Liverpool enjoyed an impressive summer of transfer business as they overhauled their midfield options in order to bounce back from a disappointing 2022/23 campaign.

The Reds failed to win any major trophies last season and finished outside of the top four, in fifth place, as they missed out on Champions League football this term.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently competing in the Europa League, due to their struggles last year, and the German head coach will be hoping for a swift return to the continent's elite competition for the 2024/25 campaign.

The former Borussia Dortmund tactician clearly identified his midfield as an area of the squad that needed surgery as the likes of Naby Keita, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all moved on from Anfield over the summer.

This opened the door for Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo to come in and compete for a place in the middle of the park, alongside Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, in particular, have been outstanding additions to the squad and Liverpool played a blinder with the latter as they brought in a proven Premier League performer who could hit the ground running.

Liverpool transfer news – Douglas Luiz

The Reds could now replicate that masterclass by swooping for another player who has already showcased their quality on a regular basis in the English top-flight – Douglas Luiz.

TEAMtalk reported at the end of last month that Liverpool are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign the Brazilian maestro during the upcoming January transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, who both finished above Klopp's side last term, are also eyeing up the impressive whiz to bolster their own midfield options.

It is said that the Villans do not want to lose their star player in January and that it would take a fee within the region of £80m to even make them consider a deal.

TEAMtalk added that Pep Guardiola, who had Luiz on City's books prior to his move to Villa, is a big admirer of the central midfielder and that Liverpool believe he suits what they need in the middle of the park.

It was also claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have previously held an interest in his services but it remains to be seen whether or not they are ready to rejoin the race for his signature.

The report did not, however, state whether or not Liverpool are prepared to firm up their interest with an official approach for Luiz, or if they would be willing to meet Villa's £80m demand.

If the Reds were able to snap him up in January, though, then the club could repeat the blinder they played with Mac Allister earlier this year.

Alexis Mac Allister's season in numbers

The Argentina international was signed from Brighton & Hove Albion over the summer after his impressive season for club and country last term.

Statistic

Mac Allister at 2022 World Cup (via Sofascore)

Starts

Six

Goals

One

Assists

One

Big chances created

Two

Pass success rate

89%

Ground duel success rate

67%

As you can see from the table above, Mac Allister played a crucial role at the 2022 World Cup as his side went on to win the famous trophy – with Lionel Messi captaining them to glory in Qatar.

The central midfielder did not allow that to detract from his club form for Brighton, though, as he played 35 Premier League matches and contributed with ten goals and two assists.

Liverpool then secured his services in a deal that could rise up to £55m and the talented whiz has enjoyed a strong start to life at Anfield.

The 24-year-old wizard has not showcased the best of his attacking qualities – with one goal and one assist in the league – but has been an excellent defensive presence in front of the back four.

Mac Allister has produced 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game for his side and currently ranks first within the squad for tackles (2.4) and joint-first for interceptions (1.3) per match.

This suggests that the World Cup winner, who has made 6.6 ball recoveries per game, has been an outstanding defender for Liverpool this season as their main ball-winner on the pitch to cut out opposition attacks.

Whilst there is more to come from Mac Allister in terms of his attacking contributions, the former Brighton star has hit the ground running, thanks to his prior Premier League experience, as a superb midfielder for Klopp.

Douglas Luiz's season in numbers

The Brazil international has been in sublime form for Villa so far this season in the English top-flight and could, therefore, follow in the Argentine talent's footsteps in 2024.

Unai Emery's side are currently fourth in the division and competing to land a spot in next season's edition of the Champions League, and Luiz has been a pivotal cog in their well-oiled machine.

The 25-year-old star has played 14 Premier League matches and caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession from midfield.

Luiz has produced five goals – four more than any Liverpool midfielder has managed – and two assists for his team in those 14 outings.

He has created three 'big chances' for his teammates and made 1.2 key passes per game, which would place him fifth within the Reds squad.

The former Manchester City prospect has also impressed onlookers with his defensive qualities. He has made 2.4 tackles per game for the Villans, which would place him joint-first in the Liverpool squad alongside Mac Allister.

Luiz, who was hailed as "transformed" by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor last year, has also made 6.4 ball recoveries per outing and has showcased his strength in midfield with a duel success rate of 59%, which shows that opposition players do not get the better of him with ease in physical contests.

His form this season has come off the back of his return of six goals and six assists, along with 3.1 tackles and interceptions per match, in 37 Premier League appearances for Villa during the 2022/23 campaign.

The Brazilian maestro is, therefore, a proven top-flight performer who would not need a period of adaptation in England and could hit the ground running in midfield in the same way that Mac Allister has, if Liverpool can snap him up in January.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow after learning that one of their top young players is also ruled out of this afternoon’s Championship game vs Middlesbrough alongside Junior Firpo.

Leeds injury news

The Whites currently have Stuart Dallas out on the sidelines with his own respective long-term problem as it stands, so the rest of the squad will have to try and pick up positive results throughout the rest of the season without the services of their veteran.

Daniel Farke’s side host Michael Carrick’s visitors later today, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time, but following a fresh update, the manager is set to be missing another one of his stars having suffered a fresh blow.

Predicted Leeds lineup to face Middlesbrough including Spence and no "crucial" titan

The possible line up that Daniel Farke could select to line up at Elland Road this weekend.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2023

Elland Road striker Joe Gelhardt has recently been absent from the action having sustained a hand fracture, and despite having since returned to training, he’s now expected to be facing another spell in the treatment room.

England’s former youth international spent the second half of last season out on loan at Sunderland, and whilst the 21-year-old has stayed to try and fight for his place at the club rather than taking the opportunity to leave over the summer, he’ll have to wait to make his next appearance.

Joe Gelhardt set to miss Middlesbrough

Taking to X, The Athletic’s Phil Hay shared an update from Farke’s pre-match press conference on Friday where the boss confirmed that Gelhardt is ruled out of today’s encounter vs Middlesbrough.

“Daniel Farke is here for his pre-Boro presser. Injury latest: Gelhardt out with a hip problem, Firpo out with a hamstring strain. Firpo likely to be out for three weeks. Those are the only new concerns after Wednesday's win over Swansea.”

Leeds suffer setback over "lively" Gelhardt

Whilst Gelhardt has only made five appearances this season in the Championship, Leeds will know that he’s capable of performing at a high level, therefore, the fact that he won’t be available for this particular fixture at the very least will come as a blow to Farke.

The Liverpool-born talent has posted 46 contributions, 32 goals and 16 assists, in 125 outings since the start of his career, showing how prolific he can be in the final third when handed the opportunity to play on a regular basis (Transfermarkt – Gelhardt statistics).

The Whites’ left-footed ace also ranks in the 96th percentile for pass completion, so he has extremely strong link-up play with his fellow teammates in and around the opposition’s penalty area (FBRef – Gelhardt statistics).

Gelhardt, who has been hailed “lively” by journalist Josh Bunting, is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the pitch following his arrival on the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and as an attacking midfielder, so the sooner he is able to return to the action, the better.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has called racism in Spanish football "a massive problem" and demanded the authorities do more to protect players.

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Bellingham urges authorities to act on racismTchouameni abused by Mallorca fans'It's a massive problem'Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham's team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni was the latest victim of racist abuse in Spain when he was targeted by Mallorca fans after scoring in Madrid's 1-0 win on Saturday.

AdvertisementWHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

"It’s mad you say that. I didn’t know. In the games you get used to it. I wasn’t even aware of the incident. It’s a massive problem, more has to be done. It’s a horrible way for a player to prepare for a game, knowing you're going to be racially abused," Bellingham told a press conference. "It’s disgusting, people in in the game need to do more. Vini gets attention, the game would miss players like him if he decided to take a break from the game. More needs to be done. No one deserves that so it’s a call out for the people who run the game. I doubt it will happen. You have to play your game and hope the people look after you – they are not doing it well enough at the moment."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Real forward Vinicius Junior has repeatedly called out racism in Spain after being abused by Valencia supporters last year. The Brazilian burst into tears in a press conference last month when discussing everything he has experienced.

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WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Madrid take on Manchester City in a Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday with the tie finely balanced after last week's hugely entertaining 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. City thrashed Madrid at the Etihad Stadium last season but Bellingham said the players are calm ahead of the game. "I spoke to some of the lads who played last year, all have similar feelings, it wasn’t nice. I've been on the end of big losses," he said. "We have to regulate that emotion and it’s a new game, don’t start 4-0 down, have to be brave and come out to play. The lads have spoken about it but we are ready to attack the next game."

Lyon took a five-for on the last day against Queensland as he lead New South Wales to their first win of the season

Alex Malcolm19-Nov-2018Nathan Lyon bowls•Getty Images

Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood have bowled New South Wales to first Sheffield Shield win of the season at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The Blues needed just eight wickets on the final day against Queensland but Lyon put on a masterclass taking 5 for 94 on a surface that spun more and more as the match went on. Hazlewood picked up 4 for 30 in 15 miserly overs.Joe Burns had an opportunity to push his case for Test selection but added just one to his overnight total of 37 before edging Hazlewood to second slip. Lyon then wheeled away with men all around the bat and prized out the entire Bulls middle order.He had Charlie Hemphrey caught at leg slip, after the ball bounced off his pad onto his bat in the follow through of an attempted sweep.Left-hander Sam Heazlett was caught sharply at silly mid off by Moises Henriques and Jimmy Pierson glanced one to leg slip to give Henriques his third catch in succession.Jack Wildermuth provided stern resistance making 84 in quick time. He was well supported by Michael Neser in a 77-run partnership before Neser was bowled by Hazlewood. Mark Steketee was Hazlewood’s fourth victim as Nick Larkin took another sharp catch standing very close at second slip, and Wildermuth fell 16 shy of a century, caught in deep slog sweeping Lyon.The spinner’s 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket came when he trapped Mitchell Swepson in front to finish the match.

Arsenal could already be poised to welcome the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta weighs up his options to bolster his squad in preparation for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Journalist John Cross relayed that the Gunners will look for improvements to their midfield in January, naming Aston Villa maestro Douglas Luiz as a primary target, however the Brazilian isn’t the only midfielder that the north Londoners are said to be eyeing.

Arsenal January transfer targets – Martin Zubimendi

A report from football.london last week revealed that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is admired by the Gunners, adding that Arsenal were joined by Barcelona in holding an interest in the 24-year-old in the summer.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano also touched upon the links this week, describing the Spaniard as being a player that is “really appreciated” by Arteta, branding him a player “perfect for their [Arsenal’s] project”.

With a release clause of €60m (£52m), the “incredible”, as lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango, midfielder will not be cheap to acquire, but could well prove to be worth every penny.

How Martin Zubimendi compares to Declan Rice

The next midfielder that Arsenal sign will take up the role of partnering £105m summer signing, Declan Rice, as his current partner Thomas Partey continues to struggle with injury.

What’s interesting about the suspected pursuit of Zubimendi is that the 24-year-old is a player similar to Rice, as supported by Football Transfers, who listed the Englishman as the closest match to the Sociedad sensation, with Jude Bellingham also mentioned.

Declan Rice vs Martin Zubimendi 23/24 league form per 90
Statistic	Declan Rice	Martin Zubimendi
Pass completion %	91.2%	85.1%
Progressive passes	6.96	5.06
Progressive carries	1.41	1.26
Tackles	2.11	1.69
Interceptions	1.41	1.43
Aerials won	0.97	1.85
Final third passes	7.57	5.48
Figures via FBref

The table above highlights the similarities in strengths between the two midfielders for their form in the 2023/24 Premier League and La Liga, reinforcing that the Spaniard has the ability to compete at the level of Arsenal’s star midfielder.

Once dubbed a “class act” by Mango, the Spain international has been likened to Sergio Busquets for his 'serenity' in midfield, with his ability to anticipate threat outweighing his need to be physically intrusive, via scouting site The Analyst.

The Analyst touched upon the Arsenal target's playing style that sees him only 'intervening when necessary, rather than trying to enforce his presence at all times', a trait recognisable in Rice’s game, who pops up to retain possession without asking.

A stylish ball player and subtle yet mighty presence in the engine room could be Arteta’s key to finding the perfect balance in midfield, with the 24-year-old possessing the quality to act as the anchor alongside Rice to allow the England international to roam.

Another key element to Zubimendi’s rise at Sociedad is his suitability to play in a pivot in midfield, similar to how his role would look if the Gunners were to acquire his signature to accompany the former West Ham captain.

No one in Real Sociedad’s side averages more interceptions than the £52m star this season in La Liga, with him averaging a comprehensive 1.3 per outing to reinforce his intelligent reading of the game in the engine room, via WhoScored.

Still a relatively young asset, the Spaniard could be the ideal capture for Arteta to complete his midfield build with, even if his hefty release clause may pose an issue for the Gunners' hopes of signing him in January.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped to generate Celtic-esque support at Wrexham, with Eoghan O’Connell saying the club are now “global”.

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• Dragons claimed back-to-back promotions
• Hollywood co-owners calling the shots
• Profile has risen around the world

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The arrival of Hollywood co-owners at SToK Racecourse back in 2021 generated plenty of fanfare, but few knew what to expect. Reynolds and McElhenney have bought into sporting and community projects in North Wales, allowing Wrexham’s stock to soar on and off the pitch.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  They are stars of their own award-winning documentary series, have claimed back-to-back promotions en route to League One and are pulling in fans from all over the world. Irish defender O’Connell has formed part of that remarkable journey and sees no ceiling for the Red Dragons and their loyal legion of followers.

• WHAT O'CONNELL SAID

  Ex-Celtic star O’Connell, who joined Wrexham in January 2023, has said to : “This club can become as big as it wants. Wrexham are global. That hit us all in the summer, when we were in North Carolina playing Chelsea (in a pre-season friendly). I remember being in the tunnel before the warm-up. They went out and there was a little roar. We then went out and the place really lifted. That’s why I say it is a global club. I also think back to Halifax away last year and the numbers we took (4,500 fans made the trip). We got beat but I remember thinking in the warm-up it was similar to a Celtic away day when I was there as a younger player. I do think with the fanbase, the people involved running the club and the owners, the world is your oyster, really.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham still have two games left to take in this season, but planning for life in League One has already begun. The Red Dragons are aware that forward momentum will be difficult to maintain in the third tier, with more clever recruitment and tactical tinkering required in order to remain competitive.

Arsenal are quietly conducting their business in the Premier League this season and are firmly on track to challenge for the title yet again, but Mikel Arteta will recognise the importance of strengthening his side in January.

Despite a few hiccups, the Gunners are third in the table heading into the November international break, just one point off league leaders Manchester City, and despite not quite offering the same captivating flair as last year, are arguably more mature and cohesive as a unit.

Of course, Arsenal have not blitzed into action in the same manner but do look sustainable in their craft, and injecting a fresh element of creativity could pay dividends, and this seems to be why Juventus' Federico Chiesa is of a vested interest.

Arsenal transfer targets – Federico Chiesa

According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, Arsenal are among the Premier League outfits lining up an offer to add Chiesa to the ranks, though will face fierce competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The Magpies in particular are willing to spend in excess of £52m to sign the dynamic Italy international, having been hit with a deluge of injuries to key personnel over the first months of the campaign.

But Arteta will care not, and indeed press to steal the target away from Eddie Howe, securing an exciting new offensive weapon to open up a fresh dimension and increase the chances of gleaning silverware this season.

Federico Chiesa's style of play

A stylish and artful attacking outlet, Chiesa has been a leading forward on the Serie A scene since joining Juventus from Fiorentina on a two-year loan in 2020, making the move permanent for €40m (£35m) transfer in 2022.

However, the 42-cap international suffered an ACL injury last year and missed 62 matches, detrimentally hampering his development, but did return to form with four direct contributions across the final five league outings last term.

Capable of thriving across both wings and in a central attacking role, the 26-year-old, who was hailed as a "wizard" by writer Roger Bennett, is the ideal addition to Arteta's blooming project, offering dynamism and versatility in abundance.

Having once been dubbed "world-class" by ex-footballer Alessandro Pierini, Chiesa's signature would be well worth the money – fitness permitting – offering the alacrity needed to return the Gunners to last season's incredible attacking wow factor while not negating the overall fluency.

His contract with the Old Lady expires in 2025 and is likely contributing to the recent swarm of transfer attention, and should Arsenal secure his signature, not only would they get their hands on a brilliant new gem but they would also secure their new version of esteemed former star Alexis Sanchez.

How Federico Chiesa compares to Alexis Sanchez

While the Gunners are performing at a greater level than the days when Sanchez plied his trade in north London, it's hard to dispute that the Chilean forward was not one of the most exciting and destructive forces on English shores after joining the club from Barcelona in a £35m transfer in 2014.

Over 166 appearances, Sanchez scored 80 goals and supplied 45 assists, instrumental in winning two FA Cups and the Community Shield and praised as a "winner" and a "class, class player" by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Of course, the 34-year-old departed the Emirates in slightly acrimonious circumstances, joining Manchester United in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January 2018 following a failed move to Guardiola's City in the summer, leading Arsenal icon Ian Wright to state that he "clocked off."

But this does not take away the brilliance of most of his time in London, having been one of the Premier League's most clinical and fear-invoking forces.

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A Rate

17/18

19

7

3

0.53

16/17

38

24

11

0.92

15/16

30

13

5

0.60

14/15

35

16

8

0.69

*Sourced via Transfermarkt

Chiesa, while not channelling the same sharpness over his career, has proved to be a deadly attacking outlet and could improve Arsenal immensely through his protean ability and aptitude across numerous roles.

As per FBref, the Italian ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 3% for tackles per 90.

Chiesa boasts the creativity to serve as a weapon not constrained to mere direct threat, instead weaving the Gunners frontline together and bringing the best out of peers such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard.

And given that he plundered four goals from Juventus' opening five matches of the Serie A term, he evidently boasts the cutting edge to pose a direct threat too.

Sanchez might be approaching the twilight of his illustrious career and not at the same imperious standard as before, but he still offers some of his core impressive attributes, ranking among the top 6% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 15% for successful take-ons and the top 18% for tackles per 90.

These are elements of his game that paved the foundation for his prolific success with Arsenal, qualities that are tailor-made for the energetic, possession-heavy style of Arteta at present.

With Arteta's side firmly in contention for the Premier League title and battling hard to advance into the latter phase of the Champions League after several years away, Chiesa is the dream addition to bolster the fold, and now it largely falls down to whether the club would sanction a bid that matches the £52m that Newcastle are believed to be willing to pay.

Should he stay fit, Chiesa would slot right in, and could open the door to a new level of offensive impetus that could sway the odds in Arsenal's favour as they look to do one better this year and leapfrog Manchester City into the title-winning ascendancy after the new year.

Erik ten Hag admits Amad Diallo "deserves" more game time at Manchester United but his injuries meant he had to slowly be "rebuilt".

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• Amad struggled for game time this season
• Ten Hag says he 'deserves' more minutes
• Competition for places a factor as well

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old has made just six appearances in all competitions this season and is yet to start a game for United. However, the former Sunderland loanee was sidelined between last July until December due to a knee injury he sustained in pre-season. Even though he scored the winner to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in March, Amad has had to bide his time – something Ten Hag has acknowledged. But the Dutchman added that competition for places and easing the attacker back in is a consideration.

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  WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

  Ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday: “Amad deserves it, but don’t forget he had a long period in the season injured, so we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and (made) a real contribution. (On Sunday) He played in the position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well.

  “We have a number of players in that area, there is big competition. He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have (Alejandro) Garnacho, Antony, we have Omari Forson. We have a number of players in that position and we have to make choices there. But I am very happy with his performances and his progress, I see his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amad joined United from Atalanta in January 2021 in a deal worth £37.2 million ($46.2m) but has played just 15 times and scored two goals since then. He had a fairly underwhelming loan spell at Rangers in 2021-22 but a far more productive one at Sunderland in the Championship last term. While injury hampered his progress this season, his contract at Old Trafford expires in 2025 – meaning he is running out of time to kickstart his United career.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amad will hope to get more game time in United's remaining fixtures this season, starting with their home clash against bottom of the table Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, followed by hosting lowly Burnley on Saturday.

كشف محمد بن فهد المتحدث الرسمي لـ نادي الوكرة القطري حقيقة انتقال حمدي فتحي لاعب فريق الكرة إلى صفوف مواطنه الدحيل خلال فترة الانتقالات الحالية.

وانتشرت أنباء كثيرة في الساعات الماضية بشأن اقتراب حمدي فتحي من الانضمام إلى الدحيل، وذلك بعد طرح موقع الانتقالات الشهير “Transfermarkt”، الأمر.

وكان حمدي فتحي قد انتقل من صفوف الأهلي إلى نادي الوكرة في صيف 2023، ويقدم أداءً مميزًا مع فريقه بالدوري القطري.

طالع | رئيس إنبي: الأهلي سيحول مستحقاتنا المالية من صفقة حمدي فتحي.. ويوضح مصير زياد كمال مع الزمالك

وقال محمد بن فهد في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “لا صحة لانتقال حمدي فتحي إلى الدحيل في الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية”.

وأضاف: “حمدي فتحي سيستكمل تعاقده مع الوكرة بشكل طبيعي”.

واختتم: “ما يحدث أمر غريب، اللاعب مستمر خاصة في ظل مشاركتنا ببطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2، ومستحيل تخلي النادي عن حمدي فتحي”.

يذكر، أن حمدي فتحي قد حقق لقب بطولة كأس قطر مع الوكرة عن الموسم الماضي 2023-2024، وذلك على حساب الريان بهدف وحيد.

Tottenham Hotspur have been scouting a new striker as they look to bolster their attacking ranks next summer, according to a fresh report.

Spurs eyeing new striker for Postecoglou

Daniel Levy sanctioned the big sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich over the summer, and despite securing the services of Alejo Veliz as a long-term addition, the Lilywhites are depending on Son Heung-Min and Richarlison as their only other two senior options to lead the line, highlighting how much Ange Postecoglou needs to enter the market to find further reinforcements.

RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda has been identified as a potential candidate, and even though he only joined his club over the summer from Lens, he’s been a real standout star in the final third since putting pen to paper. The Belgium international has firmly established himself as Marco Rose’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – RB Leipzig statistics), and the 23-year-old’s impressive form has brought him onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to The Daily Mirror, Tottenham are keen on Openda, but they aren’t the only club who are hoping to bring him to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

“Manchester United are tracking RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda as they line up replacements for Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho next summer. It’s believed Tottenham have also been watching Openda with Brazilian striker Richarlison struggling to deliver the goal output expected of him after his £60m transfer from Everton in 2022.”

"Excellent" Openda has perfect style of play for Spurs

In the Bundesliga this season, Openda has clocked up a remarkable 13 involvements, ten goals and three assists, from 14 matches, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s able to pose a constant threat regardless of if the end product comes to fruition (Transfermarkt – Openda statistics).

The Liege native has recorded 52 shots over the course of the current campaign, which is more than any of his teammates (FBRef – RB Leipzig statistics), highlighting his desire to hit the back of the net and test the opposition’s goalkeeper as much as possible. His physical traits and willingness to run in behind wold be perfectly in line with the fast counter-attacks the likes of Son and Brennan Johnson were producing against Newcastle on Sunday.

Indirect set-piece threat

Counter attack threat

Plays the ball off the ground often

Does not dive into tackles (via WhoScored)

Sponsored by Nike, the forward knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured three pieces of silverware since the start of his career, so he will also possess a winning mentality that can aid the young squad in the capital.

As per journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Openda is an “exceptional” player, though with his current value believed to be £75m, Spurs will have to seriously empty their pockets should they want to beat their competitors in Manchester United to his signature in 2024.