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West Ham United are now preparing a January offer to sign an impressive midfielder for Nuno Espirito Santo after entering pole position, according to reports.

West Ham plotting January striker move

Despite their improved form under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham remain in the Premier League’s relegation zone and two points adrift of safety. It’s a major concern for the Hammers with Christmas approaching and there’s simply no denying that they must enjoy a busy January transfer window if they are to avoid what would be a disastrous relegation.

Adding another clinical goalscorer to their ranks should sit top of their priority list on that front. Whilst Callum Wilson has shown plenty of quality, there remain plenty of questions over his ability to stay fit and firing for a full campaign.

If it’s not the former Newcastle man, however, then it becomes tough for Nuno to select a reliable, natural striker without sacrificing Jarrod Bowen’s work out wide. That has to change in January.

As for potential targets, names like Santiago Gimenez have been mentioned ahead of next month in a deal which could kill two birds with one stone. Reports have claimed that West Ham could strike a swap deal with AC Milan which would see Niclas Fullkrug head in the opposite direction.

Those at the London Stadium could also add to their midfield after they welcome a new No.9, with midfield star Tochukwu Nnadi quickly becoming a serious option.

West Ham now preparing Tochukwu Nnadi offer

According to TeamTalk, West Ham are now preparing a bid to sign Nnadi after entering pole position for his signature and sending scouts to watch the Zulte Waregem midfielder.

The Hammers are preparing a €4m (£3.5m) move to sign the Nigerian, who scouts described as “relentless” when speaking to TeamTalk ahead of the January transfer window.

At 5’7, Nnadi makes up for his smaller stature with his ability to win duels, break up play and drive his team forward – all traits that West Ham’s midfield has been lacking at times this season.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes 4 days ago

With the future of Guido Rodriguez still in doubt at West Ham, a move for Nnadi would make perfect sense next month. In one move, Nuno could bid farewell to a transfer flop and welcome a much-needed upgrade.

Striker greenlights January exit with West Ham bid expected ahead of immediate move

Arne Slot has intimated multiple times this season his belief that Liverpool are conceding a disproportionate number of goals while failing to finish their chances off up top.

To a degree, this is true. Expected Goals Against (xGA) tell of the Anfield side’s struggles at the back, having conceded 20 times in the Premier League this season despite only conceding an xGA total of 15.5.

But that is only one dimension of a many-angled crisis for the Merseysiders, who have been sapped of strength and style and confidence after dispatching their rivals to storm to the Premier League title last season.

Liverpool are also joint-fifth for big chances created this season (35), while Chelsea are first with 39 created. Not exactly a world away, and when you consider that no team have had more possession than Liverpool this term (61.5%), you’d perhaps argue that Slot has all the ingredients to get his squad playing to his tune.

Football works in weird ways, though, and Liverpool have been shambolic. Something needs to give, and while defence and attack both share issues, it is a tough, physical presence in midfield that the Reds are lacking this season.

Liverpool need to sign a holding midfielder

Last season, Slot bounced back from the frustration of being rejected by Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi by converting Ryan Gravenberch into a robust, deep-lying midfielder. It paid dividends, with Liverpool lifting the Premier League title for the second time in five years.

Liverpool are such a far cry from the robust level of last year it almost beggars belief, with Gravenberch lacking the physicality and strength to give the Anfield side what they need to turn things around.

With Alexis Mac Allister also struggling, it could be that a robust new presence in the middle could turn the tide at Anfield, and sources from overseas suggest that that is what sporting director Richard Highes is focusing on right now.

Well, according to reports in Spain, Liverpool have made a staggering British record bid for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, worth something in the region of €150m (equating to £132m).

Dissent is rife at the Santiago Bernabeu, with suggestions of breakdowns in the relationship between head coach Xabi Alonso and star players such as Vinicius Junior.

Liverpool are looking to capitalise, adding Uruguay international Valverde to their ranks and reinforcing their midfield with a combative presence and a leader of men.

What Valverde would offer Liverpool

Valverde, 27, has been at Real Madrid for the lion’s share of his senior career, having joined the Spaniard from Penarol in his homeland way back in 2015.

A dynamic and multi-functional player, Valverde has chalked up 339 senior appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 32 goals and supplying 35 assists. He was once described as a “monster in the making” with “world-class potential” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it’s fair to say Valverde has lived up to the hype on that account.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 17% for interceptions and the top 1% for switches (rekindling something of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s passing range, perhaps).

The data-led platform reveal Arsenal’s Declan Rice to be among his most statistically comparable players, to give a flavour of his style (though Liverpool fans are already well-acquainted with Valverde’s talent).

Moreover, Valverde’s steely defensive qualities could be the perfect way to reinforce Liverpool’s midfield while maintaining a kind of broadness of style that Slot is known to covet from his engine room workers.

Central midfield

282

19 + 27

Right-back

56

2 + 8

Right wing

33

11 + 4

Defensive midfield

15

1 + 0

Attacking midfield

14

1 + 0

Left-back

7

0 + 0

Centre-back

1

0 + 0

Given Valverde’s Real Madrid connection and his steeliness in the centre of the field – he has won 58% of his duels and averaged 1.7 tackles per game in La Liga, as per Sofascore – the South American could even be Liverpool’s next version of Fabinho, who cut his teeth in the Spanish capital before finding his footing in France with Monaco.

Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp’s all-inspiring midfield anchor for so many years, was also more than capable as a right-back, emphasising the athleticism and tactical intelligence that he shares with Valverde.

The Brazilian differed from Gravenberch in that he was more resilient in his play, less technically gifted, but more suited to a natural role in the six berth.

Valverde could be the perfect addition in this regard, still getting forward when the need arises but bringing a more focused defensive skillset from which Slot’s tactics could bloom once again.

You could argue that Liverpool have missed Fabinho’s presence ever since he left for Saudi Arabia in 2023. With the pendulum swinging within English football once again, and low blocks and more direct play back in fashion, Valverde could be a significant upgrade and a worthwhile addition in spite of the exorbitant cost.

Joe Cole waxed lyrical after one glittering Champions League performance, remarking that Valverde “is every bit as good as Jude Bellingham”.

Quite the praise, that. But Liverpool don’t need Bellingham. They need someone even grittier and more grounded. Fabinho-esque. They need Valverde.

Liverpool teenager who's 'like Pogba' could end Mac Allister's Anfield stay

Liverpool must start handing this prodigious academy talent more chances to impress.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

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The New York Yankees agreed to trade veteran catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday evening, according to multiple reports.

Trevino, 32, had been in New York for the previous three seasons and made the All-Star Game in 2022. Last year, he featured in 73 games for the Yankees and recorded an OPS of .642 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs.

Trevino is a more defensive-minded backstop, having excelled at framing pitches behind the plate during his All-Star season. His throwing arm leaves plenty to be desired, however. He ranked dead last among qualified catchers in terms of throwing speed, and teams expressed a willingness to run the bases more aggressively when Trevino was in the lineup as opposed to other catchers.

In exchange for Trevino, the Yankees will acquire right-handed relief pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson from Cincinnati. Cruz, 34, made 69 relief appearances for the Reds last year and recorded a 4.86 ERA with 109 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. Jackson, who turns 29 next week, has featured in 124 games since debuting in MLB in 2019, but owns a career OPS of .456.

Trevino was pushed into more of a backup role for the Yankees last year amid the emergence of Austin Wells, who figures to be the team's starting catcher in 2025.

MatériaMais Notícias

A confusão envolvendo o atacante Diego Oliveira e o zagueiro Kuscevic, do Coritiba, teve novos desdobramentos. Nesta terça-feira (17), um vídeo divulgado pela Rádio Itatiaia mostrou que o episódio aconteceu dentro de campo, no decorrer do confronto do Coxa com o Atlético-MG, na Arena MRV. O Coxa venceu por 2 a 1.

O incidente ocorreu aos 35 minutos do primeiro tempo. Depois do atleticano Hulk desperdiçar uma oportunidade, Kuscevic reclamou com Oliveira. O atacante rebateu dando uma cabeçada no colega de equipe. A agressão passou despercebida tanto pela arbitragem quanto pelo VAR.

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O zagueiro continuou em campo até o fim do primeiro tempo. Ao se dirigirem ao vestiário, os dois discutiram asperamente. A confusão continuou no vestiário e os dois foram substituídos no intervalo.

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A informação, divulgada na transmissão, é de que eles teriam sentido um problema físico.Kuscevicnão voltou para o banco, e Diogo Oliveira reclamou de dores na panturrilha.

Kuscevicfraturou o seio do maxilar, região próxima do nariz. A informação dalesão foi confirmadapela Federação Chilena de Futebol. Com isso, o defensor foi desconvocado para os jogos da Data Fifa. Mesmo assim, o zagueiro viajou ao Chile, onde passou por uma cirurgia e segue em recuperação, ficando longe dos gramados por 30 dias.

Segundo o “ge”, após o episódio, Diego Oliveira pediu desculpa ao elenco, mas não teve mais contato com Kuscevic.As informações sobre a confusão foram confirmadas com os estafes dos jogadores.

Em nota, divulgada na sexta-feira (13), o Coritiba disse que “não houve agressão ou briga entre atletas dentro do vestiário durante o intervalo da partida diante do Atlético Mineiro”. O Coxa informou que “Kuscevic sofreu fratura na face durante o transcurso do primeiro tempo, fato constatado após apresentação e exames realizados na seleção chilena”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Sport recebe a Ponte Preta nesta segunda-feira (9), às 20h (de Brasília). A partida é válida pela 31ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro e terá transmissão do SporTV e do Premiere.

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COMO ESTÃO OS TIMES?
O Sport é o terceiro colocado do campeonato e, caso vença, pode chegar à vice-liderança, encaminhando cada vez mais o acesso para a elite do Brasileirão. O adversário é a Ponte Preta, que está na 16ª posição. Perto da zona de rebaixamento, o time de Campinas precisa vencer para se reerguer e não cair para a terceira divisão.

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FICHA TÉCNICA
Sport x Ponte Preta
SÉRIE B

+ Veja tabela completa da Série B do Brasileirão

Data e horário: 9 de outubro de 2023, às 20h
Local: Ilha do Retiro, em Recife, Pernambuco
Onde assistir: SporTV Premiere

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

SPORT (Técnico: Enderson Moreira)
Denis; Roberto Rosales, Rafael Thyere, Sabino e Felipinho; Felipe, Fabinho e Jorginho; Facundo Labandeira, João Peglow e Vagner Love.

PONTE PRETA (Técnico: João Brigatti)
Caíque França, Luiz Felipe, Thomás Kayck (Fábio Sanches), Mateus Silva e Artur; Felipe Amaral, Felipinho e Léo Naldi; Paulo Baya, Eliel e Jeh.

Manchester United have had some of the best players of all time come through their famous academy, however, the Red Devils have also signed some icons.

Sir Alex Ferguson won races to bring Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney to Old Trafford, with all three becoming Man Utd legends.

However, with those at Old Trafford always on the search for high-profile signings, they have missed out on signing some superstars over the years.

Related Sir Alex Ferguson named Arsenal star as "perfect" for Man Utd and tried to sign him

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Posts ByCharlie Smith May 22, 2025 10 stars who almost signed for Man Utd Virgil van Dijk

Now a Liverpool icon and arguably one of the best centre-backs of all time, Virgil van Dijk was wanted at Old Trafford before his move to Anfield.

Jose Mourinho wanted to make a big centre-back signing and shortlisted Van Dijk, Michael Keane and Victor Lindelof. Instead of splashing the cash on the Dutchman who was starring for Southampton, United spent more than £30m on Lindelof from Benfica.

Ronaldo

Back in 1996, Ronaldo was making his name at PSV Eindhoven at the age of 20, scoring goals for fun in the Netherlands.

He was a man in demand as a result, with Ferguson and co keen to bring him to Manchester. Ronaldo was even offered to United for £20m, however, that was seen as too much at the time, with Barcelona signing the Brazilian star instead. He went on to win the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1997 and 2002.

Ronaldinho

Another Brazilian icon who could quite easily have been a Man Utd player was Ronaldinho, with Ferguson on the search for David Beckham’s replacement in 2003.

Man Utd were looking to do a deal for Ronaldinho who was at PSG, however, after Barcelona missed out on signing Beckham, they dealt the Red Devils a blow by landing the Brazilian. United did sign an attacker that summer, though, with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Manchester.

Ronaldinho record vs Man Utd

Games

2

Losses

2

Goals

1

Assists

1

Rivaldo

Continuing the trend of Brazil stars who Man Utd missed out on takes us to Rivaldo. The Red Devils had just won the treble in 1999 and Ferguson wanted to sign the forward from Barcelona.

Winning the Ballon d’Or that year, Rivaldo’s relationship with Barca manager Louis van Gaal was not great, but United just missed out on doing a deal.

Patrick Vieira

One of Man Utd’s greatest rivals in the Premier League was Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, and United actually tried to sign the Frenchman from the Gunners on two occasions.

Ferguson believed Vieira wanted to move to Old Trafford in 2001 and 2003, and there was talk of a £22m transfer once Beckham left for Real Madrid. Instead, Vieira signed a new contract to stay with Arsene Wenger.

Eden Hazard

Chelsea legend Eden Hazard looked nailed on to sign for Man Utd in 2012 before a problem with his agent arose.

The Blues paid Lille £32m to sign the Belgian, but a deal with the Red Devils broke down after United refused to pay Hazard’s agent £6m to get the deal done.

Instead of Hazard, Man Utd signed Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.

Cesc Fabregas

Involved in an altercation with Ferguson at Old Trafford, Cesc Fabregas could have worked under the Red Devils boss after he tried to sign him from Barcelona in 2003.

Man Utd then tried again in 2013 under David Moyes, however, they had two offers rejected by those at the Nou Camp, with Fabregas instead playing for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League.

Zinedine Zidane

In 1996, Zinedine Zidane was on the move from Bordeaux, and Cantona urged Ferguson and Man Utd to bring him to Old Trafford.

Former United chairman Martin Edwards said that a move failed to get over the line as Ferguson thought Zidane was not what they needed at the time, with the Frenchman instead going on to star for Juventus and Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland

Now a Manchester City superstar, Erling Haaland could have quite easily have signed for the Red Devils during the 2019/20 winter transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge at the time and knew Haaland from his time at Molde, however, despite talks over a move to Old Trafford, the Norwegian rejected Man Utd and instead signed for Borussia Dortmund.

Alan Shearer

The Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer, Alan Shearer actually snubbed a move to Manchester United on two occasions. The first came in 1992 when he joined Blackburn from Southampton, and the second came four years later when he joined Newcastle.

Ferguson was personally involved in a deal to sign Shearer in 1996 and looked on course to have won the race, before Shearer’s agent called the Man Utd boss and told him they had decided to join Newcastle.

Gareth Bale

One of the most decorated British players of all time after winning five Champions League titles with Real Madrid is Wales star Gareth Bale.

However, he could have signed for Man Utd instead of Tottenham back in 2007, with talk of a £10m transfer before his move to north London. Ferguson blamed the Saints and not Bale for a deal breaking down.

Former Borussia Dortmund keeper Jens Lehmann has heavily criticised coach Niko Kovac, claiming he 'doesn't understand football's complexity' after a 2-1 defeat to arch rivals Bayern Munich. Lehmann slammed the team's "anxious" and "fearful" five-man defence as the loss leaves Dortmund seven points adrift in the title race as they stand fourth on the table.

• Lehmann slams 'anxious' and 'fearful' tactics

  Borussia Dortmund’s performance, particularly in a first half where they failed to register a single shot on goal, drew heavy criticism, with Lehmann directly linking the poor display to Kovac’s setup. The former Arsenal keeper did not hold back, suggesting the coach’s own fear was projected onto the team’s formation.

  "That's exactly the right word: anxious," Lehmann stated on . "Anyone who plays in that formation doesn't really understand the complexity of football. It's no wonder, of course, that you can't get much forward in that formation against Bayern Munich." 

  Lehmann’s frustration with the prevalence of the five-man backline was clear, as he questioned the coaching principles behind it. "This five-man defence is so widely used these days. It makes me think: Where did those who play like that learn football?" he added. “If I, as a coach, am afraid myself and choose a fearful formation where I always have the risk on the last line, what can I expect?”

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  First-half passivity costs Dortmund in title showdown

  The match statistics from the Saturday evening clash validate Lehmann’s critique of Dortmund’s lack of attacking intent. Kovac's side were thoroughly outplayed before the interval, ultimately finishing the game with just 39% possession and only one shot on target from their eight attempts in total. Bayern, in contrast, were dominant, controlling the tempo and firing off 15 shots, seven of which tested the goalkeeper.

  Bayern took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute through Harry Kane before a costly error from Jobe Bellingham allowed Michael Olise to double the advantage in the 78th minute. Julian Brandt pulled a goal back for the visitors with six minutes of normal time remaining, but it proved to be merely a consolation as Bayern saw out the victory to maintain their perfect start to the season.

• Lehmann defends Bellingham over costly error

  While 20-year-old midfielder Bellingham came under fire for the mistake that led to Bayern's decisive second goal, Lehmann redirected the blame towards the team's defensive structure and positioning. The former keeper defended the young Englishman, pointing out the failure of others to cover the danger.

  "You have to give him credit for standing on the goal line as a defensive midfielder. Where were the other defenders?" Lehmann questioned. "It was a very heavy ball that bounced onto his foot. I don't think you can really blame him for that."

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  Are Dortmund's title hopes over?

  The defeat, Dortmund’s first of the Bundesliga campaign, leaves them in fourth place and deals a significant blow to their title aspirations. They now sit seven points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich, who have won all seven of their opening fixtures. With such a considerable gap already established, Lehmann believes the championship race may already be a foregone conclusion, suggesting BVB "can therefore probably forget about the championship."

  Dortmund must now regroup ahead of a crucial period. They travel to Parken to face Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday before returning to domestic action with a home fixture against Koln. Kovac will be under immense pressure to abandon his perceived "fearful" approach and find a way to close the gap on their Bavarian rivals before it becomes insurmountable.

MatériaMais Notícias

Considerado o ‘vilão’ da derrota do Santos por 3 a 0 para o Cuiabá pelo Brasileirão, o zagueiro Messias respondeu na saída da Arena Pantanal se a briga do Alvinegro no campeonato é contra o rebaixamento. A declaração foi dada em entrevista ao canal ‘De Olho no Peixe’.

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– A gente não pode nem pensar nisso. Temos que trabalhar para conquistar coisas grandes pelo Santos. O momento não é fácil, mas por jogar em um time dessa magnitude a gente não pode pensar em rebaixamento – afirmou o zagueiro.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Messias tem noite desastrosa e é ‘vilão’ na derrota do Santos diante do Cuiabá

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

Apesar de negar que a briga do Santos seja contra o rebaixamento, o defensor não minimizou a má fase do time, a qual classificou como ‘delicada’. Messias pregou o trabalho como única forma de tirar o Peixe da má fase recente.

– Como nosso professor falou, temos que ligar o estado de emergência. Só se pode sair de uma situação dessas trabalhando, lamentar e dar desculpa não vai adiantar. Temos um novo comandante e vamos nos adaptar o mais rápido possível aos conceitos dele.

Com a derrota deste domingo (2), o Santos alcançou a incômoda marca de 12 jogos consecutivos sem vencer na temporada, sendo sete apenas no Brasileirão. Este é o quarto maior jejum de vitórias da história do Alvinegro. O clube se encontra atualmente na 14ª colocação da tabela, com 13 pontos conquistados, apenas dois acima da zona do rebaixamento.

Mumbai Indians’ stand-in captain is not concerned with the absence of Hardik and Bumrah or his lean T20I form heading into the game against CSK

Alagappan Muthu22-Mar-20255:07

Can Mumbai Indians bounce back this season?

Mumbai Indians (MI) are starting IPL 2025 with some personnel issues, which has pushed Suryakumar Yadav into an even bigger spotlight. Though he does captain India in T20Is now, Sunday will only be the second time he leads his IPL franchise. Standing against him will be a Chennai Super Kings team stacked with some excellent spin bowling talent. How does he plan to deal with them?”Only sixes,” he said to kick off a chilled-out press conference. It ended with Suryakumar in stitches as he contemplated the idea of MS Dhoni as an uncapped player, to which he has been reclassified thanks to the revival of an old IPL rule.”Jokes apart,” Suryakumar continued. “They have some experience also in their side. The good bowlers who have played for this franchise before and have been playing for the franchise for a really long time. But this format, whatever comes your way, you have to be yourself. Just enjoy and take one ball at a time.”Related

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What can MI do to cope with Bumrah's absence?

Suryakumar’s sunny disposition wasn’t be soured by the players he will be missing – Hardik Pandya (suspension) and Jasprit Bumrah (injury) – or by his recent batting form.”Is that for IPL or for Team India? For IPL, IPL form has been good,” he said, throwing back to last season when he scored 345 runs in 11 innings including a century and three fifties.”I think the harder you work, the luckier you get. If it has to come, it will come anytime. But I am actually a process-oriented man. I love to work hard in the nets. And if the runs have to follow, it will follow quickly. Someday or the other.Suryakumar Yadav gets into his rhythm in the nets•Mumbai Indians”If I am practicing well, hitting the ball really well in the nets, when I go in the game, my mind is clear, I know what I have to do. That is the moment, that is the sweet spot for me. When I know that I am in good space and I will get runs for the side.”His batting, and his team, aren’t the full extent of Suryakumar’s concerns anymore now that he is India captain and they are building towards a home T20 World Cup. He says he has always been on the lookout for breakout talents.”My eyes were always open, even when I was not the captain. Even when, I think, Rohit [Sharma] was the captain of T20. That time also, my eyes were wide open. Because at the end of the day, when someone does really well in the IPL for the franchise and goes on to play for India, every player is important. So, any player who can make an impact for India, your eyes have to be wide open. And it won’t be that different from all the years. I think it will be the same. Just a little bit of added responsibility. That’s it.”MI will need to look to their bench to balance their XI at Chepauk, where a “good wicket” awaits them. It looks like they might turn to Satyanarayana Raju, a 25-year-old Andhra fast bowler who picked up seven wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.23 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was among the first set of bowlers to hit the nets on the eve of the game on Saturday.”I feel if you see Mumbai Indians set up over the years, it is more than 10-15 years now. The scouting team has been amazing. We have picked amazing players. Going after, looking at all the domestic matches, sharing it with the coaches and the picks have been great. We have a lot of exciting players also this time in our dressing room. Good characters, funny ones as well. It is good we saw them during the camp, during the practice games. I think they are ready for the stage.”

Away from the no-show on transfer deadline day, Leeds United have been very frustrating already on their return to the Premier League.

There was a buzz around Elland Road after the Whites just about got the better of Everton on the opening weekend courtesy of a Lukas Nmecha penalty, but that has since unfortunately been followed up by a crash back down to reality when losing 5-0 to Arsenal, on top of a bore draw back on home soil versus Newcastle United.

Departing league action, Daniel Farke’s men were also dumped out of the EFL Cup recently after losing to a Sheffield Wednesday side stricken with squad selection issues.

A poor attack has definitely irked Leeds fans so far this season, as new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin spurned plenty of chances at Hillsborough.

But, the left-back spot in the side will also make them feel uncertain.

Leeds' left-back predicament

Away from purchasing reinforcements in the centre-back spot this summer, Farke also had the tough mission of replacing Whites’ regular Junior Firpo in the left-back position.

Firpo would, unfortunately, walk away from West Yorkshire this off-season to move back to Real Betis on a free transfer, having just been fresh off a Championship campaign that saw him collect a whopping ten assists from 34 contests.

With four goals also next to his name, it was a sad ending for a much-loved Elland Road servant. However, the writing might well have been on the wall when considering his past Premier League difficulties, with his last season at the punishing level seeing him collect just one paltry clean sheet.

In the past, the Whites have had to think on their feet in this department, with utility man Ezgjan Alioski often drafted into this spot during his celebrated 171-game stay. He was largely a success story, too, with six goals and seven assists notched up from 66 appearances here.

In the wake of Firpo’s departure, Farke and Co. did swoop in for Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the Swede standing out last time against the Toon with two key passes under his belt, while successfully winning 100% of his duels.

However, the new Leeds signing would limp off towards the end of that closely fought match, with a past Whites ace no doubt a shoo-in for a starting spot on the left channel if he was still situated in West Yorkshire.

The former Leeds star who'd walk into Farke's XI

The lack of squad depth handed to the German in the transfer window could well come back to bite the Whites, particularly if a relegation dog-fight soon arrives on the menu.

James Justin can play in Gudmundsson’s spot if needed, but the ex-Norwich City manager would love to have Leif Davis at his disposal here in a dream reality, with the 25-year-old an assist king at the Canaries’ arch rivals in Ipswich Town.

Looking at the table below, it’s clear why Leeds must be plagued with so much regret that Victor Orta let Davis move to Suffolk for just £1m back in 2022, with the attack-minded defender now up to an insane 38 assists and six goals for the Tractor Boys.

25/26

3

0

24/25

33

1 + 3

23/24

44

3 + 21

22/23

46

3 + 14

These numbers wipe the floor with an equally creative Firpo, with his 2024/25 offering arguably a lot more impressive than what initially meets the eye.

The “sensational” 25-year-old – as he has been previously lauded by journalist Stuart Watson – would create 12 big chances in total in the Premier League, despite Ipswich dropping back down to the EFL.

He could well make a world of difference to Leeds right now if he were available for selection; therefore, with Calvert-Lewin perhaps recapturing his goalscoring peak, knowing he has Davis supplying him with chances galore.

With Nottingham Forest being heavily linked to him this summer, it is a shock to see that the one-time £1m man is still in the Championship, considering he’s now worth a far heftier £19m, according to Transfermarkt.

He will no doubt find himself in the luxurious circles of the Premier League again down the line, but until then, Leeds will have to make do with what they currently have, as survival is sought after.

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