Following Max Kilman's departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, Gary O'Neil's side are now on the lookout for a new player to fill the void in the centre of their defence.
Wolves keen for quick Kilman replacement
Following Kilman's £40 million move to fellow Premier League side West Ham United, the higher ups at Molineux will need to move fast to replace the 27-year-old in the heart of Wolves' backline. Kilman featured in all 38 of Wovles' league games last season as his side finished fourteenth in the league.
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The English defender also captained his side in all but one Premier League outing last campaign, showing just how important he is to O'Neil's team. Whilst Kilman will be difficult to replace, the fee received for the player should go some way towards bringing in a suitable reinforcement in this area of the pitch.
Max Kilman celebrates
Reports from last month suggested that Wolves had been in contact with the representatives of Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen. It was claimed that a fee to the tune of £17 million would be needed to prise the defender away from Rotterdam this summer.
Whilst there are yet to be any concrete links to a new centre back, recent developments suggest that Wolves could return to a target that they previously made contact with.
Wolves eye Elvedi deal this summer
As reported by Sport Witness, the German media are claiming that Wolves will make an attempt to sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer. The report suggests that the Swiss defender is on the Midlands outfit's agenda for the second straight summer, having allegedly even agreed contract details with the 27-year-old last year.
nico-elvedi-premier-league-everton-transfers
Wolves should have no issue getting the transfer over the line if they really want it, as the report claims that the Swiss central defender has a release clause of a little over £8.5 million inserted into his contract.
Elvedi featured 30 times in the Bundesliga last season and was called up to Switzerland's squad for Euro 2024. Whilst the defender failed to make an appearance during the tournament, the player is still held in high regard in his home nation.
Whilst nobody is expecting Elvedi to slip straight into Kilman's place at Molineux, there is still no doubt that the 27-year-old would be a great asset for O'Neil's side going into the next campaign.
Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League in one of the worst ways possible last month as they were beaten in the play-off final at Wembley.
An entire season of effort culminated in a drab 1-0 defeat to Southampton, thanks to a first-half goal from Adam Armstrong, and the Whites must now prepare for a second year in the Championship.
Head coach Daniel Farke will look back on the 2023/24 campaign and identify ways to improve his side to ensure that they do not fall short for a second time.
Leeds' biggest xG underperformers
23/24 Championship
xG
Goals
xG differential
Georginio Rutter
16.05
7
-9.05
Patrick Bamford
11.11
8
-3.11
Joe Rodon
2.51
0
-2.51
Ethan Ampadu
2.31
0
-2.31
Mateo Joseph
2.43
1
-1.43
Stats via WhoScored
As you can see in the table above, three of his strikers underperformed against their xG and two of them, Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter, significantly underperformed – by a combined 12.16 xG.
Therefore, the German boss could dip into the market to bolster his attack during the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business earlier this month.
Work on that front already appears to be underway as the West Yorkshire side have been linked with an interest in a forward from the Bundesliga.
Leeds United battling to sign £12m attacker
According to the printed edition of The Sunday Mirror (23/06/24), as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are one of the sides battling to sign Bayer Leverkusen ace Adam Hlozek this summer.
The report claims that the Whites and Premier League outfit West Ham United are just two of the teams keeping tabs on his situation with the Bundesliga champions.
It states that the versatile forward is set to move on from Xabi Alonso's side before the 2024/25 campaign and Farke is seemingly looking to take advantage of that with a swoop for his services over the coming weeks.
The outlet reveals that Leverkusen are prepared to demand a fee within the region of £12m for the Czechia international, who is currently competing for his country at the 2024 European Championship.
It now remains to be seen, however, whether or not Leeds are willing to offer the £12m that is apparently required to secure his services before the end of the transfer window, or if the player is keen on dropping down from the first division in Germany to the second tier in England.
If they can secure a deal to sign him, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Rutter in the final third next season in the Championship.
Georginio Rutter's creative brilliance for Leeds
As illustrated in the xG table earlier, the French youngster endured an incredibly poor campaign in front of goal with his wasteful finishing for the Whites.
There is no hiding away from the fact that Rutter must improve his finishing quality next year as he spurned far too many high-quality opportunities for Farke's side.
However, the 22-year-old magician did do a lot of brilliant work in possession when it came to creating chances for other players to find the back of the net.
The former Hoffenheim starlet ended the season with a staggering 15 assists and 22 'big chances' created in 45 league appearances for Leeds, which shows that he consistently looked to set up his teammates.
That is backed up by fantastic underlying chance creation numbers as the right-footed wizard ranked highly amongst his positional peers in the division.
Georginio Rutter vs forwards
23/24 Championship (per 90)
Percentile rank
Assists (0.39)
Top 2%
xAG (0.29)
Top 2%
Progressive passes (4.46)
Top 3%
Shot-creating actions (4.41)
Top 2%
Successful take-ons (3.06)
Top 1%
Stats via FBRef
As you can see in the table above, he ranked among the best in his position at creating high-quality chances for his fellow attackers in the Championship.
These statistics show that the Leeds magician has the quality to constantly split open opposition defences with his creative and incisive passing from a number ten position.
This could make him an exciting partner for Hlozek at Elland Road as the young Czechia star has the potential to be a lethal finisher as well as an impressive creator in the Championship next season.
Why Leeds should sign Adam Hlozek
Firstly, he only turns 22 next month and this means that the club would be bringing in a talented young starlet with time to develop and improve throughout his time in Yorkshire.
Farke could work with the youngster, who was described as a "diamond" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, to help improve his performances on the pitch and, as a result, increase his value for the Whites to potentially make a profit on him further down the line.
Secondly, Hlozek has the finishing quality to be a reliable option for the German head coach in the final third, unlike Bamford, Joseph, and Rutter.
In his two seasons in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, the 6 foot 1 marksman, who was dubbed "towering" by Mango, scored seven goals from an xG of 5.72 – an overperformance of 1.28.
The talented dynamo, who scored three goals in four DFB Pokal outings, has shown that he can finish at an impressive rate in a major European league, which suggests that he could be a ruthless finisher who could thrive with Rutter's creativity at Leeds.
Adam Hlozek's last two seasons for Sparta Prague
Fortuna Liga
20/21
21/22
Total
Appearances
19
29
48
Goals
15
8
23
Assists
8
13
21
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, he arrived at Leverkusen off the back of two fantastic league seasons with Sparta Prague in his home country.
Hlozek racked up a staggering 44 direct goal contributions in 48 matches and Farke could look to unlock his creative quality, with 21 of those contributions being assists, to go along with his superb finishing.
He could, therefore, be an exciting partner for Rutter at the top end of the pitch for the Whites next term as his ability in front of goal could make up for the Frenchman's struggles in that department.
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The Whites manager could stop playing the Dutchman as a number ten by signing this target.
ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2024
It is now down to the club to win the battle for his signature and bring him to Elland Road to bolster Farke's attacking options for the 2024/25 campaign.
Having secured promotion back to England's second tier after two seasons in League One, Derby County look set to use their Championship status to bring a number of fresh faces to Pride Park.
Rams set for rebuild ahead of Championship return
As is typical for sides promoted to the Championship, Derby look eager to use the transfer window to boost their squad and get it ready for a return to the second tier.
Derby struck gold signing maverick who would be worth £11m in 2024 money
Derby County pulled off a coup when they signed this enigmatic star.
ByKelan Sarson May 25, 2024
The Rams' recent retained list saw a number of fan favourites depart the club at the end of their deals. Derby captain Conor Hourihane is the headline of this list after the 33-year-old scored six goals in his side's promotion campaign. Another notable exit is that of Dwight Gayle, who scored three goals for the Rams last season.
Derby County Retained List 2023/24
First-team players leaving the club
Dwight Gayle
Conor Hourihane
Scott Loach
Corey Smith
Martyn Waghorn
Joe Wildsmith
First-team players at the end of loans
Ebou Adams
Max Bird
Tyreece John-Jules
With a large number of players departing Pride Park this summer, the Rams will have to move quickly to get their squad ready for a return to the Championship. With this in mind, it appears that they already have a couple of high-profile targets in their sights.
Attacking duo at the top of Derby's wishlist
As first reported by DerbyshireLive, it appears that the Rams are eyeing up moves for Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark and Oxford United star Josh Murphy. The outlet suggests that "promotion has served Derby with the bonus of being open to a better standard of player". This means that Derby will have greater prowess in the transfer market, putting them in a better position to secure a deal for Clark, who they had a previous loan swoop rejected for.
At just 19 years of age, Clark would be an interesting prospect for Derby with the England youth international using his limited cameos at Liverpool to showcase his quality. The midfielder made 24 appearances across various age groups for the Reds last season, contributing four goals and six assists.
Bobby Clark for Liverpool
The best of Clark's outings was in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16, with the teenager grabbing a goal and an assist in the 6-1 victory over Sparta Prague. Having proven his quality at the highest level, there is no doubt that Clark would be an excellent coup for Derby.
Josh Murphy is the second player cited and is one that the Rams' faithful will be familiar with. The Oxford winger exploded into life in the second half of the League One season, capping off his six-goal league campaign with a brace in the playoff final.
After pretty much single-handedly carrying Oxford United to the Championship, there is no doubt that Murphy's profile has been raised over recent months. With Derby coach Paul Warne admitting his admiration for the player since late 2022, the Rams will now face far stiffer competition for his signature than he would have at the time.
Regardless of whether these two particular deals get over the line, it is almost certain that Derby's status as a Championship club will bring some exciting players to Pride Park this summer.
Neymar is looking sharp as he prepares to end his 11-month injury nightmare, with the Brazilian picking out the top corner during Al-Hilal training.
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Damaged knee ligaments in October 2023Has taken in a long road to recoveryStepping up fitness ahead of long-awaited returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 32-year-old forward has been out of action since damaging knee ligaments during an appearance for his country in World Cup qualifying on October 18, 2023. A long road to recovery has been taken in by the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar.
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Neymar has been restricted to just five appearances and one goal for Al-Hilal, with fitness issues preventing him from figuring as prominently as he would have liked in the club’s 2023-24 Saudi Pro League title triumph. He is, however, fully committed to the cause.
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Transfer talk over the summer was quickly played down – amid speculation of a reunion being enjoyed with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami – and Neymar will be honouring the final year of his contract in the Middle East.
Declan Rice has revealed his surprise new hobby as the Arsenal and England star makes waves on Instagram.
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Rice launches photography venture
Page already has over 40k followers
Arsenal stars posts photo of Kane
WHAT HAPPENED?
Rice has had an eventful start to the new season. Arsenal are currently unbeaten but they had to fight for a draw against Brighton after the Englishman's controversial sending off. He then scored against the Republic of Ireland during the international break and has now set up a new Instagram account that shows the behind-the-scenes of his life.
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The new account gives fans an exciting insight into Rice's life. The first post included photos of England team-mates Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold as Rice shared some behind-the-scenes snaps from the Three Lions' win over Finland.
DID YOU KNOW?
The page has already gained over 45,000 followers, to go along nicely with the 3.8 million on his regular account. This new page gives fans a much more raw sight of what Rice is like away from football, with another post showing photos from a recent round of golf.
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WHAT NEXT FOR RICE?
Rice will miss the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday as he serves a one-match suspension. He will hope to start when Arsenal take on Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday.
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 on the night but progressed on aggregate
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Chelsea into Conference League group stage
Beat Swiss side Servette 3-2 on aggregate
Nkunku scores but Blues lose second leg
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Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side would likely have come into their second leg UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Servette with real confidence, having won the first leg 2-0, but they were very nearly humbled in Switzerland by their hard-running opponents.
Chelsea had the lead within the first 15 minutes, as Mykhailo Mudryk won a penalty and Christopher Nkunku found the bottom corner from 12 yards.
Servette rallied, however, and were level on the night just after the half-hour mark. Dereck Kutesa surged forward and was able to find Jeremy Guillemenot, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner to give the Swiss side hope of a miraculous comeback.
With 20 minutes to go, Servette added a second and were within a goal of a truly remarkable turnaround. Enzo Crivelli got on the end of Miroslav Stevanovic's cross and Filip Jorgensen could not keep it out, despite getting a hand to the ball.
Nicolas Jackson thought he had levelled things on the night as he finished coolly in the box but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Cole Palmer then managed to hit the bar as Chelsea tried to kill the game off.
In the 93rd minute, Timothe Cognat curled an effort just past the post, as Servette came within an inch of forcing extra time.
The home side were applauded off after a stirring display, but it just wasn't quite enough. For Chelsea, questions persist.
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THE MVP
Servette were absolutely sensational. The Swiss side had next to no hope coming into the game, and even less when they fell 3-0 behind on aggregate, but they mounted a stirring, if ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to embarrass Enzo Maresca's expensively-assembled second string. They leave the competition with their heads held high.
THE BIG LOSER
Marc Guiu is still a young striker but he was essentially feeding off scraps here. When the ball was sent into his feet, he struggled to control it, and lost the ball in the build-up to Servette's opener. He is just 18 and appears coachable – his pressing is excellent – but he simply must improve his interplay.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend with a London derby against Crystal Palace. They have won one and drawn one of their opening two Premier League games thus far.
Despite David Moyes' future still being uncertain, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, West Ham United have reportedly turned their attention towards potential incomings for whoever may be in the hot seat next season.
West Ham transfer news
The likes of Steve Cooper and Graham Potter have already been linked with the West Ham job if Moyes fails to sign a new deal this summer. Potter has of course been without a job since being sacked at Chelsea last season. Now, however, he could get the chance to step back into Premier League management at the Blues' London rivals.
Chelsea's Graham Potter
He may have his critics, but Moyes will no doubt take some replacing at the London Stadium. The Scot would be leaving as a Europa Conference League champion and as the manager who took West Ham from relegation trouble and into a club competing in the Premier League's top half.
West Ham join race to sign £22m Champions League finalist fullback
They are not the only Premier League club after him.
By
Tom Coates
Mar 24, 2024
Whilst potentially searching for their next manager, the Hammers have still kept an eye on potential incomings, however, having seemingly turned their attention towards Nottingham Forest, who need to balance their books to avoid a second Financial Fair Play charge. And that has already seen the Hammers linked with Morgan Gibbs-White and now Taiwo Awoniyi.
According to Soccer Net, West Ham have emerged as a potential destination for Awoniyi, as the London club possibly look to replace the ageing Michail Antonio ahead of next season. The defenders at the London Stadium certainly know all about the Forest striker, that's for sure, given that he netted in both fixtures against them this season.
"Excellent" Awoniyi is better than Antonio
Whilst there was a stage in which Antonio was the main man in West Ham's attack, that stage has passed. The 33-year-old is beginning to show his age, handing Moyes a problem that he may need to solve if he is still at the club this summer. And in the face of that problem, Awoniyi makes perfect sense when it comes to finding an upgrade and replacement for the current Hammers forward.
Stats (via FBref)
Taiwo Awoniyi
Michail Antonio
Starts
12
13
Goals
6
3
Assists
3
2
Expected Goals
4.7
2.5
It's also worth noting that Awoniyi managed 10 goals in his debut campaign in the Premier League last season, making the praise of former boss Steve Cooper no surprise. Cooper previously said to the media:
"You always want your number nine scoring goals. I’ve said before that we missed him a lot when he got injured and he missed three months. He was doing well just before that and so to get him back in the form he has shown has been excellent."
With that said, West Ham could be hoping to be the ones benefitting from Awoniyi's goalscoring talent, rather than the side on the receiving end next season, making this one to watch alongside Gibbs-White.
The fist pumps were being unleashed at full time at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, but it was Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson basking in the glory after a stunning Eagles performance sank Liverpool in their own backyard.
Bewilderment reigned supreme on Merseyside, with supporters simply confused after such immense performance all season, against heaps and heaps of adversity, only to unravel in a wretched week that has left Premier League and Europa League hopes dangling by a thread.
Sure, Arsenal lost at home a few hours later against Aston Villa, keeping Klopp's side level with their second-placed rivals, behind only on goal difference, but Manchester City have now sauntered into the lead in what is bleakly familiar territory.
It's certainly not over; with six Premier League fixtures left to play, this compelling three-horse race is still only two points in the balance, and Pep Guardiola's side are unable to reach the points tallies of either of their past two title-winning campaigns, even if they win their remaining games, highlighting a weakness and possibility of a slip that Liverpool must capitalise on.
Jurgen Klopp's poignant final phase as Liverpool manager has tantalised so much, with the Carabao Cup won in stunning fashion in February and the Reds firing on all four fronts until March, but now further silverware looks unlikely.
The recent regression has been stark; something needs to change instantly if Liverpool are to steer back on course. Curtis Jones' return from injury was heralded two weeks ago but after a couple of inexcusable displays, he might need to return to the bench as he continues to acclimatise.
Curtis Jones' recent performances
Jones had enjoyed a wonderful purple patch before agonisingly picking up a knee injury during Liverpool's 4-1 top-flight victory over Brentford in February, missing nine matches in all competitions before returning from the bench against Sheffield United in early April.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
As per FBref, Jones ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 19% for assists, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 14% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for tackles per 90.
Why is this relevant? It maps out the 6 foot 1 Merseysider's innate quality, technical quality of top standard, growing influence in the final third that is shaping him into a high-level, multi-faceted player.
But such statistics hardly quell the anguish in Liverpool supporters' hearts after he missed a golden opportunity to level the score against Crystal Palace at the weekend, slashing wide when placed through on goal after 75 minutes, summing up the wastefulness that's ruining Klopp's farewell.
Not just guilty of poor finishing though, Jones struggled to mesh it all together in the engine room, failing to make a key pass against the Eagles and winning just five of his 15 contested duels, as per Sofascore.
He tried to bring energy and enthusiasm to the team but it didn't work. Liverpool need something different.
Thiago Alcantara's chances of making a big impact on Liverpool's campaign are infinitesimal, but Stefan Bajcetic could be the perfect wildcard to propel the Redmen back into form.
Why Liverpool should unleash Stefan Bajcetic
Bajcetic was introduced to the Liverpool senior set-up in the early stage of the 2022/23 campaign, making his debut off the bench as Liverpool trounced Bournemouth 9-0 in the Premier League in a bitter false dawn.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
Now aged 19, the Spaniard has just returned from a long-term injury and will be chomping at the bit to try his hand among the first team once again, having been sublime in his performances last season.
Across his 11 appearances in the Premier League last year, the Celta Vigo youth product scored one goal, completed 79% of his passes and succeeded with 64% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore, but it was his nimble, silky swagger in midfield that instantly placed him as one of the division's most promising youngsters.
His effervescent emergence certainly tempered the nosedive of the Liverpool midfield, with writer Leanne Prescott saying: "Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing."
He's been unable to build from the stones of a wonderful breakthrough campaign after languishing on the sidelines with injuries and developmental issues, but he has now returned, rangier, bulkier, more athletic.
Ready to make a marked impact on Klopp's senior squad once again.
In February 2023, Mohamed Salah waxed lyrical over Bajcetic's prodigious start to life under Klopp's wing, remarking after a standout display in Liverpool's victory over Everton: “Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”
Liverpool's Youngest Premier League Scorers
#
Player
Opponent
Age
1.
Michael Owen
Wimbledon
17y 143d
2.
Raheem Sterling
Reading
17y 317d
3.
Stefan Bajcetic
Aston Villa
18y 65d
4.
Robbie Fowler
Oldham Athletic
18y 190d
5.
Jamie Carragher
Aston Villa
18y 356d
Source: 90min
Bajcetic returned to action last week as Liverpool's U21s dispatched Manchester United U21s 3-0 at Old Trafford, making a positive impression off the bench as he builds his fitness back up, having last featured for the first team in the Carabao Cup against Leicester City in September.
With no Premier League outings to his name this term, Bajcetic could be something of a secret weapon for Liverpool as they look to rebound from a poor patch and mount a convincing run of form for the remainder of the campaign.
His infectious energy and electric presence in the centre of the park is exactly what Liverpool need, and he could even be the perfect replacement for Jones if the crisp midfielder's all-round performance does not improve soon.
It would be a bit of a risk, and Bajcetic would probably be best playing a full 90 for the U21s before being unleashed in the first team, but he's got the quality to strike once again in a flagging Liverpool side and pump the necessary fuel into the team at this pivotal final stretch.
After speaking with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, talkSPORT pundit and ex-Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan has shared what else he's planning for the club.
Levy announces intention to secure Spurs investors
As Levy takes more of a back seat running football operations, with technical director Johan Lange and chief football officer Scott Munn taking over in that regard, it is believed that the Spurs board member maintains a key role in the financial side.
Tottenham teenager awaiting debut now tipped to be "one of the world's best"
He’s got a growing reputation.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2024
For years, Levy has been chasing a Tottenham Hotspur stadium naming rights deal as one of his major tasks, but he is still no closer to achieving that feat despite rumoured discussions with blue-chip companies like Amazon.
Previous reports have claimed that Spurs have been holding out for a £25 million-per-year agreement since the end of 2019, though the length of time it's taken to secure a deal may hint the club will have to ease up on their demands.
There are other avenues of income for the north Londoners, which Levy looks to take full advantage of as he seeks to grow Tottenham even more off the field.
Tottenham's next league fixtures in race for fourth
Date
Newcastle United (away)
April 13th
Arsenal (home)
April 28th
Chelsea (away)
May 2nd
Liverpool (away)
May 5th
Burnley (home)
May 11th
“To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base," said Levy in an official statement after Tottenham posted £86.8 million losses for the 12 months leading to June 30, 2023.
“The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the club’s shareholders.”
Speaking to talkSPORT, Jordan has shared what could be another fruitful financial avenue.
Simon Jordan shares off-field Levy plan at Tottenham
As per the pundit (via HITC), Levy wants to build hotels and "other things" to "gentrify Tottenham beyond all recognition".
“I think he (Postecoglou) is actually saying his ambitions are to win things and not to participate in things,” said Jordan.
“He said that at the beginning of the season. He said ‘there is no glass ceiling. I want to get as high as I can and win things’
“The finances and the opportunity to be better are inextricably indexed. You get into the Champions League, and you get over £100 million if you win it. You have got broadcast opportunities and you have a whole raft of opportunities. You buy better players and you keep on going around that circle until you eventually land on that table until you win something, so I don’t think he (Postecoglou) makes as much sense as he likes to think he does.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy.
“It’s similar logic for Liverpool, but the problem is about how you spend the money. Liverpool didn’t spend big money, they spent Coutinho money and they spent it wisely. Whereas Spurs spent Bale’s money under AVB poorly.
"So, this argument that Daniel Levy hasn’t done the things he should have done will always be there. I said to him the other day, ‘you have a bank balance full of it and a trophy cabinet that’s empty’. He will always have that until they win something.
“Postecoglou and Levy, he is trying to raise some more money. It tells me he wants to build other things. He has seen a revenue model and he wants to build hotels and he tells me he wants to build other things. He wants to gentrify Tottenham beyond all recognition.”
Gareth Southgate admits Harry Kane did not reach “the level we all would have hoped” after replacing England’s captain early in the Euro 2024 final.
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Prolific striker remains captain of his countryCarried a knock into European ChampionshipSuffered more heartache on the trophy frontWHAT HAPPENED?
The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who entered the competition carrying a knock that kept him out of season-ending fixtures at club level, never looked fully fit when captaining his country at another major tournament. He did score three goals, and claimed a share of the Golden Boot, but faced questions of his contribution throughout.
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Those continued in a final showdown with Spain, leading to Kane being replaced by Ollie Watkins just past the hour mark. England restored parity with their skipper on the bench, as Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams’ opener, but there was more heartache for the Three Lions as Mikel Oyarzabal netted four minutes from time.
WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
Southgate told afterwards of Kane's struggles and why he was hauled off again with major silverware on the line: “Physically it has been tough for him. He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped. The games are hugely demanding and we thought Ollie’s freshness would allow us to press better and offer a press in behind. I thought the substitutes came on and did what we asked them to do.”
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Southgate added when reflecting on England’s performance overall: “We’ve competed until the very end of the final. I think today we didn’t keep possession of the ball quite well enough. We defended well but when you win the ball back you need to get out of that pressure. And we weren’t able to do that. That meant they had more control of the game and that can wear you down a bit. That said we got the equaliser and then it was wide open. A big chance at the end to equalise so as always it is fine margins. I do think they were the best team in the tournament.”