants suggests that he would be a custom-made option against Arsenal tonight, who boast an almighty, multi-functional strike force.
Hailed as "unbelievable” by analyst EBL, Livramento's pace and athleticism are exactly what is needed to stifle the threat of players such as Bukayo Saka, who has been integral to Arsenal's rise under Arteta's wing and has undoubtedly cemented himself as one of Europe's most fearsome forwards.
Should Livramento earn a starting spot, then Dan Burn should be moved to the bench; Burn has been a superb member of Howe's Newcastle team over the past few years, but he is not without his frailties and Saka might relish the opportunity to drag him around the byline, as well as threatening consistently down the channel.
The Emirates side's star man has been in stunning form so far this season and has posted five goals and six assists from 14 appearances, praised as "elite" by his international manager, Gareth Southgate.
To illustrate his all-action attacking threat, the £195k-per-week machine ranks among the top 21% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 14% for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 3% for touches in the attacking box and the top 9% for tackles per 90.
Quite the list of metrics, and a mere illumination of exactly what makes the 22-year-old such a staggering talent; robust and tenacious, he will drive into the danger area and wreak havoc, bursting into the box and deciding which tool he wishes to wield.
Burn is no joke, of course, but he might not be well suited to the task, especially when Livramento has demonstrated his ability against both Manchester sides this season.
It speaks volumes of his potential, and while it may be strange to eject Kieran Trippier on the defensive right flank, the 32-year-old has been deployed at left-back for England of late and could assume the role, with Livramento unleashed down the alternate channel.
The one-time Chelsea Academy Player of the Season is capable across both sides of the backline too, but the balance may be preserved by switching Trippier, allowing the less experienced member to perform in his favoured position.
This could either allow the England international to lock up his teammate, Saka, or Livramento could line up on the left and use his aforementioned defensive attributes to keep the exciting attacker quiet.
The evidence suggests that Arsenal can be defeated, and while it will be a tall order against Arteta's hungry side, Howe will know that his match plan could have the Magpies flying high come the final whistle.
Manchester United secured a confidence-boosting victory last weekend against Luton Town, just in time for the international break to shatter any momentum gained by the vital win.
The pressure is still on Erik ten Hag for now, and he will be hoping this can be alleviated once the domestic season resumes in a couple of weeks.
The Dutchman will have a lot to think about during the break and with the January transfer window fast approaching, there could be some activity.
The former Ajax boss didn’t exactly endure the best of transfer windows during the summer, despite signing players such as Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Mason Mount, as he missed out on a few key targets.
Could this change in the next few months, however? It appears the 53-year-old has his eyes on bolstering his defensive options with a move for a highly sought-after defender.
Man Utd transfer news – Goncalo Inacio
According to a report by Correio da Manha (via The Manchester Evening News), United appear to be ready to activate Goncalo Inacio’s release clause.
The centre-back has also been linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid recently, indicating that the Old Trafford side face some stiff competition in order to secure his signature.
The 22-year-old has a release clause of £52m according to the report, and the Red Devils are looking to agree to a payment structure to sign Inacio.
The links to the Portuguese defender have been apparent in recent months, with the latest rumour circulating that the club wanted to sign both him and Antonio Silva in the near future, yet finances may deter that ambitious plan.
There is no doubt Ten Hag requires another centre-back, especially with the options he has at his disposal. In fact, there have been a few matches in which he has had to field Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence, hardly the defensive partnership that will take United to the next level.
Four of the five centre-backs in the squad are aged 29 or over and Ten Hag will be determined to bring in some young talents.
The player Inacio could replace at Man Utd
Inacio would be ideal, and he could be the perfect heir for Raphael Varane, who appears to be succumbing to injuries on a regular basis since joining United.
The Frenchman arrived in Manchester just over two years ago from Real Madrid, and he has emerged as one of their finest defenders.
He made an immediate impact at Old Trafford, ranking first across the squad for accurate passes per game (46) in the Premier League during his maiden season, along with topping the pile for clearances per game (3.5) as he made 29 appearances in all competitions.
The defender made another 34 appearances during the 2022/23 season, and he helped United claim their first trophy since 2017, playing a starring role in the final against Newcastle.
Since arriving at the club, the 30-year-old has suffered a plethora of injuries which have resulted in him missing 38 matches in total and these might not alleviate the older he gets.
The former Madrid centre-back has a contract until 2025, but by that time he will be 32 years old, and he may be on his way out of Manchester.
Inacio could certainly learn a lot from a player who has won four Champions League crowns along with winning the World Cup in 2018 and this could turn him into a player ready to step into Varane’s shoes when he eventually does depart the club.
The stats that show why Inacio would be a good signing
Inacio only turned 22 in August and his performances for Sporting CP clearly indicate he has an impressive future ahead of him in the game.
The youngster has already made 139 appearances for the Portuguese side since making his debut in the 2020/21 season, and he has netted 11 goals and grabbed eight assists in those games.
Domestic statistics during 2023/24
Raphael Varane
Goncalo Inacio
Accurate passes per game
30.4
70.5
Touches per game
38.5
89.1
Balls recovered per game
4
5.7
Total duels won per game
1.8
3.2
Tackles per game
0.6
1
Inacio proved that he deserves a move to a bigger club by shining in the Champions League last term as he ranked first amongst the squad for accurate passes per game (54.8) and also ranked in the top five for clearances and interceptions per game, demonstrating how at ease he felt while playing in Europe’s premier club competition.
His commanding performances at the back for Sporting led analyst Raj Chohan to dub him a “leader” while also stating that he is an “aerial dominator” and these traits would allow him to slot into the United backline with ease.
It isn’t just his aerial ability and physical strength which are key strengths, as the Portuguese international also possesses excellent passing abilities and can move the ball from defence to the attack with ease and precision.
This is evidenced by his statistics when compared with positional peers. According to FBref, Inacio currently ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted per 90 (86.56) in the next 14 competitions, while also ranking in the top 1% for progressive passes (8.61) and the top 2% for progressive carries (1.91) per 90, clearly suggesting that he is among one of the finest passers of the ball when compared to his defensive peers.
Goncalo Inacio
This would make him a standout in Ten Hag’s tactical system, and it is something they urgently require at the heart of their defence.
Varane may not have long left at the top level if his current injury woes continue to pile up and the Dutchman needs to figure out a solution on how best to replace him sooner rather than later.
By signing Inacio, they not only have a defender who could emerge as a world-class talent in just a couple of years, but they have a player who is able to shine on the biggest stage of them all and this will only benefit United.
£52m may sound like a lot on the surface, but by moving on a few players who don’t have a future at the club, Ten Hag will be able to afford this, and it could prove to be a wise investment indeed.
Aston Villa continue to make progress on the field and are looking to expand their talent pool by bringing in a gifted youngster in the January window, according to reports.
Aston Villa contract updates
As cited by Birmingham Live, Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman has recently committed his future to Villa on a long-term deal, continuing the recent trend of the Villans being able to tie their prize assets down at Villa Park. Kellyman, who made his senior debut in claret and blue against Hibernian this campaign, has been heralded for his extremely high ceiling by Aston Villa academy manager Mark Harrison, who stated about the 18-year-old: "Everyone is delighted to see Omari sign his contract extension."
He then added: "Since he joined us he has shown an exemplary attitude and approach to his work, while performing consistently at Under-18 and Under-21 level, which led to him making his first team debut and training regularly with the first team. The first team staff have been very positive about his development so far and we look forward to that continuing. This is also a great example of the continued integration between the Academy and the first team."
Kellyman has followed the likes of Ollie Watkins and trio John McGinn, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings in choosing to sign up for the long term under Unai Emery at Villa Park, which is demonstrative of how exciting an environment Aston Villa is at the moment for those who are at the centre of their upward trajectory on the field.
In the Premier League, Aston Villa are sitting fifth with 22 points from their opening ten fixtures while they also hold a favourable chance of securing progress to the knockout phase of the Europa Conference League.
Undoubtedly, the Villans' rapid ascent from relegation battlers to top-four candidates is bound to attract potential arrivals to the possibility of featuring for the club, and now reports suggest that one of Europe's exciting young stars is on Emery's radar.
Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy lined up by Aston Villa
According to a transfer update from Turkey, cited by Birmingham Live, Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy is a target for Aston Villa, who are preparing to swoop for the 18-year-old in January after initially targeting him during the summer window.
Semih Kilicsoy's statistics 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)
Appearances
6
Goals
1
Assists
0
The Villans are keen to revisit the possibility of striking a deal for the youngster, who has worked his way through the youth system at Besiktas before making his senior debut this campaign in a draw against Antalyaspor in February.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
His only goal at first-team level came in a Europa Conference League qualifier earlier this term against KF Tirana, where he operated on the right flank.
Speaking to TRT SPOR, Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun revealed that Kilicsoy has already earned the nickname "Aguero" among his teammates, stating in an interview: "We call Semih 'Aguero' among us. He is very lucky to work with Senol Gunes and Burak Yilmaz. Semih is a player who will be more useful on the wings. The coach trains him accordingly."
Now, the exciting teen could be set for a move to one of the Premier League's high-flyers to continue his positive development under the tutelage of Aston Villa coach Emery.
Arsenal may have to cope without the services of another one of their first-team stars after he sustained a new injury, according to an update from a reliable journalist.
Who is currently injured for Arsenal?
On Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta’s side secured a huge 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City which puts them joint top of the table with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, both of who are sitting pretty level on 20 points heading into the international break.
The Gunners were without two of their senior players for yesterday’s clash, with Bukayo Saka nursing a hamstring problem, alongside Jurrien Timber who suffered a serious ACL injury earlier in the season, so the latter may be lucky to feature again at all during this campaign.
Leandro Trossard was also forced off the pitch at half-time, with the boss confirming that he had to remove the left-winger from the field after feeling an issue which saw him replaced by Gabriel Martinelli, who ended up scoring the winning goal.
The Belgium international has been a revelation since putting pen to paper from Brighton and Hove Albion in January (Transfermarkt – Trossard transfer history), but if the following update is to be believed, the 28-year-old could be set to undergo a spell on the sidelines.
Leandro Trossard injury update…
Taking to X on Sunday evening, The Daily Mirror's Ryan Taylor confirmed in a Leandro Trossard injury update that Arsenal could be without the attacker for a period of time having sustained the same problem as Saka, whilst also delivering some news on William Saliba:
"Leandro Trossard suffered slight hamstring problem in Arsenal's win over Man City. Similar issue to Bukayo Saka. Will know more on international involvement tomorrow (despite Mikel Arteta's comments). William Saliba excused by France with toe injury."
Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard.
How many goals has Leandro Trossard scored?
Since joining Arsenal, Trossard has posted 15 contributions (11 assists and four goals) in 29 appearances which has seen him hailed a “top class” forward by journalist Josh Bunting, therefore, it would be a huge blow should he be set for a spell out of action at the Emirates.
Leandro Trossard's Style Of Play
Plays the ball off the ground often
Likes to play long balls
Does not dive into tackles (Data from WhoScored)
The JC Player Management Sports client (Transfermarkt – Trossard profile), has also been averaging 6.21 shot-creating actions per top-flight game so far this season which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Arsenal squad statistics), highlighting the threat he poses to an opposition's defence in the final third.
Furthermore, Trossard, who earns £90k-per-week (Arsenal salaries), is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even two roles in the midfield, so his ability to easily adapt makes him a wonderful option to have in the building.
Crystal Palace are back in action this afternoon in a repeat of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup battle, as the Eagles travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
Earlier this week, Roy Hodgson’s side were defeated 3-0 in the league cup at this afternoon’s venue, as the two heavily rotated sides clashed for a place in the next round of the competition.
With the more favoured team expected to be restored against the Red Devils today, it’s hoped that the south Londoners can return to the capital more uplifted than they did last time out.
What is the latest Crystal Palace team news?
Besides the poor result and dreary performance in Manchester on Tuesday night, the narrative of the game was the injury to Dean Henderson.
On his return to his former club, the £20m shot-stopper was forced to withdraw after just 19 minutes on his debut, with Hodgson confirming that the goalkeeper will undergo scans to determine his fitness for this afternoon and going forward.
"He’s had a scan. The initial scan wasn’t very positive, I’m sorry to say, but he has another scan in a week’s time and maybe we’ll be lucky and that will show somewhat less damage than we saw in the first one, but it didn’t look like good news," the veteran revealed to reporters (via the club's official website) ahead of kick-off.
The Englishman joins a host of Palace stars on the sidelines, with Michael Olise suffering a setback on his road to recovery, and Naouirou Ahamada picking up an injury during training.
dean-henderson-crystal-palace
The Eagles’ striker Odsonne Edouard remains a doubt due to a hamstring niggle, with Jefferson Lerma nursing a similar problem to pile the pressure on the squad depth.
While injuries are concerning, so is form of late, with Hodgson’s side without a win in their previous three games in all competitions.
Against United last time out, the visitors had just 31% of possession, and failed to win a single corner in comparison to United’s seven during the 90-minute brawl.
Only Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jairo Riedewald from the starting 11 managed to secure Sofascore match ratings exceeding 7.0, with one first team regular having a shocker against Erik ten Hag’s side.
Should Jeffrey Schlupp be dropped against Manchester United?
Jeffrey Schlupp was particularly poor against the Red Devils, recording a Sofascore match rating of 6.3 for his lacklustre performance in Manchester.
The Ghanaian has maintained an average match rating in the Premier League this season of only 6.83, suggesting that time for rotation in the side could beckon, particularly as other players are pushing for places in the squad.
As per Sofascore, against United, the Premier League winner recorded no shots, and made just 26 touches, which included only 14 completed passes in the 60 minutes that he was on the pitch.
Former Racing Post editor Bruce Millington dubbed the midfielder as “poor”, adding that the 30-year-old is “getting worse” as his performances tick on for the Eagles.
With intel on how his side performed against Ten Hag’s inconsistent side earlier this week, Hodgson could test the waters by fielding a rotational talent such as Mateta or academy graduate Jesurun Rak-Sakyi ahead of Schlupp this afternoon.
Having failed to win any of his attempted aerial duels, and winning just 50% of his ground duels, via Sofascore, the former Leicester City man was ineffective against United’s midfield, with one fan accusing him of simply “watching” Casemiro.
The Brazilian went on to score against Palace, suggesting the lack of presence and threat Schlupp provided when fielded against this afternoon’s opposition on Tuesday.
Hodgson could make a point by dropping the £50k-per-week 30-year-old to allow other talents to make their mark, however, only time will tell if the manager will revise his favoured 11.