All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal may have saved themselves from a potential embarrassment on Sunday afternoon, but that does not change the fact that this summer has to be a monumental one.

Mikel Arteta told us it would be early last month, and while the arrival of Martin Zubimendi is certainly exciting, the area that needs reinforcing more than anywhere else is the attack.

Moreover, while the team’s need for a new striker – or two – is undeniable, a dynamic, direct, and dangerous left-winger is arguably just as crucial to support Bukayo Saka’s efforts on the other flank.

The good news is that the board seem to agree, as recent reports have linked the club with one of the most exciting wingers in world football, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s lack of threat off the left this season, the last few weeks have seen several top-quality wingers, such as Rafael Leao and Daizen Maeda, linked with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly be available for around £85m, and while that is a considerable sum of money, his tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 48 games this season suggests he’d be worth it.

Maeda, on the other hand, could be the Gunners for just £25m, which might be a steal considering he’s scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in just 49 games this season.

However, Andrea Berta and Co might be after someone slightly cheaper than the AC Milan star but with more experience in a top-five league than the Celtic ace, which is where Nico Williams comes into play.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal is one of several teams incredibly interested in the Spanish superstar.

In fact, he goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners are ‘at the front of the queue’ for the dynamic winger, and that Berta and Co have already held talks with his camp.

If Arsenal successfully convince the 22-year-old to join them this summer, they’ll have to pay his £48m release clause to get the deal done, but even so, he’d be more than worth it and a significant upgrade on Trossard.

How Williams compares to Trossard

If Arsenal get their way and bring Williams to the Emirates in the coming weeks and months, he’d likely only join with the promise of regular game time, which in turn would put him up against Trossard, but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s the Spaniard who emerges victorious.

For example, in just 44 appearances, totalling 3050 minutes, the Pamplona-born star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games, or every 169.44 minutes.

In contrast, the Belgian international has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 54 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.84 games, or every 175.78 minutes.

What about when we take a look under the hood, then? Which winger has the more impressive underlying numbers?

Non-Penalty G+As

0.49

0.49

Progressive Passes

3.14

3.80

Progressive Passes Received

11.3

7.57

Progressive Carries

5.69

2.81

Shots

2.67

2.62

Shots on Target

1.12

0.84

Passing Accuracy

70.2%

74.8%

Key Passes

2.08

1.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.34

3.28

Goal-Creating Actions

0.63

0.44

Successful Take-Ons

3.36

1.25

Ball Recoveries

4.28

3.45

Aerial Duels Won

0.44

0.29

Unsurprisingly, this is another comparison in which the “world-class” Bilbao star, as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy, comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.

For example, he does better in most relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, key passes, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Trossard could still be a valuable squad player, Williams is the far superior winger in practically every facet, and he’s eight years younger. Therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Spaniard this summer.

Shades of Aubameyang: Arsenal lead race to sign "mind-blowing" goal machine

The prolific marksman could be the difference-maker for Arsenal next season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

West Bromwich Albion take to the field for the final time in the 2024/25 campaign when they host Luton Town at the Hawthorns in the Championship this afternoon.

It is a game that does not mean a great deal for the Baggies, who are without a permanent manager and cannot get promoted or relegated, but they will still want to end the season on a high in front of their home fans.

James Morrison will take the team for the final time before the board decide on a long-term replacement for Tony Mowbray, and one manager who has been linked with the job is Russell Martin.

The pros and cons of Russell Martin

The former Scotland international would come in as a manager with plenty of experience in the English leagues, having managed MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton.

Martin has also proven that he can get a team promoted from the Championship, as he won the play-offs with the Saints in the 2023/24 campaign, and that makes him an ideal candidate on paper for a West Brom team that should be aiming for promotion next term.

However, the English-born coach won just one of his 16 Premier League games, picking up five points, in charge of Southampton before being sacked with his side sat at the bottom of the table.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

This suggests that it may be a risk to go with Martin as a long-term appointment as there are concerns, given his record, about his suitability for the Premier League.

West Brom, however, have also been linked with an interest in Steve Cooper, who is also out of work at the moment, and he could be an even more exciting appointment than the ex-Saints boss.

Why Steve Cooper would be more exciting than Russell Martin

The English boss, who typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 system, could be even more exciting than a move for Martin because he has proven that he can compete above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Cooper was sacked by Leicester City earlier this season with his side in 16th place, and they have since been relegated from the top-flight, which suggests that they may have made a hasty decision with that call.

The 45-year-old tactician, once dubbed “tremendous” by Sam Allardyce, also kept Nottingham Forest in the Premier League after winning promotion from the second tier with the Tricky Trees.

24/25

Premier League

12

10

16th

23/24

Premier League

17

14

17th

22/23

Premier League

38

38

16th

21/22

Championship

41

76

4th (play-off winners)

20/21

Championship

49

80

4th (play-off finalists)

19/20

Championship

48

70

6th (play-off semi-finalists)

As you can see in the table above, Cooper has either finished in the play-offs in the Championship or left a team above the relegation zone in the Premier League in every season in his senior managerial career to date.

This suggests that the former Swansea boss, who won the U17 World Cup with England in 2017, would be perfectly suited to where the Baggies are as a club at this moment in time.

West Brom need a manager who can guide them to the play-offs, firstly, and then to safety in the Premier League, secondly, and Cooper has proven that he can do both of those things as a manager.

Whereas, Martin is yet to prove that he can keep a team in the top-flight, and that is why the English head coach could be an even more exciting hire for the Baggies this summer.

Big Cifuentes upgrade: West Brom keen admirers of 3-5-2 manager

West Bromwich Albion could opt to appoint this Marti Cifuentes’ upgrade over landing the Spaniard.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 28, 2025

In 2006, West Ham United made the double Argentine signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, after the pair impressed at the 2006 World Cup.

Despite only being at the club for three years (one season playing), Tevez is easily one of the best centre-forwards to play for the club.

His record at Upton Park, netting seven goals and providing four assists in 29 appearances, might not be the best record to shout about but his career record elsewhere speaks volumes.

Indeed, as the Argentine striker went on to play for both Manchester United and Manchester City, he netted a further 107 goals in English football, providing 46 assists and winning multiple Premier League titles in the meantime.

West Ham's bid to sign a new striker

Since Tevez left the club, West Ham have been trying to find a quality striker.

They came close with cult heroes such as Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho but fell short of the mark with their big-money signings like Sebastian Haller and most recently Gianluca Scamacca.

So, how do they fix the curse? Well, signing one of the most feared strikers in Europe ought to do the trick.

Indeed, according to reports from GIVEMESPORT, Graham Potter is putting pressure on influential figures at West Ham to wrap up the signing of Lille striker, Jonathan David.

He is out of contract this summer and will be available on a free transfer but Inter Milan are also sniffing around the deal, which is why Potter wants things wrapped up quickly.

Whilst the 25-year-old forward is available on a free, it is reported David is demanding a gross salary of around £7.8m-per-season, along with a £13m signing bonus. This would consequently make the move a costly one, but it could end up being worthwhile.

Why David could be West Ham's best striker in years

David has made 44 appearances for French outfit Lille this season, scoring 23 goals, providing ten assists and totalling 3,505 minutes played.

The Canadian striker has shown over the years he is a prolific goalscorer, and he could be exactly what the Hammers need. Notably described as “one of the best strikers in the world” by Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro, he’s also been celebrated as a “mind-blowing” forward by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Transfer Focus

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

That quote gives a great insight into why he could be their best striker for a good number of years but the stats also tell us a great deal.

Three of West Ham’s biggest signings in recent years have been in a bid to fix their striker woes, with Haller joining back in 2019 for a fee of around £45m, Scamacca signing in 2022 for £35.5m and Niclas Füllkrug penning terms for about £27m last summer.

Goals

0.60

0.59

0.37

0.25

Assists

0.23

0.15

0.06

0.04

xG

0.59

0.35

0.24

0.32

Progressive Carries

1.16

0.77

1.26

0.67

Progressive Passes

2.10

0.96

1.65

2.34

Shots Total

2.24

2.35

3.00

2.14

Goals/Shot

0.17

0.25

0.08

0.12

Key Passes

1.10

1.73

1.26

0.95

Shot-Creating Actions

2.35

2.69

2.33

2.02

Touches (Pen Area)

5.17

4.81

3.69

4.72

Aerial Duels Won

0.53

4.81

1.65

8.45

When comparing all the West Ham strikers’ underlying metrics from their first season at the club against those of David this season, you can see how the Canadian striker differs, generating a higher xG per 90, having better output and having the highest volume of touches inside the penalty area.

One key difference is the fact that David, like Tevez, is a bit smaller. Standing at only 5 foot 10 he’s a great deal smaller compared to the other strikers who are above 6 foot and more known for their aerial prowess. However, the Canadian brings the level of clinical finishing currently missing at the club, whilst also injecting some youth into their ageing striker cohort.

If West Ham can get this one over the line, it would be a much-needed addition to their side, adding not only goals but a young presence up front to link up with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, forming an exciting attacking unit for the Hammers.

The new Payet: West Ham have unlocked a "future icon" of the London Stadium

West Ham’s “future icon” could be their next Dimitri Payet

ByConnor Holden Apr 8, 2025

A player who has been really important for Rangers this season could now be tempted to leave Ibrox in the summer and join Besiktas, according to a new report.

Rangers announce new sporting director

Wednesday was a busy day for the Gers, as they confirmed a deal that they hope can help transform them on and off the pitch, as they look to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic. Rangers are in the middle of trying to find a new manager, but before that appointment is made, they have announced that Kevin Thelwell is joining as their new sporting director.

Rangers in talks over new deal for "wonderful" ace and now think he'll sign

Rangers chiefs have now made a move to keep hold of one of their promising players.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

The 51-year-old will join Rangers once his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season. The Gers stated that finding a new sporting director was made a priority in their football review, and Thelwell has stated that it is a “huge honour” for him to join the club.

“This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers. From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.

“I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation. Rangers needs to win. That’s the bottom line. There’s a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men’s, women’s and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

“Of course, there’s important work ahead, especially in the men’s first-team structure, but we’ll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I’m confident that we can make real progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

Rangers star could be tempted to leave Ibrox and join Besiktas

Thelwell is not yet through the door at Ibrox, but he already has a lot of work ahead of him, as according to Turkish outlet A spor, via Inside Futbol, Besiktas have added Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny to their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Cerny has emerged onto Besiktas’ radar after impressing for the Gers, especially in the Europa League this season. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in charge of the Turkish outfit, and the club’s board are keen to back him with signings over the summer.

The 27-year-old joined the Scottish side on a season-long loan deal from German side Wolfsburg in the summer, and as part of that deal, Rangers do have the option to make the deal into a permanent switch. It is unclear how much he will cost, but given he has scored 11 goals in 28 league games, it is a deal that Rangers are likely going to want to proceed with.

Apps

12

Starts

12

Goals

6

Shots per game

3.4

Chance conversion rate

15%

Assists

2

Key passes per game

1.2

However, it does state that Cerny could be convinced to join Besiktas, and if the Turkish outfit manage to secure European football for next season, it could strengthen their bid to sign the Czech Republic international.

Chelsea have not held back in signing wingers over the last few years since Todd Boehly took over as owner of the club.

Last summer, they signed two from within the Premier League, bringing in Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United and Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Of course, in the prior transfers window, they brought in Cole Palmer and Rahemm Sterling, both from Manchester City and England international Noni Madueke, who signed from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. It has really been a point of focus for the Blues.

In the next transfer window, more wingers will join, namely 17-year-old wonderkid Estevao and Kendry Paez, who can also play as a number 10. Incredibly, the West Londoners are seemingly looking to add a world-class winger to their ranks, according to a recent report.

Chelsea target new winger

It is no secret that Real Madrid are blessed with an embarrassment of riches in forward areas. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are two of the best players in the world, as is Brazilian international Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

Well, according to reports from Spain, Chelsea are planning a summer move for the Los Blanocs number 11 and are hoping they can ‘to lure him away from Real Madrid’ with an enticing offer in the next few months.

This will not be a cheap deal for the West Londoners. They are willing to put a reported £103m on the table to complete what would be their third most expensive signing ever.

Chelsea are thought to be ‘confident that a substantial financial offer’ will be enough to convince Rodrygo and Real Madrid to complete the move.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Rodrygo’s quality is undeniable. The Brazilian is a key player for Los Blancos, alongside the likes of Mbappe, Vinivus and Jude Bellingham. Naturally a left winger, he can often be seen playing on the right-hand side, where he has excelled again this term.

Across all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in 2024/25, the 24-year-old has scored 13 times and grabbed ten assists in 45 appearances.

As good as the Brazilian has been, it is not his best year in the famous white shirt. Last term, he scored 18 times across competitions, registering nine assists along the way as Madrid won the Champions League once again.

If Chelsea do manage to get this deal over the line, then they could well sign a hybrid of Estevao and Vinicius. Firstly, the similarity between Rodrygo and Chelsea’s new winger Estevao are clear to see.

Both players are exciting young Brazilian talents who are full internationals for the five-time World Cup winners. Estevao has already played for Brazil four times, despite being just 17 years of age. Not only that, the par are both right wingers, although Rodrygo can, of course, play on the left, too.

However, there are also stylistic similarities between the 23-year-old and his Los Blanocs teammate Vinicius. The Real Madrid number seven has 19 goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances this term.

The pair are certainly similar players. Direct and tricky wingers with an eye for goal and plenty of flair. That is certainly reflected in the stats via FBref.

For example, Rodrygo averages 5.08 shot-creating actions and 5.23 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Vinicius’ 5.21 shot-creating actions and 6.78 progressive carries.

Goals and assists

0.56

0.78

Key passes

2.44

2.15

Progressive passes

5.28

3.37

shot-creating actions

5.08

5.21

Progressive carries

5.23

6.78

Rodrygo would be an astounding coup for Chelsea if they can bring him in over the summer. Not only is he versatile, able to play on the right wing or the opposite left flank, but he would add directness and flair in the final third.

There is no doubt that £103m is a lot of money. With that being said, for someone who is a “future icon” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes, it might well be worth it.

Chelsea can axe Nkunku for "the most inform youth striker in England"

Christopher Nkunku looks to be on his way out of Chelsea.

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 10, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur secured a needed 2-0 victory over Brentford this afternoon to help ease the pressure on the shoulders of current manager Thomas Frank.

The win over Bees was the Lilywhites’ first in the Premier League since the win at Everton at the end of October – a run that lasted a total of five matches.

Goals from Xavi Simons and Richarlison secured all three points for the hosts, with such a result taking the side up to eighth place in England’s top-flight after 15 games.

Frank will no doubt be hoping such a result will kickstart his tenure in North London, especially after a stop-start period which has led to discontent being directed his way from the fans.

One player could well prove to be crucial over the next couple of months, especially if his showing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon is anything to go by.

The stats behind Xavi Simons’ display against Brentford

After spending £52m on Simons’ signature during the summer window, many Spurs fans will no doubt have expected the attacking midfielder to make an immediate impact to life in England.

However, prior to the clash with Brentford today, he had failed to find the back of the net for his new side, but his 43rd-minute effort has finally broken such a spell at the 19th attempt.

The Dutch international also registered the assist for Richarlison’s strike in the 25th minute, with the youngster having a hand in both of the side’s efforts in North London.

Simons’ underlying stats from the triumph were just as impressive, with the midfielder completing 86% of the passes he attempted, with five of which going into the final third.

He also won three fouls, whilst also creating two chances for his teammates – in what was undoubtedly his best showing since his big-money transfer to the Premier League.

The fanbase will no doubt be hoping that the Dutchman can continue such form, but it didn’t stop another player from reaching similar levels this afternoon.

The Spurs player who looked like Bale against Brentford

Gareth Bale was a player who often managed to get the Spurs fans off their seats as a result of his performances on the pitch during his spell in North London.

The Welshman used to torment defenders with his relentless running and his ability to go either inside or outside when travelling with the ball on the right-flank.

However, since his big-money transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, the club have greatly lacked that presence and talent off such a wing in the final third.

Brennan Johnson was often filled the void in the last couple of years, even scoring 18 times last season, but he’s ultimately struggled to nail down the position as his own.

He’s since dropped further down the pecking order in the last few months since Frank’s arrival, especially after the Dane forked out a reported £55m for the signature of Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian international has started all but one league game since his arrival, with the manager once again selecting him during the victory earlier this afternoon.

He once again took centre stage in the clash with the Bees and demonstrated why the manager has faith in him to provide the goods – arguably being just like Bale with such a display.

Kudus managed to complete five dribbles during the win – the most of any player on the pitch – taking his tally to 45 this season, the highest tally of any player in the division at present.

He also managed to complete two crosses, created two chances and completed 92% of his passes – reminiscent of the numbers Bale produced during his own spell at the club.

Minutes played

80

Touches

67

Passes completed

92%

Dribbles completed

5

Crosses completed

2

Chances created

2

Duels won

9

Aerials won

100%

The winger’s excellent display was further reflected in his tally of nine duels and 100% aerials won, with the forward managing to star even when not in possession of the ball.

As a result of his showing, the forward was handed an impressive 7/10 match rating by Football London, further showcasing his impressive display against Frank’s former side.

There’s no doubt the winger has made himself one of the first players on the teamsheet, with him and Simons potentially playing a key role at the club for many years to come.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t become as pivotal as Bale was at the club – potentially taking the club to new heights in the process.

Forget Simons: Spurs "liability" is now becoming the new Ndombele

This Tottenham star is flattering to deceive in spite of his immense talent.

ByAngus Sinclair 6 days ago

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now made a major decision on Pedri’s fitness ahead of the Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday.

The Blues will be looking to return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday, having been unable to overcome Qarabag last time out, drawing 2-2 away at the Azerbaijani side, but they should be heading into the game with renewed confidence.

Enzo Maresca’s side have put together a good run in the Premier League, winning their last three matches without conceding, most recently securing a 2-0 win at Burnley courtesy of goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.

Maresca was particularly happy with his side’s defensive showing, saying after the game: “The way we competed I am very happy.

“To come here and not concede is very difficult. It’s normal to concede something. But overall they only had one real chance. During the game they didn’t have any big chances and during the game we had loads of chances.”

However, the manager will be well-aware that Tuesday’s opposition will be much tougher, and the west Londoners have now been handed a boost heading into the Champions League encounter…

Hansi Flick set to leave Pedri out against Chelsea

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Pedri is now unlikely to travel to London ahead of Tuesday’s game, as Flick and his coaching staff believe it is not worth risking the midfielder, who suffered a hamstring injury near the end of October.

The 22-year-old is now a serious doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge, having missed training on Sunday, which will be welcome news for Maresca & co, who need every advantage they can get heading into the game against the reigning La Liga champions.

Lauded as “amazing” by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star has been absolutely integral for Barcelona over the past year, regularly displaying his ability to dictate games, set-up chances for his teammates, and drive the ball forward.

Pedri’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.17 (80th percentile)

Passes attempted

91.85 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.42 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (97th percentile)

That said, the La Liga side are likely to be just as fearful of Chelsea’s midfield, with Fernandez scoring his fifth goal of the season against Burnley at the weekend, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has waxed lyrical about Moises Caicedo this season.

As such, Chelsea should no doubt fancy their chances heading into Tuesday’s game, taking on Barca in a competitive game for the first time since a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou back in 2018.

Moises Caicedo and Pedri have been named among the best midfielders in the world The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world do their stuff in the middle of the park, but who’s number one?

5 ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

The season is well settled at this point, but Newcastle United are still without the kind of fluency that has come to be expected across the past few years under Eddie Howe’s management.

In fact, 14th in the Premier League after 11 matches, there is concern over the club’s direction after an eventful summer of ups and downs.

While it feels absurd, unthinkable, to imagine Howe’s job is at risk, there’s no question that PIF expect an upswing in performances and results, and should that not occur, the Tynesiders may be forced into a tough decision down the line.

Howe is a club legend, the harbinger of all that has been good at St. James’ Park in recent years. But improvements are needed, nonetheless; the form on the road has been shocking this season.

10

Games

7

7

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

3

20

Goals scored

7

9

Goals conceded

8

2.1

PPG

1.16

Howe needs his players to step up, especially in attack. At the nadir would be Anthony Elanga, whose £55m summer transfer from Nottingham Forest has so far not gone to plan.

Why Elanga is struggling at Newcastle

It has been over a year since Newcastle first lodged an offer for Elanga. They failed to convince Evangelos Marinakis to part ways with the fleet-footed winger at the end of the 2024 summer transfer window, though they secured their quarry one year later.

It was a move laced with excitement, and Elanga could still prove a thrilling addition to Howe’s squad, but the right-sided forward has yet to register a goal or an assist for the Toon, and analyst Raj Chohan said the £100k-per-week talent has been “a massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

Certainly, Elanga and Anthony Gordon would appear perfect for Nick Woltemade at number nine, whose wide-ranging attacking skillset has proved unable to service either winger in the Premier League. Despite this, the German has been in fine form this season.

Howe has shown his tactical and coaching acumen over the past few years, but if he has run out of steam, there’s a manager waiting in the wings who could be the perfect successor.

The manager who could revive Elanga at Newcastle

According to The Mirror earlier in November, Newcastle have compiled a shortlist of managers who would be suitable for the job, should a managerial vacancy emerge in the not-too-distant future.

On this list is Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, whose performance on the south coast over the past several years has established him as “one of the best in the league”, in the eyes of Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Bournemouth caused a stir when they sacked Gary O’Neil after keeping them up in 2023, opting to replace him with the fresh and innovative ideas of Spaniard Iraola, who had impressed in his homeland with Rayo Vallecano over three campaigns.

But the Cherries haven’t looked back, posting a record-breaking Premier League return of 56 points last season, having implemented an attractive and progressive style of football.

Indeed, Iraola’s message of intensity underscores his potential to succeed at Newcastle, and it is this methodology that could see him prove the perfect coach to oversee Elanga’s resurgence.

Semenyo is the frontal part of a durable and exciting team. A key part of the attraction toward Iraola’s managerial skill is his ability to withstand upheaval. Many Cherries left during the summer, and Bournemouth have still impressed this season, five wins from 11 in the Premier League this year.

We have seen how Iraola has moulded Semenyo into one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League. The Ghanaian is the talk of the town and is expected to earn a big-money transfer in 2026.

Newcastle are likely to miss out, but if Iraola did end up at Newcastle, he might be the perfect manager to fashion Elanga into a star of a similar standing, taking his pace and power and weaving it into something deadly.

After all, even against the backdrop of a testing start to life in Newcastle, Elanga still ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 5% for crosses per 90, as well as the top 1% for percentage of shots on target (all data via FBref).

That latter metric is curious. It speaks of real potential as a goalscorer for Newcastle. Iraola’s adept wing play could see such success come to fruition, with Semenyo well known as a frequent pepperer of the goal.

This is all, obviously, hypothetical. Iraola is the manager of a high-flying Premier League outfit in Bournemouth, and the Magpies hierarchy continues to display a show of faith in Howe’s ability to turn things around.

But if things do not improve, and change is needed, it is clear that the 43-year-old Iraola will rank highly on the club’s list, having hit his stride and then some at the Vitality. Surely he would be tempted by a move to Tyneside, with Newcastle demonstrating over the past several years an ability to exceed expectations and win silverware.

This is all down to Howe, but he will not be in the dugout forever, and in Iraola, Newcastle could score themselves new teachings to inculcate into an outfit that has developed something of a knack for success, and is now ready to take that next step forward.

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Leeds United have been linked with making an out of work manager their next boss and a new update has dropped regarding the situation, amid doubts over Daniel Farke’s future.

The Whites sit 16th in the Premier League table currently, with four defeats in their last five matches in the competition seeing the pressure increase on Farke and Marco Rose linked with replacing him.

That said, Sky Sports‘ Zinny Boswell has recently played down rumours of Farke being relieved of his duties any time soon, although there is a tough run of fixtures on the horizon.

“Leeds have no plans to change their head coach as things stand amid growing discontent among supporters and, after taking 11 points from 11 Premier League games, the club and Farke feel the team are currently on course to achieve their goal of survival.

“Sitting one point above the relegation zone, Leeds have the hardest schedule in the Premier League over the next five matches, according to Opta, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool visiting Elland Road as well as trips to Manchester City and Brentford. The fact Farke’s scheduled in for broadcast interviews next week is as strong an indication as any that he will be in the hot seat for at least some of those games and, although it is a daunting run, there is a belief internally that the Elland Road factor is a reason for optimism.”

"Available" Rodgers linked with replacing Farke at Leeds

Now, speaking to Leeds United News, journalist Graeme Bailey has discussed Brendan Rodgers being Leeds’ next boss, saying he could be a strong option something which “piles the pressure” on Farke.

There is plenty to admire about Rodgers as a manager, should he become a genuine option for Leeds, with the 52-year-old winning the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021 and guiding Celtic to four Scottish Premiership titles, among other trophies.

He is an attack-minded manager famed for playing good football in a 4-3-3 formation, and he has huge experience in the Premier League, even coming close to winning the title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, entertaining the masses and getting the best out of the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

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That said, it doesn’t appear as though 49ers Enterprises are going to rush into a decision with Farke for the time being, but the situation could change if they struggle in these tough upcoming games.

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Following Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit, former player Chris Sutton has told Celtic to go and get a title-winning manager to replace the 52-year-old at Parkhead.

Desmond slams "self-serving" Rodgers

This all feels eight months too early, but Rodgers simply couldn’t wait until his contract expired and has pulled the plug on his time at Celtic. With the Bhoys eight points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership off the back of their 3-1 defeat against the unexpected league leaders, the manager has made the decision to resign.

To say that not everyone is happy about Rodgers’ exit would be quite the understatement. Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond pulled no punches in his statement following the news, slamming the manager as “self-serving”.

In a scathing review, he said, in part: “When his comments were made publicly, I sought to address them directly. Brendan and I met for over three hours at his home in Scotland to discuss the issue.

“Despite ample opportunity, he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative. Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.

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“They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the Board. Some of the abuse directed at them, and at their families, has been entirely unwarranted and unacceptable.”

Rodgers will likely have his own say on that statement, but for now the focus around Glasgow will be set on finding his replacement. And Sutton has already told Celtic to go and get a title winner.

Sutton tells Celtic to bring back Postecoglou

Instantly reacting to Rodgers’ exit, Sutton told Celtic to “bring back” Ange Postecoglou, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge. At this stage, the Australian arguably needs the Bhoys just as much as they need him in what would be yet another managerial reunion at the club.

As things stand, Martin O’Neill is in charge on an interim basis, but Celtic will be hoping to end that spell and appoint a permanent manager as soon as possible.

It must be said that, despite his recent failings, Postecoglou wouldn’t be a bad option. He’s been there and done it in the Scottish Premiership, winning the title twice in two seasons, and drew plenty of praise from top managers like Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot during his time in England.

In fact, responding to comments from Slot that the Liverpool managed hoped Tottenham won a trophy, Ange joked: “I’m not an evangelist. To quote Monty Python, I’m just a naughty little boy!

“[Slot’s opinion] is what I love about football. There’s got to be differences, people who are prepared to do things a little bit differently.

“There’s that variety, that opinion and that allows emotion to come into it. I hate to think people think I’m just some kind of showman or something. I want to win.

“That’s still the core of my being, I hate losing, I want to win and I want to be successful.”

The 60-year-old desperately needs redemption in the dugout after his spells at Tottenham and Forest, whilst Celtic need to get their next appointment right if they are to bridge the gap on Hearts. As of right now, it’s arguably the perfect match.