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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says a “not as highlighted” member of his Spurs squad is extremely underappreciated ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle on Wednesday.

Tottenham defence shines in 3-0 victory at Everton

On Sunday, the Lilywhites continued their solid start to the campaign overall by making history away to Everton.

Tottenham became the first away team to win at the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Merseyside, with a brace from star defender Micky van de Ven and substitute Pape Sarr catapulting the north Londoners to third in the Premier League.

In the build up, much was made about Spurs’ problems with creativity in the final third, especially after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend and their tepid 0-0 draw away to Monaco in the Champions League — where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spared their blushes time and time again with fantastic saves.

Vicario did make a vital stop to prevent Everton from going 1-0 up with a fine, point-blank save from Jack Grealish before van de Ven opened the scoring midway through the first-half.

The Toffees did briefly equalise, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul on Vicario, with van de Ven then doubling the away side’s lead by getting on the end of another corner just before half-time.

Vicario’s fine form continued, thwarting Beto’s acrobatic overhead kick with an excellent reflex save from close range before denying them again. Richarlison had a chance to kill the game off when he found himself in on goal, but Jordan Pickford frustrated the Brazilian with a one-on-one save.

However, the striker redeemed himself with an assist for Sarr in the 89th minute to seal all three points for Frank’s side – putting what was a torrid week behind them as they prepare for another tough trip to St. James’ Park on Wednesday.

Tottenham will be without nine players to face Eddie Howe’s side, with Frank confirming no changes to their absentee list from their win at Everton.

Tottenham absentee list to face Newcastle

Problem

Estimated return date

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

While van de Ven stole all the headlines for his obvious contribution, January signing Kevin Danso also enjoyed an absolutely solid outing.

The 27-year-old, tasked with replacing Cristian Romero, has done an excellent job in the Argentine’s stead, especially against Everton, with Danso winning 100 per cent of his duels, both in the air and on the ground.

Danso also made a whopping 18 clearances at the Hill Dickinson, and his defensive heroics were key to Spurs coming away with a much-needed three points.

Vs Everton

Kevin Danso

Micky van de Ven

Minutes

90

90

Tackles won

1/1

0/0

Clearances

18

7

Blocked shots

2

0

Ball recoveries

3

2

Ground duels won

2/2

1/2

Aerial duels won

4/4

1/4

Stats via Sofascore

In the aftermath, Frank was quick to herald Danso’s contribution.

Thomas Frank says Kevin Danso is Tottenham's underrated star

Speaking after Tottenham’s win at Everton in a post-match press conference, Frank claimed Danso’s performance was “not as highlighted”, but just as vital to his side claiming victory.

When asked about Danso again before Tottenham’s trip to the North East, Frank piled more praise on the Austrian – claiming he deserves praise.

Danso was brought in at the start of the year to help Spurs during their defensive injury crisis under ex-boss Ange Postecoglou, and he’s hardly set a foot wrong.

Signed on an initial loan with which became permanent for £21 million in the summer, Danso is proving to be worth every penny, but reports suggest he could face stiff competition for minutes pretty soon.

Tottenham are believed to be in the market for another defender in January, despite Danso’s presence and Radu Dragusin coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see how often he’ll feature for Frank if a new centre-back comes through the door.

Wayne Rooney has no faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club.

Head coach Amorim has taken 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge following Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Brentford and is yet to oversee consecutive top-flight wins.

Rooney, United’s all-time leading goalscorer, said he goes to games expecting the team to lose and feels some players do not deserve to represent the club.

Despite the ongoing poor form, which includes last month’s Carabao Cup exit at League Two Grimsby, Amorim reportedly retains the backing of United’s board.

“I just don’t know what’s going on,” Rooney, 39, said on his BBC podcast.

“I have tried my hand in management and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd.

“I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor last November after winning two Portuguese titles with Sporting Lisbon.

United endured their worst Premier League campaign last season, finishing 15th – their lowest position since they were relegated from the old First Division in 1974.

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2

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Sean Markus Clifford

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“I don’t recognise the whole football club,” said Rooney, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with United.

“I don’t see players fighting, I don’t see character, I don’t see desire to win. I go to a game watching… expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

“The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club.

“What is going on, this is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt and it hurts.”

Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United between 2004 and 2017.

“The culture of that football club has gone,” added the former England captain. “I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

“I’ve got two kids (in the academy) at that football club and I really hope this doesn’t affect what they’re doing. What I’m seeing at that football club is not Manchester United.”

United, who sit 14th in the table, return to action on Saturday at home to Sunderland before travelling to leaders Liverpool after the October international break.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan and the Hammers board have come under fire from supporters for a long time — even more so after their downward trajectory since 2023.

West Ham braced for fan protests as tension with ownership escalates

As per The Telegraph, West Ham supporters are poised to stage protests against the ownership at every Saturday home game this campaign — sending a clear message of discontent towards the hierarchy.

Their controversial move to the London Stadium, which forced loyal supporters to wave goodbye to the beloved Boleyn Ground in 2016, was promised to bring a change of direction — with supporters told they would get a “world-class stadium for a world-class team” (The Telegraph).

However, after what was an unforgettable closing ceremony at the Boleyn, made better by a 3-2 win over Man United that night, West Ham have done little to make good on their pledge to kick on.

David Moyes guided the club to three consecutive seasons in Europe during his second spell in charge, including a journey to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022, and West Ham topped off their exploits abroad by winning the Conference League.

Their glorious night in Prague ended the Irons’ 43-year-wait for silverware, with West Ham also lifting their first European trophy since 1965.

However, apart from a brief adventure under Moyes, their move to the London Stadium has failed to deliver what was promised by the board — and West Ham have only got worse since their Conference League victory.

A succession of managers in Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter were shown their marching orders after failing to build upon Moyes’ era, with Nuno Espírito Santo now in the West Ham hot seat as he seeks to deliver where his predecessors failed.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Nuno is making his presence known by axing James Ward-Prowse already, and some reports suggest that West Ham are prepared to back their new manager with new signings in January.

However, tensions between the fanbase and West Ham have now reached breaking point, with former boss Harry Redknapp now predicting a bold move by Sullivan to transform the club.

Harry Redknapp predicts David Sullivan decision to transform West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ex-West Ham and Tottenham manager has predicted that Sullivan will sell his West Ham shares to billionaires from the Middle East.

Interestingly, the 78-year-old has actually moved to defend Sullivan too — claiming that the divisive chair has pumped his own money into the club and a lot of the blame for West Ham’s woes lies with their recruitment department.

West Ham take on Arsenal this Saturday as Nuno prepares for his second game in charge, with Mikel Arteta’s side overwhelming favourites, especially considering their major threat from set pieces.

Failure to deal with dead balls has been a real thorn in West Ham’s side this season, so Nuno’s men are seriously up against it at the Emirates, as they also look to contain Arsenal’s plethora of attacking talent.

Gearing up to do battle in the transfer market once again, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined a Premier League race to sign a Bundesliga talent.

Howe admits Newcastle "different" without Isak

It was another frustrating away draw for Newcastle on Sunday. This time, the Magpies were forced to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw against a stubborn Bournemouth side. It makes it just one win in five games for Eddie Howe’s side, who are still adjusting to life without star man Alexander Isak.

The good news for Newcastle is that there aren’t many sides in the Premier League without problems as of late. Only Liverpool, who sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, have maintained a 100% record.

With new signing Yoane Wissa likely to be on his way back from injury after the international break too, Howe will be hoping to see his side find their feet sooner rather than later.

Related Newcastle’s “explosive” star once looked like Shearer, now he needs to go

Newcastle star’s struggles mirror team’s attacking woes in Bournemouth draw.

Posts ByWill Miller Sep 22, 2025

In the meantime, PIF are still focusing on potential incomings away from the action. With 2026 presenting those at St James’ Park with a fresh opportunity to spend big, the Magpies have reportedly joined a Premier League race to sign another Bundesliga talent.

Newcastle join race to sign Brown

As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt. Joining Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Manchester United in the battle to welcome the German left-back, those in Tyneside should be desperate to finally get one over on their rivals in the transfer market.

Signing another young left-back would certainly make sense following the interest that came Tino Livramento’s way in the summer. Losing the Englishman would be a major blow for Howe, but welcoming Brown would instantly provide the Newcastle boss with a replacement.

Described as a “pacy, flying” left-back by analyst Ben Mattinson back in May, Brown is one to watch in the Bundesliga. Newcastle already dipped into the pool of young German talent to welcome Nick Woltemade in the summer and could do so again to welcome a defensive talent.

Josh Windass revealed a gruesome injury to his social media followers after coming off early in Wrexham's Championship draw with Leicester City. The Foxes went ahead in the first half through Jordan James’ and held onto their lead until the 77th minute. However, nerves and wastefulness opened the door for Wrexham, with Nathan Broadhead grabbing a late equaliser at the King Power Stadium.

• Agony for Windass in Foxes clash

  Windass left fans wincing after revealing a new injury. The forward came off just after the hour mark, replaced by Broadhead, who turned saviour for the Red Dragons with a late equaliser. What came next was a grim social media update. Windass posted a close-up of his severely bruised ankle, swollen and mangled, with the caption:

  @windassjnr Instagram

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Windass’ injury curse strikes again

  Windass only recently clawed his way back from a hamstring tear suffered in Wrexham's 3-2 defeat to West Brom. That setback kept him out of five matches before he finally made his return against Norwich on September 20. Now, the 31-year-old could be set for another period on the sidelines, with a medical examination on his ankle likely to take place later this week. Manager Phil Parkinson may be robbed of one of his most experienced heads for another important stretch of the campaign.

• Parkinson’s warriors refuse to fold

  Parkinson’s men continue to show steel after a tough start to the 2025-26 campaign. The boss, who has masterminded three successive promotions to guide Wrexham into the Championship, stuck with the same XI that battled through a bruising 1-1 draw with Derby just days earlier. And once again, his players found a way. Lewis O’Brien’s relentless chase of a lost cause created the late chance against Leicester, and Broadhead’s ice-cool finish ensured Wrexham’s remarkable record of scoring in every league and cup fixture this season remained intact.

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  Hollywood derby up next

  All eyes now turn to Friday night, when Birmingham City arrive at the Racecourse for the latest edition of the “Hollywood derby”. Injuries may be piling up, but Wrexham’s spirit is unbreakable, and the script feels primed for another nail-biter.

After Strikers posted BBL’s second-highest total of 251, D’Arcy Short took 4 for 15 to bowl Heat out for 195

Tristan Lavalette11-Jan-2025

Matthew Short made 109 off 54 balls•Getty Images

Captain Matthew Short returned from a toe injury in spectacular fashion with a blistering century against Brisbane Heat as Adelaide Strikers revived their finals hopes after making the second highest total in BBL history.Sent in to bat on a very flat Adelaide Oval surface, Strikers smashed 251 for 5 highlighted by Short’s 109 off 54 balls after he missed the last three matches. He reached his ton in 49 balls to set a new franchise record.Heat never seriously threatened in the chase and were bowled out for 195 after 20 overs.The result has breathed life into Strikers’ season (three wins in eight games) having entered the match in last position and they moved within striking distance of fourth-placed Heat.Short/Lynn rampage before Carey’s brief knock in season debut There was a lot of anticipation over the season debut of Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was listed at No.3 but made to wait until almost the ninth over after a destructive 121-run opening partnership between Short and Chris Lynn.During Short’s absence, Lynn moved up to open from three and such was his success that he stayed in the position. He dominated the powerplay and thrashed quicks Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, normally so reliable with the new ball.Lynn raced to 42 off 13 balls as Strikers motored to 62 for 0 in the most runs hit by a team in the powerplay this season. Short then took over with two sixes off left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as Strikers moved to 81-0 after five overs.Hogging the strike, Short soon sped past Lynn to reach his half-century off 24 balls. In the first seven overs, Short and Lynn smashed seven sixes while they failed to score off just 11 balls.Matt Short and Chris Lynn turn the crowd into umpires•Getty Images

But Lynn did lose his rhythm and was also ailed by a tight hamstring before being knocked over by a quicker delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Carey finally came to the crease, but only lasted eight deliveries after being bowled by another faster ball from Kuhnemann. He did, however, hit arguably the best shot of the innings after a classy check drive sailed prettily over extra cover and into the crowd.Short was unperturbed as he fittingly reached his ton with a boundary. Travis Head had held Strikers’ previous fastest century with his famous 53-ball ton against Sydney Sixers on New Year’s Eve in 2015.It was a brilliant knock from Short, who has recently opened for Australia in white-ball cricket, marked by staying still at the crease and clean ball striking. He ruthlessly targeted the shorter boundaries on the legside before finally holing out to deep midwicket.Alex Ross clubbed 44 not out from 19 balls at the death to ensure Strikers’ momentum continued.Spinners Kuhnemann, Swepson try their best With their star quicks Neser, Bartlett and Johnson having rare off performances, unable to hit their lengths, spinners Kuhnemann and Swepson took five wickets between them in battling efforts.They weren’t spared, with 91 runs hit off their eight overs, but at least ensured Strikers didn’t reel in the BBL record score of 273 for 2 set by Melbourne Stars three years ago.Kuhnemann, in his first match since being selected to the Test tour of Sri Lanka, got some zip off the surface, while Swepson cleverly mixed up his bowling to be the most economical of the five bowlers used.Debutant quicks face tough initiation, D’Arcy Short takes four wickets On a surface that rivalled some of the unforgiven pitches seen in the IPL, Strikers debutant quicks Liam Haskett and Jordan Buckingham faced a difficult initiation.Haskett impressed last season for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, but had a delayed start to this summer due to a back injury. The tall left-arm quick was unleashed in the second over, but struggled with his lengths initially and whacked over the legside for successive sixes by Neser.D’Arcy Short finished with 4 for 15•Getty Images

Haskett was later pulled for six by Nathan McSweeney and caught, remarkably, by his father in the terraces. He returned later to dismiss Tom Alsop to finish with 2 for 43 from 3 overs.The 24-year-old Buckingham was given a chance in the BBL having impressed in the Shield in recent seasons. Like almost every other bowler in the match, he copped some punishment but claimed the key wicket of Matthew Renshaw in the 14th over.With bowlers sporting bowling figures that were an eyesore, D’Arcy Short’s handy legspin was used to good effect as numerous Heat batters holed out to him. He finished with 4 for 15 off 3 overs.Munro bats well down the order after injuries in the field Heat’s monumental task was made harder with skipper Colin Munro batting well down the order after dislocating a finger in his left hand and suffering a shoulder injury in a torrid time in the field. He came out at No.7 and made a second ball duck.Neser was promoted to open and ordered to go for broke, but it didn’t do the trick. McSweeney played fluently with several gorgeous drives and he made an attractive 43 off 24 balls.But he was run out attempting a second run as Heat’s slim chances effectively ended despite entertaining cameos from Renshaw, in-form Max Bryant and Johnson, who hit 27 from 13 balls at No.11.

حقق لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد جائزة جديدة بعد تألقه في المباراة الماضية أمام فياريال ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وخاض فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة تشابي ألونسو، مباراته أمام فياريال في بطولة الدوري الإسباني مساء السبت الماضي.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وفياريال، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني والتي انتهت بفوز رجال ألونسو بثلاثية مقابل هدف.

وتألق فينيسيوس جونيور في المباراة واستطاع أن يقود ريال مدريد نحو تحقيق انتصار مميز جعله في صدارة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رودريجو: كنت سألعب في برشلونة.. ورونالدو سبب تشجيعي لريال مدريد

وسجل الدولي البرازيلي هدفين في المباراة الأول من مهارة فردية رائعة من الجانب الأيمن والثاني تحصل على ركلة جزاء ونجح في إحرازها، كما تسبب في طرد أحد لاعبي فياريال.

وتوج فينيسيوس جونيور بجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة الثامنة لبطولة الدوري الإسباني بعد الأداء المميز الذي قدمه.

يُذكر أن نادي برشلونة قد خسر برباعية مقابل هدف في اللقاء الذي جمعه أمام إشبيلية في نفس الجولة ولذلك توقف رصيده عند النقطة 19 في وصافة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني.

لم يظهر محمد صلاح بأفضل حالاته المعهودة حيث خسر ليفربول مباراتين متتاليتين بعد هزيمته بهدف ضد جالطة سراي في الجولة الثانية بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتفوق بطل الدوري التركي على ليفربول طوال المباراة، وأحرز فيكتور أوسيمين هدف الفوز من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 16.

وكان آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول قد أجرى تغييرات عى تشكيلته، وكانت قراراته غير مجدية بشكل كبير لصالح الفريق، ودخل محمد صلاح في منتصف الشوط الثاني ولم يتمكن من إحداث تأثير في نتيجة المباراة.

ويعتقد دانييل ستوريدج نجم ليفربول السابق أنه يعرف السبب وراء جلوس صلاح على دكة البدلاء، حيث تحدث عبر “أمازون برايم” وقد ادعى أن غياب الانسجام بين لاعبي الفريق يؤثر على أداء المصري.

اقرأ أيضاً.. رد فعل غريب من محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء ليفربول أمام جالطة سراي

وقال ستوريدج في تصريحات نشرتها “TBRFOOTBALL”:”لم يعودوا كما كانوا في العام الماضي”.

وأضاف حول تراجع مستوى محمد صلاح هذا الموسم: “من الواضح أن الانسجام بين اللاعبين غائب الآن”.

وأكد كريس سوتون محلل الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز رأي ستوريدج عند مناقشة إحصائيات اللاعب المصري حتى الآن.

وقال سوتون: “لنتقبل ذلك، تقبلت ذلك بسرعة كبيرة لكن هذا الموسم لم يظهر أداء صلاح جيداً، كل ما أقوله أن ليفربول كان محظوظاً بالأهداف المتأخرة وما إلى ذلك”.

وعلى الرغم من تسجيل محمد صلاح لثلاث أهداف وصناعة ثلاث تمريرات حاسمة في مبارياته الثماني الأولى، إلا أن أداء محمد صلاح قد وصف بأنه سيئ للغاية في بداية الموسم.

جدير بالذكر أن صلاح قد سجل 12 هدفًا وصنع ثلاث تمريرات حاسمة في جميع المسابقات في هذه المرحلة من العام الماضي وكان متفوقاً بفارق كبير على جميع مهاجمي كرة القدم الإنجليزية.

“We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” says Prabath Jayasuriya

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024If you’re a batter, your first Test at one of the most trying venues on the planet tends not to go well for you. Rachin Ravindra, though, is proving across formats, that he’s not your run-of-the-mill batter out of New Zealand.His fourth-innings vanguard, which by the end of day four has brought him 91 not out off 158, and pushed New Zealand into a spot where they still have an outside chance of victory, has been full of bravado.Sri Lanka’s offspinners attacked him outside off stump, figuring that as he likes to play shots out there, there will eventually be an edge that comes off his bat. The edge never materialised but plenty of runs did – 40 of his runs coming in the arc between backward point and cover, Ravindra’s shot-making frequent and consistent even when the pitch was spitting towards the end of the day.Related

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Ravindra wages lone battle with Sri Lanka two wickets away from victory

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“I’ll be honest, the pitch isn’t easy – but there were periods there when Rachin made it look very easy,” said Ajaz Patel, who partnered Ravindra through the last few overs of the day.”He’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s world class. With his batting out there today, you saw him sticking to a solid plan for long periods, and trusting his skills. He’s got an amazing future in front of him. I’m grateful he’s on our team. He’s a headache to bowl to in first-class cricket.”When Sri Lanka switched to bowling straighter at him, Ravindra was no less proficient through the legside. He was ruthless when the bowlers erred even slightly on length, preferring the pull to the sweep as his main run-scoring option on the legside.In fact, four of his nine fours, and his one six all came through midwicket, with the six coming off a full toss.Opposition left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had serious praise for Ravindra too.”I mostly tried to bowl into the rough to him and turn it into him. Sometimes he was very good at latching on to the short balls.”There was some little chances that came off him. But he kept his patience and batted nicely. He hit the loose balls away and kept the good ones out. He played like someone who understood his game, and was sticking to a game plan. Sometimes we tried to take his wicket and bowled aggressively, but he turned those into scoring opportunities.”Sri Lanka now need two more wickets to win, while New Zealand need 68 for victory. Ravindra has to score those runs in the company of No. 10 Patel, and No. 11 Will O’Rourke. If he gets through that challenge, it may be the finest moment of his career to date – in Tests, at least.”We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” Jayasuriya said. “We have to take those two wickets.”

It’s been a hectic summer for Chelsea so far this year.

Instead of enjoying some time off and getting themselves ready for an intense Premier League campaign next season, the Blues have been fighting their corner in the Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca’s men might have stumbled somewhat against Flamengo on Friday, but in the small hours of Wednesday morning, they bounced back with a 3-0 win against ES Tunis.

More importantly, the game also saw summer signing Liam Delap open his account for the club, and if recent reports are to be believed, the club could be looking at someone who’d be a great teammate for the Englishman.

Chelsea target attacking reinforcements

With Chelsea looking to improve on their fourth-place finish in the Premier League next season, it’s not been a surprise to see them linked with a host of attacking stars in recent weeks, such as Hugo Ekitiké and even Victor Osimhen.

Transfer Focus

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

The former managed to rack up a tally of 34 goal involvements in 48 games this season and would reportedly cost around £84m, while the latter managed to amass a haul of 45 goal involvements in 41 games and could cost around £60m.

However, as brilliant as they would be for the Blues, they’re both centre-forwards, so it would be hard to describe either of their potential arrivals as good news for Delap, unlike with Alejandro Garnacho.

Yes, according to a recent report from the Telegraph, Chelsea could still make a push to sign the Manchester United star this summer.

The report claims that the West Londoners are now ‘weighing up the possibility’ of signing the Argentine international while sending Christopher Nkunku the other way in a swap deal.

We say ‘sort of’ swap deal, as the report claims the pair moving in opposite directions would be handled as separate deals, meaning a fee would have to be paid for the winger, who the Red Devils value at £60m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Garnacho’s potential and ability, it might be one worth pursuing, especially as he could be a great signing for Delap.

Why Garnacho would be a great signing for Delap

Okay, there are two main reasons why Garnacho could be a great signing and teammate for Delap at Chelsea, and the first relates to his output.

Even though the United ace is far from being the finished product and can certainly be a little frustrating at times, his raw output is actually quite impressive, especially for someone his age.

For example, in 58 appearances this season, totalling just 3568 minutes, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by Statman Dave, managed to score 11 goals and provide ten assists for a pretty rubbish Red Devils side.

Appearances

58

47

Minutes

3568′

3032′

Goals

11

8

Assists

10

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

178.35′

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or one every 169.90 minutes, which is actually better than some of the Blues’ better wing options, like Pedro Neto, were able to manage.

So, just imagine how effective the former Ipswich Town gem could be with someone able to produce those numbers in a dysfunctional team to his left.

The second reason the Madrid-born ace would be a great teammate for the Englishman is that he is also a young, developing player, so in theory, they could develop alongside one another, learn each other’s game and hopefully reach their respective peaks at near enough the same time, in turn helping the squad as a whole.

Ultimately, signing Garnacho might not be a popular decision to start with, but he’s shown that in the right environment, he can thrive, and with an exciting, capable striker like Delap next to him, he could become exceptional.

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2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025