Following such a successful first season in charge, Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side have struggled to get back on track in the current campaign, with those in the Midlands now reportedly eyeing an unbeaten replacement.
O'Neil under pressure at Wolves
Whilst the context of Wolves’ recent struggles is important, the pressure is certainly mounting on O’Neil to turn things around after his side shipped five in a disappointing 5-3 defeat against Brentford last time out. The game that Wolves should have seen as the chance to gain their first victory of the season following an opening run full of the toughest hurdles, the Bees simply brushed them aside in West London.
The fixtures don’t get any easier for O’Neil and his side after the international break, either, with the visit of Manchester City possibly only compiling their misery even further as those off the pitch begin to consider their options.
Of course, patience is key but given that the former Bournemouth boss and his side sit bottom of the Premier League behind all three newly promoted sides may well leave Wolves with no choice but to pull the trigger, especially if they manage to land one replacement.
Manager with 12 wins vs Wolves is now "very keen" on taking Molineux job
He’s been called “exceptional”.
ByCharlie Smith Oct 9, 2024
According to The Sun, Wolves are now eyeing a move for Jimmy Thelin, who has made an unbeaten start to life in charge of Aberdeen to go head-to-head with Celtic after 13 games in all competitions in Scotland. Earning comparisons with the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson as a result, the Swede may now follow the Scot’s path by completing a move to the Premier League.
In what could begin a managerial merry-go-round, it will be interesting to see just how thin Wolves’ patience is with O’Neil as they seek their first Premier League win of the season.
Thelin has emerged as one to watch for Wolves
Arriving in the summer, Thelin couldn’t have asked for a much better start at Aberdeen, with his side leapfrogging Rangers to match Celtic all the way after seven games in the Scottish Premiership. And whilst longevity is key and his side’s clash against the champions up next will give everyone a clearer idea of just where they stand, Thelin is certainly one to watch.
Still just 46 years old, the Swede represents an option who carries more risk due to his inexperience in Premier League management, but perhaps a risk worth taking from Wolves’ perspective.
If the Midlands club continue to struggle under O’Neil, then hiring a manager whose style of football is firmly based on survival rather than progressing would arguably leave Wolves at a crossroads. Convincing Thelin into a move from Aberdeen could unlock the full potential of the current side, however.
With a run of Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Southampton before the November international break, it’s set to be a make-or-break period for O’Neil and his future at the Molineux. City aside, and it would be fair to say that Wolves should be coming out of that run without a winless start to their name.
Batting coach Grant Flower and team analyst GT Niroshan were described as being in a “stable” condition
Andrew Fidel Fernando11-Jul-2021
Doctors believe the Sri Lankan camp had picked up the infections during the recently-concluded tour of England•Getty Images
Sri Lanka’s men’s cricketers will be allowed to come out of isolation on Sunday, after everyone remaining in the national squad returned negative PCR results. This only goes for the players however; coaches and support staff will have to remain in isolation until Wednesday, as they are considered first contacts of batting coach Grant Flower and team analyst GT Niroshan, who tested positive for the virus over the past few days.Related
Player from alternative Sri Lanka squad for India series tests Covid-19 positive
SL-India series to begin on July 18; new fixtures announced
SL team's data analyst GT Niroshan tests positive for Covid-19
The fact that Sri Lanka’s players will gradually begin training over the next few days – with outdoor practices likely to start on Tuesday – is good new for the series against India, which has already been postponed five days due to the infections in Sri Lanka’s camp. Provided no one else tests positive, team doctors are optimistic the first ODI can be played on July 18 as per the revised schedule.When training does resume, however, Sri Lanka will likely be using the facilities at Khettarama stadium, while the India team trains at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). The teams are also in separate hotels.Flower and Niroshan, meanwhile, were described as being in a “stable” condition, after having been moved to an intermediate healthcare facility. Niroshan’s infection is understood to be asymptomatic at present. Doctors believe they had picked up the infections during the recently-concluded tour of England, though the team was supposed to be in a bio-bubble through the last stages of that tour. Seven members of the England squad – including four support staff – tested positive for the virus.India’s preparation in Sri Lanka has been free of Covid-19 scares. They have been in a bio-bubble since their arrival.The teams are set to play three ODIs, followed by three T20 internationals.
Glamorgan 225 for 8 (Carlson 60, Root 50, Bethell 4-39) beat Warwickshire 221 (Burgess 73, Benjamin 50) by two wicketsLukas Carey was the hero at Sophia Gardens for the second time in three days as he once again hit the winning runs to snatch victory for his side.On Tuesday it was his 29 not out that steered the Wales Minor Counties team to victory over Glamorgan in a friendly and two days later he hit successive boundaries to secure a two wicket win for the Welsh county over Warwickshire in the first round of the Royal London Cup with two balls to spare.The visitors were defending a total of 26 runs in the final five overs and some brilliant death bowling by Ryan Sidebottom and Ethan Brookes looked as though it might pull off an unlikely win as they conjured up 11 dot balls in that vital period.A lusty six hit by Roman Walker off Brookes in the penultimate over eased the pressure on the home side, but the game was still in the balance as Sidebottom roared in against Carey with five runs still needed from the last over.Sidebottom had only conceded a single bye in his previous over against the 24-year-old Carey and started with two dot balls to heighten the tension. Then Carey just reached the mid off boundary with a far from convincing drive and then walloped the next ball past the bowler to complete a two wicket triumph to give Glamorgan the perfect start to their Group B campaign.Jacob Bethel’s white ball debut for Warwickshire saw him capture four wickets to keep his side in the hunt. The Barbados-born former Rugby School pupil was caught at the wicket for a mere two runs in Warwickshire’s total of 221, but hit back after coming on as first change to capture 4 for 39 off a terrific spell of 10 overs.Having dismissed opener Nick Selman he then removed home danger man Kiran Carlson for 60 before setting up a hat-trick attempt after removing Callum Taylor and Tom Cullen in successive. He ended with 4 for 36 from his full 10 overs..Warwickshire won the toss and opted to go in first on the same wicket on which Glamorgan had been beaten in a one-day warm-up game against the Wales team earlier in the week.Michael Hogan opened with a maiden, but saw Billy Root drop the dangerous Ed Pollock at first slip in his second over. Pollock reacted positively to his second chance and hammered Carey for a six and two fours in the next over before being caught at point by Joe Cooke for 15.That made it 21 for 1 and by the end of the 10-over Powerplay the visitors had reached a modest 47 runs and had also lost Matt Lamb. South African youngster Chris Benjamin then took up the cudgel and reached his half-century off 55 balls.Two balls later he was on his way to the pavilion have gifted a catch to Nick Sleman a catch at deep mid on off Taylor. The 100 came up with a wide off Carey in the 21st over, but with the very next ball he dismissed Bethell with an equally wide delivery that the left hander tickled into the gloves of the diving Tom Cullen.When Cooke clean bowled Ethan Brookes for two to make it 109 for 5, Glamorgan’s stand-in skipper Kiran Carson must have been licking his lips. But opposing captain Mike Burgess dug in and found a useful ally in the 17-year-old debutant Ashish Chakrapani.Burgess reached his half-century in 73 balls with successive fours off Hogan and by the time Chakrapnai holed out at deep mid wicket for 18 he had helped put on 60 runs. Burgess then went for a career-best 73 in white ball cricket as his side reached 221 before they were bowled out.Glamorgan’s new Kiwi international signing, Hamish Rutherford, lasted only eight balls on his debut and the home side lost two more of their top order batsmen with the score on 41 to tumble to 41 for 3.That brought Billy Root to the crease to partner Carlson and between them they got to grips with the Warwickshire attack. Carlson’s 50 came up in the 31st over off 60 balls, and included five boundaries, and the century partnership arrived after the pair had been together for 21 overs in the 33rd.Offspinner Bethell was then switched to the River Taff end and on his return to the attack he captured the wicket of Carlson for 60 to open the game back up. Glamorgan still needed 80 runs to win in 16 overs, but their talisman had gone.Bethell took two more wickets, Root reached his 50, but was then got caught and Joe Cooke made an important 22. That left Roman Walker and Carey to reach the finish line with a stand of 27.
Daniel Farke is plotting to win promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking after his Leeds United side fell short at the final hurdle last season.
The Whites were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley and have started the current campaign with two wins and two draws from their first four matches.
Farke has never gone more than two seasons without winning promotion from the Championship, after winning the division two times in three campaigns during his time with Norwich City.
The German head coach will be hoping to maintain that impressive record by helping his team to fire their way back to the Premier League this term, with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Mateo Joseph spearheading the attack.
Ethan Ampadu is captaining the side at the base of the midfield and has started all 50 of Farke’s regular Championship matches since the start of last season.
The manager clearly trusts the defensive midfielder and the player in his position was also crucial the last time that Leeds won promotion to the Premier League, as Kalvin Phillips was developed into a fantastic asset for the Whites under Marcelo Bielsa.
Kalvin Phillips' value when Marcelo Bielsa arrived
The Argentine head coach was appointed in the summer of 2018 and the academy graduate had already played two full seasons of Championship football.
Phillips had racked up 33 appearances during the 2016/17 campaign and 41 in the 2017/18 season before Bielsa was brought to Elland Road.
After those two campaigns, Transfermarkt placed his market value at €5m (£4.2m) from February 2018 to September 2018, which covers the time of the manager’s arrival.
Kalvin Phillips
The central midfielder had already established himself as a regular in the middle of the park for Leeds after coming up through the academy set-up at Thorp Arch, as shown by his 74 Championship games in the previous two seasons.
Bielsa, though, was able to take Phillips to the next level. The English ace later admitted that he “wasn’t the best” when the Argentine coach came through the door and that his and his staff’s coaching “helped a lot”.
It was revealed that the players were made to train at 100% every day and that they were also made to watch videos of their performances to see where they went wrong and how to improve.
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
He became a staple of the manager’s team over the subsequent two Championship seasons and his soaring market value in that time reflects his improvement during that period.
Kalvin Phillips' soaring market value in the Championship
The English whiz played a crucial role in Leeds’ run to the play-off semi-finals in the 2018/19 campaign after they finished third in the division in Bielsa’s first season, finishing just shy of Sheffield United and Norwich City in the automatic promotion places.
Phillips started 42 of the club’s 46 regular season matches in the second tier and showcased his quality in and out of possession for the Whites, with 4.0 tackles and interceptions combined per game.
Kalvin Phillips for Leeds United
He ranked within the top 30% of midfielders in the division for progressive passes per 90 (4.99) and the top 8% for passes attempted per 90 (65.22), which shows that the young gem was constantly looking to get on the ball to dictate the play, whilst also being progressive with his passes.
The right-footed battler was then instrumental in helping the team to finally get over the line by winning the Championship title in the 2019/20 campaign under Bielsa, with his fantastic performances in the middle of the park.
Appearances
37
Key passes per game
1.8
Tackles per game
2.6
Interceptions per game
1.4
Duel success rate
54%
As you can see in the table above, Phillips – once again – provided a steely presence in midfield for Leeds with 4.0 tackles and interceptions per game.
He also ranked within the top 21% for progressive passes per 90 (5.48) and this shows that Bielsa helped him to increase his output when it came to progressing the ball forward.
By April of the 2019/20 campaign, Transfermarkt placed his market value at €12m (£10m) thanks to his superb displays in the second tier to help his team win promotion to the top-flight.
How Kalvin Phillips earned his big-money move
Following the title win in the 2019/20 season, it was up to Phillips – and his teammates – to show that he was up to the task of playing in the Premier League.
That is exactly what he did as the talented maestro made his England debut in September 2020 and caught the eye with his performances in the top-flight.
Appearances
29
Key passes per game
1.2
Pass accuracy
85%
Tackles + interceptions per game
4.2
Duel success rate
52%
As you can see in the table above, Phillips maintained his strong defensive form from the Championship with 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game to consistently cut out opposition attacks and win the ball back for his side.
The central midfielder’s displays were good enough to convince Gareth Southgate to make him a regular in the England side that reached the European Championship final in the summer of 2021, as he started seven matches – including the defeat to Italy in the final at Wembley.
Phillips, who was called a “monster” by Yannick Bolasie at the Euros, then endured an injury-hit campaign for Leeds as he missed 16 matches with a hamstring injury and only made 20 appearances in the Premier League that term.
That did not stop Manchester City from swooping in to sign him for a reported fee of £45m, with £42m guaranteed, in the summer of 2022, though, and that gigantic figure illustrated his incredible rise under Bielsa, who left the club in February of that year.
The England international’s value soared by a staggering 971% from the £4m he was worth in 2018 upon Bielsa’s arrival to the £45m that Pep Guardiola’s side offered to sign him four years later, which speaks to the amazing work the Argentine coach did with him.
As you can see in the chart above, his valuation went as high as £42m on Transfermarkt, £3m shy of the fee City agreed, and it currently sits at £21m, with the midfielder on loan at Ipswich Town this season, which suggests that the Whites struck gold with the deal they agreed in 2022.
More assists than Rutter in 23/24: Leeds must regret selling £1m "animal"
The Whites had a shocker when they allowed the full-back to move on from Elland Road.
Leeds United are leaving it late when it comes to getting bodies into the building, with the next few days expected to be dramatic before the transfer window officially slams shut.
Both Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon have entered Elland Road in quick succession, but more new faces are expected to join, with the likes of Roland Sallai on the predicted Whites shopping list among a whole host of other names.
Daniel Farke will want to add in a new attacking midfielder if he can, with Georginio Rutter breaking everyone's hearts in West Yorkshire when he moved on to Brighton and Hove Albion, as this exciting target now emerges on to the Leeds agenda.
Leeds transfer news
As report by journalist Alan Nixon, via Football League World, Sheffield United are another new Championship club prepared to battle it out for the services of AFC Bournemouth gem Philip Billing, who has also attracted the interest of Leeds.
Cherries manager Andoni Iraola has stated that he wants to keep Billing situated at the Premier League outfit, however, but an increase in game-time could well see the 28-year-old be tempted to relocate to Elland Road, with only 12 minutes of action coming his way so far in the new top-flight season from two games to date.
The Scandinavian star would take the second tier by storm if he was snapped up as a statement purchase right at the death, with Joel Piroe bumped way down the pecking order at Leeds if Billing was to enter at the last minute, when you consider the Dane's unbelievable numbers at the level in the past.
What Billing can offer Leeds
The former Huddersfield Town man would amass a very impressive haul of ten goals and ten assists from 40 clashes last time he was playing in the second tier, with the Cherries number 29 capable of playing either as a traditional central midfielder or behind the lone striker where Piroe has struggled recently.
Piroe has fallen out of favour with the Leeds masses of late, even with 13 goals and three assists notched up last season in the Championship, with his absence from the starting line-up away at Sheffield Wednesday last time out actually benefitting the Whites, as Brenden Aaronson fired home the opening goal in the 2-0 victory in his spot.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Piroe
Billing
Games played
45
40
Goals scored
13
10
Assists
3
10
Shots*
1.9
1.7
Scoring frequency
216 mins
331 mins
Big chances missed
8
11
Big chances created
3
13
Touches*
27.2
45.6
Passing accuracy*
15.3 (81%)
22.6 (75%)
Total duels won*
1.9
5.0
Stats by Sofascore
More willing to get on the ball and make things happen when contrasted with Piroe, with ten more big chances created during the 2021/22 season compared to the Dutchman's 2023/24 output, Billing would make the hole left behind by Rutter's departure feel less obvious, with the Dane always willing to receive a pass and create an opening.
Bettering Piroe's duels won count as well, with five won on average per Championship clash on the way to automatic promotion being clinched, Billing would be a great body to have around Farke's nervy camp during crunch games, when a make-or-break decision could decide a nail-biting affair.
Also capable of performing when making the step-up to the Premier League, with Billing impressively finding the back of the net seven times during the 2022/23 season, the £45k-per-week target – as per Capology – feels like a perfect fit for the Whites, as they strive to win promotion once more.
It remains to be seen whether Billing – who David Wagner once described as a player who "has everything" – can be persuaded to move back down to the Championship, but Leeds must push on to try and make this statement capture happen if they're truly serious about their promotion chances.
Leeds could sign Farke's own Hernandez with late swoop for "beautiful" ace
The Whites have already had one offer turned down for the Championship playmaker.
Real Madrid have already zeroed in on Carlo Ancelotti's successor as the Spanish giants consider sacking the Italian legend if results don't improve.
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Madrid lost home games to Barca & AC Milan
Club hierarchy was on the lookout for a replacement
Win over Osasuna helped save Ancelotti's skin
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Madrid are considering a managerial change, with Santiago Solari emerging as the man to replace Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has come under increasing scrutiny following a string of disappointing results. Internal discussions reportedly intensified after a humbling defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico and a 3-1 loss to AC Milan at home in the Champions League. The club’s hierarchy, led by president Florentino Perez, is contemplating Solari as a contingency plan if further setbacks occur.
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The board has already approached Solari about stepping in as an interim manager. He was specifically warned on November 5 that he may need to assume control if the team falters again, particularly against Osasuna. However, a 4-0 win at home earned Ancelotti a lifeline before the international break.
DID YOU KNOW?
Solari is no stranger to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout. He previously served as interim manager in 2018 after the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, guiding the team with a firm hand during a turbulent period. Solari is currently the club's director of football and was a Madrid player for five years.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?
Despite the mounting pressure, Ancelotti remains confident in his ability to turn the situation around. The Italian manager, known for his calm demeanour, continues to believe in his team and has faith that results will improve. He maintains the support of key players and is focused on delivering a resurgence, starting with a victory against Leganes on Sunday, to silence his critics.
Arsenal have made their approach to sign an out-of-the-ordinary target, with both Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta personally in agreement over one key transfer wish.
Arsenal eye new midfielder as Thomas Partey could leave
According to recent reports, Arsenal chiefs still expect midfielder Thomas Partey to leave this summer, as the Ghanaian enters the final season of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta reconsiders signing £200k-per-week star with Arsenal poised to move
The Gunners have pulled a U-turn.
2
By
Emilio Galantini
Jul 20, 2024
Partey made just 14 Premier League appearances for Arsenal in a 2023/2024 season blighted by fitness issues, so the 31-year-old is being regularly linked with a north London exit.
Saudi sides are believed to hold an interest in Partey, as well as clubs in the Turkish Super Lig, but it is unclear as to how much Arsenal will want for their star who they signed for around £45 million from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
Thomas Partey's stats in all competitions for Arsenal
Appearances
115
Goals
5
Assists
4
Bookings
24
Red cards
1
Minutes played
7,794
(Transfermarkt)
In any case, they've been scouring the market for potential Partey replacements, and midfielders who can come in to provide that extra bit of competition for Declan Rice and Jorginho in the centre of the park.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, and his contract includes a £51 million release clause. Arsenal are apparently willing to pay the £51m price for Zubimendi, but the difficulty lies in persuading the Spaniard to leave his club.
“Midfield is still a high priority, and we know that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi," said journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.
“And the challenge there is about persuading the player to leave Real Sociedad because he's very much in love with the club and the culture, lifestyle, so he's settled. But because he's in his mid 20s, not early 20s or a teenager, it's kind of a crossroad, because once you turn 26, even though that's your peak, a lot of clubs like to buy a little bit younger. So we wait and see whether Arsenal move in that direction.”
Meanwhile, another previously reported target for Arteta's midfield, Amadou Onana, has now joined Aston Villa – shutting the door on any proposed move to Emirates for now.
Benfica starlet Joao Neves has been linked with an Arsenal move, but reports suggest he could cost as much as £102 million to prise away from the Primeira Liga.
Arsenal make approach for Mikel Merino after Edu and Arteta wish
According to The Daily Mirror and journalist Ryan Taylor, another midfield player in their thinking is Zubimendi's club and international teammate, Mikel Merino.
The former Newcastle United man enjoyed a terrific Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, scoring the winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals, and has entered the final year of his contract at Sociedad.
The Mirror claim Arsenal have made an approach to sign Merino and gauge the costs of a potential deal, with separate reports claiming he'll cost around £25 million.
Both Edu and Arteta are said to be keen on signing a new midfielder and agree that it is something they should pursue before deadline day. Taylor says Merino is an out-of-the-ordinary target for Arsenal who does not fit their usual profile, but his experience and availability are big draws for the club.
Raphinha has been on fire this season under Hansi Flick and a new stat has shown that the Brazilian has bettered a Lionel Messi record for the club.
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Raphinha on fire for Barcelona under Hansi FlickSurpasses Messi Champions League recordFirst to score eight goals in CL in a calendar year since 2019Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Raphinha has transformed his Barcelona career after a rather mediocre start to life at the Catalan club following his big-money move away from Leeds United. Starting early this year, the Brazilian has become the star focal point for the club as an outright left-winger alongside Robert Lewandowski and wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Raphinha scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich last month to showcase his fiery form and a stat has put into context how impressive the 26-year-old has been.
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Since the start of 2024, Raphinha has provided 12 goal contributions in eight Champions League matches, including three goals against Paris Saint-Germain last season and his spectacular hat trick against Bayern this season. The Brazilian has accumulated 1.73 goal contributions per 90 minutes over the course of the year bettering Messi's record of 1.67 in 2016, and 1.56 in 2008.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
As per OneFootball, Raphinha has also equalled another Messi record with his goal against Crvena zvezda as he has now scored eight Champions League goals for Barcelona in 2024, the most for a Barcelona player in the competition in a calendar year since Lionel Messi in 2019, who also got eight
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WHAT NEXT FOR RAPHINHA?
Barcelona still have two more Champions League clashes until the end of 2024, so Raphinha will have the chance to add to his tally for the year. Barcelona will return to European action after the international break when they Brest on November 27, before facing Borussia Dortmund on December 12.
West Ham United have reportedly made an approach to sign a striker who has previously been compared to Man City star Erling Haaland.
Steidten and Lopetegui outline West Ham transfer plans
Technical director Tim Steidten and new manager Julen Lopetegui have already been active in the transfer market this summer, signing winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras in a £25m+ deal and experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham for free.
After those deals, Steidten recently told supporters to expect a busy summer, saying: “I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”
During Lopetegui’s first press conference as West Ham manager, he added: “Of course we are working to improve (the squad). The first thing to highlight is that we’re happy with the players, but of course we’re going to try to improve. We have to work very hard to be ready for the Premier League, and we would like players as soon as possible, but it’s not easy.”
They are living up to that promise of a busy summer, now securing a deal for centre-back Max Kilman from Wolves in a £40m transfer.
West Ham officials have shown they’re not afraid to splash the cash ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge with big fees on Guilherme and Kilman, but they may not stop there.
West Ham make approach for Alexander Sorloth
According to reports in Spain, relayed by TBR, West Ham have made contact with Villarreal over a deal to sign striker Alexander Sorloth. The 28-year-old has a €38m (£32m) release clause in his contract with the La Liga side and Italian giants AS Roma have also made an enquiry for the forward.
Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth
It is claimed that Villarreal need to make a sale to comply with financial rules, so a return to England for Sorloth, who previously featured for Crystal Palace, could be one to watch.
A Norway international, Sorloth now appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €20m Transfermarkt valuation, scoring 23 La Liga goals in 34 appearances last season.
Back in 2020, there were even comparisons to Haaland, with the official Bundesliga website saying: “Both are lean, 6’4” forwards who prefer their left foot, but are just as capable in the air or on the right. Able to hold the ball up and bring others into play, they share an ice-cold Scandinavian temperament in front of goal, maintaining composure to make even tricky finishes look routine.”
Since then, he has been called "stratospheric" by coach Marcelino after his four-goal haul against Real Madrid earlier this season, with journalist Josh Bunting also hailing Sorloth’s form since leaving the Premier League as "remarkable".
It has been all change for Chelsea Football Club this summer, after a season in which they lost one cup final, came close to another, and managed to qualify for European football again next season via their placement in the league. However, it was not enough to keep Mauricio Pochettino in the job.
Following his sacking at the end of May, the Blues board turned their attention to finding a new manager to take them into the 2024/25 season, and hopefully beyond. Their choice was Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, who led the Foxes back to the top flight by winning the Championship.
Maresca, who is a student of Pep Guardiola, will have a big task on his hands to improve Chelsea’s cup fortune; they lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool last season and the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City. The Italian will also be expected to challenge for the top four and improve upon the Blues sixth place finish, as well as winning the Europa Conference League.
To do that, Chelsea will likely have to dip into the transfer market this summer. They have already been linked with one player who could add more threat to their attack next season.
Chelsea's search for striker
The player in question here is Portuguese side FC Porto’s Brazilian striker Evanilson. After a successful season leading the line at Estádio do Dragão, the 24-year-old Brazil international has now been linked with a move away from the Portuguese giants during the summer window.
Indeed, that is according to a report from Portuguese newspaper Jornal De Noticias earlier this week, who believe that Chelsea are interested in signing the striker, who has one cap for Brazil so far. The Blues are thought to be targeting a new striker to help balance the workload of Nicolas Jackson, after a chaotic first season in the Premier League for the Senegalese marksman.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in recent weeks as they look to bolster their attacking options. As reported by The Guardian on Friday, they have been given permission by the Villans to talk to Duran, although are 'unsure over whether to press ahead with a move' for the £40m rated centre-forward.
Thus, Evanilson has given Chelsea an alternative option to Duran. However, the Brazilian could command a larger fee than Villa’s number 24. In a separate report by Jornal De Noticias, they report he has a release clause worth £84m, with Manchester United and Tottenham also interested.
How Evanilson compares to Duran and Jackson
Football analyst Ben Mattinson described Evanilson as the “dangerman” ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Porto earlier in 2024, noting that he is an “all-rounder” number nine who is “everywhere” on the pitch.
Last season, he certainly showed just how dangerous he can be, scoring 25 goals and registering seven assists in 42 games for Porto in all competitions, a tally which included four in seven Champions League games and 13 in the top flight of Portugal.
In comparison, Duran has scored five goals in just 23 Premier League matches. However, he played the equivalent of just over five matches, meaning his goals-per-game ratio averages put at roughly one goal each game. Jackson scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games, and his 17 in all competitions was bettered by only Cole Palmer, who bagged 22 goals.
Another interesting stat to look at in order to compare the trio is their expected goals per 90 minutes. According to FBref, Jackson just edges it, with 0.6xG, compared to 0.56xG for Evanilson and the Villa striker notching up just 0.38xG. However, the numbers are in Duran’s favour when it comes to the number of goals per shot. He averages 0.25 per 90, with Jackson second with 0.18 and Evanilson in third, with 0.16.
Evanilson, Duran & Jackson league shooting stats compared
Stat
Evanilson
Duran
Jackson
Games
27
23
35
90s
22.8
5.3
31.1
Goals
13
5
14
xG per 90
0.56xG
0.38
0.6
Goals per shot per 90
0.16
0.25
0.18
Stats from Fbref and Transfermarkt
However, as Mattinson pointed out, Evanilson’s creativity and link-up play are a feature of his game, which helps him stand out amongst the trio. He averages 2.37 progressive passes per 90, with 1.27 key passes on top of that. Comparatively, Jackson averages 2.15 progressive passes and 1.22 key passes, with Duran’s stats considerably lower; the Villa man averages just 1.70 key passes and 0.75 key passes per 90 minutes.
If Chelsea are looking for a profile to complement Jackson, then perhaps Evanilson is that. The Brazilian is a superb link player and is also capable of running the channels, whilst, as the stats show, being a very clinical finisher.
The price for Evanilson is quite a lot of money, likely a sizeable amount of Chelsea’s budget. With that being said, he could be an excellent addition to the Blues’ side, and would bring something they have desperately missed on the whole; goals.
Enquiry made: Chelsea could repeat Lukaku mess by signing £65m star
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