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Two Aston Villa players played for England on Friday evening as they defeated Albania in what was Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of the Three Lions

Ezri Konsa started in the heart of the defence alongside Newcastle United’s man of the moment, Dan Burn, and they kept a clean sheet.

Morgan Rogers came off the bench to replace Curtis Jones with 15 minutes left to play, although the 22-year-old didn’t have time to create anything meaningful.

It was Konsa who was one of the stars of the show.

Ezri Konsa's game in numbers vs Albania

The defender was in no mood to allow Albania a chance of scoring, as he won six of his seven total contested duels while completing 94% of his passes and taking 125 touches during the game.

It was an impressive performance, to say the least, one that Tuchel will be happy with, not least due to the former Brentford man’s crucial, last-ditch challenge in the second half.

This could mean the Villa star will be given another start on Monday evening against Latvia as he looks to become one of the defenders Tuchel trusts.

His displays for the Midlands side have also been sublime this term and this has seen his market value rise steadily.

Indeed, according to Football Transfers, Konsa is now worth €44.3m (£37m) and this could increase even further.

Ezri Konsa’s statistics vs Albania

Touches

125

Pass success rate

94%

Tackles

1

Total duels (won)

7 (6)

Possession lost

8

Long balls (accurate)

2 (1)

Via Sofascore

One player in the current Villa squad who will be doing all he can to prove to Tuchel that he deserves a place in the England squad is Jacob Ramsey. The midfielder is even worth more than Konsa at the time of writing.

Aston Villa's next England star

Ramsey has made 16 appearances for the England U21 side during his career so far, scoring four goals in the process, but he hasn’t made the leap to senior level yet.

Could that change under Tuchel? This season, the academy graduate has played 34 times, scoring three goals and chipping in with five assists.

The 23-year-old has particularly impressed in the Champions League. indeed when compared to his positional peers in the competition,

Ramsey ranks in the top 1% for pass completion percentage (90.9%) while ranking in the top 6% for assists (0.57) and in the top 5% for shots on target percentage (66.7%) this season.

Lauded as a “special talent” by writer Sam Tabuteau in 2022, Ramsey is now finally showcasing the quality that made him one of the brightest youngsters in the Premier League a few seasons ago.

As such, his market value has also increased. According to Football Transfers, the Englishman is now worth €45.5m (£37.5m), which means he is worth even more than Konsa currently.

Should Ramsey continue this excellent run of form, he might well find himself part of the next England squad under the enigmatic German.

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?

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If so, he must take his chance as Konsa did against Albania, giving himself the best possible chance of making the squad for the 2026 World Cup in just over a year.

Related Emery's a fan: Aston Villa now setting sights on move to sign "smart" star

Emery could finally get his man…

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Mar 21, 2025

Lucknow Super Giants turned it around in the final few overs as they registered the highest chase of the IPL this season

Himanshu Agrawal10-Apr-2023It was a rolling ride where the teasing tickle in the stomach never seemed to stop, as the coaster went up and down, left and right, threatening to crash into a pool one moment before soaring high into the clouds the next. That’s what the game felt like.Lucknow Super Giants needed four to win from the remaining five balls with three wickets in hand. Then Mark Wood got bowled. Few balls later, a tumbling Faf du Plessis almost fumbled a catch, but eventually took it.That made it 1 off 1, with one wicket in hand. Harshal Patel, the bowler, then attempted to run the non-striker out backing up, but missed.Still 1 off 1. Dinesh Karthik then juggles and fails to grab the last ball behind the stumps, enough for the last two Super Giants batters to sneak a bye.Game over. The Royal Challengers Bangalore and their fans were left with broke hearts. The Super Giants claimed a humdinger.Highest win contribution % for Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore•ESPNcricinfo LtdStoinis starts the partyMarcus Stoinis came out at 23 for 3 after four overs. Not managing to score from his three balls, Stoinis swung across the line. Mohammed Siraj, placed at mid-on, ran back towards midwicket and dropped a difficult catch.After seven overs, Super Giants’ required rate had crossed 13, but Stoinis welcomed Harshal with 6, 4, 4. Next over, Karn Sharma was given the same treatment. In the over after that, Shahbaz Ahmed was creamed for two sixes. The first of that brought up his fifty off 25 balls. Karn got his revenge in the 11th over when Stoinis departed for 65 from 30 deliveries. But only if Royal Challengers knew what was to follow.Pooran pings sixes at willNicholas Pooran arrived when Super Giants needed another 114 from 56 balls in pursuit of 213. The second ball he faced was dispatched over long-on. He was on 10 off five deliveries at one stage. He ended with 62 from 19. Seven of those balls were hit for sixes, and four of them for fours. Carefree, unstoppable T20 batting, with the swag, muscle and calmness of Sir Viv.Pooran’s fifty came up off 15 deliveries. Balls flew over long-on, square leg, extra cover and fine leg. Fielders’ jaws dropped and the bowlers’ spirits were crushed as Pooran was merciless. When he was finally dismissed, he left Super Giants needing only 24 from 18.Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis put on a 115-run stand in quick time•Associated PressImpact Player StrategyIntroduced in the 12th over, Amit Mishra carried forward the mania from Lucknow to Bangalore, and struck third ball to dismiss Virat Kohli. Two overs later, Glenn Maxwell smashed him for 4, 6 off successive deliveries as Mishra ended at 2 for 18. Despite being brought on quite late, he was subbed by Ayush Badoni. Badoni, to his part, played the ice to Pooran’s fire, guiding Super Giants with a composed 30 in 24 deliveries, before hitting his stumps with the bat in a follow through after scooping the ball for six, a-la Roy Fredericks from the 1975 World Cup final.RCB penalised for slow over-rate

Royal Challengers were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during the game. Since it was their first offence of the season, only captain du Plessis was fined Rs 12 lakh.
Avesh Khan, the Super Giants quick, was reprimanded for a Level 1 offence [2.2 of IPL’s Code of Conduct].

Royal Challengers replaced Anuj Rawat, who didn’t get to bat, with legspinner Karn at the start of their defence. Karn ended up conceding 48 in three overs, the most expensive economy for any Royal Challengers bowler (min. three overs) ever.du Plessis, Maxwell and Kohli’s fifties in vainRoyal Challengers’ innings was of three parts: 56 runs in the powerplay, 48 in the next seven, and 108 from the final seven. The start was down to an attacking Kohli, who ended the first six overs on 42, with four fours and three sixes. But his last 19 runs took as many deliveries to come, with the Super Giants’ spinner Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi applying the brakes.Carnage was to follow. In what turned to be a six-fest, du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell smacked 11 sixes until the end of the innings. Du Plessis finished on 79, while Maxwell smashed 59 at double the pace. Royal Challengers soared to 212. In the end, it was all for nothing.

Gary Neville admitted that the thought of the Europa League final gives him a "sickly feeling" as Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham.

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• United set for the biggest clash of the season
• Red Devils could earn £100m if they triumph
• Neville is "confident" in Amorim's troops

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With both United & Tottenham eager to salvage disappointing domestic campaigns, the final offers more than just silverware; it carries the crucial incentive of Champions League qualification and an estimated financial windfall of £100 million ($133m).

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  Despite United’s struggles this season, Neville remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rise to the occasion. However, the former right-back also admitted that the sheer importance of the match fills him with anxiety.

• WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  Neville, speaking as a lifelong supporter and former player, described the prospect of the final as unsettling.

  "It is a huge game. The consequences are massive. I have a sickly feeling in my stomach about this game as a United fan purely because of what is at stake," he said, per BBC Sport.

  While fellow pundit and ex-captain Roy Keane called it an exciting fixture, Neville took a more cautious view.

  "Roy Keane called it a great game the other day," he said. "That is what Roy would think. My mentality is different. I was a right-back. You know the only thing you can do is lose your team the game. Unless you are Trent Alexander-Arnold, you are unlikely to win your team a game as a right-back. But I am confident. Manchester United have an uncanny knack, even in difficult times and bad times – and this has been a really bad season – of picking up trophies."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Under Erik ten Hag, United won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, and Neville believes Amorim will also deliver a silverware despite their awful league form.

  "That is not a bad habit to have as a football club," he added. "They still get to finals and do things even though the league form has been awful – and it has been a terrible season."

Alyssa Healy will miss the ODIs with a calf injury; Kim Garth and Phoebe Litchfield both included

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Dec-2022

Meg Lanning will be back in action in January•Getty Images

Meg Lanning will return to captain Australia in the ODI series against Pakistan next month following her extended break from the game and appears likely to be available for the T20 World Cup in February.However, Alyssa Healy, who took over the captaincy for the recent tour of India, will miss the series following the calf strain she picked up in Mumbai. Beth Mooney will take the keeping gloves.Lanning stepped away following the Commonwealth Games in August for personal reasons, missing the WBBL and the five T20Is in India.Shortly after the squad announcement, Lanning posted on Instagram about her experiences of the last five months.”Sometimes you just have to hit pause, step back and take a breather,” she wrote. “That’s certainly what I needed. The past 6 months have taught me a lot. I’ve learnt so much about myself and who and what is important to me.”I’ve always played my cards pretty close to my chest. This experience has given me a greater appreciation of how opening up and talking to the people that care about you really can make the tough times feel easier. It’s ok to ask for help and admit that you don’t have everything under control.”Having enjoyed some time and space, I feel refreshed and ready to play the game that I love in teams that I love. It’s such an exciting time for the game and I can’t wait to be part of it!” Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said: “Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away. While we welcome Meg back, Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth to take the gloves in her absence.Jess Jonassen has been included but will need to prove her fitness having picking up a hamstring injury in India.Kim Garth and Phoebe Litchfield have been retained from the T20I squad but Heather Graham, who took a hat-trick in the final match, Grace Harris and Amanda-Jade Wellington have been left out.Tahlia McGrath, who captained the final T20I in India after Healy’s injury, will continue as vice-captain.Australia will have a new-look opening pair with Healy and the retired Rachael Haynes absent from the side that played the ODI World Cup final against England in April.The three ODIs against Pakistan will take place on January 16, 18 and 21 with the first two matches at Allan Border Field in Brisbane and the last at North Sydney Oval. They are followed by three T20Is on January 24, 26 and 29 before the teams head to South Africa for the World Cup.Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs Meg Lanning (capt), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen (subject to fitness), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland

Rangers have been told that Jose Mourinho would be a “box office” appointment, with Alan Hutton eager to see the ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss at Ibrox.

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Outspoken Portuguese currently in TurkeyGers looking for a new permanent boss'Special One' opened door to Scottish giantsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Gers are in the market for a new permanent manager as former club captain Barry Ferguson continues to steer them towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign on an interim basis. Several big names have been linked with the Scottish Premiership heavyweights.

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There has been talk of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard – who delivered title glory while cutting his coaching teeth in Glasgow – returning to familiar surroundings. Ex-Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose is said to be another leading candidate.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hutton, though, would like to see the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ brought to Scotland. Mourinho recently admitted that he may be tempted to take the reins at an Old Firm giant, with Rangers eager to ensure that they fend off arch-rivals Celtic in any battle there.

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GettyWHAT ALAN HUTTON SAID

Hutton – speaking in association with , who offer the latest Champions League odds – said: “Jose Mourinho at Rangers would be absolute box office, I'm sure of it. He was asked the question when Rangers played Fenerbahce and he didn't say no. It seemed like he would quite like and fancy something like that. So it would be interesting.

“I think for a guy of his experience and quality to come in, it's probably something that Rangers need at this moment in time because they're going to go through, I feel, a big rebuild, especially with the takeover that's happening and the changes behind the scenes.

“You need somebody with that experience that can deal with those sorts of pressures and maintain what they need to do against obviously Celtic and the rest of the league. So it would be brilliant to see. I'd love to see his press conferences from week to week, I'm sure it'd be fun.”

West Ham United have apparently reached an agreement on personal terms for the potential signing of one forward, with an update also coming to light on club-to-club talks, as Graham Potter’s side attempt to bring in a new attacker before the deadline.

West Ham scouring January market for new forward signing

Injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio have exacerbated West Ham’s need for a quality, fresh option to arrive at the London Stadium and reinforce Potter’s forward line.

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The Euro 2024 attacker appears to be a top target for Graham Potter’s side.

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West Ham are also among the Premier League’s lowest-scoring teams, with relegation-threatened Wolves bagging more in the final third than Potter’s side, which partly highlights why the Irons are so keen to get a new centre-forward over the line before February 3rd.

Chelsea (away)

February 3rd

Brentford (home)

February 15th

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Brighton are set to allow young marksman Evan Ferguson to depart the Seagulls on loan this month, which has sparked interest from West Ham and multiple other sides.

The 20-year-old, who’s been unable to wrestle back his place at Brighton ahead of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, is believed to be a top target for Potter, with West Ham hopeful of winning any race for Ferguson ahead of English rivals.

However, the Republic of Ireland international isn’t their only target. West Ham have also held discussions to sign Andre Silva from RB Leipzig, while Ajax forward Brian Brobbey is also high on their agenda.

Dutch media reports shared news last week that West Ham were starting to make a “serious attempt” to sign Brobbey on loan with an obligation to buy, contacting both Ajax and the player himself with a proposal.

However, some reliable journalists have since shared that it may not be that straightforward, and the costs of a potential move are deemed “too high” by West Ham chiefs as things stand – even if a deal isn’t completely off the table (Jacob Steinberg).

Brian Brobbey has agreed personal terms with West Ham

That being said, Potter’s side have still made some serious headway in a move for the Netherlands international. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, West Ham have agreed personal terms with Brobbey on a £100,000-per-week contract, so there appears to be no issue in convincing the forward to swap Amsterdam for the English capital.

The broadcast giant reiterates that West Ham and Ajax are yet to come to an agreement on payment, though, which means their pursuit of a new number nine is still wide open. If they can land Brobbey, it is worth taking a look at some of the plaudits he has received.

“He is so fast and strong, he was very annoying for the defenders of PSV and dangerous for Ajax,” said ex-Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk.

“The ball on the post, the ball in front. You can see from those running actions that he is a real striker,” says the former striker. Leave Brobbey alone. In my eyes, he should always play. Otherwise, Ajax will have too many attackers who want the ball in their feet and the team will be too predictable.”

Newcastle United have been urged to keep hold of striker Alexander Isak by former Rangers forward Ally McCoist

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Isak led Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory last monthSwedish star has attracted interest from Premier League rivalsMcCoist claims Isak has been 'best centre-forward in Europe this year'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle have been warned against selling star striker Isak by Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist. The former Real Sociedad star has been a massive hit on Tyneside but has also been linked with a departure as rival clubs in England and around Europe monitor his progress.

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Isak helped the Magpies end a 56-year trophy draught as they beat Liverpool in last month's Carabao Cup final, but Premier League rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with the Sweden international to bolster their own forward lines. However, Eddie Howe's side are well placed in the hunt for Champions League qualification and McCoist believes Newcastle are unlikely to sell to a rival unless a huge bid arrives.

WHAT MCCOIST SAID

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist said: "He [Isak] could play anywhere, at any level. He's probably been the best centre-forward in Europe this year – absolutely terrific.

"Newcastle fans will be building a wall around St James' Park as we speak! I don't think the club would even consider letting him go – unless a ridiculous offer came in. Eddie Howe’s building something there.

"I get that money talks, but selling Isak would send the wrong message. Newcastle are on the verge of a phenomenal season – first domestic trophy in 70 years, possibly a return to the Champions League. That's massive. So while top clubs will come calling, I don't see him going anywhere."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals than Isak's 20 so far this season, while the Swede has also contributed five assists for his teammates. His strike against Liverpool at Wembley proved to be the winner in the Carabao Cup final as the Magpies deservedly triumphed 2-1.

A fresh Newcastle United exit update has emerged during the January transfer window, with a £150,000-a-week first team player wanting to seal his exit from the club.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are still smarting after their 4-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, in a result that saw their momentum halted emphatically. It was a reality check for Eddie Howe and his players, but there is also no need for it to lead to an overreaction given their incredible run of form prior.

In terms of Newcastle transfer news, Botafogo winger Luiz Henrique has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, being seen as an upgrade on Jacob Murphy on the right wing. With Miguel Almiron set to depart this month, too, reinforcements in that area of the pitch are essential.

Galatasaray wide man Baris Yilmaz is another player who has been thrown into the mix as a possible addition for the Magpies, with the 24-year-old scoring 10 goals in just 17 Turkish Super Lig starts this season, shining on both the left and right flank.

At the back, Howe could also be looking for fresh faces, amid injuries and ageing players there, and highly-rated Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande has been backed to move to Newcastle. They tried to snap him up in the summer transfer window last year, but his £67m release clause proved to be too hefty a price at the time.

Newcastle summer signing eyeing exit this month

According to The Boot Room, Lloyd Kelly wants to leave Newcastle in January, having “grown frustrated” at the club, having come in as one of Paul Mitchell’s only signings in 2024. There is interest from the likes of Fenerbahce and Juventus, the latter of whom have seen an approach turned down, and “intermediaries believe a deal is possible” if a bid of around £25m is made.

It is understandable why Kelly doesn’t feel content at Newcastle currently, considering he has only made four starts in the Premier League this season, and just nine appearances in the competition in total. The likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have simply been preferred to him, as has Sven Botman since his return from injury, meaning his Magpies career has struggled to get going.

It would be a risk for Newcastle to allow Kelly to leave this month, however, seeing as it would affect their squad depth between now and the end of the season. The Englishman can shine as both a centre-back and a left-back, so his versatility would be a real loss.

Assuming the former Bournemouth man’s lack of action continues in the coming months, though, a decision needs to be made about his future at the end of the current campaign.

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The £150,000-a-week Kelly is contracted at St James’ until the summer of 2029, so if Howe doesn’t see him as a key player moving forward, Newcastle could still receive good money for him, with the length of his deal putting them in a strong bargaining position to turn a nice profit after his free signing last summer.

Manchester United have struggled in recent years, failing to reach the heights the fanbase has expected them to after such heavy investment from the hierarchy.

The board have splashed over £600m on new additions under Erik ten Hag, with many failing to cut the grade required of a top-level Premier League talent.

As a result, they have been languishing outside the top four in recent seasons, extending their streak without a league title to a decade, leaving new boss Ruben Amorim tasked with ending such a drought.

He’s made an okay start to life as Red Devils boss, winning just once out of his four matches in the league, losing each of the last two outings to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

It’s safe to say some players have failed to impress since his appointment, potentially putting their long-term futures at Old Trafford in huge jeopardy.

The Man United players who have failed to impress Amorim

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has produced some memorable moments so far this campaign, including a miraculous double save against Crystal Palace which was named the Premier League’s Save of the Month for September.

However, his last outing against Forest was undoubtedly his worst of the season, producing two errors that ultimately swung the game in the visitor’s favour.

He failed to keep out an effort from Morgan Gibbs-White, before misjudging an effort from Chris Wood which saw Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claim a two-goal lead.

Onana isn’t the only one to struggle in recent matches, with winger Alejandro Garnacho struggling to adapt to his new inside attacking role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Since the 39-year-old’s appointment, has failed to score or assist in the Premier League – with his only effort coming in the Europa League against Bodo/Glimt.

The youngster has been dragged in each of the last two meetings before the hour mark, unable to make an impact – whilst failing to add to his tally of three goals and one assist in the league.

As a result, the club must rue their decision to release a certain Premier League star.

Former Man Utd academy gem has outperformed Garnacho

Midfielder Dwight McNeil was a part of United’s infamous Carrington academy, but he was released by the Red Devils at the age of 16 – subsequently joining Burnley.

He would make over 100 appearances for the Clarets before departing following relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2021/22 season, moving to Everton – allowing him to capture his best form in England’s top flight.

McNeil has been the shining light in an underperforming Toffees side this campaign, scoring three times and registering three assists in the process – outperforming Garnacho with such figures.

He’s also completed more progressive passes and achieved more of his attempted take-ons, providing more of an all-round presence in the final third than the young Argentine.

Such is the nature of McNeil’s performances in 2024/25, he’s been compared to Manchester City star Phil Foden by FBref – a comparison that is certainly a huge statement given the youngsters’ stature in the game.

However, when delving into their respective stats to date, the Everton winger has bettered the England international in numerous key areas, showcasing how impressive he’s been in recent months.

How McNeil compares to Foden (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	McNeil	Foden
Games played	13	10
Goals & assists	6	1
Shot-on-target accuracy	35%	10%
Dribbles completed	1.6	0.9
Carries into the final third	2.2	1
Crosses completed	7.2	5
Through balls completed	0.6	0.4
Stats via FBref

Not only has the 25-year-old registered more combined goals and assists than the City forward, but he’s also notched a better shot-on-target rate and completed nearly two times more dribbles per 90.

Undoubtedly, it was a long time ago that the Red Devils parted ways with McNeil, but in the current day, letting him for nothing certainly appears to be something of a mistake.

With January coming up, Amorim will likely want to bolster his ranks, but he could have already had himself a top-level talent had they kept hold of the current Premier League ace.

However, for the fanbase and the new boss, it will always remain a case of what could have been had they kept hold of the 25-year-old.

Man Utd could forget Hojlund & Zirkzee by signing amazing £63m striker

Man United could sign an upgrade on their two striker options in January.

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George Light

Dec 9, 2024

Here’s something no one has been able to say for a while: Manchester City are struggling for goals.

Right now, the Sky Blues are the joint-sixth highest scorers in the Premier League with 22 from 13 games, meaning they’ve bagged fewer goals than Brentford and the same number as Wolverhampton Wanderers, a current member of the bottom three.

As noted by Opta’s The Analyst, of Man City’s starting lineup deployed at Anfield on Sunday, only Erling Braut Haaland had scored a Premier League goal this season, a fact that remained true following their lacklustre display on Merseyside, and even the usually unstoppable Norwegian has only netted twice in his last eight league outings.

Of course, the Citizens’ current decline has been largely attributed to Rodri’s injury, leaving them exposed at the back and vulnerable to counter-attacks, but they’re also struggling to score goals too.

Thus, despite already boasting one free-scoring, often unplayable Nordic centre-forward, could the four-in-a-row Premier League champions make a move for another?

Manchester City looking at Viktor Gyokeres move

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Deutschland on social media, Manchester City have “intensified their efforts” to sign Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Viktor Gyökeres.

The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the last month or so, which isn’t too surprising considering Rúben Amorim, his now former Sporting boss has just arrived at Old Trafford.

When pressed on the matter, Gyökeres himself said: “We’re sad to see him (Amorim) go….. follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”

However, could he indeed follow Amorim to Manchester, but end up donning a sky blue shirt, rather than a red one?

Analyst Ben Mattinson described Gyökeres as a “ball-striking monster”, with reference to this thunderous free-kick he scored during the Taça da Liga quarter-final against Nacional in late October.

That was one of 24 goals Gyökeres has scored already this season, including five in five Champions League appearances, most notably bagging a hat-trick during Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing at Estádio José Alvalade last month.

He was also the top-scorer in this season’s UEFA Nations League with nine, including four when Azerbaijan visited Stockholm in November, a haul that meant he pipped a certain Haaland to the golden boot.

Transfer Focus

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

Where Gyökeres would fit in at Manchester City

Overall, since joining Sporting from Coventry City 18 months ago, Gyökeres has scored 67 goals in 71 appearances for the Lions, the key figure, certainly on the playing side, as they won last season’s Primeira Liga title at a canter.

Given that the Swede will celebrate his 27th birthday next June, next summer feels the right time for him to make a big-money move, having made very little impact at the highest level before exploding onto the scene in Lisbon last season.

On the face of it, this proposed move makes little sense at all, considering Man City already have the great Haaland leading the line.

However, Gyökeres should be viewed as more of a replacement for Julián Álvarez, who was sold to Atlético Madrid for a whopping £81.5m last summer, without being replaced; İlkay Gündoğan’s, so far, underwhelming return notwithstanding.

It was viewed that Álvarez’s departure would have little impact because he didn’t play much anyway, but this was a complete myth because, contrary to popular belief, only seven outfielders accumulated more than his 3,481 minutes, while only Rodri, Phil Foden, Ederson and Kyle Walker saw more Premier League action than the Argentine forward.

So far this season, Savinho, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Jérémy Doku and an ageing Kevin De Bruyne, persistently hampered by injury, have scored a combined seven goals across all competitions, with Grealish specifically approaching an entire year since he last scored a club goal against Crystal Palace; 353 days and counting.

So, as bonkers as it may be to say, Gyökeres could be just the man the Sky Blues need to bolster their attacking firepower, consequently replacing Alvarez in the process.

Man City want to sign Premier League star who could be their own Odegaard

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