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Celtic took another step in the right direction as they attempt to win the Scottish Premiership title for the third season running with a 3-0 win over Hearts on Saturday.

The Hoops hosted the Jam Tarts at Parkhead and secured a comfortable victory in Glasgow, thanks to two first-half goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and a late penalty from Matt O'Riley.

Brendan Rodgers' side are bidding to ensure that they do not end the campaign without a trophy to show for their efforts, having been knocked out of Europe and the League Cup earlier this term, and have a huge match upcoming in the title race against Rangers next weekend.

One player who has played themselves into being undroppable for the Old Firm clash with his performances in recent weeks is forward James Forrest, who put in a fantastic display against Hearts.

James Forrest's performance against Hearts in numbers

The experienced winger was selected to line up on the left side of the attack on Saturday, with Daizen Maeda returning to the bench, and justified his selection with a fine showing.

Forrest, who was handed a match rating of 7/10 by the Daily Record, did not register a goal or an assist for his efforts throughout the afternoon against Steven Naismith's side but did offer quality in and out of possession.

The Scottish whiz had more touches (50) of the ball than Kyogo (20), who scored the first two goals for the Hoops, and this speaks to how frequently he got on the ball in an attempt to make things happen.

Minutes played

84

Sofascore rating

7.6

Key passes

2

Dribbles completed

3/4

Duels won

7/11

Tackles won

3

Pass accuracy

86%

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed speedster created two chances, was efficient in his dribble attempts, and worked hard for the team defensively to make tackles in order to break up Hearts attacks.

Why James Forrest is now undroppable

The 32-year-old Celtic star has stepped up in recent weeks with a string of superb performances on the flank, which is why he should now be undroppable for Rodgers heading into the clash with Rangers at Parkhead next Saturday.

In his last seven appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions, Forrest has racked up an eye-catching four goals and one assist for the Scottish giants.

Maeda – the manager's alternative option for the role on the left of the front three – has scored four goals and provided two assists in 23 Premiership starts this season.

This suggests that the Scotsman could, given his recent output in front of goal, offer more than the Japan international in the final third, which is why he deserves to keep his place in the team.

Forrest, who has won 52% of his ground duels in the league, also works hard for the team, as shown by his three tackles won on Saturday, to go along with his attacking actions.

The veteran forward should, therefore, be undroppable after his latest impressive showing on the left wing, given his superior attacking statistics in comparison to Maeda and red-hot form in the final third.

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered yet another Premier League defeat over the weekend as Manchester City secured a 5-1 win which puts them in the driving seat to claim yet another league title.

The result means the Old Gold have won just once in the top flight since the beginning of March, and it appears their hopes of finishing in the top half are diminishing.

Gary O’Neil’s side struggled throughout the clash against City. Although he has enjoyed a solid debut campaign in charge of the Midlands side, it is clear he could do with adding some more quality players to his first team squad.

Opponent

Result

Man City

Lost 5-1

Luton Town

Won 2-1

Bournemouth

Lost 1-0

Arsenal

Lost 2-0

Nottingham Forest

Drew 2-2

West Ham United

Lost 2-1

Burnley

Drew 1-1

Aston Villa

Lost 2-0

Via Sky Sports

Might the former Bournemouth manager need to sell a player or two during the summer window in order to fund new arrivals? Rayan Ait Nouri could be one of their most sellable commodities at the minute.

Rayan Ait Nouri’s game in numbers vs Man City

The Algerian didn’t enjoy the best of displays against the champions, failing to really contribute effectively going forward.

Despite playing the full match, Ait-Nouri managed just 48 touches while completing 26 of his 31 attempted passes, indicating that his distribution was poor.

Not only that, the youngster failed to deliver an accurate cross or long ball during the match, all while creating zero big chances or making a single key pass in what was a performance that lacked any sort of intensity.

Even defensively, Ait-Nouri struggled, losing possession 11 times, being dribbled past three times, and winning just three of his nine contested duels during the clash.

In truth, the majority of the Wolves side underperformed at the Etihad as it appears fatigue is setting in among the squad.

Ait-Nouri’s performance may have been poor, but the defender has been one of the most consistent players in the first-team squad this season, and he has been attracting interest.

Rayan-Ait Nouri's transfer value in 2024

According to Football Transfers, City are currently weighing up a move for the player this summer as Pep Guardiola seeks to bolster his squad.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also monitoring the left-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and it looks as though his performances this season for the Old Gold could make them a small fortune.

O’Neil has reportedly slapped a staggering £60m price tag on his head in order to deter potential suitors, but judging by their need to comply with financial fair play regulations ahead of next season, if they receive an offer anywhere near that amount, the club will clearly be moving him on.

This type of fee could allow O’Neil the opportunity to add a few more players to his squad in key positions, giving him plenty of leeway in the transfer window.

The talented defender first joined the Molineux outfit on a season long loan deal in October 2020 from French side Angers.

Across his first season at the club, he made 21 Premier League appearances, scoring once and grabbing one assist, which convinced the club to secure a permanent deal for him ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

He ended up costing the club around £9.5m, signing a five-year contract and technical director at the time, Scott Sellars, hailed the youngster, saying:

"We think Rayan is a great signing for the football club. He proved last season that he’s a very talented player, with lots of potential.”

This potential has grown into a player who is attracting interest from some of the finest clubs on the continent, with his displays during the 2023/24 campaign justifying his lavish price tag.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s statistics for Wolves this season

So far this term, Ait-Nouri has played 36 games for the club – the most in a single campaign since he joined – while scoring three goals and grabbing two assists.

The defender currently ranks in the top ten among the Wolves squad for accurate passes per game (27.7) and big chances created (two) while ranking as high as fourth for key passes per match (0.7) and third for successful dribbles per game (1.8), indicating how much of an attacking threat he poses.

Not only does he shine in his current team, but the 22-year-old has impressed in several metrics when compared to his peers.

Indeed, compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Ait-Nouri ranks in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.41), along with ranking in the top 11% for pass completion percentage per 90 (84.9%), suggesting that he loves taking on opposition defenders when he bursts forward down the flanks.

Journalist Dougie Critchley even praised O’Neil’s tactical thinking when it came to deploying Ait-Nouri in a more advanced role, saying:

“I’m really enjoying Gary O’Neil’s use of Rayan Ait-Nouri in 2024. Go where you want to go, do what you want to do, use your technical ability and excellent understanding of space to cause damage. Think he’s been one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024.”

One display in particular stands out recently, and it wasn’t even in the Premier League. Against Coventry City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Ait-Nouri was sensational.

During the game, he ended up getting on the scoresheet, grabbing an assist, making two key passes, and creating a big chance. The defender was a menace down the left side and was arguably Wolves’ finest performer on the day, despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to the Sky Blues.

If he could deliver performances like this more often, then perhaps O’Neil would be able to slap a bigger price tag on his head.

He is still young and developing, however, but performances such as the one against Coventry have clearly garnered plenty of attention from the big clubs and this summer could be the ideal time for the Old Gold to cash in on one of their most prized possessions.

Indeed, their £60m valuation means Ait-Nouri is worth five times more or 531% more than what they paid for him three years ago. Not a bad piece of transfer business at all.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Josh Inglis struck a fluent 73 before Jhye Richardson grabbed four wickets as the Perth Scorchers easily beat Hobart Hurricanes by 77 runs in Hobart to issue an ominous statement to the competition.The three-time BBL champions dominated the Hurricanes’ hapless run chase of 176 in a ruthless performance reminiscent of their golden era under Justin Langer.After being sent in, Inglis (73) and Mitchell Marsh (40) combined in a 109-run partnership to rescue the Scorchers from early trouble. The pair, however, fell in quick succession in the backend as the Hurricanes briefly clawed back into the contest.The Scorchers (won 5 and lost 4) have won three in a row, while the Hurricanes (won 3 and lost 6) are struggling to stay in touch with the top four.Scorchers recover after early wicketsHurricanes skipper Matthew Wade surprised by using spinner Clive Rose first up on a green-tinged surface and the left-armer strangled in-form big-hitters Liam Livingstone and Josh Inglis. A frustrated Livingstone tried to target quick Tom Rogers at the other end, but was caught behind in the second over.Rose’s brilliant start continued when he bowled a scratchy Sam Whiteman, as the Scorchers crashed to 2 for 16 after three overs. All eyes were on Marsh, who was coming off an astounding 41-ball 93 against the Heat.The Scorchers’ high-powered top-order was shackled for much of the Powerplay until Marsh nailed a pulled six off Scott Boland to edge them to 2 for 37 after six overs. Other than that, the Scorchers skipper was intent on working the ball around with Inglis turning the aggressor with an assault on spinner Qais Ahmed, who leaked 16 runs in the ninth over.The pair notched their 50-run partnership to continue an impressive rebuild and ensure the Scorchers eyed a massive total at 2 for 80 at the midpoint.Josh Inglis goes hard on the leg side•Getty Images

Hurricanes fight back after Inglis-Marsh century standInglis sped past fifty and continued his liking for Qais underscored by an audacious reverse hit to the boundary in the 12th over. He outdid himself next over to with a scoop over the ‘keeper for six, a cavalier shot out of the Brendon McCullum handbook.Marsh played sensibly with the intent of batting deep and causing mayhem in the backend. Just as he appeared ready to change gears, Marsh mistimed an attempted smash down the ground off Rogers in the 15th over in a desperately needed wicket for the Hurricanes.The Hurricanes’ fightback continued when danger man Inglis holed out on the long deep-wicket boundary off Qais, who bowled a terrific 16th over to make amends for earlier struggles. With Inglis and Marsh dismissed in swift succession, the Scorchers’ momentum ground to a halt with Cameron Bancroft, batting down the order, unable to provide the sufficient push and falling in the penultimate over.Hurricanes’ top-order misfireWithout dynamo D’Arcy Short, the Hurricanes’ batting has struggled to fire with much of the pressure falling on Wade to fill his sizeable shoes. But he fell in the second over after pulling a short delivery from Richardson straight to deep square leg in a well-executed plan.The stage was set for South African import David Miller to snap out of a funk but his woes continued when he departed for a third-ball duck, as the Hurricanes slumped to 2 for 5 after two overs.Jhye Richardson gets back to his run up•Getty Images

Much like the Scorchers’ innings, Caleb Jewell and George Bailey rebuilt in a third-wicket partnership but they could not muster a big stand like their counterparts. Jewell looked in sweet touch until falling after the Powerplay when he top edged a sweep to deep square leg off Fawad Ahmed.The Scorchers gained a stranglehold near the midpoint when Marsh trapped Ben McDermott for 1, as the Hurricanes slumped to 4 for 47.Scorchers convincingly seal the dealThe Hurricanes needed a spur and Simon Milenko provided one with clean hitting marked by the team’s first six of the innings notched in the 11th over. It was short-lived as Milenko exposed his stumps and was bowled by Chris Jordan to snuff out the Hurricanes’ hopes.Richardson ran through the lower-order leaving an ashen-faced Bailey watching the horror show from the other end until he fell in the 16th over to cap a one-sided contest.

لا يزال مستقبل المصري محمد صلاح لغزًا يتعين على ليفربول حله، وتستمر التكهنات حول مصير الجناح ما بين البقاء أو الرحيل.

وينتهي عقد محمد صلاح مع ليفربول بنهاية الموسم الجاري، ولم تحسم مفاوضات تجديد العقد حتى الآن.

صلاح في سبتمبر الماضي أكد أن ليفربول لم يبدأ معه محادثات تجديد تعاقده وبالتالي سيكون هذا موسمه الأخير.

جدد صلاح التكهنات بتغريدة عقب الفوز أمام برايتون وكتب على مواقع التواصل الإجتماعي: “مهما حدث لن أنسى شعور التسجيل في آنفليد”.

وارتبط محمد صلاح بالرحيل إلى الدوري السعودي، بالإضافة لاهتمام باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، وظهر برشلونة الإسباني أيضًا في الساحة.

وذكر موقع “جول” العالمي بنسخته الإسبانية، أن انتقال محمد صلاح إلى برشلونة سيكون وجهة غير متوقعة.

اقرأ أيضًا | المدير الرياضي لـ آينتراخت فرانكفورت يرد على إمكانية رحيل عمر مرموش إلى ليفربول

وسلط التقرير الضوء على الأنباء التي تم تداولها من صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، حول ظهور برشلونة في الصورة بشأن تعاقد محتمل مع محمد صلاح.

ذكرت “سبورت” في تقرير لها أن برشلونة قد يسعى لضم المصري في صفقة انتقال حر بالصيف المقبل، رغم أن أولويته نيكو ويليامز لاعب أتلتيك بلباو، لكنه لا يمانع اتخاذ طريق جدي لضم محمد صلاح.

وأشار موقع “جول” إلى أن برشلونة سيواجه منافسة من باريس سان جيرمان في مفاوضات ضم صلاح.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن هناك أنباء متداولة حول سعي الهلال السعودي لضم صلاح للمشاركة مع الفريق في كأس العالم للأندية المقبلة.

The 2023/24 season has been a breakout campaign for many young stars across the world. Chelsea have many, although not all of them have seen much game time.

The same cannot be said for Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and soon-to-be Real Madrid forward Endrick who have all announced themselves into professional football in recent months.

Both Mainoo and Yamal are products of Carrington and La Masia, their respective clubs’ youth systems, and will hope to be the next academy success stories of two legendary clubs.

Endrick, however, was bought by Real Madrid from Palmeiras for a fee rumoured to be £52m. Los Blancos were not the only club vying for the 17-year-old’s signature, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City also interested in signing the forward.

Chelsea were actually rumoured to be the club most likely to sign Endrick before Madrid beat them to it. Aiming to sign youngsters from South America is a policy that the Blues have often employed under Todd Boehly. Endrick is rumoured to not be the only name on their list.

Chelsea’s youthful transfer policy

It is no secret that since Boehly took over the reins of Chelsea, their transfer policy has been chaotic, to say the least.

They have spent over £1bn and had a squad so inflated that "some players had to sit on the floor during team meetings while others changed for training in the corridor", according to The Athletic.

The aforementioned policy of signing, or trying to sign, South American wonderkids is certainly one that Chelsea have at least unofficially employed in Boehly’s time at the club.

Aside from missing out on Endrick, the other notable failure was young Gabriel Moscardo, a midfielder from Brazil. The 18-year-old had offers on the table from Chelsea and PSG but opted to go with the latter.

However, there was one South American youngster Chelsea managed to land. Ecuadorian attacking midfielder Kendry Paez will join the Blues from Independiente del Valle for a fee that could eventually rise to £17m, according to Fabrizio Romano. Aged just 16, he could well be Chelsea's answer to Endrick.

Chelsea's answer to Endrick

It will not be until the summer of 2025 that Paez can join Chelsea, as he must wait until he turns 18, although he has trained with the first team already.

Incredibly, at just 16 years of age, Paez is already a full international with Ecuador and has six caps to his name so far, scoring once and registering two assists.

Paez plays as an attacking midfielder and possesses all the flair that you would expect from a South American number 10. Paez is a creative genius, who has an eye for goal, and already has seven goal involvements in 16 starts in the Ecuadorian top flight so far.

The youngster has a brilliant low centre of gravity and an eye for a pass. He loves to pick the ball up in deeper areas and spray long passes into teammates ahead of him and is excellent in combination play around the penalty box.

His previous manager had spoken very highly of him in the past. In an interview with Ole, Martín Anselmi, the former manager of Independiente del Valle, said “In Kendry we find a daring one. A boy who asks for it, and he is 15 years old and he doesn't care who is in front of him, and he asks for it.”

Not only that, Paez is highly rated by former Ecuardioan national team players. Carlos Tenorio, who made 52 appearances for Ecuador, compared him to two legends of the game when Paez was just 15. “He has the potential to be better than Lionel Messi and Neymar, but much will depend on him and the people around him”.

It is certainly high praise for such a young talent. Chelsea’s transfer policy towards signing youngsters might have been hit-and-miss so far, but it seems they have certainly struck gold with the signing of Paez. Together with Endrick, they could be the next superstar talents to emerge from South America.

Chelsea: Poch's stunning starting XI in 2025 built around Kendry Paez

Chelsea’s starting XI in 2025 which includes the exciting Kendry Paez is a mouthwatering prospect.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 23, 2023

An international attacker praised by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is eager to join Mikel Arteta's side and would love to make a move to north London.

Arsenal keen on new forward this summer

Widespread reports indicate that the Gunners are very keen on bringing in a new forward this summer.

Arsenal make out-of-window bid to sign World Cup ace ahead of Barcelona

Xavi’s side face competition from the Gunners.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 28, 2024

Arsenal are flying on the pitch right now, scoring 25 goals in their last six league matches, but links remain to the likes of Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Wolves winger Pedro Neto among others.

Sheffield United

March 4th

Brentford

March 9th

Chelsea

March 16th

Man City

March 31st

Luton Town

April 3rd

Emirates Stadium chiefs have been widely tipped to add a new striker to Arteta'a ranks since as far back as last summer, and Toney certainly isn't the only player attracting interest in that regard.

New names, alongside familiar faces like Toney, are appearing on a consistent basis. Now, it appears Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen, who once played for Arsenal at youth level, has thrown his hat into the ring.

Malen admits he wants to join Arsenal

Indeed, Malen has now admitted in an interview that he'd love to make an Arsenal return, which will come as interesting news for supporters.

“I think because I played in England as a youth and then it is a dream to play in the Premier League, then I think that is a beautiful dream,” Malen told Voetbal Zone, as translated by Sport Witness.

“I went to Arsenal so yes, them. I want Arsenal, my favourite club. Yes [about returning there]. I played there in my youth, I really wanted to break through there so yes.

“Every now and then in a football career there are points at which you just have to make a decision. Yes, I was training with the first team, and I was 17, 18 at the time and I did make steps in the optics, but I thought yes, I have to just play professional football. I also saw my teammates playing professional football while I was still playing youth football and I just knew (leaving) was the right thing to do.”

The Netherlands international, who is rumoured to command a price tag of around £43 million, has scored 10 Bundesliga goals in 21 appearances this season, with Henry calling him "quality".

“I had him for a year because I was passing my badges there. It didn’t work out for him at Arsenal. I thought he had some quality, but at Arsenal, you have a lot of quality.

“Then he went to Eindhoven and played for a young PSV. That’s the second team and he ended up doing brilliantly, which I am very happy about because, at the very beginning, people were doubting him. He trusted himself and his qualities, with his family, and he made it happen and won the league with PSV.

“Now, he plays for Holland. He scored tonight. It must have been emotional to play against Eindhoven, a team that he won the league with almost six years ago, so I am very happy for him.”

Reliable West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, has shared an update on manager David Moyes and his future as pressure grows on the Scotsman.

Moyes protests as West Ham suffer slump in form

Still winless in 2024 and out of contract in the summer, Moyes' position as Hammers head coach has hardly looked more precarious.

West Ham consider 3-4-2-1 coach with Steidten stance on firing Moyes clear

The Scotsman’s renewal is looking more far fetched by the week.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 21, 2024

After their last defeat, a 2-0 loss away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Moyes came out swinging in defence of his record and all he's achieved at the club to date – coming amid calls from sections of the fanbase for him to be sacked.

“I don’t think we can ever please everybody, but I think it would be hard to say there have been many better times at West Ham," said Moyes.

“I think they’ll (the fans) honestly have to say that it’s as good a time as there’s been at the club regarding winning a trophy (Conference League) and league positions. Maybe they’ll be managers who excite them more, possibly. But the one who’s sitting here wins more.”

The club's Europa Conference League triumph last May put an end to their near-40 year wait for a major piece of silverware, with West Ham also sealing European qualification in each of Moyes' full seasons in charge.

However, there have been complaints over Moyes' dogmatic style of play, and West Ham's league form has been underwhelming since the summer of 2022. They even flirted with relegation over the course of 2022/2023, with a lot of fans believing Moyes has taken them as far as they can.

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

As his deal is set to expire this summer, a change could be made at the end of this season or perhaps even before then. West Ham had been planning to extend Moyes' contract, but those talks are now believed to have been postponed.

ExWHUemployee has shared a fresh update on the situation this week, and it's a fairly interesting one.

ExWHUemployee shares Moyes contract update

According to Ex, via the West Ham Way, Moyes will be given until their Europa League last 16 tie "at least" to turn the tide, but the board is very concerned.

“I have spoken to people within the club and it’s clear they are massively concerned,” stated Ex.

“There are question marks surrounding the manager, with the shared view that the team are at present performing like a relegation side.

“The current stance is that there isn’t another manager right now ready and available to step in, so they are hoping at this stage that Moyes will be able to turn things around – I think he’ll be given the Europa League last-16 tie at least, as it currently stands.

“The board are very aware of the feelings amongst a large portion of the fan base. For now, they believe Moyes still has the backing of the players and staff, however they have stressed they are reviewing the situation.

“It appears they will stick with Moyes for the short term, in the hope performances and results will improve. Although plans are in being put into place should they decide to dismiss the manager, with alternatives now being looked at.”

Leeds United are looking to sign a new centre-back on deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Leeds transfer rumours

The Whites are yet to make a signing for Daniel Farke’s side in the January transfer window, with attention being on moving players out and extending contracts to some highly-rated youngsters.

Djed Spence’s season-long loan came to an end at the beginning of the year, whereas Luke Ayling left for Middlesbrough, Leo Hjelde for Sunderland and youngsters Darko Gyabi and Lewis Bate headed out on loan.

Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph have put pen to paper on new Elland Road contracts, with Wilfried Gnonto looking to follow suit. When it comes to new signings, defence appears to be the position Leeds need to strengthen, with Farke coy at his press conference on Wednesday in regards to any late business.

A number of defenders have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies, West Ham’s Ben Johnson, Burnley’s Connor Roberts, Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham, Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall and Everton’s Ben Godfrey. Reports on deadline day have claimed that a move for full-back Roberts is close.

Leeds, and by extension owners the 49ers Enterprises, also appear to be working on a possible centre-back arrival as well, and Romano has shared what he knows about the situation.

Romano shares Leeds transfer update

Talking to GiveMeSport, transfer expert Romano said that the Whites are “looking” at a deadline day move for a centre-back, although the name is “unclear”.

“Of course, a centre-back is needed at Leeds. They are looking for an opportunity there. The name is still unclear, but Leeds are still trying and looking for a chance there.”

Leeds’ current centre-back options are Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell. Summer signing Ethan Ampadu has also provided cover when needed, with Struijk and Cooper missing through injury recently and Cresswell out of the squad.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Cresswell is now back in the first-team fold after holding positive talks with Farke, so you could argue that the priority should be a new full-back instead of a centre-back.

Gray, primarily a midfielder, has made the right-back spot his own, and behind him, Leeds have Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton. Meanwhile, on the left-hand side, the Whites have Junior Firpo and Byram, both of whom have had injury issues in the past.

Therefore, if Leeds can sign Roberts and a centre-back, Farke may well be delighted at the club's late business.

After welcoming Leo Hjelde from Leeds United already this month, Sunderland are reportedly set to complete their next deal of the January transfer window to sign a former Tottenham Hotspur winger.

Sunderland transfer news

After putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee, Hjelde said: "I'm a ball-playing centre-back, or left-back. I like to get up and down the pitch.

"I've been at some big clubs previously and this has helped me develop as a player and as a person, but I'm now ready to push on and take the next step. I spoke to my dad, who showed me the size of the club and the support. I knew it was a move I simply couldn't turn down."

Sunderland sporting director Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman added on the Sunderland website: “We’re really pleased to have acquired Leo on a permanent basis, as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time.

He possesses the ability to play three different positions in our backline, depending on the formation, and he joins us having already experienced the EFL Championship. We hope this will allow him to hit the ground running and help our team throughout the next 16 games, whilst also bringing added strength our squad in the long term.”

Related Latest Sunderland transfer news: Bellingham latest as SAFC eye Euro starlet

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Posts ByBrogan Clasper Jun 7, 2024

The Black Cats aren't done there, however, with their business taking place at the end of the January transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland are set to complete a deal to sign Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege. The winger is reportedly in England ahead of a medical and contract signing, as Romano revealed on X.

About to welcome his second signing, Michael Beale will now hope to have Mundle available for Sunderland's next Championship game against fellow play-off chasers Middlesbrough on Sunday, February 4.

"Quality" Mundle set to replace Pritchard

Whilst Mundle arrives, Alex Pritchard is set to sign for Birmingham City, according to Sky Sports in a case of out with the old and in with the new at The Stadium of Light. Mundle's stats certainly show that he'd offer something different on the ball than the less direct Pritchard. Here's how they've compared so far this season:

Stats

Romaine Mundle

Alex Pritchard

Progressive Carries per 90

3.53

2.64

Progressive Passes per 90

4.12

6.80

Take-ons Completed per 90

2.35

0.72

Fouls Drawn per 90

3.50

1.84

Ahead of his arrival, Josh Bunting has had nothing but good things to say about the former Tottenham academy player, posting on X: "Romaine Mundle has bags of talent, that is a very good bit of business and as much as Speakman gets criticised the signings have in large been excellent. There’s real quality here and the fact he’s been playing first team football this season is a major positive."