Aston Villa’s owners NSWE will provide new manager Unai Emery with the funds to make new signings in January, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Emery set to make mark
The Spaniard has replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat and already made a positive impact, with key wins picked up against Manchester United and Brighton.
Emery will take time to fully make his mark in the job, however, and he is sure to want to bring in players who are tailor-made to thrive in his system.
January signings are key, in that respect, and it looks as though the manager will get his wish.
The Latest: New signings in January?
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano confirmed that the funds would be available to sign new players in January:
“For sure, they will look at new signings. Unai Emery, when he negotiated with Aston Villa, he had some guarantees on new potential signings in January and, of course, in the summer.”
The Verdict: Good move by owners
NSWE deserve undoubted praise for making the money available in the next window, ensuring Emery is given the support he needs to take the club forward.
If January was to drift by without any signings coming in, it could hamper Villa’s progress moving forward, not allowing the boss to take the team in a positive direction.
A few additions in key areas could make for an exciting second half to the campaign, however, before further reinforcements are made during the summer.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has the ‘full support’ of the club’s board despite a poor run of form, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Early pressure building
The Premier League giants appointed the 47-year-old in September following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, but just two months into the job, early pressure is already mounting on the former Brighton boss.
The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend, with the west Londoners having now lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and they are already eight points adrift from the top four.
The Latest: Potter has Chelsea board’s backing
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that, whilst Chelsea are currently in a slump, Potter isn’t in any way under threat of losing his job and has the backing of Todd Boehly.
The Italian wrote: “Chelsea have no doubts on Graham Potter. Full support as long-term project has just started – feeling internally is that he needs time and he [is] the right man for the job.
“Board additions will continue with Paul Winstanley.”
The Verdict: Rightly so
The Stamford Bridge outfit have been struggling to get results of late, but there’s absolutely no denying that backing Potter is most definitely the right decision moving forward.
Brighton’s former manager has so far won seven, drawn three and lost four of his opening 14 games in the Chelsea dugout, averaging 1.71 points per match (Transfermarkt).
Also, he hasn’t had any opportunity to bring in his own players yet, so January will provide the perfect chance for him to start creating his new-look squad once the transfer market reopens.
Unai Emery got his Aston Villa career off to a blinding start as he beat Manchester United 3-1 in his first Premier League match in charge last Sunday.
The club are now 14th in the table but could still head into the World Cup break level on points with the drop zone if results do not go their way next weekend.
Villa have not enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, losing seven of their 14 matches, and Emery could use the upcoming January transfer window to bolster his squad.
One player Villa are reportedly looking at ahead of the market opening is Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson, who worked with the Spanish coach earlier this season and last term.
Fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Everton are also said to be keen on the gem but his pre-existing relationship with Emery could give the Villans the advantage in this particular race.
The Spanish head coach could unearth his next version of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar at Villa Park by securing a deal to sign Jackson in January.
Reporter Ashley Preece recently described him as a player with “bags of potential” and talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the winger is known as “Neymar” in his home country of Senegal.
In an article about Jackson for Kulig’s website, Harold Monteiro Macedo wrote: “He is an attacking midfielder who can also play one both right and left wing and as a striker. He is very good on the ball, good at dribbling and passing. He likes to carry the ball to create danger and create chances for his teammates.”
This suggests that the attacker, who has a £27m release clause, is similar to the Brazilian sensation in the sense that he can play in a multitude of roles across the frontline and is adept at moving past players with the ball at his feet, much like the PSG star – who has completed 4.3 dribbles per game across his career.
The Spanish tactician will already know all about the 30-year-old with Neymar featuring 30 times under Emery. During their spell together in Paris, the Brazil international scored a remarkable 28 goals and also registered 18 assists. It is far-fetched to suggest Villa’s latest transfer target could reach the same heights but it shows why the comparison is such an exciting one.
Jackson has shown signs of having the end product to match his phenomenal build-up play, scoring two goals and providing two assists, whilst creating four ‘big chances’ in eight La Liga starts for Villarreal this season. That comes after producing five goals and seven assists in 25 appearances in the Spanish third tier for the B team last term.
At the age of 21, the forward has plenty of time left on his hands to develop and improve his final ball and this means that he could grow into a more consistent and impactful winger with his contributions at the top end of the pitch.
Therefore, if the wing wizard can fulfil his undoubted potential, Emery could well be staring at his new version of Neymar. Exciting times.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Leeds United are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’ ahead of potential additions.
The Lowdown: Summer business
The Whites were certainly active in the summer transfer window, bringing in a number of players at a cost of £93m. However, the club actually made a £7.79m profit after selling both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in big-money deals.
Jesse Marsch’s side have struggled in recent months but earned a surprise win against Liverpool last weekend to take them out of the Premier League relegation zone, and it looks as if the Yorkshire club are already preparing for the winter transfer window.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke was asked about Leeds’ transfer plans heading into 2023. He believes that the club ‘definitely’ need to strengthen and is sure they are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’.
The journalist said: “I think they definitely need help in that squad. Jesse Marsch obviously had a great result at Liverpool, which has eased the pressure on him. But again, the pressure can soon be turned on, if results don’t go their way, so I’m sure they’re actively looking at the January transfer window to see what they can do.”
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The Verdict: Exciting comments
Leeds have never tended to strengthen their squad in the New Year over the past five years, so O’Rourke’s comments are certainly exciting for Whites supporters.
Many would argue that Elland Road chiefs could have done with signing a new left-back and centre-forward in the summer due to the injury struggles of Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford.
Centre-back Pascal Struijk has frequently lined out at left-back, whereas Bamford has looked out of form, already missing nine big chances in the Premier League this season.
Struijk has impressed at left-back and is currently the club’s best-rated performer, as per WhoScored, but the club may look at adding to their central attacking ranks as they look to avoid another intense relegation battle.
Crystal Palace have several young English prospects in their squad and after fantastic performances over last season, some of Patrick Vieira’s most promising rising stars were given the golden opportunity to play for their country for the first time.
Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and loan player, at the time, Conor Gallagher were all handed their debuts in Gareth Southgate’s side over the last 12 months for their outstanding contributions with the Eagles, something that has led to a continued conversation about their inclusions in the upcoming World Cup.
The Athletic published an article where the publication’s journalists put together their predicted 26-man England squads and despite a slow start for Palace, some of the club’s players were mentioned.
Senior writer Dominic Fifield named midfielder Eberechi Eze in his predicted squad, a player who has not only been a standout performer for Palace this season but also took an unfortunate blow to his chances of featuring in the Euro 2020 squad last year.
It was reported in May 2021 that Eze was given notice of his selection for Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for the European tournament, however, a serious Achilles injury sidelined the player in the same month and he spent 162 days in recovery.
Unfortunately, the talented Palace ace hasn’t featured for his country since returning to action from his injury and it will be interesting to see if he will make the cut when Southgate does put together his squad over the coming days and weeks ahead.
However, there was another player named in Fifield’s predicted squad who has had the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage for Southgate, with Guehi named as a potential selection for the World Cup.
The Athletic’s Chelsea reporter Carl Anka also named Guehi in his predicted 25-man squad, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider his consistency in the centre-back position for Palace.
The 22-year-old – who was dubbed an “absolute tank” by Josef Bursik – averages 71.6 touches, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (59%) over 12 league appearances.
When you compare Guehi to regular England centre-back Harry Maguire over this season, it is clear that the Palace ace is in much better form in comparison ahead of the international tournament.
The £18m machine has a better pass completion rate (88% v 87.6%), has made more tackles and interceptions (26 v 7) and has won more aerial duels (14 v 7).
Guehi is no stranger to international success either, as he scored one of the goals that led England to victory in the 5-2 defeat over Spain in the U17s World Cup final back in 2017, something the Palace centre-back claimed was the “best moment” of his life.
With that being said, there is no doubt that Guehi should be given the opportunity to travel to Qatar with the England squad next month as he has proven he can offer consistent form and has defensive attributes that could prove invaluable to Southgate during the tournament.
Indeed, with Southgate looking short of quality central defensive options, and Maguire out of form, the Palace defender could be an unexpected answer to his prayers.
Frank Lampard made some excellent decisions during the summer transfer market that have given Everton a solid foundation to build on this season as they chase a top-half Premier League finish.
Signing Conor Coady, James Tarkowski and Amadou Onana has created a spine in the team which has seen them concede just 12 goals in 11 top flight fixtures so far.
With the January window fast approaching, the onus is on Lampard to move a few players who aren’t justifying their wage, and defender Yerry Mina should be one of them.
Mina must go
The Colombian centre-back is earning £120k-per-week and having played just once in the Premier League this season due to injury, he is not justifying this massive weekly outlay.
In fact, since joining the Toffees in the summer of 2018 from Barcelona, Mina has missed 60 matches for the club, playing 91 times in over four seasons.
According to Calcio Dangolo (via Sport Witness), AS Roma are interested in bringing Mina to Serie A as they are on the hunt for a centre-back.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season and the club not willing to renew his deal, recouping some of the £27.2m fee they splashed out on the player will be one of Lampard’s main aims during the winter window.
With Coady and Tarkowski forming an excellent partnership in the heart of the defence, even when Mina does become fit, there is no guarantee he will oust any of them from the starting XI.
Journalist Martin Mucha described Mina as a “titan” following his performances for Colombia at the 2018 World Cup, becoming the first defender to score in their first three matches in the competition.
With Lampard aiming to significantly reduce the wage budget, helped by the departures of Fabian Delph, Jonjoe Kenny and Cenk Tosun, moving on Mina will suit all parties.
Hopefully, the club can get some sort of fee for him in January and potentially use this to improve other areas of the team.
Leeds United are reportedly close to securing their second senior signing of the summer, with Daniel Farke clearly targetting a true area of weakness.
Is Karl Darlow joining Leeds United?
That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on the Whites' latest pursuit in the market.
With a deal for Ethan Ampadu having been tied up earlier in the window, it now seems like a goalkeeper has become an area of priority, The backline has obviously been earmarked as a position in desperate need of renovation.
The Italian journalist wrote:
"Leeds United are closing in on Karl Darlow deal as the verbal agreement is in place with Newcastle, waiting to clarify on final details. Almost there."
With just two years left on his current £30k-per-week deal at St James' Park, and chances having been limited since Nick Pope's arrival, to trade Tyneside for west Yorkshire marks a no-brainer for the 32-year-old seeking to squeeze some added life out of the twilight years of his career.
How good is Karl Darlow?
With 100 appearances for the Magpies, the experienced shot-stopper has been a fine servant for the club, stepping in when needed with his acrobatic, athletic and often eccentric performances.
In fact, when compared to others in his position across Europe, the former Nottingham Forest gem ranks in the top 1% for touches per 90, suggesting a desire to be constantly involved in the play even if it can provide some risky moments.
Last season saw him enjoy a fine stint on loan at Hull City though, where he showcased his safety in between the sticks, as a key factor in driving the Tigers towards safety.
He would maintain a 7.08 average rating across the 12 Championship appearances he mustered, keeping five clean sheets and making 2.9 saves per game, at a success rate of 71%, via Sofascore. That rating would have made him comfortably Leeds' best performer last season.
Darlow clearly offers a much safer pair of hands than Illan Meslier, and in signing him he would arguably fix the club's greatest issue from last campaign.
illan-meslier
The young Frenchman was a mainstay in a backline that shipped 78 goals, the most in the entire Premier League as they fell to the drop.
For all the attacking impetus they threatened to possess, it was always marred by a lack of organisation that could see them undone at a moment's notice.
It also did not help that their 23-year-old goalkeeper was incredibly prone to errors, as he made three which directly led to a goal (joint-second worst in the Premier League), maintaining an abysmal 6.65 average rating in the league, via Sofascore.
By signing Darlow, not only would they hopefully eradicate these mistakes, but his experience and quality far surpass that of his potential predecessor. He would bolster their defence tenfold, and in turn, solve the club's standout issue.
Former Whites midfielder and now pundit Carlton Palmer had recently suggested that the capture of the keeper would represent fine business for whoever pulled it off, noting:
"This would be a shrewd bit of business. He spent the second half the season on loan at Hull where he was outstanding".
Now that it seems like the Elland Road outfit are the ones set to enjoy his presence, Farke can perhaps move on to some more exciting offensive deals, safe in the knowledge that his big problem is solved for now, with the additions of both Darlow and Ampadu.
West Bromwich Albion might have found the man who can fill their current managerial vacancy…
What’s the latest?
According to The Athletic, Ron Gourlay has compiled a lengthy list of potential candidates for the job.
Headlining it is Swansea City manager Russell Martin, who has impressed already in the Championship.
With the managerial search reaching a third day now since Steve Bruce was sacked, they will want to act quickly.
The report also detailed names such as Carlos Corberan, clearly outlining how the Baggies are looking for a more progressive coach than their last.
He can rebuild their mentality
With West Brom currently sitting in the relegation zone, they are hardly an attractive proposition for managers in a job.
Especially the likes of Martin, who has motivated his Swans side to four straight victories as they take up a playoff spot this season.
His sides play a very specific way, and he is clearly a manager who is determined to stick to his principles no matter what.
Perhaps if Gourlay can tempt the 36-year-old to join, he would be the perfect fit to take his possession-based style and apply it to a side that are averaging 57.5% possession a game.
They are lacking a ruthlessness that is holding them back and applying principles that would ensure a solidity that has clearly worked for his Welsh outfit might help propel the Baggies up the table.
If he were to join, he would have the tough task of turning around a side that are winless in their last eight league games.
However, he has a track record of building a mentality that could benefit the Midlands outfit.
As aforementioned, he is a staunch believer in his tactical ideas. This was showcased in a viral video that showed the manager telling his players: “If it doesn’t work and I get sacked, at least I get sacked doing something I believe in. I don’t get sacked regretting that I have bowed on my principles.”
Speaking about that video, he said something with regard to mentality that would please fans of the club he might join.
He claimed: “It wasn’t a big deal to me – it was just common sense. It helped us build a bit of siege mentality. It was like: ‘Look, no one believes we can do this and no one wants us to be successful doing this.’”
Martin might be the perfect young and progressive manager they need, to turn the Baggies into a side that teams will soon fear.
Glen Kamara is reportedly ‘a doubt’ for Glasgow Rangers ahead of their game at Ibrox in the UEFA Champions League tonight.
The Lowdown: Must win
The match at home to Liverpool tonight is already looking like a must win for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side if they have any chance of carrying on their European journey beyond the group stages.
They are currently six points behind the Premier League outfit in the table, but could close the gap to three with a win, which would put them in a decent position to qualify out of the group, especially if Napoli beat Ajax.
The Latest: Kamara concern
Taking to Twitter, Gers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell has shared that while there are no new injuries ahead of the Liverpool clash, Van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Kamara is ‘a doubt’ after picking up a knock:
“Van Bronckhorst says there are no new injuries for the game against Liverpool, although Glen Kamara is a doubt as he picked up a knock.”
Although there are no other new injury concerns going into the match, Kamara being a doubt is certainly not ideal.
In the Champions League so far, the Finland international has ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average interceptions, blocks, key passes and pass success (WhoScored), and the Light Blues could do with his experience in such a huge game at Ibrox.
Nonetheless, Van Bronckhorst will be hoping that his latest injury is not serious enough to rule him out of the squad altogether, and perhaps the 26-year-old could be called upon from the bench if needed.
Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh suffered an injury scare for the U21s against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday evening.
The Lowdown: 5-3 win
Michael Skubala’s U21s began their EFL Trophy campaign with an entertaining 5-3 victory over League Two side Tranmere Rovers.
The Whites named an attacking side that included Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Wilfried Gnonto, Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph. Gelhardt netted twice, and goals from Perkins, Joseph and Drameh sealed an impressive victory.
However, it may have come at a cost, with Drameh, who started against Brentford in the Premier League last month, suffering an injury scare.
The Latest: Tranmere ‘knock’
Leeds journalist Joe Donnohue was at Prenton Park for the game on Tuesday evening and shared news of a ‘knock’ for Drameh.
He relayed comments from Skubala, who stated that the 20-year-old was due to be assessed on Wednesday, but there is no word yet on the severity.
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The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Drameh has missed just one of Jesse Marsch’s Premier League squads this season, with the Leeds boss heaping praise on the full-back back in August.
He seems to be in the mix alongside Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling at Elland Road, so it would be a shame if his injury proves to be serious, harming his long-term development and the manager’s depth.
Donnohue labelled Drameh as a ‘level above’ on Tuesday, while former Cardiff City manager Steve Morison described the defender as ‘excellent’ during his loan spell last season, so fingers crossed he can be back playing and pushing his way into the first-team once more relatively soon.