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Aston Villa are now willing to make an offer for a “world-class” star, and Unai Emery could play a key role in the potential move.

Villa keen on new striker amid Wright's criticism of Watkins

Ian Wright hasn’t been impressed by the way in which Ollie Watkins has started the campaign, with the former Arsenal man criticising the striker back in September, saying: “I think he could be a lot sharper with his finishing, and I thought that what he would be working on, the one-touch finish or the touch-finish on both sides.

“Those are the things you work on now for getting the chance to stay in the width of your 18-yard box, and he just doesn’t do that. He doesn’t do it enough.”

In fairness, Wright’s criticism is probably warranted, given that the England international has been unable to hit his usual heights, having scored just one Premier League goal in his opening eight matches.

Aston Villa leading race for "amazing" £26m star who now wants to leave his club

The Villans are in the strongest position to sign a new forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 21, 2025

After a slow start, the Villans have turned things around in recent weeks, rising to 11th in the table, but they remain keen on bringing in a new striker to challenge the 29-year-old for his starting spot, with Real Madrid’s Endrick of interest.

However, the Brazilian is not the only Madrid forward on the shortlist, with a report from Spain revealing Aston Villa are now willing to make a €20m (£17m) offer for Gonzalo Garcia, who is now looking to leave the La Liga club.

With Garcia receiving limited game time, the striker is now seeking a new opportunity, and Emery could play a decisive role in the transfer, given that the manager is known for his ability to develop talented youngsters.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Spanish side are willing to sanction a departure, given that the youngster is viewed as a key part of their future project, which is evidenced by the fact he has a €1bn (£868m) release clause in his contract.

"World-class" Garcia could be Watkins heir

Real Madrid reached the semi-finals of the new-look Club World Cup in the summer, before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain, and journalist Zach Lowy was left very impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances.

The Madrid-born star put in some eye-catching displays out in the USA, chipping in with four goals and one assist in six matches, which suggests he is ready to be a regular starter for one of Europe’s top clubs.

That said, it is understandable the young Spaniard has been unable to force his way into the starting XI, given that Kylian Mbappe, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, is almost undroppable.

It would make sense for Garcia to pursue a move elsewhere, given that he will not want to stifle his development, and his age means the starlet could be a fantastic long-term heir for Watkins.

Ibrahima Konate has revealed the cheeky motivational message he sent to new Liverpool teammate Hugo Ekitike after the French striker joined in a £79 million summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The defender admitted to giving the 23-year-old a “hard time” during training sessions as he pushed him to prove his worth at both club and international level.

• Ekitike teased by Konate at Liverpool training

  Liverpool summer signing Ekitike has made an immediate impact since his blockbuster move from Eintracht Frankfurt, but the Frenchman has also found himself on the receiving end of some friendly teasing from compatriot Konate. The defender revealed that he once gave Ekitike a "hard time" during a post-training session at the AXA Training Centre, using humour to test the young striker's mentality and work ethic.

  Ekitike, who joined Arne Slot's new-look Liverpool side in a deal worth up to £79 million ($105m), has been a key attacking threat this season. His six goals and one assist in 16 appearances across all competitions have helped the Reds remain in touch with the top of the table amid their struggles. Yet for all his promising form, Konate admitted he wanted to make sure the forward understood the expectations that come with representing both Liverpool and France, using a simple but pointed message to keep him motivated.

  The light-hearted exchange reportedly occurred before the international break when the pair were due to join up with the France squad. While Ekitike appeared fatigued after an intense training session, Konate's playful challenge proved effective and highlighted the close bond the French duo have already built within the Liverpool dressing room.

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  Konate admits he gave Ekitike a 'hard time'

  Speaking to , Konate lifted the lid on the humorous but motivational moment: "Once, I gave him a bit of a hard time, but it was funny. We had to go to the gym after one of the training sessions, and the intensity we put into training, it's true, it's very tough. And he was tired. I went to see him and I said, 'Come on, let's go to the gym now.' And he said to me, 'I'm knocked out, I'm dead.'"

  Konate continued: "Actually, we don't have to go to the gym, but it's better to go because we’re kind of 'called up.' I looked at him and for two seconds, I didn’t speak to him. And I said to him, 'Do you want to go to the French national team or not?' A minute later, he was in the gym."

  The defender added with a smile: "The anecdote is a bit funny, but afterwards he quickly understood how it worked. In terms of work, he is someone who is very diligent and who will progress, I have no doubt about that."

• Ekitiek already thriving at Liverpool

  Ekitike's transfer to Liverpool in July 2025 was one of the summer's biggest stories, with the striker rejecting late interest from Manchester United to sign a six-year contract. The 23-year-old's start to life in England has been impressive. He scored on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth and quickly became Slot's preferred No. 9, edging out £125m signing Alexander Isak, whose pre-season fitness struggles delayed his integration. Ekitike's physical presence, movement, and intelligent link-up play have made him a natural fit in Slot's pressing system.

  His performances have also caught the eye of France head coach Didier Deschamps, who rewarded the forward with his first senior international call-up in August. Since then, Ekitike has made four appearances for Les Bleus and is pushing to secure a regular place in the squad ahead of next year's World Cup.

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  Could the Ekitike-Konate duo be broken soon?

  For Liverpool, both Konate and Ekitike are expected to play key roles in the months ahead as Slot continues to shape his project at Anfield. Ekitike's battle with Isak for the starting striker role will likely intensify as the season progresses, with Slot keen to find a tactical formula that allows both high-profile forwards to thrive together.

  Konate's situation, however, is more complicated. The 25-year-old defender's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and negotiations over a new deal have reportedly stalled. With Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich monitoring developments, Liverpool face a dilemma over whether to meet his salary demands or risk losing him for free next year.

Shohei Ohtani wrapped up an eventful 2024 with perhaps his best announcement yet—he and his wife, Mamiko, are expecting a baby. Ohtani took to Instagram and posted a picture that included his dog, Decoy, a sonogram, baby onesie and baby shoes to share the exciting news.

"Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!" Ohtani wrote on Instagram.

In a list from Ohtani in high school that went viral earlier this year, Ohtani had written that he wanted to get married and win the World Series by the age of 26, and have his first child by the age of 28. At age 30, Ohtani's plans might have taken a little longer than he anticipated, but he now wraps up 2024 married with his first World Series trophy and a baby on the way.

In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, Ohtani became the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, won MVP for a third time and won the World Series in his first postseason appearance. In his personal life, Ohtani revealed he was married—much to the surprise of his coach and teammates—last winter during spring training. This winter, Ohtani has shared that his family is adding a baby.

What a year, Ohtani.

It’s still early on in the season, but Arsenal are looking near enough unstoppable at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their tenth game on the spin against Salvia Prague on Tuesday night, and for the eighth game in a row, kept a clean sheet.

Moreover, the Gunners sit atop the Premier League table ahead of a weekend in which Liverpool play Manchester City.

However, Arsenal are not the perfect team, and for large parts of the season, creativity has been a problem, although they now have a star in the side playing like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's creativity this season

Now, it should be said that overall, this Arsenal team is arguably the closest to being perfect out of every side in the Premier League.

After all, they have far and away the best defence, have managed to score 18 goals, and still, there is a sense that they could go up another couple of gears over the coming months.

However, as with every team, the Gunners have had some areas of weakness this season, notably in their open play creativity.

For example, in the aftermath of the draw with City, everyone’s favourite Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Carragher, argued that the club’s problem “is creating.”

At that time, it was difficult to disagree with him, as Arteta’s side created just two big chances despite having 67% of the ball. Then, in the game against Liverpool a few weeks before, they didn’t have a single big chance.

Another way this lack of creativity is clearly visible is in the lack of assists for the club’s top players, such as Saka and Odegaard.

For example, while the former has put in some good performances this season, he has yet to register a single assist in the league.

Likewise, while the captain has had to deal with several injuries, his return of one assist in six appearances, totalling 204 minutes, is still underwhelming.

Fortunately, things have started to improve in recent weeks, and other players have begun to step up and enhance their own creativity, especially one star who is starting to emulate the best aspects of Saka and Odegaard in his own game.

The Arsenal star playing like Saka & Odegaard

Some of the players who have stepped up in recent weeks include Leandro Trossard, who provided an assist against Burnley, and Jurrien Timber, who did so against West Ham United.

Chalkboard

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

However, there is another regular starter who has been steadily improving the creative side of his game and can now do some of the things fans expect of Saka and Odegaard: Declan Rice.

Yes, the all-action, tough-tackling midfield monster who, in the words of Thomas Frank, has been one of “the best in the world” since his £105m arrival in 2023, has now become something of a creative force for Arteta and Co.

For example, his incredible deliveries from corners and free-kicks are now practically a cheat code for the Gunners, and if they don’t result in a goal, at least they result in a brilliant chance.

However, it’s not just from dead-ball situations that the Englishman has started to show an Odegaard-esque range of passing.

For example, while the attack started from a corner, his delivery for Mikel Merino’s equaliser against Newcastle United was practically in open play.

Then, against Slavia Prague, he delivered a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area for that Spaniard to once again get his head on it.

Finally, in addition to the five assists he has provided this season, his underlying numbers further highlight how his overall creativity has improved.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in the league for progressive passes, the top 4% for total passing distance, expected assists, and crosses, the top 8% for live-ball passes and switches, and more, all per 90 minutes.

Ultimately, Rice has been an incredible player for Arsenal over the last two years, but this season, he has taken another step forward and is showing a passing range and level of creativity you’d expect from Saka and Odegaard.

Saved by Merino: Arteta must drop Arsenal star who won just 28% duels

Unlike Merino, it was a Champions League night to forget for the Arsenal man.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 5, 2025

Mikel Arteta has provided a window into the ongoing contract negotiations between Arsenal and star winger Bukayo Saka. The Gunners boss said he is confident the 24-year-old will "leave a legacy" at his boyhood club. Saka is under contract with Arsenal until 2027, but is expected to sign a new deal as the club looks to lock down the core of its title-challenging squad.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Arteta provides update on Saka contract

  The Spanish manager was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's north London derby clash with Tottenham on Sunday. 

  When asked if he was confident the winger would sign a new deal with the club, Arteta shared that Saka has expressed his desire to remain with Arsenal going forward. He described the relationship between the England international, his representatives and the club's hierarchy as "very healthy and powerful". 

  Saka signed his current deal in May 2023. The four year deal is set to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, prompting the likely re-opening of talks over the past few months. 

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• Arteta: Saka wants to "leave legacy" at Arsenal

  Arteta was asked if he was confident in Saka's desire to stay with the club and replied: “I prefer that word, I think it is confidence.

  “What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and Emeka (Obasi, Saka’s agent) as well, is that they want to continue to be here. I think it’s a very healthy and powerful relationship.

  “The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain. I think that is something that is going to leave a legacy at this football club and he needs to fulfill that role.

  "What I’m very aware of is that he wants to continue with us, that he’s very happy and that he’s in the place that he wants to continue to be and achieve everything that we want to achieve together.

  “When that (a new contract) happens and how it happens, I leave that to Andrea [Berta] and the club to figure it out.”

• Arsenal lock down title-challenging squad

  The north London club have systematically looked to secure the futures of a number of their best performers over the past few months. Saka's fellow academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri penned new deals in the summer, locking them down until 2030. 

  Real Madrid's reported interest in William Saliba was staved off with a new deal; the Frenchman is under contract until 2030 too. His defensive partner Gabriel — who was recently ruled out for a month after sustaining an injury on Brazil duty — extended his deal with the club until 2029. 

  Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard and David Raya also improved the terms of their respective agreements with the Gunners. 

  Speaking on the club's proactive approach to managing their players' futures, Arteta said: “It’s been a very clear vision and route on how we want to do things.

  “Ownership has been incredibly supportive and determined to make sure that we can continue the journey with these players and maintain the core of the team. That is the efficiency of everybody that works upstairs, starting with Andrea (Berta) and all the team to get things done because at the end there are always three parties and it’s never an easy thing to get done.”

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  Saka's growing Arsenal legacy depends on lifting trophies

  There is scant evidence to suggest that Saka views his future outside of north London. Since breaking through into the first team as a left back in the 2018/19 season, the Gunners' 'Star Boy' has developed into one of world football's most consistent right wingers. He has made 277 appearances for the club, scoring 76 goals in all competitions. That form has seen him bloom into a trusted player at international level. Saka has won 48 caps, scoring 14 times for England. 

  For the 24-year-old to leave a true legacy at such a massive club will depend on his ability to drive Arsenal on to more silverware. Saka has lifted just one majour honour in his career, the 2019/20 FA Cup, which the Gunners won during Arteta's first season with the club. Three straight second place finishes in the Premier League will have only further fuelled his ambition to win more. Arsenal's push for their first league title in more than 20 years continues with that north London derby on Sunday. 

Throughout his contract negotiations with the Toronto Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remained steadfast about one thing: he wanted to remain in Toronto for the rest of his career.

Well, he and the Blue Jays on Monday took a big step towards making that a reality, as the four-time All-Star officially signed his $500 million contract that will keep him in Toronto through the 2039 season.

During a press conference to announce the deal, Guerrero was asked what he liked about Toronto that made him want to sign a longterm contract with the Blue Jays.

"I'd say the fans," Guerrero said. "I always say the fans. How they treat us. How they respect my family and they always come here to give you support. Another thing is the organization. I don't see this like an organization, I see this like I'm a family.

"I've been with this organization since 2015—10 years. This organization is part of my family."

During negotiations, Guerrero said he consulted with members of his family, particularly his father—Baseball Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero—and his daughter. She was steadfast about Guerrero remaining with the Blue Jays longterm, so it was an emotional moment when she found out that was likely going to be the case.

"She asked me two weeks ago if we were gonna stay here and I think that moment was a little bit emotional for me. . . . When I called her and told her that we're gonna spend 14 more years in Toronto, she just went off and started crying. She made me cry with that," Guerrero said with a smile before pointing out his daughter among the news conference's attendees.

With the lucrative—and unique—contract extension, Guerrero and his family both got their wish.

"I would think about this, always," Guerrero said when asked what the 20-year-old version of himself would say right now. "Thank God we did it and I'm going to be a Blue Jay forever."

Ruben Amorim’s polarising tactical set-up is reliant on fluent and efficient wing-backs. Establishing a winning formula down the flanks has proved difficult for the Manchester United manager in his year at the Old Trafford helm, though.

Though the right-sided pairing of Bryan Mbeumo is an imperfect combination, there is much to like about this front-footed and dynamic dimension.

The same can’t be said for Patrick Dorgu down the left, who Amorim admitted last week creates an air of “anxiety” when on the ball at the moment.

Harsh words, but not without the ring of truth. The Red Devils are short on effective options on the left, with Diogo Dalot the stand-in. However, he too leaves much to be desired, as was clear as United secured a from-behind Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Dalot flatters to deceive at Selhurst Park

Dalot has struggled under Amorim’s wing, having found tough work in adapting to the new system. Content creator Liam Canning actually said a month ago that the Portuguese defender is “becoming a worry long term”, given that he “doesn’t look like he suits the wing back role”.

Such words rung true against Palace at the weekend, albeit with the intensity and aggression improving after the break.

While content creator Adam Joseph feels the left side is “completely toothless”, there are signs of life.

Dalot did win eight duels on the afternoon, as per Sofascore, succeeding with his one tackle and making six ball recoveries besides. But he also failed with two attempted crosses and didn’t create a single chance, illustrating the on-the-ball imbalances that Amorim has yet to iron out.

However, given Dorgu has been so unconvincing and the alternative options are few and far between, it’s unlikely we will see any drastic upheaval in the immediate future.

But Amorim may look to chop and change another part of his backline.

Amorim must drop 3/10 Man Utd star

There has been a promising increase in levels at Manchester United this season, but Amorim still has much ground to cover before his tenure can be confirmed as a success.

Going forward, he may need to make a few tough calls, and one of those calls centres on dropping Leny Yoro, who has struggled of late and must be pulled to the bench.

Yoro, 20, is considered one of the most talented centre-backs in the world, and United scored a coup when beating Liverpool and Real Madrid to his signature.

However, he’s been out of form this season, and journalist Nathan Salt believes he “needs a break from the XI to restore some confidence”.

Yoro was at fault for the penalty which Jean-Philippe Mateta dispatched – controversially – to put the hosts 1-0 up before half-time. The Manchester Evening News gave him a 3/10 match rating after an error-strewn performance that saw him hooked before the hour mark.

The timing is at least fortuitous. Lisandro Martinez has completed his long-anticipated return from injury, and the Butcher at his best will be sure to nail down a starting berth in Amorim’s team.

Yoro is strong on the ball and a progressive passer, ranking among the top 14% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, but he’s also shorn of confidence.

United fans must retain their excitement over the dynamic, promising defender, who has what it takes to become one of the very best in the business. But, for now, he needs to put the brakes on his campaign.

After the match, content creator Adam Joseph acknowledged that the Frenchman is “going through a tough period in his development”, but that he was “brilliant last season” and will bounce back soon.

This is true, but, for now, Amorim would be wise to take the young centre-half out of the firing line, especially now that Martinez is match fit once again.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 30, 2025

Qarabag's youth team have been fined just over £4,000 by UEFA after a supporter was found to have racially abused a Chelsea player during an academy match in Azerbaijan. Shortly after Blues striker Sol Gordon opening the scoring at Azersun Stadium in Baku earlier this month, the 17-year-old was allegedly subjected to monkey gestures. Now, Qarabag have been punished off the back of what transpired in this UEFA Youth League encounter.

• Chelsea strongly condemn unsavoury incident

  Despite Chelsea's Under-19 side going on to win the game 5-0, the contest was marred by Gordon being discriminated against by those in the crowd. 

  At the time, the Blues said in a statement: "We are aware of an incident during today's UEFA Youth League match in Azerbaijan in which, after scoring, a number of our players were subjected to racist abuse from an individual in the crowd. Racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour are completely unacceptable and have no place in football or indeed in society. We strongly condemn the actions of the individual responsible. Our players have the full support of everyone at the club, and we have raised the incident immediately with the UEFA match delegate and home club: We expect this matter to be investigated fully under UEFA's disciplinary procedures. We are proud of the way our players and staff responded to the incident on the pitch, swiftly reporting it to the referee, and commend those for dealing with the matter professionally and appropriately in line with UEFA protocols."

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  Qarabag apologise before getting fined

  Soon after Chelsea's statement, Qarabag responded with their own. They vowed to investigate the matter and said this incident does not reflect the club's values. 

  They added: "We are sorry about this incident. It does not reflect the values of our club. We will investigate it thoroughly."

  Now, European football's governing body, UEFA, has slapped them with a £4,379 fine, with Qarabag's youth team having to play a match behind closed doors following "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters" – though that punishment is suspended for a year.

  A statement from UEFA reads: "The CEDB has decided: To fine Qarabağ FK Youth €5,000 and to order Qarabağ FK Youth to play its next one (1) UEFA competition match as host club behind closed doors, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters. Said match behind closed doors is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision."

• Atletico Madrid punished for racism

  On a similar note, Atletico Madrid have been fined £26,256 by UEFA after their fans reportedly made monkey gestures and noises, along with Nazi salutes, towards Arsenal's players in their 4-0 home win at Emirates Stadium in October. The club has also been hit with a suspended sanction of a ban on travelling supporters for "racist and discriminatory behaviour". Despite the severity of the charges, the one-match ban on ticket sales for an away game has been suspended for a probationary period of one year.

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  What comes next for Chelsea?

  Aside from the aforementioned matter, Chelsea return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host London rivals and league leaders Arsenal in a huge clash at the top of the table on Sunday. The Blues sit six points behind the Gunners, and a win at Stamford Bridge could catapult them into the title race. But a loss could put pay to those hopes and give Mikel Arteta's team a huge boost in their bid to win their first league title since 2004.

  Following Chelsea's 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona in midweek, head coach Enzo Maresca said: "I’ve told the players, next 48 hours, completely switch off. Have a rest. Recover the energy. Because [on] Sunday we have Arsenal. My message after the game was just: recover the energy. That, in this moment, is the most important thing. Then, on Friday, we start to think about Arsenal. We need to keep the momentum because it’s very nice – and it’s much easier to recover energy when you win games."

Despite the Boston Red Sox sitting at a perfectly average 19-19 as we approach the quarter-mark of the MLB season, third baseman Alex Bregman has been on an absolute tear. Through his first 37 games in a Red Sox uniform, the 31-year-old is hitting .327 with nine home runs, 30 RBI, and a 1.093 OPS.

That's why, with Wednesday night's game tied 3-3 in the seventh and with runners on second and third, WEEI radio announcers Will Fleming and Lenny DiNardo couldn't believe that Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy was actually going to pitch to Bregman.

"I will tell you, it would be to me if they pitch to Bregman here," said Flemming on the call, with first base wide open and two outs on the board. "Wild."

And wild it was. Instead of walking the two-time World Series champion, the Rangers had lefty Robert Garcia throw to him, and Bregman made them pay. He lined a two-run single into left field and gave the Red Sox a 5-3 lead.

"Are other teams not paying attention to what's happening this season with Alex Bregman?!" asked DiNardo.

"Bruce Bochy is a first-ballot Hall of Famer," quipped Flemming. "He's won four championships. That is inexplicable."

Boston ultimately held on for a 6-4 win. They'll wrap up their series against the Rangers from Fenway Park on Thursday with a 1:35 p.m. EST first pitch.

The Premier League season is only 15 games old, but it’s already been something of a roller coaster for West Ham United.

For the first couple of months, with Graham Potter in charge, it looked like the East Londoners were destined for relegation and unable to buy a win.

However, over the last few weeks, new boss Nuno Espírito Santo has helped to turn the ship around, and while they’re still in the relegation zone, the Hammers have lost just one of their last six games.

However, there are still problems on and off the pitch, including the fact that they’ll likely have to sell Lucas Paqueta in the summer, but before they do that, West Ham should get rid of someone else in the winter window.

Why West Ham should sell Paqueta

Now, the first thing to say here is that, at his very best, Paqueta has a claim to be one of the most exciting and talented attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

However, the problem is that he hasn’t been at, or really anywhere near, his scintillating best for quite some time.

For example, while he managed a brilliant haul of 15 goal involvements in 23/24, he then followed that up with just five last season, and so far this year, he’s produced just four.

In other words, it’s hard to make a case that his performances over the last year and a half have justified his sizable £150k-per-week wage.

Speaking of his contract, the next reason the Hammers should probably be looking to sell the former Lyon star is the fact that he’ll have just a year left on his deal in the summer.

Therefore, he’ll either need to be handed another bumper contract or be sold to protect his valuation.

Finally, the 28-year-old revealed that he almost forced a move back to Flamengo in the summer. So it’s not impossible to imagine he’ll want to leave sooner or later, which comes back to the idea that the Hammers should be the ones to instigate his departure at the end of the season and protect his value.

With all that said, there is another player, someone far less important to the side, that West Ham should look to move on before Paqeuta.

The West Ham flop Nuno has to sell

With West Ham improving over the last month or so, fewer players are sticking out for the wrong reasons, but one who continues to disappoint is Max Kilman.

Chalkboard

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

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star joined the Hammers for a whopping £40m fee in the summer of 2024.

Since then, while there have been the odd moments in which he’s looked like a quality centre-back, the Englishman has largely been a flop and someone who has been more of a hindrance at the back than a help.

For example, in the 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford earlier this season, the 6 foot 4 titan was partly to blame for both goals and looked miles off the pace and, in the words of one content creator, was “shocking.”

Worryingly, his former manager, Gary O’Neil, went into detail about some of his weaknesses and described him as someone who likes to “switch off” during games.

That does not sound like the kind of defender you want in the backline when fighting to stay in the Premier League, and, based on reports, it seems Nuno would agree.

According to a story from earlier this week, the Irons would be willing to part ways with the centre-back should someone make an offer of around £25m, and reports from earlier in the season claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in the defender.

On top of the eye test, another reason the club should perhaps lower their asking price is the fact that his underlying numbers are dire.

According to FBref, the Chelsea-born dud ranks in the bottom 45% of centre-backs in the Premier League for pass completion, the bottom 18% for tackles, the bottom 14% for progressive passes, and the bottom 9% for interceptions, all per 90.

Ultimately, while West Ham will likely need to sell Paqueta in the summer, they must sell Kilman first, as he simply isn’t good enough.

Wilson upgrade: West Ham in race to sign "one of Europe's most in form CFs"

The free-scoring forward would be incredible for West Ham, but bad news for Wilson.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

5 days ago