Arsenal transfer target sign Declan Rice has sent Bukayo Saka a message of support on Instagram after the winger scored a hat-trick for England.
What's the latest on Saka and England?
The 21-year-old was in blistering form for the Three Lions this week as he scored three superb goals against North Macedonia in a 7-0 win.
Harry Kane opened the scoring and later netted from the spot, while Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips also got their names on the scoresheet.
However, Saka truly stole the show with the first senior hat-trick of his career. After the game, he seemed absolutely chuffed, telling the press (via Arsenal): "I will probably frame the match ball but I'll probably hold it in my arms for a few days first. It's a special night, a big win and [to score] a first hat-trick is really special.
"I don't remember the last time I scored three, even at junior levels! It's a decent scoring record but there is always room for improvement."
Unsurprisingly, he also took to Instagram to express his delight with a post, saying: "Honoured to have scored the first hat-trick of my career! Important steps taken towards qualification."
What did Declan Rice say to Bukayo Saka?
Excitingly for the Gunners, West Ham United captain and England teammate Rice was quick to show his love for Saka, sending him a star emoji and adding "boiii" – referencing the player's "Starboy" nickname.
Saka then responded to Rice's own Instagram post, adding red and white heart emojis – likely representing Arsenal.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with the north London outfit over the past few months and is expected to be sold this summer.
An initial bid, reported by Sky Sports to be in the region of £80m plus add-ons, was rejected, with West Ham hoping for around £100-120m.
Arsenal are expected to continue with their pursuit, with another bid of £75m + £15m add-ons recently being made (via David Ornstein) – although it isn't expected to be accepted.
Even so, the reports indicate that Rice is open to the move. This is backed up by how publicly happy he seems to be with his potential new teammates.
For instance, he was caught on camera warmly greeting Saka and Aaron Ramsdale recently and has sent messages to the winger in the past on Instagram – once congratulating him for signing a new contract.
All in all, there's plenty to be excited about for Arsenal fans, and with the international break now over for England, perhaps this transfer can finally go through.
Michael Beale was backed by the Glasgow Rangers board throughout the summer transfer window as nine new signings came through the doors at Ibrox.
How much are Rangers' summer signings worth?
The Light Blues have attempted to bolster their side with a number of additions across the park to bounce back from their failure to win a single trophy during the 2022/23 campaign.
Leon Balogun
£213k
Jack Butland
£1.3m
Sam Lammers
£1.7m
Kieran Dowell
£1.7m
Dujon Sterling
£2.4m
Cyriel Dessers
£4.3m
Abdallah Sima
£5.1m
Danilo
£5.6m
Jose Cifuentes
£10.3m
Valuations via Transfermarkt.
Eight of those players arrived on permanent deals, whilst Abdallah Sima joined on a season-long loan – with no option to buy – from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, and they have an average value of £3.62m.
As with any transfer window, supporters may, however, look back at the summer and wonder what could have been with some of the players who were linked with a move to Ibrox before eventually moving elsewhere.
One reported target who could have been an excellent signing by Beale for the Scottish giants is Ross Stewart, who was playing for English Championship side Sunderland. Indeed, he may well have been a better option than Sam Lammers.
Were Rangers interested in Ross Stewart?
At the end of July, TEAMtalk named Rangers as one of a number of clubs interested in signing the Scotland international from the Black Cats.
The report claimed that the forward had turned down offers of a contract extension with Tony Mowbray's team, which made him an attainable target as his deal was due to expire in the summer of 2024.
Championship sides Stoke City, Middlesbrough, and Southampton were also touted as possible destinations for the 6 foot 3 marksman, who appeared to be on his way out of the Stadium of Light.
However, Rangers seemingly decided against a deal for the 27-year-old as they ended up signing Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, and Lammers before Stewart eventually joined Southampton.
They had reportedly been battling the Light Blues for his signature earlier in the summer, but he stayed south of the border, moving to St Mary's for an initial fee of £8m that could rise to £12m with add-ons.
How many goals did Ross Stewart score for Sunderland?
The Scottish finisher, who was reportedly on £2.7k-per-week at the Stadium of Light, racked up an outstanding 40 goals in 80 competitive matches for the Black Cats before his move last week.
He proved himself to be a consistent and reliable scorer for the club at League One and Championship level during his time with the English outfit.
Stewart spearheaded their promotion to the second tier during the 2021/22 campaign with an exceptional 26 goals and three assists in 49 matches, which included three play-off appearances.
The towering centre-forward averaged a sublime Sofascore rating of 7.25 in that time and created nine 'big chances' for his teammates, suggesting that the creative number nine was let down by his fellow attackers at times as he only ended up with a minimal number of assists.
Former Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.
No Sunderland player averaged a higher Sofascore rating than him, indicating that he was the team's top performer as they won the play-offs.
Stewart was able to carry this form over to the Championship as he averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.40 across 13 appearances in the division last season, whilst only two players – Ryan Manning and Oliver Norwood – averaged a higher rating within the entire league.
The 27-year-old racked up a phenomenal ten goals and three assists during those 13 games, which only included 11 starts, highlighting his impressive ability to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.
How many goals has Sam Lammers scored for Rangers?
Stewart's statistics suggest that he could have been a far better option than Lammers, who has scored onlt one goal and provided one assist in nine matches for the Light Blues since his summer switch from Atalanta.
The 26-year-old has also failed to create a single 'big chance' for his teammates in four Scottish Premiership outings and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.92 – the just 14th-highest within the team.
His lack of an end product in the final third should not come as a surprise, though, as Lammers has not scored more than two goals in a league season since the 2018/19 campaign.
Rangers forward Sam Lammers.
The Dutch attacker, who also stands at 6 foot 3, managed four strikes in 50 Serie A matches for Atalanta, Empoli and Sampdoria combined during his time in Italy and endured a difficult spell in Germany as he produced two goals in 22 matches on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Should Rangers have signed Ross Stewart?
The numbers prove that a mistake may well have been made here by not signing the now-Southampton star. Indeed, their respective records show that Stewart would have been a far better option than Lammers.
Stewart, whose Sofascore rating of 7.40 would have placed him third within the Gers squad last term, would have offered far more than the former PSV prospect at the top end of the pitch and could have adapted quickly as a Scotsman who has already played Premiership football.
The Scotland international, who was once dubbed a "revelation" by former teammate Alex Pritchard, is currently out of action with an Achilles injury that was sustained earlier this year but despite that, it could have been better for Rangers in the long term to take the short-term hit with regards to availability.
There is little sign of the summer signing from Atalanta producing anywhere near the level of form that Stewart did for Sunderland in recent seasons meaning Beale dropped the ball by deciding to pursue other targets.
Glasgow Rangers are reportedly set to allow a number of their B team prospects to depart the club at the end of their contracts this summer.
The likes of Tony Weston and Charley Lindsay, among others, are set to be moved on by the Light Blues but they could be on the verge of losing a talent who they wanted to keep hold of.
Robbie Ure's deal is due to expire at the end of the month and Football Insider reported, earlier this year, that the teenager wants to leave the club after being offered new terms for less money than he is currently on.
The 19-year-old prospect has plundered 21 goals and ten assists in 43 appearances for the academy and first-team combined in the 2022/23 campaign and his impressive statistics in front of goal indicate that it would be a blow for the Gers to lose him on a free transfer this summer.
Ure has scored once in two senior outings for Michael Beale's side to date and has shown that he has the potential to be a senior striker at Ibrox in the future, which could save the club from spending millions in the transfer market on a new number nine from elsewhere.
Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale.
Whilst the possible exit of the prolific teenage marksman could lead some supporters wanting Rangers to invest in another young centre-forward, the Scottish giants may already have a future star who could make the step up to Beale's team further down the line in James Graham.
Who is James Graham?
The 18-year-old gem is another B team striker who has played a backup role to Ure in the academy side this season, having made the step up from the U18s.
He joined from Ross County in the summer of 2020 and then-Head of Academy Craig Mulholland claimed that the teenager was being eyed by clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Scotland, which suggested that it was something of a coup to land his signature.
Mulholland also described the ace as a "dynamic, quick and tenacious forward with excellent energy and finishing abilities" and the youngster has showcased some of these qualities in the Lowland League this season.
Graham has racked up five goals and one assist in just 1,066 minutes of action in the division, which works out as a goal contribution every 177 minutes – or once every 1.96 matches.
His form has clearly not gone unnoticed at Ibrox as the club recently rewarded him with a new contract until the end of the 2023/24 campaign, keeping him at the club whilst the likes of Lindsay and Weston are released.
This indicates that they see potential in the teenager and Ure's exit could allow him to flourish as the first-choice option at the top end of the pitch for the B team next term, which could speed up his development and lead to him breaking into the senior squad in the future, thus saving Beale and the club's hierarchy millions in future transfer windows.
Everton have "triggered" a one-year contract extension for Abdoulaye Doucoure at Goodison Park.
Is Abdoulaye Doucoure leaving Everton?
The Mali international first arrived on Merseyside back in 2020 from at the time Premier League rivals Watford and has been a regular feature ever since, clocking up 94 appearances since putting pen to paper at Goodison Park, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, his future has been up in the air in recent months leading up to the transfer window.
Football Insider reported that Sean Dyche was set to be given the final call on whether he wanted to retain the 30-year-old’s services beyond the current campaign which is what you’d expect having played him in 14 out of his 17 games in the dugout so far, not to mention that he’s been his second top-performing offensive player, but there has been previous speculation.
Back in March, Turkish outlet Fotospor (via Sport Witness), claimed that the Toffees midfielder had been offered to Besiktas by his agents with the Merseyside outfit unlikely to take up the chance to extend his stay for another 12 months, but a fresh definitive update has now emerged contrary to what the overseas outlet stated.
Have Everton offered Doucoure a new contract?
Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Everton have indeed activated Doucoure's deal extension which will keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2024. The Italian reporter wrote:
"Understand Everton have triggered the option clause to extend Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract. #EFC deal will be valid for one more year now."
Everton midfielderAbdoulaye Doucoure.
Everton have since confirmed the news, hailing the Malian as a key member of Dyche's team.
According to journalist Peter Guy, Doucoure has been “reborn” under the leadership of Dyche, and as a result of his improved level of performance, Everton keeping him on their books for another year is completely the right decision, no matter what league they find themselves in come next season.
The Blues’ central midfielder has six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) to his name in 24 Premier League outings this term which is the second-highest return throughout the whole of the squad, as per WhoScored, not to mention that he ranks in the 90th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area so is constantly looking to produce moments of quality for himself and his fellow teammates.
Doucoure, who has the flexibility to operate in six different positions across the pitch, currently pockets £120k per week and is one of the club’s top earners so he will already know that his wages, much like many other prized assets, will decrease should relegation occur, but the fact that he appears to have accepted that and is happy to continue regardless says it all about his desire to see the project through.
Everton’s summer business was largely quite astute given their financial woes, but there remains one failed target that Sean Dyche could live to rue given recent developments regarding Demarai Gray.
Why is Demarai Gray leaving Everton?
Gray’s proposed move to Saudi Arabia has been well-documented, with journalist Alan Myers having noted of interest even back in mid-July.
So, when Deadline Day came and went without the Toffees bringing in any wide reinforcements, it seemed like the Jamaica international was poised to be reintegrated back into the squad after days of training alone.
The winger had other ideas. A questionable Instagram story gave his feelings on the stuttering Saudi switch, as he seemingly aimed a dig at Dyche.
The former Burnley boss then responded with his views on the matter, in an interview with the club: “Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.
“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so. That’s the truth of it.”
Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Free
Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal)
Loan
Youssef Chermiti (Sporting CP)
£15m
Jack Harrison (Leeds United)
Loan
Beto (Udinese)
£25.8m
All fees via Sky Sports
Despite that, it now seems like Gray will get his wish and finally depart Goodison Park, leaving them incredibly light on the wings and no transfer window to hand them some respite.
If only they had succeeded in their continued pursuit of Wilfried Gnonto.
Did Everton nearly sign Wilfried Gnonto?
In an effort to clearly replace the former Leicester City wantaway, Dyche put all his eggs in Gnonto’s basket.
The Merseyside outfit saw three bids rejected, the highest of which reached £25m (via Sky Sports live transfer blog), and despite the 19-year-old even handing in a transfer request, it was a failed venture in the end. He remained in Yorkshire, with Leeds United coming out on top.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
His presence would have made for a sensational piece of business now, given Gray’s imminent exit, as not only would he offer the club some much-needed depth, but it could even be argued that the Italy international marked an upgrade on the 27-year-old.
After all, both battled well for relegation-threatened sides, and offered key goal contributions that helped in their pursuit of safety.
With two goals and four assists in the Premier League, Gnonto capped off a fine first year in England by capturing the attention of many. Journalist Phil Hay sought to outline him for praise: “Massive hit on Gnonto who is just electric every time he gets the ball.”
Meanwhile, not only was Gray’s tally of four goals and one assist lower, it must also be noted that two of his strikes came from the penalty spot; also, given his age, he is unlikely to improve at the rate that the Whites’ trickster likely will do.
After all, in his 75 appearances for Everton, he has managed just 18 goal contributions since joining for just £1.7m in 2021.
Despite all that, Dyche is set to be without either, still searching for that first Premier League win of the season. The hope will be that they can get to January still afloat in time to either return to this transfer saga or look elsewhere in the market to secure safety once again.
Liverpool are in the process of rebuilding their midfield after a disappointing campaign last season and now a new update has emerged on a huge transfer target that could revolutionise the centre of the pitch at Anfield.
What's the latest on Liverpool's move for Federico Valverde?
According to reports coming out of Spain, Liverpool are preparing a €90m (£77m) bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, an offer that Madrid will find very difficult to reject.
As per the report, Jurgen Klopp has been a huge admirer of the player for a while and there are now doubts surrounding Valverde's future at the Santiago Bernabéu due to the competition that exists in the centre of the pitch.
Will Liverpool sign Federico Valverde this summer?
There is no doubt that a refresh in midfield is needed following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita and the club has already secured a £35m deal for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
Many of the remaining midfield options available to Klopp are reaching the latter stages of their careers with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara well into their 30s at this point, whilst Fabinho will turn 30 before the turn of the year – so there is a real opportunity to build the next generation of success at Anfield.
As a result, the ambitious move for Valverde would be warmly welcomed as the 24-year-old would not only inject high energy, youth and a strong winning mentality into the heart of the team, but could finally replace Georginio Wijnaldum's deadly press and unrivalled work rate in midfield.
Before leaving the Merseyside giants in 2020 upon the expiration of his contract, Wijnaldum played a vital role in the success that Liverpool have experienced both in domestic competition and on the European stage, providing huge game-changing moments like his semi-final brace against Barcelona to lead the team to their first Champions League trophy since 2005.
Now Klopp could land his next game-changer with Valverde also a big game player who adopts the winning mentality and work ethic that is crucial to earn multiple accolades across several competitions.
The Uruguayan star – hailed "untouchable" by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti – is an extremely attacking-minded talent who ranks in the top 16% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots in total, pass completion and progressive carries.
Wijnaldum, by comparison, ranks in the top 8% for non-penalty goals and the best 12% for shots to outline their similar attacking threat.
In comparison to Valverde's positional peers on Merseyside, neither Jordan Henderson nor Harvey Elliott were able to complete more progressive carries (70), goal contributions (11), shot-creating actions (81) or completed passes (1427) than Valverde in the Premier League last season, as per FBref.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Liverpool to acquire the services of Valverde this summer as he could have a huge impact on improving performances next season and become the much-needed game-changer that the team has been crying out for in midfield since Wijnaldum departed.
With promotion expert Daniel Farke now at the helm, Leeds United will no doubt be plotting to secure an instant return back to the Premier League this term, having slipped back into the second tier last term after just three years in the top-flight.
The chances of Farke – who sealed two promotions from the Championship during his time at Norwich City – pulling off that feat have not been aided by the possible mass exodus that the Whites are set to endure, with the likes of Robin Koch and Brenden Aaronson having already moved out on loan.
A far greater blow, however, looks to be the impending exit of last season's top scorer, Rodrigo, with the 32-year-old Spaniard seemingly on his way to Qatar to join Al-Rayyan, after three seasons at Elland Road.
Since signing from Valencia back in the summer of 2020, the experienced marksman has netted 27 times in 95 games in all competitions for the Yorkshire giants, with 15 of those strikes coming last term despite the club's eventual relegation.
With no other Leeds player having even reached double figures for goals in 2022/23, the Brazil-born hitman will leave a notable void in Farke's squad, with it unlikely to prove an easy fix trying to replace his influence in attack.
Leeds United striker Rodrigo.
One name that has been mentioned as a possible centre-forward target of late, however, is Nottingham Forest's Sam Surridge – according to The Athletic's Phil Hay – with the 24-year-old also attracting interest from MLS clubs amid his limited game time at the City Ground, after starting just two league games last term.
While the Englishman may not be the most glamourous of signings, his prior experience in the second tier could prove invaluable for Farke and co next season…
How good is Sam Surridge?
It is fair to say that the Slough-born striker endured a frustrating 2022/23 campaign after scoring just one Premier League goal for Steve Cooper's side, albeit with the former Stoke City striker having been a crucial figure in Forest's successful promotion charge in the previous season.
Having signed from the Potters in January 2022, Surridge went on to score seven goals in just 17 Championship appearances in the second of the season, having arguably been "one of the best finishers" in the league, according to Forest legend, Gary Birtles – who also dubbed him "sensational" in front of goal.
That view has been echoed by journalist Lee Clarke, who recently hailed the £15k-per-week ace as something of a "cheat code" due to that sparkling previous form, as he simply "never looked like missing" when played in on goal.
Evidently a player who could fill the goalscoring shoes of Rodrigo, Surridge is also an asset due to his hard-working nature when leading the line, with Birtles describing him as a player who "worries defenders", while also stating:
"His work rate and trying to close defenders down to stop them playing, that lets midfield push up a couple of yards and the defenders even more. That makes life more uncomfortable and problematic for the opposition."
That willing work ethic is seemingly shared by Leeds' departing forward, with the ageing sensation notably ranking in the top 11% among those in his position in Europe's big five leagues for tackles made, showcasing that desire to defend from the front.
That would suggest that if Farke is turn to Surridge to be the main man next season, the 6 foot 3 machine could prove to be the perfect heir to Rodrigo at Elland Road.
Leeds United head across Yorkshire to face Rotherham United in the Championship on Friday night as they look to move closer to the automatic promotion places.
A win for Daniel Farke's team will put them five points behind Ipswich Town and Leicester City before they play their respective matches this weekend.
The Whites currently sit third in the league table and are on course to challenge for either an automatic promotion or play-off place as they go in search of an instant return to the Premier League.
Leeds were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season and that led to a host of first-team players exiting Elland Road, either permanently or on loan, as the likes of Rodrigo, Tyler Adams, Jack Harrison, Marc Roca, Robin Koch, and Max Wober, among many others, moved on.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
However, the club's impressive form at Championship level so far may not prevent them from losing more of their star performers when the January transfer window comes around.
Other teams are reportedly eyeing up some of Farke's top players ahead of the second half of the year and the Whites could lose some key talents at the start of 2024.
However, selling big assets could also provide funds for the German tactician to splash in the transfer market to bolster his side's promotion push.
With this in mind, here are three players who could end up departing from Yorkshire in January and, in turn, fund a spending spree for Leeds.
The towering central defender – Pascal Struijk – has enjoyed a terrific start to the 2023/24 campaign and has been a key figure at the back for Farke at Championship level, which has earned him interest from elsewhere.
Struijk has started 15 of the club's 16 league matches this term and showcased his defensive skills – helping his team to keep six clean sheets.
The left-footed titan has made 6.9 ball recoveries per game and won 59% of his duels in total, which shows that the young gem is able to consistently win possession back for his side whilst also coming out on top in the majority of his physical battles.
He has also made zero errors that have directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition and is yet to concede a penalty. This highlights how reliable the 24-year-old colossus has been for the Whites in defence this season.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently claimed that Club Brugge are keen on a deal to sign the Leeds star in a potential €15m (£13m) deal in January.
However, there is no guarantee that the Whites would be willing to sell him midway through the season, or for that fee, so there is no immediate concern over his future.
If the club do decide that they want to raise money to bring in more additions for their squad, though, Struijk could be an option if Club Brugge actualise their interest with an offer.
2 Crysencio Summerville
rutter-summerville-leeds-opinion
Another player who has been linked with a potential move away from Elland Road at the turn of the year is the impressively talented forward Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch magician has been in phenomenal form so far this season and clubs at a higher level have taken notice of his performances in the second tier.
Football Insider reported earlier this month that two unnamed Premier League sides are interested in the Leeds youngster, who was signed from Feyenoord in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa.
The outlet also stated that the Whites value him at a minimum fee of £25m and believe that his price will rocket up if they win promotion to the top-flight, which is they are reluctant to cash in during the upcoming January window.
Summerville has been an outstanding contributor at the top end of the pitch for Leeds as he currently leads the club for goals (six) and assists (five) in the Championship, with Joel Piroe (six) and Georginio Rutter (five) joint-top with him for goals and assists respectively.
The 22-year-old whiz has also provided the most key passes (2.8) per game within the squad and is joint-top with Rutter for dribbles completed (2.4) per match.
He has been exciting to watch his his terrific forward play and losing him would be a significant blow, based on these statistics, which is why the club will be keen to keep him.
However, £25m is a hefty sum of money and they could have their resolve tested by Premier League sides in January, who could provide the Whites with an opportunity to reinvest that back into their squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.
3 Wilfried Gnonto
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Finally, Wilfried Gnonto could be sold in January after a difficult start to the season as he been touted with an exit from the Yorkshire-based side at the turn of the year.
TEAMtalk reported at the end of October that Everton, Lazio, and Roma are all interested in a possible deal to the sign the Italy international, who is said to view a move as being possible in January.
The outlet claimed that the 20-year-old talent had agreed to sign for the Toffees during the summer transfer window but Leeds refused to sanction a transfer.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
It is now stated that the Whites are looking for a fee within the region of £25m for the former Zurich star, which could take the total potential incoming sum of money to £63m if the club decided to cash in on Gnonto, Struijk, and Summerville for the reported fees.
Gnonto may be the most realistic sale at this moment in time as he has not had the impact on the pitch that the other two have been able to have so far this term.
The Italian dynamo has produced one goal and one assist in ten Championship appearances, including six starts. He has missed two 'big chances' and not created a single one for his teammates, to go along with his dismal 0.5 key passes per match for his fellow attackers across those ten games.
These statistics show that the Everton target has not been a consistent performer this term and raking in a £25m fee could be a fantastic piece of business by Leeds, who could then reinvest that money to improve their squad.
Leeds United suffered greatly during their 16-year stint in the Championship (and briefly League One), as this great club wallowed in the lower divisions for far longer than they were expected to after their 2004 relegation.
Whilst the Whites missed out on huge funds from not being in the Premier League, as well as the opportunity to challenge for Champions League spots which they had been competing in just years earlier, it also made the club a far less attractive proposition for current and prospective players.
Moving to Yorkshire to battle for promotion became a far less enticing proposition when top-flight clubs were involved, and over those years they lost a host of top talent due to their league status.
One such prospect who was not keen to stick around at Elland Road was Fabian Delph, who had come through the academy at the club and became a mainstay before his eventual sale.
His talent was too great to keep wallowing in League One, where his side had failed to earn promotion. As such, the youngster completed his £8m move to Aston Villa in 2009.
Whilst the fee was impressive for a club at that level, it was a true indicator of just how far Leeds had fallen.
What happened to Fabian Delph?
It may have seemed like Simon Grayson had little say in the matter of his departure, but as a boyhood fan of the club there was surely reason to believe the now-33-year-old could have been tempted to stick around for another year or two.
Especially considering how he would go on to thrive at Villa Park, as the gem became a fine creative influence with a steely resolve in the engine room. He was even voted their player of the year in 2014, as his combinations with Christian Benteke became almost-legendary.
The apex of his career in the Midlands was arguably his winning goal over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final, despite their hammering at the hands of Arsenal in the subsequent final.
His talent had then been recognised by the game’s elite, and his subsequent move to Manchester City gave him the opportunity to win two Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and an FA Cup.
He truly enjoyed “an amazing career”, as former teammate Gabby Agbonlahor had branded it, but it all began in Leeds. Had he been convinced to give the club an extra year or so, the maestro could have been the catalyst to propel them back into the Premier League way ahead of their eventual 2020 return.
Whites supporters may look back at the situation and wonder what may have been as Delph’s success in the Premier League came too early for the progression of the club as a whole.
However, his immense talent, as backed up by his achievements at Villa and with Manchester City, could have played a role in getting Leeds to the top tier quicker than they did, in 2020, and that is why selling him at that time was a blunder by Grayson.
Tottenham Hotspur could be set to revisit an old acquisition, seeking to make a questionable loan permanent.
What's the latest on Clement Lenglet to Tottenham Hotspur?
That's according to Spanish publication Sport, who suggest that Ange Postecoglou is keen to add Clement Lenglet to his squad for the foreseeable future, despite the French defender having struggled in north London.
The club have reportedly reaffirmed in recent months their satisfaction with his performances in a Spurs shirt, and therefore their willingness to strike a deal with Barcelona.
With three years left on his whopping £200k-per-week deal at the Spanish club, and the Catalan giants once again strapped for cash, they are seeking out a figure of around €12m (£10m) to recoup a portion of the €36m (£31m) they first invested.
Would Clement Lenglet be a smart signing for Tottenham Hotspur?
Whilst such a small fee would represent good value to add some depth to the squad, his performances for the Lilywhites were nothing short of abysmal in their most recent term.
Although it had been claimed so back in 2020, he really proved journalist Roy Nemer correct this season, who had branded him a "defensive liability". It could even be argued that the 27-year-old was even worse than Eric Dier, who acted as something of a lightning rod for criticism under Antonio Conte.
The England international may have been poor, but his 6.86 average rating was a far cry from the left-footed flop that Lenglet turned out to be. This figure was upheld by his 86% pass accuracy and 1.1 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game in the league, via Sofascore.
For comparison, the former Sevilla stopper saw his average rating plummet to 6.65, made worse due to his positional culpability and failure to dominate as expected. He would only muster 0.7 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game in the league, also per Sofascore.
Even at the Nou Camp, his most recent year saw an average rating of 6.67 maintained too.
Despite this, it was the former Everton youth product that was most often lambasted, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Ambrose grouping him up with others who were "not good enough" for the club. He has become an easy target for ridicule in recent years.
It seems an easy excuse to rush at Dier for his failures, forgetting that the 29-year-old has been an ever-loyal servant to this club, making 361 appearances and enjoying some truly impressive spells. As recently as the 2021/22 season did he record a 7.01 average rating.
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For all his shortcomings he at least deserves some credit, especially ahead of this loanee whom he actually outperformed during their most recent torrid campaign.
Lenglet could mark a bargain, but if he performs consistently like he did last term, at a level way below one of the club's most polarising figures, then it is a deal not even worth spending £10m on.