All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United are enjoying a successful season overall this year, with progression to the knockout rounds of the Europa League secured and a top-six finish in the Premier League a genuine possibility.

However, the Irons' 3-0 defeat away to Manchester United over the weekend will have left fans feeling deflated, as while the scoreline suggests they were blown away, the reality is quite different.

David Moyes' men managed 22 shots to the Red Devils' 12 and ended the game with an expected goals figure of 1.40 to their 0.75, meaning had they been more clinical, they might've come away 3-0 victors, which must leave some supporters frustrated that the club couldn't secure a deal for Eddie Nketiah last month.

However, the failure to sign the Arsenal man leaves the door open for one of Rush Green's most exciting prospects to come through.

West Ham's interest in Eddie Nketiah

The Hammers' interest in Nketiah stretches back years at this point, with the first murmurings of a potential move coming back in January 2021.

That said, last month's links felt more substantive, with suggestions that the club had contacted the player's representatives over a potential move this season.

However, with the Gunners reportedly valuing their number 14 at around £50m – regardless of his lack of game time – the Hammers opted not to push ahead with their interest.

While this decision not to address one of the club's major weak spots might leave some fans feeling disappointed, it could have been influenced by the emergence of a number nine at Rush Green, a number nine that has the potential to surpass the Arsenal man and lead the line for the Hammers long into the future.

West Ham's next superstar

Callum Marshall made the move from Northern Irish side Linfield to West Ham's academy in January 2022, and since then, he has been tearing it up for the junior sides and has even made his debut for the first team.

In the two years Marshall spent with the Hammers' youth sides, he made 65 appearances for the U18s and U21s, in which he scored 49 goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.08 games and was an essential part of the teams that won the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South last season.

Appearances

65

Goals

49

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.92

With such an impressive record at youth level, it's easy to see why U23 scout Antonio Mango described the young prodigy as "insane" earlier this season and why Moyes gave him his debut last month when he came on for ten minutes against Bristol City in the FA Cup.

With it clear that Marshall has now outgrown junior football, the Hammers opted to send the 19-year-old out on loan for the rest of the season, with Championship side West Bromwich Albion jumping at the opportunity and giving him his first Championship minutes against Birmingham City on Saturday.

West Ham could nurture their answer to Jota in 17 y/o sensation

The former Celtic star’s failed move could be a blessing in disguise.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 2, 2024

Ultimately, the "amazing" Northern Irishman, as dubbed by Mango, looks to have bags of talent and a genuine shot at reaching the very top of the game, so opting not to sign Nketiah in January could end up being a fantastic decision, if Moyes and Co give this up and comer a genuine shot in the team next season.

Much of the talk surrounding Arsenal's transfer business this winter has been regarding a striker.

However, despite spending £105m on Declan Rice and £65m on Kai Havertz, the Gunners look as though they're still a midfielder short.

Specifically, they need someone to successfully fill the void left behind by Granit Xhaka in the left 8 role.

Douglas Luiz looks tailor-made to fill that hole, although they could sign a more defensive-minded player to free up the aforementioned Rice. A certain Arsenal-linked Amadou Onana would suit that mould perfectly.

However, there is another midfield player on Mikel Arteta's shortlist.

Arsenal's hunt for a new midfielder

Reports in recent days have ramped up suggesting that Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be the pick to come in from a midfield point of view.

However, the notorious David Ornstein name-dropped a different player in a report at the back end of last week.

He took to social media to reveal that Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was an admired player, although they face plenty of competition for a signing that could set them back £30m.

How Dewsbury-Hall compares to Aaron Ramsey

Dewsbury-Hall has risen up the ranks to become one of the most highly-rated English midfielders not to have won an international cap over the last 18 months or so.

It was during the Foxes' relegation campaign in 2022/23 that we started to see more of him with the 25-year-old featuring in 31 league games, scoring twice and also recording two assists.

It's taken a drop down to the Championship for the Leicester star to really explode onto the scene, emerging as a real presence in the attacking phases of play.

Enzo Maresca's side are currently top of the second tier as they pursue an instant return to the top flight and Dewsbury-Hall has been an immense presence, scoring nine goals and and registering nine assists across 27 outings.

It's a fabulous return for a player who has been a "revelation" in the words of Brendan Rodgers over the last few years.

It's that goal-scoring form from deep that could draw comparisons to Aaron Ramsey, a scorer of 16 goals in the 2013/14 season, but there's more than just that forward-thinking nature where similarities are drawn.

Goals

0.36

0.27

Assists

0.36

0.41

Shots

2.31

2.23

Pass Success

78%

81%

Key Passes

2.91

1.69

Passes into final 3rd

3.28

3.45

Progressive Passes

6.28

5.95

Goal-creating Actions

0.81

0.68

Tackles Won

0.97

1.22

Touches

63.7

65.7

Take-on Success

52%

52%

Carries into final 3rd

2.47

2.84

So, although Dewsbury-Hall is ahead for goals in the two seasons we've compared here, they complete passes at a similar rate, play a comparable level of progressive passes into the final third and win tackles at a likeminded rate.

On the evidence of the above, both are your typical box-to-box midfielder, capable of influencing play from deep but carrying the ball superbly well into the attacking phases of play.

Having scored in two FA Cup finals, Ramsey is seen as a hero in north London. The Leicester star, therefore, would have a lot to live up to if he moves to the Emirates Stadium but if he continues scoring goals at a similar rate to this term, he will fit in seamlessly.

West Ham United are yet to make a senior addition to their first-team squad during the January transfer window but look set for a busy nine days before the deadline.

Hammers closing in on England international Kalvin Phillips

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Hammers are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to bolster their options in the middle of the park. Writing on his Patreon account (22/01/2024), the reporter states that the club are 'shortly' set to complete a loan move for the England international ahead of the second half of the season.

West Ham will cover his wages over the next five months and will also pay a bonus fee but there is no option to make the transfer permanent in the summer. Phillips is not the only Premier League player who could be on their way to the London Stadium before the deadline, though, as they are also in the race to sign a young forward from Chelsea.

West Ham's pursuit of a new forward

Nixon added, in response to a question from a supporter, that West Ham are also in the market to add multiple forwards to the squad after the signing of the City outcast.

One attacker who the Hammers are said to be eyeing up a deal for is Chelsea marksman Armando Broja, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The reporter claims that the Blues are now willing to listen to offers for the Albania international as they look to cash in on their academy graduate. Jacobs states that Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham would both prefer to sign the young striker on loan, whilst West Ham and Aston Villa remain in the race as possible destinations for the England-born attacker.

The journalist adds that Chelsea would consider offers of £35m+ for the former Southampton loanee and that it is a difficult deal for clubs to complete this month.

Broja's Premier League goal record

Broja has struggled for goals since the start of last season and his progress has been stunted by a long-term knee injury that was sustained in December of 2022. The 22-year-old whiz missed 45 matches across two spells due to issues with his knee and has only scored two goals in 25 Premier League games either side of that blow.

However, the talented young striker, who U23 scout Antonio Mango has claimed is "magnificently unique", did plunder nine goals in 38 appearances for Southampton on loan during the 2021/22 campaign, which included six goals in 32 top-flight outings.

Appearances

32

Starts

21

Goals

6

Big chances missed

5

Big chances created

2

This shows that the young marksman is capable of scoring goals in the Premier League but he is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis as that horrendous knee injury disrupted his development.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

It would, therefore, be a gamble for the Hammers to bring him in, particularly for a fee in excess of £35m, but he has plenty of time left to develop and improve at the age of 22 and could arrive as a long-term project for David Moyes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been a quietly impressive force in the Premier League this campaign and have now made an approach for a player of interest to Gary O'Neil, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers eye new striker

Departures have been the tale of the tape so far at Molineux as boss O'Neil looks to balance his squad for the season run-in before incomings are sourced in the market. Eintracht Frankfurt have moved in to seal a six-month loan for imposing forward Sasa Kalajdzic as the Austria international looks to get back to his best form after his injury issues in the West Midlands.

Fabio Silva and Luke Cundle have also found new temporary homes in Rangers and Stoke City, respectively, paving the way for arrivals this month in key positions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has given a summary of potential targets that the Old Gold could look to draft in over the next few weeks, as he stated to the outlet: "I think Wolves will look for a replacement for Kalajdzic. I think Wolves could potentially be interested in Danny Ings."

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

He then added: "Then I think they’re scouring the overseas market. They’re going to sign Mario Lemina’s brother, Noha, on loan from PSG."

Sporting director Gary Hobbs has also outlined what Wolves will look to prioritise in their search for new players, telling the club's official website: "We dealt with the most pressing profit and sustainability issues during the summer in a positive and proactive way, so while Gary knows we’ll support him if we can, we’re also not going to put ourselves in any danger whatsoever. If players have gone out on loan, we can look to replace them, but they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got. "

Financially advantageous deals look to be in favour at Molineux and a new report has indicated that O'Neil's men have made their move for a striker they could land on a modest deal.

Wolves make move for Che Adams

According to Football Insider, Wolves have finally started their move for Southampton forward Che Adams by registering their interest with his current club by way of an approach, as O'Neil looks to bring in a forward despite Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Five similar players to Che Adams (FBRef)

Player

Club

Leonardo Campana

Inter Miami

Vincent Janssen

Royal Antwerp

Julian Carranza

Philadelphia Union

Dejan Joveljic

LA Galaxy

Vakoun Issouf Bayo

Watford

It is believed the Old Gold would prefer a loan deal to a permanent move this month for the Scotland international. Adams is out of contract this summer and Southampton are weighing up whether to sell him this window or keep him until the end of the campaign, where he could leave on a free transfer.

Labelled "amazing" by Russell Martin, the Leicester-born forward has the same agent as Craig Dawson and Tommy Doyle, potentially handing Wolves an advantage in negotiations. He has scored seven times and registered two assists in 24 appearances this term (Adams statistics – Transfermarkt).

Tottenham Hotspur recruitment chiefs think one club's mainstay midfielder is a potential star in the making, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy now seemingly readying a move.

Spurs closing in on early January deals

Following the widely reported capture of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on a six-month loan deal, it is now believed that Tottenham are close to signing Genoa star Radu Dragusin as well.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The north Londoners are currently chasing Champions League qualification after a stellar first season overall for manager Ange Postecoglou, who has quickly endeared himself to the hearts of Spurs supporters.

The Australian's brand of intense, attack-minded football is easy on the eye, with Tottenham sealing some impressive results this season despite a plethora of injury and suspension problems.

Postecoglou has been left very short defensively in particular. First-choice centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been unavailable for long periods since early November, exposing Spurs' real lack of depth in defence and prompting them to open talks for Dragusin this month.

Spurs' head coach will be eager to get the Romanian to N17 as soon as possible, but it's also believed that Levy and sporting director Johan Lange would like to bring in a centre-midfielder as well.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher if they can offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before January 31, alongside the likes of Royal Antwerp ace Arthur Vermeeren. Now, it is believed the north Londoners have their eyes on Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton as well.

Tottenham "readying a move" for Wharton

The 19-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Blackburn's midfield this season, starting 20 games and playing 24 overall, is seen as a potential "star in the making" by Spurs.

That is according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, who also claim Tottenham are "readying a move" to sign Wharton after scouting him extensively this season.

While it is believed a transfer is unlikely to happen in January, the Lilywhites are apparently stepping up their interest in the Englishman ahead of a possible 2024 swoop.

The teenage sensation, who can play across the midfield, currently ranks as one of Rovers' best-performing players by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Blackburn 1-2 Watford

7.82

Watford 1-0 Blackburn

7.52

Blackburn 4-2 Birmingham City

7.51

Blackburn 1-2 Preston

7.50

Coventry City 1-0 Blackburn

7.40

“I saw Adam’s quality on the ball immediately when I arrived here," said Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson to Rovers TV.

“I’ve been pushing him every day, he’s a young boy who wants to learn and he has a big future. I’m on him every day, he has to demand more from himself as well.

“He’s a great player but there’s still a lot to learn off the ball. The important thing with Adam is that he’s willing to learn. He’s done a great job, he’s a positive boy and he’s already developed a lot and he has the mentality to become better every day."

Norwich City still find themselves settling for averageness with 26 games of the Championship season up, the Canaries occupying 13th spot in the division under the disappointing reign of David Wagner to date.

Yet, it looks as if the underwhelming German manager is here to stay at Carrow Road with no real indicators that the ex-Huddersfield Town boss will be relieved of his duties in Norfolk anytime soon.

So, this month's transfer window could see the underperforming 52-year-old scramble about to bring new personnel into the building to kickstart a turnaround in fortunes.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

With that in mind, here are three potential signings Wagner could make this month to save his skin in the Canaries hot-seat…

1 Joshua Stokes

Wagner could well look to the non-league market to sign an explosive talent this January, the sort of purchase that could have the Carrow Road masses off their seats on a consistent basis if all goes to plan.

Joshua Stokes is a player in high demand this January, the Aldershot Town star wanted not just by the Canaries in the second tier according to TEAMtalk but also by the likes of Ipswich Town and Sunderland higher up the rankings in the Championship.

The attacking midfielder warrants such fervent interest in his services too, standing out as a talent who could play at a far higher level by scoring 15 goals in a gung-ho Aldershot side in all competitions this season.

Stokes could well be the goalscoring midfielder Norwich desire if Gabriel Sara ends up leaving this January, a risky signing that could really pay off and get fans back on side watching a player who strides across the turf whenever selected with a smile on his face.

2 Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

This next potential move could also occur off the back of another departure happening in Norfolk, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi coming in on a potential loan deal to the Canaries to fill the void left behind by Jonathan Rowe leaving.

That would be a very hard gap to fill but Rak-Sakyi has shown in the EFL in the past – albeit in League One – that he is equally as tricky and hard to contain as Rowe on his day.

Even if Rowe did stay put at Carrow Road, Rak-Sakyi could displace below-par performers such as Christian Fassnacht if signed.

The current Crystal Palace winger's loan spell at Charlton Athletic during the 2022/23 season was the making of the 21-year-old, blossoming into a potent attacker at the Addicks with 15 goals and nine assists notched up from 43 games.

Another loan move away from Selhurst Park didn't materialise for the former Charlton fan favourite this summer, but Norwich were reportedly interested then and could revive their interest this month especially if Rowe ups and leaves for pastures new.

3 Dexter Lembikisa

Norwich could utilise the loan market once more by signing Dexter Lembikisa this month, the current Rotherham United loanee a wanted man according to TEAMTalk with Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town also wanting to sign the young full-back alongside the Canaries.

Supporters of Norwich know all too well what Lembikisa is capable of, the Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster turned crucial Millers first-teamer scoring a sensational first-time strike against Wagner's men earlier in the season.

The Canaries could well want to turn back the clock and sign a full-back reminiscent of Max Aarons in Lembikisa, pushing the likes of Jack Stacey all the way currently at Carrow Road to a starting spot if purchased.

Wagner knows that he will have to get his recruitment spot on this month to improve his side and get more wins on the board, or he could finally be put out of his misery and fired from his precarious job post.

Manchester United are reportedly close to the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona in a move which will surely please incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

According to a report from AS (via The Faithful MUFC), a deal is close for the transfer of the Dutchman from Camp Nou to Old Trafford.

The report stated that if United make an offer of €70m (£59.6m) then the La Liga side will allow the 25-year-old to leave.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

Ten Hag would then reunite with his former Ajax protégé, and this news will surely excite the Old Trafford faithful.

Better than Paul Pogba

De Jong is currently valued at £63m by Transfermarkt and could well be the marquee signing that Ten Hag needs to make to instantly make an impression on United supporters who are desperate for success.

With the likelihood of Paul Pogba leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer, as Juventus seemingly offer the midfielder a deal to return to Italy, then the Red Devils urgently need another central midfielder.

In the 25-year-old, they would get an instant upgrade on the Frenchman. It’s clear that the Netherlands international offers more of a goalscoring threat from midfield, with four goals this season compared to Pogba’s solitary strike.

De Jong also has a higher pass completion rate than the 29-year-old (90.1% to 83.5%), generates more than double the amount of shot-creating actions (104 to 56) and has made significantly fewer fouls over the course of the season (37 to 56).

freshpress-quiz ]

These figures clearly prove that signing De Jong would be a shrewd move, and with Ten Hag knowing exactly what he would get from the Barcelona maestro from their mutual time at Ajax, then it’s a transfer that makes absolutely perfect sense.

With Barca manager Xavi dubbing the midfielder a “genius”, it could be a massive loss to the Spanish side in the long-term, but it would be a tremendous coup to kickstart the Ten Hag era at Old Trafford.

AND in other news, Man United plotting bid to sign “complete” £63m monster, he’d be their own De Bruyne

Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday as they welcome Motherwell to Parkhead after suffering the disappointment of a defeat at the hands of Braga in the Europa League.

In what turned out to be a bleak night, the Bhoys failed to turn up and Brendan Rodgers will feel a sense of frustration at the way matters panned out, especially after Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversial disallowed goal that was overturned by VAR.

Celtic’s last five results – a cause for concern?

Celtic 0-2 Braga

Celtic 0-0 Hibernian

Crvena Zvedza 1-1 Celtic

Partick Thistle 0-4 Celtic

Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic

Either way, the focus turns back to league duty and even at an early stage, their encounter against the Steelmen feels like a match that will arrive in must-win territory as a disgruntled fanbase continue to vocalise their discontent with matters on and off the field.

Claiming three points will be the only option to quell some of that anger, so with that in mind, who could Rodgers look to start at home to Motherwell?

GK – Kasper Schmeichel

Veteran Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel’s error meant Ricardo Horta opened the scoring for Braga with a long-range strike in Thursday night’s Europa League, leaving some supporters wondering if it is time to grant Viljami Sinisalo a run in the side.

Truthfully, the 38-year-old looked shaky against the Primeira Liga outfit and not for the first time this season. However, Rodgers has always been a big advocate for his talent and experience. He will likely allow the former Leicester City goalkeeper a chance to atone on Sunday.

RB – Anthony Ralston

Colby Donovan started at home to Braga on Thursday in light of his positive emergence from the academy. Nevertheless, he failed to shine on a night where the Hoops were second best.

Anthony Ralston was preferred against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership last weekend after returning from injury and helped to keep a clean sheet, offering Rodgers a straight swap that may make a degree of sense heading into a must-win fixture.

CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers

Uncharacteristically, Cameron Carter-Vickers was another who fell below his usual lofty standards earlier in the week, though he is too important to drop at an early stage in the season where Celtic are fighting Heart of Midlothian for top spot. Expect him to start.

CB – Liam Scales

Partnering Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales has arguably been Celtic’s best player of the season so far and has barely put a foot wrong in spite of deficiences elsewhere on the pitch.

The Bhoys have only conceded a solitary goal in the Scottish Premiership this campaign, illustrating their resilience, so it feels unlikely that the Irishman would be rested against Motherwell.

Chris Sutton named Celtic legend his "best" ever teammate and as good as Shearer

He was full of praise…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 2, 2025 LB – Marcelo Saracchi

Left-back will be a toss-up between Marcelo Saracchi and Kieran Tierney, and it may be more prudent for the former to start as Rodgers looks to manage Tierney’s fitness.

Coming in on loan from Boca Juniors, Saracchi has been continually impressive when called upon and is establishing himself as a favourite among supporters.

CDM – Callum McGregor

Looking at his performances, Celtic captain Callum McGregor has some room for improvement as the Bhoys’ engine room struggles to find their best collective form. Still, he will be present and is someone you write off at your peril.

CM – Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate is another who has endured an inconsistent start to the season. Putting that aside, his defence-splitting qualities may be needed against an unbeaten Motherwell side on Sunday afternoon.

The Japan international is capable of playing line-breaking passes and takes on an average of 1.3 shots per league game, according to Sofascore, which is something Rodgers will hope to see in action as his side aim to take all three points.

CM – Benjamin Nygren

Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo may be players some supporters will make a case for starting, albeit Benjamin Nygren is hard to look past due to his encouraging numbers from midfield.

Three goals and four assists in his first 12 matches across all competitions is a decent tally, and the Swede will hope to do the damage as Celtic return to domestic endeavours.

RW – Hyunjun Yang

Daizen Maeda has recently featured on the right wing for Celtic, but Rodgers may opt to grant the Japan international a rest in favour of counterpart Hyunjun Yang. With a lack of options at his disposal on that side, the South Korean may be more of a natural fix.

LW – Sebastian Tounekti

The star of the show for Celtic this season, Sebastian Tounekti is someone that Rodgers can’t afford to drop, even if Michel-Ange Balikwisha is waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

Capped three times by Tunisia, he has created six chances in 162 minutes of Scottish Premiership football, making him a nailed-on starter.

ST – Kelechi Iheanacho

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has had the ball in the net four times in his opening five games for Celtic. Only two of which have counted, though he has impressed with his link-up play and ability to sniff out opportunities.

With the correct support, he could be the man to seperate the sides at Parkhead and appears to be finding his feet under a familiar face in Rodgers.

One of the areas Manchester United were reportedly looking to strengthen for Ruben Amorim over the summer was in midfield. In the end, the Red Devils never brought someone in to play in the middle of the park, but it was a key focus for the club.

They were heavily linked with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. It was reported at the start of August that United had made contact via intermediaries to sign the midfielder, although the move never happened.

Indeed, over the last few years, United have struggled to sign a permanent replacement in midfield for the great Michael Carrick.

Man Utd's struggle to replace Carrick

It often feels like Carrick does not get the praise he deserves. You do not play 464 times for United if you aren’t a top-level player. As Rio Ferdinand once said, he was “the most underrated and undervalued player in the league” throughout his career.

So, replacing him was never going to be easy for United. Unfortunately, it still seems like the Red Devils are yet to find the man who can properly fill Carrick’s boots. Since his retirement at the end of 2017/18, the Red Devils have signed seven midfielders.

Bruno Fernandes has been the only true success. United’s captain can also be grouped with Donny van de Beek and Mason Mount as players who are attacking midfielders rather than a number six like Carrick was.

Another two of those midfield signings have now left the club. Fred was a marmite figure among United fans, although left to join Fenerbahce last summer. Sofyan Amrabat was only at the club on a season-long loan, and now plays at Real Betis.

So, that leaves Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. The Brazilian legend has had peaks and troughs at Old Trafford, although at 33 years of age, he hasn’t played for the club in his prime.

As for Ugarte, he’s struggled to cement a place in the midfield under Amorim – as evidenced by his lack of action in the Europa League final – and does not possess the quality of Carrick.

So, the wait goes on to replace Carrick. However, United may have had an academy star on the books who could have been the perfect option.

United’s in-house Carrick replacement

Replacing a midfielder as important and talented as Carrick was never going to be easy for the Red Devils. Often, their esteemed Carrington academy is the place to turn for exciting young talents.

Well, back when Erik ten Hag was the club’s manager in 2023, they chose not to offer Ethan Galbraith a new contract. Described as a “little Iniesta or Xavi” by former Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough, the 24-year-old could have been United’s Carrick replacement.

He has previously been called “Carrick-esque” by journalist Richard Fay of The Manchester Evening News. It might be with regret for the higher-ups at United to see him doing so well at his current club, Swansea City.

This season for the Swans, he’s nine games across all competitions, scoring and assisting one apiece. The 24-year-old also featured twice for Northern Ireland in the most recent international break, where he impressed against Germany.

His stats from the season so far in the Championship highlight Galbraith’s ability with the ball at his feet.

For example, he averages 2.12 progressive carries and 6.72 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which rank him in the top 3% and 17% of Championship midfielders, respectively.

Progressive passes

6.72

83rd

Passes into penalty area

1.06

72nd

Assists

0.18

86th

Progressive carries

2.12

97th

Carries into penalty area

0.53

97th

It is easy to see how Galbraith compares to Carrick. The former United number 16 had “wonderfully varied, extremely creative passing range, is two-footed and glides across the pitch”, according to his former manager at West Ham United, the late Glenn Roeder.

Galbraith certainly ticks those boxes, as the stats and the eye test both show. If only United had kept hold of the rising star a couple of years ago, he could have been a key part of their midfield under Amorim and their Carrick replacement.

Not Sesko: Bruno has found his new Martial & Rashford in Man Utd "machine"

Bruno Fernandes appears to have a new partner in crime at Manchester United…

ByRobbie Walls Sep 24, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s attack has already been subject to improvement this summer, with Thomas Frank evidently wanting added reinforcements in such a department.

It may come as a surprise to many, especially considering the side registered 64 league goals last season – the seventh-highest tally of any side in the Premier League.

However, Mohammed Kudus has already been signed to add further depth to such an area, but their business has shown no signs of slowing down as of late.

Countless players have emerged on their radar in an attempt to aid the new boss during his first year in charge, with the hierarchy backing him after taking the reins.

It remains to be seen how much more money the Dane will have at his disposal, but it’s clear that he’s already made up his mind on who he wants to bring to North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In their ambitions of adding to the front line, Real Madrid star Rodrygo has emerged as a surprise option after he was told he’s free to leave the Spanish giants this summer.

The Brazilian would undoubtedly be a marquee signing for Frank this summer, with a fee in the region of £86m mooted – a figure that might be out of reach for the Lilywhites.

As a result, many other players are being lined up by the board, which has seen Stade Rennais talent Arnaud Kalimuendo touted by TEAMtalk for a move to North London.

Their report claims that the hierarchy have already started talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a move for the 23-year-old, who scored 18 times across all competitions last campaign.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £30m this window, but could face competition for his signature from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Why Spurs’ £30m target would be Frank’s answer to Kalimuendo

Kylian Mbappé is a player who has been one of Europe’s most-feared talents in recent years, understandably so given his clinical record in front of goal with multiple sides.

The Frenchman netted 256 goals in 308 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain over a seven-year spell, before making a huge move to join Real Madrid last summer.

Such a move has allowed the 26-year-old to reach new heights in his career, finding the net 44 times in his 59 appearances, ending his first season in Spain as the division’s top scorer.

His goalscoring prowess has made him such a threat to countless sides across the continent, already winning 18 major honours during his time at the top level.

However, whilst the Lilywhites will be unable to land Mbappé himself, they could be about to sign their answer to the forward with a summer move for Kalimuendo.

The 23-year-old has a long way to go until he matches the levels produced by his compatriot, but he’s already showcased his talents during the early stages of his own career.

FBref have labelled him as a similar player to Mbappé, showcasing the talent he possesses, even outperforming the Madrid star in multiple areas last season.

Games played

33

34

Goals & assists

20

34

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

2.4

2.3

Fouls won

1.4

1.2

Aerials won

0.8

0.1

Aerial success rate

47%

40%

Pass accuracy

83%

82%

Kalimuendo, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” talents by talent scout Jacek Kulig, posted a better goal per shot on target rate, highlighting the clinical edge he possesses based on the chance he was presented with last season.

His creativity is also reflected in his higher tally of passes completed and passes made into the final third, having the tools to provide others around him with the chance to thrive in North London.

The youngster’s all-round brilliance is further demonstrated by his aerial ability, with his versatility and varied skill set making him a talent who Spurs need to get their hands on.

£30m for a player of his calibre in today’s market would certainly be a bargain and offer an addition that would hand Frank the attacking quality he craves this summer.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t be one of Europe’s leading talents, potentially leading the Lilywhites to Premier League glory in the near future.

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