Following a mixed start to the 2024/25 season, Eddie Howe now has Newcastle United playing well as they seek a return to the Champions League after missing out this term.

Howe will also be hoping to lead the Magpies to their first major trophy in over half a century. Signs are good, as the club recently secured a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final tie.

Player

Club signed from

Year

Anthony Gordon

Everton

2023

Harrison Ashby

West Ham United

2023

Bruno Guimaraes

Lyon

2022

Chris Wood

Burnley

2022

Dan Burn

Brighton and Hove Albion

2022

Via Transfermarkt

Despite this good form of late, it is evident that reinforcements are needed if they are expected to maintain it, especially with a top-four finish in the Premier League table more than achievable this season.

Naturally, there have been plenty of rumours regarding arrivals and departures at the Toon, but which players could Howe bring into the club, and who will he be able to sell to fund such purchases?

Winter transfer window 2025: All the latest deals from England and Scotland

Find out who is on the move this winter with our comprehensive list of done deals from the Premier League, EFL and Scottish Premiership.

ByStephan Georgiou Feb 3, 2025 Potential Newcastle United incomings Vitor Roque (Barcelona)

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are closely monitoring the situation of Barcelona striker Vitor Roque, who has struggled to make much of an impact for the La Liga giants since his €40m (£33m) move from Brazilian side Athletic-PR in 2023.

The teenager scored just two goals for the club last term and is currently on loan at Real Betis, where he has netted six goals in 24 appearances for the club, which could aid a move out of Barcelona.

Alexander Isak is enjoying a wonderful campaign so far, but if he suffers an injury, Howe only has Callum Wilson as backup, which suggests a move for another striker is a potential priority this month.

Barcelona are now willing to sell Roque, with Newcastle one of the teams who are showing plenty of interest in making a deal happen.

Much will depend on the transfer fee, but if it is within Howe’s budget, he should consider tabling a bid for the Brazilian.

James McAtee (Manchester City)

It isn’t just a centre-forward Newcastle are after, as Howe appears keen on bringing Manchester City starlet James McAtee to the club this month.

A loan deal has been mooted amid concerns that the Magpies might not spend too much in the transfer window, but a temporary deal could work wonders for all parties involved.

The attacking midfielder has played just ten times for City this term, scoring a single goal in the process, and it is clear that he needs more game time to fulfil his incredible potential.

Howe would surely be able to get more from McAtee than what Guardiola has done this season by giving him a regular platform to shine in the Premier League, making a loan move a no-brainer.

Jonathan David (Lille)

Jonathan David is a player who is admired by Newcastle, but a move this month might be out of the question. Howe may look to sign him on a pre-contract which would see the Canadian sign in the summer.

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, four Premier League clubs have made offers to sign David on a pre-contract deal, but it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are one of them.

The centre-forward has scored 101 goals and recorded 23 assists for the French side across 210 games. This works out at a goal involvement every 1.7 games – a strike rate Howe would love to have in his side.

Considering how many clubs are reportedly after the 24-year-old, the Magpies have plenty of competition. With the club having a chance to secure Champions League football next term, this could perhaps be a deciding factor in where David ends up following the 2024/25 campaign.

Jonathan David transfer news: Latest updates on Arsenal and Spurs target

Jonathan David’s contract runs out in the summer, so could he be on the move soon? Several Premier League clubs have been linked with the Canadian.

ByBarney Lane Oct 17, 2024 Potential Newcastle United departures Miguel Almiron (Crystal Palace, Wolves & others)

Miguel Almiron looks like he will leave Newcastle sooner rather than later, as the club have reportedly offered him to Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Wolves and Leicester City.

The Paraguay international was once a key player at St James’ Park, but it looks as though his future appears away from the north-east. The Magpies have placed a price tag of €20-25m (£17-21m) for the player, which could tempt a few clubs to make a move this month.

Charlotte FC, Santos, Botafogo, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras are also interested in the 30-year-old, and his sale could free up funds for future arrivals this winter.

Callum Wilson (contract expires this summer)

Callum Wilson looks set to leave Newcastle. The question is whether he will spend the next six months at the Toon before departing on a free transfer, or if Howe will look to offload him to secure a transfer fee this month.

Before Christmas, Football Insider claimed that Wilson would be departing Newcastle upon the expiration of his contract after an injury-plagued season that had seen him feature in just four league games, failing to score or assist.

If a club comes in with an offer this month, Howe will surely be keen on accepting to move him on.

Martin Dubravka (linked with Al-Shabab)

It already appears as though Martin Dubravka is destined to leave Newcastle, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab closing in on bringing the goalkeeper to the Middle East.

The transfer has been approved by the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Sustainability Committee, although it still needs to be approved by Newcastle. Howe will be eyeing up a replacement for the Slovakian, who has been the first-choice goalkeeper at the club in recent times amid Nick Pope’s injury issues.

The 35-year-old has made 171 appearances for the Magpies since joining in 2017. With his contract expiring this summer, getting a fee for him in January makes plenty of sense.

Howe will be looking to replace the veteran ‘keeper, especially if he needs cover for Pope in the future. Whether he finds someone this month or in the summer remains unclear.

Aiden Markram has been named the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain for IPL 2023.Markram, 28, recently led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural SA20 title, where he also finished as the tournament’s third leading run-maker.Related

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Sunrisers had to fill the leadership role after releasing Kane Williamson ahead of the IPL auction last December. The first player retained by the franchises ahead of the mega auction in 2022, Williamson struggled for form as Sunrisers failed to make the playoffs last season finishing eighth. Williamson missed the final league match last season to return to New Zealand for the birth of his child following which Bhuvneshwar Kumar took over the reins.It is understood that Bhuvneshwar, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2013, along with Mayank Agarwal (bought in the December auction) and Markram were among the contenders for the leadership position. Markram was chosen for the role by the Sunrisers team management, which is led by Brian Lara, who was appointed as head coach ahead of the auction.In SA20, Markram proved he could excel both as a captain and a batter while leading Eastern Cape. Alongside making 369 runs at a strike rate of 127 including a century, Markram also bagged 11 wickets at an economy of 6.19 with his part-time offspin – enough to earn 596.6 points and top the Total Impact charts calculated as per ESPNcricnfo’s Smart Stats tool.Sunrisers paid INR 2.6 crore to buy Markram at the 2022 auction. In that season, Markram scored 381 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 139.05 and an average of 47.62.

Aston Villa are hoping for a much improved second half of the season. The Villans have struggled at times this term and currently find themselves seventh in the Premier League table. Surprisingly, they have a goal difference of minus one, the worst out of any sides in the top half of the division.

It certainly seems like Unai Emery’s side will need a bit of magic in the second half of the season to make another push for a Champions League finish. The Villans have already signed Donyell Malen to help with their quest for a top-four finish.

They have also been linked with another exciting European star who could help to spur them on.

Villa target new attacking midfielder

The player in question here is Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Marco Asensio. The Spaniard has struggled for regular minutes this season in the French capital and could now depart the club this winter.

Well, that might certainly be of interest to Villa, according to Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider. Brown explained that Villa boss Emery, and director of football Monchi are likely to be ‘speaking to their contacts’ about if a move for the former Real Madrid star is possible this January.

At this stage, it is unclear whether the Spaniard would be available on a loan deal or a permanent move is on the cards.

However, given he is valued at just £16.8m by Transfermarkt, it does not seem like this is a deal that will break the bank for the West Midlands outfit.

Why Asensio would be a good signing

It has been a really tough season for 28-year-old attacking midfielder Asensio. He has not been in favour at the Parc Des Princes this term, playing just 15 times across all competitions. Having said that, he does have two goals and four assists in Ligue 1, which is a respectable return.

There is no doubt that the best of Asensio was on show during his time at Real Madrid. The Spaniard scored 61 goals and grabbed 32 assists in 286 appearances for Los Blancos, and was part of a hugely successful period for the club.

Among other accolades, the attacking midfielder helped to lift four Champions League trophies, the Club World Cup four times and three La Liga titles. His time at Real Madrid will certainly go down in history.

Should the Villans get this deal over the line, the Spaniard could form an unstoppable duo with Ollie Watkins. The England international has been on fire again this season, with nine goals and four assists in 21 Premier League games.

Last season, the striker was sensational, arguably one of the best players in the top flight of English football. His 32 goals and assists last term were bettered by just Cole Palmer of Chelsea, with 33, as per Statmuse.

His most recent strike came against Everton at Goodison Park, to spoil David Moyes’ first game back as manager of the club. It was a perfect example of Watkins’ best attributes, making a darting run off the shoulder of the last defender in behind, and finishing past Three Lions teammate Jordan Pickford.

That style of striker is certainly something that Asensio might profit from. The Spaniard is used to playing with his fair share of deadly finishers, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.

Over the last eight years, since playing for Real Madrid at the age of 20, to now as an experienced playmaker in Paris, he averages 2.04 key passes per game, according to FBref. Outside of that, his creative stats are impressive, as the table below shows.

Stat (per 90)

Number

Key passes

2.04

Passes into final third

3.4

Passes into penalty box

1.66

Progressive passes

5.06

Shot-creating actions

4.06

Goal-creating actions

0.52

Over the course of his career, Asensio has been a creative force for whichever European giant he has represented. This will surely mesh well with the likes of Watkins, someone so clinical in front of goal who has an excellent record over the past few seasons.

This could be the dream deal for Villa, given they would be adding a “flair player” to their squad, as former Villans star Gabby Agbonlahor described Asensio.

The Spain international could be the perfect player to help the men in Claret and Blue finish the season strongly once again.

Aston Villa now make approach to investigate versatile defender deal

The Villans are looking to make another addition to their squad this month.

ByDominic Lund Jan 16, 2025

ساعات قليلة تفصلنا عن نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025 والذي يجمع بين باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي وتشيلسي الإنجليزي، مساء غدًا الأحد.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان أمام نظيره تشيلسي مساء غدٍ، الأحد، الموافق 13 يوليو الجاري، في المباراة التي تجمعهما في نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025، على ملعب “ميتلايف”، في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

وتأهل باريس سان جيرمان بقيادة الإسباني لويس إنريكي، على حساب ريال مدريد، بعدما هزمه هزيمة ساحقة برباعية نظيفة في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء الأربعاء الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا | إنفانتينو يعلن موقف ترامب من حضور نهائي كأس العالم للأندية

فيما تأهل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي تشيلسي بقيادة الإيطالي إنزو ماريسكا، على حساب فلومينينسي البرازيلي بثنائية نظيفة، في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء الثلاثاء الماضي.

ووفقًا لموقع “ترانسفير ماركت”، فإن نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025 بين باريس سان جيرمان وتشيلسي ستكون المواجهة التاسعة بين الفريقين طوال تاريخهما.

وخاض الفريقان 8 مباريات من قبل، استطاع باريس سان جيرمان الفوز في 3 مباريات، أما تشيلسي فحقق الانتصار في مباراتين وحسم التعادل 3 مباريات بينهما، كما سجل الفريق الفرنسي 10 أهداف، فيما أحرز البلوز 11 هدفًا.

وتعد آخر مواجهة جمعت بين الفريقين كانت في مارس 2015 بإياب دور الـ16 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب “ستامبفورد بريدج”، وفاز بي إس جي حينها بنتيجة 2/1.

Stats highlights from the second day’s play at Edgbaston where Pakistan’s top order belied their reputation outside of Asia

Bharath Seervi04-Aug-20163 Pakistan openers who scored a fifty in their maiden Test innings in England. Before Sami Aslam made 82 in his first innings, Saeed Anwar had made 74 at Lord’s in 1996 and Mohammad Hafeez scored 95 at The Oval in 2006. Aslam’s 82 is the fourth-highest by a Pakistan batsman in his maiden Test innings in England.3 Centuries by Pakistan’s No. 3 in Tests outside Asia since 2000. The last two centuries, before Azhar Ali’s in this match, were both by Younis Khan a decade ago. He made 106 at Sabina Park in 2005 and 173 at at Headingley in 2006.15 Prior to this Test, the average score by Pakistan’s top three against England in England since 2010. In 36 innings across six Tests in this period, there was not a single fifty-plus score; the highest was 48. Also, none of the top three had aggregated more than 100 runs in any of the 12 innings. However, in this innings, two of their top-three made fifty-plus scores and aggregated 211 runs.1982 Last time an opener younger than Sami Aslam, who is currently 20 years and 235 days, made a half-century in Test in England. Ravi Shastri scored 66 at The Oval on that tour, at the age of 20 years, 42 days. Sami Aslam is the fifth-youngest opener to score a half-century in England.181 Runs added by Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali for the second wicket, the second-highest for Pakistan against England. Only the 291-run stand between Mushtaq Mohammad and Zaheer Abbas, also at Edgbaston in 1971, is higher than this.1983 Last time Pakistan’s second wicket added more than 150 runs in a Test outside of Asia (excluding Zimbabwe). Mohsin Khan and Qasim Umar added 233 at the Adelaide Oval back in December 1983. This was only the fourth 150-plus partnership for Pakistan’s second wicket in Tests outside Asia (excluding Zimbabwe).78 Runs scored by Azhar Ali in his last seven Test innings, before this century. He made five single-digit scores in those innings with a highest of 34. In his last seven innings against England, including the tour of UAE in October and November, he had made 73 runs, and 66 in his last seven innings in England, dating back to the 2010 tour.7 Teams against which James Anderson has taken 50 or more Test wickets. Hafeez’s dismissal was his 50th wicket against Pakistan. He now has 50 or more wickets against all teams except Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, way ahead of Ian Botham, who managed the feat against four opponents. Only Muttiah Muralitharan – against all nine teams – has taken 50-plus wickets against more teams than Anderson, while Anil Kumble also took that many against seven teams.144 The previous highest second-wicket partnership for Pakistan after losing the first wicket for no runs, by Taufeeq Umar and Younis Khan against West Indies in Sharjah in 2001-02. Aslam and Ali’s stand is the fourth century stand for Pakistan after losing the first wicket without a run on the board.20.67 Hafeez’s average in Tests outside Asia – the lowest by a Pakistan batsman playing 25 or more innings in a top-six position. He has made just two fifty-plus scores in 32 innings outside Asia, the last of which came in 2011 against Zimbabwe. He does, however, average 50.16 in 63 innings in Asia with eight centuries and 11 fifties.

Home side bowled out for 89 after Scholfield-inspired recovery from South East Stars

ECB Reporters Network01-May-2023

Paige Scholfield produced a magnificent innings to register her second century in three matches and help South East Stars beat Western Storm by 207 runs in a one-sided Rachael Heyhoe Flint fixture at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.Continuing her outstanding start to the campaign, in-form Scholfield scored 134 not out in front of watching England head coach Jon Lewis, dominating a seventh-wicket stand of 128 with Tash Farrant and ensuring Stars recovered from 19 for 3 and 74 for 4 to post an imposing 296 for 7 after winning the toss and electing to bat first on a used pitch.Skipper Bryony Smith weighed in with 50 on a day when the rest of the top order failed, while new-ball bowlers Lauren Filer and Dani Gibson claimed three wickets apiece to keep Storm in the hunt.It was all too much for Storm, who never looked likely to stage a sustained chase following the loss of early wickets. England allrounder Alice Capsey claimed 6 for 28 and fellow spinner Smith 3 for 13 to confirm Stars’ superiority as the hosts were skittled for just 89 inside 31 overs.In tremendous form already this season, Scholfield produced the goods just when her team most needed it. Dismissed for 129 and heavily beaten by Southern Vipers last time out, Stars again found themselves in a tight situation at 19 for 3, the cream of their top order returned to the dressing room inside eight overs.Openers Kira Chathli and Capsey fell to successive deliveries, the former lured into front-foot indiscretion by Gibson and mistiming a drive to mid-off, the latter losing off stump to a Lauren Filer inswinger. Worse followed when England international Alice Davidson-Richards attempted to cut Gibson and was brilliantly caught by Fran Wilson at backward point.Captain Smith carried the fight to Storm, harvesting eight boundaries in a 43-ball 50 and dominating a progressive stand of 57 with Jemima Spence for the fourth wicket. But when she chanced her arm once too often and hit the next ball, bowled by Chloe Skelton, straight down the throat of long-on, Stars were 74 for 4 and the innings still in the balance.Necessarily circumspect to begin with, Spence and Scholfield went about rebuilding in assured fashion. As the sun came out and conditions eased, so they allowed themselves to become more expansive, adding 66 for the fifth wicket in 18.3 overs before Filer returned to bowl Spence for 29 with a slower ball yorker. Gibson then trapped Phoebe Franklin in her crease for 9 to reduce the visitors to 160 for 6 in the 37th over, but Scholfield quickly dashed any hopes Storm might have harboured of restricting their opponents to a below-par total.Now in full flow, the South African-born allrounder played with real panache, opening her shoulders and going for her shots to force Storm onto the back foot for the first time. Having gone to 50 from 62 balls, she required just 30 deliveries more to raise three figures, reaching that landmark with a hard-hit four to cow corner at the expense of Alex Griffiths. It was her second hundred in three innings this season following hard on the heels of the 111 not out she scored in a winning cause against Thunder at Old Trafford nine days earlier.Farrant proved the perfect foil, initially rotating the strike and running hard between the wickets, before herself going on the attack during the closing overs. The England star contributed a valuable 45 in 32 balls, including 5 fours, and played her part in a breathtaking partnership of 128 in 12.5 overs before falling to Filer in the final over.Try as they might, there was nothing Storm’s hard-pressed bowlers could do to check Scholfield’s murderous progress, the 27-year-old holding sway for 109 balls, helping herself to 14 fours and three sixes to propel her side to a position of strength that had looked most unlikely earlier in the day.Gibson and Filer returned figures of 3 for 42 and 3 for 60 respectively but, in the main, it was hard going for Storm’s bowlers.As much as they required a fast start, Storm’s reply was frustrated by some naggingly accurate bowling, especially from the ubiquitous Farrant and Scholfield. Emma Corney helped Griffiths add 39 for the first wicket before succumbing to Alexa Stonehouse, at which point the hosts were no doubt hoping for a repeat performance from new signing Orla Prendergast, who made a hundred on debut against Thunder at Cardiff two days earlier. There was to be no repeat on this occasion, the Ireland allrounder chipping Capsey to mid-off and departing for 16 to leave Storm on 59 for 2 in the 21st over, needing to score at more than eight an over.When experienced campaigner Wilson was held at short fine leg off the bowling of Smith without scoring in the very next over, Griffiths followed her back to the pavilion four balls later, caught and bowled by Capsey for 21 and Gibson offered a return catch to Smith, Storm were 81 for 5 and staring down the barrel of defeat.Storm’s demise unfolded with indecent haste thereafter, Smith having Nat Wraith caught behind off the finest of edges and Capsey mopping up the tail, accounting for Niamh Holland, Sophia Smale, Filer and Claire Nicholas in quick succession.

N Srinivasan’s ICC stint, Sundar Raman’s future and the fate of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are some of the issues awaiting Shashank Manohar’s attention

Amol Karhadkar04-Oct-20154:36

Gupta: Decisions on IPL franchises on Manohar’s plate

N Srinivasan’s ICC stint
Manohar did clarify that a decision on representation at the ICC would be taken by the board’s annual general meeting, expected to be held next month. Indications from board members, including many Srinivasan detractors, are that Manohar will not displace Srinivasan as the ICC chairman. Whatever decision is taken in this regard, Manohar will have a lot of explaining to do for it.Sundar Raman’s future
Over the last two years, Manohar has been the most vocal critic of the previous BCCI dispensation protecting the IPL chief operating officer, who is under investigation in connection with the 2013 IPL corruption scandal. It didn’t come as a surprise that Raman wasn’t present at the BCCI office over the weekend. Manohar will now have to make up his mind on whether to wait for the Supreme Court-directed investigation on Raman to complete or terminate his contract straightaway.Fate of two tainted IPL teams
The Lodha panel may have imposed a two-year suspension on the owners of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals but the BCCI can still exercise its right to terminate the franchise agreement of both the teams. When asked if the board will do so, Manohar played safe. “It is hardly 25 minutes since I have taken over. You can’t expect me to look into all the board records, all the board papers and tell you what decision the board is going to take,” he said.Selectors’ appointment
Just like the ICC representative, the selection panel is also appointed at the AGM. But the appointment is a mere formality during the meeting; the members of the selection committee are decided in advance by the president and the secretary. Till Jagmohan Dalmiya’s demise, indications had been that three of the five selectors – Rajinder Singh Hans, Saba Karim and Roger Binny – might be replaced. But with the AGM being delayed and the World Twenty20 fast approaching, it remains to be seen if Manohar prefers Sandeep Patil’s panel to continue and serve out its maximum four-year tenure.Cricket advisory committee
The high-profile cricket advisory committee – comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman – was Dalmiya’s brainchild to advise the BCCI on a range of cricket-related matters. When asked if the advisory committee will continue, Manohar again played safe. All he said was that the committee does exist “at present”. During his first stint as president, Manohar had preferred to not have too many committees in place. Will he stick to his old policies, or make an exception and let the committee consisting of three of India’s greatest cricketers continue?

To put it bluntly, Sunday was not a good day for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side played host to fierce rivals Chelsea, and after just losing to Bournemouth, they were under immense pressure to come away with all three points.

Things started well enough, with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski putting the North Londoners 2-0 up, but some braindead defending and brilliant play from the visitors saw the game end 4-3 in their favour.

Unsurprisingly, Cole Palmer was the star of the show once again, and while he looks destined to reach the very top, it was Spurs who had a potentially era-defining talent in their squad first.

Spurs' exciting youngsters

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth delving into some of the exciting talents within Postecoglou’s squad today, as while they aren’t getting as much attention as Palmer, some of them could end up being just as good.

For example, Mikey Moore is still only 17 years old but has caught the imagination of the fanbase with his impressive cameo appearances, including the one against AZ Alkmaar that saw James Maddison compare him to Neymar Jr and his sensational form at the youth level.

In just 33 appearances for the various junior teams, the England U19 star has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists, which equates to a brilliant average of 1.06 goal involvements per game.

Moving back to the first team and to a player who’s been getting plenty of game time recently, Archie Gray looks set for an incredible career at the top level.

Described as a “future £100m cm” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Durham-born gem has primarily played at right-back so far this season, making 15 first-team appearances, but the club believe that his future lies in the middle of the park.

Interestingly, that could see him form a partnership with another of the Lilywhites’ terribly exciting youngsters, Lucas Bergvall.

The Swedish phenom, whom Mattinson described as “uber-complete”, signed for the North Londoners in January despite interest from Barcelona.

While he hasn’t been able to make a significant impact yet this season, he seriously impressed in his home country last year, racking up a tally of six goals and five assists in 19 senior appearances for Djurgården.

However, while the three aforementioned prospects could develop into incredible players, they, and Palmer, for that matter, pale in comparison to Spurs’ original star boy.

Spurs' original Palmer

So, to get straight to the point, the former youngster in question was, of course, Dele Alli.

The former England international was a sublime player for the Lilywhites and certainly the club’s own, arguably more impressive, version of Palmer.

The Milton Keynes-born gem joined the North Londoners in a £5m deal from MK Dons in February 2015 but remained with his hometown side until the following season, when he truly burst onto the scene.

In his first season with Mauricio Pochettino’s team, the midfield maestro, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “pure wonderkid,” scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 46 games.

However, as impressive as that was, the following season was on another level entirely, as in 50 appearances, the incredible talent scored 22 goals, provided 12 assists and thoroughly established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League.

This rich vein of form continued to some degree for a few years, but things eventually went wrong for the Englishman, and while he now finds himself without a club, his immense natural talent means he could still find his way back to the game in some form or another.

Ultimately, while Palmer is the toast of Chelsea at the moment, he’ll have to go up another gear in the coming seasons to match the utterly sensational form Dele was in for the first few years of his Spurs career.

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da bet7： Chelsea are enjoying a solid first season under Enzo Maresca. Despite a recent run of poor results, the Blues are still fourth in the Premier League and very much in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

da fezbet： They’re also flying in the Conference League. Maresca’s side finished top of the new-look group phase by winning all of their six games and scored a record 26 goals in the process. There is, however, room for improvement.

The Blues have been struggling at the back all season, keeping just four clean sheets in the top flight, with their problems amplified in recent weeks by injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Fofana is expected to miss the rest of the season, while Badiashile is set to be out until at least February.

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The Blues have also had a few issues going forward. Despite improving, Nicolas Jackson is still missing too many chances, while Noni Madueke has been disappointing on the right wing. Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, is currently suspended for failing a drugs test.

To remedy those ailments, Chelsea should use the January transfer market to search for some reinforcements. Here are seven players we think they should look at signing:

1 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace

Marc Guehi, who came through Chelsea’s academy before being sold to Crystal Palace for a fee of £18 million in 2021, has been linked with a sensational return to Stamford Bridge this month.

Speaking with CaughtOffside earlier this month, journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Guehi is a player that Chelsea “like” and that a move for him “has already been discussed and considered internally.”

Chelsea should do all they can to land Guehi. Not only has he established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest central defenders since moving to Palace, but he’s also familiar with Chelsea, meaning it should take him less time to adjust if he were to move back to west London.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who handed Guehi his Chelsea debut while in charge of the Blues in 2019, is a big admirer of the Palace star.

Following Guehi’s impressive performances in England’s opening two group games at Euro 2024, Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I gave him his debut at Chelsea and he is a really polite, humble lad. You could see that he had all the attributes to take him a long way, particularly the personality. He wanted to do well.

“I liked the idea of working with him at the time because when a young kid comes through and shows that humility and wants to do well, that is an amazing thing to work with as a coach.”

2 Jonathan Tah Bayer Leverkusen

One potential roadblock in a potential Chelsea move for Guehi could be his price tag, which is believed to be £65 million.

If that fee is deemed too expensive for the powers that be at the Bridge, the Blues could instead turn their attentions to Bayer Leverkusen and Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah.

The 28-year-old helped guide Leverkusen to a first-ever Bundesliga title last season, but has confirmed he will leave the BayArena either before or when his contract ends this summer. Leverkusen would no doubt rather avoid losing him for nothing, so January could be a good time for Chelsea to pounce and land him at a bargain price.

Tah has recently been described as “maybe the best defender in Germany” by Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

3 Wilfried Singo AS Monaco

AS Monaco defender Wilfried Singo has been one of Ligue 1’s most outstanding defenders over the past year or so, impressing with his speed, strength, aerial ability and interceptions – for which he ranks within the 99th percentile when compared to players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as per FBref.

He also ranks in the 94th percentile for progressive carries and 95th for successful take-ons.

“He’s a really good defender. He can play in lots of defensive positions,” Monaco manager Adi Hutter recently said of Singo, who has played at right-back, centre-back and even right-midfield this year.

“He can bring a lot in terms of set-pieces. He is a top header of the ball, with his technique and determination with the head. He’s a warrior and a fighter,” Hutter said.

Chelsea currently need cover in a number of defensive positions, whether at centre-back to fill in for Fofana, or at right-back to cover for the ever-injured Reece James and Malo Gusto. Singo’s versatility and skilset make him a good fit.

Related Reece James injury history: Every game missed by Chelsea star since 2021/22

The defender has endured a torrid few seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Posts ByBen Browning Nov 22, 2024 4 Gregor Kobel Borussia Dortmund

It’s no secret that Chelsea need a new goalkeeper. While he occasionally pulls off a great save or two, current No 1 Robert Sanchez is too error-prone and isn’t good enough with the ball at his feet to play out from the back as Maresca wants him to.

According to German newspaper BILD, Chelsea are eyeing Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel as a replacement for Sanchez, and it’s easy to see why.

Kobel joined Dortmund from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £12 million.

Since then, he’s made over 130 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben, keeping 46 clean sheets and establishing himself as one of German football’s top shot-stoppers.

“In Dortmund, Gregor has developed into a goalkeeper of world-class calibre who has attracted the interest of many top clubs in Europe,” Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said of Kobel last year.

5 Dani Olmo Barcelona

The future of Christopher Nkunku is currently up in the air. While Maresca has insisted he wants to keep the Frenchman, there is interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester United, and some reports suggest he is ready to move on due to a lack of Premier League minutes in west London.

If Nkunku does leave, Chelsea will have a vacancy in attacking midfield, which could be suitably filled by Dani Olmo.

The Spanish midfielder finds himself in a predicament at Barcelona, who have been unable to register him for the second half of the season due to financial difficulties.

Fortunately, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Olmo has a clause in his contract that will allow him to terminate his contract and become a free agent.

If he exercises it, Chelsea should make their move. Described by former RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann as an “outstanding footballer”, the 26-year-old boasts exceptional ability on the ball, a thumping long-range strike, and a great eye for threaded through-passes.

6 Ademola Lookman Atalanta

Ademola Lookman moving to Chelsea isn’t a transfer that is likely to happen, nor has even been rumoured, but it’s one we would love to see.

The 2024 African Footballer of the Year has taken Serie A by storm since joining Atalanta in 2022, scoring 44 goals and producing 24 assists in 100 games for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Most notably, he scored a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final as Atalanta scooped their first piece of major European silverware.

He’s quick, skilful, creative, and perhaps most importantly for Chelsea, a great habit of arriving into the box from the back post to score. Maresca has previously publicly demanded that from his wide forwards like Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto this season, but they’ve rarely delivered.

Plus, Lookman has a point to prove. Everton, Fulham and Leicester City never gave him a chance to shine while on their books. Finally shining at Chelsea would prove they all were wrong not to, but all in fairness, he’s probably done that already.

7 Milos Kerkez Bournemouth

Just as they need reinforcements at centre-back and right-back, Chelsea also need numbers at left-back. Marc Cucurella is doing a fine job at present, but can’t play every game, while Malo Gusto simply can’t play down that flank, and Maresca has made it clear he isn’t ready to trust youngster Renato Veiga there just yet.

Ben Chilwell, meanwhile, has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea reportedly have Brest’s Bradley Locko and Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa on their radar as options, but a dream acquisition, at least in our opinion, would be Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

One of the Premier League’s most outstanding defenders this season, the Hungarian is solid in defence and potent in attack, with both sides to his game on display when he put in a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-1 win over Manchester City back in November.

Kerkez provided both of his side’s assists on the day, and also made three clearances, two ball recoveries, and one interception.

After an equally strong performance against Manchester United last season, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola heaped praise on the 21-year-old, saying: “Milos has, I think, played a hell of a game.

“He has been really good defensively. He has been really good going forward. He has played more forward, and I think these kinds of games where he finds more spaces, he can make his runs, carry the ball, find it two against one outside. I think it suits him very well.”

Manchester United have been given a cash injection update when it comes to Mason Greenwood, with transfer talk raging around the Marseille forward.

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• Forward moved to France in 2024
• Speculation regarding another move
• Red Devils due share of any sale

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils agreed to part with Old Trafford academy graduate Greenwood in the summer of 2024. He was, after enjoying a productive loan spell at La Liga side Getafe, allowed to head for France in a £27 million ($35m) deal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Greenwood has enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Stade Velodrome, registering 15 Ligue 1 goals, but has seen his attitude questioned by Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi of late. That supposed feud has fuelled speculation regarding an imminent move elsewhere.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Clubs from across Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, have been linked with Greenwood. Any deal would see United pocket 50 per cent of any fee that changes hands, with the Premier League giants boasting a sell-on clause.

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  WHAT FABRIZIO ROMANO SAID

  Ruben Amorim could do with those extra funds ahead of the next window, as he tries to freshen up an underperforming squad, but United have been warned there is little substance to the current gossip. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told : "There are many rumours, but nothing has been decided at this stage for Greenwood. There are not even negotiations with other clubs."