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Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming at Manchester United is over, with it confirmed that the Portuguese superstar has severed ties with the Red Devils less than 18 months after he made an emotional return to a spiritual home.They do say ‘never go back’, and an all-time great with five Ballons d’Or to his name should have heeded that advice when mulling over his options in the summer of 2021. A 24-goal haul during his first season back in England only served to paper over cracks, with it clear for some time that something was not right.

Exploits

Frustration came to the boil in 2022, as a push for the exits was made during another summer transfer window, and ultimately spilled over in an explosive interview that burned any remaining bridges.

It became abundantly clear that Ronaldo’s heart was no longer in Manchester as attention turned to international matters. HisÂexploits in QatarÂhave placed his nation among the favourites in the World Cup odds 2022,Âwith Portugal priced at 10/1Âto chase down a global crown.

During the early stages of that tournament, United announced that a lucrative contract at Old Trafford had been torn up. Ronaldo then came out andÂsuggested that the Red Devils still hold some place in his heart: “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.â€

The obvious question at that point was, where will Ronaldo end up next? Various landing spots had already been speculated on before the worst-kept secret in football was revealed. Destinations from Saudi Arabia to the United States have been mooted, while there is still a chance that a Premier League suitor could emerge.

If a modern-day great were to remain in English football, then he could be finding himself lining up against United in the not-too-distant future. Even a return to his roots at Sporting could see paths crossed with familiar faces, with both sides still in the hunt for Europa League glory in 2022-23.

Facing the Red Devils would be nothing new for Ronaldo, as he has turned out against them on five previous occasions in competitive fixtures – while a famous friendly appearance for Sporting back in 2003 allowed him to catch the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and earn a career-defining move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Success

Ronaldo first crossed swords with United as an established superstar while with Real Madrid in 2013, scoring in both legs of a Champions League last-16 encounter. He also savoured UEFA Super Cup success against the Red Devils while in Spain and netted against them again in European competition when at Juventus in 2018.

Celebrations with the Blancos and Bianconeri were understandably muted, with promises having been made not to go full ‘SIUUU’ mode when facing a side that had done so much for him, but it remains to be seen whether he would be so respectful if another meeting with United were to be taken in.

Photo by Unsplash

Aston Villa will undoubtedly be watching Mehdi Taremi’s performances for Iran through a veritably bitter lens after missing out on the prolific forward a few years ago. 

Indeed, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has seen several stars rise to the forefront of footballing conversation thus far, with Iran talisman Taremi succeeding in netting two goals and serving one assist across tough fixtures against Wales and England.

And the FC Porto striker has the chance to continue his dynamic performance on the biggest stage with the forthcoming decider against USA, with victory cementing a place in the first knockout phase of the competition. 

Notably, the 30-year-old created a tournament-best eight chances against Wales last Friday as the Asian outfit snatched a stunning late victory over their dismayed opposition.

The Villans will indeed rue the missed opportunity to bring the forward to the Midlands of England, with Sky Sports confirming that the club held concrete interest in the player in 2020 when they were under the management of Dean Smith.

For Porto this season, the “ridiculous” – as lauded by Rio Ferdinand – maestro has 13 goals and eight assists in just 19 outings, including a stunning five goals in as many matches during the Champions League group phase. 

Any strike in club football’s most coveted competition is worth treasuring, but none more so than a remarkably audacious overhead effort against Chelsea in last season’s Champions League quarter-final stage, which consequently won the UEFA Goal of the Season. 

In fact, since signing for Porto in August 2020, the €25m-valued (£21.5m) phenom has netted a total of 62 goals for the Portuguese giants, eclipsing the totals of Villa’s current forward options. 

In Qatar, the attacking threat has provided a rounded, polished presence, and without him Iran wouldn’t have performed as they did against the Welsh.

As per Sofascore, the 61-cap ace holds a stunning average rating of 7.43, a thorn in the opposing backline’s side with two shots per match and an orchestrator with three key passes. 

While the forward is now 30 years old, he clearly has enough gas left in the tank to be a menace for even the sturdiest of defences for years to come, and if the Villans were to revise a deal in the near future he could certainly offer a different dimension to their attack, possibly even adopting the role as their definitive focal point.

Bearing fruit domestically, continentally, and on the international stage, Taremi is the real deal. Villa should lament the missed opportunity. Indeed, his versatile, multi-faceted approach play would be a fine addition to their team, and he would fit right into the system, bringing goals, assists and knitting the forward flow together without seam.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter will be looking to use the January transfer window to add a couple of new faces to his team and assemble his squad how he sees fit ahead of a vital few months.

He might not be under severe pressure just yet, but the previous few weeks before the World Cup break saw the London side defeated by Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Arsenal in the Premier League and improvement will be needed after Christmas.

What’s the word?

Not only do they face competition on the pitch, but Chelsea are in a fight with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential move for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who claim that the defender has caught the eye of Tottenham with Potter facing a battle to secure the services of the youngster.

Indeed, Chelsea had an offer rejected in the summer and a move for the RB Leipzig star would now cost around €80 (£68m), which considering his potential and performances already this season, could be a very shrewd investment for the future.

Shining in Qatar

The 20-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years in the Bundesliga this season, losing possession on average just 6.5 times per match, while winning an impressive 2.5 duels per game at a success rate of 62%.

The £68m price tag will now surely be down to his World Cup displays for Croatia, as Gvardiol has been a key part of a defence that has conceded just once in three matches.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.3/10, making 1.7 interceptions per game, 1.3 tackles, and taking a staggering 88.3 touches on average across the three group stage matches.

This clearly suggests he is extremely comfortable on the ball despite playing in high-pressure situations and by winning 64% of his total duels over the games, his physicality is one of his main strengths.

It’s no wonder he has been decreed the Erling “Haaland of defenders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig. The youngster has clearly had the same blistering impact on world football as the Norwegian striker, just at the opposite end of the pitch.

Journalist Zach Lowy even dubbed him as a “sensational centre-back” while declaring that the player had been the best player on a pitch that contained Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric, no mean feat.

If Potter wants to remain with the club for the long haul, signing talents like Gvardiol will make his job that little bit easier, while also signalling a massive statement of intent toward the rest of the league.

Queens Park Rangers have made an approach to sign Brighton forward Deniz Undav on loan in January.

The Lowdown: Undav profiled

Undav made the move to Brighton at the beginning of the year and has made ten appearances for The Seagulls, scoring once.

The 26-year-old previously plied his trade in Belgium and Germany and has scored 107 senior goals during his career. The German could well be on the hunt for regular first-team football in the New Year, and Loftus Road now appears to be a possible destination.

The Latest: QPR interest

Football League World shared a transfer update regarding Undav on Thursday, claiming that a host of Championship sides are interested in signing the forward for the remainder of the season.

QPR are one of six second-tier clubs who have made a loan enquiry, with league leaders and Sunday’s opponents Burnley also named.

The Verdict: First signing under Critchley?

It seems as if Neil Critchley is set to take over at Loftus Road, so Undav could be his first signing, should the Hoops win the race for the forward’s services.

You can see why the club would want to sign the Brighton man as they have outscored just one of the Championship’s top eight this season.

Undav knows where the back of the net is, so adding more firepower in January could be the difference as the club push for promotion to the Premier League.

Everton have long-term been linked with a move for Ismaila Sarr and now a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Everton have legitimate interest in signing the Watford and Senegal winger next month.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s an interesting link because I know when Frank Lampard was at Chelsea, he [Sarr] was one of the names that he put forward to the Chelsea board when he was looking at attackers.

“You can be pretty sure that the interest there is legit, especially from Frank Lampard’s side.”

Lampard needs him badly

Frank Lampard will surely be extremely concerned with the unstable situation Everton have found themselves in over their first 15 outings in the Premier League so far.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the top flight and just one point clear of the relegation zone, so it will be crucial for Everton to start picking up points when they return to action after Christmas to avoid falling further.

Indeed, the Everton boss will be given the golden opportunity to strengthen his team when the transfer window re-opens in the new year and should grasp the chance to improve the goal threat.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Merseysiders, so snapping up a player who can not only improve the attacking threat but also deliver more goal contributions at Goodison Park is vital.

As a result, the signing of Sarr could benefit the Toffees significantly, especially if he can continue to display his current form in front of goal.

Over 18 Championship appearances, the £35m-valued winger – who was dubbed “super talented” by former Watford manager Rob Edwards – has scored six goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging 2.2 shots on goal, 1.1 successful dribbles and winning 3.8 duels per game.

In fact, Sarr has been consistent and reliable for Watford ever since he joined the club in 2019 – scoring 30 times and registering 21 assists over 110 appearances with a goal contribution every 175 minutes.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Lampard is in need of a forward like Sarr in his team and if the powers at Goodison Park can secure his services in January it could give Everton a huge boost in their pursuit of retaining their Premier League status.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, as sporting director Fabio Paratici looks to strengthen the club’s goalkeeping ranks.

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who noted that fresh interest in the Switzerland international ahead of the January transfer window, with the 34-year-old having just six months remaining on his existing deal in Germany.

The respected journalist stated: “Yann Sommer is one that I’ve been told is on the radar. They’re just looking to see what he’s looking to do next. So, I think various things will crop up.”

The former Grasshoppers man is also reportedly a target for Premier League rivals Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season, with the veteran gem having also been linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer.

True Lloris heir

This talk of interest in the one-time Grasshoppers loanee comes following reports earlier this season that suggested the Lilywhites are already drawing up replacements for long-serving skipper, Hugo Lloris, with the experienced Frenchman set to leave N17 when his contract expires in 2024.

While a “legend” at international level – according to compatriot Clement Llenglet – the 145-cap colossus has regularly come in for criticism as a result of his mistakes for his club over the years, notably ranking joint-top for most errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season.

The 35-year-old has also made 22 errors leading to goals in his top-flight career in England to date, with that record the third-worst in the competition as a whole, proving him something of a liability at times.

That knack for a blunder also saw the £100k-per-week man criticised by talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor earlier this year for his mistakes in the derby defeat to Arsenal, with the former England international stating: “It’s really poor goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris.”

Also questioned for having gone “walkabout” during the recent Champions League meeting with Sporting Lisbon, in the words of journalist Jonathan Veal, it looks as if age could well be catching up with the former Lyon man at present.

Although Sommer is no spring chicken himself, the 80-cap “monster” – as described by journalist Okon Nya – has remained in sparkling form for Gladbach in the current campaign, notably recording a Bundesliga-record haul of 19 saves in the draw with Bayern Munich back in August.

The 6-foot titan has thus made 47 saves in total from his ten league outings this season and conceded just 14 goals, while Lloris has conceded 18 goals from his 15 league games this season, making 45 saves in that time.

Sommer has also racked up an average match rating of 7.4 per game, as per Sofascore, with that record also better than the current Spurs captain who has averaged just 6.88 match rating this season.

As such, the Gladbach sensation could well be an ideal heir to Lloris moving forward as far as Paratici is concerned, with that bargain acquisition likely to be an attractive one for the north Londoners.

Mikel Arteta could give Arsenal a “real boost” by luring Youri Tielemans to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who believes that such a move could improve the Gunners’ chances of winning the Premier League title.

Arsenal have started the campaign in superb fashion, going into the World Cup hiatus five points clear at the top of the table, although Arteta could well be aiming to strengthen his squad when the January window opens in just over a week’s time.

The north London outfit have been linked with Tielemans for a long time, and according to TEAMtalk, Arteta is ready to make a bid in January. With Leicester City valuing the Belgian at £25m and his contract due to expire at the end of the season, the Gunners could even sign him for a much lower amount.

O’Rourke was speaking to Football FanCast regarding Arsenal’s interest in the Belgian midfielder, saying: “It’s got to be seen as a real boost for Arsenal’s title hopes. Tielemans is a top player, a proven Premier League player as well at that, and that is an area of the team that Mikel Arteta has been looking to strengthen, central midfield.”

Tielemans could boost Arsenal’s title chances

The 25-year-old has impressed during his time at Leicester, registering 53 goal contributions (28 goals and 25 assists) in 178 games, and he could add some much-needed quality to the centre of Arteta’s midfield.

Compared to positional peers across Europe’s top leagues in 2022, Tielemans ranks in the top 20% for shot-creating actions (3.26), tackles (2.77) and blocks (1.62) per game, which suggests that his effective box-to-box nature can help Arsenal at both ends of the pitch.

Brendan Rodgers sang the Belgian’s praises last year by declaring him “one of Europe’s top midfielders”, and Arteta could certainly utilise those talents in his Arsenal side as they chase a 14th league title.

Signing him in January would give the Gunners a real boost and show that they are serious about fending off Manchester City in the race for the title, and Tielemans would surely find it hard to turn down the opportunity to join such an illustrious club.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a bid for Barcelona central midfielder Franck Kessie.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Diario SPORT, who claim that Fabio Paratici has now submitted a €15m (£13m) bid for the 26-year-old, with whom Xavi Hernandez is believed to be willing to part in the January transfer window due to the Ivory Coast international’s peripheral role in Barca’s first team squad.

However, the report does not reveal whether or not the LaLiga side are willing to accept Spurs’ bid for the midfielder, with it being said that Kessie’s sale will ‘depend directly on a good offer’ being made, while the player himself is thought to be happy at the Camp Nou despite his limited game time following his move from AC Milan last summer.

He’s a “dream signing”

With Antonio Conte’s desire to sign a more forward-thinking midfielder in January being well documented, the argument that Kessie would be something of a “dream signing” – in the words of content creator Ryan Haber – for Paratici to bring to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter is an extremely easy one to make.

While it is true that the £44m-rated talent has not had much of a chance to impress in Spain – starting just five of his 13 appearances for Barcelona, scoring one goal along the way – considering just how impressive Kessie was during his time in Milan, it is not difficult to understand why both Conte and Paratici would be keen on the 26-year-old.

Indeed, over his 37 appearances in Serie A back in 2020/21, the £153k-per-week midfielder was in devastating form going forwards, scoring 13 goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles – at a success rate of 80% – per game.

The 60-cap international also caught the eye in metrics more typical of position, making an average of 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.2 duels – at a 53% success rate – per match, as well as playing an average of 2.8 long balls and completing 47.9 passes – at a success rate of 89% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player, who Haber also dubbed “absolutely unreal”, average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.18, not only ranking him as Milan’s third-best performer in the league but also as the joint 26th-best player in Serie A as a whole that season.

Furthermore, according to FBref, Kessie also ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90, in addition to the top 24% for progressive passes received, the top 23% for shots and the top 28% for non-penalty xG over the last 365 days – further highlighting just how forward-thinking a midfielder he truly is.

As such, it would indeed appear as if Kessie would be something of a dream signing for Tottenham this winter, and, should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for a figure in the region of £13m, the 26-year-old would very much look to be one of the bargains of the season.

Rangers could well sign a goalkeeper in the summer window given they are not looking to sign one in January. 

The Lowdown: Beale not interested in signing a keeper in January

Despite there perhaps being a need to refresh the position at Ibrox, the man who has the say is Michael Beale – and he has no intention of buying a new ‘keeper in January.

Both Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin are at the latter stages of their careers, but it’s clear that Beale has faith in his current options until the end of the season.

The Latest: New keeper ‘sorted’ come the summer

Speaking on The Rangers Review, journalist Joshua Barrie – often seen on Sky Sports – believes that Rangers will sign a new goalkeeper in the summer, though it is an area that should’ve been sorted out by now.

He stated: “I don’t think a ‘keeper will come in in January. I definitely think it’s something that will be sorted out in the summer. And I think if you look at the numbers, it is something that should have been sorted out.”

The Verdict: Younger goalkeeper needed for next season

McGregor and McLaughlin have been the go-to men between the sticks this season for Rangers. McGregor has played 13 times in the Scottish Premiership, whilst McLaughlin has played a total of seven times.

Interestingly, both have kept four league clean sheets so far this season and the duo have an average of one goal conceded per game.

With both in the twilight of their careers, Rangers should look to bring in a more long-term prospect in the summer.

Perhaps Robbie McCrorie could get the nod in the near future and get more opportunities for the Gers, but whatever the outcome is, Rangers’ current goalkeeping situation certainly needs major upheaval sooner or later.

Manchester United are interested in signing Burnley striker Wout Weghorst this month as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils saw their options up top reduced over the final weeks of 2022 after the club and Cristiano Ronaldo decided to part ways following a turbulent start to the campaign for the Portuguese star.

Since his departure and the return to action from the winter World Cup, Ten Hag’s side have climbed their way into the top four of the Premier League table with three league wins from three since 27th December.

However, it would appear the Dutch manager is still looking to strengthen his options at striker with Anthony Martial earning the recent game time up top.

Reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has been speaking to CBS Sports and has confirmed the interest coming from Old Trafford for the 30-year-old striker:

“It’s true that Manchester United are working on this deal. They had a contract on player’s side and the player would be 100% open, excited to join Manchester United.

“He knows Erik ten Hag appreciates him. He is convinced his skills as traditional number nine can help Man United.”

Something different

This proposed interest from United will have certainly taken some by surprise given Weghorst has been playing his football out in Turkey this season with Besiktas.

It has been a fairly successful loan which has seen the Burnley striker provide the Turkish giants with a return of eight goals and four assists across his 16 league appearances (via Transfermarkt).

However, it has to be caveated by the lower quality to which he will be playing in, in comparison to the Premier League.

The Dutchman has already played in the English top flight during the final half of the 2021/22 campaign with Burnley which saw the Lancashire side relegated to the Championship.

Albeit in a struggling side which was ultimately relegated, it was not exactly an impressive showing from the Dutch striker during his time at Turf Moor.

In his 20 appearances for Burnley in the league, Weghorst was only able to provide the Clarets with two goals and three assists with no goal coming in his final seven appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Compared to Martial, Weghorst provides something much different physically with the 6 foot 6 frame providing Ten Hag with a real ariel threat.

Given his height advantage, last season, Weghorst averaged just shy of three headers per game, which is over three times more than what Martial has won this season for United (via FBref).

There will naturally be some concerns over Weghorst’s potential goal return if he is to sign, however, it will be interesting to see what role he could play under his fellow countryman.