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Manchester United have made surprise “contact” to sign a new striker who has been likened to Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd sign Sesko after Gyokeres snub

In what has been a productive summer transfer window at Old Trafford, INEOS brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves before landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, two players who are set to feature heavily in behind a striker.

Attention then turned to a new centre-forward, and the Red Devils were linked with Gyokeres, who worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP. The Sweden international only wanted Arsenal, though, and eventually got his move to the Emirates, opening his Premier League account with a brace against Leeds United.

United, meanwhile, splashed the cash on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth more than £70m. The three marquee attacking signings have set INEOS back £200m, however, Sesko is still awaiting his first Premier League start and goal.

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Rasmus Hojlund’s future is also up in the air at Old Trafford, amid rumours of a move to Serie A side Napoli which has resulted in United being linked with making another signing in the final third before the September 1 deadline.

Man Utd make surprise Randal Kolo Muani "contact"

According to Caught Offside, Man Utd have made a surprise attempt to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French forward is valued at €60m (£51m) by the Champions League winners and spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus. The Serie A side are yet to reach an agreement to sign Kolo Muani once again, which led to the Red Devils exploring a move.

However, unfortunately for INEOS and Amorim, Kolo Muani is not open to an Old Trafford transfer. A source told Caught Offside:

The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Juventus last season, and has been compared to Gyokeres and other high-profile forwards by Football Transfers.

Forwards similar to Kolo Muani

Club

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

Alexander Sorloth

Atletico Madrid

Christopher Nkunku

Chelsea

Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta

Should Man Utd move Hojlund on, it’ll be interesting if the Red Devils explore a move for another striker after signing Sesko, but it looks as if that man won’t be Kolo Muani.

In what would be one of the most interesting moves of the summer, Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly battling clubs in Saudi Arabia to sign a new winger who was once worth over £70m.

Wolves likely to have Cunha fee to spend

In Vitor Pereira’s first summer in charge, it seems likely that he will have the chance to welcome a number of arrivals or, at the very least, a couple of star names to replace Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward reportedly has a release clause worth around £63m in his current deal and has attracted the likes of Manchester United as a result.

If triggered, Wolves will receive that hefty fee before potentially turning towards the transfer market themselves. To that end, a number of names who could arrive to ease the Cunha blow have already been mentioned in recent weeks, from the likes of Samuel Lino all the way to Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.

Pereira is certainly well aware of the quality that he’ll need to replace if Cunha does depart this summer, having told reporters after the Brazilian’s decisive display in a victory over Leicester City: “He is a special player.

“When he feels the happiness inside, when he is himself, he can create. He played a fantastic game. It shows he is committed with us, with his team-mates, with everyone.”

Related Wolves want "incredible" 25 y/o Atletico Madrid star who may replace Cunha

The Brazilian forward could depart this summer.

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Alas, no matter how special Cunha is, Wolves are likely to have the task of finding the heir to his Molineux throne this summer. Just who that might be remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped a fresh option from threatening to steal the headlines as of late.

Wolves join race to sign "great" Nicolas Pepe

According to FootMercato, Wolves are now battling clubs in Saudi Arabia to sign Nicolas Pepe from Villarreal this summer. The former Arsenal winger has shown glimpses of his quality during his time in Spain and could now find himself on his way back to the Premier League in a shock move this summer. Once worth a reported £72m when he joined the Gunners, Wolves may well land what would once be considered a bargain deal in the coming months.

That said, if Pepe is to replace Cunha, then Wolves must consider the risks. With two goals and four assists in all competitions in Spain this season, the winger still struggles for output just as he did in Arsenal colours. And that’s something which is unlikely to undergo a dramatic improvement at the age of 29 years old.

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A player who skipped past Virgil van Dijk on his Arsenal debut at a time when doing exactly that was a task deemed almost impossible and a player once praised as “great” by manager Mikel Arteta, Pepe’s return to the Premier League would certainly be interesting to watch.

Not many pundits or supporters could have predicted Chelsea to be in such a strong position at the halfway stage of the Premier League campaign after their struggles in recent years.

Boss Enzo Maresca has done a fabulous job after arriving from Leicester City in the summer, leading the Blues to fourth place, only four times, but two of those have come in as many matches.

The heavy spending and huge influx of additions has made continuity hard at times, but the Italian has created a settled side, often having a completely different side for league and cup competitions.

A return to Champions League football at Stamford Bridge would be a phenomenal achievement given the disarray before the 44-year-old’s arrival, with January offering a chance to inject quality over quantity.

One player is already on the radar ahead of the first day of the transfer window, certainly providing another high-quality option at the top end of the pitch for the Blues.

Chelsea monitoring deal for PL talent

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are eyeing a January deal for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson after his lack of Premier League minutes to date.

The 20-year-old has struggled for game time, with injuries and the form of Joao Pedro restricting him to just 219 minutes of action, scoring just one goal in the process.

However, despite his lack of action, the Seagulls still value the Irish international at around £80m-£100m as per the report, but could be available on a temporary basis with an option.

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He’s previously showcased he has the skill set to start in England’s top flight, scoring ten and six in his two previous full seasons at that level – offering competition to the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.

The news about a potential move for Ferguson could see Maresca drop interest in another transfer target, with the Brighton man undoubtedly a better long-term option for the Blues.

Why Ferguson would be a better move than Kolo Muani for Chelsea

In recent days, Chelsea have been credited with an interest in signing PSG attacker Randal Kolo Muani just 18 months after his £76m deal to join the French giants.

The striker has only made two starts in Ligue 1 during 2024/25, struggling to make the impact he would have envisaged, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for his services ahead of the opening of the window.

Given the interest, a deal for the former Eintracht Frankfurt ace will be highly challenged, with any side having to pay the majority of his £204k-per-week wages.

As a result, Ferguson could come into the equation for the Blues, potentially providing a better option than the Frenchman, especially when comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign.

Neither player has featured as much as they would have liked, desperately wanting a move to gain more minutes, but despite the limited first-team action in recent months, the Brighton youngster has got the better of Kolo Muani in numerous key areas for Maresca’s system.

Ferguson, who’s previously been dubbed as “one of the most exciting strikers” around by journalist Ryan Adsett, may have scored fewer goals to date, but has managed a better goal per shot-on-target ratio, demonstrating he’s more clinical with the chances handed his way.

How Ferguson compares to Kolo Muani in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Ferguson

Kolo Muani

Games played

12

10

Minutes played

228

358

Goals scored

1

2

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.2

Pass accuracy

73%

73%

Successful take-ons

0.4

0.2

Recoveries made

3.2

2

Stats via FBref

Maresca’s current philosophy demands the hard work of players in and out of possession, with Ferguson a great fit, completing more recoveries to regain possession than the PSG ace, highlighting his importance with and without the ball.

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Any permanent deal would likely be another huge investment from the club’s hierarchy, but given his tender age of just 20, it could see them secure the long-term number 9 they’ve desired whilst also potentially making a profit down the line.

Given the opening of the window, it’s to be expected that countless names are linked with a potential move to the Bridge, but it’s pivotal that the club continue their excellent recruitment from recent times and pursue a move for the Irishman.

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Crystal Palace have turned to a new name in their hunt for defensive reinforcements should Marc Guehi leave this summer, it has been claimed.

Speculation surrounding Crystal Palace backline

Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner head into the final 11 days of the transfer window unsure whether either of their first choice defenders will be at the club by the time the window slams shut.

Both Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen started the Premier League opener against Brentford, in which Eberechi Eze had a goal controversially ruled out as the Eagles fell to a 2-1 defeat courtesy of a late goal from Yoane Wissa.

But both are the subject of Premier League interest. Andersen has been targeted by former side Fulham, with Marco Silva's side tabling a £20m offer to sign him already this summer, though that was rejected and Palace are understood to value him at closer to £40m.

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Perhaps more concerning is Newcastle's protracted interest in left centre-back Marc Guehi, who starred at EURO 2024 and has been the subject of four bids by the Magpies. Last week, Palace chairman Steve Parish suggested no-one had matched the club's valuation of the defender, but more recently admitted that Guehi could leave if the right offer came in.

"I said it in the week, Marc is a great player and we are a club that have to accept where we are right now. We are not a destination, we are somewhere you travel through and if we get the right bids for players, in the right order, then we need to look at them. We haven't got that at the moment. If we get that then things will change, but right now Marc is a Palace player."

Should he depart, Palace will need late reinforcements, and now a new name has surfaced to replace the England international.

Palace looking to raid London rivals

That comes as TEAMtalk claim that Palace have made contact with London rivals Arsenal over a potential move to bring defender Jakub Kiwior to Selhurst Park in the final days of the transfer window.

Kiwior was left out of the matchday squad for Arsenal's opening day clash with Wolves, and the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori has left him surplus to requirements in north London.

And Palace have "made contact with Arsenal to enquire about Kiwior’s availability", the report claims, while "Oliver Glasner’s side could consider a move for Kiwior" instead of other targets.

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Though not one of the first names on Mikel Arteta's teamsheet, Kiwior made 30 appearances for the Gunners last year, grabbing a goal and three assists in the process and acually managing to make more tackles per 90 than Guehi across the campaign.

Jakub Kiwior vs Marc Guehi 23/24 Premier League season

Marc Guehi

Jakub Kiwior

Appearances

25

20

Starts

23

11

Yellow Cards

2

1

Tackles per 90

0.62

1.33

Aerial Duels % won

50%

57.7%

Clearances per 90

3.96

2.67

Stats via fbref.com

He has been hailed as an "extraordinary" talent by compatriot and teammate for Poland Robert Lewandowski, and is wanted by a string of clubs across Europe: "During the warm-up of the game with the Netherlands, I thought, 'Who is this guy?' Then, during the match, I realised that he is extraordinary."

Having signed Kiwior for £17.6m eighteen months ago, Arsenal are unlikely to want to sell for anything less given that the 24-year-old still has four years left to run on his £58,000 a week deal, though a loan move could well be possible should no one match their asking price.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke has dropped a significant transfer update after hearing news from Celtic, with Brendan Rodgers making his presence felt.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops drew 3-3 away to Rangers in a Scottish Premiership epic on Sunday, with Rodgers' men throwing away a lead in the stoppage time that could be so key come the end of the campaign. The result itself was no disaster, but it does still mean that their rivals have a narrow advantage in the title race.

Regardless of who ends up going all the way this season, Celtic supporters will be expecting another positive time of things in the transfer market, allowing the manager to bolster his squad, adding both depth and quality to it.

Fotis Ioannidis has been linked with a summer switch to Parkhead, with the Greek impressing for Panathanaikos in 2023/24 to date, scoring five goals in as many Europa League starts. He is seen as an alternative to Adam Idah, should the Hoops loanee not seal a permanent move to the club from Norwich City.

Joe Hart is hanging up his boots once the campaign reaches its conclusion, and Celtic have been backed to sign Trabzonspor captain Ugurcan Cakir as a replacement. Former Leicester City head of recruitment Lee Congerton once called him "one of the best goalkeepers I have seen in my life", showing what an exciting addition the 28-year-old could be at Parkhead.

Eduard Spertsyan, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder currently plying his trade at Krasnodar, is another reported Hoops target, not only being lined up as someone who could replace Matt O'Riley if he leaves, but even being compared to Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne.

Celtic focusing on key signing

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Celtic will focus on signing a new goalkeeper in the summer window ahead of Hart's retirement at the end of the season, and could even brutally let all three current shot-stoppers leave and/or be replaced.

The report states that there are "no plans to upgrade with fellow Celtic Park shot-stoppers Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist", with the Hoops instead "ready to listen to offers" for Siegrist in particular.

Hart has been a tremendous servant for Celtic, making 145 appearances and keeping 60 clean sheets in that time, and his ability and experience mean he could leave a big void between the sticks.

Hart vs. Cakir in the league this season [via WhoScored]

Hart

Cakir

Appearances

31

29

Starts

31

29

Long balls per game

2.5

9.8

Man of the Match awards

0

1

Yellow cards

0

3

Red cards

1

0

Pass completion rate

86.8%

63%

The importance of having a top-quality 'keeper is essential for any team with title aspirations, so it is encouraging to see that Celtic see the importance of nailing their current No.1's successor.

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Cakir stands out as a brilliant option, given the aforementioned praise he has received, not to mention the fact that he is a 27-time capped Turkey international.

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Unlike Hart, he is still relatively young for a 'keeper, so would be a long-term signing, and him being captain of his current side suggests that he possesses strong leadership skills.

Liverpool are "closely" monitoring a hugely exciting young player who is believed to be "more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo", according to a fresh talent update.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have been relatively quiet in the transfer market in recent years, with Jurgen Klopp generally happy with the squad at his disposal, but that changed during last summer's window, in order to alter their Premier League fortunes for the better after a poor 2022/23 campaign.

The Liverpool manager clearly saw that there were huge issues with his midfield, in terms of their ability to cover ground like they once did, so he made noticeable changes there. Not only did the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita move on, but four new players came in, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister making the biggest impression so far.

While a proper defensive midfielder could still be on the agenda moving forward – Mac Allister hasn't always shone in that role this season – it could be that Klopp begins to focus on bolster different areas of the pitch, including adding depth to his central defensive and attacking options.

A fresh transfer claim has now emerged regarding the Reds' pursuit of one massive prospect, as they look to seal further eye-catching business.

Liverpool want Kenan Yildiz

According to a new update from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are keen on signing highly-rated Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz, with the Reds thought to be "closely" watching him at the moment.

The 18-year-old is believed to have been scouted by numerous top clubs across Europe, but it is the Merseysiders who currently look to be showing the most interest.

Liverpool's sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has been monitoring the progress of Yildiz since his Bayern Munich days, with the teenage attacking midfielder moving to Juve from the Bundesliga giants last year.

The report also states that Yildiz "would be compatible" with fellow youngster Ben Doak at Anfield, suggesting both could be stars of the future at the club alongside each other. For now, there is only "preliminary interest" from the Reds, but a bid for him at this point "still cannot be ruled out".

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This could be such a statement signing if Liverpool manage to pip other big clubs to the signature of Yildiz, considering how high his ceiling is, having been described as "more talented than Cristiano Ronaldo" by former coach Sokyan Baskar.

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At just 18 years of age, the Reds transfer target is already making waves at both club and international level, scoring once in three caps for Turkey, with his first strike for his country coming in a recent 3-2 victory over Germany. He has also made five appearances for Juventus' first team, despite still being so young, showing that he is already good enough to be featuring for one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Yildiz would be considered one for the future by Klopp, arriving as a squad player and slowly maturing into something more influential, and the sky looks to be the limit for the attacking maestro if he continues on his current trajectory.

Erik ten Hag is slowly but surely bolstering his Manchester United squad with his smart recruitment during the summer transfer window.

New arrivals include Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and striker Rasmus Hojlund, while there could well be scope for a few more fresh faces to arrive at Old Trafford, especially with the club playing in the Champions League following a season away from the competition.

This means some added strength in depth is required, and Ten Hag should therefore make a move for AZ Alkmaar winger Jesper Karlsson.

Are Manchester United interested in Jesper Karlsson?

According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport at the beginning of the transfer window (via Sport Witness), United were providing ‘competition’ to Lazio in the pursuit of the Swedish winger.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Valued at €20m (£17m), the move certainly represents good value considering his contract at the Dutch side still has three years left to run.

Although United have managed to lure Hojlund to Manchester following a long pursuit, Ten Hag will clearly need another one or two forward options ahead of the new season and Karlsson could be an ideal candidate.

How good is Jesper Karlsson?

The 25-year-old is a natural left-winger, yet his adaptability is a big strength as he can operate on the right wing when required.

The only United winger to score more than eight goals last term was Marcus Rashford, who enjoyed a stellar campaign, registering 41 goal contributions in total.

The Swede has netted eight or more league goals across the previous five seasons for AZ and IF Elfsborg, showing great consistency in front of goal from a wide position, and he is also able to generate a plethora of opportunities for his teammates.

Indeed, since 2019, the 25-year-old has registered a stunning 112 goal contributions – 67 goals and 45 assists – and Ten Hag could certainly form a scary wing duo of him and Rashford next season.

Domestically, the duo registered similar statistics across a variety of metrics, including shots on target per 90 (0.96 to 1.5), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.95 to 3.06), successful take-on percentage (41.7% to 39.1%) and carries into the final third (37 to 51), clearly indicating that they both pose a huge danger in front of goal and also in the final third.

Although it remains uncertain just how Ten Hag could line up next season, having a front three of Rashford and Karlsson occupying the wings while Hojlund operates through the middle could cause devastation to Premier League defences.

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Journalist Josh Bunting has lauded Karlsson previously, saying: “Jesper Karlsson also impressive for the Swedes he got the assist for the goal. Very tricky winger, quick feet and a constant threat going forward. Constantin Bogdan really struggled to deal with him.”

The AZ gem has already gained 11 caps for his country, scoring three goals in the process, and it’s evident that he is taking to the international scene with ease.

He may not be the star-studded name the Old Trafford faithful want, yet the statistics don’t lie, Karlsson is a clear danger going forward and him and Rashford could use their respective strengths to give United the best chance possible for glory during 2023/24.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to have a busy summer, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

There are ongoing pressures behind the scenes regarding the club’s Financial Fair Play status, with Wolves needing to make a profit this summer while aiming to progress under Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard pulled off an incredible feat in keeping the Midlands club safe from relegation after being bottom of the table on Christmas Day.

While Wolves require assistance in attack this summer, being the Premier League’s lowest scorers this campaign, the club have been linked with a player of an opposing position.

What’s the latest on Sergio Herrera to Wolves?

As reported this week by Spanish news outlet Noticias de Navarra, Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera is wanted by Lopetegui at Molineux.

The report states that the 29-year-old is ‘very much to the taste’ of the Spanish coach, who could hunt for another ‘keeper this summer.

According to Football Transfers, the player is valued at €10.1m (£9m).

What could Sergio Herrera bring to Wolves?

Lauded as having “great intuition” by Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate after saving two penalties against Real Madrid last season, the 29-year-old has been one of the club’s best performers this season, as per Sofascore.

The Spanish "hero" – as per Graham Hunter – has saved 50% of penalties he’s faced over the past year, ranking him in the top 9% of ‘keepers in Europe’s top five leagues in that expertise – as per FBref.

His style of play, as per WhoScored, states that he enjoys coming off of his line to prevent threats, as well as being a strong passer from the back.

While Wolves have a competent shot-stopper in Jose Sa, the club’s number one has been inconsistent this season, on the back of being named Molineux’s player of the season last campaign.

It’s healthy for players to have competition for starting places in every position, with the specialist area of a goalkeeper sometimes being overlooked with rotation sparse in comparison to those who play outfield.

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When comparing the seasons of Wolves’ “top drawer” keeper – as praised by former club star Lee Naylor – and Lopetegui’s reported target, the Spaniard’s potential arrival could bring bad news to Sa.

The 30-year-old Molineux ace has contributed to four errors leading to shots this season, as well as one leading to a goal, with the Osasuna shot-stopper making two errors leading to a shot and none to a goal – as per Sofascore.

The rise of Daniel Bentley has left the Portuguese player out of the starting XI as of late, with pressures potentially mounting on his position if Herrera was to arrive.

It seems as though Lopetegui will have to be smart with his finances this summer, and signing a ‘keeper as rounded as Herrera for a price as low as £9m could prove to be a bargain should the deal materialise.

West Ham United’s extra-time victory over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Sunday was a rare moment of positivity in a season that has been incredibly bleak for the East Londoners.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side sit 18th in the Premier League, seven points from safety and without a win in their last ten league games.

Sure, there was a slight new manager bump when the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss joined in September, but since then, it’s hard to say he’s been any better than Graham Potter.

Worse yet, if reports are to be believed, West Ham could be about to repeat one of the worst transfer mistakes they made under the Englishman.

West Ham risk repeating Potter blunder

While it would have been smart for them to do it in the summer window, West Ham are clearly trying to save their season by improving the squad this month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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For example, the double swoop for former Lazio ace Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe from Portuguese club Gil Vicente has already paid off, with the former netting against QPR.

However, while the two strikers look like good enough buys at the moment, it also looks like the Hammers could be about to make a signing that would be worryingly similar to one of Potter’s worst.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, which claims West Ham are interested in Antonín Kinský.

In fact, the report reveals that the Irons have already been in contact with Tottenham Hotspur about a potential deal for their backup keeper.

It’s not clear whether this would be a loan or a permanent move, but the report says it came about after the club missed out on Al Nassr’s Beto.

With all that said, even on loan, this feels like a potential transfer West Ham should avoid, lest they force Nuno to repeat one of Potter’s worst purchases.

Why signing Kinský would be repeating a Potter blunder

Now, it almost goes without saying that during his time at West Ham, Potter made mistakes on and off the pitch.

However, when it comes to his worst signing, it’s hard to look past Mads Hermansen.

The Danish shotstopper joined the Hammers for around £20m in the summer following an impressive season with Leicester City.

However, it took all of a few games in claret and blue for fans to realise he’s nowhere near good enough to play for the club.

In fact, it got so bad so early on that Jamie Redknapp argued that he “needs to be changed,” and commentator Ian Darke described the 25-year-old’s start to life in East London as “horrible.”

The former Foxes star has made only one appearance since the 3-0 loss to Spurs in September, in the FA Cup clash with QPR, in which he failed to keep a clean sheet.

In all, it’s hard to describe Hermansen’s move to the London Stadium as anything other than a failure, and now the club are in danger of making the same mistake with Kinsky.

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Sure, the Prague-born shot-stopper did look good on debut for the North Londoners last season, but since then, he has barely played, and when he has, he’s looked rough.

For example, in the derby with Arsenal in January of last year, the Czech youth international failed to stop a really quite savable effort from Leandro Trossard.

Worse yet, in the Lilywhites’ League Cup clash against Newcastle United earlier this season, he was at least partially at fault for both of the Magpies’ goals.

Finally, in his 12 games for the Hammers’ cross-city rivals, the 22-year-old has conceded 19 goals and kept just four clean sheets, averaging one point per game.

Kinsky (Spurs) vs Hermansen (WHU)

Player

Kinsky

Hermansen

Games

12

5

Goals Against

19

12

Clean Sheets

4

1

Points per Game

1.00

1.20

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, if West Ham feel they need a new goalkeeper, they should look to sign someone more proven, as going in for Kinsky would just be a repeat of Potter’s Hermansen mistake.

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There is less than a week until the transfer window closes, and West Ham United still have plenty of work to do.

Graham Potter’s side have made a few exciting signings this summer, like El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters, but as the last few games have shown, they need plenty more.

Moreover, while he ultimately underwhelmed during his time at the club, Edson Alvarez is now in Turkey, which has only made the Hammers’ need for midfield reinforcements that much more acute.

Luckily, they appear to be closing in on a deal for Soungoutou Magassa and, if reports are to be believed, they’re also making moves to bring in someone who’d be an even better signing.

West Ham United target better signing than Magassa

While their interest in Magassa likely stretches back further, reports of West Ham’s desire to sign the Frenchman started to emerge late last week.

Transfer Focus

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Impressively, the Hammers have moved unusually quickly to secure the services of the AS Monaco ace, as he underwent his medical with the club yesterday and could be announced before the end of this week.

The 21-year-old looks like he’ll be a great addition to Potter’s squad, but it now looks like the East Londoners are already moving on to new targets, including someone who is even better than Magassa.

At least that is according to Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Exequiel Palacios.

In fact, the journalist has revealed that the Irons have already made contact with Bayer Leverkusen to discuss a deal for the incredible Argentine.

Interestingly, while it is not clear how much the £83k-per-week ace would cost the club, the report states he could be available on loan, which makes him an even more enticing prospect.

It could still be a complicated deal to get over the line, but Palacios would be more than worth it, especially as he’s better than Magassa.

How Palacios compares to Magassa

It should be made clear that both Magassa and Palacios would be excellent signings for West Ham this summer, but there are a few reasons the latter would be that little bit better.

The first is his impressive experience, as, at 26 years old, he has spent far more time playing at the highest level and exceeding there.

For example, the Famaillá-born maestro has made 160 appearances for Leverkusen, 87 for River Plate and won 36 senior caps for Argentina.

Moreover, he has a genuinely spectacular trophy cabinet that includes a Bundesliga, a DFB-Pokal, two Argentine Cups, the Copa Libertadores, two Copa América titles, and a World Cup.

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In contrast, the 21-year-old Monaco star has just an Olympic silver medal to his name, and while that may well change in time, he won’t be able to bring the same winning experience to the London Stadium.

The second, and arguably the most meaningful, reason the Leverkusen star would be the better signing this summer is that, when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, he comes out on top in most relevant statistics.

These metrics include things like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes, shots, shot and goal-creating actions, passing accuracy, and so many more, all per 90.

Palacios vs Magassa

Statistics per 90

Palacios

Magassa

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.30

0.12

Non-Penalty G+As

0.55

0.09

Progressive Carries

1.17

0.53

Progressive Passes

7.58

5.53

Shots

1.01

0.70

Shots on Target

0.62

0.26

Passing Accuracy

90.1%

84.6%

Key Passes

2.19

0.61

Passes into the Final Third

7.58

5.88

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.48

0.88

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

1.67

Goal-Creating Actions

0.70

0.09

Tackles Won

1.17

2.19

Interceptions

1.02

1.84

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

In other words, while he might not be quite as defensively solid as the Frenchman, the “box-crashing” Leverkusen star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is an all-action midfielder who is as much of a goalscoring threat as a creative one.

Ultimately, West Ham should sign both Magassa and Palacios to give themselves the best chance of making this season a success; however, for our money, the latter would be the better addition of the two.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes