Leeds United centre-forward Patrick Bamford is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, should the Whites go on to suffer relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, Newcastle United could make a move for the 28-year-old striker in the off-season.
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The report goes on to state that a new centre-forward is Eddie Howe’s priority in the summer transfer window, with it being claimed that the Magpies have a transfer budget of around £60m plus player sales to work with in their hunt for a new frontman.
Unforgivable decision
While Leeds are by no means considering the prospect of playing Championship football next season just yet, should the Whites fail to secure their Premier League status against Brentford on Sunday, the argument that selling Bamford would be an unforgivable decision by Andrea Radrizzani is an easy one to make.
Indeed, the £18m-rated forward proved influential in helping the Whites secure a return to the top flight over his 45 Championship appearances back in 2019/20, scoring 16 goals, registering two assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.
The £74k-per-week striker then undoubtedly proved his Premier League quality over 38 outings last season, bagging 17 goals, providing seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.
These returns saw the England international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Marcelo Bielsa’s seventh-best player in the top-flight – with the 28-year-old playing a key role in Leeds securing a top-half finish in the league.
And, with injury having seen the Nottingham Forest academy graduate miss the vast majority of the current campaign, considering Leeds’ current record of 40 goals scored – 22 fewer than they managed last season – it is abundantly clear just how important a part of Jesse Marsch’s side Bamford is.
As such, whether Leeds survive or go down come the final whistle on Sunday, it is clear to see that cashing in on the centre-forward who Sam McGuire dubbed a “goal machine” would be a huge mistake by Radrizzani, as Bamford has proven that he can both fire the Whites up and lead his team to the higher reaches of the Premier League standings.
AND in other news: Leeds now handed handed huge boost ahead of Brentford, Jesse Marsch will be buzzing
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest information regarding Liverpool striker Divock Origi’s future at Anfield.
What’s the story?
According to Romano, Origi has already told Liverpool he will depart this summer on a free transfer with AC Milan looking like his likely destination.
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The journalist tweeted: “AC Milan are working on final details to complete Divock Origi deal on a free transfer. Liverpool are aware of the negotiations between AC Milan and Origi agents, the contract proposal almost ready. Origi already informed Liverpool board that he’s gonna leave.”
The 27-year-old has played just six times in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term and will be targeting more frequent game time upon the expiry of his contract at Anfield.
Supporters will be gutted
Although he has often been a backup option during his tenure at the Merseyside outfit, Origi has contributed some famous performances and goals and will be remembered fondly by the Liverpool supporters.
The Belgian joined from Lille in 2014 but was instantly loaned back to the French club for the 2014/15 campaign before being slowly integrated by Jurgen Klopp.
Following another loan spell in the 2017/18 season at Wolfsburg, the striker returned and made a major impact, scoring some of Liverpool’s most famous goals in recent history.
A brace from the striker proved pivotal as the Reds overturned a 3-0 Champions League semi-final deficit against Barcelona to win 4-0 at Anfield and eventually win the trophy with the forward scoring in the final too.
Moreover, the 27-year-old has popped up with a couple of vital goals against Everton in the Merseyside Derby, with one recently.
In 174 appearances for the Reds, Origi has scored 41 times whilst also providing 18 assists, averaging at an impressive goal contribution every 117 minutes given that most of his football has come from the bench.
Despite a decent goal scoring record, the Belgian has constantly fallen victim to the club having an array of world-class attacking talent with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota all above the striker in the attacking pecking order.
Supporters will be gutted that the scorer of some iconic Liverpool goals will be leaving but it will prove to be the best option for Origi with game time set to be limited at Anfield.
AND in other news: Liverpool must now brutally sell £85k-p/w dud who’s lost possession every 4.5 minutes
Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to selling their Mexican striker of four years, Raul Jimenez, this summer.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who has claimed that the Old Gold are open to offers for the 31-year-old and will consider selling him for as little as £15m – just under half of what they paid for the Mexican’s services back in 2019.
Having disappointed with his goal returns over the current season, it is said that there is a feeling amongst the Wolves hierarchy that the 31-year-old needs a change of scenery.
As per the report, Crook stated that the £100k-p/w Mexican would be open to a return to Spain, where he began his European journey with Atletico Madrid.
Jimenez out, Gibbs-White in?
Jimenez, who has scored six goals in the Premier League this season.
Whilst there is the argument that the Old Gold’s chance creation has been poor – having made just 37 big chances this season, the joint-fourth worst in the English top flight – that debate is quickly shut down with the Mexican’s squad-high tally of eight big chances missed.
When they needed him to be clinical, he has often failed to find the net, and with Lage’s recent switch in tactics catering to a counter-pressing approach, a more mobile forward would be better suited to the Old Gold.
A player who could step up to the plate, and would cost the Molineux outfit nothing in transfer fees, is their on-loan star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has set the Championship on fire this season in taking up a more offensive position as an attacking midfielder for Sheffield United. He has also played as a centre-forward six times, with four goals and two assists from that position.
Hailed as a “sensation” by The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, the £8.1m-rated Gibbs-White has proven himself as a goal poacher, having scored 11 times whilst chipping in with nine assists for a total of 20 goal contributions in 35 appearances for the Blades.
With Lage eager to involve the 22-year-old in Wolves’ pre-season plans this summer, it would be worth testing his potency as a striker, with his returns this season underlining his threat in front of goal.
In other news – Mendes links: Wolves now plot bid for “exciting” 20y/o wonderkid, Lage will love him
Pundit Paul Robinson has been reacting to an injury scare for Leeds United captain Liam Cooper, MOT Leeds News report.
The Lowdown: Pope’s post
Cooper returned to action last month following a lengthy layoff with a hamstring problem he picked up back in December.
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The club captain helped the Whites concede just once in three games against Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace and was set to start on Saturday against Elland Road.
However, Cooper was withdrawn just before kick-off, with Adam Pope revealing on Twitter that the defender suffered a knee problem that requires a scan.
The Latest: Robinson reacts
Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Cooper’s latest problem, shared by Pope.
He labelled it as a ‘big loss’, should the Scot miss any of the final four Premier League games with Leeds in serious danger of relegation.
“You only have to look at when Cooper’s come back into the team when he and Kalvin Phillips kept two clean sheets.
“It’s not just his performances that are good but his leadership qualities are as well both on and off the field.
“Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all look better players when they play alongside Cooper just because of that.
“He’s got a good understanding of the game and when he doesn’t play, I think it’s more of a communication issue.
“It’ll be a big loss for Leeds if he’s out any longer.
“If it was a case of missing the Manchester City game and then playing the rest of the season or playing the Man City game and missing the season, they’ve made the right choice.
“You’d much rather him miss one and play the rest.”
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Cooper has been Leeds’ best-rated defender this season, as per WhoScored, with Stuart Dallas next on the list.
As we know, Jesse Marsch will be without Dallas for the foreseeable future, so it would be a major blow if Cooper, who has made more interceptions than any Leeds player, were to also miss the run-in.
Hopefully, scans will show no long-term damage to Cooper’s knee and he’ll be able to return to the squad for the trip to the Emirates this weekend, where Marsch’s side need to pick up points or risk ending the weekend in the bottom three.
In other news: Radz, Orta and Marsch now want to bring ‘X-factor’ attacker to Leeds despite possible relegation
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be ‘monitoring’ the situation of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong ahead of the summer transfer window.
What’s the story?
That’s according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, who said to GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Ten Hag will be monitoring his situation.
“They’ve enjoyed success together in the past, and De Jong would be a big upgrade in that Man United midfield, if they were able to sign him.”
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The current Ajax boss coached De Jong before the midfielder’s move to the Catalan giants, and he could be keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
United need De Jong
Ten Hag is set to lead a major squad overhaul this summer, with the Dutchman having a serious rebuilding job ahead of him in Manchester.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are all set to leave this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, whilst further outgoings is incredibly possible.
Therefore, adding new faces to the United squad is an absolute must for the 52-year-old, who will take charge of the Premier League giants from July.
With Pogba and Matic leaving, an entire restructuring of the midfield could be possible, with De Jong at the heart of it. As a result, Brazilian midfielder Fred could also be on his way out of Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old has been a regular this season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, making 33 appearances across all competitions. In fact, he scored the first goal under Rangnick’s management against Crystal Palace.
However, the Brazilian’s contract is set to expire next summer, and the Red Devils may be keen to receive funds for the midfielder before he can leave as a free agent.
As for De Jong, the £63m-rated Dutchman has been an integral part of Barcelona’s setup this season, making 43 appearances across all competitions, with Xavi Hernandez’s team sitting third in La Liga. Moreover, at just 24, he already has 40 caps for the Dutch national team, and he had made 89 appearances for Ajax by the age of 22.
The Netherland international, who has been dubbed a “genius” by his manager, has averaged a 7.08 rating from Sofascore for his performances in La Liga this term, compared to Fred’s 7.03 in the Premier League. Therefore, the former would likely supplant the Brazilian in United’s line-up.
Having performed excellently under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, coming to Old Trafford could certainly be a decent prospect for De Jong. Indeed, his prospective signing could spell the end of Fred’s much-maligned Manchester United tenure.
AND in other news: Man Utd handed setback in swoop for £60m “baller”, Ten Hag will be furious
Sunderland are facing a huge game in their bid to land a place in the League One play-offs this weekend as a win against Morecambe will secure their top-six spot.
The Black Cats are vying for promotion up to the Championship under Alex Neil, after sacking Lee Johnson earlier this year, and it will be intriguing to see what happens in the summer if they do go up.
Kristjaan Speakman will have his first chance to sign players for the ex-Norwich and Preston coach and one player the Scot must look to secure a deal for is a gem who is already at the club – youngster Jack Clarke.
Football.London recently reported that Spurs will be looking to either sell the attacker on a permanent deal or loan him out again for another season and the Black Cats must look to snap him up for a second time.
Whether or not a permanent move is viable, given that Tottenham paid £9m to sign him, remains to be seen but another campaign on loan would surely get the Stadium of Light rocking.
He is an exciting young player who would be an asset to the club in the Championship or League One next term, having built up a strong reputation in his short career to date.
Former Premier League forward Noel Whelan previously heaped praise on the youngster, saying:
“He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”
Lee Johnson, before his exit, also praised Clarke as he claimed that the attacker has the potential to be an “influential” player for the club.
That is exactly what he has been since arriving on loan from Spurs in January. He has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.02 across 16 appearances in League One as he has created 1.6 chances per game and four ‘big chances’ in total – showing that he has the quality to deliver openings to his teammates on a regular basis.
At the age of 21, he has the scope to develop further and Neil may enjoy working with him on the training pitch to help him to fulfil his potential. He is already showing off his exciting skills out wide with his chance creation numbers and fans would surely love to see him signed on another deal for next season because of his potential and current ability.
AND in other news, Big boost: Neil “hopeful” of huge Sunderland lift that’ll have supporters buzzing…
It feels like Chelsea’s momentum is starting to build this season.
Enzo Maresca’s side had a few poor results earlier in the campaign, but have just come off a week that saw them demolish Barcelona in the Champions League.
Then, a few days later, they held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw, despite being a man down for over half the game.
One of Chelsea’s best players in this uptick in form has been Marc Cucurella, but if reports are to be believed, he could soon have some extra competition for his place in the team.
Chelsea target Cucurella rival
With the winter transfer window now so close, Chelsea have unsurprisingly been linked with a huge number of players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, the West Londoners have been one of several sides linked with an audacious move for Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, and if that wasn’t exciting enough, Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga has also been touted for a £70m move to Stamford Bridge.
However, while these two players would most certainly improve Maresca’s squad, if not his starting lineup, they cannot really be described as competition for Cucurella, unlike Castello Lukeba.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the French defender.
Alongside the Blues, the report claims Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all keen on the 22-year-old, but the good news is that it is the West Londoners who are leading the race at the moment.
Interestingly, while he has a release clause worth up to €90m in his contract, which is about £79m, the report has revealed that RB Leipzig may be willing to let him leave for around €60m, which is just £53m.
It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but with how talented Lukeba is, one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he could provide more competition for Cucurella.
How Lukeba compares to Cucurella
Now, the first thing to say is that it feels incredibly unlikely that any defender would come into this Chelsea side in January and immediately displace Cucurella.
After all, the Spaniard is one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment.
However, all great teams need serious competition in all areas of the pitch, and by signing Lukeba, Maresca would be ensuring that he has that at left-back and extra cover at centre-back.
Yes, the Frenchman has spent most of his career playing in the centre of a defence, but he has got some experience out on the left, and players like Jorrel Hato, Jurrien Timber and even Riccardo Calafiori all prove that centre-backs can transition to become more of a full-back.
Moreover, respected analyst-turned-Como scout Ben Mattinson has even described the 22-year-old as a “perfect LB/LCB hybrid for the modern game.”
Mattinon goes on to describe the Frenchman as “defensively exceptional,” pointing out his “outstanding timing of last man tackles” as one of the reasons why.
However, he’s not just a lockdown defender, as u23 scout Antonio Mango has described him as someone who “excels on the ball” and has “that line breaking ability” so many managers want from their full-backs and centre-backs.
With all that said, his most significant advantage over Cucurella, and the reason he could seriously challenge him for game time, is his defensive solidity, and the numbers back that up.
According to FBref, the Leipzig star outperforms the Blues ace in most defensive metrics, including ball recoveries, aerial duels won, blocks, interceptions and clearances.
Blocks
1.91
1.42
Interceptions
1.45
1.00
Clearances
5.82
3.33
Aerial Duels Won
1.18
1.00
Ball Recoveries
5.73
3.83
Ultimately, Cucurella’s place in Chelsea’s starting lineup is guaranteed at the moment, but were Maresca to get his hands on Lukeba, he could have some serious competition.
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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was not happy with match-winner Hugo Ekitike’s “stupid” red card in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
The 23-year-old replaced Alexander Isak, after the £125million British record signing opened his account, at half-time, but his first involvement was to be booked for punching the ball away in frustration.
And when he slid home Federico Chiesa’s pass five minutes from time to put Liverpool ahead again after Shea Charles had equalised, he wheeled away to the corner flag and removed his shirt before holding it up for the cameras.
It left referee Thomas Bramall with option but to issue a second caution followed by the red card, meaning the £200,000-a-week Frenchman will be suspended for the Premier League leaders’ trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Ekitike apologised for his dismissal, saying emotion got the better of him. He posted on Instagram:
“I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match… The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family.”
The red card was the second low point as 18-year-old debutant Giovanni Leoni, who had enjoyed a trouble-free night, was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking knee injury and will undergo a scan to determine the damage.
“He is down because, for him, it didn’t feel good immediately. Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot,” added Slot. Amid all the late mayhem Isak’s expertly-taken maiden goal just before the break was almost forgotten.
“I should have scored earlier as well. It is part of being a striker, you miss some and score some,” the Swede told ITV. “I feel confident in myself that things will work out and when I get chances I will put them away.”
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Slot, joking that no-one mentions Isak’s transfer fee, added: “It is only six or seven days ago he made his debut so time goes so fast, but we got him not in the best circumstances in terms of match fitness (as he missed Newcastle’s pre-season).
“So the best moments will hopefully start when he comes back from the Sweden national team (next month) – then we can expect even more from him, but until now I’m very happy.”
Southampton boss Will Still at least saw the funny side of the red card for Ekitike, whom he had as a player at Reims. “Hugo cracks me up. We caught up before the game and he said he would come on and score and give me his shirt and b****r off,” he said.
Still was frustrated his side did not help themselves. “We had a massive chance, hit the crossbar, somehow not put the ball in the back of the net and 30-40 seconds they have gone up the other end and we have put it on a plate for them,” he said. “It sums up our season so far. We seem to keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Nottingham Forest travel to face Swansea City in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, with new manager Ange Postecoglou hunting for his first victory in charge.
The Aussie suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, but has the opportunity to make amends in South Wales this evening.
Whilst the game against lower league opposition presents an excellent chance for rotation, the 60-year-old needs to avoid a shock defeat to help win over the fanbase.
He stated in his pre-match press conference yesterday that changes are likely to be made to rest some players and hand the opportunity for others to impress the new boss.
However, the competition presents the first opening for the former Spurs boss to claim a trophy for the Reds – something which owner Evangelos Marinakis desperately desires.
With the Europa League also on the horizon, rotation will certainly be needed, which could result in Morgan Gibbs-White being dropped against his former side, with numerous debuts being handed out across the board.
30/04/2022
5-1 (W)
11/12/2021
4-1 (W)
17/02/2021
1-0 (L)
23/01/2021
5-1 (L)
29/11/2020
1-0 (L)
15/07/2020
2-2 (D)
14/09/2019
1-0 (W)
30/03/2019
2-1 (W)
15/09/2018
0-0 (D)
So, here is our Forest predicted XI to take on Swansea this evening.
GK – John Victor
The Brazilian shot-stopper joined the Reds late on in the summer transfer window, providing a needed backup to Matz Sels after Carlos Miguel returned back to his homeland.
He’s expected to make his debut for Ange’s side tonight and hopefully stake his claim for a regular first-team role in the months ahead – given the hectic schedule.
RB – Nicolo Savona
Nicolo Savona made his first Forest appearance in the defeat against Arsenal last Saturday, being brought on after Murillo limped off during the first-half.
The Italian should be handed his first start this evening, helping him build up the needed match fitness to fill the void left by the injured Ola Aina.
CB – Willy Boly
The 34-year-old has often provided a needed experienced presence at the back, which is undoubtedly a reason he penned a new contract at the City Ground over the summer.
He could provide that just that once again this evening, potentially partnering a young talent at the heart of Postecoglou’s backline.
CB – Jair Cunha
Jair Cunha is one of just four additions made from Botafogo by the Reds hierarchy this summer, but has had to bide his time before making his debut in the Garibaldi.
He’s only been named in one matchday squad to date, but the cup competition could offer the 20-year-old a perfect start to kickstart his career in England.
LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko
The 28-year-old was a surprise late addition on deadline day for Forest, joining the club on a season-long loan from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.
He was unable to make his debut against the Gunners on Saturday, but like Savona, he needs valuable minutes to build up his fitness given the lack of depth in full-back areas.
CDM – Ryan Yates (C)
Ryan Yates is a player who has constantly defied the odds at Forest, still remaining as the only player left in the first-team squad from the promotion-winning side.
The 27-year-old is yet to make a Premier League start in 2025/26, but could be set to lead the side with the armband once again tonight, potentially starring alongside another summer signing.
CDM – Douglas Luiz
Huge excitement was generated amongst the fanbase after the loan signing of Douglas Luiz from Juventus, but his transfer is yet to take off given his lack of action.
The Brazilian is yet to make a single appearance for the Reds, but tonight could be the perfect chance for the former Aston Villa star to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.
RW – Omari Hutchinson
Eyebrows were certainly raised when Omari Hutchinson joined Forest in a club-record £37.5m deal from Ipswich Town – but they reached another level when he was left out of the Europa League squad.
However, the youngster is deserving of an opportunity to feature in the Carabao Cup, needing valuable minutes given his lack of action in the Premier League to date.
CAM – James McAtee
Former Manchester City star James McAtee was another one of the club’s big-money additions during the off-season – costing a fee totalling £30m including add-ons.
However, like Hutchinson, he’s yet to start a single game for the Reds, but could be utilised in the number ten role ahead of Gibbs-White in South Wales.
LW – Dilane Bakwa
While the Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat on Saturday, winger Dilane Bakwa was a bright spark, making a huge impression on the fanbase despite only featuring for just 30 minutes.
He completed 100% of his passes, while also attempting two dribbles – potentially having the opportunity to start from the off for the first time in his Reds career.
ST – Arnaud Kalimuendo
Alongside Bakwa, Arnaud Kalimuendo was another young star brought into the club from France – costing a fee in the region of £26m from Stade Rennes.
The 23-year-old scored 18 times in all competitions last campaign, having the goalscoring nouse that could see him be the long-term replacement for Chris Wood.
Forest XI to face Swansea: Victor; Savona, Boly, Cunha, Zinchenko; Yates, Luiz, Hutchinson, McAtee, Bakwa; Kalimuendo.
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Celtic were hit with a devastating blow at the start of this month when it was revealed that Jota could be out of action for up to nine months with a knee injury.
The Hoops winger hobbled off during the 5-0 win over Dundee United away from home at the end of last month, the game that clinched the Scottish Premiership title, and is now set to be out of action until next year.
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he will be out for between six and nine months after suffering cruciate ligament damage, which means that he will miss pre-season and the start of next season at a minimum.
It comes as a big blow for the Scottish giants because the winger had provided four goals and two assists in seven league matches after his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.
Celtic reportedly paid £8m to sign the Portuguese wizard from Rennes on a permanent deal, 18 months on from selling him to Al Ittihad for a fee of £25m.
How Celtic played a masterclass with Jota
Ange Postecoglou initially signed the forward on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2021 before a permanent deal was struck to bring him to Parkhead on a long-term contract in 2022.
The Hoops reportedly splashed out a fee of £6.5m to convert his loan into a permanent deal, as per the option to buy that was included in the initial move, and the exciting attacker justified that fee with his performances on the pitch in the Premiership.
Jota scored ten goals and provided ten assists in less than 30 appearances in the Scottish top-flight during his loan spell at Parkhead, which convinced the club to activate their £6.5m option to sign him permanently.
The dynamic forward instantly repaid their faith in him with another excellent campaign in the Premiership during the 2022/23 season under Postecoglou’s management, as he delivered goals and assists on a regular basis once again.
Appearances
33
Goals
11
Big chances missed
4
Big chances created
13
Key passes per game
1.9
Assists
11
As you can see in the table above, Jota scored more goals and provided more assists than he did in his first year at the club, which shows that he was heading in the right direction from a development perspective.
His impressive form for Celtic in those seasons, however, led to interest from elsewhere, and Al Ittihad eventually swooped in to sign him for a fee of £25m, representing a significant profit on the £6.5m that they paid for his services.
Jota
This shows that the Hoops played a masterclass with Jota because they snapped up a young talent from Benfica, initially on loan, and provided him with a platform to showcase his quality before selling him for a huge fee, only to re-sign the winger 18 months later.
Celtic could, now, repeat that masterclass by swooping to sign another talented young winger who has been linked with a move to Parkhead, Kwame Poku.
The latest on Celtic and Kwame Poku
GIVEMESPORT recently reported that Birmingham City are concerned that they could lose the race to sign Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku to Celtic or Rangers.
The outlet pointed out that the two Scottish giants would have to pay a significantly lower compensation fee for the winger, whose contract expires this summer, because of the UEFA cross-border compensation deals, than any English team would have to pay.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
GIVEMESPORT added that Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry, has already confirmed that Rangers and Celtic scouts have been at their games this season to watch the 23-year-old talent in the flesh.
The report revealed that Birmingham and Sheffield United, among other English sides, are also interested in the winger, though, and that means that there is likely to be plenty of competition for his signature.
Celtic must, now, push to win the race for his services because he could arrive at Parkhead with the potential to be the next version of Jota for the club.
Why Kwame Poku could be Celtic's next Jota
The Ghana international could be Jota 2.0 for the Hoops for several reasons, most notably that he is also an exciting winger who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis.
Whilst he is a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right, as opposed to a right-footer on the left like Jota, Poku is similar to the Portuguese talent in the way that he looks to make an impact in the final third.
Appearances
37
27
Goals
11
12
Big chances missed
11
3
Big chances created
10
9
Key passes per game
1.5
1.2
Assists
7
8
As you can see in the table above, Poku has delivered 21 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in his last two seasons in League One with the Posh, which shows that he can offer a constant threat at the top end of the pitch.
Whilst he is yet to show that he can translate that to the top level in England, these statistics show that the potential is there for him to be a Jota-esque figure for Celtic with his quality on the wing.
Such is his potential, Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony believes that his next move could cost £30m: “He’s top drawer. He has everything, a great technique, pace and physicality. He will be a Premier League star in the future and that next move will probably cost £30m.”
At the age of 23, Poku still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, and he could use a transfer to Celtic as a platform to shine on the domestic and European stage whilst winning trophies to enhance his value, as Jota did under Postecoglou.
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Therefore, the Hoops could find Jota 2.0 by signing Poku because he is another exceptional wing talent who can provide goals and assists, whilst also having the potential to be worth millions more in the future if he hits his stride at Parkhead.