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Sunderland are on the verge of completing the signing of a £13,000-a-week international midfielder after reaching an agreement with his club, according to a new report.

It has been a productive but quiet transfer window for the Black Cats so far, as Regis Le Bris tries to get to grips with his new club and new players. The Frenchman has overseen a transfer window that has brought in a lot of free transfers, but that has helped the club sit top of the Championship table after three games.

Sunderland set to lose £2m+ of profit as European club eye Black Cats star

Sunderland face a battle to keep hold of the player.

By
Brett Worthington

Aug 28, 2024

Sunderland transfer news

Sunderland have added five players to their squad over the course of this summer, with the latest addition being striker Wilson Isidor from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. But with the window entering the final hours, the Black Cats still have their eye on one or two deals.

One player that the Wearsiders are keen on adding to their squad is Leicester City striker Tom Cannon. It has been reported that Sunderland have put in a bid worth £5 million to sign Cannon, as they look to improve their forward line before Friday’s deadline, but they face competition from teams such as Stoke City, Norwich City, and Sheffield United.

As well as looking to sign Cannon, it has been reported that the Black Cats are also in advanced talks to sign Roko Simic, who is also a striker. The Championship side are said to be hopeful of signing the player, with him already holding direct talks with the club’s hierarchy.

Meanwhile, there could potentially be a departure on the cards for Sunderland, as it’s been reported that midfielder Pierre Ekwah is wanted by French side Sainte Etienne. The midfielder has been a key player for the club, but his performances have now caught the attention of teams abroad, with Sunderland said to have placed a £6 million price tag on his head.

Sunderland appear keen to be adding to their squad rather than weakening it however, as they reach an agreement to sign an international player.

Sunderland agree deal to sign £13k-p/w midfielder

According to Foot Mercato, relayed by Get Football News French, Sunderland have reached an agreement with Ligue 1 side RC Lens to sign midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, who has won 19 caps for Ghana, 7 of them coming in 2024.

The report states that 24 year-old Abdul Samed will join the Black Cats on a loan deal, which will not include an option to buy or an obligation to make the deal into a permanent one. It goes on to add that the defensive midfielder is expected on Wearside in the coming hours to undergo his medical and complete the deal, having falling out of favour quickly under new Lens boss and one time Black Cats target Will Still.

Abdul Samed is said to be on a weekly wage of €16,154 per week with the French side, which is roughly £13k, a figure that Sunderland will likely have to cover if the deal gets completed. The RC Lens midfielder has been linked with a move to England before, as he was eyed by Premier League side Aston Villa last year, and at the time, he was labelled as “underrated” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Jurgen Klopp was ready to join Red Bull within 20 seconds of hearing their financial offer as the ex-Liverpool coach prepares to start his new job.

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• Klopp set to take on Red Bull role
• CEO says he accepted offer within seconds
• Coach to begin new job on January 1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Klopp was expected to take a lengthy break from football after he stepped down as Liverpool coach in the summer, but by early-October he had signed a contract to take over as head of global football at the energy drinks company, which owns German club RB Leipzig, Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg and MLS outfit New York Red Bulls. The German manager will begin work in January.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Klopp's decision proved controversial among fans and some of his former players, though the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss has defended his move. The 57-year-old will reportedly earn around €12 million (£10m/$12.5m) per year in his new position, a figure it took little time for him to say yes to, according to Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

• WHAT MINTZLAFF SAID

  "Over the last 20 years, I have experienced, helped shape and negotiated many negotiations in football. I have to say that when the yes was there, it was the easiest. Not because we offered him an unbelievable financial package, on the contrary," he said on "We spoke about the financial side for 20 seconds because he said he was up for the task. I hope he doesn't hear that now, because then he'll think that he and his agent negotiated poorly. But no, financially it took 20 seconds. When the yes was there, it was one of the easiest negotiations I've had in 20 years."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KLOPP?

  Mintzlaff sais he first contacted Klopp two years ago and is excited for the iconic coach to get underway. Klopp will primarily be focused on RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, Bragantino in Brazil and Japanese side Omiya Ardija. His first press conference in his new role is scheduled for Januar 14.

West Brom are reportedly looking to pinch one of Arne Slot's Liverpool backroom staff after losing manager Carlos Corberan to Valencia.

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• West Brom manager Corberan leaves club
• Baggies eye Slot's assistant coach
• Liverpool man tipped to step into vacant role

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After West Brom boss Corberan swapped the Championship team for La Liga side Valencia earlier this week, the Baggies have been on the lookout for his successor. Now, the Daily Mail states they are targeting Liverpool coach John Heitinga as a possible replacement.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  West Brom are in the third and final year of their Premier League parachute payments, after which it becomes a great deal harder to get promoted as financial cutbacks usually follow. They are currently outside the Championship play-off spots and hiring Heitinga, 41, would appear to be a risk as he has only coached Ajax's first-team for a matter of months in 2023. But the report claims West Brom believe the ex-Everton man, who also had an assistant coaching role at West Ham, has the potential to become a top manager.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Slot is a big admirer of Heitinga, admitting the young coach has exceeded his expectations since joining him at Anfield this summer.

  He said: "John Heitinga is now here with me for the first half season and I couldn’t have wished for more. Very, if I say, talented, I do not even rate him high enough because he’s more than that already, he’s been a head coach himself but he’s still young. He grew into our staff from the start in a very good manner. He has the same idea about football, that’s why I chose him to come to us as well. But the way he is with the boys is very positive. All the things we do we do together. John has played many games in the Premier League and last season he was an assistant coach at West Ham, so brings experience as a player, but also as an assistant in this league. He worked with someone that I know really well, and the two of us have quite a similar playing style, so I think it’s not going to take long for him to understand exactly what we want with the players."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While both West Brom and Liverpool fans will be keeping a keen eye on Heitinga's future, the former are away to Sheffield United on Sunday and the latter travel to West Ham on the same day.

The start to life at Liverpool couldn’t have gone any better for new boss Arne Slot, with the Reds winning all three of the opening Premier League fixtures.

He’s overseen victories against Ipswich Town, Brentford and bitter rivals Manchester United – conceding zero goals in the process, whilst scoring seven goals.

It’s obviously a hugely tricky task taking over from Jürgen Klopp after the German’s nine-year stint at Anfield, but the Dutchman has seamlessly transitioned into life at the helm of the Reds.

Slot has worked with the same crop of players who were at the club before his arrival, still managing to tune them into his system – handing the club a huge opportunity to potentially push for a title charge this season.

He could be aided in his attempts with numerous key players, which could include one player who recently arrived on Merseyside.

Why Liverpool signed Chiesa

Nearly a week ago, Liverpool completed a deal to sign Italian winger Federico Chiesa from Juventus – strengthening Slot’s forward line for the 2024/25 campaign.

Just a handful of years ago, the 26-year-old was lighting up the Euros for his nation, but after an ACL injury, he’s found it difficult to capture his best form in Serie A.

However, he still managed to register 12 goal contributions in his 33 league appearances last term – with his form in front of goal undoubtedly improving the options available to Anfield.

The defensive department will always be a strong one for Liverpool if Virgil van Dijk is there, with the 33-year-old a crucial player for the club.

After joining from Southampton in a £75m deal back in 2018, the Dutchman has made 273 appearances for the club – playing a pivotal role in helping the club reach various Champions League finals.

However, he only has one year left on his current deal in Merseyside, with his future still up in the air after the recent transfer window – much like one of his teammates…

Alexander-Arnold’s market value in 2024

After coming through the club’s academy setup, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first team debut during the 2016/17 season under former boss Klopp – the start of a successful career for the boyhood fan.

The 25-year-old “genius”, as described by The Athletic’s Caoimhe O’Neill, has made 313 appearances for the Reds, scoring 19 goals and making himself one of the most highly rated full-backs in world football.

As a result of his stellar performances, he’s seen his market value skyrocket, with the England international now valued at £59m as per Transfermarkt.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

His subsequent value is higher than the combined figures of Chiesa and Van Dijk, with the Italian costing the club £12.5m and with the centre-back valued at £25m over six years on from his big-money transfer.

With Alexander-Arnold out of contract at the end of the season, the club will want to tie him down to a longer-term deal to avoid losing him for free in 12 months' time.

He’s been a hugely influential figure, with his talents in and out of possession a huge asset to new boss Slot for the current campaign.

Forget Doak: Slot could already have Liverpool's next Diaz in 17 y/o star

He’s doing great things for the Reds’ academy circle…

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 4, 2024

Manchester City head into the first international break of the 2024/25 campaign at the top of the Premier League table after the first three matches.

Erling Haaland has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, with a whopping seven goals and two hat-tricks in those three games, and looks set for another superb year in England.

The Norway international kicked his campaign off with a clever finish at Stamford Bridge in a 2-0 win on the opening day, before netting trebles against both Ipswich Town and West Ham United.

He has been the star of the show so far, with his exceptional work in front of goal in the Premier League, but the prolific centre-forward has not been the only eye-catching performer for Pep Guardiola.

Lee Carsley, who is the interim manager of England following the departure of Gareth Southgate, recently named his first senior squad and selected Cityzens academy graduate Rico Lewis, who has begun the season as a regular starter for City.

The impressive youngster has been capped once by the Three Lions to date but was not selected for their squad in Germany for the European Championship in the summer.

Rico Lewis' current market value

This could be a full-on breakout year for Lewis if he can establish himself as a regular starter for both Manchester City and England over the coming months.

His rise through the ranks to become a genuine first-team option for Guardiola has been a big success story for the academy, as they have developed a hugely talented player, who is now an asset for the club.

At the time of writing (06/09/2024), Transfermarkt values the England international at €38m (£32m) and that is a gigantic rise from his valuation of just €1m (£843k) in November 2022.

This means that his value his soared by a staggering 3,695% in less than two years, which perfectly illustrates his incredible rise over the last two seasons.

In the 2023/24 campaign, Lewis produced two goals and four assists in 27 appearances in all competitions, but only started nine matches in the Premier League.

As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old dynamo has already started three games in the division this term and put in fantastic performances.

The teenage battler has made an impressive nine tackles and interceptions combined and 21 ball recoveries without being dribbled past a single time, which shows how strong he has been out of possession.

Whilst his emergence has been a joy to watch, City may wonder if they could have already had a supreme young talent emerge in his position had they not cashed in on Jeremie Frimpong too early.

How much City sold Jeremie Frimpong for

The Premier League giants reportedly sold the academy prospect to Scottish Premiership side Celtic for a fee of £300k ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, as Pep Guardiola decided that he was not in his first-team plans moving forward, as the youngster had not made a single senior appearance.

He had come up through the ranks with the Cityzens, making 62 appearances for the U18s and U21s combined, but was seemingly not deemed to be a big enough talent to either remain at the club or command a much higher transfer fee.

Frimpong, who was a Netherlands U19 international during his time at City, produced three goals and seven assists from a right-back position in those 62 outings for the youth sides, which shows that his attacking quality was on display.

The Dutch gem immediately became a first-team regular for Celtic and contributed with three goals and eight assists in 51 matches in just 18 months with the Scottish giants, which shows that he was already prepared to play senior football by the time of his exit from England.

Guardiola and City had a nightmare with the £300k sale as Frimpong starred for the Hoops and secured a big move within 18 months of leaving The Etihad.

In January of 2021, German giants Bayer Leverkusen came in and snapped up the Dutchman for a reported fee of £11.5m, which represented a huge profit for Celtic, who had only paid £300k to sign him in 2019.

Jeremie Frimpong's current market value

At the time of writing (06/09/2024), Transfermarkt has Frimpong's current market value at a whopping €50m (£42m), which is considerably more than the £11.5m the Bundesliga side paid for him.

It also means that his value has skyrocketed by an unbelievable 13,900% since Manchester City and Guardiola decided to cash in him for £300k just over five years ago.

The 23-year-old whiz has starred for Leverkusen in recent seasons and his performances on the pitch have seen his value soar, to a point where he is currently worth more than Rico Lewis (£32m).

Frimpong has racked up 26 goals and 33 assists in 146 matches or the German side over the last few years, predominantly featuring as a wing-back on the right side.

He made 47 appearances in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign as Xabi Alonso's team won the German Cup, the Bundesliga unbeaten, and reached the final of the Europa League.

As you can see in the table above, Frimpong played a crucial role in their success in the Bundesliga last season with 15 direct goal contributions in 31 outings as a wing-back for the Spanish head coach.

He has emerged as one of the finest players in his position across Europe and that is further illustrated by reports linking him with a return to Manchester City this summer.

Whilst the club did not end up re-signing the full-back, the reported interest in bringing him back to Manchester is an admittance that they got it wrong when they sold him for £300k in 2019, as Guardiola and the club had a nightmare by allowing him to move on for such a small fee.

Big mistake: Man City talent who left for £0 is now worth more than Savinho

The Cityzens missed out on a player who has since starred in the Premier League and the Bundesliga.

2

By
Dan Emery

Sep 2, 2024

Virgil van Dijk has claimed referee Stuart Attwell made a 'mistake' not sending off Lucas Bergvall during Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

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• Referee Attwell makes mistake in Liverpool loss
• Bergvall scores winner after not being sent off
• Van Dijk and Slot criticise refereeing decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool were handed a shock loss at the hands of Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in north London after Lucas Bergvall scored an 86th-minute winner. However, the 18-year-old lunged in on Kostas Tsimikas just before the goal and was not sent off by referee Attwell. While the Liverpool left-back was off the field, Bergvall scored on the counter, with the incident drawing a lot of criticism from Van Dijk.

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  WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Dijk said: "I think it was quite obvious that it was going to be a second yellow.

  "Obviously I think it was pretty clear [from what I said to the referee]. It was no coincidence that a minute later he scores the winner.

  "He [Attwell] made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that. It was quite obvious I think and everyone on the sidelines knew it was supposed to be a yellow.

  "There is a linesman there, a fourth official. There is VAR there and a referee, and he doesn't get a second yellow. I'm not saying this is the reason we lost today, but it was a big moment in the game."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool boss Arne Slot also criticised the refereeing decision that will now force the Reds to try go on a huge offensive in the second leg. The Dutchman told Sky Sports: "It was a good goal, let that be clear, Bergvall stayed calm and finished it off.

  "But I don’t think you are interested in that but the moment before [the foul]. I think I saw Ange was sitting here and Spurs weren’t happy with a few decisions on Sunday. People say the decisions even up – I don’t believe that. They may have been unlucky and today the decisions went for them. It was unlucky for us because I didn’t think we were ever going to lose this game.

  "Very unlucky, far from ideal starting position. They have a good team and have some players coming back for the second leg but if I lose I prefer to lose with a second leg to come."

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  TELL ME MORE

  Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also provided his thoughts on the Bergvall-Tsimikas incident and told Sky Sports: "Now we've been told consistently in the last few weeks, because I've been screaming about it from the sidelines, because a lot of teams have got away with a lot of fouls with us, without bookings, because the referee plays advantage.

  "We've been told consistently that if we play advantage, as long as it's not a cynical foul, then the player does not get cautioned. So that's been relayed to us on a weekly basis. Because we feel like that's been happening."

Arsenal have held extensive internal talks over signing an £86 million starlet for manager Mikel Arteta, and the player already has multiple connections to the Gunners.

Arsenal already making transfer plans for 2025

It was a productive summer transfer window for sporting director Edu Gaspar and the club's recruitment team, who managed to spend under £100 million on five key new additions at the Emirates.

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

The Norwegian may be absent for a long while.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 11, 2024

David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling all put pen to paper on moves to Arsenal, much to the delight of Arteta, who has also been unlucky regarding their fitness.

Merino is set to be sidelined for nearly two months, after the Spaniard fractured his shoulder in training, while Calafiori is also a doubt for Arsenal's looming north London derby after suffering a freak injury away on international duty with Italy.

There is a silver lining in the form of Sterling, who is expected to make his Premier League debut for the Gunners against Tottenham this weekend after signing from Chelsea on loan.

Merino and Rice's absences, and potentially that of club captain Martin Odegaard, means Arteta could drop Kai Havertz into midfield and play Sterling as false-nine away to Spurs.

As Arsenal's head coach plans how best to set up his team ahead of crucial encounters in the next few weeks, Edu and the club's transfer team continue to devise plans on how to strengthen Arteta's ranks over the next 12 months.

Former Juventus star Adrien Rabiot has even reached out to Arsenal as the free agent attempts to find a new club, according to reports, and it is believed the title hopefuls already have certain players on the transfer agenda for 2025.

Arsenal could make a push for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko next summer and have already been in contact with the Bundesliga side over a possible deal. Meanwhile, it is also believed that Arsenal are considering a pre-contract offer for Alphonso Davies, who is free to discuss summer switches to foreign sides as early as January with his contract expiring next year.

Arsenal hold extensive internal talks over Ajax's Jorrel Hato

According to The Athletic, Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato is also being mentioned as a target from within the club. It is believed Arsenal have held extensive internal talks over potentially signing Hato, who has been tipped to cost suitors around £86 million, such is the player's real potential.

The 18-year-old started 33 Eredivisie games for Ajax last season and is widely regarded as one of the Netherlands' most exciting up-and-coming talents. Hato's best friend at Ajax, young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, joined Arsenal in the summer, and the teenage centre-back is also a real admirer of Jurrien Timber.

“Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber,” said Hato, via The Athletic.

“I played with him for six months before he left, and I learned so much from him. When I came into the first team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball. And he is just a great defender in defending terms.”

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes Chelsea should replace Robert Sanchez after the goalkeeper's error in Saturday's defeat to Manchester City.

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• Chelsea lost 3-1 at Man City on Saturday
• Robert Sanchez's error led to Erling Haaland goal
• Neville urges Blues to get rid of goalkeeper

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sanchez came rushing out of his goal to allow Erling Haaland a simple finish during the second half of the Blues' 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a strike that saw them go 2-1 down with 22 minutes to play. Phil Foden's late goal sealed all three points for the hosts, who moved above Chelsea in the Premier League table.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sanchez has made a few notable errors this season, most recently when he was at fault for Wolves' goal at Stamford Bridge last Monday, a game Chelsea did eventually win. Manchester United legend Neville insists Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca should look for a new goalkeeper if he is serious about turning his side into genuine title contenders.

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  WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  Neville said while commentating on Haaland's goal: "What is the goalkeeper doing? Why is he there? Such a poor, poor decision."

  The former England defender added on the Gary Neville podcast after the game: "We have to talk about the goalkeeper. That wouldn't have been a goal if the goalkeeper isn't about 25 yards off his line at the edge of the box. What is he doing? It's too important a position and I think Chelsea at this point in time are going to have to look at it. He's making far too many errors week in, week out. It was a mini turning point in the game."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND SANCHEZ?

  Maresca does have options should he wish to remove Sanchez from the firing line. Filip Jorgensen arrived from Villarreal in the summer and has played 13 matches in all competitions this season, including twice in the Premier League. Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom are also involved in the first-team squad, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is on loan at Bournemouth and Dorde Petrovic is temporarily at Strasbourg.

Already making up for a disappointing summer transfer window, Paul Mitchell’s Newcastle United recruitment team have now reportedly agreed to sign a new gem ahead of interest from Real Madrid.

Newcastle transfer news

It’s fair to say that sporting director Mitchell didn’t exactly have the best start to life at St James’ Park, with profit and sustainability concerns coupled by their inability to get a deal to sign Marc Guehi over the line making for a frustrating few months. All eyes have since been turned towards 2025 and a shot at redemption, however, with transfer rumours already beginning to arrive.

Alan Shearer laid into Newcastle star after signing, now he's undroppable

He is a key player under Howe following a tough first few years at Newcastle.

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 25, 2024

Reports have been quick to link the likes of Luca Koleosho from Burnley in a move that would boost Eddie Howe’s attacking options. Meanwhile, the Magpies have also been linked with signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose Everton contract comes to an end next summer, meaning that a cut-price deal may be lined up in the winter window.

The England international would likely replace Callum Wilson as Newcastle’s backup for star man Alexander Isak, whilst adding a more physical threat to Howe’s frontline. Before Koleosho and Calvert-Lewin though, the Magpies look set to sign a future star.

According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Mitchell has now agreed a deal to sign Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi in the Erovnuli Liga. An obscure signing, the deal will see Newcastle win the race for a young forward that Florentino Perez reportedly wanted to sign for Real Madrid and one that both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain had their eyes on as well.

Those at St James’ Park will have to wait until next season to see the 17-year-old in action, however, given that he’s set to head straight back on loan to Dinamo Tbilisi for the rest of the current campaign. One for the future, Mitchell has certainly got off to a good start ahead of the winter window.

Signing Salia is early statement from Newcastle

Whilst Salia is of course one for the future, the fact that Newcastle are seemingly set to beat some of Europe’s top sides to his signature represents a much-needed statement of intent from Mitchell and others around St James’ Park. The young forward will be one to watch when he does arrive next season, having already earned comparisons to countryman Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

If the young Georgian, who can play up front or on either wing, is of the same calibre as the Napoli star, then the Magpies will be in for a treat for years to come. Given that Isak, himself, is still just 25 years old, there’s a high chance that Howe will be able to form a fresh strike partnership between the arriving Salia and his star man to refresh Newcastle’s frontline.

The way that Howe’s side have started the Premier League campaign suggests that they’re gunning for a return to European football once again in a move that would only attract further talents of Salia’s reputation. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Mitchell will be looking to continue matching the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG in the transfer market.

Liverpool have often been praised for their recruitment over the past decade, bringing in fewer “household names” and opting for those who are showing great signs in the data charts.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister are just some of the names that fit this recruitment model.

Jürgen Klopp did a great job in his time at the club, implementing these data-led signings, along with some high-profile, big-money acquisitions such as Allison Becker and Virgil van Dijk, and, of course, some youth talent, the biggest one being Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But there is another player who has come up through the academy ranks and is now a consistent feature in matchday squads for the Reds, someone who will be competing with the brilliance of Ryan Gravenberch – another data-led signing – for a spot in the starting XI.

Ryan Gravenberch's breakthrough season

Gravenberch joined Liverpool back in 2023, for a fee of around £34.2m from Bayern Munich. However, the 22-year-old midfielder is only now becoming a key figure in this Liverpool side, under new manager Arne Slot.

Slot tends to deploy a 4-2-3-1, with the double pivot consisting of Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister so far this campaign. The Dutch midfielder has started seven of eight games for Liverpool this season, the only one he missed being an EFL Cup game, where he was left out of the squad for rest purposes.

Gravenberch has provided Liverpool with a great balance in midfield, using his powerful frame to cover ground in the middle of the park, winning duels and protecting the defence, whilst also being able to drive forwards at times and help circulate possession with the defenders, using his excellent press resistance qualities.

That was on display against Wolves on Saturday afternoon where the Dutchman won 100% of his duels and also completed 92% of his passes.

The 22-year-old is now valued at around £29m by Transfermarkt, but if he remains in this rich vein of form for Liverpool, his estimations are sure to increase. After all, he’s still an extremely young player who is yet to enter his prime years.

Gravenberch isn’t the only talented young midfielder in their ranks, as Liverpool also have a man that cost them £0, who is now also valued at that same £29m price tag as Gravenberch.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Curtis Jones' rise through the ranks

Curtis Jones joined Liverpool at just nine-years-old, spending eight years in the Liverpool youth system before signing his first professional contract in 2018. The academy graduate made a combined 81 appearances for various age groups ranging from U18-U21, scoring 41 goals, and providing 15 assists.

The 23-year-old made his debut in the 2018/19 season, playing in the FA Cup third round against Wolves. Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make 137 appearances for the senior team, scoring 16 goals, providing 15 assists, and totaling 7,469 minutes played.

The English midfielder has been held in high regard, Graeme Souness being one to praise him, saying “he’s got the ability, the athleticism, he looks to have the attitude” when speaking about Jones back in 2021.

Much like Gravenberch, the youngster possesses a powerful stride, helping him win duels in the middle of the park, go box to box, and stamp his authority in all phases of play. Now his task is to wriggle his way into Slot’s starting XI, as his competition has started the season so strong.

Due to Jones only managing 127 minutes so far this season, we compared his metrics from last campaign, and how they differ from the successful start of Gravenberch so far this season.

From March 2023 to March 2024, Jones’ value increased by more than double, going from €17.00m (£14m player to a £29m player in the eyes of Transferamrkt, which is the same value as Gravenberch according to Transfermarkt, just to underline his impressive development.

The metrics compared between the two midfielders give us a good idea as to why the latter has been chosen ahead of the academy star under Slot. He adds more defensive stability in the middle of the park, to provide balance alongside other midfielders such as Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Gravenberch has averaged 2.29 tackles and 2.33 interceptions per 90 this season, more than Jones who averaged 2.02 tackles, and only 0.62 interceptions per 90 last season. Slot’s desire to have a midfielder who can cover large distances, and win the ball back for his side, has seen Gravenberch picked every game but one this season.

But as previously mentioned, Jones is a player that can cover large distances, often playing as a box to box midfielder under Klopp. With time in this system, and an understanding that he has to protect the middle of the pitch, winning duels and being a primary ball winner for Liverpool, the 23-year-old could challenge his Dutch colleague for the mantle of this role.

He has similar attributes, the ability to carry forwards, progress play through the lines, and use his body to resist the press, allowing Liverpool to keep possession and play through teams under immense pressure.

The main goal would be converting the Liverpudlian into a more disciplined and stationary player in central areas, as opposed to his box to box role, joining the attack, arriving in the box, and looking to take shots/score goals.

This showed last season, taking 1.81 shots per 90 – compared to only 0.33 of Gravenberch – and the 0.22 goals per 90 last season.

These numbers show the transformation Jones would have to undergo to get ahead of his teammate in this starting XI, but it is definently possible, and if Slot can do this, they will have two excellent options for that role, negating the need to move for a number six next summer. Regardless of that, the fanbase certainly can’t complain at one of their own now being a prominent figure of the first team. Klopp and Co certainly struck gold when they cherry-picked him from the academy.

100% duels won: 8/10 Liverpool star is fast becoming as important as Salah

Liverpool man becoming as important as Salah

By
Connor Holden

Sep 29, 2024