Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear as Tottenham's injury crisis deepens for Ange Postecoglou.
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Dragusin got injured against Elfsborg
Medical scans confirmed an ACL tear
Will undergo surgery later this week
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old sustained the serious knee injury during Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Elfsborg in the Europa League last Thursday. Coming on as a substitute at half-time, Dragusin landed awkwardly while trying to clear his lines and in the process damaged his knee.
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According to the medical examinations confirmed that the damage was significant enough to require immediate surgical intervention, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. Dragusin's injury adds to Postecoglou’s growing list of defensive casualties, further exposing Tottenham’s vulnerability at the back. Spurs were without a recognised centre-half during their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday, forcing Ben Davies and Archie Gray to fill in as emergency defenders. With Cristian Romero still recovering from a thigh injury and Micky van de Ven only just returning from a long-term hamstring problem, Postecoglou has been left with limited options at the back.
DID YOU KNOW?
In a desperate attempt to bolster their defensive ranks before the 11 p.m. transfer deadline on Monday, Spurs reportedly made a last-minute bid for Maxime Esteve from Championship side Burnley. However, their £20 million ($25m) offer was swiftly rejected, with the Clarets valuing the defender at a minimum of £30m ($37m). Nonetheless, they did acquire Kevin Danso from Lens for £20.9m ($21m).
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WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?
There is some hope that Van de Ven will be available to start when Tottenham face Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie at Anfield on Thursday. Postecoglou’s side remains in contention for silverware in the cup competitions, but a top-four Premier League finish looks like a distant dream as they are currently in 14th place in the standings.
Arne Slot's replacement at Feyenoord has been sacked just before a crunch Champions League play-off clash with AC Milan.
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Slot leaves Feyenoord for Liverpool
Prisk replaces him at Dutch giants
Sacked just before UCL play-off
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WHAT HAPPENED?
After Slot joined Liverpool last summer, Pliske took up the reins at the Dutch giants. However, the 47-year-old has been sacked due to 'inconsistent results and a lack of progress'.
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WHAT FEYENOORD SAID
In a statement on the club's website, Feyenoord general and technical director Dennis te Kloese said: “It is very disappointing for all parties that we had to come to this decision. Although Feyenoord has certainly achieved impressive results with Brian in the UEFA Champions League, the past few months have been far too inconsistent and we unfortunately see too little structural progress.
“As a professional and as a person, I still hold Brian in high regard. Sometimes, however, you have to conclude that despite everyone’s good intentions and intentions, it does not work, and at a certain point there is no longer enough support within all levels to continue.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Priske has ultimately paid the price for Feyenoord's league form, with Slot's former side currently fifth in the Eredivisie. They are 12 points behind league leaders Ajax and despite impressing in Europe, the Dane has been dismissed. Now they will likely be managerless for a double-header against Milan in the Champions League.
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WHAT NEXT?
Feyenoord host Christian Pulisic's Milan on Wednesday in the first leg and then travel to Italy for the second leg on February 18.
Whilst many supporters will be desperate for the return of club football, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna may benefit from the two-week break away from the Premier League.
His side are yet to taste victory in the league after their promotion last season, but the Tractor Boys have shown glimpses of heading in the right direction.
The fightback in the encounter against Aston Villa at Portman Road demonstrated that they are more than capable of competing with some of the very best sides in the division.
However, slightly more needs to be done for the club to secure their first win, with McKenna potentially using the recent international break to take his side to the next level.
One player has been an important part of his side over the last couple of years, with the talent still having a huge part to play in the squad during the first top-flight season in over two decades.
Wes Burns’ time at Ipswich Town
After joining from Fleetwood Town back in 2021, winger Wes Burns has enjoyed a ride up from League One all the way to the Premier League during his time at Ipswich.
During his first two seasons at the club, he registered a combined 41 goal contributions in England’s third tier, before achieving double figures in contributions last season in the promotion-winning campaign.
The 29-year-old scored a phenomenal trivela against Coventry City last campaign, with his subsequent strike winning the Championship’s Goal of the Season award for 2023/24.
Despite the heavy investment during the summer transfer window, Burns has remained a key part of McKenna’s plans – starting four of the seven league outings so far this season.
He’s yet to find himself on the scoresheet, but he remains a source of reliability for the Ipswich boss, as he hopes to pull off the impossible and secure the club’s top-flight status for another season.
However, despite his regular minutes for the Tractor Boys, his time for his country hasn’t been as impressive, with the winger failing to impress on Monday night.
Burns’ display against Montenegro
Wales made it two games unbeaten during the current international break, following up their 2-2 draw with Iceland with a 1-0 victory over Montenegro at the beginning of the week.
The suspension for Brennan Johnson allowed for Ipswich winger Burns to start from the off, giving the 29-year-old an opportunity to stake his claim under new boss Craig Bellamy.
However, his display failed to impress, with Burns struggling to make a positive contribution during his international display.
During his 69-minute display last night, the Ipswich ace only managed a total of 36 touches – completing just 19 passes throughout his nation’s victory in Cardiff.
Wes Burns’ stats for Wales against Montenegro
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
69
Touches
36
Passes completed
19/24 (79%)
Shots taken
2
Times caught offside
1
Possession lost
10x
Dribbles completed
1/2 (50%)
Stats via Sofascore
The winger also lost possession ten times whilst completing just 50% of the dribbles he attempted – a disappointing figure given his direct nature at club level.
He did manage to get two shots off during his performance, but neither were on target; he ultimately needed to do better in attacking areas to trouble the opposition’s keeper.
Burns was subsequently handed a 6/10 rating from Wales Online’s Glen Williams, further highlighting his lack of impact for the Welsh.
Whilst it may have been a night to forget for the winger, there’s real hope that he can return to Portman Road to pick up his form from the last couple of months.
The remainder of the campaign will be tricky for McKenna’s side, with the 29-year-old potentially a key part of his plans if the club are to secure survival come the end of May.
Ipswich star just dropped an abject 5/10 display for his country
This Ipswich Town star really struggled to get going for his country.
Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to lure Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate home to France this summer.
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Konate considering Liverpool exit
PSG keen to bring defender back to France
Frenchman's contract expires next summer
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WHAT HAPPENED?
French champions PSG are already planning for the summer and are targeting Liverpool centre-back Konate as one of their additions, according to . Luis Enrique is believed to be after a long-term partner for Marquinhos and views the 25-year-old as an ideal recruit.
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Konate is believed to be tempted by a move back to the city he was born in and where he spent five years in the Paris FC academy, but has put the matter to the back of his mind as Liverpool chase the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup trophies.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 21-cap international has just over a year left on his contract and recently admitted he has turned down Liverpool's first extension offer. His injury troubles have prevented him from playing more than 22 times in a single Premier League season since joining in 2021.
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WHAT NEXT FOR KONATE?
With his contract ticking down, Konate has the power to decide whether his future lies away from Anfield. Should Liverpool win major silverware this term, he may set his heart on a fresh start at a new club.
West Ham United chiefs are believed to have their eyes on an “ambitious” transfer target, in case Lucas Paqueta or Mohammed Kudus leave the London Stadium, which could be a very real possibility in the coming year.
Mohammed Kudus attracting interest as Paqueta awaits FA ruling
The Hammers face losing both Kudus and Paqueta, two star attacking players, in the near future – depending on developments.
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Emilio Galantini
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Paqueta has been charged by the FA for alleged spot-fixing, with the national association accusing him of deliberately seeking a card in an attempt to influence the betting market. The Brazilian has been charged with four breaches, relating to his conduct in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Bournemouth – all within the last two years.
The £150,000-per-week star is expected to face a hearing next March, but West Ham are ready to take the FA to court in defence of Paqueta as they back their star playmaker. The threat of a lifetime ban for Paqueta is potentially looming, so manager Julen Lopetegui and the east Londoners simply must entertain a future without the 27-year-old.
West Ham Results: 2024/25
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
Meanwhile, it is believed that in-form winger Kudus is attracting interest from Barcelona and other elite sides. The Ghanaian, thought to have an £85 million release clause in his contract, could be prised away next summer with West Ham powerless to stop it – if any interested side elects to pay that amount.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
According to WhoScored, Kudus is West Ham’s most threatening player by some way in terms of shots at goal and successful take-ons – averaging 2.9 and 3.3 per game respectively so far this season.
Losing Kudus or Paqueta, potentially even both, would be a big blow for Lopetegui and the club – but it is believed they have their eyes on an “ambitious” replacement in Atalanta attacker Charles de Ketelaere.
West Ham "very strongly considering" move for De Ketelaere
That is according to CaughtOffside, who explain that West Ham are “very strongly considering” De Ketelaere as an ambitious target in the event of losing key attacking stars – citing both Paqueta and Kudus.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the Belgian, but West Ham are apparently a “surprise” name to watch in the race for his signature this summer and seen as real dark horses.
Milan forward Charles De Ketelaere.
Considering the uncertainty surrounding both Kudus and Paqueta, it is believed the Irons could therefore be quicker to the punch than an elite side like Arsenal, given their more glaring need for firepower.
“Off the ball – high presser, great tackler from the front, one of the best tacklers from the front in an offensive position you’ll see,” journalist and podcaster Conor McGilligan.
“His vision is something quite spectacular in Europe at the minute. He’s really got everything. He’s got absolutely everything; his finesse is just fantastic.
“It’s great to see Victor Orta is actually going for these sorts of players.”
Ipswich Town are one of four sides in the Premier League to have failed to win any of their opening eight matches so far this campaign – a new record for the division.
It’s been a stark reminder for the supporters about the gap between England’s first and second division, with this season the first real challenge for boss Kieran McKenna to overcome.
However, the 38-year-old can be proud of his side for their displays so far this campaign, putting up a fight against some of the very best sides in European football, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
His side have been competitive in recent weeks due to the investment from the hierarchy over the summer which saw the Tractor Boys spend around £100m on new additions.
Many of them, including striker Liam Delap, who’s scored four goals, have made an immediate impact at Portman Road, allowing them to reach the next level in their development.
Ipswich Town’s international stars
During the recent international break, Ipswich had eight first-team members away featuring for their country, hoping to bolster their nation’s chances of qualifying for their respective tournaments.
Centre-back Dara O’Shea has been an excellent addition to McKenna’s squad after joining for a reported £15m from Burnley, providing the top-flight experience needed to push through a relegation battle.
He’s started five times in the league since his summer transfer, being part of the backline that kept a clean sheet against Brighton back in September.
The 25-year-old has since featured twice for the Republic of Ireland in the recent break, helping Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side pick up all three points in a hard-fought battle with Finland.
Goalkeeper Aro Muric also starred for Kosovo, featuring just once against Cyprus, but keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 triumph in the Nations League.
He’s been a solid addition after arriving from the same side as O’Shea, with a Man of the Match display against Brighton securing one of their four points so far this season.
However, the club may have made a mistake allowing a player in a similar position to leave the club as a youngster – going on to have a remarkable career in England’s top flight.
The England international who Ipswich let go for free
Goalkeeper Nick Pope was a player who spent his youth years in East Anglia with Ipswich, but ultimately, like many youngsters, his dream would be shattered.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.
The shot-stopper was released at the age of 16, potentially ending his promising career as a professional, well, so he thought anyway.
He would drop into non-league, joining Bury Town, spending three years with the Suffolk outfit before moving to join League One side Charlton Athletic – a move that would kick-start his professional career.
Pope would spend eight separate loan spells away from The Valley, making just 33 appearances for the London side, but it was enough to catch the eye of Burnley, who bought the ‘keeper in 2016.
Nick Pope’s stats for Newcastle (2024/25)
Statistics
Tally
Games played
8
Goals conceded
8
Clean sheets
2
Saves made
35
Save percentage
81%
Goals prevented
3.1
Pass accuracy
64%
Stats via FotMob
Fast-forward to 2024, the 32-year-old now plays for Newcastle United and has made 200 Premier League appearances, whilst also being a consistent member of the England national side – which has seen his value rise to £13.5m as per Transfermarkt.
It’s certainly been a rollercoaster of a career for Pope in recent years, still making an excellent living for himself despite the bitter disappointment of his release 16 years ago.
No one could’ve predicted his rise to the very top of the English game, but given his success, there must be some regret in his release, with the goalkeeper undoubtedly improving the options currently at McKenna’s disposal.
Ipswich let youth star leave for £0, now he’s outperforming Hutchinson
Ipswich Town must have some regrets when it comes to letting this youth player go.
Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy have withdrawn from the England squad, paving the way for Chloe Kelly to earn a Lionesses recall.
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Kelly was initially left out of England squad
Mead & Wubben-Moy have now withdrawn
Paving way for their Arsenal team-mate to return
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Kelly was initially left out of Sarina Wiegman's squad for the February international break, owing to a lack of minutes. However, the withdrawal of two of her Arsenal team-mates has seen her brought in for the upcoming games against Portugal and Spain, just a day after she made her second debut for the Gunners following a January loan move.
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Mead has been struggling with a calf strain in recent weeks and has not played in either of Arsenal's last two outings, despite being on the bench for Sunday's win over Tottenham. Wubben-Moy, meanwhile, was missing from that squad due to a knock, one significant enough to rule her out of this camp. Lucy Parker, the Aston Villa defender, has taken her place in the team.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mead and Wubben-Moy's injuries inflict further absences on an England team that is already without a number of stars for the start of the new Women's Nations League campaign. Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway are all sidelined after undergoing knee surgeries, though Wiegman is at least able to call upon Lauren James, Ella Toone and Niamh Charles again.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
The Lionesses' first fixture of 2025 will see them take on Portugal on Friday before they then return to England to welcome Spain, the world champions, to Wembley next week.
Pep Guardiola has echoed Mikel Arteta by bizarrely blaming different match balls for underwhelming domestic cup performances from Manchester City.
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Arsenal boss complained about Carabao Cup ball
City manager not a fan of FA Cup offering
Different brands used across domestic competitions
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The reigning Premier League champions required teenage midfielder Nico O’Reilly to dig them out of an FA Cup hole during a fifth round tie with Plymouth, as he scored twice in a 3-1 victory that saw City battle back from falling behind to the Championship giant killers – who had dumped Liverpool out at the previous stage.
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City failed to trouble the target with 10 of their efforts on goal, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rico Lewis skewing shots over the crossbar or wide of the post. Guardiola has suggested that the Mitre ball used in FA Cup competition is to blame for the finishing faux pas from his side.
WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID
Guardiola told reporters: “Normally the ball goes inside from these shots. It's difficult to control it. Many years, many players and managers say about that. When you lose it [sounds like] you're complaining but the ball is not right. I’m sorry. In many years it's happened in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, I know it's a business and they come to agreements.”
He went on to say when asked if he has asked for the relevant balls to be changed: “I've said it for many years. I'd like to play Champions League when we play on Wednesday, we play on Saturday… play on Sunday. There are things out of our control.
“I’ve said my opinion and the people say fine or not fine. We won so people will be nice to me but if we lose I would think the same. I would not say it because I don’t want to be punished but it’s the truth. The Champions League ball is exceptional, the Premier League ball is exceptional, but this one is not good.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal boss Arteta aired similar grievances back in January after seeing the Gunners lose a Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle. He said of the PUMA-branded balls in that competition: “It's just different. It's very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that. It flies different… when you touch it, the grip is very different as well so you have to adapt to that.”
There is no escaping it: Arsenal have endured a rough start to the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked impressive in their first few games, but since then, they have dropped points in five of their ten Premier League games, and while it might not be the end of the world, Edu Gaspar’s surprise decision to leave feels ill-timed.
Now, the North Londoners have certainly had their fair share of bad luck in terms of injuries, suspensions and questionable referee decisions, but when it comes down to it, the players just haven’t been good enough.
It’s not just their defence that has been uncharacteristically poor either; the attack has underwhelmed, and players like Leandro Trossard look a shadow of their former selves, which is bad news for the Belgian, as Arsenal were linked with an exciting attacker in the summer who could be his perfect upgrade.
Trossard's season so far
It would be fair to say that, from a personal perspective, last season was a brilliant one for Trossard, as he ended the campaign with an impressive haul of 17 goals and two assists in 46 games and, towards the backend, had surpassed Gabriel Martinelli as Arteta’s go-to option off the left.
So, there was an expectation that he’d continue his stellar form this year, and while he’s had moments of brilliance, like the goal against Aston Villa, it’s been a largely frustrating three months for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace.
For example, in his 13 appearances across all competitions, he’s scored twice, provided a single assist, been sent off, and has generally looked off the pace, which could not have been said of his performances in 23/24 or the latter half of 22/23.
In fact, his attempts to make up for Martin Odegaard’s absence in the middle of the park have been so lacklustre that fans have been clamouring for Arteta to start 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri over him in recent weeks, as in his short cameos and League Cup appearances the teenager has shown more urgency and attacking threat than his senior teammate.
Ultimately, with Martinelli once again starting the majority of games on the left and his poor showings in the midfield, it might be time for Arsenal to look for a replacement.
The good news is that they were linked with the perfect candidate in the summer, someone who can play in both positions and do so with aplomb.
Why Arsenal should sign the incredible Ballon d'Or nominee
The star player Arsenal should be looking to sign in 2025 is Ademola Lookman, and it was only a few months ago he was linked with a move to N5 for fees reaching up to £59m.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Now, the Nigerian international might not be the name at the top of every fan’s wishlist, but he has been in sensational form for Atalanta over the last year or so, and his final placing of 14th in the Ballon d’Or is proof as much, especially as Bukayo Saka finished in 21st.
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For example, in his 45 appearances for the Bergamo side last season, he scored 17 goals – including a hat-trick in the Europa League final – and provided ten assists.
That equates to a goal involvement every 1.66 games, and this season he’s already scored seven goals and provided five assists in 12 matches, which is an average of a goal involvement every game.
Furthermore, the “blistering” phenom, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has underlying numbers just as impressive as his level of output.
According to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, he sits in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals, the top 3% for assists, the top 5% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 11% for touches in the opposition box and the top 12% for total shots, all per 90.
Lookman’s Atalanta record
Season
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
33
45
12
Goals
15
17
7
Assists
8
10
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.69
0.60
1
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Finally, the former Everton star is also incredibly versatile, and while he’s played mainly in the second-striker and striker positions this season, his most played position is off the left, and he has plenty of experience playing off the right and in midfield to boot.
Ultimately, Lookman has been one of the most exciting and effective attackers in Europe for over a year now, and thanks to his ability to play anywhere across the frontline and in attacking midfield, he’d be the ideal replacement for Trossard either in January or the summer.
Arsenal want to make £101m Havertz replacement their first signing post-Edu
The sensational goalscoring “machine” would be incredible in this Arsenal side.
West Ham United might well need some January reinforcements to bolster their survival hopes in the Premier League this season. It has been a poor campaign so far for Julen Lopetegui’s side, and they sit 14th in the Premier League so far, having racked up just 12 points.
Already, the transfer rumours have begun to fly around for exactly who the Hammers could recruit over the January transfer window. It certainly seems as though Lopetegui will need to add depth to his squad as they continue to fight relegation.
With that in mind, here is a look at West Ham’s dream XI if the East Londoners manage to sign some of their rumoured January targets.
1
GK – Lukas Fabianski
Lukasz Fabianki for West Ham
At 39 years of age, It seemed as though Lukas Fabianski’s Hammers career was over. The Polish goalkeeper was second choice for much of the past two seasons to French World Cup winner Alphonse Areola.
However, he has managed to displace the former Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain shot-stopper in the side this season. He has started the last three Premier League games, keeping a clean sheet last time out, and seems set to continue in that role after the international break.
2
RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One of several summer signings for the Hammers, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed for the Hammers at the start of his career in East London. The 26-year-old has played 11 times for the club this season, following his £15m move from Manchester United.
Football presenter Dougie Critchley described him as the Hammers’ “best summer signing”, which is impressive given he was one of nine new additions. It seems more than likely that he will keep his place in the side.
3
CB – Jean-Clair Todibo
Jean-Clair Todibo at West Ham
Another new addition last summer was Jean-Clair Todibo, who made a loan move from French side OGC Nice, which can become permanent. The defender has impressed since moving to London, making eight Premier League appearances so far.
His ball-playing skills make him a fantastic option at the heart of the Hammers’ defence. Todibo averages a pass completion rate of 89.4% as per FBref this season, better than any of his teammates who average at least one full 90 minute game.
4
CB – Max Kilman
Max Kilman
Like his centre-back partner in this proposed team, Max Kilman was another summer signing, joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has been a pivotal player at the heart of the defence at the London Stadium this season.
The 27-year-old has completed 90 minutes in every single game this term and has been colossal at the back. His 64 clearances and 16 blocks in the top flight are more than any of his new teammates so far.
5
LB – Jayden Oosterwolde
The first proposed new signing in this dream West Ham XI is Jayden Oosterwolde. The East Londoners have been linked with the Fenerbahce defender as per Turkish reports via Sport Witness, and he could cost a fee of around £16.7m.
The 23-year-old Dutchman, who can also play at centre-back, could replace first-choice left-back Emerson. This term, the defender has played eight times, although is currently sidelined with an injury. He was compared to versatile French defender Lucas Hernandez by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
For just £16.7m, this could be a bargain for the Hammers as they look to sure things up at the back, having conceded 19 goals this term.
6
CM – Guido Rodriguez
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez
Experienced World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez is the first midfielder in this Hammers lineup. He has featured in all 11 of their top-flight games this term, providing defensive nous and allowing others the licence to get forwards.
He certainly does his job well. Rodriguez has made 36 ball recoveries and 35 tackles and interceptions this term. In the latter metric, he is bettered by just one player in the Hammers squad. He seems a crucial player under Lopetegui now.
7
CM – Andy Diouf
The second proposed addition to the Hammers in January is midfielder Andy Diouf. The France under-23 international currently plays at RC Lens and has performed to a high level. GiveMeSport suggest that he is a target for West Ham, as well as London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old has been superb in the midfield for the French outfit this season. He has played 11 times, with a goal and an assist to his name. He is a wonderful ball-carrier, and averages 4.18 progressive carries per game, ranking him in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues, as per FBref.
Described as a “menace” by football scout Antonio Mango, Diouf could be a superb addition for the Hammers in midfield.
8
RW – Jarrod Bowen
West Ham’s captain has impressed this season, in what has been a tough campaign so far. The England international has four goals and two assists to his name, having played 13 games in all competitions.
Perhaps his best performance came against newly-promoted Ipswich Town. That day. Bowen scored and assisted to lead his side to a crucial 4-1 victory. He will no doubt be hoping to rediscover his best form soon as they battle relegation.
9
AM – Lucas Paqueta
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
Hammers fans might count themselves lucky that talisman Lucas Paqueta is still playing at the London Stadium. He was a target for Manchester City last summer, although an off-field issue meant he stayed at the club.
The Brazil international has featured in all 11 Premier League games, with two goals to his name. He has not really been at his best but has still created 12 chances in the Premier League, bettered only by Bowen.
10
LW – Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
The third member of West Ham’s dynamic front three is Mohammed Kudus. Although his best position might be further infield, the attacker would surely be given a license by Lopetegui to drift around the pitch.
He has played eight times this term, scoring twice. Unsurprisingly, the Ghanaian forward has shown off the flair he possesses when dribbling. His 28 successful take-ons are more than any other West Ham player this term.