7 most expensive Premier League January transfers including Chelsea and Liverpool deals

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 31, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The seven most expensive January transfers in Premier League history, including Enzo Fernandez and Virgil van Dijk agreeing record-setting moves to Chelsea and Liverpool.

Top-flight teams in England have fluttered millions upon millions in recent winter markets in a move to improve. But not every deal has proven as successful as Liverpool signing Van Dijk for a world-record fee for a defender. Managers also like to claim January is a tough market.

Clubs must weigh up rocking their boat with a mid-season move with finding the player who takes them to another level. Chelsea have often been among the clubs prepared to spend in January and even feature four times in the seven most expensive Premier League transfers…

1) Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to FC Barcelona, January 2018)

Liverpool were involved in the most expensive January transfer in Premier League history to date, though, when they sold Philippe Coutinho to FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana broke their bank to sign the Brazilian in January 2018 for an initial £105m rising to £142m with add-ons.

The upfront fee for the midfielder’s transfer also marked a British record at the time. He also made Liverpool a huge profit, having joined from Inter Milan in January 2013 for £8.5m. The Rio de Janeiro native left Anfield after recording 54 goals and 45 assists in 201 appearances.

But Barcelona’s seismic investment did not work out for the Catalan giants. Coutinho’s move from Liverpool backfired hugely for the Blaugrana as he only penned 25 goals and 14 assists in 106 games. They also sent the playmaker on loan to Bayern Munich for the 2019/20 term.

Coutinho had helped Barcelona win back-to-back La Liga titles in 2017/18 and ‘18/19 before joining Der FCB. Yet his return to Camp Nou never saw Coutinho live up to his price tag. They would cut their losses in May 2022 and sold him to Aston Villa for £17m after his initial loan.

Aston Villa had hired Coutinho on loan in January 2022 to reunite the midfielder with Steven Gerrard in Birmingham. But after scoring six and assisting three goals in 43 games, they sent him on loan to Al-Duhail. He will spend the 2023/24 season at the Qatar Stars League squad.

2) Enzo Fernandez (SL Benfica to Chelsea, January 2023)

SL Benfica held Chelsea to ransom in January 2023 as the Premier League side targeted the transfer of Fernandez. The Blues eventually spent £107m on the midfielder, who had cost As Aguias just €10m (£8.5m) rising to €18m (£15.5m) the prior July when departing River Plate.

Fernandez secured Benfica a vast profit on the back of FIFA naming the San Martin-born ace as the Young Player of the Tournament at the 2022 World Cup. He also helped Argentina win their third World Cup title in Qatar after scoring one goal and assisting another in seven ties.

Chelsea’s managerial merry-go-round of Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and, now, Mauricio Pochettino have all kept Fernandez as a key part of their team since his transfer. But it took Fernandez 31 Premier League appearances before the midfielder scored his first Blues goal.

3) Mykhailo Mudryk (Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea, January 2023)

Chelsea had already secured one of the most expensive January transfers in Premier League history before signing Fernandez in 2023, as well. The Stamford Bridge outfit paid Shakhtar Donetsk an initial £62m rising to £89m after add-ons to sign Mykhailo Mudryk that January.

Blues chiefs bet big on the Ukraine winger to fend off rival interest from Arsenal in his move. Mudryk was highly sought after among London’s elite after scoring 12 and assisting 17 goals in 44 Shakhtar Donetsk games. His haul included three goals in 12 Champions League ties.

Yet Chelsea’s transfer looked like a mistake during most of 2023 as Mudryk failed to live up to the fee. The forward took until his 21st Premier League appearance to score his first goal. Mudryk has also produced an array of useless displays where he has lacked an end product.

4) Virgil van Dijk (Southampton to Liverpool, January 2018)

Liverpool welcomed Van Dijk to Anfield in January 2018 after agreeing a £75m transfer with then-Premier League rivals Southampton. The Reds and Saints reached an agreement about the deal – which was also a world-record fee for a defender at the time – in December 2017.

Van Dijk had come close to joining Liverpool in the previous summer sales. But his move was worth the wait as the centre-half took Jurgen Klopp’s defence to another level. He was often one of the best defenders around the world before suffering an ACL injury in October 2020.

Few strikers could beat Van Dijk as he presented a formidable wall on Merseyside. His role in Klopp’s backline was also a fundamental aspect behind Liverpool sealing their first top-flight title in 30 years in 2019/20. But Van Dijk is still yet to get back to his levels before the injury.

5) Oscar (Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG, January 2017)

As well as ranking highly for the fees Chelsea have paid on transfers in Januarys, the Premier League team also feature amongst the top five for the sale of Oscar to Shanghai SIPG. They accepted a £60m offer from the Chinese outfit in December 2016 to sell him during January.

The Brazilian departed Stamford Bridge having played in 203 games across all competitions. He also left west London on the back of scoring 38 times and assisting 37 goals. Oscar is at Shanghai SIPG – now called Shanghai Port – today and is the Super League outfit’s captain.

6) Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea, January 2019)

The January 2019 transfer window went off with a bang when Chelsea agreed on terms with Borussia Dortmund for Christian Pulisic to move to the Premier League. Blues chiefs reached a deal for a £58m move but allowed the USMNT talent to stay in Germany until the summer.

Pulisic was 20 years old at the time but eventually left the Westfalenstadion having played in 127 games. He also offered BVB 19 goals and 26 assists but often struggled for consistency in Germany. The winger’s move to Chelsea would also not secure Pulisic a long-term home.

Chelsea cut their losses on Pulisic in July 2023 after accepting a £20m offer from AC Milan. It brought the curtain down on a Stamford Bridge career that returned 145 appearances for 26 goals and 21 assists. Pulisic further only started in 58 of his 98 Premier League games.

7) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao to Manchester City, January 2018)

Liverpool were not the only Premier League side to seal an expensive transfer for a defender in January 2018. Manchester City also bet big that month when signing Aymeric Laporte for £57m. His move from Athletic Bilbao was also a club record sum for the Citizens at the time.

Yet unlike Van Dijk, Laporte is already no longer in the Premier League. Al Nassr paid £23.5m to sign the Spain international in August 2023. He quit Etihad Stadium having lifted 12 major honours under Pep Guardiola, including five Premier League titles plus a Champions League.

Laporte also lifted the EFL Cup four times and the FA Cup twice before leaving the Citizens in 2023. His switch to Al Nassr closed out an Etihad Stadium career featuring 180 games for 12 goals and four assists. But Laporte opened 115 of an aviable 158 Premier League games.

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'The nerve to do that': Peter Schmeichel wowed by Chelsea player after win over Luton

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 31, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Peter Schmeichel has lauded Cole Palmer and the calmness to his game following Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Luton Town on Saturday.

As per, Chelsea made things very difficult for themselves because, despite going 3-0 up, they were scrapping and clawing their way over the finished line by the time the final whistle was blown.

Whilst Chelsea showcased that panic towards the end, one man who remained calm and composed was Cole Palmer.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was wowed by the ‘nerve’ he showed for his second goal when he knocked the ball past the keeper, kept the ball as Luton players were sliding around him, before knocking the ball into the back of the net.

The Manchester United legend added that the £43 million signing is proving to be a ‘very, very promising young player’, as he told Premier League Productions (30/12/23 at 8:20 pm).

From the 21-year-old’s 17 Premier League games for Chelsea, he has eight goals and four assists. He is already proving to be one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most important players. 

“He is a very, very promising young player,” said Schmeichel. “And he is delivering literally every game.

“This touch, by the way, (Palmer’s second goal v Luton). The touch past the goalkeeper with his studs is just incredible. He just rolls it on his feet. This is a young man, what is he 21? Look at this. That little touch. To have the nerve to do that.”

Cole Palmer’s progression

It needs to be noted that the recently-capped England star didn’t need to leave Manchester City.

He was very comfortable in his surroundings. Playing for the best club side in the world. The best manager and with some of the best players.

Plus, the Manchester City academy product had just won the Treble and his minutes were only going to increase at the Etihad.

But Palmer decided to make the brave call to join Chelsea, a sinking ship, and take up the challenge of trying to push them up the table again. 

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‘The best’: Lucas Moura and Emerson Royal react to news coming out of Tottenham

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 31, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

After 11 years of service, Hugo Lloris has exited the Tottenham Hotspur stage.

The 37-year-old has secured a free transfer to MLS side Los Angeles FC where he will now write the final chapter of his career.

Signed in 2012 when Andre Villas-Boas was in charge, Hugo Lloris has served Tottenham very well and will go down as a much-loved figure at the club.

When Spurs announced the news of his departure via their official website, a number of his former and current teammates reacted.

Lucas Moura simply wrote the word ‘legend’ via his Instagram story – he is now playing for São Paulo after leaving Spurs in the summer.

Emerson Royal added via his Instagram story that Hugo Lloris is ‘the best’. 

From constant finishes in the Champions League, a fruitful period under Mauricio Pochettino and reaching the Champions League final.

This was some journey from the Frenchman, not forgetting that he lifted the 2018 World Cup for France whilst being at the peak of his powers at Hotspur Way.

Guglielmo Vicario a very good replacement

It was obvious for a while that Lloris needed replacing, but it wasn’t going to be easy because Spurs had to replace someone who had held the fort for a long time, even though he was producing error-prone performances at the end.

But the new man in between the sticks – Guglielmo Vicario – isn’t just doing well, but performing beyond what fans would have expected.

Never mind putting in strong performances, you could argue that Vicario has been one of the signings of the summer.

So, as Lloris departs, the club now have a player who can fill that role in the best possible way and for a long period.

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Conflicting reports emerge on Tottenham Hotspur talks to sign 'really important' midfielder

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 30, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Mixed reports are emerging on Tottenham Hotspur making a move to sign midfielder Conor Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window.

We are now just a matter of hours away from the transfer window opening and Tottenham are looking to get business done.

A deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin appears to be moving closer but Spurs would also like to add another midfielder.

Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are both heading to the Africa Cup of Nations whilst Rodrigo Bentancur remains on the treatment table.

Add in the doubts over Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s long-term future and it’s no surprise to hear Tottenham being linked with a midfielder or two…

Conflicting rumours on Tottenham’s pursuit of Conor Gallagher

Royal Antwerp talent Arthur Vermeeren is thought to be a prime target for Tottenham, but so is Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Gianluca Di Marzio has sparked intrigue by reporting that Tottenham are working on a deal and trying to reach an agreement with Chelsea for Gallagher.

It’s suggested that a deal worth around £40million is in the pipeline with Di Marzio claiming that negotiations are ‘underway’.

However, that information hasn’t been backed up elsewhere and some are reporting that talks haven’t even been held.

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims that Tottenham do have Gallagher high on their transfer wish list, but there has been no contact with Chelsea as things stand.

It’s a similar story from The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor too, as he claims that no talks have been held with Chelsea yet.

Gallagher started and played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea on Saturday as they beat Luton Town 3-2.

Gallagher captained Chelsea too with Reece James once again out of action through injury.

It’s clear that Mauricio Pochettino values Gallagher highly and the Argentinian recently called him ‘really important’ for Chelsea.

Pochettino would surely hate to see Gallagher leave, especially to a London rival in Tottenham, and we really can’t see this move materialising in January with Spurs focusing their funds on a defender right now.

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Fabrizio Romano claims 'fast' Barcelona target nearing Spurs transfer after Postecoglou decision

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 30, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing towards a deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin as the transfer window moves just hours away.

It’s no great secret that Tottenham need to add another centre back in the January transfer window.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both out injured right now, exposing Tottenham’s lack of depth at the back.

Signing at least one centre back is an absolute must for Tottenham and a new signing now appears to be moving closer…

Tottenham Hotspur move in for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Tottenham are pushing to sign Genoa centre back Radu Dragusin.

Romano claims on YouTube that Tottenham are set to send an official bid for Dragusin after opening talks for the Romanian on Friday.

It’s stated that Dragusin has already accepted a move to Tottenham and he has the backing of boss Ange PostecoglouFabrizio Romano claims ‘fast’ Barcelona now nearing Spurs transfer after Postecoglou decision.

The Australian allegedly feels that Dragusin ‘could be perfect’ for Tottenham’s back line as he enters a second transfer window as Spurs boss.

Romano adds that the deal is ‘advancing’ and ‘going very well’ with an expectation of a €30million (£26million) deal being agreed.

Barcelona are thought to have scouted Dragusin on a number of occasions but can’t do a January deal, giving Spurs the window of opportunity to strike.

“Tottenham, exclusive information from yesterday night, opened official talks with Genoa and are preparing an official bid for Radu Dragusin, the Romanian centre back who is doing great in Serie A,” said Romano. “He’s a player who already said yes to Tottenham’s project, Ange Postecoglou already said yes to the player, he appreciates Dragusin, he believes that Dragusin could be perfect for Tottenham’s project.”

“Now the negotiation is club-to-club because everything with the player will be okay. Now, Genoa and Tottenham are in negotiations and the fee is going to be around €30million. The negotiation is advancing, everything is going very well, and so the idea is for Dragusin to be the favourite at centre back for Tottenham’s project.”

“What we can say is that also Barcelona sent their scouts multiple times to watch Radu Dragusin, in September, October and November, and Newcastle too, but Newcastle decided not to invest big money in that position at the moment, not on Dragusin at least, and Barcelona will not do that kind of investment in the January window,” he added.

Why do Tottenham want Dragusin?

One of the key aspects with Dragusin is that he is right-footed but has played many games as a left-sided centre back.

That means Postecoglou can be comfortable with using Dragusin as cover for both Romero and Van de Ven, rather than just one.

The 21-year-old is a major physical presence at 6ft 3in tall and he has shown a very aggressive style of defending.

Dragusin wants to be on the front foot as a centre back and there are parallels to Romero, who was also on the books at Juventus and Genoa like Dragusin.

Dragusin has the recovery speed – having been described as ‘fast’ by Giorgio Chiellini – and athleticism of Van de Ven with shades of the aggression and ball-playing ability we see from Romero.

There is still plenty of developing for Dragusin to do over the coming years but we can certainly understand Tottenham’s thinking here as Postecoglou seeks to add defensive depth early into the window.

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‘Every time’: Sky pundit stunned by ‘class’ Tottenham target Man Utd seemingly also want

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 30, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has stunned Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in his transfer for January.

The 21-year-old has been a star for the Toffees this term after forcing his way into boss Sean Dyche’s plans. Branthwaite started the season among Everton’s substitutes but has started 17 of their last 18 Premier League fixtures. He only sat out their win at Burnley due to a ban.

Branthwaite has been a rock at the back for the Blues but received five yellow cards over his first 14 outings. The England U21 enforcer’s efforts are also attracting interest from rival top-flight teams. TEAMtalk has listed Tottenham and Manchester United as suitors for a transfer.

Tottenham and Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite’s transfer

Tottenham and Manchester United have scouted Branthwaite for more than a year after first taking an interest in a transfer while the Everton defender was on loan to PSV Eindhoven. He spent the 2022/23 campaign in the Netherlands and also helped Boeren take the KNVB Cup.

But TEAMtalk adds that Everton are using Wesley Fofana’s £75m transfer from Leicester City to Chelsea in August 2022 as a marker for their price tag. The Toffees believe Branthwaite is worth a similar fee, especially if either of Spurs or the Red Devils tables a bid during January.

Sue Smith has praised Everton’s ‘class’ centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite also only just agreed to sign a new contract at Goodison Park through until June 2027 in October. So, Everton believe they can match Fofana’s £75m transfer to Chelsea with the Carlisle United product. His transfer would also go a long way to easing their FFP issues.

Tottenham and Manchester United must now decide if they are prepared to spend £75m on Branthwaite’s transfer in January. Everton’s fans are certainly hoping neither comes forward with an offer, it seems. Smith has joked that the Blues’ supporters want him to avoid praise.

“A lot of Everton fans say, ‘Don’t big Branthwaite up’,” she joked on Sky Sports News (30/12, 15:41). “He’s a class act. Every time he gets the ball, he’s just so calm and composed when he gets it. [He] reads the game so well [and] he’s got that pace to get back in.”

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‘I don’t see’: Chris Sutton expects Burnley to fail to keep Aston Villa 28-year-old ‘quiet’

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 30, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Chris Sutton has issued his prediction for Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Burnley, whilst also backing Ollie Watkins to give the Clarets trouble.

The Villa Park natives welcome Vincent Kompany’s team to Birmingham for their final fixture of 2023. Aston Villa will end this year inside the top four of the Premier League table if they avoid a defeat. Burnley are already certain to see in the New Year inside the relegation zone.

Both clubs will also want to end the year on a high after losing their previous game. Watkins could not help Aston Villa to avoid a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United. While Liverpool dealt Burnley a 2-0 defeat at Turf Moor, with Kompany’s team the worst at home in the top-flight.

Aston Villa are the Premier League’s best team on home soil

No Premier League side has earnt fewer points on home soil so far this season than Burnley with three. Aston Villa, on the other hand, are the best in the division with 25 of a potential 27. Only relegation-threatened Sheffield United have denied Unai Emery’s team the win yet.

Kompany is so far relying on Burnley’s away form to keep the Lancashire side within reach of safety. They have scored eight points on the road with two wins and two draws in nine trips. But Sutton has predicted Aston Villa will hand Burnley their sixth defeat with their ninth win.

Chris Sutton predicts Ollie Watkins will inspire a 2-0 win vs Burnley

Celtic hero Sutton tips Watkins to return to form on Saturday and inspire a 2-0 win as Aston Villa host Burnley. The 28-year-old has failed to score across his past two appearances after firing nine in 12 games. He also recorded four assists throughout the striker’s prolific streak.

Watkins boasts eight assists and nine goals through 19 Premier League games in total so far this season. So, Sutton expects Burnley will fail to keep him ‘quiet’ as Watkins leads Emery’s Aston Villa to the win. He does not feel the Clarets’ away record will be enough on Saturday.

Sutton told BBC Sport: “Aston Villa have slipped up in their past two games, against Sheffield United and Manchester United, picking up one point when I thought they would take all six.

“Villa manager Unai Emery said after their defeat at Old Trafford that he is still happy to have 39 points. And he was quite right to emphasise the fact they have over-achieved. But they are surely disappointed not to have pushed on in the past week.

“Still, they should bounce back here. Burnley have picked up more points away than at home. But I don’t see them keeping Ollie Watkins quiet.”

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Premier League January 2024 transfers: Every done deal

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 30, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The Premier League January 2024 transfer window is just around the corner and like always, it’s going to be busy and it’s going to be hectic.

January is notoriously a difficult month to recruit in for Premier League sides. Clubs around the world take more of a hardball stance in regards to negotiations given the window is slap bang in the middle of the campaign, as Premier League outfits do their all to strengthen squads relative to their end-of-season objectives.

Last January, records tumbled as £815m was splurged by Premier League clubs across the 2023 window. That was an all-time high and almost double of what was spent in 2018 (£430m), the previous milestone.

Brighton will definitely kick proceedings off for the January transfer window after reaching an agreement to sign Romanian winger Adrian Mazilu from Farul Constanta. He will join when the window opens on Sunday, January 1.

The window will close on Thursday, February 1 at 11pm. Here, we will list every other completed Premier League transfer throughout the January 2024 window including all incomings and outgoings.

Premier League January 2024 done deals

Arsenal January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Aston Villa January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Bournemouth January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Brentford January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Brighton January signings and exits

Ins:

• Adrian Mazilu – Farul Constanta – £3m

Outs: None

Burnley January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Chelsea January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Crystal Palace January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Everton January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Fulham January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Liverpool January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Luton Town January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Man City January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Man Utd January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Newcastle United January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Nottingham Forest January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Sheffield United January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Tottenham January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

West Ham January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

Wolves January signings and exits

Ins: None

Outs: None

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£12m Tottenham Hotspur player in talks to leave as Fabrizio Romano claims ‘green light’

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 28, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could be closing in on a departure with MLS side LAFC now pushing forward with a deal.

Tottenham decided to change up their goalkeeping picture over the summer.

In came Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli with the Italian immediately becoming Tottenham’s new first-choice stopper.

The big call was to essentially freeze Hugo Lloris out of contention following a disappointing campaign last season.

Lloris was expected to leave Tottenham over the summer but no deal materialised, meaning Lloris has become a forgotten man.

The World Cup winner hasn’t made a single appearance this season and is expected to leave Tottenham in 2024 with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Hugo Lloris could leave Tottenham Hotspur for LAFC

Fabrizio Romano now reports that Major League Soccer side LAFC are ‘advancing in talks’ to sign Lloris.

Tottenham have already given the ‘green light’ according to Romano and the deal is now being discussed between LAFC, Lloris and his representatives.

The ball is in Lloris’s court and the French goalkeeper will now make a decision in the coming days as a move to MLS is a ‘concrete’ possibility.

LAFC finished as runners up in the MLS playoffs and are looking to go one better in the 2024 season.

Gareth Bale’s former club are being ruthless and have declined contract options on goalkeepers John McCarthy and Eldin Jakupovic.

Lloris would almost certainly be signed as first-choice stopper for LAFC, which may appeal to the 37-year-old after being frozen out at Tottenham.

Lloris has given great service to Tottenham having arrived from Lyon for £12million back in 2012, racking up nearly 450 appearances for the club.

The time has come for Lloris to leave and with links to Newcastle United going nowhere, Los Angeles could be the new home for Lloris.

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‘So happy’: Reece James & Tino Livramento delighted for £58m Chelsea star v Crystal Palace

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 27, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

It has been a long time coming, but Romeo Lavia finally made his Chelsea debut.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side left it late to beat a spirited Crystal Palace side 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Just before the hour mark, Romeo Lavia was introduced into the action, to the delight of Reece James and Newcastle United defender, Tino Livramento, as they posted on Instagram.

When the £58 million summer capture came onto the pitch, Chelsea were level with their London rivals and at risk of losing another game, or at least, dropping more points.  

But the 19-year-old had a positive impact and will now be hoping to string a number of games together for his depleted team.

The player himself sent a small message to the Chelsea fans on Instagram, where he highlighted how difficult it has been during these past few months and how he is ‘grateful to be back on the pitch’. 

Reece James and Tino Livramento react to Romeo Lavia’s return

Chelsea’s injured right-back told his fellow teammate in the comments section of his IG post: “So happy for you man”, whilst Tino Livramento added a love heart and raising hands emoji and Cole Palmer simply wrote: “Lovely’.

Places up for grabs for Romeo Lavia

There was a lot of noise and spotlight around Lavia’s arrival in the summer, mainly because other clubs were also keen on the midfielder.

Fast forward to the present and the Chelsea fans are hoping he can lift them from their current slump.

Despite Pochettino having so many players to deal with and a bloated squad, there are still many places up for grabs because of below-par performances and this is now Lavia’s chance to take it.

Given that the Belgium international is still getting back to full fitness, he probably won’t be starting games yet, but that Chelsea midfield needs life and consistency, so can Lavia provide it?

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Report: Tottenham moving ahead of Arsenal in race for wonderkid as Udogie repeat targeted

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 27, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing a move for Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren in the hope of a cunning January deal.

Tottenham have seen Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr kick on under Ange Postecoglou after difficult campaigns last season.

Spurs may still chase more depth in midfield though, especially with questions over Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s long-term future.

A number of midfielders have already been linked with Tottenham and there could be an exciting move in the pipeline…

Tottenham Hotspur eye clever deal for Arthur Vermeeren

The Sun report that Tottenham are trying to pull off a deal worth around £25million for Royal Antwerp talent Arthur Vermeeren.

It’s suggested that Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona all want Vermeeren.

However, Tottenham are now at ‘the front of the queue’ because they are willing to let Vermeeren go back to Belgium on loan.

Tottenham pulled off a similar deal in 2022, signing Destiny Udogie whilst allowing him to stay at Udinese on loan.

That move worked wonders with Udogie continuing his development in Italy before shining in the Premier League.

Vermeeren is only 18 and Tottenham may pay around £25million to sign him but allow him to see out the campaign with Royal Antwerp.

That would surely appeal to Antwerp more than a straight sale, especially as they battle for a top six place this season.

Vermeeren has emerged as a real wonderkid in Belgium and has ‘enormous potential’ according to Antwerp teammate and former Spurs star Toby Alderweireld.

This would be an enormous coup for Tottenham but we do have some doubts about this potential arrangement.

Yes, it worked well with Udogie and Tottenham may be tempted to go down that route again, but Spurs may need a midfielder for an immediate impact in January.

Bissouma and Sarr will be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations and spending money on a midfielder to arrive six months down the line may be a bold decision.

Maybe Tottenham feel that they can get by and that the long-term benefit of signing Vermeeren outweighs any short-term issues, and this would be a real statement if Spurs can get on Vermeeren on board for years to come.

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‘Probably a little surprised’: Michael Dawson shocked by performances of £17m Tottenham star

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 27, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Guglielmo Vicario has been a breath of fresh air for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 27-year-old was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for £17.2 million from Serie A side, Empoli. 

Whilst ex-Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson expected strong performances from Guglielmo Vicario, even he is ‘surprised’ by how quick of an impact he has had, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (26/12/23 at 2:30 pm).

With the 2023/24 Premier League season at the halfway stage, talk was about who would make the Team of the Season so far.

And Michael Dawson was keen to put Guglielmo Vicario’s name forward as the number one goalkeeper, and in truth, you can’t blame him.

Tottenham’s new shot-stopper has been so paramount to their strong start to the season, which also saw them sitting top of the Premier League table for several weeks.

Given the open nature in which Ange Postecoglou’s side play, this makes Guglielmo Vicario’s performances even better.

Guglielmo Vicario surprise at Tottenham

“I think he has been magnificent since he came through the doors at Spurs,” said Dawson. “Probably a little surprised he has hit the ground running as quickly as he has.

“Certainly a surprise for me. How is he going to settle in? How is he going to be? The style of play that Ange Postecoglou has them playing.

“He plays very short. But the saves he makes, he is a sweeper keeper you can say. I think he has been absolutely magnificent, so he is in the team for me.”

Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham’s best buy?

For once, Spurs have got a lot of things right in the transfer market. For years, the recruitment has been shabby, but not now.

It helps when you have a manager – Ange Postecoglou – who just ticks nearly every box Spurs want him to tick.

And whilst the likes of Micky van de Ven and James Maddison get plaudits for being Tottenham’s best signings this season.

It could be argued that Vicario is perhaps the best of the lot and certainly one of the best pound-for-pound buys in the league itself.

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'He's perfect': Jamie O'Hara thinks red-hot Arsenal target is actually ideal for Tottenham move

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 27, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Pundit Jamie O’Hara would love to see Tottenham Hotspur beat Arsenal in the race to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham continue to score regularly under Ange Postecoglou despite selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in August.

Son Heung-min has been in fine form whilst Richarlison has found his shooting boots after a difficult first season at Spurs.

Tottenham may still look to add another striker in 2024 though with Postecoglou harbouring hopes of a top-four finish.

Jamie O’Hara backs Tottenham interest in Dominic Solanke

One name being linked with a move to Tottenham is Bournemouth hitman Dominic Solanke.

Reports earlier in December indicated that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur had all lined up Solanke as a transfer target.

That report indicated that Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to bring Solanke to the Emirates Stadium but rumours with Spurs appear to be accelerating.

The Sun added on Christmas Day that Tottenham are looking at Solanke as a bigger transfer target than Brighton and Hove Albion’s Even Ferguson.

Tottenham certainly appear to be interested in the former Liverpool man and pundit Jamie O’Hara – a former Spurs man in his playing days – loves the rumour.

O’Hara has told TalkSPORT (26/12, 7:20am) that he thinks Solanke is truly ‘perfect’ for Spurs and would ‘love’ to see him join Tottenham.

O’Hara thinks that Bournemouth just can’t let Solanke go in January but may well accept an offer in the region of £80million to £90million in the summer.

“I just don’t see how Bournemouth can let him go,” O’Hara said. “The fact that they were tipped to go down this season and then all of a sudden, they’ve found some great form and are playing well.

“At the end of the season, if someone comes in for £80 to £90 million, then we’ll let you go and we can rebuild from there with a couple of decent players that they can buy, but I can’t see how they’d let him go. I’d love him to be at Tottenham. I look at him and he’s perfect for how we want to play,” he added.

Tottenham spending that kind of money on a striker seems a little unlikely even if they do fancy landing Solanke.

The 26-year-old has now hit 12 goals in 18 Premier League games this season and starting to fulfil the potential he showed at Chelsea and Liverpool.

Solanke was mocked not all that long ago having struggled to find the net after joining Bournemouth in 2019.

Now banging the goals in for fun and at the top of his game, nobody is laughing at Solanke anymore and a huge transfer in 2024 wouldn’t be a huge surprise.

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Report shares the reason why Tottenham fear they can't sign 'exceptional' Liverpool player now

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 26, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Liverpool defender Joe Gomez but fear that a January deal will now be kiboshed due to injuries at Anfield.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to see another centre back arrive in North London during the January window.

Spurs clearly need more competition for the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the heart of their defence.

Pace will be vital given Postecoglou’s desire to play a high line – albeit probably never as high as against Chelsea last month – and a number of homegrown options have been linked.

Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo are on the Spurs radar but it sounds like a move for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is in tatters…

Tottenham Hotspur think Joe Gomez move could be off

The Daily Mail (26/12, page 64) report that Tottenham had rekindled an interest in signing Liverpool defender Gomez.

Pace, Premier League experience, homegrown status, versatility… we can see why Tottenham were looking towards Gomez as a January signing.

The 26-year-old hails from London too, so a return to the capital could have appealed to Gomez.

However, Tottenham now fear that a move for Gomez will be kiboshed after Liverpool suffered yet another defensive injury.

Kostas Tsimikas picked up a collarbone injury against Arsenal over the weekend with Gomez coming on in his place.

Gomez did a fine job at left back, nullifying Bukayo Saka before starting in the same position against Burnley on Boxing Day as Liverpool won 2-0.

Andrew Robertson is already out of action and with Joel Matip injured too, Gomez is now very much needed at Anfield.

Gomez is now Liverpool’s starting left back, their main cover at right back and can step in at centre back if required.

Liverpool are now unlikely to let a player with that kind of flexibility leave the club with so many defenders injured around him.

Hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Jurgen Klopp last season, Gomez has struggled for starts at Liverpool but now finds himself in a starting role for the foreseeable future.

Tottenham will seemingly have to turn their attention elsewhere, with Liverpool likely to ruin their plans of luring Gomez away.

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‘He had criticism from me’: Paul Scholes says Liverpool 24-year-old proved him wrong at Burnley

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 26, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Darwin Nunez divides opinion up and down the land every time he takes to the pitch for Liverpool.

Prior to Jurgen Klopp’s side beating Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to return to the top of the Premier League table, Darwin Nunez had gone eight Premier League games without a goal.

Before the match, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was critical of Liverpool’s club-record transfer and his finishing.

But when the 24-year-old helped the Reds to three points at Turf Moor by opening the scoring inside six minutes, Paul Scholes admitted that he was proven wrong because he produced a ‘brilliant finish’, as he told Premier League Productions (26/12/23 at 6:20 pm).

The last game Darwin Nunez started was Liverpool’s goalless home draw against Manchester United where he flattered to deceive, before being dropped to the bench for the Arsenal match.

But he returned to the XI with a bang yesterday to remind his critics that he can still deliver the goods for his Premier League title-chasing side.

One of them so happened to be Paul Scholes, who was happy to give the all-action forward his flowers after the match.

Darwin Nunez’s finishing

“He had a little bit of criticism off me before the game for his finishing,” said Scholes.

“I did say (this would be the type of game for him). In these types of games, he seems to come up with something. Bournemouth earlier on in the season.

“But that’s a brilliant finish. Nice and composed. It’s them other ones, them simple ones that he seems to miss and the difficult ones he seems to put away.”

Darwin Nunez keeps knocking on the door

Every time Nunez seems to get knocked down, he gets back up and proves his worth.

Yes, he continues to have this knack for being reckless, but that is what makes him so watchable and entertaining.

Where the Uruguay star probably needs to up his game is by being more ruthless and being able to do the simple things on a more consistent basis. 

So far this season, Nunez has five goals and five assists from 18 Premier League games. That’s pretty good going for a player lacking consistency.

Imagine what he would do if he did find that ruthless edge to his game. 

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'A shame': Klopp already gutted as Liverpool prepare to be without 'very important' £16m player

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 26, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has rued the timing of Wataru Endo’s form as he prepares to head off the Asian Cup in early 2024.

The Reds picked up another win on Tuesday evening, beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Liverpool were rampant in the first half but only had a 1-0 lead thanks to a lovely Darwin Nunez strike.

Burnley put real pressure on the Liverpool goal and Reds fans would have feared being made to pay for not finding a crucial second goal.

That goal did arrive in the end though as Diogo Jota came off the bench to announce his return from injury in style.

Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo

Liverpool had to dig in and withstand some Burnley pressure in the second half, so Jurgen Klopp will love the clean sheet.

A key factor was the performance of holding midfielder Wataru Endo.

The Japan international was outstanding against Arsenal on Saturday evening and turned in a strong display against Burnley too.

Endo racked up four successful aerial duels, three clearances, two key passes, one interception and one shot on target in a mine display in Lancashire.

Klopp has now moved to praise £16million summer signing Endo – but with a tinge of sadness too.

The Liverpool boss told the club’s official website that he absolutely loved what he saw from Endo at Turf Moor.

‘What a boy and what a player’ said Klopp, marvelling at how Endo has become ‘very important’ at Liverpool.

The problem is that Endo is set to leave for the Asian Cup – and Klopp feels that is is a shame to see Endo find his feet in the Premier League, only to then leave for a number of weeks.

“I loved this game, I have to say,” said Klopp. “It’s a bit of a shame how he found his feet and now he goes to the Asian Cup but that’s how it is, it’s fine. What a boy and what a player and very important. At least in January we have to play more or less without him but against Newcastle he is still here.”

“Then the boys leave and then we have to find another way and we will. But for the moment, I am really happy for him. It took him a little bit [of time] that he really showed how good he really is, but now we can see it and I’m really happy about that,” he added.

How many games will Endo miss?

The Asian Cup gets going on the 12th of January in Qatar, but selected players will be jetting off to training camps before the tournament.

Japan will be one of the favourites and they should coast past Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam in Group D.

A run to the final would see Endo in action for Japan until the 10th of February, ruling him out of multiple Liverpool games.

As Klopp highlights, Endo will be able to face Newcastle United on Monday but then he will go, missing the FA Cup tie with Arsenal.

Endo would then miss both legs of the EFL Cup semi-finals against Fulham as well as Premier League games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Arsenal and Burnley.

That’s seven games without Endo if Japan make it to the final, and some Reds fans may selfishly hope that Japan crash out early in order for Endo to return to Merseyside.

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Postecoglou has real chance to irritate Pochettino as report gives Spurs hope of January signing

By: Muhammad Saeed on December 26, 2023 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Postecoglou has real chance to irritate Pochettino as report gives Spurs hope of January signing

Chelsea have spent and spent and spent some more under Todd Boehly but without much success.

The Blues still aren’t progressing under Mauricio Pochettino and we could see more signing in 2024.

That would require some sales though and Chelsea may make a rather unpopular sale during the January window…

Chelsea considering Conor Gallagher sale

The Mirror report that Chelsea will now entertain bids for midfielder Conor Gallagher – and risk angering boss Pochettino in the process.

Gallagher has featured prominently under Pochettino this season, starting 17 Premier League games.

The 23-year-old has even captained Chelsea on a number of occasions with Reece James again suffering regular injuries.

The problem is that Chelsea want to raise funds and Gallagher represents a rather appealing sale.

Gallagher is a Chelsea academy graduate and a transfer fee would count as 100% profit in terms of Financial Fair Play.

Now entering the final 18 months of his contract, Chelsea will listen to offers for Gallagher and potentially leave Pochettino upset.

Tottenham Hotspur move could rely on Hojbjerg departure

The report notes that Tottenham Hotspur could return with a new move for Gallagher having wanted him over the summer.

Spurs even made a £40million offer for Gallagher on transfer deadline day, according to reports, but no deal was done.

Tottenham have maintained their interest in signing Gallagher and Chelsea’s stance may well attract an offer from Spurs once again.

Spurs may need to let a midfielder leave first though and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg seems like the prime candidate.

The Dane has been out of favour this season and is in a similar contract situation to Gallagher in that he can leave in 2025.

It’s unlikely that Spurs would just throw £40million or more at Chelsea in January without first raising funds and Hojbjerg could be the man to unlock a deal.

We still think that Chelsea will be a little reluctant to sell Gallagher, especially to Spurs.

The optics of selling a homegrown talent, who has recently worn the armband, to a London rival in Tottenham, would be pretty terrible.

Pochettino would be unhappy with selling Gallagher anyway, but losing him to Tottenham would really sting for the former Spurs boss.

Money talks though and Tottenham could capitalise on Chelsea’s Financial Fair Play situation with a January move, leaving Ange Postecoglou with a golden chance to frustrate one of his Spurs predecessors.

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