All posts by z3u9t.icu

A Sky Sports panel has given their verdict on Chelsea now targeting a striker capable of scoring “40 goals a season”, with contact made between clubs as manager Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his forward line.

Chelsea could now sign forward as Bayern Munich chase Nkunku deal

Credible media sources report that Chelsea will push to sign a replacement for Christopher Nkunku if he leaves, and that is starting to look like a serious possibility as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earmark the Frenchman as a top January transfer target.

Chelsea table January bid to sign "flamboyant" under-£20 million forward

The west Londoners have made their first offer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 15, 2025

Nkunku has racked up 13 goals across 28 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this term, standing out as one of their chief goalscorers, but he’s a bit-part Premier League player under Maresca with the vast majority his strikes coming in cup competitions.

The 27-year-old’s squad status is said to be really frustrating him behind-the-scenes, and Vincent Kompany senses an opportunity to tempt him with a move to Germany.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (home)

February 22

So much so, that Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports that Nkunku has already verbally agreed personal terms on a move to Bayern – so this transfer looks like a very serious potential one to watch if Chelsea and the European heavyweights can agree on a fee.

The national press claim Chelsea want around £65 million to sell Nkunku before deadline day, so the Bavarians will have to pay up if they wish to shake hands on a deal with Maresca’s side.

Interestingly, the likes of Fabrizio Romano have stated that the west Londoners are considering a potential swap deal, with versatile Bayern striker Mathys Tel heading the other way.

The 19-year-old has struggled for game time under Kompany this season, and some reports suggest that Tel would be willing to entertain a move to Chelsea this month.

Sky Sports react as Chelsea make contact to sign Mathys Tel

Tel can play as a centre-forward, as well as on either flank, which could make him a very useful option for Maresca, similar to Nkunku. Sky Sports reiterate that Chelsea have made contact with Bayern over a deal for Tel, whilst also giving their verdict on the Frenchman – and it is a glowing one at that.

“They’ve contacted Bayern Munich to ask about the availability of Mathys Tel,” said the panel host on Sky.

When asked about what Chelsea supporters could expect from the teenage sensation, one panel member said: “He’s seen as one of the best young strikers in Europe.

“He can play left-hand side, he can play up front as well, I think he’s got the physical presence to play up front, when you see him play he’s lean, he’s mobile, he’s got good pace, which is why most of his opportunities have come from the left-hand side.

“His problem, I guess, is that Harry Kane is ‘the’ striker given how much Bayern spent on him. Last season, he was a real consistent player coming off the bench for Thomas Tuchel, but this season his opportunities have been stunted a little bit.

“When Julian Nagelsmann was there, he said that he was capable of scoring 40 goals a season, they know how good a player he is and I feel like it might be quite difficult for Chelsea to get him out of Bayern at this stage. But, he’s a player who Chelsea have watched for a little while.”

Aston Villa have taken the lead in the race to sign a young international goalkeeper, according to a recent report. The Villans’ run of three straight wins ended on Saturday night, as they were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest. Unai Emery will be hoping this is just a bump in the road as his side prepare to face Manchester City at the weekend.

Aston Villa keen on signing 21 y/o Real Madrid gem seen as ideal for Emery

He’s come through the academy.

ByCharlie Smith Dec 15, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

The inconsistent form for Villa this season will have alerted Emery to areas in his team that need addressing. Indeed, the Premier League side have already been linked with plenty of new faces ahead of next month’s transfer window.

Villa have made contact with the representatives of defender Antonio Silva, so they can get an understanding of the costs of a possible transfer. The Benfica centre-back is admired a lot by the Midlands side but they are not alone, as other Premier League teams, as well as big European sides, are also keen on signing the talented defender. The president of Benfica is reportedly set to meet with Silva’s agents ahead of the January transfer window.

As well as looking at Silva, Villa are also in signing Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, but again face competition from their Premier League rivals. The young man has impressed in his limited appearances for the Spanish giants, and Emery sees him as someone who could improve his side’s defence, given where he has been playing his football.

Aston Villa lead transfer race to sign youngster after impressing scouts

According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa have taken the lead in the race to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. The 19-year-old came through the academy at Manchester City, but he left the Premier League side and joined the Owls in 2020.

Charles has worked his way through the club’s under-18s and under-21s, and he is now a part of the first team picture. The goalkeeper has yet to appear in the Championship, but he has been on the bench for every league game this season apart from two.

Despite him not being Wednesday’s regular keeper, Charles has been capped four times by his country, Northern Ireland. It is on the international stage where Charles has left scouts impressed, with them coming away from recent Nations League games giving the player “glowing reports”.

Apps

6

Goals conceded

8

Clean sheets

1

The young man’s ability to play out from the back has meant top clubs from the Premier League have identified him as a top target, and that includes Villa. The Villans are willing to move second-choice keeper Robin Olsen on in favour of bringing in emerging talent should the opportunity arise. Villa can offer Charles a number two slot in their squad, and he may see this as his chance to move into the Premier League.

Manchester United have now been offered the chance to sign an “absolute monster” in a swap deal, with the player believed to be keen on the move, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing a striker

Man United are now pushing to bring in a new striker this month, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen now on their list of targets, and there has recently been a positive update on their pursuit of the Nigerian, as he is said to be determined to move to Old Trafford.

FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion is also under consideration, having sent scouts to watch the striker in action against Boavista, and he is likely to have caught the eye, netting twice in a 4-0 victory to help continue his side’s title charge.

Just a few days ago, it emerged that United could look to make a move for Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic this month, with journalist Enrico Camelio explaining that a deal could be possible, should Joshua Zirkzee be sent in the opposite direction.

INEOS working on transfer for £75m star who wants Man Utd move this month

It would be some coup…

ByBarney Lane Jan 6, 2025

Now, the Red Devils have been handed the opportunity to make that deal a reality, with TEAMtalk reporting that Juventus have now made an official cash-plus-player offer.

There are signs that a deal could have a good chance of coming to fruition, too, as both players have given the green light to moving, with Zirkzee struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Bologna in the summer.

TEAMtalk relay a previous valuation of the Juventus striker from CaughtOffside, which suggests he could be worth €65m (£54m), with United required to pay a fee to bring the combined value of their player and the money to a suitable amount.

Vlahovic is an upgrade on Zirkzee

Members of the Italian media have lauded the Serbian as an “absolute monster”, and for good reason, given that his record in front of goal in the Serie A is very impressive, with his most prolific season coming in 2020-21 for Fiorentina, netting 21 times.

Statistic (per 90)

Joshua Zirkzee

Dusan Vlahovic

Non-penalty goals

0.26

0.61

Assists

0.17

0.12

Shot-creating actions

3.26

2.27

Successful take-ons

1.55

0.44

As shown, the Juventus star has a better eye for goal than the Dutchman, scoring more than double the number of non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, but his all-round game isn’t as strong.

As such, if Ruben Amorim wants a proven goalscorer, who does not offer much else to the team, it is worth considering Juventus’ proposal of a swap deal, but Zirkzee is likely to help the team in different ways. Osimhen should be United’s priority target, given that his all-round game is a lot better than Vlahovic’s, while also averaging more non-penalty goals over the past year.

Although Zirkzee has failed to deliver so far, it seems a little premature to let him leave this winter, especially considering Vlahovic is not the best striker United are currently linked with, meaning there is no pressing need to accept a swap deal.

One Tottenham man is reportedly looking to jump ship before the end of the January transfer window and is already in talks over a move away from north London this week, it has been reported.

Tottenham lose again as Foxes win 2-1 in north London

A disappointing 2-1 defeat to Leicester City left Tottenham 15th in the Premier League, just a point above Everton and with 13 losses to their name this season as Ange Postecoglou comes under increasing pressure.

The Lilywhites took a deserved lead in the first half but fell apart in the opening stages of the second half as goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss claimed a massive win for the Foxes, who themselves had lost seven on the bounce coming into the game.

It means that Tottenham have won just once in the Premier League since November, when they beat Manchester City 4-0, and any hopes of European football next season seem to have gone up in flames, with 16 points now separating the Lilywhites from Bournemouth in 7th place.

Games played

11

Wins

1

Losses

8

Goals scored per game

1.81

Goals conceded per game

2.18

Points

5

They have been quiet in the transfer window too, with only Antonin Kinksy arriving to bolster ranks that have been decimated with injury. Speaking after the latest loss, Postecoglou admitted that he had to play players who were only half-fit.

On Richarlison, he explained, ‘He was feeling his groin, he should have come off at half-time but he wanted to give another 10 minutes. I could see he wasn’t running well so that is why I took him off.’ Meanwhile, Pape Sarr ‘shouldn’t have played today’, he added. ‘He obviously wasn’t fit.’

He's better than Brobbey: Spurs working on signing "outrageous" striker

Tottenham Hotspur still remain in the race to land various targets with the transfer deadline edging closer.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 27, 2025

Now though, it seems like Tottenham’s ranks could be stretched even thinner in the coming days with one player in talks to leave.

Tottenham forward discussing exit

That comes according to French outlet Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], who report that Tottenham loanee Timo Werner is in talks to join New York Red Bulls this month as he seeks a new challenge.

The German’s second loan spell in north London has been a disaster since it was confirmed over the summer. He has scored just once so far this season, and was taken off at half-time during one Europa League game against Rangers after losing the ball 16 times in 45 minutes, with Postecoglou fuming.

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me,” said Postecoglou after the match. “I said that to Timo, he’s a German international.”

Recently sidelined with a hamstring injury, the report claims that Werner is ‘talking with’ New York Red Bulls, who are a sister club of his parent side RB Leipzig, something that could smooth out a deal, and the German ‘could take on a new challenge’ in the coming days.

However, any move across the Atlantic would mean that Tottenham would need to agree to cut short his loan spell in north London, where they currently pay his £165,000 a week wages and are arguably seeing very little return on their investment.

With just a week left in the transfer window, any move would have to move fast to allow Tottenham to find a replacement, but with the Spurs squad already down to it’s bare bones, they may decide that keeping Werner is the best course of action as things stand.

Liverpool are now reportedly ready to launch an offer worth over £35m to sign a key defensive addition instead of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in 2026.

Carragher admits it's "crisis time" at Liverpool

Liverpool look out on their feet. Mentally and physically, they have simply not competed in the last month. Defeat against Crystal Palace was a warning sign, before games to forget against Chelsea, Manchester United and now Brentford arrived to compile the Reds’ misery.

Off the back of four Premier League defeats in a row, the Premier League champions no longer look inevitable. They look like one of the most beatable sides in the top flight. It has been an inescapable disaster for Arne Slot in the last month, who couldn’t help but admit that even he’s not sure how to solve his side’s current problems after defeat at Brentford.

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher went as far as to say that it’s “crisis time” for those at Anfield: “To see the champions lose 4 games in a row in the Premier League with the expenditure in the summer, I think we’re in crisis time for Liverpool right now.”

Serious questions have now been asked about Liverpool’s summer spending. They finally broke the bank, handing Slot the keys to the kingdom with a spending spree worth over £400m.

They broke records to sign Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz while also welcoming Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez, among others, all arrived. It was, barring Guehi’s collapsed move, the perfect summer.

Yet, months later, and only Ekitike has shown signs of real instant quality and the Reds have seemingly been forced back to the drawing board in need of defensive improvements.

Liverpool ready to launch Ordonez offer

As reported by South American outlet Bolavip and relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now ready to launch an offer to sign Joel Ordonez ahead of Inter Milan worth over €40m (£35m) in 2026.

Liverpool lining up January move for starting calibre centre-back wanted by Real Madrid

Would this be a dream addition for Arne Slot?

ByHenry Jackson Oct 27, 2025

The Club Brugge defender would act as an alternative to Guehi, who has interest from Anfield and elsewhere ahead of becoming a free agent next summer.

With Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new deal and Virgil van Dijk approaching his final year, Liverpool desperately need to organize the future of their backline. If they are to miss out on Guehi, then they must go all out on an alternative like the Ecuador international.

Minutes

532

742

810

Progressive Passes

4.83

4.51

6.22

Tackles Won

0.52

1.22

0.44

Successful Aerial Duels

2.41

4.27

5.11

Whilst there should be concerns about Ordonez’s aerial ability, his work in possession would at least help provide a solution for Liverpool, who have struggled to progress play without Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Described as “hyper aggressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 21-year-old will be one to watch if Liverpool miss out on Guehi and Konate departs in 2026.

Chelsea spent €238.50m (£197.2m) in the 2024/25 summer transfer window, bringing ten new players to the club on permanent deals, and one player on an initial loan deal (Jadon Sancho). The investment was made in positions all over the pitch, signing two goalkeepers, four defenders, one midfielder, three attackers/wingers, and one centre-forward.

However, the one centre-forward signed was Marc Guiu, who joined from Barcelona for a fee of around £5m. The 18-year-old striker was bought as a future investment, and the Blues were looking at other strikers alongside him during the summer window, to join and compete with Nicolas Jackson upfront.

Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Jhon Duran, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres in the recent past, but they could now dip into the January transfer market, and acquire their very own answer to Gyokeres, with this 18-year-old striker sensation.

Chelsea's search for a striker

According to reports from Patrick Berger (Sky Sports Germany), Chelsea are interested in signing FC Nurnberg striker, Stefanos Tzimas, who is also subject to interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle.

The report states the 18-year-old striker would likely cost around £18-19m. The Greek forward has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season for FC Nurnberg, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 922 minutes played.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled Tzimas a “natural-born killer” and a “true monster”, showing elite levels of clinical finishing since playing at professional level.

Equally, data analyst Ben Mattinson stated Sporting should be going after Tzimas as their “Gyokeres replacement”, showcasing the worthy rival the teenager could be to Jackson at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson vs Tzimas comparison

Jackson has made 16 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring nine goals, providing three assists and totalling 1,221 minutes played. The 23-year-old striker has become integral under Enzo Maresca, for both his in and out of possession qualities.

However, Chelsea are clearly looking for an alternative profile, in order to equip Maresca with the necessary tools to switch up in games, and apply all the tactical tweaks he wants in order to give his side the best possible chance of winning.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Jackson

Tzimas

Goals

0.69

0.69

Assists

0.23

0.10

xG

0.65

0.61

xAG

0.14

0.09

Progressive Carries

2.14

2.98

Progressive Passes

1.22

1.60

Shots Total

3.13

3.92

Goals/Shot

0.22

0.18

Key Passes

1.07

0.64

Shot-Creating Actions

2.67

2.66

Touches (Att Pen)

5.95

7.55

Aerial Duels Won

0.61

0.43

Tzimas is just 18 years old and already stands at 6 foot, with a stocky upper body frame. His ability to use his strength to bully defenders, gain touches in the opposition penalty area (7.55 per 90) and pin central defenders is something the Blues are looking for.

He is also believed to be still growing and developing, and is seen as a player with untapped aerial potential, despite only winning 0.43 aerial duels per 90.

Transfer Focus

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

What makes Jackson so important to this Chelsea side, is his ability to drop deep and link play, and by acquiring Tzimas, you gain a unique profile, who offers that physical frame and robust nature, whilst also having the quality to join in build-up, as demonstrated with his progressive passing and carrying metrics.

That no doubt mirrors the aforementioned Gyokeres – who averages 1.81 progressive passes and 4.20 progressive carries this season – with the prolific Swede also a towering presence at 6 foot 2, while boasting the clinical nature to match, after netting 61 goals in 2024 to date.

If the Blues were to sign Tzimas, Jackson would retain his number nine position which his performances have earned, whilst providing a new profile for the squad, one that is needed, and someone to compete with and push Jackson, challenging for minutes.

Sancho loves him: Maresca must now unleash Chelsea teen to replace Mudryk

Enzo Maresca already has the perfect Mudryk replacement with this Chelsea teenage sensation

ByConnor Holden Dec 17, 2024

Aston Villa are now keen on signing a £25m striker this January, with Unai Emery planning up to three signings, according to a report.

Mixed first half of the season at Villa Park

Villa fans will have mixed emotions about their side’s first half of the campaign, given that they are in a strong position to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, but are struggling to reach the heights of last season in the Premier League.

The Villans remain within touching distance of the top four, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, so there is still time to turn things around, but Emery may feel some new additions are needed in the January transfer window.

One potential option for Emery this winter is Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar, with a price tag of €35m (£29m) being set by the French club, making the 29-year-old a relatively affordable option if Emery wants to pursue a defender.

However, the manager appears to be more keen on strengthening his attacking options, with Villa in the race for a number of forwards, including Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui and teammate Charles De Ketelaere, who operates in attacking midfield.

Now, another option has also entered the frame, with The Daily Mail reporting that Aston Villa have reignited their interest in Borussia Dortmund Donyell Malen ahead of the January transfer window.

The Villans are said to be keen on signing Malen, who can operate across the front line, with Emery keen to add depth to his squad as we enter the second half of the season.

Dortmund are said to value the Dutchman at around £25m, as he now enters the final 18 months of his contract with the Bundesliga club.

The report also states that Emery is planning up to three signings in the January transfer window, so there could be a number of new faces through the door over the next few weeks.

Aston Villa now plotting move to sign "aggressive" £46m forward for Emery

He’s enjoying an excellent season…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 28, 2024 Malen is a versatile option for Emery

The 25-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle, making him a versatile option for Emery, should he complete a move to Villa Park this winter.

Ever since breaking into the PSV Eindhoven team, the Netherlands international has shown a keen eye for finding the back of the net, as displayed by his goal record in the league.

Season

Appearances

Goals

2019-20

14

11

2020-21

32

19

2021-22

27

5

2022-23

26

9

2023-24

27

13

Lauded as “unstoppable” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former PSV Eindhoven man ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, highlighting his ability in front of goal.

Villa are not short on top strikers, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran performing well this season, but Malen’s versatility and eye for goal could make him a great option for Emery, as he looks to get his side back on track in the second half of the campaign.

Nottingham Forest demonstrated earlier this week that they are more than capable of competing with some of the very best sides in the Premier League, holding top-of-the-table Liverpool to a 1-1.

The result was the second time in which they had taken points off Arne Slot’s side in 2024/25, with a number of the additions made by the hierarchy starring under Nuno Espírito Santo.

Centre-back Murillo produced yet another masterclass at the back, making 18 clearances – the most in an English top-flight match since 2022, highlighting his importance to the Reds’ impressive backline.

Chris Wood caught the eye, as he has done for the majority of the season, scoring his 13th league goal of the campaign, putting Nuno’s men ahead in the early stages of the encounter.

The New Zealand international could be aided in his attempts in the final third after January, with the club targeting one player to improve the options at the City Ground this month.

Nottingham Forest plot move for midfield sensation

According to journalist Guilherme Ramos, Forest are constantly monitoring the progress of Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios ahead of a potential move.

The 24-year-old, who has made over appearances for the Brazilian side, could follow in the footsteps of current first-team member Danilo, who moved to the East Midlands from the same club in 2023.

The journalist confirmed that the Colombian has given the green light to a move to join the Reds this month, with his skill set suiting that of the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much any deal would cost owner Evangelos Marinakis, but it would be another signal of his intent to help the club reach European football under his guidance.

Any move would allow Rios to form a potentially deadly partnership with one player currently at the club, further boosting their chances of an unlikely title push in the next few months.

Why Rios could star with Anderson in Nottingham Forest’s midfield

Elliot Anderson joined Forest in a £35m deal from fellow top-flight side Newcastle United in the summer, with many fans questioning the size of the price tag upon his move.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the England U21 international has wasted no time in impressing in Nottingham, cementing his place at the heart of the squad alongside the likes of Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White.

This campaign has undoubtedly been his best in the Premier League, producing countless impressive stats that have allowed for the Reds’ current top-four standing.

Anderson has registered an average of 8.7 duels won and 2.4 tackles won per 90, allowing him to be the perfect ball-winning option at the heart of the midfield.

Such figures could see him strike up a perfect partnership with Rios should he move to Trentside this month, with Anderson’s superb ability to regain possession allowing the Colombian to star with the ball at his feet.

The midfielder, who’s previously been dubbed as a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 1.1 dribbles per 90 in the Brazilian Serie A during 2024 – a figure that could be perfect in transition for Nuno’s men.

Games played

24

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.3

Progressive carries

1.4

Tackles won

3.1

Successful dribbles

1.1

Long passes completed

2.4

He’s also achieved an average of 2.4 accurate long balls per 90 with an 82% pass accuracy, having the skill set to find the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to aid them on the counter attack.

Whilst no fee has been touted over a potential move for the Palmeiras star, it’s clear from his figures and play style that he would be a superb addition to the current squad, adding another dimension to the already impressive squad.

Such talents could be perfect for a dynamic alongside the former Newcastle youngster, with the duo able to work together to maintain Forest’s unimaginable start to the season.

Imagine him & Luiz: Nottingham Forest targeting "one of the best forwards"

Nottingham Forest have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in January.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 11, 2025

A new club have emerged in the race to sign an “excellent” Wolves player permanently in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Wolves exit rumours emerge

Wanderers will be looking for plenty of incoming transfer business at the end of the season, but doubts surround the futures of several current players.

Matheus Cunha is the most high-profile Wolves hero who looks the most likely to move on this summer, with the Brazilian far from without suitors. A number of top clubs are keen on snapping him up, and Vitor Pereira will know that he has a battle on his hands to keep hold of him.

Elsewhere, Tommy Doyle has also been linked with leaving Molineux before next season gets underway, with journalist Graeme Bailey explaining the situation: “It seems Doyle is increasingly likely to go. There’s a lot of Championship interest in him, we’re going to see a fair few Championship players go, so there’s plenty of opportunities for quite a few teams [to sign him]. He’ll find a club, he’ll be alright, it’s just he’s not particularly suited to Vitor Pereira’s system, that’s just how it is.”

Fabio Silva is currently out on loan at Las Palmas and seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future, with prevuous suggeston they were ready to sell for £25m. Now, a new update has dropped regarding the Portuguese attacker, having reportedly held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week.

"Excellent" £17m Wolves ace in talks to join new club

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, VfL Wolfsburg have now held talks to sign Silva from Wolves this summer, providing competition for Frankfurt. Interestingly, Wolves’ asking price has dropped from £25m to £17m.

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wolves to sell Silva, even though Stuart McCall hailed him during a loan stint at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, saying:

“The one thing Silva has done well today, because he’s not been on the ball much, is his movement. It has been excellent. Lovely ball, really nice finish.”

As mentioned, the 22-year-old has been a huge disappointment for Wolves overall, scoring just five goals and registering only six assists in 72 appearances for Wanderers. Given the money they spent on him, that is a dismal return, and while he is still a young player, it is hard to see him ever being good enough for the Premier League.

Ivory Coast star likely to move in summer amid Everton and Wolves interest

Both sides are interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 19, 2025

If Wolves could get the £17m that they crave for Silva’s signature this summer, it could end up being seen as good business, even if it is a loss on what they paid Porto for him initially back in 2020.

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in a huge clash at the top of the table.

Defeat for the Whites in Lancashire will see their opponents move level on points with them in the division, although it would take a four-goal or higher victory for the Clarets to put them on top due to goal difference.

A win for Daniel Farke’s men would place them four points clear of Sheffield United, who lost 3-0 to Hull City on Friday night, in second place, leaving them in a great position in the race for automatic promotion.

The West Yorkshire outfit beat Norwich City 2-0 in their last match at Elland Road, thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Dan James, and it is fair to say that scoring goals has not been a huge problem for Leeds.

They are the top scorers in the division, with 53 goals, but Farke is still keen to add more attacking quality to the group, with a reported interest in Emiliano Buendia, but they look set to miss out on the midfield magician…

Why Leeds could miss out on Emi Buendia

Firstly, it was recently reported that Leeds are playing the long game with the Argentina international and have been hoping that the later it gets in the window the bigger chance they have to sign him.

A transfer that would comprise of an initial loan move from Aston Villa with an obligation to make it permanent upon promotion to the Premier League has been touted for the former Norwich City star.

Buendia scored 15 goals and provided 16 assists in 39 Championship appearances in the 2020/21 campaign under Farke, which was their last season working together, to win the league title.

The German head coach may want to work with the Argentine talent again with the hope that he can get back to that form, although the winger was out for almost a year with an ACL injury and only returned last August, which means that it may take time to get back to his best.

Leeds, however, may not have to worry about whether or not Buendia can get back to his best because interest from a Champions League side has emerged.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Bayer Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga title last season, are exploring a deal to sign the midfielder, and are interested in an initial loan with an option to make it permanent in the summer.

It could be incredibly difficult for Leeds to convince the 28-year-old ace to turn down interest from a Champions League and Bundesliga side, competing for major trophies, to return to the Championship, which is why they look set to miss out on his signature as it stands.

If that turns out to be the case and Leverkusen secure a deal for Buendia ahead of Leeds, Farke could move on from his former sensation in a late swoop for Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry.

Leeds United's interest in Louie Barry

The 21-year-old forward is set to leave the Premier League side on loan before the end of the January transfer window. Unai Emery recently confirmed that their plan is to tie him down to a new contract before sending him out on loan for the second half of the season.

Transfer Focus

Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, and Middlesbrough have all been linked with an interest in the former Stockport County loanee, as they look to bolster their respective attacks.

Scottish giants Celtic were interested in a permanent deal for the English winger and saw an offer of £10m turned down by Aston Villa earlier this month, leaving them out of the race for his signature.

Emery’s confirmation that the forward will be leaving on loan before February’s deadline will come as a boost to Leeds, Wednesday, and Middlesbrough, although Boro completed a deal to sign Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle last week, so it remains to be seen whether or not they are still in the market for a winger.

Why Louie Barry could be a good signing for Leeds

If the West Yorkshire outfit can win the race for Barry’s signature in the next week or so, Farke can forget about Buendia by signing another supremely talented attacker.

The Argentine winger has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 11 Premier League matches so far this season, which suggests that the Whites would not have been signing the same player who was in the form of his life for the German in the past.

Whereas, Barry is coming off the back of an incredible time on loan with Stockport County in League One. Albeit at a lower level, he is a player full of confidence and could step straight into a thriving Leeds team to hit the ground running, which may not have been the case with a low-on-confidence Buendia.

The English ace, who was once hailed as having “incredible” composure by Declan Rice, scored nine goals and provided four assists in 17 starts in League Two in the second half of last season with Stockport, and made the step up to the third tier this term.

Appearances

23

Goals

15

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

5

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, Barry racked up 20 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 23 appearances in League One, which shows that he can adapt his game to higher levels, going from League Two to League One.

He has scored five more goals than any other Leeds player at league level this season, with Joel Piroe currently leading the way for the Whites with ten, which suggests that he has the potential to provide a big goal threat in the second half of the season.

Whilst he has not enjoyed a Championship season as successful as Buendia’s 2020/21 campaign, Barry is an in-form player who could come in and hit the ground running and that is why Farke could move on from the Aston Villa outcast by signing his teammate.

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ByDan Emery Jan 21, 2025