Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have recruited three players on loan this season, starting with centre-back Nat Phillips, who arrived from Rodgers' former club Liverpool. Things didn't work out for Phillips at Parkhead as he started just three Scottish Premiership games and made a mere eight appearances overall, and he was predictably recalled to Anfield come January.
Nat Phillips in action for Celtic.
Soon after, on the final day of the summer transfer window, Celtic struck a temporary deal to sign midfielder Paulo Bernardo from Benfica in a repeat of their 2021 swoop for Jota. The agreement between the two clubs includes an option to buy, but it's unclear how much the Hoops would have to pay.
Finally, late in the January market, Celtic were able to make a short-term move for Norwich City striker Adam Idah, this time one that doesn't include an option to buy. That doesn't mean, however, that he won't be playing his football in Glasgow next season.
Celtic get good news on Idah
According to Football Insider, Idah is open to joining Celtic permanently at the end of the season. He's clearly settled well in Scotland since his switch from the Championship, and is receptive to the idea of staying put should Celtic make a push.
The opportunity to play in the Champions League is apparently a big draw for the Irishman, but to make that dream a reality, Celtic will need to agree a fee independently with Norwich. It remains to be seen whether the Canaries drive a hard bargain.
Idah loving life but must face Champions League reality
You'd imagine that Celtic are already looking into the possibility of signing Idah long-term after his impressive start. He provided an assist for fellow January signing Nicolas Kuhn within minutes of coming on for his debut against Aberdeen at the start of the month, and then netted two penalties on his full league debut against Hibernian, including a 92nd-minute winner.
There were more late heroics against Motherwell last weekend, as he followed up a header (one that prompted Chris Sutton to call him "absolutely stunning") with another tie-breaking effort in the 94th minute.
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Idah had been denied consistent starting opportunities at Norwich, making the XI for just 12 of their first 29 Championship games, and so it's no surprise that he's enjoying himself in a more prominent role at Celtic.
One thing that the 23-year-old should consider, amid his desire to play Champions League football, is that Scotland could be about to lose their automatic qualification spot. The country's under-performance in Europe this season – Rangers are the only side remaining in any of the three tournaments – puts them at risk of surrendering their spot in the coefficient rankings for the 2025/26 season.
Rank
Association
Points
Clubs remaining in Europe
10
Scotland
35.850
1 (Rangers)
11
Czechia
35.300
3 (Sparta Prague, Slavia Prague, Viktoria Plzen)
12
Switzerland
32.575
1 (Servette)
13
Austria
32.400
1 (Sturm Graz)
14
Denmark
31.450
1 (Copenhagen)
15
Norway
31.125
1 (Molde)
Celtic will be hoping that the three Czech sides in the Europa League and Europa Conference League make swift exits to relieve the pressure, but if not, it could soon become more difficult for them to reach the continent's premier club competition.
A Copa Libertadores de 2021 começou para o Palmeiras da mesma forma com que terminou a última: com um gol salvador de cabeça no último lance da partida. O tento de Renan sobre o Universitario, do Peru, nesta quarta-feira, não garantiu o título, como o de Breno Lopes, contra o Santos, mas colocou o Alviverde no topo de outro ranking: o de número de vitórias na competição sul-americana entre os clubes brasileiros.
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O 3 a 2 sobre os peruanos foi o 109º triunfo do time em 198 jogos na Copa, superando o Grêmio, com 108 em 207 atuações. Agora, na história, apenas seis equipes venceram mais vezes que o Palmeiras: River Plate e Boca Juniors, da Argentina, Nacional e Peñarol, do Uruguai, e Olimpia e Cerro Porteño, do Paraguai. TIMES COM MAIS VITÓRIAS NA HISTÓRIA DA LIBERTADORES
The Indian batsman says that he has turned down ‘lucrative offers’ from overseas leagues to play top-tier cricket in India
ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-2019
Ambati Rayudu launches it down the ground•Getty Images
Ambati Rayudu’s decision to come out of retirement has widely been described as a U-turn, but according to the batsman, it was nothing of the sort. He has turned down “lucrative offers” to play in overseas leagues, he said, and his top priority is now to “get runs for Hyderabad” in the Indian domestic circuit.”I declined lucrative offers to play in T10 and T20 leagues in Canada and other countries. I have come out of retirement for well-wishers,” he told . “It is not a U-turn as for good reasons I believe I have good amount of cricket left in me. My top priority is now to get runs for Hyderabad.”It has been a strange few months for Rayudu. He had retired from first-class cricket last year to focus on his white-ball career, and was soon announced as India’s first-choice No. 4 batsman for the World Cup by none other than Virat Kohli. He was, however, left out of the World Cup squad in favour of Vijay Shankar and slotted in the list of standby players. If that wasn’t bad enough, when Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay picked up injuries, Rishabh Pant and then Mayank Agarwal – the latter wasn’t even in the list of standbys – travelled to England to join the squad. Rayudu announced his retirement soon after, but has over the past week withdrawn his announcement and reached out to Hyderabad Cricket Association, who have also been welcoming.Rayudu said that being ignored for the World Cup was “shocking”. “I had worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup. I quit red-ball cricket for the World Cup. I was extremely fit and doing the role, which the team asked me to do at No. 4 and suddenly when you are not in the team, it was shocking,” he said. “There was no communication from the team members also.”Was it a matter of poor form, or did not playing first-class cricket hurt his chances?”The main reason was that I wanted myself to be fully fit and fresh for the World Cup. I didn’t regret that move and my sole intention was to do well in World Cup then,” he said of quitting the longer format. “I don’t agree that since I didn’t play in Ranji Trophy, I didn’t get runs for India.”In fact, I had a very, very good tour of New Zealand [a couple of 40s and a 90 in the ODIs]. Of course, it took a game or two to get back to my form. I was the highest run-getter in New Zealand. I was happy with the way I was batting and shaping up. It was unfortunate that [the selectors] had different combinations in mind and that didn’t work out for me.”As for Hyderabad, they have left the door open for Rayudu, with Noel David, the chief selector, saying that Rayudu had “at least five years of cricket” left in him, and hoping that Rayudu would help groom the next lot of players.If he does return to the side, however, Rayudu wants the environment to change from the current one, where, he says, “the Hyderabad colours are for sale”.”It is time there is a good ambience and there should be no pressure on the players. The best team should be selected. I feel that the players are playing under pressure. The infighting in the association is not good for cricket. Sadly, I feel the Hyderabad colours are for sale and it is important the players should perform to earn a place in the team,” he said. “I remember when I had to score a lot of runs to get into the team, whether it was Under-16, Under-19 or Under-22. We were not sure of our places because the competition was very high.”It is different now. I feel sad sometimes when deserving players are overlooked while others get into the team. It is very painful.”Once back, despite everything, Rayudu might even want to throw his hat in the ring to be the Hyderabad captain.”It is good to lead the side. Red-ball captaincy is crucial as it needs a lot of tactical acumen. I can talk to selectors on captaincy,” he said. “At this stage of my career, I have nothing to prove to anyone. My goal is to take Hyderabad to a new high. We are a young team, which is exciting. I’m part of so many teams. I know how the winning culture would be and I want that in the Hyderabad team whether it is through captaincy or not.”For me, it is not a comeback although I had announced the retirement when it was an off-season. It is important that there is a good environment in Hyderabad cricket. The players should be given confidence and there should not be any sense of insecurity. There was never deficit of talent in Hyderabad.”
Depois de dois empates seguidos, contra Madureira e Fluminense, o Vasco encara o Bangu, neste sábado, no Raulino de Oliveira, às 21h05, em busca de uma vitória para encostar no G4 do Campeonato Carioca. Quatro pontos separam o Gigante da Colina do Tricolor Suburbano, e um triunfo diante do Alvirrubro será essencial para ainda sonhar com uma vaga nas semifinais.
> Confira a classificação do Campeonato Carioca
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O adversário deste sábado não vence há 6 rodadas e é o penúltimo colocado com apenas 5 pontos. A equipe da Zona Oeste será a primeira decisão do time de São Januário em abril. Restam apenas quatro rodadas para o fim da primeira fase, e dentre elas, um clássico contra o maior rival: Flamengo., no próximo final de semana.
Para aguentar o ritmo de um calendário apertado, o Departamento de Futebol, Departamento de Saúde e Comissão Técnica traçaram uma estratégia de poupar atletas em algumas rodadas. Para o duelo deste sábado, Léo Matos, Leandro Castan, Ernando, Marquinhos Gabriel e Germán Cano ficarão no Rio, se preparando para o desafio será diante do Tombense (MG), na quarta, às 21h30, pela segunda fase da Copa do Brasil.
> Confira mais notícias sobre o Vasco da Gama
Além deles, Marcelo Cabo também não poderá contar com os atacantes Léo Jabá e Morato. Ambos foram regularizados no BIRA (Boletim Informativo de Registro de Atletas), porém não poderão ser relacionados para o duelo contra o Bangu.
De acordo com o regulamento do Carioca, um jogador só pode ter condição de jogo se inscrito 48 horas úteis antes da partida. Como esta sexta é feriado no Rio de Janeiro, os atletas não poderão estar em campo.
As ausências dos cinco jogadores experientes abrem espaço na lista de relacionados para atletas da base. Com convocações para a Seleção Brasileira de base, os meias Marlon Gomes e Caio Eduardo foram relacionados pela primeira vez.
>Cano marca seu primeiro gol na temporada. Relembre os 25 gols do argentino pelo Vasco
– Isso é fruto do trabalho de integração que estamos desenvolvendo com a categoria de base. Essa estratégia é muito importante e contribui para o amadurecimento desses garotos. Vamos levar para essa partida contra o Bangu esses dois jovens valores do Vasco. Observei eles durante o coletivo que fizemos contra o sub-20 nessa semana e gostei muito – disse o treinador ao site oficial do clube, acrescentando logo na sequência.
– Queremos prospectar oportunidades para talentos do Clube, como aconteceu com Laranjeira, Figueiredo, Matías, Caio Lopes e outros garotos. Uma pauta do meu trabalho dentro do Vasco é olhar com carinho para a categoria de base, visando lançar os meninos no momento certo. O Caio e o Marlon vão passar por um período de observação. Quero avaliá-los mais de perto, como fiz com outros meninos – finalizou o técnico Marcelo Cabo.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to make a “special” star one of his first Manchester United signings, according to a new report.
Man Utd’s January plans
With Ratcliffe taking control of sporting decisions at Old Trafford from the Glazers, some Red Devils supporters may be hoping to see the club active in the winter window.
That’s because Erik ten Hag’s side have had a mixed season to date, with back-to-back away defeats in the Premier League to West Ham and Nottingham Forest sandwiched in-between a dramatic comeback victory over Aston Villa.
The club now have the chance to bolster their squad this month, but it looks as if attention could be on moving some players out before any arrive. Recent reports have claimed that United are ready to accept an offer for Raphael Varane this month, with Jadon Sancho returning to Borussia Dortmund also on the cards.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
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Luke Randall
Feb 1, 2024
When it comes to incomings, The Athletic shared a Man Utd transfer update earlier this week, saying that not a lot of money looks set to be available to Ten Hag this month but ‘United might squeeze out another low-cost loan’ for a new forward with RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy thought to be options.
Man Utd targeting Michael Olise
With January additions seemingly limited, Ratcliffe and INEOS may have their eyes on making their mark in the summer, and it looks as if a move or a Premier League star is on the cards.
According to The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, Man Utd are interested in making Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise ‘one of the first signings’ of the Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are planning a squad overhaul in the summer and are targeting Olise, who is ‘viewed as a player who could help revitalise United’s woeful attack’. He has a release clause in his new Crystal Palace contract, with his previous clause sitting at £35m before he signed new terms at Selhurst Park.
The 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength since moving to Palace from Reading in 2021 and has already enjoyed his best goalscoring season in the top flight, netting five times in nine appearances. (Michael Olise stats – Transfermarkt)
Primarily a right-winger, Olise has also featured as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder and on the left, showing the versatility he could offer at Old Trafford. He even scored a brilliant late free-kick against United last season at Selhurst Park.
Praised by teammate Joel Ward, Olise has been labelled a "special talent who could "go onto new heights".
“Michael’s a special talent. The world’s his oyster and he’s just getting better and better from game to game, so I think he’s going to go onto new heights and set the bar. If he continues that way, he’s going to go on to special things.”
Olise was wanted by Chelsea last year but decided to stay put at Palace, but following this update, as 2024 progresses, a move for the attacker could be one to keep an eye on.
Oh to be Manchester United's misfiring striker, Rasmus Hojlund right now.
Burdened with being the man to lead Erik ten Hag's attack at the age of just 20 – having scored only nine league goals last season for Atalanta – it is fair to say that the £72 summer signing has not yet found his groove at Old Trafford.
While Ten Hag's first-choice target, Harry Kane, is off scoring a bucket-load in Germany – already boasting 22 Bundesliga goals this season – Hojlund, meanwhile, has only one Premier League goal to show for his efforts.
Chances missed
League goals
18
5
17
14
13
9
13
7
9
3
9
1
9
10
There were signs of life on the continent as the youngster hit five during the Red Devils' dismal Champions League run, yet it is domestically where he will be truly judged, having also failed to fire during the recent FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
That 2-0 triumph over the League One outfit could have been all the more comfortable had Hojlund had his shooting boots on, notably striking the crossbar with a header from close range, while also prodding an effort agonisingly wide with the goal at his mercy.
If it wasn't already evident prior to that performance, the Old Trafford outfit must now be aware that signing a new striker is a necessity, either this month or in the summer, particularly with the typically unreliable Anthony Martial also nowhere to be seen due to illness.
Latest on Man Utd's hunt for a striker
The Athletic revealed last week that United are yet again seeking a low-cost, short-term fix in the winter window, having previously snapped up the likes of Wout Weghorst and Odion Ighalo in desperate late deals in years gone by.
The likes of Serhou Guirassy, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Mouting and Thomas Muller are all said to have been considered by Ten Hag and co, while contact had even been made regarding a move for Timo Werner, prior to the German's recent loan switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
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Erik ten Hag is keen to improve his attack this winter by signing a Ligue 1 star.
ByTom Lever Jan 10, 2024
In truth, none of those options will have had supporters licking their lips, with both Choupo-Mouting and Muller well into their 30's, while – as The Athletic noted – there are fears that Guirassy may merely be enjoying something of a freak season.
One name that may spark some more excitement, however, is Joshua Zirkzee, with recent reports in Italy indicating that the Dutchman is of interest to those at Old Trafford, amid his sparkling form for Bologna.
Valued at around €20m (£17m) according to CIES Football Observatory, the 22-year-old is said to have a €40m (£34m) release clause in his current deal, although further reports have indicated that the Italian outfit would be looking for closer to £50m, amid interest from Arsenal.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
While the cash-strapped United may have to bide their time until the summer to land the 6 foot 4 striker, he would certainly be worth the wait.
Joshua Zirkzee could be the next Zlatan
Amid the woes of Hojlund, signing another striker from Serie A may have alarm bells wringing, yet all the indications point to a player who has the tools to be a real superstar in a United shirt.
Despite previously failing to flourish at Bayern, for whom he made just 17 first-team appearances, Zirkzee truly came to life during the 2021/22 campaign while on loan at Anderlecht, scoring 18 goals in all competitions under the watchful eye of then-boss, Vincent Kompany.
A move to Italy soon followed, and while two goals in 19 league games last term is nothing to write home about, a return of eight goals and four assists so far in 2023/24 has certainly caught the attention, as to have the plaudits that have flooded his way.
A towering, yet elegant marksman, the former Netherlands U21 international has even earned comparisons to a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Torino boss Ivan Juric only recently stating:
“Those who are good (coaches), take these talents, cultivate them and manage to make them explode. In some moves, I see Ibra again. He is an atypical striker who also manages to score many goals.”
The now-retired Swede – who is also a physical frontman at 6 foot 5 – previously shone during his brief stint in Manchester, scoring 28 goals in all competitions in 2016/17, as Jose Mourinho's side claimed the League Cup and Europa League.
What was also evident from that short spell was the veteran's link-up play as he also contributed ten assists that season, with that also a trait that Zirkzee shares, notably providing 13 assists during his time in Belgium.
Not only could the Bologna gem prove to be United's next Zlatan if a deal was to be agreed, but he could also rival a man who is ripping up the league on the other side of the city, having been favourably compared to Manchester City's, Erling Haaland.
How Zirkzee compares to Haaland
It doesn't take a genius to see that Zirkzee is nowhere close to hitting the type of goal returns that Haaland has enjoyed in his career to date, with the Norwegian already smashing in 71 goals in just 75 games during his time at the Etihad.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
That said, the Dutchman's all-round game could potentially be superior – that's the view of reporter Suleyman Ozturk, at least, who has sensationally claimed that the former Bayern man is "better than Haaland at everything":
“Now you may be dismayed because of this statement. But I will frame it. (Zirkzee) has vision, technique, strength, charisma, flair, footballing ability. He is therefore better than Haaland in almost everything.
“Imagine if Zirkzee had the energy and focus of Haaland. Then he would be the best striker in the world.”
On the eye test, Zirkzee certainly passes with flying colours, seemingly possessing an ability to glide across the park, with data analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as "one of the most complete" strikers of the season, due to his array of strengths – "A creator, physical presence, ball-striking, dribbling & taking on defenders".
That is reflected statistically, as the one-time Parma loanee ranks in the top 18% among his European peers for successful take-ons per 90, and in the top 22% for progressive passes per 90, rubberstamping his silky quality in possession.
Haaland, meanwhile, is less likely to impact proceedings in the build-up, as he ranks in just the bottom 24% and the bottom 22% for those same two metrics, respectively, instead acting as an undoubtedly clinical penalty box poacher.
It can be seen then in that regard that Zirkzee may have more strings to his bow than the 23-year-old, with the next step now to truly begin to flourish as a prolific presence in front of goal in his own right.
Such talents, of course, are unlikely to come cheap, but this Ibrahimovic heir may well be the man to ease the burden on Hojlund's young shoulders.
Leeds United are interested in making a move for a "flair" player who has broken Whites hearts in the past, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
Leeds transfer news
Leeds could delve into the transfer market in January, as they look to give themselves the best possible chance of making a quickfire return from the Championship to the Premier League.
Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi-Samuel is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, with the full-back also wanted by Crystal Palace and Wolves, while AFC Wimbledon's Ali Al-Hamadi is another who is seen as a possible transfer target for Daniel Farke.
In terms of potential outgoings, Crysencio Summerville is one player who could leave Leeds, and Aston Villa are believed to be a possible destination in 2024. The Whites will no doubt want to retain his services, however, given the quality he could provide between now and the end of the season.
Leeds want to sign David Brooks
Taking to X, talkSPORT's Alex Crook claimed that Leeds are keen on signing Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks on loan, with rivals Southampton also in the mix to acquire his signature next month.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
"Understand both #LUFC and #SaintsFC would like to sign #AFCB winger David Brooks on loan. More on the @talkSPORT transfer notebook later today."
Brooks could be a great signing by Leeds in the January window, adding the technical ability and end product that could give them that extra bit of guile in attacking areas. The 26-year-old could also be open to the idea of moving on, considering he has only started two Premier League games this season, meaning it could be a transfer that suits all parties.
The Englishman was once lauded by former manager Eddie Howe during their time together at Bournemouth, with the now Newcastle boss saying:
"It has typified his introduction to the club. He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent."
Brooks' level of character has been highlighted by the incredible bravery he has show in overcoming cancer, and his arrival could be met with such positivity by Leeds supporters. They have also felt his wrath in the past when he scored a late winner at Elland Road during his time with Sheffield United.
Leeds could oust Bamford by signing wonderkid who's like Henrik Larsson
Leeds United could finally wave goodbye to a declining Patrick Bamford with this transfer deal in January.
ByKelan Sarson Dec 29, 2023
He is someone with proven Championship expertise, having scored nine goals and registered 11 assists in 69 appearances in the competition, so there shouldn't be an issue with him adjusting to life there.
In fact, he has 15 goal contributions in 59 Premier League outings, also showing that he can impress at the top level, so there are few reasons why a move would be a negative, especially as it would only be on loan, and it could be one to watch over the coming weeks.
West Ham manager David Moyes has put his personal employees into action as the club eye a "strong" star to potentially replace Nayef Aguerd.
West Ham chiefs eye new defenders in January
The Hammers currently have a few players mid-way through the final year of their contracts, a list including the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.
West Ham signing said to be all but done, but Moyes unlikely to benefit
He apparently looks set to join them.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 16, 2023
Both full-backs look likely to depart in 2024, with West Ham said to be interested in replacements for the outgoing duo. Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters is a target for Moyes and co as one option, as the club also look to sign alternatives to Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri.
Meanwhile, there are some suggestions West Ham could also move for a centre-back ahead of what looks to be a busy January transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano is one of many media sources tipping the east Londoners to be one of the more active sides next month.
“I expect West Ham to be busy in January as they’re looking at opportunities around," said Romano to Caught Offside.
"Though it’s still too early to say anything about specific names. Nothing is advanced, but the owners and directors are working on it.”
While Romano suggests it's still too early to mention names, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from churning, and a new report has claimed that West Ham have their eyes on Stuttgart defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.
Moyes puts West Ham employees into action over Zagadou
According to an update by journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his personal Patreon, West Ham could replace Aguerd with Zagadou and Moyes has put his personal "spies" to work on analysing him.
Dan-Axel Zagadou for Stuttgart.
“West Ham are checking on Stuttgart’s French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou – and could move out Nayef Aguerd,” Nixon claims on his Patreon page (via Hammers News).
“Hammers boss David Moyes has spent his spies to look at the 6ft 6in centre half in case Aguerd leaves in the window.
“Lyon are keen on a loan to buy deal and that would happen if Moyes found a replacement in time. Zagadou was on the West Ham watch list a year ago when he was with Borussia Dortmund and is back on.”
Zagadou's last five matches for Stuttgart
WhoScored rating
Bochum
7.97/10
RB Leipzig
6.23/10
Freiburg
7.44/10
Mainz 05
7.52/10
Darmstadt
6.75/10
The 24-year-old has made 15 Bundesliga appearances so far this season as a mainstay of Stuttgart's backline, with his former manager at Borussia Dortmund Marco Rose once seriously praising Zagadou's potential.
“I would very much welcome it if Daxo decides to stay on at Borussia Dortmund," said Rose in 2021.
"He is a young, excellent central defender with very good ability. He is physically strong, has a lot of speed, has a good left foot. First and foremost, I hope that he stays healthy. I see him as a very important part of our team.”
USMNT starlet Paxten Aaronson scored a brace for Vitesse on Sunday as the already-relegated side beat Fortuna Sittard 3-2.
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Vitesse relegated after points deduction
Pick up rare win to move onto two points
On loan Aaronson bags brace
WHAT HAPPENED?
Vitesse fans had reason to cheer on Sunday after seeing their side secure a rare victory in the Eredivisie. An entertaining game saw the hosts prevail 3-2 over Fortuna Sittard, with USMNT starlet Aaronson scoring twice. The win comes in the wake of Vitesse's relegation from the Dutch top flight after the club were docked 18 points amid an investigation into ties with former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The victory means that Vitesse now have two points from 31 games played.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Aaronson moved to Vitesse on loan in the January transfer window from Eintracht Frankfurt after struggling for game time with the Bundesliga club. The 20-year-old has gone on to make 11 league appearances for his new club, scoring four times for Edward Sturing's side.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paxten is the younger brother of Union Berlin and USMNT midfielder Brendan Aaronson, who is on loan at the German club from Leeds United. The two siblings faced each other earlier this season in the Bundesliga when Union Berlin beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0.
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WHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON
Aaronson will finish the season with Vitesse, who conclude their campaign with games against Utrecht, Heerenveen and Ajax. The youngster is then expected to play a key role for the USMNT at the Paris Olympics.
It’s fair to say David Moyes divides opinion in East London. Some West Ham fans love him for leading them to their first European trophy in decades after winning the Europa Conference League in 2022/23, and some just don’t rate him.
Regardless, he has done a good job of steadying the ship at a time when the club looked destined for the drop, and the 2023 summer transfer window looks like it has been a massive success. Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus are two great deals, with the latter certainly starting to settle at the London Stadium.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Moyes and West Ham in the transfer window, however. Football FanCast takes a look at the Scottish manager’s ten worst West Ham signings.
10 Patrice Evra (Free)
Free transfer, 2018
Veteran leftback Patrice Evra was signed in the summer of 2018 to bring his invaluable experience to the club. His time at Manchester United had proven he was one of the best in his position in the world, but he was known to be a little unpredictable.
By the time he joined West Ham, he had stopped caring. He may constantly be telling people how much he “loves this game”, but it’s clear he didn’t care for the club. Evra would make just five appearances for the Hammers.
Sir Alex Ferguson's last Man Utd XI – where are they now?
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His contract expired the next summer and he left. After no satisfactory offers for his services were received, he decided to retire from football.
9 Joao Mario
Loan from Inter, 2018
It may have only been a loan, but Moyes’ signing of Joao Mario was hailed by many as a real coup. He was impressive during his time at Sporting CP and had secured a move to Inter.
Unfortunately for him, opportunities in Italy dried up and it was decided he had to go out on loan. West Ham were amongst a number of clubs looking to secure his signature, and in January 2018, he put pen to paper.
He made his debut just two days later, coming on as a substitute against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup – a game West Ham would lose 2-0. After that, he never really made a mark. He did score in a 3-0 win against Southampton, but he returned to Inter the following summer after an underwhelming spell. He has since become a massive player for Benfica.
8 Alex Kral
Loan from Spartak Moscow, 2021
Following the huge success of the signing of Tomas Soucek, Moyes once again fancied a look at the Czechia national squad. This time he came across central midfielder Alex Kral, who had just signed for Russian side Spartak Moscow.
He wasn’t a goalscorer; in fact, he’s only scored a single league goal throughout his entire career, but he was a runner. West Ham signed him on loan with the option to make it permanent.
Kral would go on to make six appearances for the club before the loan ended. He’s still technically contracted to Spartak Moscow but has been on loan in Germany since his West Ham move, firstly with Schalke, and now with Union Berlin.
7 Jordan Hugill
£10m from Preston North End, 2018
West Ham have had some awful luck with strikers. In recent years they’ve had to deal with Simone Zaza, Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate, just to name a few. Jordan Hugill has to be counted among them.
The Hammers paid £10m for his services, potentially predicting that they were going to go down and would need a solid Championship striker, which Hugill was at Preston North End. It was a move that infuriated fans, just when they needed someone to lead the line.
It’s not his fault he’s on this list, though. Hugill was given just 22 minutes throughout the entire second half of the 2017/18 season to prove to the fans that he was the man to lead them – an almost impossible task.
After numerous Championship loans, he’s now found a home at Rotherham United.
6 Nikola Vlasic
£34.5m from CSKA Moscow, 2021
Nikola Vlasic for West Ham.
This transfer just goes to show that one good international tournament does not a good player make. Vlasic impressed for Croatia at Euro 2020 and had a number of teams after him. West Ham finally got him for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £34.5m once add-ons had been factored in.
Throughout his career, he had played regular football, and although he did have the opportunity to prove himself, he was never consistently in the first team. His first goal contribution came in the form of an assist in the Europa League, and his first goal came in the Premier League in a 4-1 win against Watford.
Vlasic was then sent out on loan to Torino, a move that the Italian club would make permanent in August 2023 for an undisclosed fee. Perhaps West Ham didn’t want the world to know how much money they lost on him.
5 Gianluca Scamacca
£35.5m from Sassuolo, 2022
West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca.
Young Italian forward Gianluca Scamacca came to West Ham with a big reputation. He was, and still is, one of Italy’s best young forwards. Since bursting onto the scene at Sassuolo, the hype began to generate, he just wouldn't live up to it at West Ham.
Injuries were the main reason he didn’t make it in east London, despite looking like someone who would love it there. He only scored eight goals in 27 appearances for the club, with a lot of them being as a substitute.
Both parties decided to call it quits after a single season. He’s now back in Italy with Atalanta and has gotten off to a fine start. Perhaps, like Sebastian Haller, he’ll be one that got away for West Ham.
4 Danny Ings
£15m from Aston Villa, 2023
West Ham striker Danny Ings.
Consistently scoring goals in the Premier League is a very hard thing to do, and Danny Ings deserves a lot of credit for doing just that, but at West Ham, it’s been disappointing. The form he found at Burnley and Southampton seems to have escaped him.
West Ham bought him for an initial £12m, which rose to £15m after avoiding relegation in the 2022/23 season. Ings played his part – he scored twice against Nottingham Forest to help secure top-flight football.
Without going as far as saying that Danny Ings has been a flop, he certainly has the ability to turn it around, he’s just unlikely to be given that chance. He’s still at West Ham, but they’re reportedly looking to move him on.
3 Flynn Downes
£12m from Swansea City, 2022
It's pretty heartbreaking to be putting Flynn Downes on this list. The midfielder is a massive West Ham fan, he’s living the dream he had as a young lad in playing for the club. Sadly, he hasn’t had much of a chance to represent them.
Downes made a name for himself with Swansea City in the Championship, and West Ham came knocking. A reported £12m fee was agreed, and he put pen to paper, just as any fan would.
He made 21 league appearances for the club he loves, and helped them to their first trophy in 43 years. If you’d have told him he’d do that at the start of his career, he’d have surely snapped your hands off.
He’s currently on loan at Southampton, and will no doubt be hoping he’s given another opportunity soon enough.
2 Maxwel Cornet
£17.5m from Burnley, 2022
West Ham United forward Maxwel Cornet.
Players need time, and Maxwel Cornet will surely get that, but his West Ham career has been underwhelming thus far. He signed in the summer of 2022 from Burnley for a fee thought to be around £17.5m, and has since failed to impress.
He’s the type of player that is always going to have moments. A piece of skill here, beating a player there – he just needs to do it more often. To be fair to Cornet, Moyes isn’t exactly known for letting his attacking players express themselves.
Cornet is perhaps best known for his controversial disallowed goal against Chelsea last season. VAR deemed Tomas Soucek’s very slight touch on Mendy to be a foul, and denied him what would have been his first and only league goal for West Ham.
1 Thilo Kehrer
£10.1m from Paris Saint-Germain, 2022
Thilo Kehrer
There is a bit of a running theme here; most of the players on this list just haven’t been given much of a shot. Moyes is an old-school manager, he knows his best XI and he sticks to it. It’s an important thing to do when you’re fighting at the bottom of the table more often than not. Kehrer is another player that’s happened to.
When the German centre-back made a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, it was for a fee of around £32m. After four years at the club, West Ham signed him for £10.1m.
He was meant to be their centre-back for the future, and since he remains at the club, he still could be. He’s just fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
Kehrer is now 27 years old, so he’s entering his prime as a defender. At some point, he’s going to want to be playing more regular football, whether that’s with West Ham or not.
The Premier League is harsh, most of Moyes’ signings at West Ham have actually proven to be very good deals – Jarrod Bowen and Jesse Lingard, for example.
Moyes knows the club inside-out, but the grass isn’t always greener.