A selection of Newcastle United fans lauded Allan Saint-Maximin for his tormenting display against West Ham United on Saturday, with a few suggesting it ended Pablo Zabaleta’s career as a professional footballer.
Saint-Maximin featured for 77 minutes in the Magpies’ 3-2 win over the Hammers, as Steve Bruce’s men recorded their third victory of the Premier League season to climb up to 15th in the table.
The Toon are now four points clear of the relegation places after 11 games, while defeat saw West Ham slip to 12th and are only one point above the St. James’ Park natives.
Saint-Maximin did not have a direct influence on any of Newcastle’s goals on Saturday, but his performance saw supporters flock to social media, with one noting that his display was ‘the stuff of dreams’.
Another suggested Zabaleta was having a ‘nightmare’ trying to contain the 5 ft 8 Frenchman, signed in the summer for £16.5million.
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Saint-Maximin completed five of his seven dribbles against the Irons, more than any other Newcastle player, per WhoScored data. He also fashioned three shots, all of which were on target, and made 11 of his 18 passes in the final third.
The former OGC Nice man came close to opening his account for assists in the 36th-minute, too, when he breezed past Zabaleta on the wing and squared the ball to Miguel Almiron, but saw the Paraguayan’s shot saved before Jonjo Shelvey smashed the rebound over the bar.
A few Rangers supporters have been lauding Joe Aribo on social media for his “stunning” goal which opened the scoring against Livingston on Sunday.
Aribo began the affair as the left-hand option in Steven Gerrard’s three-man midfield line, partnering Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara in the Gers’ engine room.
It was the 23-year-old’s tenth start in the Premiership this season, and first across all competitions since the end of October when Aribo played the full ninety-minutes against Ross County.
He had been resigned to a seven-minute cameo against FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night, but rewarded Gerrard’s renewed faith with the go-ahead goal at Livingston in the 33rd-minute on Sunday.
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Rangers worked the ball forward in the Livingston half with a direct pass into the feet of Alfredo Morelos, who found Scott Arfield while under pressure. The Canadian moved the play onto Aribo who’s left-footed effort flew past Matija Sarkic.
Aribo’s strike ensured Rangers entered the break in the lead, and saw that he earned the praise of the Ibrox faithful on social media.
It was the summer signing from Charlton Athletic’s first goal for the Gers in the Scottish Premiership, following Aribo striking thrice in the Europa League qualifying stages and once in the League Cup.
Newcastle United are expected to make an offer for an "extraordinary" free agent, but will need to act quickly as he is also wanted by another Premier League club, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle contract & transfer news
The Magpies' summer transfer business is done and dusted, in what was a relatively low-key period in the market for them, but there are still contract and transfer rumours doing the rounds. The future of Anthony Gordon was a major talking point during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted a number of times, but the winger ended up staying put at St James' Park. Now, it is claimed that the 23-year-old could sign a new deal at Newcastle, acting as a major boost for Eddie Howe.
In terms of potential new signings, only free agents are now available for the Magpies, with Yusuf Yazici reportedly a target, having left Lille upon the conclusion of last season. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also thought to be in the mix for the 27-year-old.
There is another free agent who has emerged as an exciting option for Newcastle, too, as they battle with one of the clubs mentioned above for his signature.
Newcastle plan offer for "extraordinary" midfielder
According to a new update from Le Figaro [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could soon table an offer for Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent after his departure from Juventus at the end of last season. United are in the same position, however, seeing the Frenchman as an excellent option to replace Casemiro, as the two Premier League clubs are said to "need to hurry" to get a deal done.
Adrien Rabiot for France.
Rabiot could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's midfield, considering his pedigree as a player throughout his career, during which time he has won seven league titles – six for Paris Saint-Germain and one with Juve. Not only that, but the 29-year-old has won 48 caps for a formidable France team, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park, while David Trezeguet has lauded him in the past.
With Newcastle supporters not overly happy about a lack of stellar signings during the summer transfer window, the £29.5m-valued Rabiot could add so much class and experience to Howe's midfield all without splashing a penny, possessing quality in possession and a strong work ethic off the ball.
Last season, the France international registered eight goal contributions (five goals and three assists) in Serie A, but he also averaged 1.9 tackles per game, not to mention starting five matches for his country at Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
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Signing Rabiot should be considered a no-brainer for Newcastle, even though he would likely demand big wages, with the free element of the fee making it less of an issue.
Chelsea completed their tenth signing of the summer recently by securing a deal to bring Joao Felix to Stamford Bridge, with the former loanee returning to the club on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid.
This took Enzo Maresca’s spending over the £200m mark this summer. The question now is, will there be any more arrivals before the transfer window slams shut on Friday evening?
Chelsea eyeing move for Premier League outcast
According to TEAMtalk, Jadon Sancho still has an uncertain future at Old Trafford, having been left out of the squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion in their second Premier League tie of the season.
Jadon Sancho for Borussia Dortmund
Juventus are seemingly interested in the United winger, but the report also states that Chelsea are looking to bring him to London, as they could be close to selling Noni Madueke during the window.
No talks have been held between the Blues and United, however, but if Maresca wants to secure his services, he had best start acting swiftly.
The £250k-per-week winger has endured a torrid time of it in Manchester since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021. Could a move south help him return to the form he showcased with Dortmund?
Jadon Sancho’s season in numbers
Having made just three substitute appearances under Erik ten Hag last term, Sancho re-signed for Dortmund on a six-month loan deal, picking up where he left off in Germany.
In 21 matches for the Bundesliga side, the Englishman scored three goals while registering three assists, helping the club reach their first Champions League final in 11 years, although they lost to Real Madrid.
Metric
Bundesliga
Champions League
Goals
2
1
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
4
2
Key passes per game
1.8
1.3
Successful dribbles per game
2.6
3.7
Among his teammates, Sancho ranked second in the squad for key passes per game (1.8) in the top flight, along with ranking first for successful dribbles per game (2.6), as he underlined his class. Not bad for someone who had played just 14 league matches.
Could he follow in the footsteps of a former Chelsea icon, however? As Sancho was previously hailed as “the next Eden Hazard” back in 2020 by former Liverpool star Steve Nicol.
While his form has deserted him since moving to the Premier League with United, his brief stint back with Dortmund proves there is still a potentially world-class player there, he just needs the right environment.
Hazard made 352 appearances for the Blues in seven years, scoring 110 goals and grabbing 85 assists during that time. Sancho may not reach those sorts of levels should he move to Chelsea, but if given a free role on the left wing, he could offer a dangerous threat going forward.
Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Sancho ranks in the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90 (3.63) over the previous 365 days.
This clearly showcases how good he is at dribbling and taking on opposition defenders, something which made him stand out so well at Dortmund.
Maresca may be taking a big gamble on signing the 24-year-old, but if it pays off, it could be a wonderful signing, no doubt about it.
He's available: Chelsea plot move for £40m dream Osimhen alternative
Aston Villa head into the 2024/25 campaign with ambitions that they can not only shine in the Champions League, but also replicate their Premier League heroics from last season.
Qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition has been a wonderful incentive for Unai Emery to lure high-quality additions to his squad. Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen may not have joined otherwise.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
They might not be the only top-class players to join the Midlands side this transfer window, as the Spaniard looks to be eyeing a move for a player who is currently shining for his club side…
Aston Villa chasing move for Sporting CP sensation
According to Portuguese outfit O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Villa are showing plenty of interest in signing Pedro Goncalves, who is currently playing for Sporting, before the end of the transfer window.
If they are to lure him to the Premier League, Emery will have to shell out a club-record transfer fee of €80m (£68m), as the Portuguese side won't accept offers lower than this release clause, which is significantly higher than their current record of £51.9m for Moussa Diaby.
Aston Villa transfer target Pedro Goncalves in action for Sporting.
Signing Goncalves would signify a major statement of intent, especially considering the transfer fee. Not only that, but the former Wolves starlet could be a dream signing for centre-forward Ollie Watkins.
Pedro Goncalves’ season in numbers
During his time with the Old Gold, Goncalves made just one appearance before joining FC Famalicao in 2019. A solid season there led him to Sporting, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Across 180 matches for the club, Goncalves has scored 79 goals while registering 52 assists. This works out as a goal involvement once every 1.3 matches, quite a remarkable statistic.
Metric
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
49
18
17
2022/23
51
20
15
2021/22
41
15
14
2020/21
37
23
5
Via Transfermarkt
Last season, the 26-year-old registered 35 goal contributions in just 49 matches and his 17 assists make him a perfect signing for Watkins.
The Englishman did score 27 times last term, perhaps with someone like Goncalves playing off of him, this tally could well push beyond 30 next season.
Ollie Watkins celebrates for England
Indeed, in the Portuguese top flight last term, Goncalves ranked third across the entire league for big chances created (18), while also ranking sixth for key passes per game (two), clearly showcasing his attacking talents and proving to be one of the finest players in the division.
He was hailed as a “superstar” as far back as 2021 and since then, Goncalves has gone from strength to strength and his creativity could provide Watkins with even more high-quality chances to find the back of the net.
When compared to his positional peers, the Sporting star ranks in the top 2% for assists per 90 (0.42) in the men’s next 14 competitions, while ranking in the top 19% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (4.81).
These statistics clearly show that he would be ideal for Watkins. Being able to get into dangerous positions and creating chances for the striker could see the Englishman make that step to the next level, especially in the Champions League.
Much will depend on if Emery is able to splash nearly £70m on signing the maestro. However, If he does, it could be one of the best pieces of transfer business done during the entire window.
£68m release clause: Aston Villa want "superstar" Joao Felix upgrade
Unai Emery is ‘insisting’ on completing this statement deal.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou could be set to make a raid on his former club Celtic this summer, amid reports that the 57-year-old is eyeing a deal for Japanese midfielder, Reo Hatate.
What's the latest on Hatate to Tottenham?
According to the Daily Mail, the Lilywhites are believed to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old ahead of a potential summer move, albeit with the north London outfit holding concerns as to whether the one-cap international would be able to obtain a work permit.
The diminutive maestro was previously signed by Postecoglou for the Old Firm outfit on a £1.4m deal back in January 2022, although after just 18 months in Glasgow, the former Kawasaki Frontale ace could be on his way to the Premier League, with Brighton and Hove Albion having also been linked with a move.
This latest report also follows a piece from 90min last week which suggested that there were fears among the Parkhead hierarchy that the newly-appointed Spurs could return to make an approach for Hatate and a handful of his current teammates.
Who is Reo Hatate?
While the £12k-per-week machine may not be a household name to those who don't hold a vested interest in Scottish football, he has certainly caught the eye as a result of his standout form for the Hoops of late, having contributed 27 goals and assists in just 66 games for the club from his central midfield berth.
Part of Celtic's treble-winning side this season, Hatate has certainly warranted the attention of those at N17, having even been dubbed the "Japanese Luka Modric" by one Athletic employee due to his stellar displays.
That comparison between the 5 foot 8 ace and Modric – who is also a slight figure at 5 foot 8 – will no doubt pique the interest of Spurs supporters, with the Croatian sensation having previously dazzled for the club prior to his Champions League and Ballon d'Or-winning exploits at Real Madrid.
Tottenham's Luka Modric
Much like Hatate, the former Dinamo Zagreb man was something of an unknown quantity when he made the £15m move to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2008, albeit with the then-youngster going on to showcase his class over the next four years in English football, contributing 42 goals and assists in 160 games across all fronts for the Lilywhites.
Dubbed "world-class" by compatriot Slaven Bilic during his time at Tottenham, Modric was also hailed for his all-action, box-to-box style by former boss Harry Redknapp back in 2009, with the Englishman stating:
"He heads the ball, tackles and has got strong legs. He's a powerful little lad. He's got a great heart and is a great all-round player."
Such traits appear to be shared by the exciting Hatate, with ex-Spurs man Alan Hutton having said of his qualities earlier this year: "He is all action, all energy, he is everywhere, tackling, scoring, creating."
Equally, while the nimble Modric is also a master at gliding and weaving his way up the pitch – as he ranks in the top 17% among his European peers for progressive carries – the Celtic gem also possesses "mesmerising" footwork and "Samba feet", according to journalist Sacha Pisani.
The two men also share the ability to be the creative hub for their respective clubs, with the veteran Madrid ace having created nine big chances in La Liga in 2022/23, while his Japanese counterpart recorded ten big chances in the Scottish Premiership, having become a key cog in Postecoglou's winning machine.
That comparison would suggest that if the Spurs boss is to reunite with Hatate over the coming weeks, it could allow the north London outfit to finally find a successor to the majestic Modric.
An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to find a new head coach to take over at Parkhead for the 2023/24 campaign.
What's the latest on Kieran McKenna to Celtic?
According to the Daily Record, the Hoops have identified Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as one of their targets as they attempt to replace Ange Postecoglou.
The report claims that they are eyeing the soon-to-be Championship boss as his team deploys a similar style of play to the Australian.
Tottenham Hotspur appointed Postecoglou as their new chief on Tuesday and the Scottish giants are now looking to find his heir, with McKenna and Manchester City's Enzo Maresca among the options on the table.
Would Kieran McKenna be a success at Celtic?
Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond could get Parkhead rocking next season by hiring the Tractor Boys tactician as his style of play and love for attacking football could make him a big success in Scotland.
Postecoglou made going to Celtic Park each week an exciting prospect as his team ended 2022/23 with a staggering 114 goals from their 38 Scottish Premiership matches – winning 32 of them.
Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.
The supporters could get behind the ex-Manchester United youth coach in the same way as the 37-year-old has shown plenty of promise in his short career as a coach who can build a clinical outfit.
Ipswich finished outside the play-offs in League One in the two seasons before McKenna arrived halfway through the 2021/22 campaign.
He was then able to push on and lead the East Anglian club to a second-placed finish in the third tier of English football in 22/23, which secured their promotion to the Championship with a whopping 98 points.
Whilst they did not win the title with Plymouth Argyle managing a stunning 101 points, his Ipswich team were the great entertainers of the division as they scored 101 times in the league – 19 more than any other outfit.
McKenna, whose work has been described as "absolutely incredible" by his captain Sam Morsy, typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, which is not a far cry from the attacking 4-3-3 set-up that Postecoglou used during his time in Scotland.
Only the midfield configuration has a minor change with one of the central focal points playing slightly further up the pitch.
The 37-year-old tactician, who won 15 of his 22 matches in charge of United's U18 side in the Premier League 2 in 17/18, is unproven at the top level but his impressive work with Ipswich should not be sniffed at.
He turned the English team from a mid-table League One side into a promotion-winning outfit that destroyed the opposition by plundering goal after goal whilst playing football that has been likened to Postecoglou's progressive passing approach.
Therefore, Desmond could get Celtic Park rocking by appointing McKenna, a manager who can make the Hoops an entertaining side to watch, just as they were under their now former boss.
Tottenham Hotspur have "set their sights" on signing crucial Galatasary defender Victor Nelsson this summer, according to reports out of Turkey.
Who will Spurs sign this summer?
The Premier League side, after months of searching, have finally landed on their new manager to replace Antonio Conte. Indeed, former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has now joined the north Londoners on a four-year contract.
After announcing his appointment, it is the task of chairman Daniel Levy to back him with key signings, and reports suggest they're set to attempt exactly that this summer.
It is believed that Spurs are looking to strengthen in a number of areas, including further forward, with Leicester City duo James Maddison and Harvey Barnes firmly on the radar. Goalkeeping additions, like Brentford's David Raya, have also been linked.
The Lilywhites' biggest issue appears to be their back line – with Tottenham conceding more goals than any other side above 15th in the top flight last season.
Numbers like that are a real eye-opener and perhaps highlight the need for star defensive reinforcements. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, among others, are believed to be of interest to Spurs.
According to a report by Turkish newspaper Takvim, though, the north Londoners could widen their scope in search of centre-back signings and Galatasary's Nelsson is a player they're targeting.
The Denmark international, who featured at last year's 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is likely to leave this summer and Tottenham have apparently "set their sights" on signing him.
In a further bit of news, the Turkish Super Lig side are already starting to identify replacements for Nelsson, with Southampton's Mohammed Salisu attracting interest.
The report describes Nelsson as playing a "very important role" over 2022/2023, making "critical interventions" under manager Okan Buruk, and the 24-year-old's contract contains a £22 million release clause.
Who is Victor Nelsson?
The Dane has been a star defender and key mainstay for Galatasary, especially last season, and his numbers suggest there is a real asset there for the taking.
While he is yet to be tested in a more demanding division like the Premier League, it speaks volumes that Buruk selected Nelsson more than any other outfield Galatasary player last season (WhoScored).
The former FC Copenhagen star won more aerial duels per 90 and made more blocks per match than any of his teammates in the league last season – emphasizing why Tottenham have taken an interest (WhoScored).
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in action for the final time this season, as Julen Lopetegui’s side face a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
It’s been a Premier League campaign of ups and downs for Wolves, who looked like relegation candidates earlier this term, sitting bottom of the table on Christmas Day.
Lopetegui reinstated the level of football that Molineux had become accustomed to over the years and now with survival confirmed, the club have the chance to end the season on a high.
Last time out, Wolves were held to a dramatic late draw against relegation-threatened Everton in the final action at Molineux of the 2022/23 campaign.
While the hosts controlled the possession with 53% over Sean Dyche’s side on the day, the Toffees posed a real threat, registering 1.99 expected goals to the Midlands outfit’s 1.57 – as per Sofascore.
It’s been a recurring theme this season for Wolves to be shy in front of goal, sitting as the league’s lowest scorers this campaign, scoring just 31 goals in 37 games.
While Wolves’ final-day opponents have been one of the best-performing sides, the Gunners have shown their defensive vulnerabilities of late, something that a certain ace in Lopetegui’s squad could unlock.
Should Hwang Hee-chan start for Wolves against Arsenal?
Lauded as “dangerous” by Kevin Campbell, Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan has had to be patient for game time this campaign, making just 11 starts in a total of 26 appearances in the league – as per Sofascore.
In the previous game, the South Korean was undeniably the host's shining light, as echoed by his Sofascore match rating of 7.2 in what was an impressive individual display.
Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan
The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 34th minute, with a simple finish but one that showcased his strong positioning to act as a poacher from the parried shot.
Praised as having “everything” by Arsenal legend Ian Wright on BBC’s Match of the Day – as relayed by Molineux News – the forward could pose a real threat to the Gunners’ fragile defence.
Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in their previous nine fixtures – conceding 18 goals in the process, showing the defensive form that all but cost Arteta’s side the title.
The Gunners’ nervous defence was stunned last time at the Emirates by Brighton, who targeted the backline in a way that could be replicated by Hwang with his pace and strength.
Jakub Kiwior has made just four starts in the Premier League, and should be a target for the attacker to exploit one-on-one, with his lack of experience and weaknesses exposed in the north Londoners’ previous home game.
The Poland international was handed a Sofascore match rating of just 6.1 against the Seagulls, followed by a 6.4 last time out at Nottingham Forest, hinting at a potential lack of confidence going into the final day.
The centre-back lost possession seven times against Brighton, while the Wolves forward attempted eight ground duels against Everton, showing his instinctive nature to press, which could expose Kiwior once more.
Lopetegui’s side could end the season on a high with a win, but could also lift themselves off of the bottom of the scoring table against a wounded Arsenal side.
Aberdeen have enjoyed a stunning resurgence under Barry Robson during the final few months of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Jim Goodwin was sacked following a woeful 6-0 defeat by Hibernian in January and Robson was placed in interim charge before finally securing the job on a full-time basis at the start of May following a run which included nine wins from their final 15 games to finish in third place and secure European football next term.
Much of their good form has come down to the performances of on-loan Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson, who is attracting the attention of both Rangers and Celtic, however, might his future be with the Dons in 2023/24?
The 21-year-old dropped a major hint following their 3-0 win over St Mirren, in which he scored a free kick that secured third place in the table, as a video appeared of him indicating he’d see the fans in Europe.
He said: "Thank you for your support this season. It's been incredible. I’ll see you in Europe."
Could Aberdeen sign Leighton Clarkson ahead of next season?
Nothing should be ruled out, especially with the video hinting that Clarkson could be playing European football for the club next term.
Jurgen Klopp may feel that the midfielder requires another campaign with regular first-team football and with added continental exposure on the table, it could have benefits for all parties that’s for sure.
The Englishman has been outstanding this term for the Dons, scoring six times and grabbing nine assists across all competitions, while a Sofascore rating of 7.14/10 ranks him as the second-best performer for the club in the Premiership.
He also further underlined just how important he was for Aberdeen by ranking first for big chances created (nine), free kick goals (two), key passes per game (1.6) and second for tackles per game (2.2), suggesting that not only can he score, but his ability to set up plenty of chances for his teammates, while being able to provide defensive support when required, are key strengths of his.
Indeed, he was lauded by Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Ljinders when the player was just 17, claiming that he could “dictate play” and “speed up the tempo of the positional play”, certainly proving that he is well thought of among the staff at the Anfield side.
Another season in the North East would do his game wonders and with the added experience of already playing in Scotland for a year, imagine how good he can be throughout 2023/24.