All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have seen a shift in their recruitment strategy over the last few years – something which Fabio Paratici no doubt was at the centre of.

The Italian spent two years at the club between 2021 and 2023, subsequently turning the hierarchy’s attention to investing in younger talents for the immediate and long-term future.

In the summer of 2022 alone, the 53-year-old completed deals for full-backs Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence – that’s despite the latter being unwanted by then-boss Antonio Conte.

However, in the present day, both players have become key members of Thomas Frank’s first-team squad, showcasing the impressive work done in the transfer market.

The aforementioned duo will be hoping they achieve more sustained success than one player who demonstrated glimpses of quality during the early days of his career in North London.

The real reason behind Dele’s decline at Spurs

Back in the summer of 2015, Spurs forked out a reported £5m for the signature of attacking midfielder Dele – with many supporters unaware of the youngster.

At just 19, many anticipated the Englishman to join the youth setup in North London, but he would make himself an immediate fan-favourite as a result of his tremendous displays.

For the first three years of his stint at the Lilywhites, he was a regular starter – racking up 146 appearances, scoring on 46 occasions and laying on 35 assists for his teammates.

Such form saw Dele claim the PFA Young Player of the Year two years in a row, becoming just one of five players to achieve such a feat in the history of the Premier League.

However, in a remarkable interview with Gary Neville back in the summer of 2023, the former Lilywhites star opened up on his trauma from his younger years, which no doubt had an effect on his footballing career.

He was often called into question by José Mourinho for his attitude and laziness, also suffering numerous injuries, which plagued his progress in North London.

Dele suffered 11 separate injury setbacks in his seven-year period in North London, with such issues preventing his progress and seeing him miss 44 first-team matches.

His time with the Lilywhites came to a disappointing end back in January 2022, subsequently joining Everton on a free transfer – an unthinkable ending given his previous form.

The Spurs star who’s their best teenage star since Dele

Many supporters questioned Dele’s attitude during his time with Spurs, but after his courage to speak out about his mental health struggles, it’s safe to say many fans empathise with the midfielder.

Such issues have taken a huge toll on his professional career, with the former Lilywhites star now without a club at the age of 29 after leaving Como this summer.

However, there’s no denying he will forever be remembered by the fans for his countless moments of magic that gave everyone involved with the football club memories to last a lifetime.

From Goal of the Season strikes against Crystal Palace, to his memorable double against Chelsea that ended the Blues’ unbeaten 2016/17 record at White Hart Lane.

Such levels are rarely seen from such a young talent, but there’s current generation of supporters has their next remarkable youngster in the form of Lucas Bergvall.

Like Dele, he joined the Lilywhites for less than £10m, arriving as an unknown quantity to the majority of supporters after previously plying his trade for Djurgarden.

However, the Swedish youngster has rapidly developed into one of the club’s best players, a simply remarkable feat given he’s still just 19 years of age.

Despite his tender age, the midfielder has already racked up 56 appearances for the first-team and has subsequently featured in all but one game since Frank took the reins.

Bergvall even netted his first Premier League goal in the win over West Ham United last month, leading to head of scouting Rob Mackenzie labelling him as “a genuine generational talent”.

His underlying stats from 2025/26 highlight that the praise is certainly warranted, with the teenager completing 70% of the dribbles he’s attempted to date, whilst also ranking in the top 12% of all players in the league for assists registered.

However, out of possession, the Swede has been just as impressive, winning 2.6 tackles per 90 and coming out on top in a total of 5.5 duels per 90 – stats which make him the perfect box-to-box option.

Games played

7

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

84%

Dribble success

70%

Tackles won

2.6

Duels won

5.5

Recoveries made

3.8

Shots taken

1.2

Frank and Co will desperately be hoping Bergvall can continue on his current trajectory in North London, with the youngster having all the tools to be a key member of the squad in their hunt for added silverware.

There’s little doubt that he’s the best teenage star they’ve had on their hands since Dele’s emergence, but everyone will be hoping that the end to his story with the Lilywhites is a happier one.

Not Simons: Spurs flop is becoming their biggest waste since Ndombele

One Tottenham Hotspur player is rapidly struggling to match the fee paid for his signature in recent times.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 21, 2025

That’s how you win a football match. Newcastle United ripped Ipswich Town to shreds on Saturday afternoon, looking as fluent as they’ve been in a long while and claiming a third successive victory in all competitions.

Newcastle’s patchy Premier League form this season has been a real frustration for Eddie Howe, whose tactical acumen and interpersonal skills remain closed to question. Still, something was missing.

Was it a lack of intensity? Burnout? A loss of direction after a testing, injury-hit campaign that preceded an uninspiring summer of missed opportunities?

Whatever has been out of kilter across the past few months, the Magpies seem to have reoriented themselves now. Howe’s side look as good as they’ve been in 2024, and there’s one man above all others who stood out at Portman Road. You know who.

Alexander Isak's stunning performance

Alexander Isak bagged a hat-trick at Ipswich to extend his brilliant run of clinical form, nine goals and three assists from nine Premier League matches, to be precise.

The Sweden international is bound to have a wealth of high-profile suitors looking jealously toward Tyneside and checking purses to ascertain the practicality of a bumper bid in 2025.

Correspondent Lee Ryder hailed the ‘ruthless display’ in his post-match player ratings, of which Isak received a perfect 10/10 score, but the 25-year-old did miss a glorious chance to grab another and might have been a little tame with one other shot.

1.

Mohamed Salah

13

1=

Erling Haaland

13

3.

Cole Palmer

11

4.

Alexander Isak

10

4=

Bryan Mbeumo

10

4=

Chris Wood

10

Isak might steal the headlines – rightly so, to be fair – but he wasn’t actually the finest performer for the Toon on Saturday afternoon. Jacob Murphy was the architect of the success and certainly looks like a man playing with the foresight of a Newcastle swoop for a right winger.

Jacob Murphy was Howe's real hero

Newcastle’s interest in a new right winger has been well documented since the summer, with a £50m bid rejected for Anthony Elanga in August and reliable reports that Brentford’s Bryan Mbemuo is being eyed this winter.

Miguel Almiron is on the periphery with no way back, but Murphy is definitely fighting for his place in the squad – and if his recent purple patch is anything to go by, he might just continue to play a big part in the year to come. Perhaps longer.

At Ipswich, Isak benefitted from the 28-year-old’s steady stream of playmaking, for Murphy created three big chances to complement his goal-and-assist display, as per Sofascore.

A wonderful back-heeled assist for Isak capped off the dream performance, with Ryder awarding him with a 9/10 match score that spoke clearly of his faculty for success in this competitive Newcastle side. The reporter singled out the winger’s “incredible work” for the assist.

Murphy also made an important tackle and won his only contested ground duel of the afternoon. He’s willing to fight and, now having notched three goals and three assists apiece from as many Premier League matches, has made Isak unplayable and himself undroppable as the festive period hits full swing.

He's like Isak: Newcastle can axe Wilson by signing PL "nuisance" for £45m

Newcastle are finding their feet but need more firepower up front.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 20, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a deal for an “outstanding” defender, having emerged as the club showing the most interest in his signature.

Tottenham struggling defensively

Given Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style of play, it will always be difficult for Tottenham to keep a great number of clean sheets, and they have often looked poor defensively in the first half of the campaign.

Spurs’ 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool in the Premier League displayed their frailties at the back, and their defensive struggles may soon be exacerbated further by a number of defenders being sidelined with injuries.

With the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie all currently on the treatment table, Postecoglou may be forced to enter the transfer market for a new defender this month.

Tottenham eyeing bargain January move for "pure quality" £54,000-p/w star

Ange Postecoglou is keeping tabs on a midfielder.

1 ByDominic Lund Jan 2, 2025

A number of targets have been identified by the Australian, with AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori now on the list, alongside the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Ikatura and Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov, having opened talks for the latter two players.

Tottenham clearly have a number of options in mind, and there is another player on the shortlist, with journalist Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini reporting they have made contact with Atalanta to ask for information about Ben Godfrey.

“Not only #Wolves and #NFFC, also #Tottenham asked for information for Ben #Godfrey. The defender did not convince Gasperini and will leave #Atalanta in the January market.”

The 26-year-old, who cost £10m in the summer, has not done enough to convince manager Gian Piero Gasperini and is set to leave the Serie A club this winter, potentially opening the door for a move to north London, although Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest are also keen.

Journalist Rudy Galetti has confirmed that Spurs have shown “the most interest” in Godfrey, as they look to reinforce their defence this winter.

Godfrey could reignite his career at Tottenham

Things may not have worked out exactly to plan for the centre-back in Italy, but he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, showcasing his defensive attributes.

The York-born defender ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 97th percentile for aerials won, when compared to his positional peers, displaying his dominance in the air.

During his time with Norwich City, the defender was hailed by former manager Daniel Farke, who said: “You can speak about the best centre-backs in the world now but at 19 and 20 they will have made mistakes.

“The best ones learn. Ben is playing without mistakes and that is outstanding. He is a pretty emotional player and I like that a lot because it means you are capable of finding another gear.”

The Englishman has a great deal of Premier League experience, making 112 appearances in the competition, and he could be a solid signing for Tottenham as they look to fix their defensive issues between now and the end of the campaign.

Leeds United will be hoping to fight their way into the top two in the Championship when they play host to Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites have drawn three of their last five games in the division and will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw at Bristol City last time out.

Largie Ramazani missed out through injury and the other forwards in the team failed to step up to score the goals for Daniel Farke, as Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James were selected on the flanks in his absence.

Scoring goals has not been a major issue for the West Yorkshire outfit this season, though, as they have found the back of the net 19 times in 12 games.

Only Sunderland (23) and Norwich City (22) have scored more goals than Farke’s side, which shows that he has created a potent and exciting attack at Elland Road.

They are now preparing to take on a Plymouth side that are currently one place above the relegation zone and have conceded 22 times in 12 games.

Their head coach, though, certainly knows a thing or two about scoring goals, as they are managed by former Premier League icon Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney's goalscoring records

The former Derby County and Birmingham boss enjoyed a stunning career and established himself as a legend for both Manchester United and England.

He did hold the record for the most goals in England history, with 53 goals in 120 caps, but has since been overtaken by Harry Kane’s haul of 68 goals in 100 caps, which shows that the forward was an elite goalscorer at international level.

During his time with Manchester United, Rooney racked up a staggering 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 matches in all competitions for the Red Devils.

The English ace, who played as a centre-forward or a second striker for the majority of his playing career, consistently provided quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Along with plenty of goals and assists, Rooney also collected his fair share of trophies throughout his career. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, four League Cups, and one FA Cup with United.

Whilst he may not go on to achieve the amazing success that Rooney did at club and international level, Leeds have an emerging talent brewing who could be their own version of the England legend in Mateo Joseph.

Mateo Joseph's academy form for Leeds

The Spanish striker, who previously played for England at youth level before declaring for Spain, joined the Whites in January 2022 from Espanyol’s academy.

He had a slow start to life in the country, with a return of two goals in 11 academy matches, in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign before hitting his stride in his first full season with Leeds.

In the 2022/22 term, Joseph caught the eye with a superb return of 16 goals and two assists in 21 appearances in the Premier League 2 for the U21 side as a centre-forward.

He showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis at youth level in the academy for Leeds and earned himself three Premier League appearances off the bench for the first-team that term, as Leeds were relegated to the Championship.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed him as a “wonderful” player and a “major talent” after his performances for Spain and Leeds at U21 level, with four goals in four caps for Spain’s U21s, after a return of three goals in ten matches for England’s U20s.

His form for club and country at youth level earned him a chance in the senior squad under Farke in the 2023/24 campaign, and he showed promise in his limited minutes on the pitch.

All 20 of his appearances in the Championship last season came as a substitute, scoring one goal in that time, but he did score twice at Stamford Bridge as a starter against Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup.

This term, however, Joseph has emerged as a genuine starting-calibre centre-forward for Leeds and is emerging as a huge prospect for the club, at the age of 21.

Mateo Joseph's form this season

The Whites have their own version of Rooney brewing at Thorp Arch as the 21-year-old sensation has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Championship.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Like the England legend, Joseph is a powerful and aggressive striker who likes to hold the ball up and get involved in play, by holding off defenders and finding teammates with passes, whilst also scoring goals.

Whilst he does not have the bulky build that Rooney was known for, the clip below illustrates how well the academy graduate uses his body to get the better of experienced defenders.

That was one of the two goals that the Spanish youth international has plundered for the West Yorkshire outfit in the Championship this season, to add to the one he managed last term.

Whilst he has not been a prolific scorer at senior level, yet, his aforementioned form for the academy suggests that the potential is there for him to eventually develop into a lethal goalscorer for Leeds.

Appearances

12

Starts

8

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, Joseph has also showcased his creative quality in a Whites shirt this season in the Championship, with four ‘big chances’ created in eight starts.

This shows that the attacker is unselfish and looks to constantly get other players involved in the final third, hence why he has already registered three assists in the second tier.

Joseph, therefore, has the potential to develop into a complete centre-forward due to his pace, physicality, goalscoring potential, and creative quality, with plenty of time for him to fulfill his potential at the age of 21.

Leeds could move on from Solomon by unleashing "immense" star in new role

The Leeds United star has thrived in an attacking role for his country this season.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2024

This is why Leeds may have their own version of Rooney brewing in Yorkshire, ahead of the legendary forward’s trip to Elland Road on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta will be looking to secure a return to winning ways for his Arsenal side tonight when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The Gunners suffered their first defeat in all competitions at the weekend against Bournemouth in the Premier League, losing 2-0 after William Saliba’s dismissal within the first half hour of the encounter.

However, the Frenchman will be available to feature tonight, hoping to right his wrongs from the weekend and help the Spaniard’s side make it three games unbeaten in the European competition this season.

Undoubtedly, after the recent setback, the boss will have a decision to make about his squad selection to avoid a second successive loss whilst also giving the side the best chance of getting back on track.

However, if his side are to win once more in Europe, he may have to drop one player after his display on the South Coast on Saturday evening.

Why Merino could be dropped by Arteta vs Shakhtar

After his £27m transfer during the summer transfer window, midfielder Mikel Merino arrived with the hope of transforming Arteta’s midfield department and helping their push for the Premier League title.

However, the 28-year-old has endured a tricky start to life in North London, suffering a shoulder issue in training and restricting the Spaniard from making an immediate impact at the Emirates.

He’d made two substitute appearances before the weekend, but his start against the Cherries on Saturday was his first for the Gunners, but he failed to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

During his 81-minute display, the Spain international lost possession 16 times whilst also losing eight duels as he looked a tad off the pace during the defeat.

Minutes played

81

Touches

51

Passes completed

23/34 (68%)

Possession lost

16x

Duels lost

8

Dribbled past

4x

Key passes

1

Merino also only completed 68% of the passes he attempted, only making one key pass in the process – undoubtedly leading to his withdrawal, subsequently being replaced by youngster Ethan Nwaneri.

As a result of his below-par display, he could lose his place ahead of tonight’s clash with Shakhtar, potentially being replaced by one talent who could provide another dimension to Arteta’s side.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The man who could replace Merino

Suspensions and injuries have often plagued the Gunners early on in the new campaign, limiting the options available to the Spaniard at certain moments.

Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Merino all missed the North London Derby earlier this season due to injury or suspension, but despite their absences, the club was able to secure bragging rights once again.

During that day, midfielder Nwaneri once again made an appearance, with the 17-year-old now making three substitute appearances in all competitions this season.

However, given Merino’s recent display, the youngster could be deserving of an opportunity in the best club competition in the world, starting from the off and giving the Spaniard a decision to make should he impress.

The England U19 international has already started once against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, taking his opportunity with both hands, scoring twice and looking more than comfortable in the first team.

Upon his substitute appearance against Bournemouth at the weekend, Nwaneri completed 100% of his passes as he tried to spark a comeback for the Gunners.

Whilst he was unable to do so, the “unplayable” talent, as described by former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, has consistently shown from the bench he has the ability to start from the off at the Emirates.

Tonight could be the perfect opportunity for the 17-year-old, staking his claim for a regular starting role under Arteta in the near future as his team look to make it third time lucky in their pursuit of a Premier League title.

£25m wasted: Arteta needs to sell 5/10 Arsenal dud after Bournemouth

Arsenal must ditch 5/10 star who’s cost the club over £25m.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 22, 2024

With Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future more in doubt than ever, INEOS are reportedly set to prioritise the signature of a £60m option to replace their academy graduate.

Man Utd transfer news

Amid struggles to find his best form for the first time in a year or so, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly ready to sell Rashford for as little as £40m in 2025, with Barcelona among the clubs now eyeing a move. In a shock decision, the England international could find himself shown the exit door, allowing Manchester United to welcome reinforcements who suit Ruben Amorim’s system.

The Red Devils have already seen glimpses of just how difficult it will be to transition into life under their new manager, with Andre Onana’s mistake in midweek gifting Viktoria Plzen an opening goal when attempting to play out from the back as instructed.

The former Sporting boss will rightfully stick to his ways, however, and hope to eventually reap the rewards. There’s no doubt that he will need reinforcements if he is to be successful, though.

With that said, according to reports in Spain, INEOS now want to prioritise signing Evan Ferguson to replace Rashford at Manchester United. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward, who is valued at as much as £60m, would slot straight into the sole striker role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system in which Rashford has struggled.

Barcelona lining up move for "great" Man Utd star Ratcliffe's ready to sell

The La Liga giants could take full advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 14, 2024

Alas, at £60m, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will be in a position to spend such money when 2025 arrives, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League once again. The last thing that INEOS need is to run into trouble with profit and sustainability.

"Amazing" Ferguson suits Amorim more than Rashford

If Rashord isn’t going to play in one of the wingback roles, which seems to be the case, then it’s difficult to find a place for him in the current Manchester United side. Amorim has so far turned towards Rasmus Hojlund to lead the line and question marks remain over Rashford’s ability to play in either advanced number 10 roles behind the Dane.

Ferguson, meanwhile, could hand the new manager a new version of Viktor Gyokeres. The powerful and clinical Swede was the star of the show in Amorim’s Sporting side, becoming one of the best goalscorers in Europe.

Now, Ferguson could follow suit. A striker who has a similar build and running power, Ferguson’s best years are yet to come and United could take full advantage by landing an early deal.

Whilst he has struggled for minutes at Brighton & Hove Albion in the last year or so, the praise has always poured in for the 20-year-old, including from former teammate Alexis Mac Allister.

The current Liverpool midfielder told BBC Sport in 2023 after Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth: “Evan is an amazing player. He was not having his best evening, but he showed his quality. We are really happy for him, we know how important he is.”

Chelsea managed their second win in a row under Enzo Maresca, beating West Ham 3-0 at the London Stadium, winning for the first time there since 2021.

Maresca’s men kept their second clean sheet in consecutive games too. After struggling to keep the ball out of the net last campaign, this will be a very welcome sight for Chelsea fans, as the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella continue to build consistency.

Nicolas Jackson scored a first-half brace to put the Blues 2-0 up at half-time, before also setting up Cole Palmer just minutes after the break, giving Chelsea a 3-0 lead and a comfortable rest of the afternoon.

Jackson & Palmer's performance in numbers

Jackson has started the season in red-hot form, scoring four goals in his opening five Premier League games, and also providing two assists for the Blues.

Palmer, on the other hand, has started the new campaign as more of a playmaker for Maresca’s side, but that hasn’t stopped him from grabbing two goals to go along with his four assists.

Both players provided exquisite finishes, with Jackson applying a “trivela” (outside the foot) finish for his second goal, and Palmer smashing one in off the upright, for Chelsea’s third.

Alongside his three goal contributions, Jackson also made two key passes, had two big chances created, and had two shots blocked. Meanwhile, Palmer made one key pass, completed 2/3 long balls, created one big chance, and won 6/8 of his ground duels.

But despite these two Chelsea stars’ excellent performances, there is another man who was as important, if not even more important.

Levi Colwill's game in numbers

Colwill put in another formidable performance in central defence, scoring an excellent 8/10 rating from GOAL. The defender made a whopping eight clearances, won 50% of his aerials duels, completed one key pass, two of three long balls, and managed an 89% pass accuracy.

To rubberstamp the defender’s important, the England international had 74 touches in the game, which is more than Jackson (30), and Palmer (31) combined.

Colwill is evidently pivotal for Maresca’s side, especially when it comes to breaking the lines with his passing, often kickstarting Chelsea’s attacks with incisive passes into the midfield.

Progressive Carries

0.60

Progressive Passes

4.40

Passes Attempted

71.0

Pass Completion %

92.1%

Passes into Final Third

4.40

Tackles

0.60

Blocks

1.40

Interceptions

1.11

Aerials Won

2.20

Often averaging the most touches for Chelsea, and orchestrating play from the back, Colwill makes 4.40 progressive passes per 90. This is a key feature in his game, and something that is very important to the new Blues boss, as he looks to maintain possession, looking for the right opening before firing a pass into the midfield, or even directly into the forward line.

Colwill’s passing ability is arguably his best quality, with a limitless range, and an array of techniques, showcasing his quality on the ball. But the 21-year-old is also imperious at the back, averaging 2.20 aerials won per 90, and 1.11 interceptions.

Colwill has had a superb start to the season and is becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet for Maresca’s Chelsea side, as the Blues’ defensive record continues to improve.

Forget Jackson: 9/10 star just had one of his best games for Chelsea

He was as good as Nicolas Jackson against West Ham…

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 21, 2024

Chelsea have been extremely busy under their next manager Enzo Maresca this summer, bringing 11 players to the club, letting go of 11 on permanent deals, and allowing 13 to head out on loan.

The Blues have let go of youth talents such as Lewis Hall, Ian Maatsen and Omari Hutchinson this summer, as well as selling one of their best players last season, 24-year-old Conor Gallagher, who came through the Cobham pipeline.

Chelsea have already been known to sell youth talents "too early" in the past, one brilliant example being Jamal Musiala being sold to Bayern Munich for £170k back in 2019.

However, there's another who Boehly and Co may well regret selling so cheaply…

Hudson-Odoi's stats at Chelsea

Callum Hudson-Odoi came through the ranks at Cobham, widely seen as one of the most exciting prospects at the time. Making 55 appearances for the Chelsea U18 and U21 teams, the youngster managed to score 30 goals and provide 17 assists in those games.

The youngster was described as Chelsea's "wonderkid" back in 2018 by reporter Nizaar Kinsella, after scoring and assisting on his first start for the Blues against PAOK and it was during this season (2018/19) that he impressed new manager at the time, Maurizio Sarri, becoming a regular in the squad.

The English talent went on to make 126 senior appearances for the Blues, netting 16 times and providing 21 assists in that time, but it could have been very different if it wasn't for his big injury.

At the back end of the 2018/19 season, Hudson-Odoi suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, keeping him out for 143 days. But at such a young age, it began to seem hard for him to trust his body again, suffering multiple more injuries in the following seasons, including hamstring, hip, ankle and Achilles heel injuries.

Many put his stop-start Chelsea career down to that initial problem, taking the steam out of him before he fully got going, and struggling to ever get back to full fitness and trust in his body.

Fast-forward to 2023, and Hudson-Odoi made the move to Nottingham Forest for just £3m, a measly fee for a player who was still only 22 years of age and had huge upside potential, which had already been previously seen at Chelsea at such a young age.

Hudson Odoi's transfer value in 2024

Hudson-Odoi made 35 appearances for Nottingham Forest last season in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 2,252 minutes played.

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?

Since joining The Tricky Trees, the 23-year-old seems to have recaptured his confidence, managing his most minutes in a season of senior football.

Amid interest in the attacker's services this summer, Forest valued him at an eye-catching £40m, which is already 13 times the amount Chelsea sold him for, after just one year on Trentside.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Hudson-Odoi

Mudryk

Goals

0.39

0.29

Assists

0.05

0.11

Progressive Carries

5.39

5.26

Progressive Passes

2.82

2.57

Shots Total

1.84

2.00

Shots on Target

0.97

0.69

Goals/Shot

0.21

0.14

Key Passes

1.75

1.83

Shot-Creating Actions

3.98

3.43

Successful Take-Ons

2.09

2.23

When you compare the numbers from last season of Hudson-Odoi and Mykhailo Mudryk, the Englishman comes out on top in six of the ten metrics we've selected, including goals per 90, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, goals/shot ratio, and shot-creating actions per 90.

Mudryk cost Chelsea around £62m as an initial fee, compared to the £3m Hudson-Odoi was sold for. With the Ukranian's value tumbling to around £29m, as per Transfermarkt, it which makes you wonder if Chelsea should have held onto the Englishman.

Chelsea flop left on a free transfer, now he's outscoring Osimhen

Ex-Chelsea man outscoring their primary striker target

1 ByConnor Holden Sep 3, 2024

Chelsea are renowned for having one of the very best academies in English football, developing some elite-level talents who either go on to impress in the first team or earn them a huge profit.

Mason Mount is a prime example of a player who has done both during his time at the club, making 195 appearances at Stamford Bridge, during his four years in the first-team.

He was part of the Champions League winning squad during the 2020/21 season under Thomas Tuchel, scoring twice in his 11 appearances during the competition.

However, he would depart his boyhood club in a £60m deal to join Manchester United last summer, a decision that was an unpopular one with the supporters.

Tammy Abraham is another star who featured in West London, making 82 appearances, scoring 30 times before leaving to gain more valuable first-team minutes elsewhere.

The striker would join Italian side Roma in a £34m deal back in 2021, an excellent deal for both parties considering he was mainly a backup option during his time at the Bridge.

Two other academy graduates have also left the club in recent times, going on to star in the Premier League after their transfers away from the club.

Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento’s stats since leaving Chelsea

Left-back Lewis Hall made his first-team emergence during the 2022/23 season, making 11 appearances in all competitions – appearing to be a long-term option in the full-back area.

However, his time with the Blues would be short-lived, joining Newcastle last summer on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £35m, a move that has taken his professional career to the next level.

The 20-year-old has featured in 11 league outings for Eddie Howe so far this campaign, catching the eye of temporary England boss Lee Carsley, leading to a call-up during the ongoing international break.

He’s featured for 135 out of 180 minutes for his nation in the last outings, looking to be an outstanding option for his nation in a position that has caused so many issues over the years.

He’s not the only former Chelsea youngster to have recently made his England debut, with right-back Tino Livramento also rewarded for his excellent performances alongside Hall at St James’ Park.

The 22-year-old originally left the Blues for just £5m in the summer of 2022, joining Southampton before also moving to Newcastle last summer after the Saints’ relegation during the same campaign.

He started and played the entire 90 minutes in the recent win over Ireland, looking assured in the full-back role under Carsley.

However, despite the duo’s recent rise away from the club, there’s also another player who has impressed after his move away from Stamford Bridge.

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The player who Chelsea must regret selling

Attacker João Félix moved to Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer after previously spending the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at the Bridge.

However, the deal saw midfielder Conor Gallagher end his 18-year association at the club, joining Atlético Madrid in a £38m deal, preventing them from losing on a free transfer next summer.

The 24-year-old has already made 15 appearances for the Spanish side, scoring twice and becoming a regular under Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano.

As a result, the “sensational” talent, as dubbed by journalist John Cross, has featured in Carsley’s plans at international level, starting both matches this break – scoring his first England goal in the win over Ireland on Sunday night.

However, it’s his stats for Atletico that have caught the eye, winning 68% of the tackles he’s entered this campaign, whilst also winning 43 duels – an average of 6.5 per game.

Given his form away from his boyhood club, there must be an ounce of regret by the Blues in allowing such a talent to leave – with Gallagher still having the potential to play ahead of someone like Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.

As far as Hall and Livramento are concerned, however, they would find it a struggle to break in ahead of Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella and club captain Reece James.

Games played

11

Minutes played

600

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

84%

Fouls won

15

Tackles won

13

Duels won

43

Unfortunately, he will remain as a case of what could’ve been for Chelsea, with their loss undoubtedly Atlético’s gain.

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Newcastle United have made some significant improvements, wall to wall, over the past several years, with Eddie Howe transforming St. James’ Park into a team of capability at the upper end of the Premier League ladder.

Scratch that. Newcastle proved themselves in the Champions League last season, robbed against Paris Saint-Germain, foiled by injuries, but nonetheless, the Magpies played with skill and purpose, looked the part.

Much has been made of United’s brilliant transfer activity, bringing in the likes of Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman (among others), but he’s been equally pinpoint in his sales, freeing Tyneside of its flotsam and jetsam.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle sales

Admittedly, few of a Newcastle persuasion will have wanted to see top talents like Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson sold this summer, but PSR problems forced Howe’s hand, and it meant that the above-mentioned superstars were kept on the books.

Previously, though, there have been some bold calls that have bore dividends for the Premier League club, with Allan Saint-Maximin’s £23m transfer to the Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli in 2023 allowing Gordon to grow into his skin on the left flank and win United’s Player of the Season award.

Chris Wood, 32, might be thriving with Nottingham Forest, scoring 19 top-flight goals since the start of last season, but his time at Newcastle didn’t go to plan, and Howe’s transfer team deserve praise for recouping £15m from the initial £25m outlay, despite his struggles.

There are several more that deserve praise for the manner of ruthlessness shown by Howe, who recognised the squad’s potential from the offing and acted incisively.

One such sale was that of Jonjo Shelvey, who left St. James’ Park at just the right time.

Newcastle hit gold selling Jonjo Shelvey

Newcastle sold Shelvey to Nottingham Forest for around £6m in January 2023, the same time that Wood moved to the City Ground.

Shelvey arrived at a tumultuous time in Newcastle’s history, January 2016, to be precise. Arriving from Swansea City with a £12m transfer fee attached, the 32-year-old instantly cemented an important role but failed to prevent a plummet into the Championship.

He’d ply his trade on Tyneside for some time, actually playing the lion’s share of his wandering senior career in black and white, across a seven-year period.

Newcastle United

202

18

25

Swansea City

96

10

16

Liverpool

69

7

4

Charlton

49

8

7

C. Rizespor

33

3

7

Blackpool

10

6

3

Nott’m Forest

8

0

0

England

6

0

1

Eyupspor

5

0

0

Even so, injuries left his influence stretching weakly across the expanse of his Tyneside career, only hitting 30 Premier League starts in a campaign once across his stay.

Shelvey might have been a fan favourite, with his mean ball-striking ability and passion obvious from the get-go, but he was sold at the perfect time, with his £70k-per-week contract having cost Newcastle £35m in total, when combining it with that £12m transfer fee.

As you can see from the table above, the Englishman only managed eight appearances for the Tricky Trees and has since tapered off toward the end of his career in Turkey, with his diminishing impact leading to a price depreciation that, as per Football Transfers, has him marked with a lowly £1m value.

Given that Newcastle’s midfield has been so imperious in recent years, it would appear that he was sold at the perfect time, with Shelvey’s departure allowing the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff to cement an awesome engine room.

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