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All of the news surrounding Crystal Palace currently relates to the loss of Wilfried Zaha and understandably so. As a result, attentions now turn to the future of key attacking duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Will Eberechi Eze Remain at Selhurst Park?

Every year, Zaha was linked with a move away only to stay put in South London. When he did eventually move on, it was on a free transfer and so the Palace faithful will hope that Eze doesn’t follow suit.

Talking of Eze’s contractual situation and his £30k-a-week deal will expire in two years' time, hence the desire to strike a new agreement. His exploits for the England national team will only see his stock rise higher to the point that bigger clubs who can offer bigger wages will come calling.

When asked a couple of months ago if he is playing the best football of his life though, as per the Evening Standard, the former Queens’ Park Rangers man had this to say: “Yeah probably. I feel like I’ve got the freedom to play, to do my thing. I’m just happy to be enjoying my football.”

This points towards his short-term future remaining at Crystal Palace, a club who he enjoys playing for. That being said, the departure of Zaha and lack of any fierce summer recruitment may have Eze nervous of the relegation zone looming again.

What is Alex Crook's update on Eberechi Eze?

He had this to say when talking to Give Me Sport:

“They want to tie Eze down to a new contract, but I’m not sure he’s going to be keen to commit his future yet. I think he believes that he’s going to get interest as well.”

It stands to reason that the club would be wanting to offer the 25-year-old a new deal given just how significant an impact he made last season. Not only did Eze reach his highest return of Premier League minutes to date but he contributed more goals and assists than the two seasons before combined. Eze appeared in every single league outing and across those games he amassed 10 goals and four assists, including some box office moments.

Who Could Join Crystal Palace Ahead of the New Season?

There is only one new arrival at Selhurst Park at the time of writing in the form of Jefferson Lerma. The midfielder arrived from AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer and is likely to be a very solid option in that area which is regularly occupied by Malian international Cheick Doucouré.

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One name that has been heavily linked, as per Caught Offside, is Perr Schuurs. Palace are reportedly ahead of fellow Londoners West Ham United in their pursuit of the Dutch defender who currently plies his trade in Italy. The 23-year-old arrived in Turin just last year after a strong few seasons with Ajax. Regarding the fee and the whole process, “talks are at an advanced stage with [the] £34m-rated” centre-back, though it remains to be seen as to whether anything will get done.

Everton manager David Moyes is not happy with his attacking options. Between them, Beto and Thierno Barry have only scored five times in the Premier League this season, missing a combined total of 12 big chances, as per Sofascore.

For reference, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is thriving for Leeds United at Elland Road. January’s Premier League Player of the Month, the English striker has eight goals from his past nine matches.

But Moyes knows that the centre-forwards are not alone in their struggles, and he is also searching for ways to improve his side’s build-up play and dynamism from midfield.

Everton targeting English midfielder

Everton have been bolstered by the progress made by long-term injury absentees Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman. Especially the former. In this, Moyes’ defensive issues have been eased.

But with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured, Idrissa Gueye still away at AFCON and James Garner attracting interest from Manchester United, a well-placed central midfield signing wouldn’t go amiss.

And according to TEAMtalk, Everton are in with a shot at AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, having been offered the one-time Chelsea prospect as he looks for a route back to England. Talks are believed to have taken place with intermediaries.

Loftus-Cheek, 29, is in the penultimate year of his contract in Italy, and would bring a progressive and physical kind of style that Moyes knows well.

How Loftus-Cheek could star under Moyes

Loftus-Cheek has only started eight times in Serie A this season, but he’s racked up since joining from Stamford Bridge in a £15m deal in 2023, showcasing an aptitude for scoring, with 11 goals and four assists to boot.

He is an athletic and passionate player, remarked by pundit Ian Wright to play with a “fire in his belly” as he commands from midfield.

Given his progressiveness, he might even operate in a similar way to Declan Rice, who thrived, of course, under Moyes’ wing at West Ham United.

Rice has unlocked a more expansive style of play since joining the Gunners, but he still showcased such qualities in Moyes’ Hammers project, and given that the Scotsman has implemented a similar style at the Hill Dickinson, you begin to see why Loftus-Cheek has been earmarked.

He is not as good as his Arsenal compatriot, but the £85k-per-week talent is cut from similar tactical cloth, and thus could play an important role for Everton over the latter stage of the campaign, adding flavour.

Declan Rice in the Premier League

Season

Apps

Goals + Assists

25/26

20

4 + 5

24/25

35

4 + 7

23/24

38

7 + 9

West Ham – Arsenal (£105m)

22/23

37

4 + 2

21/22

36

1 + 4

20/21

32

2 + 1

19/20

38

1 + 3

18/19

34

2 + 0

17/18

26

0 + 0

16/17

1

0 + 0

Data via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 3% for aerial duels won per 90, underscoring both his stamina and physicality, winning duels and adding an attacking dimension when he drifts forward and into space.

Loftus-Cheek is no spring chicken, but he’s still a robust and effective midfielder, capable of collecting and driving the ball forward while upholding the midfield principles that Moyes would demand.

The one-time Chelsea man would perhaps emulate Rice in that regard. He may not be of the same standard as England’s star midfielder, but he shares a likeness with him, and through this, he could become a mainstay for an industrious Moyes outfit at Everton.

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Following a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sanction the departure of a player who earns over £900,000 a year at Elland Road.

Farke: Arsenal thrashing not "season-defining"

Daniel Farke could have counted on one hand the amount of Premier League fans that expected Leeds to head to Arsenal and secure a shock victory, such is the difficulty for newly-promoted sides against the top six.

It was always likely to be the ruthless welcome back to the top flight that Everton were unable to hand the Whites, but Farke was quick to claim that their 5-0 defeat was far from “season-defining”.

Whilst their trip to the Emirates should be one that Leeds learn from, they should also move on quickly and prepare for both Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and then Newcastle United’s visit to Elland Road next weekend.

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As they look to return to winning ways, however, they may have to do so without one attacking player who could be heading to La Liga before the end of the transfer window.

Valencia in talks to sign Ramazani

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Valencia are now in talks to sign Largie Ramazani on loan from Leeds this month. The winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal after the German opted to pick other options.

Now, he could leave on loan to the La Liga club, managed by former Marcelo Bielsa assistant Carlos Corberan, who could reportedly cover his £910,000-a-year salary and have a buy option included in their deal.

Since then, reports from Spain have claimed the 24-year-old has ‘fully agreed terms’ with the La Liga side. After just one season at the club, Ramazani’s time at Leeds looks destined to come to a swift end this month.

The fact that the winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal was never a good sign, even though the Leeds boss told reporters when questioned about that decision: “It was just due to the decision about Noah Okafor, not against Largie.”

Nottingham Forest could now look to hijack a rival Premier League club’s move for an “unbelievable” player, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Forest's summer transfer plans taking shape

Forest still have plenty to play for this season, with Champions League qualification still very much on the cards despite the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, while they will also have dreams of winning the FA Cup.

However, with the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is important Nuno begins to lay the groundwork ahead of next season, and the manager appears to be particularly keen on signing a new striker.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha are some of the biggest names on the shortlist, with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin also emerging as an option in recent days.

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The Tricky Trees have set their sights on a midfielder, who is now likely to leave his club this summer.

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Bolstering his attacking options appears to be a priority for Nuno, but there have also been suggestions the manager could look to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with replacements being eyed for Matz Sels, despite his impressive form.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is one of the names on the shortlist, with the 26-year-old set to be available for £25m, now the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest News, transfer expert Bailey has now confirmed Burnley’s James Trafford is also of interest to the Trickly Trees, saying: “They have been delighted with how Sels has performed, he has been superb but I know they are looking at the market.

“There are some very good goalkeepers going to be available – Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher amongst them, and Forest like those three – and that isn’t including the plethora of foreign options. It is not definite but they are looking at it.”

Trafford could be "unbelievable" signing

Sels has been reliable for Forest between the sticks this season, starting all 31 of their Premier League matches, but there are clear indications Trafford could be an upgrade on the Belgian.

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Burnley have shipped just 12 goals in the Championship this season, which is by far the best defensive record in the league, and he has received high praise from minority owner JJ Watt, who lauded the goalkeeper as “unbelievable”.

That description is fully justified, given that the 6’6″ colossus ranks extremely highly on a number of key metrics for goalkeepers over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals against

0.30 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

86.0% (99th percentile)

Save % (Penalty kicks)

100% (95th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

70% (99th percentile)

Trafford has long been expected to sign for Newcastle United this summer, and it may be difficult to hijack the move for the goalkeeper, but if Champions League football is on offer at the City Ground next season, moving to Forest could be an attractive proposition.

Everton are interested in signing a “fantastic dribbler” who now wants to leave his club this January, according to a report.

Everton takeover nearing completion ahead of January

The Friedkin Group are now on the verge of completing their takeover of Everton, having received Premier League approval, meaning the new owners could be at the helm by the time the January transfer window begins in just a few weeks time.

With the Toffees currently just three points clear of the bottom three, the new owners may feel that some new reinforcements are needed this winter, and a number of attacking targets have been identified by the current regime, including Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto.

The Brazilian is considering a move in January, and he could be available for a fee of around £17m, which would make him a relatively affordable option to bolster Sean Dyche’s strike force.

Having scored just 14 league goals this season, Everton may view strengthening their attack as a priority, and it was recently reported that Lyon are now open to selling Ernest Nuamah in order to balance their books this January.

Nuamah wants to leave in January

Now, there has been a new update on Nuamah’s future, with CaughtOffside reporting that Nuamah wants to leave this winter, as he feels he has not received enough game time in Ligue 1 so far this season. A number of clubs are interested in signing the 21-year-old, with Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Fulham also name checked, while European giants AS Roma and Sevilla may also be tempted to make a move.

As it stands, Lyon are holding out for a fee of €25m – €30m (£21m – £25m), but the interested parties are struggling to meet the asking price, meaning they may also consider orchestrating a loan move.

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Although the Ghanaian has mainly been limited to cameo appearances as a substitute so far this season, there are signs that he could be a shrewd acquisition for the Toffees this winter. During his time with FC Nordsjaelland, the youngster received praise for his ability on the ball, as well as his shooting.

The starlet’s dribbling ability is particularly impressive, ranking in the 90th percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers in the top European leagues.

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That said, Nuamah is yet to really prove himself outside of Denmark, meaning it would be risky for the Toffees to shell out £25m this winter, and it could be wise to take him on loan first, should Lyon be open to that arrangement.

Leeds United now have the overwhelming task on their hands of replacing two of their key performers, with it looking very likely that Georginio Rutter will follow Crysencio Summerville out of the exit door very soon at Elland Road.

That means Leeds' car-crash 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup could be the Frenchman's final ever anticlimactic outing for the Championship side, as a move back up to the Premier League now beckons for the £40m attacker with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Away from this pending departure obviously dominating news around the second-tier club currently, Leeds are still on the hunt for a brand-new winger to replace the gaping hole left by the Dutchman, with a whole host of names floating about.

Leeds hold concrete interest in EFL promotion winner

As per Daily Express reporter Charlie Gordon, Leeds are very keen on adding Manuel Benson to their depleted attacking spots this summer, with the Whites holding 'concrete interest' in the Burnley gem.

Leeds had been looking at the likes of Jonathan Rowe quite heavily when searching for a golden new star to replace Summerville, but that move could be too difficult to get over the line now, hence a long list of other targets now being spoken about.

Million Manhoef has also been touted for a move to West Yorkshire, with the similarities between the Stoke City attacker and Summerville obvious, when glancing immediately at his Dutch heritage and his tricky and explosive ability for the Potters.

What Benson could offer Leeds

Prioritising a major move for Benson could be the best possible course of action for Farke and Co moving forward, with the Clarets attacker a former promotion winner in the Championship, on top of being an upgrade on Manhoef.

As well as offering a title win at the level on his CV, Benson can also offer the same slaloming runs to Leeds that Summerville had become known for before he moved on to West Ham United, as well as conjuring up an audacious finish at the end of such a pacey dart forward.

The sumptuous strike above from Benson pushed his side further on to achieving promotion glory come the end of the 2022/23 season, with the tricky Clarets number ten registering an impressive 11 strikes from 33 second-tier games overall.

Benson (22/23) vs Manhoef + Rowe (23/24)

Stat

Benson

Manhoef

Rowe

Games played

33

14

32

Goals scored

11

4

12

Assists

3

1

2

Scoring frequency

137 mins

205 mins

171 mins

Shots per game

1.8

2.6

1.8

Big chances missed

7

3

4

Big chances created

4

3

1

Stats by Sofascore

Taking in the table above as well, Benson would be the smartest player to bring into the building out of the options on the table, with more goal contributions managed from the winger on the way to the Clarets lifting the title than Manhoef managed for either Stoke or Rowe for the Canaries last season.

Moreover, the left-footed 27-year-old has also the experience of Premier League football on his resume over his two counterparts, with a hunger to get back there with Farke's men, even with recent setbacks being thrown their way.

Gnonto could also benefit in the long-term with this signing, with the dynamic Italian attacker loving life down the left channel against Portsmouth on the opening day, with one goal next to his name in the 3-3 draw and two successful dribbles completed.

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The "electric" Burnley forward – as he was described by football pundit Sam Parkin at the height of his second-tier powers – would compete with James down the right-hand side for a starting spot as a result, with the Leeds manager then content with the depth he has at his disposal, at least in this position.

Then, it will be about recruiting a stunning replacement to make Rutter's exit feel less damaging, as a new-look Leeds XI continues to be assembled from the ashes of last season's nearly men.

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Celtic are in the race to sign an "incredible" attacker this summer, according to a new report.

Celtic transfer rumours

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers are currently involved in an extremely tight Scottish Premiership title race with rivals Rangers, while they also find themselves in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

There is still plenty to play for on the pitch, but away from the field, those at Parkhead appear to be making preparations ahead of the transfer window.

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Recent reports have suggested that Celtic are looking to sign at least three players ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with a new goalkeeper, winger and striker being prioritised.

A few specific targets have been mentioned, such as Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and loanee Adam Idah making his move permanent. A new target has now emerged, though, one who has enjoyed a remarkable season in front of goal.

Celtic in Sammie Szmodics transfer race

According to Football Insider, Celtic are now in the race to sign Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics.

The Hoops are thought to be battling Premier League outfit Brentford and a number of other unnamed top-flight clubs in England for the attacking midfielder, who recently made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland.

The 28-year-old has scored a whopping 27 goals in all competitions in 2023/24 and is the top scorer in the Championship. It is added that ‘Szmodics has been fielded as an attacking midfielder and a centre-forward this season and could provide great versatility if he moves to the Glasgow giants’.

Szmodics appears to be at the peak of his powers at Ewood Park, so a move to Parkhead could be a shrewd one by Hoops officials, especially if current attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley departs, as has been speculated.

Szmodics' best performances this season

WhoScored rating

Norwich City 1-3 Blackburn Rovers

9.17/10

Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Middlesbrough

9.05/10

Blackburn Rovers 4-2 Birmingham City

8.94/10

Queens Park Rangers 0-4 Blackburn Rovers

8.09/10

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Plymouth Argyle

7.96/10

He could therefore slot straight into the Celtic setup, with Szmodics a player who has been called “incredible” by former manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.

"The development of Sammie is great to see. He's a team player, he's a goalscorer. He's very good in doing all the things we want, then of course scoring that amount of goals and also even getting assists.

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"And still the good thing is, he can miss a chance and it doesn't matter, he can go on. Great character and great to see him getting the ball with him at home.

"After Christmas last season, I think he's been really good for Rovers and after the summer holiday, he's been extremely good. He's also added those goals.

"We always know he can score goals but he's not used to playing a lot of games at this level first of all, he played with Peterborough but not a lot. The way he's scoring goals, the confidence he's playing with and the role he takes as one of the senior players is quite incredible."

Manchester United could be set to lose one of their first-team stars next summer, with a fresh report revealing that he’s set to receive an offer alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes – Saudi Arabia links

According to reports, Fernandes has emerged as a target for some of the biggest clubs in the Saudi Pro League who are keeping close tabs on his situation, with the same outlet claiming that his admirers are willing to offer up to £87m to prise him away from Old Trafford at the end of the season.

The Red Devils midfielder’s entourage are expected to hold talks with representatives from the wealthy division to discuss what a potential switch would look like upon the conclusion of the current campaign, but if the following update is to be believed, he might not be the only senior squad member heading for the exit door.

At the start of the season in the Premier League, Harry Maguire looked to have fallen significantly down the pecking order, but having started the past five consecutive games in the top-flight (Transfermarkt – Maguire statistics), Erik ten Hag appears to have handed the centre-back another lifeline.

West Ham United were heavily linked with a move for England’s international over the summer, whilst Everton also had a proposal rejected, and despite a deal failing to come to fruition for either club before the previous deadline, the 30-year-old is now attracting interest from a new potential suitor in the Serie A.

Juventus plotting swoop for Harry Maguire

According to JMania (via Sport Witness), Juventus are considering tabling a bid for Maguire next summer. The Allianz Stadium outfit are preparing a “monstrous offer” thought to be in the region of €30m (£26m) for their target, but with no further information available, it remains to be seen whether these claims are completely accurate.

Maguire has become "undroppable" under Ten Hag

Standing at 6 foot 4, Maguire is able to provide a real physical presence with his height at the heart of the defensive backline, and since being brought back into the team, he’s more than proved why he deserves to keep his place in the starting line-up at Man United.

The Sheffield-born talent is currently averaging 3.1 clearances and the same amount of aerial wins per game in the Premier League (WhoScored – Maguire statistics), but he’s also capable of posing a threat to the opposition when it comes to the action in the final third.

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Sponsored by Puma, Ten Hag’s colossus has clocked up 54 goal contributions (29 goals and 25 assists) since the start of his career, so not only is he effective in his own position, but he can even help the side be successful at the top end of the pitch.

Since he’s returned to the team, Maguire has been described as an “undroppable” player by journalist Josh Bunting for the leadership qualities and the determination that he’s shown, so whilst a summer exit initially seemed likely, it might be a good idea to keep him in the building beyond next summer.

Arsenal are reportedly still in the race to sign Ajax ace Mohammed Kudus, as Mikel Arteta looks to add more midfield reinforcements this summer.

The Spaniard, along with Edu, has recruited strongly this window, adding the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice to bolster the middle of the park ahead of the highly anticipated 2023/24 campaign.

Despite spending over £200m, the spending is not expected to stop yet, with a long way still to go in the transfer period.

Could Arsenal sign Mohammed Kudus?

As reported by the Independent writer Miguel Delaney on Wednesday, Arsenal remain contenders to sign Kudus, with fierce competition noted.

The report claims that rivals Chelsea are leading the pursuit for the midfielder, for a fee in the region of £40m.

The believed viewpoint is that the Blues would be able to ‘price Arsenal out of any prospective deal’ for the 22-year-old, taking into consideration the Gunners’ spending spree early into the window.

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

Lauded as the “complete midfielder” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Ghanaian prevailed as one of the best performing attacking midfielders in Europe.

As per FBref, over the past year, the Ajax sensation averaged 4.57 successful take-ons and 0.58 expected non-penalty goals per 90, ranking him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders in leagues equivalent to the Eredivisie.

For Arsenal, signing a player in the calibre of Kudus could be an additional show of the club's ambition on the back of their title-challenging 2022/23 campaign.

The Gunners fell short to the magnificent treble-winning Manchester City side due to their sheer quality and the lack of depth in Arteta’s side, an area that must be addressed ahead of next season.

In adding the likes of Rice and Havertz, the Spaniard has recruited quality as well as adding to the numbers, however the north Londoners will face a transitioning period following the departure of a first team regular.

After seven years at the Emirates, Granit Xhaka bid farewell to life in the Premier League to embark on a new challenge with Bayer Leverkusen, leaving Arsenal without the brilliance of the Swiss.

The 30-year-old had a controversial stay in London – having memorably been stripped of the captaincy in 2019 – however his role in the Gunners’ rise in form showed just how integral his presence really was.

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Transitioned to a more advanced number eight role, the former Arsenal captain was freed of his recklessness in deep midfield to flourish as the perfect ball-playing midfielder while maintaining his combative nature, notably scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in the league last season.

A similar task could be taken up by Kudus, who excelled in the final third last term, as highlighted by his 11 goals and three assists in Eredivisie.

Alongside his advanced strengths, the midfielder won 52% of his total duels, averaging 5.6 duel wins per game for Ajax in the league campaign, showcasing his ability to multitask in pivotal areas.

Arteta could land the perfect replacement for Xhaka, in a player with a host of potential and versatility, however with the Ghana international in demand this summer, the Gunners will have to ramp up their pursuit to out-gun the likes of Chelsea.

The Daily Record recently reported that five Glasgow Rangers players will be allowed to move on from Ibrox before the end of the January transfer window.

Kieran Dowell, Clinton Nsiala, Nedim Bajrami, Danilo, and Rabbi Matondo are all free to leave in the coming weeks on permanent deals, whilst Lyall Cameron could be sent out on loan for the rest of the season.

It is not a surprise to learn that Danny Rohl wants to move on from Dowell, for example, because he has not played a single minute of competitive football since August, having been given a chance by Russell Martin at the start of the campaign.

Rangers in talks to sell flop

On top of Dowell and the other four players mentioned in that Daily Record article earlier this month, another Light Blues flop is on his way out of the club.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Joshua Barrie, Glasgow Rangers are “in talks” with Argentinian outfit Huracan over a deal that would see Oscar Cortes make the move to South America.

The winger, signed by Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen, is currently on loan with Sporting Gijon in Spain, but this move would see that loan cut short so that he can move to Argentina.

Barrie claims that the two clubs are currently in talks over a deal that would be a loan with an option or obligation to buy, which means that they are looking to sell the Colombian forward.

However, it remains to be seen how much money Hurucan are willing to pay at the end of the loan to make the deal permanent in the summer transfer window.

Why Cortes has been a bigger flop than Dowell

With Cortes seemingly now on his way to leaving the club on a permanent basis, it is hard to say anything other than that he has been an even bigger flop than Dowell.

The English midfielder has not been a success at Ibrox. Since signing on a free transfer from Norwich in 2023, he has contributed with two goals and three assists in 38 appearances, per Transfermarkt.

He has not offered anywhere near enough quality in the final third, hence why he has found himself on the fringes ahead of a January exit, but it must also be recognised that the ex-Canaries star joined on a free.

Cortes, however, was signed for a whopping fee of £4.5m from Lens in the summer of 2025, after an obligation to buy was put in his loan deal in 2024.

The obligation to buy meant that the Gers had to pay £4.5m for a player who had only scored one goal and provided one assist in 16 Scottish Premiership games in 18 months for the club, per Sofascore.

Rangers defender Richard Foster said that Cortes “looked miles off it” when given an opportunity shortly before the loan deal had to be made permanent, and interim boss Barry Ferguson suggested that he needed to up his levels in training to get more game time.

After signing permanently, despite his struggles across his 18-month loan stint, the winger was sent out on loan to Sporting Gijon for the 2025/26 campaign, but he has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in eight appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore.

Rangers career

Dowell

Cortes

Fee

£0

£4.5m

Appearances

38

19

Goals

2

1

Big chances created

4

1

Assists

3

1

Game stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cortes and Dowell both look set to permanently end their Rangers careers with fairly dismal statistics, given that they are both attacking players.

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It is the Colombian, however, who looks like the bigger flop and worst signing out of the pair, because he has not offered as much on the pitch, whilst costing a significant fee, rather than joining on a free transfer.

Rangers have only signed eight players for more than £4.5m in their history, including the likes of Ryan Kent, Youssef Chermiti, and Tore Andre Flo, which illustrates how costly the Cortes deal was.

With that in mind, albeit without knowing how much money they could recoup for his services as part of the option to make this potential loan permanent, the 22-year-old dud may have to go down as one of their biggest ever flops.

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Posts ByDan Emery

The money they paid to sign him, the lack of output on the pitch, and the failed loan before a permanent exit from Ibrox all point to him going down as a huge flop.