Wolves Must Sign Dream "Generational" £237k-p/w Gem

Wolverhampton Wanderers swooped to sign giant centre-forward Sasa Kalajdzic from German side Stuttgart last summer and the attacker has been restricted to one Premier League appearance this season.

The gem suffered a long-term knee injury on his debut and is currently projected to be out of action until June, having missed 37 matches in all competitions to date.

Julen Lopetegui should be looking forward to the 25-year-old's return next season as the Austrian international's form in Germany prior to arriving in England indicates that he has the potential to be an excellent player for the club.

Kalajdzic scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart and this suggests that the striker has the quality to provide goal contributions on a regular basis at the top level.

However, the forward will need adequate service to find the back of the net and teammates with enough quality to finish off the chances that he creates.

Wolves forward Sasa Kalajdzic receiving treatment.

Lopetegui could provide the Austrian with the partner of his dreams on the pitch by securing a summer deal to sign Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, who is reportedly a target for Wolves heading into the off-season.

How has Ansu Fati performed for Barcelona?

The £237k-per-week prodigy, who could command a fee in the region of €70m (£62m), has racked up 104 appearances for the Spanish giants before his 21st birthday and produced 26 goals and nine assists along the way.

Fati has scored 19 goals and provided four assists in 31 LaLiga starts for Barcelona in his career to date, whilst the dynamo has also shown promise in the Champions League with three goals and two assists in six starts in the competition since breaking into the first-team in 2019/20.

The 20-year-old, who was once lauded as a "generational" talent by Xavi, also ranks in the top 3% of players in his position for non-penalty xG per 90 in Europe's top five leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

This shows that the youngster has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and Kalajdzic, who had provided 11 assists at Stuttgart, could benefit from having a winger who is able to take up great positions in the box.

Fati has shown plenty of promise as a goalscorer and a creator in his limited starts for Barcelona in recent years and joining Wolves to become a regular starter could help the Spaniard to unlock his full potential out wide.

Kalajdzic and the seven-cap Spain international could, therefore, form a dream pairing at the top end of the pitch for Wolves with their respective quality in the final third, as both of them have the ability to score and assist goals at the top level if they can find their best form in England.

Rangers: Beale could repeat Leon King masterclass in ’23/24

Glasgow Rangers have endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory.

The Ibrox outfit will end the campaign trophyless while they have also sacked a manager and even managed to secure the record for the worst ever Champions League group stage performance, losing all six matches and scoring just twice.

Michael Beale will be aiming to put 2022/2023 firmly in the rearview mirror once their finally match has been played and turn his attention to the summer transfer window, with the squad badly needing to be overhauled.

It could be the Gers busiest transfer window in recent memory, especially with seven first team players out of contract and the Englishman will be eyeing up a fair few arrivals too.

Could the 42-year-old turn to the academy to save the club some money?

With plenty of young talent impressing for both the B team and U18s, next season could have a very different feel to it.

One player that Beale may consider giving more opportunities to is defender Lewis MacKinnon and the Ibrox side could certainly their repeat their Leon King masterclass.

Who is Lewis MacKinnon?

The 20-year-old centre-back plays in the same position as King, and he could follow in his footsteps by making the leap to the first team next term.

King is a stunning prospect, making his debut for the club under Steven Gerrard in 2020 aged just 16, he has since gone on to feature for the Light Blues on 28 occasions, gaining valuable Champions League experience along the way.

MacKinnon may not have made his senior bow yet, but there is no doubt the ability is there and with the club having nothing to play for across the final five matches of the season, there may be an opportunity to impress.

He offers a rare attacking threat from central defence having scored three times this term while the Northern Irishman has even stated that he aims to be “solid” in his own box, also admitting that he has improved while speaking to the media earlier this season, saying:

"The Lowland League has been more of a physical test, but when we play these top European teams you’re coming across a different challenge, it’s probably more technical playing against these teams. Ultimately, it will help us improve as a player, everyone’s enjoying it.

Leon King for Rangers

“If you look at the boys who got a start against Queen of the South, it just shows you that the pathway is there, and you just have to keep striving each day."

King has proven that there is indeed a clear pathway from academy to the senior side, and Beale could well unleash him either in the final few matches of this season, or bring him into the first team squad ahead of 2023/2024.

Beale Must Keep Faith With £5.7k-p/w Rangers Gem

Glasgow Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Aberdeen on Sunday gave Michael Beale an indication of which players have long-term futures at the club, while giving him a clearer idea of who may leave Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

Ianis Hagi and Ridvan Yilmaz performed fairly well, both receiving Sofascore ratings of 7/10 as they gave Beale a glimpse of what the future holds.

If he can nurture the talent already at the club, coupled with making a few signings during the summer, next season could be exciting.

The most important decision yesterday, however, was giving a start to goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, who deserves to keep his place during the remainder of the season.

He made four saves and looked extremely comfortable on the ball, while failing to show any rustiness which was incredible given he hadn’t made a first-team appearance since August 2021

With Allan McGregor surely leaving upon the expiration of his contract, the 25-year-old should be given a chance to stake a claim as the new number one.

Who will be in goal for Rangers next season?

McCrorie has been at the Ibrox side since he was a teen, making his way through the academy ranks before gaining senior experience with a succession of loan moves.

Spells at Berwick Rangers, Greenock Morton and Queen of the South were vital for his development, keeping 18 clean sheets during these stints and his performances earned him another temporary move to Livingston, allowing him to gain Premiership experience.

The Scot was given his first taste of action at the Gers in August 2021 as the club were missing several players due to a Covid-19 outbreak and he was tasked with filling in for McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, who both caught the virus and missed crucial ties against Alashkert in the Europa League and Celtic on league duty.

Soccer Football – Champions League Qualifying – Rangers Training – The Hummel Training Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – August 15, 2022 Rangers’ Robby McCrorie during training Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

The 6 foot 2 titan was outstanding over both of these matches as the Light Blues recorded two vital 1–0 victories, and he kept clean sheets in both matches while making three crucial saves, remaining the last Rangers ‘keeper to keep a clean sheet against Celtic.

The win over Aberdeen maintains his record of not conceding a goal for the club and with Steven Gerrard having previously described both him and his brother Ross as “model professionals”, it's clear he's a fine character.

Although the 25-year-old has had to bide his time over the previous 18 months, Beale may finally be giving the stopper a well-deserved run in the first team, faith that could well result in the manager unearthing a special talent next season.

Kompany Must Make Burnley Swoop For £20m Future "Superstar"

Burnley finished their 2022/23 campaign with a 3-0 win over Cardiff City to secure 101 points and the Championship title to earn themselves promotion back to the Premier League.

The Clarets will return to the top-flight next season, just over a year on from their relegation in 2021/22, and planning is already underway to improve the squad with a view to competing at the top level.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Lancashire outfit and Sheffield United have both shown an interest in snapping up Chelsea's £20m midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.

The Blues are set to sanction a temporary exit for the England U20 international and first-team boss Vincent Kompany is now looking to take advantage of that by adding him to his squad.

What is Carney Chukwuemeka's style of play?

Chukwuemeka is a tall, box-to-box, midfielder who has the quality on the ball to drive a team forward – completing 6.06 progressive carries per 90 in the previous campaign – whilst holding the potential to make an impact in the final third.

The 19-year-old could thrive alongside current Burnley star Josh Cullen – who averaged 1.22 progressive carries per 90 in the second tier – as the Irishman's bite off the ball and his quality in possession could allow the youngster to showcase his qualities in attack.

Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen.

In the Championship this season, the former West Ham United gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 43 appearances and completed 88% of his attempted passes. He also made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match, which shows that he can win the ball back for his side on a regular basis week-in-week-out.

Chukwuemeka, meanwhile, has averaged 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game in 11 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this term – having also won 62% of his ground duels.

This suggests that the young midfielder is not defensive-minded and could, potentially, be a liability out of possession if he is not playing next to a player who can be an anchor in the middle of the park – like Cullen.

He is yet to score a senior goal for Aston Villa or Chelsea in his career but has produced six goals in 13 matches for England at U19 level and plundered 13 goals and 13 assists in 55 U21 and U18 games combined for the Villans.

These statistics indicate that the potential is there for the homegrown dynamo to make a huge impact in the final third if given starts on a regular basis and his goals could make up for the lack of threat Cullen, who only scored once in the Championship for Burnley, provides from that position.

Therefore, Chukwuemeka – who was once dubbed a "superstar in the making" by scout Jacek Kulig – could provide an attacking option alongside the Irishman, whilst the current Clarets star's defensive ability could be the platform from which the 19-year-old springs to join in with the forwards.

This is why Kompany must swoop to sign the Chelsea talent on loan for the Clarets this summer as he could form a dream pairing with the 27-year-old machine under Kompany in the Premer League next term.

Arsenal: Gunners Now Make "Sensational" Player Bid

Arsenal have now made an offer of around €80 million (£70 million) to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Who could join Arsenal this summer?

The north Londoners have already begun planning for the 2023/2024 campaign with transfer chief Edu recently admitting as much to the media.

Following Mikel Arteta's attempt to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, having narrowly missed out to champions Man City, it is now imperative for Arsenal to build upon this challenge and mount another fight next season.

Arteta is apparently set to instigate a major summer rebuild, according to reports, with Arsenal expecting many ins and outs this summer window (The Mirror).

Central midfield is a major priority for them in particular, and Rice isn't the only player they're eyeing for the position, with Brighton's Moises Caicedo also a target.

Arsenal could also look to sign midfielders for more advanced, playmaking roles – leading to interest in both Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea's Mason Mount (The Mirror).

However, Rice is believed to be their number one target, with Sky Germany sharing what is a pretty significant update on their attempts to sign him.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

According to their information, Arsenal have already made an offer of around £70m for the 24-year-old, coming amid Bayern Munich's real interest as well.

Not much else is said on the bid or West Ham's stance on accepting it, though it's apparently on the table.

Bayern manager, Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants Rice at the Allianz Arena, but it's the Gunners who have made their first move, with Liverpool and Chelsea also eyeing a move.

Who is Declan Rice?

West Ham's captain and star player looks set to be one of the major talking points of this summer window.

As per WhoScored, Rice stands out as West Ham's most vital asset – averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any other Hammers star in the Premier League this season.

He is a crucial defensive midfield presence for David Moyes, having made more successful interceptions per top flight game than all of his teammates (WhoScored).

Called "utterly sensational" by members of the media, Moyes has also recently admitted he could leave, potentially opening the door for Arsenal.

"We hope he stays with us. But we are aware that he could also leave us at the end of the season," said Moyes (via Sky).

"There are two scenarios that we plan with. We plan once with Declan in the new season, but the probability it's great that he's leaving."

Man United May Lose Race For £42m Star To Big Rival

Presenter Mark Goldbridge warned that Manchester United could miss out on signing defender Kim Min-jae this summer.

Who wants to sign Kim Min-jae?

It's a badly kept secret that the Napoli star could be available at a cut price this summer. Indeed, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Goal), he can be signed in July for just £42m thanks to a clause in his contract.

As a result, Man United have been heavily linked with the player over the past few months, with Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) claiming they have actually met with Kim's representatives to talk terms.

However, the latest news is that Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also in the mix, with reports in Portugal (via Mirror) stating the Magpies

have 'taken advantage' in the race for his signature.

While talking about all this on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge accepted that MUFC could consequently miss out on a deal.

He explained why, saying: “If you think you're going to get Goldbridge saying: 'Newcastle have got no chance of getting Kim Min-jae is coming to United. Why would he go to Newcastle?'

"Unfortunately, as much as I would like to do that, the honest answer is I cannot do that. Because Newcastle have that ability – like Man City have had for the last decade now – where they can get those types of players.

"I think football has changed in the last few weeks. I always said if Newcastle get top four all bets are off, they can actually start going for players that you wouldn't they wouldn't be able to go for a year ago.

"They couldn't get Kim Min-jae if they'd finished sixth. But now that they finished in the top four, they can go for Kim Min-jae. They might offer him more wages, he might go for that he might fancy that."

Why do Man United want Kim Min-jae?

Seeing as his current manager at Napoli Luciano Spalletti has described the heaped praise on the South Korea star as "the best centre-back in the world", it's not hard to see why Man United may face competition for his signature.

And the truth is, thanks to their new owners, Newcastle can probably offer more wages and a bigger transfer fee to take this deal out of the Red Devils' grasp.

Kim Min-jae of Napoli.

And while money isn't everything, as they can now offer Champions League football just like Man United, it really feels as though Kim could quite happily end up at either club.

Leeds Could Now Bin ‘Horrible’ £13m Flop

Leeds United's triumphant return to the Premier League in 2020 suggested they had returned to stay for the long haul, and when Marcelo Bielsa led them to a ninth-placed finish in their first year back, fans were in dreamland.

They had a top-quality manager and were mixing it with some of England's finest once again, before disaster struck.

Poor recruitment and subsequent injuries led the Argentine down a tricky path to navigate, which eventually culminated in his sacking. Three managers followed him before their eventual relegation, ending their three-year stay in the top flight.

Whilst there are few positives to take from such a catastrophic event, which can prove devastating for clubs who succumb to the drop, the fact that most of this gutless playing staff will be purged should stand as a positive for Andrea Radrizzani to take.

Although the Italian seems set to depart Elland Road with the club in the same place as he inherited it, he will still have to oversee the potential exits of some of their higher-profile names until such a sale goes through.

One name on that list will surely be Robin Koch, although fans will likely not be too frustrated with losing the underwhelming German defender.

How has Robin Koch played for Leeds United?

Having signed under Bielsa for a fee rising to £13m, this 2020 acquisition was meant to underpin their revitalised defence ready to tackle the Premier League.

Whilst he was largely solid in that successful return campaign, maintaining a 6.85 average rating in the 2020/21 season, he remained a constant presence in the subsequent collapse over the two years that followed.

This season saw the 26-year-old play 36 times in the league for a side that shipped 78 goals, the most of any club in the division.

His personal displays were woeful too, as his average rating of 6.63 suggests. Yesterday's showing against Tottenham Hotspur stands as an example of such mediocrity, as he was dribbled past twice and lost eight duels on their way to a 4-1 loss, via Sofascore.

Ironically enough, it is now the Lilywhites who are being linked with a cut-price swoop for Koch; a move which fans and sections of the Leeds media would welcome.

leeds-robin-koch-harry-kane

After all, journalist Beren Cross once noted following a 5-1 defeat against Manchester United in 2021, that he was "horrible to watch." That has rather aptly summed up several moments throughout his stint at Elland Road.

With this summer sure to be a transformative one, as Radrizzani seeks to shift his efforts to Sampdoria and find someone else to take over in Yorkshire, perhaps it could be cathartic to rid the club of all the failures who came in and promised the world, only to deliver further frustration for this relentless and ever-loyal fanbase.

Koch's exit would provide the silver lining to this, the darkest of clouds that relegation provides.

Newcastle Eyeing "Tenacious" £34m Machine This Summer

Newcastle United are interested in burgeoning OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, with the France international attracting mounting attention after his seasonal exploits.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Newcastle?

That's according to iNews, who claim that with the Magpies looking to sign a midfielder this summer, Thuram is being considered alongside the more attack-minded Leicester City star James Maddison.

United will have to wage transfer battle against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain if they want to capture the 22-year-old, who is valued at €40m (£34m), but boast a newfound stature among Europe's elite consolidated by qualifying for the Champions League this season.

An earlier report confirmed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth have been 'tracking' the ace, and time is now of the essence with the summer market mere moments away.

How would Khephren Thuram perform at Newcastle?

Thuram has been in fine fettle this season and played a central role in his team's Ligue 1 campaign, with the side sitting in ninth place with just one match to play.

As per Sofascore, he has started 30 games and recorded an impressive average rating of 7.04, scoring two goals, providing four assists, completing 87% of his passes, averaging 1.1 shots and key passes per outing, and averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

The one-cap France star has also succeeded with 60% of his dribbles this term, and certainly looks to wield the tools to be the progressive, all-encompassing force Howe desires to ensure this year's success remains intact.

He could thrive in the Magpies' centre, joining the robust fold and bringing his own distinctive aptitude as a "tenacious" machine, as remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Nice midfielderKhephren Thuram.

Imposing and dominant with the ball, Thuram ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could be an incredible asset alongside Joelinton, with the striker-turned-conductor himself a destructive midfield presence, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 5% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, also a formidable defensive star and ranking among the top 11% for interceptions and the top 9% for blocks per 90.

Once hailed as "exceptional" by reporter Jordan Cronin for one recent stellar showing, the £85k-per-week star would be enhanced by Thuram's bouncing aura on the alternate side of the centre, emboldened by the composure of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle.

Securing Thuram would be yet another diligent step toward prominence at a level unseen on Tyneside for a considerable amount of time, and he would only heighten the expanding talent at Howe's disposal.

Chelsea Could Sign Their Next Mata In £34m Star

The upcoming summer could be the most transformative window in Chelsea’s recent history as the club prepares to shape the overloaded squad under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine faces the unenviable task of attempting to pinpoint the correct additions and find the correct blend of youth and experience to maximise the chance of progression next year.

Gabri Veiga is a name that has been suggested to reinvigorate and revamp Chelsea’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Gabri Veiga to Chelsea?

According to the Guardian, Chelsea have entered the race for the Celta Vigo talent as a replacement for Kai Havertz, who has expressed a desire to leave.

The outlet details that Pochettino is “prioritising additions in midfield” but faces stiff competition from Barcelona and Liverpool for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Veiga’s current contract contains a €40m (£34m) buyout clause – a modest fee for a player of extraordinary potential.

The West Londoners have already lost N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, whilst Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount are all heavily linked with departures.

Is Gabri Veiga like Juan Mata?

The signing of the spritely Spaniard would be a magnificent start to his new era and can mirror the influence that his fellow countryman Juan Mata had in the capital.

Although Mata was only at Chelsea for two and a half seasons, he undoubtedly left his mark.

At the business end of the 2011/12 season, the playmaker won the man of the match in the Blues’ 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool then assisted Didier Drogba’s famous equaliser in the Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich, which allowed the club to go on and clinch their first major European trophy.

In his second campaign, the diminutive creative hub dismantled the top flight as he notched 28 goal involvements.

As recognition for his consistency, quality, and stardom, the former Valencia ace was crowned Chelsea’s Player of the Year on consecutive occasions.

Juan Mata Chelsea

Veiga has the opportunity to make the same switch as his compatriot from La Liga to the Premier League.

His side avoided relegation by just three points, owing to a final-day victory over Barcelona in which Veiga scored twice.

Despite playing for a side that has struggled throughout the term, the "Baby Kaka" – as per one journalist – ranks within the highest 12% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as well as the best 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area, according to FBref.

That certainly outlines him as Mata-esque, with the gifted prodigy finishing the season with 15 goal involvements.

Hailed as “amazing” by Football Scout Jacek Kulig, Chelsea must accelerate their attempts to land this generational gift and at such a reasonable price it would be one of Todd Boehly’s best purchases.

Rangers In Talks For £5m "Awkward To Play Against" Striker

Glasgow Rangers are in talks regarding a summer swoop to bring Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigeria international is a striker who currently plays his football for Cremonese having moved there from KRC Genk last summer, and during his debut season at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, he clocked up a total of 29 appearances under Davide Ballardini.

The Scottish Daily Mail (via Ibrox News) first credited Michael Beale with an interest in the 28-year-old and revealed that he was one of the names “on a list” of targets being considered for the upcoming window, and it wasn’t long before the boss made his opening move.

The Daily Record earlier this month reported that the Light Blues had submitted a seven-figure bid for the Serie B forward after seeing their initial offer turned down which resulted in the two parties getting locked in talks, though it would appear that there has now been a successful breakthrough in negotiations.

Are Rangers signing Dessers?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are "pursuing" a move for Dessers with talks firmly "underway" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Cremonese striker has been a target north of the border for "some time" and it's stated that a fee of £5m "could be enough" to get a deal over the line this summer.

The Italian outfit are looking to "trim costs" following their recent relegation so are resigned to selling some of their prized assets, one of those being the attacker who could well be on his way to Glasgow.

Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos has left the club upon the expiration of his contract so Beale will need a natural centre-forward to replace him, and having been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, Dessers could be the perfect successor.

The Stirr Associates client, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, posted 13 goal contributions (ten goals and three assists) from 32 appearances in all competitions last season so was prolific in the final third, but he also posed a threat when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

Dessers ranked in the 92nd percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and recorded 49 shots over the course of the term which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so should he sign on the dotted line, it would be a massive coup for Beale.

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