Category Uncategorized

Chelsea’s prestigious Cobham academy has produced its fair share of top-class talent over the years, with European football littered with stars rising through the ranks in west London.

Indeed, in the current Chelsea squad, Mason Mount and Reece James are both graduates now playing starring roles for the Blues, instrumental in winning the 2020/21 Champions League; West Ham United’s Declan Rice is another to have played his formative years for the outfit.

While the club’s current fortunes are less than desirable, Chelsea languish in tenth, 11 points off Tottenham Hotspur in fourth, the knowledge that one of European football’s most prolific and revered youth systems allows a steady flow of talent assures concerned supporters that the future is set to be fruitful, especially given the affluence of owner Todd Boehly.

And with starlets such as Richard Olise rising through the ranks, there is indeed plenty to be optimistic about.

Who is Richard Olise?

The brother of rising Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise, the Chelsea youth player has been making waves beneath the senior surface, having agreed a scholarship deal in 2021.

The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances in the U18 Premier League, supplying one assist, and has been a reliable presence in his dynamic role at right-back, hailed as one of the Blues’ top “talents” by football journalist Antonio Mango.

His robustness was highlighted by his club, who described him on the official website as ‘a very calm and composed right-sided defender who has the ability to both defend and attack, he has all the attributes of a modern-day full-back.’

The aforementioned vignette certainly bears shades of established phenom James, who has made 139 appearances for the Blues since graduating from the academy, now valued at £61m by Football Transfers and being prepared for the captaincy role at the outfit.

With the 23-year-old encapsulating the dynamic attributes needed to flourish as that quintessential ‘modern’ right-back, Olise certainly has the perfect senior peer to serve as an understudy to, with James ranking among the top 12% of full-backs in Europe’s best divisions for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

Chelsea’s defensive right flank certainly looks secure for the coming age, with James among the very best in the position worldwide and Lyon’s Malo Gusto signing for £26m in January, loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit until summer.

But with Olise pushing for a role among the seniors, Blues technical director Christopher Vivell and the club’s manager would be prudent to meticulously assess the player’s development, and ensure that his departure in the future does not come back to bite.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is a major injury doubt for this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Rashford injury scare

The 25-year-old helped the Red Devils to advance in the Europa League on Thursday against Barcelona, but it wasn’t all positive on the night, with the England star being replaced for Scott McTominay late on at Old Trafford with a potential injury.

He appeared to pick up an issue in the closing stages of that match, which has thrown his availability for today’s Wembley showpiece into question as United look for their first trophy since 2017.

The Latest: Rashford travels with Man Utd squad

Samuel Meade shared a story for The Mirror on Saturday evening, sharing images of the United squad heading to London on the train with Rashford amongst them.

However, the reporter said that the forward is a ‘major injury doubt’ despite travelling and could join fellow attacker Anthony Martial on the injured list.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-11/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Rashford appears to be in the form of his life, contributing to 33 goals in 37 games this season. The 25-year-old has mainly lined out on the left and has scored five goals and provided two assists in United’s run to today’s final.

Therefore, being without the attacker from the off would be a huge blow for Erik ten Hag, who could be forced into going with Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho out wide, with Bruno Fernandes in behind Wout Weghorst.

As mentioned, Rashford has travelled with the squad, so we could see him feature in some capacity, and all eyes will be on the team sheet an hour before kick-off.

Leeds United could be set to replicate their appointment of Marcelo Bielsa, should they lean towards one managerial candidate in particular to fill the vacancy at Elland Road…

When was Knutsen linked to Leeds?

Partaking in a Leeds Live Q&A earlier this week, journalist Beren Cross was questioned about the possibility of Kjetil Knutsen making the move to Yorkshire. 

He wrote that the Bodo/Glimt boss would be interested in the position, but as it stood he was not one of the frontrunners on the Premier League club’s shortlist.

However, given the ever-changing situations of the various managers that Leeds have considered as Jesse Marsch’s successor, there remains a strong possibility that Andrea Radrizzani could come back around to secure his signature.

Can Knutsen emulate Bielsa at Leeds?

The shades of Bielsa are there for all to see with Knutsen, both in terms of playing style and squad building.

When the Argentine took over at Leeds in 2018, his first season saw them narrowly miss out on promotion as he slowly bolstered his squad. Then, in the following campaign, he blitzed the Championship as the Whites returned to the Premier League at a canter.

Bielsa was afforded time to implement his philosophies, which are now well-known, and the club would reap the rewards.

Knutsen endured a similar task with Bodo/Glimt, as his first season in 2019 also saw him finish second before romping to the title a year later in record-breaking fashion.

His outfit had been transformed from a relegation-threatened side into a team which won the most points in a season, won the title by the largest margin, lost just one league game all year, scored the most goals and recorded the highest-ever goal difference in the history of the division.

Although time is of the essence, many of the foundations are already in place at Elland Road for Knutsen to implement his philosophy with ease due to the similarities that he and Bielsa share.

His high-pressing system often sees his teams throw plenty of bodies forward in an effort to strangle the opposition into relinquishing the ball. The team would operate high up the pitch in a style which was befitting of the “kamikaze” label that Bodo/Glimt captain Irick Saltnes bestowed.

Indeed, Chris Sutton used that exact word to describe Bielsa’s system during the Argentine’s tenure at Leeds. His gameplan requires a similarly exhausting amount of work as Knutsen’s, hence one of his training sessions being dubbed “murderball” by Patrick Bamford.

There are marked similarities between the way in which these two managers view how the game should be played, and how to recruit effectively. 

Should the 54-year-old be appointed by the Leeds hierarchy, there will be hope that the foundation left by Bielsa will be strong enough to ensure that the Norwegian could hit the ground running in order to cement the Whites’ top-flight safety.

Aston Villa are thought to be one of numerous Premier League clubs keen on signing Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes tonight, according to The Athletic’s Chelsea reporter Liam Twomey.

The Lowdown: Gallagher profiled

The 22-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €32m (£28m) Transfermarkt valuation. Capable of playing as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, he has made 25 appearances in all competitions at Stamford Bridge this season.

Described as “outrageous” by Crystal Palace podcaster Dan Cook following a goal during a loan spell at Selhurst Park last term, the England international is reportedly ‘one of the most sought-after players heading into the final hours of the transfer window’.

The Latest: Villa interested in Gallagher

Twomey took to Twitter on Monday, claiming that he can’t see Gallagher joining Everton following a reported offer.

The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondent said that the player is ‘expected to have better PL options’, with Villa one of four clubs named alongside Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham.

The Verdict: Get it done

Unai Emery has wanted to bring in a new midfielder this month after already signing defender Alex Moreno and forward Jhon Duran, so winning the race for Gallagher’s services could prove to be a major coup for Villa.

Still just 22 years of age, the Chelsea gem has gone from strength to strength in recent years, winning Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season prize after contributing to 39 appearances last season.

Gallagher would offer plenty of versatility at Villa Park, something which could come in handy with Emery tinkering between a 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 system since taking over in the Midlands. Gallagher could play in defensive, central or attacking midfield roles in those formations, so a late move appears to be a no-brainer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of an exciting young target…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who thinks Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards could be very keen on a return to north London.

He would tell GIVEMESPORT:

“Marcus Edwards would give serious consideration to a move back to Tottenham.

“Obviously, he did very well against them in the Champions League this season, and I think the whole point of him leaving England in the first place to go to Sporting Lisbon was to get first-team football and to prove himself with the ultimate goal of probably coming back to England.”

Whilst the Englishman boasts a £52m release clause, the Lilywhites retain a 50% sell-on clause in his contract. Therefore, any fee they agree on will be halved due to this intelligent move.

Edwards could reignite Son

Given the promise shown at the back end of last season, which saw Antonio Conte lead his side into the top four ahead of rivals Arsenal, few would have expected this season to have gone the way it has.

The Gunners sit eight points clear atop the Premier League table, whilst a five-point gap has opened up between Spurs and fourth-place Manchester United.

What has dramatically hampered their performances this season is the poor form of Heung-min Son, with the South Korean uncharacteristically toothless in front of goal.

Other than his debut campaign in north London, the 30-year-old has hit double figures every season in the league, with his most recent two years seeing him bag 23 and 17 respectively.

So to see him with just four goals in January is a far cry from the standards he sets for himself.

Therefore, the addition of another attacker to compete for places could be instrumental in resurrecting his form, especially one who is starring like Edwards.

In all competitions this season the 24-year-old boasts nine goals and nine assists, already building upon his 18-goal contribution tally from the year prior.

As such, when compared with other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe, he ranks in the top 7% for non-penalty goals and the top 6% for assists per 90. 

He has unsurprisingly been labelled a “generational talent” by The Guardian’s Sid Lowe when speaking to ESPNUK, with his talents having only flourished since leaving his boyhood club in 2019.

Now, upon returning, he would have an important task that could be imperative in turning around their season. Should he translate his creative form back to the English game, he can not only reignite Son but offer him another facilitator with which to allow him to thrive.

Everton have been linked with a move for Ben Brereton Diaz since the summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source ahead of the transfer window reopening at the end of this week.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Dean Jones, Everton have the “strongest links” to the Blackburn Rovers striker in their pursuit to improve their attacking threat.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“At the moment, the strongest links are to Brereton Diaz or [Viktor] Gyokeres at Coventry.”

“And that level of signing, yes, those players have got a lot to prove, so will have a lot of drive, have good goalscoring instincts, but they’re not guaranteed to step up and deliver. And that’s probably the biggest gamble when going for players like that.”

Next Everton goal-machine

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of more clinical and natural finishers in the final third after scoring just 12 Premier League goals so far over their first 16 outings.

The Toffees’ goal-shy approach to their top flight performances have cost them dearly in their pursuit for a more comfortable campaign this season and are now just one point clear of the relegation zone heading into their New Year’s Eve Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.

As a result, manager Frank Lampard must take the golden opportunity in January to land his next Everton goal-machine after losing Richarlison in the summer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still struggling with injury issues.

Brereton Diaz has been a stand-out performer once again in front of goal in the Championship for Rovers after failing to make a move to Goodison Park in the summer.

Over 24 Championship appearances so far, the 23-year-old – who was hailed “elite” by Forest legend Gary Brazil – has scored nine goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, 2.7 shots on goal and 2.7 duels won per game.

Not only that, the Chile international can offer Lampard depth across the front three as the player has a wealth of experience playing on both the left and right wing as well as in the centre-forward role, and with just a reported £20m transfer fee needed it would give Everton a player who can bolster each position in the final third.

With that being said, the signing of Brereton Diaz – who has also been described as a “goal machine” by The Sun journalist Alan Nixon – would be a great piece of business for the Toffees as even when Calvert-Lewin returns, the talented forward can still feature in the first team by partnering the Everton striker in the wide-forward position instead.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Newcastle United to sign Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after an admission from Eddie Howe that the player may be too expensive.

The Lowdown: Howe ‘aware’ of Fernandez

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe admitted that he is ‘aware’ of Fernandez after impressing with winners Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but fears that the transfer fee required to sign him in the January transfer window may be ‘quite lumpy’.

He added that a player should not be signed just off the back of performances at a World Cup, after Magpies legend Alan Shearer joked that he would like to see Fernandez at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Would be a ‘real coup’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League shot-stopper Robinson has urged the North East club to sign Fernandez if they can, claiming that he would be a ‘real coup’:

“Everyone knows Newcastle have a lot of money to play with.

“When Newcastle come knocking, clubs will charge a premium.

“I agree with Howe about signing a player off the back of one tournament. But, Fernandez does not fall into that category. He has been brilliant over a period of time. He has been very good for Benfica by all accounts.

“He is a player they should absolutely be looking at. Imagine him alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

“Fernandez is a brilliant player at the right age. Whoever gets him will be getting one of the best young midfielders in the world. It would be a real coup for Newcastle if they can get him in.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Statement signing

Fernandez would certainly be a statement signing if the Tynesiders can get a deal done in January.

The 21-year-old was a star player at the World Cup, winning the Young Player Award, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

However, he is also performing at club level with Benfica, having ranked in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per game (FBRef).

Fernandez has been a mainstay in the team currently sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.

Nonetheless, a midfield partnership of him and Bruno would really excite the Toon Army.

Aston Villa have entered the race to sign a player who is currently starring at the World Cup…

What’s the news?

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are battling it out with fellow Premier League side Manchester United to sign Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The 31-year-old has been one of Morocco’s brightest sparks as they have become just the fourth African side to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The LaLiga side are unwilling to let Bounou go unless an offer of at least €30m (£26m) is submitted.

Emiliano Martinez replacement?

The relationship between Unai Emery and Martinez is reportedly strained amid a falling out when the two were at Arsenal and this could put the Argentinian’s long-term future at the club in doubt.

The 30-year-old has started all of Villa’s league matches this season, conceding 18 goals and making 2.7 saves per match and the club may have been in a lot more trouble if it weren’t for his heroics in goal.

Despite his solid performances, it appears Emery is keen on adding another goalkeeper, and Bounou – nicknamed as ‘Bono’ – is certainly a player on his radar.

The 31-year-old hero has shone for Morocco in Qatar, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.2, conceding just one goal in three matches, while reserving his best performance for the most important game.

The last-16 tie against Spain was 0-0 after extra time and the Sevilla sensation managed to save all three of the Spanish penalties to send them home and propel the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Teammate Romain Saiss lavished praise on Bono after the game, saying: “It is amazing for him. He had a heroic game today, not only during the penalties. He just wanted to show why he was named the best La Liga goalkeeper last season. He is a great keeper, he proved it against Spain. We owe him a lot today.”

With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs when Morocco take on Portugal tomorrow afternoon, Emery will be watching closely, and don’t be surprised if Bono ends up in the Premier League following his success in Qatar.

With the World Cup break now in full effect, many Premier League clubs will have set off on their various training camps as they await Boxing Day to come back around.

For some, this six-week hiatus comes at the perfect time, however, for Leeds United, it almost kills the momentum they had built in recent weeks.

Despite their recent loss to Tottenham Hotspur, it marked yet another spirited performance as they fell to defeat after their two straight victories beforehand in the league.

These games all marked the continued absence of Patrick Bamford, who was a substitute in their win over Liverpool and subsequently missed Bournemouth and Spurs due to a training injury.

The sad fact of the matter is that the 29-year-old simply cannot be relied upon anymore, with Jesse Marsch’s interest in Chimy Avila standing as proof that he feels the same way.

With reports in Spain detailing their pursuit of the Argentine striker Chimy Avila, it seems the American is ready to move on from his English marksman.

A fee of £20m is already being prepared, which sits below his €30m (£26m) release clause.

At 28 years old, the Osasuna forward would offer some much-needed goalscoring experience, and could even offer some of his know-how to the youngsters who all seem to be knocking on the door for a spot in the first team.

Wilfried Gnonto was signed in the summer from FC Zurich with high hopes he can be the future of the Whites, and he is one that might benefit particularly from this deal.

Having already made three appearances in the Premier League, the 19-year-old even notched an assist in their win over the Cherries. Perhaps Avila could now feature alongside him to help him heighten his goalscoring.

This season has seen the Rosario-born speedster score six times in 13 La Liga appearances, already matching his tally from last season.

Perhaps now, as he strides into his prime years, might be the perfect time to invest in bringing him to Elland Road.

With experience playing on the right wing too, it really could facilitate a fine partnership between him and the young Italian who has excelled on his start in west Yorkshire.

The hunger that Avila could bring might reignite their survival bid after the World Cup break, as he self-proclaimed that he plays every game “as if it were the last”.

This mentality could be integral not only to their season but shaping the future of players like Gnonto – it is the perfect mindset for the budding superstar.

Newcastle United are already being linked with numerous players ahead of the January transfer window, and now a new update has emerged on a potential target.

What’s the latest?

According to Inter Live, the Magpies are willing to double Lautaro Martinez’s salary in order to secure his signature over their competitors.

As per the report, Martinez currently collects a wage of €7m (£6.1m)  and Newcastle would need to compete with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but there is also a chance he could stay at Inter Milan too.

“Spectacular” trio

With Alexander Isak recently signed and Callum Wilson continuing to still offer consistent goals, the addition of yet another prolific forward such as Martinez would undoubtedly form an extremely deadly attacking trio for Eddie Howe’s side.

Indeed, Wilson has scored four goals and delivered one assist in eight appearances this season – with a goal contribution every 129 minutes – while Isak has scored two in his three appearances for Newcastle.

Meanwhile, the Argentine striker is having a fantastic season in Italy, scoring six goals and registering two assists in Serie A, while he has also netted a whopping 108 goals over his career to date.

However, it’s not just his goal contributions that makes him so impressive.

Martinez has created four big chances, as well as making an average of 1.5 key passes, winning 4.4 duels and gaining possession once per game, proving that there is much more to his game than just scoring goals.

The 25-year-old has earned high praise from one of the greatest footballers of all time and his national teammate Lionel Messi, with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar hailing Martinez as “spectacular” in an interview (via talkSPORT):

“He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player and he is showing that.”

“He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own.”

As such, it is clear to see that the further addition of Martinez would help to form an extremely spectacular attacking trio at St. James’ Park, leading us to believe that Dan Ashworth and his Newcastle recruitment team must do everything they possibly can to get a deal over the line for the Inter sensation.