Donovan, one of the best USMNT players of all-time, joins the NWSL club as coach.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
A poll of 2,000 fans has found that more than half believe Manchester City should be deducted points if found guilty of their FFP charges.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
It's been another disappointing season of Premier League football for Chelsea this year, as Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to turn his promising young squad into a cohesive unit.
The Blues have looked out at sea for much of the season, although their expected goal numbers suggest that they should have another seven goals in the bag, indicating that with a clinical forward, they could well climb the table next year.
One striker who has recently been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge is Ivan Toney, but based on even more recent reports, Todd Boehly and Co could be eyeing a younger and more exciting alternative.
According to a recent report from 90min, Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs who have maintained their interest in RB Leipzig's promising young striker, Benjamin Šeško.
The report has revealed that, alongside the Blues, Manchester United and Arsenal are also keen on bringing the Slovenia international to England in the summer. At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain are also very interested in bringing him to France.
While the number of competing clubs is far from ideal for the West Londoners, the price it would take to secure the forward's signature certainly is, with his release clause being set at just €50m – £42m – and the report has revealed that Leipzig may be willing to accept less if the final price is close enough.
The report has stated that Chelsea currently view the 20-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Victor Osimhen, and while that's true, he'd also be a brilliant alternative to Toney.
Now, his age is the first and arguably most important reason why Chelsea should look at signing Šeško over Toney.
By this point, it's crystal clear that Boehly and Co want to create a team full of promising young talents who can grow and develop together over the coming years.
So, adding a 28-year-old striker into the mix over a 20-year-old seems counterproductive, especially when, on average, centre-forwards tend to peak at around 27 and then steadily decline, per The Athletic.
Aside from the squad-building aspect, there is also a strong case that the former RB Salzburg goal-scoring "machine", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is just the better player of the pair.
With Toney missing a significant portion of the season due to his betting-related ban, it would be unfair to compare the pair's actual output this year. However, as their underlying numbers are calculated per 90, they can be compared for this season, and unfortunately for the Englishman, while he comes out on top in some metrics, he's a distant second in many others.
|
Šeško vs Toney |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats per 90 |
Šeško |
Toney |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.59 |
0.50 |
|
Non-Penalty Goals |
0.66 |
0.33 |
|
Assists |
0.11 |
0.08 |
|
Shots on Target |
1.64 |
1.24 |
|
Goals per Shot on Target |
0.40 |
0.27 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
66.8% |
52.4% |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
2.37 |
2.72 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
0.47 |
0.41 |
|
Successful Take-Ons |
0.95 |
0.66 |
|
Aerial Duels Won |
2.31 |
3.80 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Season |
||
For example, according to FBref, the "outstanding" Slovenian, as Kulig described him, produces a higher non-penalty goal and assists figure, takes more shots on target, scores from more of those shots, has better passing accuracy, produces more goal-creating actions, and is more successful in taking on defenders, all per 90.
In defence of the Brentford star, he does win more aerial duels and produce more shot-creating actions, but aside from that, it's a fairly one-sided comparison.
Chelsea line up bid to sign perfect Jackson upgrade in £86m "powerhouse"
Todd Boehly and Co are “preparing an offer” for the incredible forward.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Apr 11, 2024
Ultimately, if Chelsea want to add a new and seriously talented striker to their team, who won't cost an arm and a leg and should only get better over the next few years, they should sign Šeško and forget all about Toney.
Arsenal have been showing serious interest in a £24 million striker "in recent days", and a report suggests that an offer may already be on the table.
A new number nine coming to the Emirates Stadium is certainly one to watch as we slowly approach the summer window, as backed by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal hold internal talks over signing Zinchenko alternative
The Ukrainian’s form has attracted criticism.
By
Emilio Galantini
Apr 19, 2024
Romano, among others, has claimed that Arsenal will sign an "important" new striker to provide Mikel Arteta with that extra attacking edge, coming as both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus stand out as the Spaniard's only two senior centre-forward options.
In terms of goalscoring output, Arsenal have actually been one of the best top-flight sides of 2024, but this hasn't deterred sporting director Edu as the transfer chief seeks a world-class out-and-out number nine.
|
Arsenal's top scorers in all competitions this season |
Goals |
|---|---|
|
Bukayo Saka |
18 |
|
Leandro Trossard |
13 |
|
Martin Odegaard |
10 |
|
Kai Havertz |
10 |
|
Gabriel Jesus |
8 |
Kai Havertz, over the course of 2023/2024, has performed well in a makeshift forward role at times – but it's arguable that the German isn't exactly a guaranteed 20-plus goal-per-season outlet at Arteta's disposal – and the same can be said for Jesus.
The likes of Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and others have been linked with moves to Hale End, with Arsenal casting their net far and wide in search of a clinical front man.
"It's no great secret that Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer," said journalist Charles Watts last month.
"When the window opens it will be the priority, along with a midfielder and potentially another wide attacker. It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen. He, like Toney, is a player they like and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal's training ground for talks with Edu.
"Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative. That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level."
Another intriguing option for Arsenal is Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez.
The Mexico international has scored 21 goals and registered five assists in just under 30 Eredivisie starts for Arne Slot's side this season, which has alerted Gunners chiefs ahead of the summer window's opening.
According to Mexican news outlet Vamos Cruz Azul, an offer has been submitted for the 23-year-old, and Arsenal are one of the two sides who could've tabled the bid for Gimenez. It's added that Arsenal have displayed a serious interest "in recent days", making them sure-fire candidates to have sent the proposal.
It's 50/50 as to whether they've made the official approach, but the news still comes as enticing given Gimenez's "sensational" form over 2023/2024. Feyenoord, for their part, apparently value him at around £24 million – which could be deemed a bargain.
Mohamed Salah has reportedly made a big call on his Liverpool future, with Saudi Arabia-based former team-mate Sadio Mane influencing that decision.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Barcelona reportedly rejected a mammoth record-breaking bid for Lamine Yamal from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, as per agent Andy Bara.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Glasgow Rangers play their first game since the Premiership split on Sunday as they travel to Paisley to face St Mirren.
The Buddies have enjoyed a wonderful season thus far, but if the Light Blues are serious in their ambitions of winning the league, a win is urgently required.
There will likely be a few changes from the starting XI that defeated Hearts at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final last weekend, especially as a few players have suffered injuries.
Philippe Clement spoke to the media on Friday ahead of the league clash, discussing the current stage of his first team squad, saying:
“[Abdallah] Sima will be out, I hope to see him again this season he is very motivated for that.
“Matondo got a bad tackle against Hearts and is doubtful for the weekend. Ridvan and Jack I expect back in training next week.”
This means Clement will be missing four players against the Buddies, with Sima and Yilmaz’s absences proving to be the most felt in terms of improving the starting XI.
With Sima returning to Brighton once his loan spell finishes at the end of the season, is this the last that we see of the talented winger at Ibrox?
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Rangers are in pole position to sign Sima during the summer transfer window as the Seagulls look increasingly likely that they will sell him.
The winger appears to want to continue his adventure at the Ibrox side but much will depend on the fee the Premier League side are after in order to secure his signature.
Signing a winger who impressed after a successful loan period isn’t a new thing for the Light Blues, as Steven Gerrard coughed up money to sign Ryan Kent on a permanent basis. Could the same be done for Sima?
If the 22-year-old hadn’t enjoyed a wonderful debut season in Glasgow, the idea of him making a permanent move would surely be off the table.
Despite missing 14 games after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty with Senegal in January, the youngster has scored 16 goals and registered two assists across all competitions, not a bad haul indeed.
Among his teammates, Sima currently ranks third for goals and assists (13) in the top flight, along with ranking third for shots per game (3) and second for successful dribbles per game (1.3), showcasing how vital he has been to the club this season.
|
Abdallah Sima's stats this season for Rangers |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric |
Premiership |
Europa League |
|
Goals |
11 |
3 |
|
Assists |
2 |
0 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
0 |
|
Key passes per game |
0.9 |
1 |
|
Successful dribbles per game |
1.3 |
1.8 |
|
Via Sofascore |
||
The Senegalese starlet has clearly shown he can perform well in Scottish football. As evidenced by his 18 goal contributions in 38 matches. The question now is, can Clement lure him back this summer?
If he fails to make another appearance for the club, and they lose both the Premiership and Scottish Cup to Celtic, Sima may want to come back and attempt to lead the club to glory during the 2024/25 campaign.
If Clement cannot afford the 22-year-old, there is an academy player who has shown plenty of talent since arriving at Ibrox in 2022 who may be considered an ideal long-term replacement – Zak Lovelace.
The teenager became the second-youngest player to feature for Millwall during a Championship clash against Coventry City in December 2021, suggesting he had a bright future ahead of him.
Lovelace made another four appearances for the Lions before the end of that season, yet it was Rangers who won the race to secure the highly coveted teen during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first summer transfer in charge of the club.
It was looked upon as a shrewd piece of business by the Dutchman, especially as he was looking to build ahead for the future, with then-sporting director Ross Wilson lauding him as an "exciting young player" at the time of his arrival.
Indeed, it didn’t take long for Lovelace to gain an opportunity in the senior squad, making a late cameo against Queen of the South in the League Cup back in August 2022.
While it took until the final Old Firm match of the season for him to make another appearance for the club, in between, he shone for the B team.
In 35 games during the 2022/23 campaign, the former Millwall gem scored an impressive 18 times while grabbing ten assists, showing exactly why the club signed him in the first place.
He has been plagued with injuries during the current season, playing just two senior games, but he is one to watch out for next season, especially as he could form a dream duo with Ross McCausland.
While the 18-year-old has struggled this season, McCausland has made his way from academy talent to first-team regular under Clement.
Indeed, since coming off the bench against St Mirren in October, the Northern Irishman has played a further 31 times for the Gers, scoring twice and registering three assists, developing well under the tutelage of the 50-year-old Belgian.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Of course, the 20-year-old isn’t quite the finished article yet, but regular exposure of top flight and European football will make him a better player faster than if he was still playing in the academy, no doubt about it.
Clement might not have much money to work with this summer as he seeks to improve his squad, with loan signings and potential free transfers the way to go if he seeks to build a team of his own targets.
With the likes of McCausland and Lovelace emerging as excellent talents, several positions may not need much depth added to them, which could save them a lot of money in the long run.
Not every single player who emerges from the academy is going to be the next Barry Ferguson, but youth prospects can have their place in the squad can contribute effectively across the course of an entire season.
Lovelace will hopefully recover from his injury issues over the summer and a solid pre-season will allow him to come back stronger ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Clement could kickstart new Rangers era by cashing in on £37k-p/w gem
Rangers could potentially sell one of their highest earners this summer…
By
Ross Kilvington
Apr 26, 2024
Aston Villa have been handed a boost as it has emerged that one of their transfer targets has a much cheaper release clause than first reported, presenting even better value for money for the Midlands club should they opt to pull the trigger on a deal.
Semi-finalists in the UEFA Conference League this season, Unai Emery's Villa side will be playing Champions League football next season after fourth spot in the Premier League was ensured on Tuesday, courtesy of Tottenham falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
The Villans have enjoyed an excellent campaign, and will be hoping that it is just the start of a dynasty being built under the former Arsenal and PSG boss, who has dragged them from 17th to 4th in his 18 months in charge.
Unai Emery personally phones £80k-p/w midfielder Aston Villa lead race for
The Spanish coach is looking to improve his side quickly following Champions League qualification.
By
Ben Browning
May 16, 2024
But there are still holes in the squad that need filling ahead of the new season; as per Football Insider, Villa are targeting three positions to strengthen this summer. "Unai Emery wants to bring in a new full-back, who can play at both left and right-back, as well as a striker and a box-to-box midfielder", they claim.
There is also the expectation that they will add another centre-back to replace the on-loan Clement Lenglet, with Mario Hermoso reportedly set to arrive as a free agent with Villa having beaten Inter Milan to his signature. Now, they have been handed a boost in pursuit of one of their other targets.
Of course, Villa have already got one of the Premier League's best strikers in Ollie Watkins, but they are also reportedly keen on adding Joshua Zirkzee to their ranks, with reports claiming that Sporting Director Monchi is particularly keen on a move for the Bologna man.
Zirkzee has starred for Bologna this season, with the 22-year-old grabbing 11 goals and 5 assists, leading to interest in his services from across the continent. However, it was thought that he would cost around 60m euros (£51m) to sign permanently.
Now though, a new update has claimed he will be free to go for much less. That is according to Corriere dello Sport, who report that the 40m euro buyback option for Bayern Munich in fact applies to all interested clubs, meaning that Zirkzee is likely to depart Emilio-Romagna for £34m, with AC Milan, Arsenal and Aston Villa all credited with a strong interest.
|
Zirkzee's fantastic Serie A season |
|
|
Appearances |
34 |
|
Goals |
11 |
|
Assists |
5 |
|
Minutes per goal contribution |
173 |
That is thanks to the work of super agent Kia Joorabchian, who inserted the clause into the deal when he moved from Bayern to Serie A. The Dutch forward has two years left to run on his £18,000 a week deal at Bologna, making a departure or renewal this summer likely as they look to protect his value.
With strikers few and far between and value for money even less so, this could be a perfect opportunity to snatch up another young star for Aston Villa.
David Moyes has slammed his former club West Ham and Julen Lopetegui after the Hammers' disappointing loss to Chelsea on Saturday.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
The 2023/24 season has been one to forget for Nottingham Forest, with the club enduring countless bumps along the way toward potential survival.
From a four-point deduction, to publicly criticising the Premier League in outrage over three penalty decisions not awarded against Everton – the season really has been a rollercoaster.
However, on the field, things haven’t been much better, with the Reds set to finish just one place above the drop zone after huge investment once again from owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The decision-making over transfers has left a lot to be desired, with the club handing out huge wages to the likes of Jesse Lingard and Divock Origi – raking in £80k-per-week and £120k-per-week, respectively, as per Capology – with the duo failing to score a single Premier League goal between them during their stints on Trentside.
However, as a result of the erratic dealings, the club have an extremely bloated squad that desperately needs cutting down ahead of next season.
The club have already started to part ways with numerous players, including one, who despite his positive impact at the City Ground, bled the owners dry as a result of his high weekly wage.
Following his release from Villarreal in the summer of 2022, Forest decided to take the risk on the hot-headed Serge Aurier, in the hope he could provide needed Premier League experience ahead of the club’s first top-flight campaign in 23 years.
The Ivorian full-back featured 24 times in the league last season, scoring a solitary goal against Chelsea during the 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
Despite his previous failings at Tottenham during his prior spell in England, the defender – who saw his contract ripped up in north London – proved to be a steady addition, with former boss Steve Cooper even trusting him to wear the armband on numerous occasions.
Aurier would feature in 12 of the Reds’ first 14 games this season, including one appearance which included two assists against Sheffield United – helping the side claim their first win of the 2023/24 campaign.
|
Aurier's PL stats at Nottingham Forest |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
|
Appearances |
24 |
12 |
|
Minutes played |
1,947' |
834' |
|
Goals |
1 |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
2 |
|
Yellow cards |
2 |
2 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||
However, the change in management would spell the end of his Forest career, leaving the club in January to join Turkish side Galatasaray – ending his 18-month stint in the East Midlands.
The move has been a disaster for the 31-year-old, featuring just three times in the Süper Lig, and only playing for 53 minutes in the last four months.
His free transfer to the City Ground allowed the club to invest more money into his wages, with the former PSG talent taking home a huge figure each week.
According to Capology, Aurier pocketed £50k-per-week – a considerable amount for a player dubbed “unreliable” by writer and Forest fan Nathan Joyes.
Over the course of his 18-month stay, he would’ve earned £3.9m – a figure which when broken down into his weekly wage, saw him earn more than Forest’s super-talented defender Murillo – who reportedly takes home just £30k-per-week at present.
Whilst Aurier came in and provided needed experience as required, he still cost the club a lot of money, with his earnings certainly contributing to the Reds’ recent PSR troubles.
The defender’s recent spell at Galatasaray is evidence that he’s no longer at the level needed for the Premier League, with Nuno Espirito Santo making the right call in offloading him.
Nottingham Forest hit gold selling £13m man who's not scored since May 2023
It’s safe to say the club made the right decision selling him…
By
Ethan Lamb
May 15, 2024