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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be elated with the way that his team have started the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, with 14 wins from 15 matches.

The Hoops have been almost faultess in the top-flight and are on course to win the title for the second season in succession since the Northern Irish head coach returned to replace Ange Postecoglou last year.

Celtic’s board backed Rodgers throughout the recent summer transfer window, with the likes of Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel, Adam Idah, and Auston Trusty, among others, brought in.

The players the former Liverpool and Leicester City manager snapped up in his first summer transfer window at the club, however, have had mixed success.

Celtic's summer 2023 signings

Celtic brought in ten new players to bolster their squad after Rodgers entered the dugout for the second time; Nat Phillips, Hyun-jun Yang, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Paulo Bernardo, Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Marco Tilio, Tomoki Iwata and Odin Thiago Holm.

Of those ten players, only Bernardo – who signed permanently this year after his loan last term, and Yang have featured in at least five Premiership matches this season.

Phillips returned to Liverpool in January and Kwon, Lagerbielke, and Tilio are all currently out on loan, whilst Iwata was sold to Birmingham in the summer.

Nawrocki was hailed as “very highly-rated” by Rodgers, who described him as a “great” signing, after his reported £4.3m move from Polish side Legia Warsaw.

The defender, as shown in the video above, was also excited to get going at Parkhead and believed that he would be a good fit in Glasgow.

With the January transfer window less than a month away, however, the Northern Irishm manager must finally cash in on the Hoops flop, who has failed to live up to the hype that his manager created with those comments last year.

Why Maik Nawrocki should be sold

The Polish central defender was signed for a relatively big fee, of £4.3m, and has ended up way down the pecking order at Parkhead, behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Liam Scales, and Stephen Welsh.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

For the money spent, including his reported £12k-per-week wages, Nawrocki has, simply, not offered enough on the pitch for the Hoops, as Rodgers has not deemed him to be above the other players in his position.

He has been an unused substitute on seven occasions and made one appearance, as a substitute in the League Cup against Falkirk, in all competitions so far this season.

As you can see in the table above, Nawrocki did feature in ten league games during the 2023/24 campaign but failed to nail down a regular starting spot.

The fact that he lost half of his aerial contests with opposition players may have played a part in that, as the 23-year-old flop was unable to dominate forwards in the air from set-pieces and open play.

Nawrocki has not made a single appearance in the Premiership this season and has not made a matchday squad in the division since October, despite being fit and available – as he has been on the bench for every Champions League game.

Imagine him & Kuhn: Celtic lining up "phenomenal" big-money transfer

Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive marksman in January.

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By
Dan Emery

Dec 2, 2024

Therefore, Rodgers must ruthlessly cash in on the centre-back, who has not proven to be a ‘great’ signing as of yet, due to his lack of importance to the team for the money spent on him.

Everything you need to know about Olivier Giroud's salary at LAFC

French World Cup-winning forward Olivier Giroud decided to put an end to his European journey in 2024 as he opted to move to MLS, signing for Los Angeles FC, better known as LAFC, on a deal until the end of 2025 with an option to extend.

Giroud is one of the most respected French strikers of the modern era, having played for top European clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.

His arrival in the USA is a huge boost for the Los Angeles-based club, with the management rewarding him handsomely. Giroud is currently one of the top earners at the club, but exactly how much does he earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with the MLS salary guide and found out!

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• Olivier Giroud's wages at LAFC in numbers

  Under his current contract at LAFC, Giroud earns $70,672 (£54,419) on a weekly basis and his numbers annually scale up to $3.6 million (£2.8m) to make him the highest earner at the club.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in USD	Weekly wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP
  Olivier Giroud	French	$70,672	£54,419	$3,675,000	£2,829,796

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  Top earners at LAFC

  As we already saw, Giroud tops the list of the highest earners at the club.

  Following the Frenchman in second place is Gabonese international Denis Bouanga.

  Meanwhile, Marlon Santos and Aaron Long make their appearances in the third and fourth spots, respectively.

  Finally, rounding off the list at number five is Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in USD	Weekly wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP
  Olivier Giroud	Spanish	$70,672	£54,419	$3,675,000	£2,829,796
  Denis Bouanga	Gabonese	$69,413	£53,448	$3,609,500	£2,776,741
  Marlon Santos	Brazilian	$25,961	£19,972	$1,350,000	£1,038,537
  Aaron Long	USA	$25,058	£19,276	$1,303,044	£1,002,414
  Eduard Atuesta	Colombian	$13,262	£10,203	$689,700	£530,577

• Top 5 earners in MLS

  Despite being the top earner at LAFC, Giroud fails to make the top-five earners list across the league.

  At the top sits Argentine icon Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Insigne follows in second place, followed by another former Barcelona star, Sergio Busquets.

  Federico Bernardeschi and Emil Forsberg complete the top five.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages in USD	Weekly wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP
  Lionel Messi	Inter Miami	$393,205	£302,772	$20,446,667	£15,744,191
  Lorenzo Insigne	Toronto FC	$296,153	£228,042	$15,400,000	£11,858,194
  Sergio Busquets	Inter Miami	$168,749	£129,938	$8,774,996	£6,756,857
  Federico Bernardeschi	Toronto FC	$121,065	£93,221	$6,295,381	£4,847,522
  Emil Forsberg	New York Red Bulls	$116,070	£89,540	$6,035,625	£4,660,000

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  Highest paid players in the world

  Although MLS players earn substantial wages, their salaries appear modest compared to the world's top earners, with none making the top five list.

  At the top is the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. In second place is Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema, while Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli secures the third spot.

  Meanwhile, Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly round off the list at third and fourth position, repectively.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages USD	Weekly wages GBP	Annual wages USD	Annual wages GBP
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	$4,166,513	£3,224,935	$215,658,680	£167,696,622
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	$2,083,257	£1,612,468	$108,329,340	£83,848,311
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	$1,087,460	£841,708	$56,547,915	£43,768,818
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	$833,033	£644,987	$43,331,736	£33,539,324
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	$722,890	£559,526	$37,590,281	£29,095,364

With Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future more in doubt than ever, INEOS are reportedly set to prioritise the signature of a £60m option to replace their academy graduate.

Man Utd transfer news

Amid struggles to find his best form for the first time in a year or so, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly ready to sell Rashford for as little as £40m in 2025, with Barcelona among the clubs now eyeing a move. In a shock decision, the England international could find himself shown the exit door, allowing Manchester United to welcome reinforcements who suit Ruben Amorim’s system.

The Red Devils have already seen glimpses of just how difficult it will be to transition into life under their new manager, with Andre Onana’s mistake in midweek gifting Viktoria Plzen an opening goal when attempting to play out from the back as instructed.

The former Sporting boss will rightfully stick to his ways, however, and hope to eventually reap the rewards. There’s no doubt that he will need reinforcements if he is to be successful, though.

With that said, according to reports in Spain, INEOS now want to prioritise signing Evan Ferguson to replace Rashford at Manchester United. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward, who is valued at as much as £60m, would slot straight into the sole striker role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in which Rashford has struggled.

Barcelona lining up move for "great" Man Utd star Ratcliffe's ready to sell

The La Liga giants could take full advantage.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 14, 2024

Alas, at £60m, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will be in a position to spend such money when 2025 arrives, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League once again. The last thing that INEOS need is to run into trouble with profit and sustainability.

"Amazing" Ferguson suits Amorim more than Rashford

If Rashord isn’t going to play in one of the wingback roles, which seems to be the case, then it’s difficult to find a place for him in the current Manchester United side. Amorim has so far turned towards Rasmus Hojlund to lead the line and question marks remain over Rashford’s ability to play in either advanced number 10 roles behind the Dane.

Ferguson, meanwhile, could hand the new manager a new version of Viktor Gyokeres. The powerful and clinical Swede was the star of the show in Amorim’s Sporting side, becoming one of the best goalscorers in Europe.

Now, Ferguson could follow suit. A striker who has a similar build and running power, Ferguson’s best years are yet to come and United could take full advantage by landing an early deal.

Whilst he has struggled for minutes at Brighton & Hove Albion in the last year or so, the praise has always poured in for the 20-year-old, including from former teammate Alexis Mac Allister.

The current Liverpool midfielder told BBC Sport in 2023 after Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth: “Evan is an amazing player. He was not having his best evening, but he showed his quality. We are really happy for him, we know how important he is.”

Ex-Man Utd first team coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on signing Barcelona legend Ronaldinho in the early 2000s.

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• Ronaldinho enjoyed considerable success at Barca
• Ferguson was keen on working with the Brazilian
• Wanted to sign him from both PSG and Barcelona

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldinho is one of the greatest players of all-time, cementing his place in the upper echelons of the game while destroying defences as a Barcelona and Brazil player. However, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner could have signed for Manchester United, with former Red Devils first team coach Rene Meulesteen revealing that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to bring Ronaldinho to the club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Indeed, Ferguson tried everything in his power to lure Ronaldinho to Old Trafford in 2003, while he was still contracted to Paris Saint-Germain. Several former players have revealed that the club were close to announcing his transfer, but the Brazilian changed his mind last minute and signed for Barcelona. Subsequently, Man Utd signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting CP after being snubbed by the iconic attacking midfielder.

  Speaking to ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on The Obi One podcast, Rio Ferdinand said: "I remember when Cristiano Ronaldo signed we went on tour to Lisbon and he was actually lucky that we signed him. It was only on the disappointment of not signing Ronaldinho that summer.

  "I remember we were going to sign Ronaldinho but he chose to leave PSG for Barcelona. The manager was absolutely devastated. Then on the tour, he went to Sporting Lisbon to open the stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo plays and the rest is history."

• WHAT RENE MEULENSTEEN SAID

  Speaking to Poker Firma, Meulensteen spoke about Ferguson's interest in the Brazilian legend: “After I joined the club in the 2000s, I do believe Sir Alex was really keen on signing Ronaldinho from Barcelona. He was absolutely exceptional during his time in Spain and he would have brought that superstar element with him to the club, which I don’t think Sir Alex would have minded as long as he was able to manage him."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldinho is said to have brought more than 20 people into face-to-face negotiations with United in 2003, before eventually deciding on a move to Barcelona instead. Former Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon shed light on why the deal fell through, telling the  podcast: "Normally, in these cases, you're dealing with the player and his agent. Here, we're dealing with the player, several agents and about 20 other people in the room. He's a great player, but suddenly we're into a whole different thing.

  "Injecting that sort of culture around training, not normally on time, which is different. The Brazilian health culture is different. Fantastic player, but there are all sorts of other things that started to get introduced into all this, and he was clearly coming with a load of people. You know what United was like at that time. It was an institution, no one got treated differently than the rest."

The four-in-a-row Premier League champions needed a win. Needed it with fervent separation. Perhaps Everton were supposed to roll over and let Pep Guardiola fashion the most incredible title-winning comeback. Again.

But no, Sean Dyche masterfully sculpted another invaluable point, adding City to the recent list, containing Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been foiled in their pursuit of three points.

Everton aren’t perfect, and neither is Dyche’s football, but in this craggy-faced tactician, the Toffees have something solid and dependable. Dyche’s brand acts as a relegation repellent, and despite a dismal start to the campaign, four losses from four, there is hope that The Friedkin Group and Everton and whatever that contains can find something worth singing about over the years ahead.

December was supposed to be Dyche’s undoing, Everton unwrapped like a disappointing Christmas present. But no. Stand up and listen to the Evertonians roar. There’s a new year on the horizon – and a new dawn for the Merseysiders.

Everton's best performers v Man City

Manchester City are in crisis, their wretched run of ugly form stretching to one win in 13 matches across all competitions. They huffed and puffed, showed flashes of Superman strength, but ultimately fell flat against an Everton team rooted in organisation and steel.

Pragmatic football has hardly been Guardiola’s kryptonite across so many illustrious years, but when the slick and stylish muscle memory is faltering, Dyche’s style is capable of repelling the more ‘attractive’ adversary.

Erling Haaland struggled to harness more than residual authority, moving like a desperate alley cat in the hope of scraps. Vitalii Mykolenko brought down the electric Savinho but Haaland’s second-half penalty was confidently saved by a face-pulling Jordan Pickford, who made three further saves at the Etihad Stadium.

Idrissa Gueye also defied his 35 years in a standout midfield display, pitted against Rodri’s ostensible replacement in Mateo Kovacic and looking more like the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard, truth be told.

But there was one man who stood out above all others. You know who.

Iliman Ndiaye is Everton's star man

Iliman Ndiaye scored his fourth goal of the season when he rifled a slanting shot into the corner of Stefan Ortega’s goal. Control, creativity and gumption were all on show. He’s a special player.

The 24-year-old arrived at Goodison Park in July, signing a £15m deal after a stint in France with Marseille. With pace, power and potency, he’s established himself as a fan favourite and stepped up to the plate in Manchester.

Lackadaisical Citizen defending contributed to Everton’s equaliser, but Ndiaye had so much to do, controlling and knocking his expert strike into the inside netting.

As per Sofascore, the Senegal winger complemented his sublime strike with one key pass, two tackles and clearances each and seven contested duels, suggesting that he was more than willing to get stuck in.

He did. It worked. The Liverpool Echo’s Chris Beesley was particularly impressed, rewarding Ndiaye with a 9/10 match rating and hailing ‘his trickery and positive play’ that stumped the beleaguered hosts.

What a talent. Pundit Paul Robinson was also on board the hype train, with the retired goalkeeper saying on match commentary that Ndiaye “would get in the Manchester City team, he is that good.”

Ndiaye came up with the goods against Man City and has operated with exciting conviction across the 2024/25 campaign. He’ll have no shortage of suitors next summer, but Dyche and Everton must keep hold of this maverick.

It might be difficult though, after all, this is a player with the quality to play for Pep Guardiola’s outfit, and many more besides.

Time to go Dyche: Everton could hire their own Arne Slot in "genius" boss

Everton have been tough to play in recent months but still lack energy and excitement.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 24, 2024

Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah has been told by Barcelona that they'll be able to sign him this summer despite a salary limit reduction by LaLiga.

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• Tah on Barca's radar
• Leverkusen defender out of contract this summer
• German centre-back told Barca can sign him despite financial woes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona have reassured defender Jonathan Tah that his signing will materialise this summer, despite recent salary cap restrictions imposed by La Liga. Through his agent, Pini Zahavi, the club confirmed they would be able to register new players from July and assured Tah of a spot in the squad with guaranteed playing time. The German international is in the final few months of his contract at Bayer Leverkusen and is poised to sign for another club for free when the season ends.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Highly valued by manager Hansi Flick for his aerial strength and tactical awareness, Tah is seen as a valuable addition to Barcelona’s defence, which already consists of Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen in the centre-back positions. The Catalans, however, are set to offload the Danish international this summer and plan to sign Tah, with whom he has been linked since months.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona aren't the only club interested in signing Tah, with claiming that he has received lucrative offers from Bayern Munich, Inter, and AC Milan.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JONATHAN TAH?

  The 29-year-old will next be seen in Leverkusen colours when Xabi Alonso's men welcome Union Berlin in what promises to be a tricky Bundesliga encounter on Saturday, April 12. Die Werkself are currently six points behind league leaders Bayern with six games to go.

If there is one area that Aston Villa have struggled with this season, it is consistently scoring goals. According to Sofascore, Unai Emery’s side have just 28 goals to their name in the top flight this term, placing them joint eighth.

This might be surprising given that they have Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran in their squad. The strikers have eight and seven top-flight goals to their names this term, respectively. They have been wasteful with their big chances, missing 42, the second most in the top flight.

To supplement the goals from Watkins and Duran, the Villans have been linked with another attacker who could help increase their goal threat.

Aston Villa target attacking reinforcement

News broke on Thursday morning from The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggesting that Donyell Malen was a target for the Villans and that they were in talks with Borussia Dortmund regarding a move this month.

However, he’s not the only attacking player on the radar of those at Villa Park.

The player in question here is Paris Saint-Germain’s versatile attacker Randal Kolo Munai. The Frenchman has been out of favour at the Ligue 1 champions this term, and could now depart the club in January.

According to a report from French news outlet L’Equipe, the Villans are the latest club to show interest in signing the forward this winter. They are set to face competition from clubs in England and across Europe. Reports suggest Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are showing interest, and AC Milan and Juventus are interested, whilst RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich also linked.

In terms of a price for the Frenchman, he is valued at a reported £50m by the French giants. That is far less than what they paid; Kolo Muani cost PSG £76.4m back in the summer of 2023. A loan with a buy clause would also be a deal accepted.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Kolo Muani would be a good signing for Aston Villa

It has been a really slow season so far for France international Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old has played just 14 times in all competitions, scoring twice in Ligue 1. In total, he has featured for just 453 minutes, the equivalent to five full 90-minute games.

Although he is out of favour with PSG manager Luis Enrique this term, he has shown how deadly of an attacker he can be. The Frenchman’s record with his previous club Eintracht Frankfurt was excellent, scoring 26 goals and grabbing 17 assists in 50 games for the club. For context, that’s a far better rate than Malen’s 39 goals in 131 matches for Dortmund.

Interestingly, although he could come into Villa Park and offer competition to Duran, there is a chance the Columbian could depart.

He has been linked with several moves away from the club, including a report from Spain back in December which actually suggested there could actually be a swap of Duran and Kolo Muani.

It would certainly be hard to replace the Colombian, who has 20 goals in 75 games for the Midlands side so far. However, he has only played 2,205 minutes, which is the equivalent of 24.5 full 90 minutes.

With that being said, Kolo Muani could be the man to replace him. Not only has he shown what he can do at Eintracht Frankfurt, but he is statistically comparable to some of the best attackers in the world, including England star Harry Kane, as per FBRef.

The Bayern Munich star has an extraordinary 20 goals and nine assists in 20 games this season.

Indeed, when comparing the FBref stats of the three players, Kolo Muani certainly holds his own. The Frenchman averages 1.18 expected goals per game, compared to 0.89 xG for Kane and 0.72 xG for Duran.

However, the PSG star offers far more than just goalscoring. He is a good creator too, as his 17 assists for Frankfurt showed. In fact, this term he averages 1.25 key passes per game, with the Bayern star averaging 1.72 and Villa’s number nine far less, with just 0.6.

There are plenty of positives to Villa signing Kolo Muani. The Frenchman will add goals to their squad, in both a scoring and creating sense, and would certainly be able to help fill the void left by Duran if he was to depart.

It would be an exciting move for Villa if they signed the man who football scout Antonio Mango described as a “diamond”. The PSG ace would certainly help bolster Emery’s attack as he searches for more goals.

Aston Villa chasing move for "unstoppable" £25m Jhon Duran replacement

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on this explosive new attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 1, 2025

Brighton & Hove Albion have now expressed an interest in signing a £120k-per-week Premier League defender, according to a report.

Brighton looking to strengthen in multiple areas

The Seagulls could be set for a fairly busy January transfer window, as they are looking at reinforcements in a number of areas, with Fabian Hurzeler aiming to get his side’s season back on track after a poor recent run of form.

With doubt over Evan Ferguson’s future at the American Express Stadium, the Seagulls are now keen on signing another young striker, identifying Daniel Cummings as a potential target for this month.

Cummings is not the only forward under consideration by Brighton chiefs, as they are also battling Liverpool for FC Nuremberg striker Stefanos Tzimas, having been impressed by the Greek’s performances in the Bundesliga II this season.

Brighton keen on signing bargain gem who's scored a goal a game this season

He’s a future star…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 16, 2025

A new striker may be necessary, given that Ferguson could soon move on to pastures new, but Hurzeler is also looking to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, recently identifying a new target.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Brighton have now expressed an interest in signing Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, just seven months after completing a move to Stamford Bridge.

The £120k-per-week defender has received regular game time with the Blues this season but only started seven top flight games, and the Seagulls are now keen on a permanent deal, so they have contacted their Premier League rivals to make their interest clear.

At the moment, it is unclear whether Chelsea chiefs would be willing to give the move the green light, but it is thought that selling him would have a big impact on their compliance with financial rules, which could be an incentive to get a deal done.

Tosin could be a quality signing

The former Fulham man has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years now, and he has been a regular feature for Chelsea in recent weeks, having forced his way into Enzo Maresca’s plans. The Englishman is particularly solid in the air, ranking in the 82nd percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, and he has received praise for his ability from journalist Zach Lowy.

It would seem a little strange for Chelsea to sell the 27-year-old so soon after signing him, but they would be able to make pure profit, having brought him in on a free transfer back in the summer. Given Adarabioyo’s defensive aptitude, Brighton should be at the front of the queue for his signature if he is made available this month.

Bayern Munich have been urged to sign a back-up to striker Harry Kane after their elimination from the Champions League.

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• Bayern suffered Champions League heartbreak against Inter
• Kane scored in second leg but couldn't prevent aggregate defeat
• German media blame lack of alternatives up front

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  German giants Bayern were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Inter on Wednesday evening. Kane put his side ahead on the night but goals from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard sent the Italians through 4-3 on aggregate despite Eric Dier pulling one back late on.

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  While Kane looks set to finally end his trophy draught as Bayern close in on the Bundesliga title, his side were frequently chasing the tie against Inter and claims stronger back-up options are required throughout the squad.

• WHAT SKY GERMANY SAID

  Sky's Kerry Hau commented on the disappointment of Bayern's exit and, while falling short of questioning manager Vincent Kompany's role, he insisted reinforcements will be needed in the summer transfer window if the Bavarian outfit are to go further in the Champions League next season. He claimed a "true defensive leader" is needed after Kim Min-jae partnered Eric Dier at the back, while a reserve option to "long-time favourite" Kane is also required.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bayern previously relied on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting whenever they needed a goal but Kompany had no such alternative to Kane on Wednesday, instead turning to Raphael Guerreiro, Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavloic and Kingsley Coman from the bench. They were also without the likes of Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano and Jamal Musiala due to injuries.

Leeds United’s transfer business has yet to take off in January, but it’s to be expected with many in and around the club anticipating a quiet window this month.

Outgoings have started to gradually take place at Elland Road, with Charlie Crew joining League Two Doncaster Rovers, alongside Joe Gelhardt, who’s joining Hull City on loan for the remainder of the season.

The moves for the aforementioned pair are vital, handing them valuable first-team minutes to continue their development, and opening the door to new arrivals to provide added quality and depth.

Various names such as Bali Mumba have surfaced in recent days, but as of yet, no progression has been made on any potential incomings for Daniel Farke.

However, that being said, one name continues to be mentioned with a move to Yorkshire this month, with the player now wanting to leave his current side for a new challenge.

Leeds remain in the race for player who wants to leave

According to German outlet BILD, Leeds are still monitoring the progress of Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi over a potential move this window.

The 28-year-old Swiss defender has previously been touted as an option for Farke’s side, but the latest update could give them a potential boost in their pursuit.

The report states that Elvedi would want a move to England in the near future, with his current side in the market for a new central defender by the end of the month. Previously valued at around £8m, this could be a rather big deal for any second-tier side to complete.

Such links could provide the Whites an edge in their hunt for reinforcements, with the international star undoubtedly bolstering the club’s current promotion ambitions.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It would also allow the hierarchy to complete a deal for a player who may be able to follow in the footsteps of a former fan-favourite should he complete a move to Elland Road.

Why Elvedi could be Leeds’ next Georginio Rutter

French attacking midfielder Georginio Rutter joined Leeds back in January 2023 for a club-record £35.5m, looking to provide added ammunition in their quest for Premier League survival.

However, he was unable to do so, failing to make a real impact – registering just one assist in his first 11 outings following his big-money transfer to the club.

The drop-down to the Championship would be the turning point of his career under Farke, starring as the club managed to reach the play-off final – notching a tally of eight goals and 16 assists, forming a deadly partnership with Crysencio Summerville.

Rutter would depart the Whites last summer, with Premier League side Brighton triggering his £40m release clause, allowing the club to make a profit despite his wobbly start to life in England.

The fanbase will always cherish him for his magic moments at Elland Road, with the club having an opportunity to replicate such business with a move for Elvedi.

On the face of it, the comparison may seem far-fetched, but the similarities between the pair, both moving from the Bundesliga in a winter window, could see Farke land a player who could play a pivotal role in their title ambitions in the coming months.

The Swiss star, who’s been dubbed “one of the best defenders” by one scout and analyst, has impressed in Germany this campaign, producing numerous defensive figures that would improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Whilst no deal is near any form of completion, an opportunity to land a player of his calibre is something the hierarchy can’t turn their noses up at – having all the tools to ensure this season is one to remember for the fanbase.

Dubbed a “tremendous player” by German football expert Chris Williams, if he were to follow in Rutter’s footsteps and have a similar sort of impact, it would be an unbelievable addition and one that could massively boost Farke’s chances of ending the club’s two-year Premier League exile.

The next Dan James: Leeds strongly pushing to sign "sensational" PL talent

Daniel Farke is pushing to make reinforcements to his Leeds United squad.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 14, 2025