Celtic are interested in signing young Argentine left-back Francisco Ortega in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer rumour.
The Lowdown: Summer business expected
Ange Postecoglou may still be basking in the glory of winning the Scottish Premiership title but attention will soon turn to incoming signings if it hasn’t already.
The Australian will know that he has to make Celtic’s squad even more formidable, ahead of what is hopefully a successful title defence and a return to the Champions League in 2022/23.
Left-back could be an area that the Hoops look to strengthen – there have been plenty of links to Iraq international Mohanad Jeahze – and a new update has emerged in that respect.
According to The Daily Mail‘s Stephen McGowan, sharing his article on Twitter, Celtic are keen on signing Velez Sarsfield defender Orteta this summer:
“Celtic looking at Argentinian U23 left-back Francisco Ortega.”
Expanding in the report, McGowan says the Hoops have compiled impressive scouting reports on the talented young South American, and are also closing in on a permanent deal for Jota.
The Verdict: Great for squad depth
Ortega could be a shrewd signing by Celtic ahead of next season, acting as a strong backup option to Greg Taylor, ahead of Boli Bolingoli’s expected exit.
The 22-year-old is a player who ‘dominates defensively’, according to South American fan site Football FV, as well as being described as a ‘very all-round left-back’, suggesting he would be a strong acquisition.
The fact that Argentinian giants River Plate have reportedly shown an interest in signing Ortega is a sign that he is a big prospect in his homeland, and this could yet prove to be another shrewd snip from Ange in the transfer market.
In other news, Kieran Devlin has dropped a Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.
Joe Gomez could leave Liverpool this summer because of a lack of first-team opportunities, according to former Premier League striker Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Gomez overlooked at Liverpool
The Reds are enjoying one of their most memorable seasons of all time, already winning two trophies and with an unprecedented quadruple still mathematically possible.
Gomez has struggled to play much of a part in that success, however, finding himself below Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in the centre-back pecking order.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer in order to become a regular elsewhere.
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The Latest: Summer exit predicted
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that Gomez will likely move on to pastures new over the next few months. The one-time BBC radio pundit outlined:
“I think the fact that Steven Gerrard’s dipping into his old club is one thing. He obviously likes the player. I think he’s a very good player, quite frankly. You’ve got Joel Matip and Konate ahead of you. He’s now fourth in the pecking order when it comes to centre-halves.
“There might be a discussion between the player and manager. If there is a possibility, I think Jurgen Klopp’s a fair man. I think he’ll be very honest with Joe Gomez regarding his future, regarding game time next season.
“They’ve got cover for the right back areas as well. That’s been covered at left-back and right-back.
“It’s only that central defence area he’s got an opportunity to play. I think it’s one thing, the fact that Steven Gerrard’s interested. There could be a possible deal on the cards there come the end of the season.”
The Verdict: Tough decision for Gomez
This is such a tough decision for Gomez to make this summer, with any move away from Anfield a clear step down given Liverpool’s current brilliance under Jurgen Klopp, who has described him as a ‘sensational’ player.
Then again, he is too good a footballer to not be playing most weeks, and he may feel it is necessary to leave, especially with the World Cup only six months away.
From a Reds point of view, hopefully the 24-year-old will stay put and continue to be a dependable squad player, but it would be hard to begrudge him a transfer elsewhere as he looks to kick on again in his career.
In other news, Klopp is believed to have set his sights on signing one player. Find out who it is here
Tottenham Hotspur go to battle with relegation-threatened Burnley in a huge game at either end of the Premier League table this lunchtime.
Antonio Conte’s side will be buoyed by their emphatic north London derby victory over arch-rivals Arsenal on Thursday night, though they still remain one point behind the Gunners heading into the final two matches of the 2021/22 campaign.
Their quest for a place in next season’s Champions League could be seriously bolstered with a victory over the struggling Clarets but it’ll be no easy task with them fighting for their lives at the foot of the standings.
The Italian head coach is without several first-team stars, including first-choice defenders Cristian Romero and Sergio Reguilon, so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks or twists with his winning lineup.
Here’s the XI we could see at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon…
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Between the sticks, skipper Hugo Lloris is a shoo-in to remain, whilst the back-three heralding him should also remain unchanged, even despite a late withdrawal for full-back Ben Davies.
He’ll line up alongside Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez with Ryan Sessegnon continuing his duties on the left and Emerson Royal keeping his place on the right.
The Colombian international isn’t the obvious replacement for Romero, given the £27m-rated defender has previously been lambasted as a “liability” to the team.
In midfield, we should see the tandem of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, with Oliver Skipp one of many on the treatment table and Harry Winks hugely out of favour.
The former Juventus powerhouse has been an instant hit in N17, even catching the eye of Romero, who lauded the £74k-per-week as a “big animal” on social media recently.
Meanwhile, up top, Conte is surely going to stick with Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski after the pair were withdrawn early against Arsenal, and they’ll pair up with Harry Kane, who leads the line once more following his midweek brace.
Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Davies, Dier, Sanchez; Sessegnon, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Emerson; Son, Kulusevski; Kane
AND in other news, Spurs now plotting swoop for £60m-rated “thoroughbred bomber”, imagine him and Kane…
Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst used his side’s Premiership clash at Ibrox on Sunday to offer minutes to the fringe members of the first-team squad.
The likes of Charlie McCann, Alex Lowry and Leon King, among others, were handed game-time to showcase their quality at senior level.
King started alongside Connor Goldson at centre-back and put in a mature display as he helped the team to a clean sheet against in a 2-0 win over Dundee United.
The 18-year-old gem stepped up and made the most of his opportunity, and he may now force Van Bronckhorst to consider his plans for the summer.
The Athletic reporter Jordan Campbell heaped praise on the defender’s performance, tweeting: “Leon King been very assured today at centre-back, and now at left-back. He’ll have more difficult tests of his defensive ability but his distribution been really tidy and he’s never rushed or panicked on the ball.”
Josh Bunting was another journalist left impressed by the teenager’s display, tweeting: “Thought Leon King was really impressive today, so comfortable on the ball, broke the lines well, big player for the future at Rangers, just never really looked fazed, went about everything really comfortable. Good pass selection as well. Assured performance and more to come.”
This display from the centre-back suggests that he has the quality to make the step up to senior football, and he must now be given more game-time in the 2022/23 campaign. He can take on more responsibility throughout the season as a backup to the first-choice options.
By unleashing the teenager as a regular squad member, Van Bronckhorst will finally be able to axe Filip Helander from the club, after a season riddled with injuries for the Swede. FFC previously published an article explaining why the £14k-per-week dud must be moved on in the summer amid interest from Aston Villa, and King’s emergence gives them the perfect chance to cash in on the 29-year-old.
The Rangers academy product has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90 across three Premiership outings this term. Meanwhile, Helander has averaged a rating of 6.75 in six appearances for the Light Blues, suggesting that the youngster could be an upgrade on the Sweden international in the immediate future, whilst also having 11 years on the former Bologna enforcer.
Therefore, Van Bronckhorst must make King a regular first-team squad member in 2022/23 and sanction the sale of Helander to Villa.
AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst issues huge Rangers injury relief that’ll leave supporters delighted…
Celtic are on the verge of securing the SPFL title this season for the first time under Ange Postecoglou’s reign in charge of the club.
With 86 points on the board from 35 league games, the Hoops have scored 81 goals and conceded just 20.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, it seems as though a big clue has appeared regarding one potential deal that could take place at Lennoxtown that would surely have the Celtic boss jumping for joy.
What’s the talk?
Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham had this to say about the possibility of Celtic securing a permanent transfer deal for their on-loan defender Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer.
He said: “It seems like Carter-Vickers is going to go early doors. Quite where that is yet, I’m not sure. Some new names have been mentioned in the last few days.
“If I’m being totally honest, I think Celtic will speak to Tottenham and say they will pay the money on 1 July. If they just say, ‘let’s get it done early and here is £6m that goes up to £10m with add-ons’, Tottenham would take that all day.
“I know from speaking to people who know his agency, we would have taken £2.5m last summer. So, to get a much-improved fee would be something Tottenham wouldn’t think twice about. The deal is done quickly and no one has to worry about it again.”
Great news for Postecoglou
Celtic signed the defender from the north London club on loan until the end of the season back in the previous summer transfer window.
Since then, the American has become a pivotal figure for the Hoops, making 42 appearances across all competitions.
With 30 SPFL appearances under his belt, the Spurs loanee has earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.33/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player in Postecoglou’s squad.
From a defensive point of view, the 24-year-old has the joint-highest number of interceptions (38) from a Celtic player in the SPFL, highlighting just how crucial he’s been at the back.
This all shows just how much of a great move it was from the Bhoys to bring the centre-back to Parkhead last summer.
Moving forward, if what Wenham claims ends up being true, this would definitely be great news for Postecoglou and his chances of being successful with the Parkhead club moving forward.
In other news: Brown 2.0: Ange can save millions with rarely-seen Celtic gem who’s the “real deal”
Liverpool won at the weekend, but we have seen several times already this season that wins can prove to be false dawns as Arne Slot looks to restore consistency to his side.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo snipped away the shocking run of form that had led to nine defeats from 12 in all competitions, six from seven in the Premier League, three from four at Anfield.
It beggars belief, so diametrically opposed is Slot’s second-season system from the slick and stylish outfit that defied everyone to romp to the league title last season, sealing the deal less than a year after Jurgen Klopp raised the microphone and waved goodbye to the red half of Merseyside.
Liverpool must stay grounded, as Slot said in his post-match interview. There is a long way to go.
One of the most curious aspects of the Reds’ victory was the boss’s call to drop Mohamed Salah. This glimpse into a brand new world has also played into rumours that FSG are looking to sign a wide forward in 2026.
Liverpool planning to replace Salah
Salah did not make it off the bench at the London Stadium, the first time the Egyptian has been an unused substitute in the Premier League since 2019/20, with Klopp’s title-winning campaign effectively wrapped up when the Reds played out a 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby.
Last season, he was the best player in the Premier League. But that herculean effort has depleted the veteran’s resources, and he is struggling this year.
Goals scored
0.77
0.34
Assists
0.48
0.17
Shots taken
3.23
2.43
Shot-creating actions
4.51
3.27
Touches (att pen)
9.50
6.21
Pass completion (%)
70.6
68.1
Progressive passes
3.84
4.19
Progressive carries
4.14
3.94
Successful take-ons
1.55
0.92
Ball recoveries
2.70
2.77
As you can see, there’s been an undeniable drop-off. Liverpool’s wider crew have all slipped across the decking, but time is not on the 33-year-old Salah’s side.
To try and find a like-for-like replacement would be a fruitless task. What Liverpool need instead is a sharp and athletic winger with a flair for goal. Someone like Sadio Mane, perhaps (hardly an easy endeavour in itself).
Well, as per Foot Mercato, Liverpool have opened talks with rivals Everton for one of their star forwards, Iliman Ndiaye.
The versatile Ndiaye, 25, is both athletic and potent in the final third. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, and the Toffees would be looking to bank around £70m for their star man.
What Iliman Nidaye would offer Liverpool
Woah. From Everton to Liverpool? Blue to red? Nonsense, right?
It’s certainly unlikely, but Liverpool have held an interest in Jarrad Branthwaite for a while now, and Everton explored a move for Ben Doak in the summer before he signed for Bournemouth.
And Ndiaye would be worth the stress. Hailed for having “magic in his boots” by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, he ranks among the top 5% of positional peers in the Premier League for successful take-ons and tackles won, and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90 (as per FBref).
Presenter Jamie O’Hara has even gone as far as to claim that the Senegalese is “one of the best players in the Premier League”.
Ndiaye shares a homeland with Liverpool icon Mane, but they have more in common than merely nationality. The Everton winger, who can play across the frontline, is electric on the ball, combative when against the flow of play and devastating in the box.
Though he’s spent most of his time on the right wing this season, Ndiaye is probably a left-sided forward at heart. Considering this, there’s a good chance Ndiaye would take Cody Gakpo’s starting berth from him at Anfield, with a more protean threat than the clinical Dutchman.
The African talent was Everton’s top scorer last season with 11 goals in all competitions, and that trend has not been bucked this year, Ndiaye with four goals and an assist across 13 games.
When Mane moved from Southampton to Liverpool for around £35m in 2016, he levelled up. Ndiaye could follow his countryman in this regard, having added a range of instruments to his toolbox in recent years and in an up-and-down Everton team.
Liverpool perhaps made a mistake in failing to replace Luis Diaz with a like-for-like successor this summer, and the ramifications have been felt through Gakpo’s somewhat limited attacking approach. He scored and assisted against West Ham at the weekend, but lacked the kind of dynamism that Liverpool’s previous left-sided wingers have offered.
Mane is certainly one of them, probably the cream of the crop. It would be unfair to expect Gakpo to play such a role, but if Ndiaye were signed, Slot would have a player who could match the Netherlands star’s output while bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to the role too.
Mane, now 34 and playing in Saudi Arabia, was once one of the world’s finest forwards, deadly across so many years at Anfield and blending clinical goalscoring with physicality and an unflappable mentality.
One scout even hailed Ndiaye as being “Mane all over again”, and given this is a proven formula in the English top flight, it’s surely one FSG will be enticed in completing.
With the greatest respect to West Ham, tougher tests lie ahead for the Anfield side, whose win at Eintracht Frankfurt in August preceded defeat at Brentford. The elation over that remarkable victory over Real Madrid had crumbled after the triad of recent losses.
Liverpool are nothing if not inconsistent this season, but that can change. It has to change. Liverpool need balance and security, but they also need to be bold and courageous, offering more flair than the likes of Gakpo have been providing.
And what could be more bold than signing a rival in Ndiaye, who would elevate the skill in Slot’s team and also balance the squad’s slanting spirit level.
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This Liverpool star could become the new Thiago at Anfield after his best Premier League showing for the club.
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has named two England legends among his favourite players of all-time.
Dembele announced as 2025 Ballon d'Or winner in Paris
PSG won their maiden Champions League crown in 2025, and Dembele was paramount to their success, picking up eight goals and six assists across 15 matches in the competition, while also amassing 29 goal contributions in Ligue 1.
As such, the Frenchman had been the favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or for quite some time, and he was crowned the winner at the ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha making up the top five.
Having failed to deliver at Barcelona, the 28-year-old’s career has undergone a major transformation since he returned to his home country, and the PSG talisman delivered an emotional speech after being confirmed as the 2025 winner.
Courtesy of scooping up the award, the winger joins a prestigious list of just ten players to have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup, having been part of the France squad that went all the way at Russia 2018.
Lionel Messi is one of the other players on that acclaimed list, and it will come as no surprise that Dembele once named the Argentina star as one of his favourite players of all time, but two England legends also make up the top three.
Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane
This could settle the debate once and for all…
3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025
David Beckham for England.
Gerrard named as England's "greatest ever" player by Messi
It is a bit of a surprise to see the Liverpool fan pick Beckham over Gerrard, as Messi himself once claimed the Liverpool legend is the best player England have produced, saying: “Personally, I think Steven Gerrard is England’s greatest ever player. I wish him a happy retirement.”
The 45-year-old was arguably one of the only reasons Liverpool were successful during his era, with the former captain instigating the dramatic comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League, and scoring some incredible long-range goals.
Beckham was also fantastic at striking the ball from distance, having scored the most goals from direct free kicks in the history of the Premier League.
David Beckham
18
James Ward-Prowse
17
Thierry Henry
12
Gianfranco Zola
12
Cristiano Ronaldo
12
Consequently, both Gerrard and Beckham make their way onto the 20 best midfielders in Premier League history, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Roy Keane and more.
The former Liverpool and Man United stars are undoubtedly legends of the game, but Dembele has also now cemented his place in the history books, courtesy of his 2025 Ballon d’Or triumph.
West Ham United boss Graham Potter is walking on increasingly thin ice after a lacklustre start to the campaign, with pressure on the tactician at an all-time high after their London derby defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.
Potter’s side put in an impressive performance away to Nottingham Forest just prior to the international break, winning 3-0 at the City Ground courtesy of goals from Lucas Paqueta, Callum Wilson and Jarrod Bowen, but were on the receiving end of the same scoreline against Spurs.
Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounded off a routine win for Thomas Frank’s men at the London Stadium, whilst piling the misery on Potter, who has recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history.
9. Sam Allardyce
30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui
30%
11. Gianfranco Zola
27.8%
12, Graham Potter
27.3%
13. Avram Grant
18.9%
via StatMuse
Since the former Chelsea and Brighton boss was appointed on January 9, West Ham also have the worst top flight record of any Premier League side outside Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town — who were all relegated last term.
They’ve also conceded 11 goals already, the highest number of any West Ham side at this stage of a Premier League season since Avram Grant’s Hammers were relegated in 2011.
West Ham United managerGrahamPotterbefore the match
The numbers make for extremely grim reading, and reports suggest that West Ham are internally discussing replacements for the under-fire Potter.
Nuno Espirito Santo is allegedly being considered by West Ham and chairman David Sullivan is a fan of the Portuguese, according to journalist Alan Nixon, with the ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss readily available after leaving Forest.
It is also claimed that West Ham have approached Coventry City boss and ex-player Frank Lampard, who has resurrected his managerial career in the West Midlands and came close to promotion from the Championship last season.
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ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025
Even serial winner Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move to east London after departing Fenerbache, but this trio of intriguing names have now been joined by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna on West Ham’s managerial target list.
Kieran McKenna emerging as frontrunner for West Ham job
That is according to journalist Wayne Veysey and Football Insider, who report speculation is mounting that McKenna is emerging in pole position for the West Ham job after a development.
Veysey writes that McKenna was a surprise guest in the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs after being invited to attend.
It is unclear right now what the 39-year-old’s stance is on leaving Portman Road for the English capital, but there is reason for West Ham to consider him as an option.
Why Kieran McKenna could be a good appointment for West Ham
Ipswich’s boss guided them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, before they were unfortunately relegated last campaign, and reports suggest that McKenna was actually a top Chelsea target to replace Mauricio Pochettino before they hired Enzo Maresca.
MauricioPochettinocoach of U.S. during the match
The coach, who once played for Tottenham reserves and the Lilywhites youth teams before hanging up his boots due to a hip injury, is regarded as one of England’s most promising young managers.
It’s been a slow start to 25/26 for the Tractor Boys, who’ve just recorded their first win of the Championship season with a 5-0 win over Sheffield United, and McKenna may well be tempted by the prospect of an immediate switch back to the top flight.
He’s also coached Man United and Spurs at junior level, with Liverpool legend John Barnes calling him a “sensational” tactician.
Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.
After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.
Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade
As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.
The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.
Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.
Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.
How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson
When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.
Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.
Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.
Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.
RW
129
25
43
AM
88
13
10
LW
44
9
7
RM
8
0
1
SS
4
0
0
CF
3
0
0
RB
3
0
0
LM
2
1
0
CM
1
0
0
Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.
Former Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.
Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.
Former Norwich attacker Emi Buendia.
Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.
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Chelsea may have secured Champions League qualification courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday but they won’t get very far in the competition unless they significantly improve their centre-forward options.
Nicolas Jackson managed a grand total of 12 goals across 33 matches this term. Injury issues have limited his impact, but the general feeling is that Jackson isn’t of the required quality to help steer the Blues back to winning trophies.
When Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, the Stamford Bridge side enjoyed its finest era, winning two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns.
Despite the success, Chelsea have had their fair share of centre-forwards who have flopped under the weight of expectation in London.
Indeed, Fernando Torres (45 goals in 172 matches), Andriy Shevchenko (22 goals in 77 matches) and Mateja Kezman (seven goals in 41 matches) all arrived at the club with plenty of hype, yet failed to deliver.
Add in the likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi, and it soon becomes clear that Chelsea have a major problem with getting the best out of the strikers they have bought since 2003.
Some are exceptions to the norm though. With one name standing out among the rest like a beacon of hope – Didier Drogba.
How Didier Drogba destroyed the Premier League
Drogba came to José Mourinho’s attention way before he became the manager of Chelsea in 2004. During a game between Mourinho’s Porto and Drogba’s Marseille in the 2003/04 Champions League, the enigmatic Portuguese manager was enamoured by the striker’s performance.
He scored during that game and when Mourinho ended up at Chelsea a few months later, Drogba was one of his first signings, costing a staggering £24m, which at the time was a massive fee for a player who had spent just one season with Marseille.
Didier Drogba
In the end, it turned out to be a bargain. His first campaign didn’t quite go to plan, but from 2005/06 onwards, Drogba scored 13 or more goals in every season until he departed in the summer of 2012.
The Ivorian won four FA Cups, three Premier League trophies and the Champions League during his first spell with the Blues. Add in a handful of other domestic cups, and it is clear Drogba is a Chelsea legend.
Who can forget his performance in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich in their backyard? If scoring an equaliser with minutes to go wasn’t enough, the forward joined the pantheon of icons at the club by netting the winner in the penalty shootout.
He returned for a second spell during 2014/15, winning a Premier League and League Cup double, a fitting way for him to depart.
Others have come and gone trying to replicate Drogba’s eye for goal and match-winning performances in major finals, but no one has come close, yet.
Could this all change during the summer transfer window? As Enzo Maresca is eyeing a move for a striker that might change the club’ fortunes.
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Joao Pedro is the latest name to be touted for a move to London. While Liam Delap is available for just £30m after Ipswich Town were relegated. Victor Osimhen is still a reported target for the Blues, who missed out on him last summer.
Journalist Miguel Delaney of the Independent has now stated that the Blues are keen on signing Hugo Ekitike this summer, saying: “Chelsea now strongly considering Ekitike, as they hone striker pursuit after Champions League qualification.” In a follow up report, he noted that the Blues are now ‘extensively discussing a move’ for the forward.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Now that a seat at the top table of European football has been secured, Chelsea are keen on improving their squad.
They will have to splash money in bringing Ekitike to London, however, as he would likely cost around £85m.
Given the financial rewards on offer for playing in Europe’s premier competition next season, this fee might be something Maresca could pay, especially as he is in dire need of a new striker.
Could he replicate the feats of a certain Drogba? Ekitike has all the required tools to do so, that’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike
Respected analyst Ben Mattinson ensured plenty of European heavyweights were on standby this summer by lauding the striker in March.
“A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode,” he said.
Across 48 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman scored 22 goals while registering 12 assists in all competitions. Not just a typical number nine, but also a player who is keen to link up well with others and generate chances for his teammates.
Metric
Europa League
Bundesliga
Goals
4
15
Assists
3
8
Big chances created
6
12
Sots per 90
2.2
3.5
Goal conversion percentage
15%
13%
Drogba was also a well-rounded centre-forward, recording 82 assists over his 381 games for the Blues.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the former PSG centre-forward has been a standout performer.
Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 6% for total shots (3.74) and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 over the previous 12 months, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists (0.29) per 90.
Additionally, Ekitike also ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area. It is evident that he possesses the skills which could make him a big success in the Premier League.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Notably described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, like Drogba, he would be making a move from a respected team in a top-five European league following a successful campaign.
With an insatiable eye for goal and a selfless nature in the final third, Ekitike exudes many of the qualities that endeared Drogba to the Chelsea faithful during his two spells in London.
Should the French sensation move to Chelsea, he might have a lot of living up to do. Given his displays for Frankfurt, this might not be a problem.
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