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Birmingham City’s big spending habits have been well documented now, with the Blues acquiring a whopping 17 new faces this summer.

Jay Stansfield rejoining the Blues permanently after a bright loan spell in the Championship was the purchase that stole the headlines, and for good reason, with the ex-Fulham striker leaving behind Craven Cottage for good for an eye-watering £20m fee.

He has already proven himself to be a deadly striker at League One level, with Wrexham and Rotherham United already feeling the 21-year-old’s goalscoring wrath in league action.

Stansfield's form this season

Stansfield already has three strikes next to his name playing in the third tier, with a double coming his way on his League One debut back with the Blues against Phil Parkinson’s Red Dragons.

The much-talked-about youngster then backed up that excellent showing at St. Andrew’s with another standout display away at the Millers, as the electric Blues number 28 looped an effort over the Rotherham goalkeeper’s head in the first half to set his team on their way to a confident 2-0 win.

The expensive summer buy will aim to keep up this top form across the season to come, as Birmingham also strive to make their stay in League One as short as possible, by instantly winning promotion back up to the Championship.

Whilst the ambitious Blues look to have got the purchase of Stansfield spot on, they haven’t always reaped the rewards of every deal that has got off the ground, with this striker joining with a big reputation in 2021 who unfortunately underwhelmed.

Scott Hogan's transfer to Birmingham

Scott Hogan once cost Birmingham’s arch rivals Aston Villa a hefty £12m to get into the building in 2017, after he had garnered a reputation for being an ice-cold goal machine in the EFL at Brentford.

Firing home 21 goals from 36 games for the Bees before this switch to Villa Park, Hogan would then struggle in his new pressurised surroundings, with a lacklustre goal return of ten strikes from 61 games, before making the controversial move across enemy lines to St. Andrew’s official.

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Hogan was never quite able to recapture his Brentford best at Birmingham, with another move not exactly going to plan for the now 32-year-old striker, who very much struggled last campaign as the Blues fell down to League One.

He only managed three goal contributions the entire second tier season, as Stansfield upstaged the ageing attacker with 12 league strikes from 43 clashes.

In the end, Hogan would only manage to register a disappointing 36 strikes from 158 games in total, with the former Bees man never quite living up his billing as a statement signing in the form of Stansfield.

With Birmingham going in a different direction this summer with lavish buy after lavish buy, Hogan would end up seeing his contract be ripped up in the West Midlands, as the veteran EFL presence now finds himself unemployed and on the search for a new club to call home.

He did also have many moments of magic donning a Birmingham strip, but there was no place for sentimentality on the end of Davies’ men this summer, as the Blues aim to make promotion back up to the second tier look like a breeze with Stansfield now up top.

9/10 Birmingham star is quickly becoming as undroppable as Stansfield

This Birmingham City star shone last time out against Rotherham United.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 23, 2024

Chelsea are one of the sides now plotting to make a move for a world class defensive talent in 2025, it has emerged, as they look to continue their rebuild under Enzo Maresca.

Maresca makes mixed start at Chelsea

Currently 11th in the Premier League, Chelsea and Maresca have shown the best and worst of themselves in the opening three games of the season. They blew away Wolves with a clinical performance in the second half which saw them run out 6-2 winners, but couldn't manage to find a way past Crystal Palace a week later as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

Their only defeat of the season (understandable against reigning Champions Manchester City on the opening day of the season) was one in which they came out with some credit for the performance, but the next string of games will be where Maresca's side really begin to sink or swim.

Chelsea's next five Premier League games

Bournemouth

Away

West Ham United

Away

Brighton

Home

Nottingham Forest

Home

Liverpool

Away

But as is often the way at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, transfers continue to dominate the headlines, and they have already been tipped to make a 2025 move.

Chelsea keen on superstar centre-back signing

Now, one report has claimed that Chelsea are ready to join the host of clubs chasing former Blues defender Marc Guehi next summer as they look to add a world-class option to their backline.

Guehi spent most of the summer among the headlines, firstly for his decision not to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park and then subsequently for his excellent performances at the heart of England's defence at EURO 2024, helping the Three Lions reach the final before they lost to Spain.

Following the heartbreak, he was the subject of strong interest from Newcastle United, who had a string of bids turned down for his services, with Palace chairman Steve Parish revealing that they had not stumped up the right fee for his "superstar".

"We would like to keep hold of him. There is a price and a situation where we might consider it," Parish told BBC Sport. "Somebody [in another interview] said he is a superstar, so somebody has got to pay superstar money. Realistically, he is homegrown, 24 years old and a sensational talent – so somebody has to make it difficult for us. At the moment, it isn't."

However, now down to the final two years of his £50,000 a week deal at Selhurst Park, his value is only going to decrease in the windows to come unless he pens fresh terms in south London.

Chelsea nearly signed world star for £0, now he's worth more than Palmer

The Blues fumbled the bag with this one…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 9, 2024

And that has led to a whole host of clubs keeping an eye on him, with Liverpool and Manchester City both also linked with the England international. Now, it is claimed that Chelsea are "paying close attention" with the Blues "still in the market" for a new defender, and the club are "planning a 2025 move" for the centre-back.

Though Chelsea have no shortage of centre-backs on their books, there are question marks over fitness or form in most cases, and Guehi would undoubtedly represent a step up on the majority of them.

Valued at £70m over the summer, Chelsea would effectively see a 20% discount on any fee agreed thanks to the sell on clause inserted into his initial move to Crystal Palace from Stamford Bridge back in 2021, which would also see them net a significant sum should Guehi move elsewhere.

One club are ready to pay their £150 million star marquee wages to stop him potentially joining Arsenal, with the player said to be high on sporting director Edu Gaspar's agenda for 2025.

Arsenal miss out on striker signing despite summer reports

The Gunners were repeatedly linked with signing a new striker over the summer transfer window, but Mikel Arteta and co ultimately decided not to bring one through the door, instead favouring Kai Havertz in his makeshift forward role.

How many games Odegaard could now miss for Arsenal after ankle injury news

The Norwegian may be absent for a long while.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 11, 2024

Arsenal did briefly consider signing Ivan Toney from Brentford, before the Englishman sealed a lucrative £330,000-per-week move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, but Arteta didn't go through with the move due to concerns surrounding his potential chemistry with the squad.

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RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko also received an offer to join Arsenal early in the summer window, with Man United and Chelsea also making proposals for the 21-year-old, who ultimately decided to sign a new contract and remain with his current club.

There are suggestions that Arsenal could go back in for Sesko next summer, but for now the Slovenia international will remain in the Bundesliga. There were also links to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, which would've been quite a coup from Edu's perspective.

The Sweden international, who scored 25 goals in all competitions under Eddie Howe last term, has plenty of admirers at the Emirates Stadium. Isak is even said by some to be Arteta's dream signing, but he won't be an easy capture by any means.

Arsenal insider teamnewsandtix expects the club to make a push for Isak next year regardless, despite some claims he could cost as much as £150 million.

Newcastle ready to pay Isak marquee salary to stop him joining Arsenal

With Arsenal still eyeing a move for Isak next year, The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey write that the Magpies are working hard to tie him down.

According to their information, Newcastle are ready to make Isak the club's joint-highest earner to ward off suitors like Arsenal, which would equal Bruno Guimaraes' salary of around £160,000-per-week.

Howe's side are apparently anxious to agree terms, and it's pretty easy to see why.

"His runs are superb. If you just watch how clever he is when he doesn't get the first pass played in, he then goes behind a defender to come back in and bend his run to make sure that he is onside, then he can make a really clever finish," said Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer last season.

"He can also come deep and drop deep, so he is asking different questions of the defenders by saying: 'Are you going to come with me or are you going to drop off?' If you drop off, he has got the ability to hurt you there.

"He is just a constant threat all the time. His finishing is excellent and his penalty taking is as good as they come. He is confident and cool and believes in everything he is doing.

"We know that once he gets away over the top, he is going to cause you an absolute nightmare. His ability to link up and his understanding [is brilliant]."

Manchester City are in danger of losing several players to Real Madrid if Pep Guardiola leaves in the summer of 2025, according to a fresh transfer update from Spain.

Guardiola may leave Man City next year

City once again clinched Premier League glory last season, making it four league titles on the spin, and the early indications this time around suggest that Guardiola's men are again very much the team to beat.

It could be that this is their legendary manager's final season at the Etihad, however, with the Spaniard failing to rule out the idea of moving on in 2025. He may feel that he has taken his team as far as he can, as was the case with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool earlier this year, having been in charge since 2016.

Should Guardiola move on, he will leave City as one of the most influential figures in the club's history, not only nurturing many of the best players ever to appear in the blue shirt but also winning countless trophies, not least the holy grail of the Champions League in 2023.

The supporters will hope that the former Barcelona hero still has many years left in him in charge, but at this point, it would arguably be a surprise if he was still manager this time next year given the silence around a new contract. Now, it looks as though a hugely important City player could now leave alongside him next year.

Man City could lose another "huge" star in 2025

According to a report from Spain, Manchester City could lose Erling Haaland to Real Madrid at the end of this season, with the reigning Champions League winners keen on snapping him up and capable of paying his current £19.5m-a-year salary.

The update states that Florentino Pérez is personally a massive fan of the player, and has made him one of their most coveted targets for next summer. It is also claimed that Haaland "has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the Premier League at a reasonable price," while the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola and the 115 charges is also thought to be playing its part.

This comes after Madrid have already been lurking around midfielder and potential Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, with City desperately trying to extend the Spain international's contract to fend off that interest.

The idea of City losing Pep, Haaland and Rodri – all at the peak of their powers – will terrify City supporters, with the 24-year-old in particular a simply unbelievable talent whose goalscoring statistics are off the chart. Incredibly, he already has seven league goals in three games this season, and 97 in 102 appearances overall.

Guardiola treasures the Norwegian, describing him as "huge", and he feels like the difference-maker in this season's Premier League title race, with his ability to find the net at a freakish rate potentially giving the Cityzens the edge over Arsenal and Liverpool.

Every Premier League club's record transfer sale

Which Premier League clubs are the best sellers?

ByStephan Georgiou 5 days ago

The lure of Madrid is great, however, especially with Kylian Mbappe now joining the likes of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham there, so it is easy to see Haaland's head still being turned by a move to arguably the biggest club in the world.

Keeping him on beyond this season has to be one of City's biggest aims, though, during which time they will hope he continues to smash record after record.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to add more recruits to their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Hyun-jun Yang to Celtic?

According to South Korean outlet Sports Donga, the Hoops are pursuing a deal for Gangwon creative midfielder Yang Hyun-jun ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have already made one offer for the South Korean magician's services but his current side are reluctant to let him go as they battle against relegation from the top flight. It also states that the player is keen on the move and would like to test himself in Europe.

Whilst Gangwon are not willing to part ways with the forward at this moment in time, Sports Donga claims that an upturn in form in July could see them change their stance – and that would allow the Scottish giants to complete a deal for him.

Where would Yang Hyun-jun fit in at Celtic?

The 21-year-old dynamo is a versatile forward who predominantly plays on the right flank, and his arrival could spell bad news for current Hoops attacker Sead Haksabanovic, as it could result in him losing game time.

Celtic's Montenegro international was often deployed on the wing by Ange Postecoglou last season as either a right or left-winger after his permanent transfer from Rubin Kazan last year.

The 24-year-old gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 26 Scottish Premiership appearances in the 2022/23 campaign and contributed with five goals scored to go with six 'big chances' created.

Yang, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 36 K-League outings in 2022 and chipped in with eight goals, along with six 'big chances' created.

These statistics suggest that the exciting youngster, who was lauded as "special" by journalist Nathan Sartain, could provide a similar level of production in the final third, in terms of both scoring and creating goals.

He also completed 1.2 dribbles per match with a success rate of 61%, which is an impressive achievement in comparison to the Celtic man's 0.5 with a success rate of just 36%.

Of every player with at least ten starts, only Jota (1.5) managed more dribbles per league game last term for the Hoops than Yang produce for Gangwon, which suggests that the South Korean starlet could be an excellent ball carrier to get Brendan Rodgers' team up the pitch.

Therefore, Yang's arrival could be bad news for Haksabanovic as Celtic would be bringing in a player in his position who could offer the same contributions in the final third while also being more direct on the ball.

The Gangwon prodigy is also three years younger than the ex-West Ham attacker, which could be more appealing to Rodgers when the Northern Irishman decides on who he wants around as part of his long-term plan.

Everton are the latest team to throw their hat into the ring for Romain Faivre, according to a report from Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness.

How has Romain Faivre played this season?

The midfielder – who primarily plays on the wing but can also feature as a traditional number ten – has spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Lorient and has really caught the eye with his displays. He managed 16 top flight games for the club but produced a superb total of eight goal contributions along the way, with five goals in total and three assists.

hen you consider he only managed 13.8 lots of 90 minutes for the club, it's a superb goal contribution rate for the winger.

He's never managed the same totals for parent club Lyon, although he has also not been able to get onto the field as much with them. Before moving to Lorient, he was given only three starts by Les Gones and managed just the one assist across 2021/22. In fact, he has only managed 12 league starts during the entirety of his time with Lyon.

Now, he could be given the chance to leave France and try his luck in the Premier League. That's because according to a report from Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness, the 24-year-old is drawing interest from several English clubs.

One of the latest to express their eagerness to sign him is Everton, who will have to battle Fulham and Crystal Palace if they want any hope of bringing the player to Goodison Park this campaign.

How much would Faivre cost Everton?

They may already find that to be a struggle, with Lyon also slapping a 15 million Euro price tag on his head (£13m). Whilst that is not an extortionate fee for the midfielder, it is one that the Toffees may currently struggle to pay – and the report adds that whilst they may be able to compete financially more than other interested parties from abroad, they will struggle against other Premier League sides.

He's clearly a player that possesses some real ability too. Those who have watched him have been full of praise for Faivre, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously calling the player "pure quality" after a performance back in 2022.

It shows that the 24-year-old has been impressive in France – and if Everton were able to poach him, he would certainly upgrade their midfield and wide options.

A big update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou…

What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Celtic?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops have agreed terms with the 50-year-old tactician after talks between the ex-Leicester City boss and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond went well.

The report claims that the club see this proposed appointment as a statement of intent and believe that they can now push on in the Champions League next season.

It is stated that an announcement is expected on Monday [19th June 2023] as they plot to officially confirm their new head coach, who was once hailed as a "genius" by journalist Sid Lowe.

Does David Turnbull have a future at Celtic?

The return of Rodgers to Parkhead could ensure that attacking midfielder David Turnbull has a future at the club as the Scotland international could be the perfect playmaker for the Northern Irishman.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 24-year-old wizard was restricted to just six starts in the Scottish Premiership as he failed to break into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

The no.10 did not naturally fit in with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 set-up but could be the dream player to feature as the supporting player behind the striker in Rodgers' 4-2-3-1 system.

Playing as an attacking midfielder in that formation with two teammates behind him and three forwards to link up with, it could suit him perfectly as the former Motherwell star is an exceptional talent on the ball who has the quality to score and create goals on a regular basis.

Prior to Postecoglou's arrival in 2021, Turnbull started 30 matches in the Premiership during the 2020/21 campaign and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 – the highest average score in the entire squad that season.

The Hoops star scored nine goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates, whilst he also created 2.9 chances per game, in 36 league appearances.

No Celtic player created more than Matt O'Riley's 2.1 opportunities per match in the Premiership during the season just gone under Postecoglou and Reo Hatate was the highest-scoring central midfielder with six.

These statistics suggest that Turnbull has the ability to play as a no.10 and offer far more quality in the final third than the club saw from their other options in the middle of the park last season, by providing more goals and opening up the opposition's defence more frequently to create for his teammates.

The 6 foot 1 magician has proven himself to be an exceptional performer in the Scottish top-flight and for Celtic in the past and Rodgers coming in to utilise him as an attacking midfielder could allow the young maestro to flourish next term, which is why this appointment is fantastic news for the £16k-per-week dynamo.

West Ham United target James Maddison 'would be an absolute star signing' at the London Stadium if he was to move to the Hammers from Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Maddison and have submitted a £50 million joint bid to try and land the England international and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The report states that the offer is set to be rejected by Leicester City, who will want to recoup more money for two of their prize assets in the transfer window.

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United are in the race for £110,000 per week earner Maddison and it is believed that they are currently in pole position to land the Coventry-born star.

Nevertheless, Tottenham may now formalise their attraction towards Maddison this summer now that they have a new manager in place in the form of former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has revealed that West Ham United are interested in Maddison this window as they eye a creative midfielder.

Jones also suggested that Maddison joining the Irons could help to soften the blow of losing Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium, stating: "Maddison would be an absolute star signing. They are definitely not front-runners for him as Newcastle and Tottenham are expected in a tug-of-war battle for this signing but West Ham, fresh off that recent European success, would love to make the £110,000-a-week man an offer. His creativity and personality would bring a new dimension to the team and his star factor would help recover from the loss of Declan Rice, when he eventually goes."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for West Ham United?

Maddison enjoyed a productive campaign on an individual level for Leicester City even though the Foxes suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and showed why he is highly regarded as a playmaker in the Premier League.

All in, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances for his current employers, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was also a key chance provider for Leicester City during the season, successfully performing 138 shot-creating actions.

Unsurprisingly, the former Norwich City man also ended up at the top of the tree, becoming Leicester City's most consistent performer in 2022/23, earning an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, Maddison would add another dimension to West Ham United's midfield if an ambitious bid for his services was to come off; however, they would have to beat off stiff competition from a number of appealing options to him.

Mauricio Pochettino has landed the unenviable task of attempting to pinpoint Chelsea’s new striker and finding the right method to maximise their talents.

During this abysmal campaign, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz, and Joao Felix have all been deployed as the focal point – and although the latter displayed minor flashes of brilliance, watching this trio all separately play as a central striker was an unfulfilling and frustrating experience.

One name that has been floated around as the solution to this damaging problem is Lautaro Martinez, who has demonstrated is more than capable of filling this humongous void.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

According to The Times, Chelsea will be rivalled by Real Madrid for the 25-year-old’s signature.

The reigning European champions are in the market for a frontman after Karim Benzema’s sudden departure to Saudi Arabia.

A previous report by the Football Insider has revealed that it will take a £70m offer to tempt the Nerazzurri to sanction his sale.

Who can Lautaro Martinez emulate at Chelsea?

The Argentine has arguably been unplayable this season – he has netted 28 times in all competitions and was the second-highest scorer in Serie A.

The 48-cap international was the protagonist of Inter’s recent trophy lift against Fiorentina, who they beat 2-1 in the Coppa Italia. Unsurprisingly, Martinez was on the scoresheet twice and has registered the highest average match rating (7.18) in the squad over the campaign, as per Sofascore.

The Milanese giants will be hoping he can replicate this spell-binding potency in the Champions League final this evening when they take on treble-chasing Manchester City in Istanbul.

If the Blues secured this audacious swoop, Martinez could repeat the tricks of the irrepressible Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman spent four years in the English capital, scoring 59 goals and registering 36 assists in 184 games, while also winning one Premier League and two FA Cups in that time.

In his first full season at Chelsea, the former Arsenal prodigy found the net 19 times, was crowned as the division's joint-top scorer, and stepped up when Drogba’s season was ravaged by injury as he only scored on five occasions.

This is similar to the current situation at the San Siro, as Martinez has netted more than fellow forwards Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, combined.

However, what Anelka and Martinez share is the ability to be the driving force of the attack, but is also able to combine and conjure up a formidable striking partnership.

For Anelka, this was shown in 2009/10, when he and Drogba recorded 61 goal involvements in the top flight as Chelsea secured the Premier League title.

Similarly, in the 2020/21 season, the World Cup winner and the aforementioned Lukaku notched the same number of goal contributions in their imperious Serie A triumph.

Described as “spectacular” by Lionel Messi, the £186k-per-week man’s versatility, his mastery of being the main source of goals or sharing the responsibility, and his experience in playing as a single or double striking force, make him an extremely attractive prospect for the west London outfit.

Manchester United are 'in the race' to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen his backline, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kim Min-jae?

According to Il Mattino via The Sun, Kim is preparing to move to Old Trafford and Manchester United are set to activate the 26-year-old's release clause to bring him to the Premier League.

The report states that Kim looks likely to become one of Ten Hag's first signings of the summer; however, he will not join up with his prospective new teammates at Carrington immediately as he is scheduled to complete military service in South Korea.

As per The Guardian, Kim's release clause is active until the end of July and he has emerged as Manchester United's 'top target' as they look to bolster their backline.

Newcastle United are also keen on the central defender and Manchester United are scoping out alternative options in the French market should a deal to sign Kim fall through.

Fabrizio Romano has given an update on who the alternative to Kim may be, informing his Twitter following: "Axel Disasi wants Manchester United as L’Equipe reported — he’s plan B option in list on the French market mentioned today. Understand there’s still nothing concrete in terms of agreement between Man Utd and AS Monaco — Kim Min-jae remains the top target as CB."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has now given some additional information surrounding Manchester United's pursuit of Kim this summer.

Romano stated: Napoli are trying to change the release clause, but the feeling at the club is that is going to be complicated, so the release clause will probably be that one at less than €50million.

"He is available at the beginning of July, with Manchester United in the race. Newcastle are interested but not attacking the situation yet."

Would Kim Min-jae be a good signing for Manchester United?

It has been reported that the centre-backs release clause is around £38 million, but it remains to be seen as to who is correct.

It's hard to argue otherwise, especially when you factor in Kim's exploits in Napoli's Serie A title winning campaign where he emerged as one of their most impressive performers.

In 2022/23, the £53k-a-week ace made 45 appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and two assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored tallies that Kim earned an average match rating of 7.07/10 for his exploits on the pitch this term, making him Napoli's fourth-most consistent player over the course behind Mario Rui, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.

FBRef shows that Kim, who has been described as a "prized asset" by Goal, has also won 86.2% of the challenges he entered this season, making him a reliable fixture at the heart of the Napoli backline.

Manchester United will want to build on a promising first year under Ten Hag and Kim could be a signing to take the club to the next level heading into 2023/24.