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Chelsea spent around £200m this summer, acquiring a host of players such as Pedro Neto, João Félix, Kiernan-Dewsbury Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo.

But there was another surprise addition on deadline day, with Jadon Sancho joining the club on an initial loan, with an obligation to buy. The fee will be £20m fixed plus £5m of add-ons, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Sancho made 24 appearances last season for Manchester United and Dortmund, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and totalling 1,593 minutes played.

As you can see, his form has taken a nosedive since those dizzy days at Borussia Dortmund. He was a trailblazer, pathing the way for English talent to move abroad in the modern era and thrive.

Fikayo Tomori is one to follow in his footsteps, trading the Premier League for a top-five European league.

Fikayo Tomori's breakthrough at Chelsea

Tomori broke into the Chelsea first team under Frank Lampard after making 33 appearances for the Chelsea U21 side and spending time on loan with Derby County (also under Frank Lampard).

He eventually made 27 appearances for the Chelsea first team, scoring two goals and providing one assist in that time, totalling 2,133 minutes played at senior level for the club.

However, after falling out of favour under club legend Lampard, eventually Chelsea cashed in on the English defender, who made the move to AC Milan in 2021 for around £25m which was an option after his successful loan spell with the club.

How Tomori has played at AC Milan

Tomori has made 145 appearances for Milan since joining the club, scoring seven goals, providing one assist, and totalling an impressive 12,168 minutes played for the Rossoneri.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Described as a "fantastic" transfer by scout Jacek Kulig, the 26-year-old is now valued at around £34m by Tranfermarkt, gaining value since joining from the Blues back in 2021.

To put that into context, he is rated more highly than the aforementioned Sancho and to offer more perspective, he is valued higher by Transfermarkt than the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Romeo Lavia and fellow defender Benoit Badiashile.

Speaking of which, how does the English centre-back compare to Chelsea's current options?

Goals

0.13

0.07

0.05

Progressive Carries

0.63

1.05

0.20

Progressive Passes

2.91

3.90

3.09

Pass Completion %

90.7%

90.0%

90.8%

Tackles

1.99

1.15

1.41

Blocks

1.55

0.91

1.41

Interceptions

1.17

0.59

1.01

Aerials Won

1.27

2.51

1.88

So, when comparing Tomori to some of Chelsea's current central defenders, the English defender clearly excels in defensive actions over the French pair, completing more tackles, more blocks, and more interceptions per 90. Considering the sheer volume of defending the Blues had to do last term, that's rather impressive.

Being the smallest of the three, standing at 6 foot 1, Tomori does win fewer aerial duels compared to Disasi, who stands at 6 foot 3, and Badiashile, who stands at 6 foot 4.

All three of the defenders average similar pass completions, all within the 90% spectrum, with Disasi averaging 90% on the dot, Tomori averaging 90.7% and Badiashile averaging 90.8%. In this regard, clearly they are similar.

Like their pass completion, the trios' progressive passing metrics are also fairly similar, Tomori averaging the least with 2.91 progressive passes per 90, Disasi averaging 3.90, and Badiashile averaging 3.09.

The Milan star does bring more goal threat, which has to be said is impressive considering he is the smallest of the trio, and winning the fewest aerials per 90.

That said, the main thing Chelsea could do with, that Tomori brings in abundance, is recovery speed, especially with the way Maresca likes to play, being aggressive out of possession, and dealing with balls in behind the backline at times.

It's fair to say there may be a tinge of regret in how this sale panned out.

Sold for £3m, now worth 1,233% more: Chelsea could rue selling Cobham star

Chelsea sold academy star too cheap as he begins to shine again

ByConnor Holden Sep 5, 2024

Ruben Amorim has revealed Alejandro Garnacho is a "little bit upset" with him after being dropped for Manchester United's derby clash with City.

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Garnacho and Rashford omitted from derby squadArgentine "upset" with his Portuguese managerBack in squad for Spurs clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, was excluded from the 20-man matchday squad for the high-stakes clash, which United narrowly won 2-1. The decision raised eyebrows, but Amorim clarified post-match that the omission was not due to disciplinary issues, but rather stemmed from dissatisfaction with the players' performances both in training and on the pitch.

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Despite the disappointment, Garnacho returned to training on Monday and impressed Amorim with his professionalism and attitude. Hence, he was rewarded with a place in the Carabao Cup matchday squad against Tottenham Hotspur.

WHAT AMORIM SAID

Amorim admitted that Garnacho appeared “a little bit upset” after he was dropped from the derby squad but his reaction at Carrington, following the snub, was exemplary.

"Really good, he trained really well," Amorim told reporters. "He seems a little bit upset with me and that’s perfect. I was really really happy because I would do the same. He’s ready for this game."

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DID YOU KNOW?

The situation with Rashford remains more complicated, given his recent declaration of an intention to seek a transfer from the club. While Garnacho was called back to the fold, Rashford was snubbed once again for the Carabao Cup clash against Spurs – but the decision might have been taken given his recent illness which forced him to miss training on Monday.

With Ben Brereton Diaz becoming the latest player to join Southampton this summer, it appears as if the Saints are showing little signs of slowing down as they now make a move for a highly-rated young player.

Brereton Diaz becomes the Saints' latest summer arrival

The latest news out of St Mary's is the confirmation of Brereton Diaz's £7 million move to the South Coast from Spanish outfit Villarreal. The Chilean forward has penned a four-year deal with Southampton as he makes his return to the Premier League after spending the latter half of last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Southampton to make new offer for "phenomenal" £14k-a-week star this week

Russell Martin isn’t messing around.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 30, 2024

Despite already bringing a dozen players to Southampton this summer, it appears that Russell Martin still has his sights on fresh faces as the Saints continue to be linked with a number of players. The latest rumour has suggested that Southampton are chasing a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko.

The German striker is eager to depart Dortmund this summer after struggling for game time at the Signal Iduna Park. Whilst it is not yet known as to whether the striker will be allowed to leave permanently this summer or just on loan, bringing the 19-year-old to St Mary's this summer would still be a major coup for Southampton.

With the Saints' recruitment department clearly keeping their eyes on young talents, it appears that the club are set to make a move for a player who has already made his mark on the South Coast.

Southampton ready bid for Norwich gem

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Southampton are readying a formal offer for Norwich City winger Abu Kamara. O'Rourke claims that the Saints are in the market for new attacking talents this summer and view Kamara as a potential solution to their problem.

The 21-year-old, who has broken into England's Under-20 set-up this year, impressed last season out on loan at Southampton's arch rivals Portsmouth. During his 52 game spell at Fratton Park, the winger contributed 10 goals and 11 assists and played a massive role in Pompey's promotion to the Championship.

Speaking on the Kamara's quality, Portsmouth coach John Mousinho was quick to praise the player: "Abs is a player we’ve been excited about having this season. He’s been excellent every single game he’s played,

"When he adds that composure, because he’s got the quality, he’s a fantastic player. One of my things with Abs is that he stays positive and keeps getting at his player. If he’s not having the best day he still needs to do it again, again and again."

Whilst the report by Football Insider claims that Norwich are reluctant to sell Kamara this summer, the promise of Premier League football and a handsome transfer fee could be enough to force the Canaries' hand before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Regardless of his previous history, Kamara is still no doubt a player with huge potential who could go on to become a fan favourite at St Mary's.

Aston Villa confirmed the sale of Moussa Diaby earlier this week, recouping nearly the entirety of the £51.9m they paid to sign him just a year ago.

Unai Emery will be hoping to use the fee wisely in the transfer market, as some more strength in depth will be required in order to bolster his attacking options ahead of next term.

With Champions League football taking place at Villa Park, the Spaniard will need to replace Diaby in the next few weeks.

Could he turn to the Bundesliga yet again?

Latest on Aston Villa's transfer search

According to CaughtOffside, Villa are an showing interest in Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, with talks having already been held regarding a potential move.

As per the report, the Bundesliga side are demanding a fee of around £35m which appears to be too much for the Midlands side, with Emery and co ready to return with a bid at a 'lower price' – amid rival interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Could Adeyemi be the perfect replacement for Diaby? He has certainly proven that he can sparkle on the big stage.

Karim Adeyemi’s season in numbers

The big stage in question is the Champions League final. Despite Dortmund suffering a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley, Adeyemi was certainly impressive.

During the game, the £81k-per-week German attempted three dribbles, made one key pass, created a big chance and had three total shots, although it wasn’t enough to help his club win the tie.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the winger on X towards the end of 2023, saying that he has “electric pace” and is a “composed finisher” which were qualities that he demonstrated during the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, the 22-year-old found the back of the net just five times, while chipping in with two assists, hardly the numbers which Emery requires on the right flank for Villa.

However, he does offer plenty of other qualities. When compared to his positional peers in the Bundesliga, Adeyemi ranked in the top 5% for carries into the penalty area (2.66) per 90, while also ranking in the top 11% for take-ons attempted (5.91) per 90 and the top 2% for percentage of aerial duels won per 90 (60.9%), showcasing his danger on the flank.

Diaby registered 19 goal contributions – ten goals and nine assists – for Villa last season. While it wasn’t quite as impressive as his spell at Bayer Leverkusen, it certainly wasn’t as bad as many made out.

Adeyemi would have a lot to live up to, but for a fee of £35m, plus the fact he is yet to turn 23, could tempt Emery into exploring a move for the Nigerian-born winger in the next week or so.

Much will depend on whether the club could sell another player or two, but signing Adeyemi would give Emery a solid option on the right-hand side who can undoubtedly dazzle on those looming Champions League nights.

Imagine him & Onana: Aston Villa frontrunners to sign Douglas Luiz 2.0

Unai Emery could be about to sign a two time Champions League winner

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 26, 2024

Harry Maguire has revealed he would have been a golfer if he had not made it as a professional footballer.

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Maguire picks alternate jobPlays 'team-mates' game with Jonny EvansFellow defender claims he 'cheats a bit'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Maguire sat down with long-term colleague Jonny Evans, with whom he has played for both United and Leicester City, to play the 'team-mates' game, in which they are asked questions about each other and have to match up their answers. The centre-backs were both asked to name the job Maguire would do if he were not a footballer, and they each rushed to write 'golfer'.

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Maguire played at the LIV Golf pro-am in Andalucia in 2023, and it has been reported that he plays off a handicap of just six. Given that he has previously claimed United have a "mental issue" when it comes to defending, getting on the golf course offers a reliable way to switch off.

WHAT EVANS SAID

Asked to select the job Maguire would do if he wasn't a footballer, the pair each wrote down golfer.

Evans said: "Easy one, that. Harry's a very good golfer. Cheats a bit but he's good!" Maguire merely smiled and nodded along.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

United start the Ruben Amorim era this weekend when they face Ipswich at Portman Road. The club are currently 13th in the Premier League table.

It is the start of July and this means that Celtic are finally back in action for pre-season this month to prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business in June and the Hoops are yet to dip into the market to bolster their options across the park as of yet.

One area in which they could look to strengthen is striker after Ireland international Adam Idah returned to Norwich City at the end of his loan deal.

Last month, Football Insider reported that Kyogo Furuhashi would be allowed to leave for an offer of £25m but it remains to be seen whether or not any teams are prepared to pay that for him.

Why Celtic need to look beyond Kyogo Furuhashi

The Japan international has been the first-choice number nine for Celtic in each of the last two Scottish Premiership seasons, with 62 starts across those two campaigns.

However, Kyogo's form in front of goal has declined over the last 12 months and Brendan Rodgers must now look to life beyond the forward at Parkhead.

Celtic scouting "skilled offensive" star who could be McGregor 2.0

The Hoops are reportedly looking at the talented teenage central midfielder this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 28, 2024

Liam Hatcher and Nic Maddinson twice turned things around in the field for the Stars who were then left a tough six-over target

Andrew McGlashan16-Dec-2020Rain in Launceston meant the first abandoned game of the BBL season as the points were shared between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars.The Stars will probably have been the happier with that: having been set a demanding 76 in six overs in an adjusted chase, they had lost Marcus Stoinis lbw the ball before the rain returned to end the game.The Scorchers’ innings was halted at 17 overs and they had been hauled back by the Stars attack after a stand of 70 in five overs between Colin Munro and Ashton Turner and put then on track to push 200.Hatching a planSpeaking to the television coverage, Glenn Maxwell said he had hoped to use a lot of spin in the first half of the innings but he had to adjust things when Tom O’Connell – who would be subbed out at the 10-over mark in favour of Ben Dunk – and Clint Hinchliffe went for 32 between them in the space of two overs. Liam Hatcher was brought on before Maxwell really wanted, but made an immediate impression when he had Joe Clarke – who had sped to 34 off 16 balls after being missed on 9 – caught behind, then trapped Mitchell Marsh lbw first ball. However, replays showed the Marsh lbw was missing leg stump which reignited the lack-of-DRS-debate, with Adam Gilchrist being especially vocal on Twitter.

That Mitch Marsh decision would have taken one replay to prove it’s not out, at no extra cost than the tv cameras already at ground. And at best, 30 seconds of time. https://t.co/teRFg6vFaM

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) December 16, 2020

Turning it onTurner averaged 12.28 from seven innings in last year’s BBL and has drifted well down the Australia reckoning but he remains a very fine middle-order limited-overs batman. In the space of seven balls against Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright he struck five sixes, with the latter’s over costing 23 and the Stars may have regretted subbing out a bowler in O’Connell. However, the innings was turned around by Nic Maddinson’s occasional left-arm spin as he had Turner caught behind off a pull – a juggling catch for Stars debutant Nicholas Pooran – and then Munro picked out deep midwicket. In between an over from Nathan Coulter-Nile cost just seven and when Billy Stanlake removed Aaron Hardie the innings was threatening to subside.Chase on, chase offAfter a lengthy delay the rain briefly cleared enough for a six-over chase which left plenty of people checking the playing conditions about what would happen to the Bash Boost (the answer was that the point was shared). In the end it didn’t matter: the weather only allowed seven balls, with the only real impact being on Stoinis’ average when he was beaten for pace by Jhye Richardson.

Neymar is reportedly set to purchase his own private island off the coast of Brazil for an eye-watering £7 million.

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• Neymar set to buy Japao Private Island
• Island boasts four luxury villas
• Brazilian hasn't played in 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar has had plenty of time for extra-curricular activities after suffering an ACL injury that's ruled him out for nearly a year, and it seems he's been filling his time by identifying new homes. The Al-Hilal forward is close to buying Japao Private Island, a tropical hideaway located off the port town of Angra dos Reis, according to The Sun.

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  Neymar reportedly became interested in buying the island after its owner knocked the asking price down by more than £3m. The six-acre hideaway features a main villa with two master suits, three sea-view bungalows and a koi fish pond, and can only be reached by boat or helicopter. One visitor wrote in an online review: "The sweeping views of the ocean and the mystical landscape of the island make this an incredibly special place to find some solitude."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neymar plans to rent the island at a cost of more than £40,000 later this month in a 'test drive', according to Brazilian journalist Leo Dias. The 32-year-old's ex Bruna Marquezine is among those to have stayed on the island in the past.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Neymar's injury hell is nearing an end. The Brazilian recently shared an update of him training alongside his Al-Hilal team-mates, although he may have to wait to actually return to action.

Glasgow Rangers face a summer filled with plenty of transfer activity as Philippe Clement looks set to totally rejuvenate a playing squad which failed to win either the Premiership or Scottish Cup last season.

It was perhaps no surprise to see the likes of James Tavernier and Connor Goldson fail to lift the club in the dying weeks of the season, having failed to inspire the Gers in recent years.

Steven Gerrard remains interested in signing the duo this summer, and it could be a tempting prospect should an official bid actually arrive from the former Light Blues boss.

If Clement does sell the pair, it could be the catalyst which heralds in a fresh era at Ibrox. Others will be sold this summer too, with Sam Lammers one player who most certainly will be departing the club.

Why Rangers will sell Sam Lammers this summer

According to the Rangers Review at the end of last month, Lammers will be sold during the summer transfer window in order to raise funds for Clement.

Much was made of his arrival in June last year as Michael Beale looked to bolster his attacking options. Six months later, it looked as though it was £3m down the drain as the Dutchman had found the back of the net on just two occasions.

The former Atalanta man was often played out of position as a number ten, which meant he failed to showcase his talents in front of goal, and it was clear he was surplus to requirements by Clement when January rolled around.

Indeed, no sooner had the window opened that Lammers joined FC Utrecht on a six-month loan spell in a bid to secure regular game time, and it proved to be a solid move for the player.

In just 20 games for the Dutch side, Lammers managed to net 11 goals while registering three assists as he looked comfortable in his homeland.

Not only will Rangers be looking to recoup the £3m they paid for him last year, but to also get his £18k-per-week wages off the bill in a bid to free up some funds.

He won’t be the only player to leave having spent a period out on loan last term, as Ianis Hagi’s future looks increasingly in doubt, especially after his latest comments.

Ianis Hagi’s future at Rangers

Hagi spent the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Spanish side Deportivo Alaves in a bid to recapture the form which made him a fan favourite at Ibrox prior to suffering a serious knee injury in 2022.

The Romanian played 28 times, scoring only twice as the loan spell failed to really ignite his confidence. He will return to Rangers at the end of Euro 2024, where he will represent his nation in Germany, but for how long?

He delivered an update on his future last week, saying: "My focus is on the Euros. I had talks with my agents and the pressure is on them.

"They know what I want for my future, it's a pretty important summer for me from all points of view. I told them before going to the national team what I wanted.

"I expect them to work as well as possible, to find the right team and the right manager for me. I can't say if I'll be at Rangers or somewhere else. My future depends on my agents."

This is hardly the comment of a player who is expecting to remain with his current side and if an offer arrives this summer, Clement may well cash in on the 25-year-old.

Ianis Hagi’s Rangers statistics

The 6 foot playmaker first joined the club in January 2020 on an initial six-month loan from Belgian side Genk, and he made an instant impact at Ibrox.

His brace against Braga in the Europa League last 16 clash will be fondly remembered among the Ibrox faithful as it allowed the Gers to turn a certain 2-0 defeat into a 3-2 win.

That summer, Steven Gerrard signed him on a permanent deal ahead of the 2020/21 season, one in which he shone. The Romanian scored eight goals and registered 15 assists as the club won their first league title in a decade, and it appeared as though Hagi had a bright future at Rangers.

Gerrard even dubbed Hagi an “absolute dream to work with” during that title-winning campaign, but things soon turned into a nightmare for the former Genk attacking midfielder.

In a Scottish Cup tie against Stirling Albion in January 2022, Hagi suffered an injury which has stalled his progress, keeping him out for around a year, and he hasn’t quite been the same since.

The 25-year-old – who earns £21k-per-week at Ibrox, more than Lammers – is a prime candidate to be sold this summer given how poor he was in La Liga, and it could give Clement some much-needed funds to work with in the transfer window.

The Belgian could save nearly £40k-per-week by moving on both Hagi and Lammers in the next few weeks. Considering that the manager is looking at signing younger talent ahead of the 2024/25 season, this could give the club some financial flexibility.

That moment in January 2022 is certainly a sliding door moment for Hagi and his career since. If he doesn’t get injured, there is a good chance he plays a positive role in the club’s run to the Europa League final, potentially even making the difference against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Unfortunately, Hagi failed to really impress Beale during the Englishman’s spell in charge of the club, which led to him departing on loan.

Clement may decide that he will give the player a chance to impress during pre-season, yet it depends on how far Romania go in Euro 2024.

Related Bad news for Hagi: Rangers could land £1m dream Danilo partner

Rangers could sell Ianis Hagi this summer and replace him with a talented Mexican gem

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2024

The likelihood is that Hagi leaves the Light Blues. If he does, he will leave with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

The summer transfer window is just around the corner, and it's set to be a busy one for Tottenham Hotspur as they look to build on Ange Postecoglou's positive first season.

Last year's window was dominated by the saga surrounding Harry Kane, and while that was far from pleasing for the Spurs faithful, they were able to get several talents through the door themselves.

The likes of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Brennan Johnson made a tangible impact on the team this season, and based on recent reports, Daniel Levy and Co could be about to repeat the trick that landed them the Welshman.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi and could make an offer 'before 30 June.'

The report claims that the Lilywhites view the former Chelsea ace as someone possessing "huge" amounts of potential and that, due to the Tricky Trees' perilous financial situation, someone who could be signed this summer for a relatively modest fee.

Reports from earlier this month have claimed that the Englishman could be sold for around £30m, and while that's certainly not cheap, it isn't unreasonable for a player who reached double figures for goal involvements in all competitions this season.

It might not be a deal that goes down well with the fans to begin with, but the last time Levy and Co signed a player from Forest, it turned out reasonably well.

Spurs could repeat their Johnson trick

The last player that the Lilywhites signed from Forest was Johnson, who joined the club last summer for a fee of around £47.5m, and while some cast doubt at the time, it would be fair to say the Welshman enjoyed a good first season in N17.

In his 35 first-team appearances, the 23-year-old winger scored five goals and provided ten assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.3 games, which is pretty good going for a young player in a new team.

Moreover, as the Nottingham-born attacker only played 2504 minutes of action, he averaged a goal involvement every 166.9 minutes or every 1.85 90s.

Appearances

38

34

Minutes

2504'

2189'

Goals

5

8

Assists

10

2

Goal involvements per Match

0.39

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

166.9'

218.9'

In comparison, while Hudson-Odoi wasn't quite as productive, his return of eight goals and two assists in 34 games is still seriously impressive considering he's playing for a team that will generally be the underdog in most Premier League match-ups, and when broken down by minutes, the Englishman averaged a goal involvement every 218.9 minutes, or every 2.4 90s.

It's also worth remembering that this season was his first one without significant injuries disrupting his development, and lo and behold, he delivered, suggesting that the Lilywhites' assessment of his potential may well be accurate, provided he remains fit.

Lastly, while the "amazingly talented" Wandworth-born gem, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, hasn't had the best of times in recent years, he's still the player Bayern Munich were prepared to pay £70m to sign in 2020, so if Postecoglou can manage his injury problems properly, there is no reason why he couldn't coax him into the player so many used to think he'd become.

Ultimately, signing Hudson-Odoi is a gamble, but based on his performances this season, the reasonable fee and the sky-high potential so many used to believe he had, it's one worth taking, and the last player to make a move from the City Ground has worked out rather well.

Spurs keen on signing "special" £41m upgrade on Bentancur

The impressive talent could make the Lilywhites’ midfield far more dangerous next season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2024