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Celtic are thriving on the field under Brendan Rodgers, but they may now be set for an unexpected turn of events behind the scenes following recent developments.

Brendan Rodgers aims to maintain Celtic winning culture

Evaluating the landscape of Scottish football, Celtic find themselves head and shoulders above the rest as they close in on another domestic treble.

Brendan Rodgers knows his side only need to defeat Aberdeen at Hampden later this month to achieve that feat, while he is also the third-most successful manager in the club’s illustrious history behind Willie Maley and Jock Stein.

However, there has been some speculation surrounding the Celtic boss as he heads into the final year of his contract at Parkhead with little to no update on a potential extension.

Like any manager worth his salt, Rodgers wants full backing from the Hoops hierarchy before his side take on the challenge of facing whoever they draw in the final round of Champions League qualifying.

Citing the need for signings, Celtic are very interested in Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic, potentially laying down a marker with regard to what supporters can expect from their club in the summer market.

Fewer minutes than Nawrocki: Celtic must axe flop who's "not good enough"

Celtic must finally part ways with this player who has played fewer minutes than Maik Nawrocki.

ByDan Emery May 9, 2025

Stability at Parkhead has led to a steady stream of success. That hasn’t just come from the manager, but the rank and file department members that exist below his sphere of influence.

Nevertheless, everyone at one point will look to strike out on their own should the opportunity present itself. That is just the reality of career progression in the cold light of day.

With that in mind, Celtic could face a fight to hold onto one of their trusted coaches after the club were approached over his availability, per recent developments.

Swansea City approach Celtic to land Darren O'Dea

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph on X, Swansea City have approached Celtic as they look to appoint Darren O’Dea as their assistant manager following Alan Sheehan’s appointment as head coach at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Former Republic of Ireland international O’Dea is currently the Bhoys’ Professional Player Pathway Manager, though he could now be set to swap Glasgow for the EFL Championship side if all parties agree on a deal.

O’Dea has also managed Celtic’s B Team in conjunction with Stephen McManus, and his departure may come as something of a surprise despite his ambitions of entering the dugout at senior level.

Either way, Hoops fans and figures from inside the club will wish him well if he were to take up Swansea on their offer, given his reputation as a bright young coach who has worked his way up the Lennoxtown ranks.

Leeds United will be playing Premier League football next season and will be aiming to buck the recent trend of newly-promoted teams going straight back down.

All three of the promoted sides from the Championship have been relegated in each of the last two seasons, including Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town this term.

The Whites know that they need to recruit well for Daniel Farke to build a squad that is capable of competing in the Premier League week-in-week-out in the 2025/26 campaign.

Leeds won the Championship title with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day earlier this month, hitting a century of points in the process, but that achievement does not mean that they already have a squad that is ready for the top-flight.

There is, obviously, a gap in quality between the Premier League and the Championship, and Whites star Dan James is, perhaps, the best example of that, given the difference in his output in the top-flight and the second tier.

Why Dan James may not be ready to star in the Premier League

The Wales international was named the club’s 2024/25 Player of the Year recently after another impressive season from the right-sided attacker under Farke.

James racked up 12 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances in the Championship to help the Whites on their way to 100 points and the league title, which shows that he provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right flank.

The 27-year-old speedster also caught the eye with his contributions at the top end of the pitch in the 2023/24 campaign, with a return of 13 goals, 13 ‘big chances’ created, and seven assists in 43 appearances in the second tier.

This means that James has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in the Championship since the start of last season, which is a fantastic haul and proves that he has been a star for Farke in the final third.

Appearances

34

24

Goals

4

2

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes per game

0.8

0.4

Assists

4

1

Dribbles completed per game

0.6

0.3

However, as you can see in the table above, the Welsh attacker’s last two seasons in the Premier League suggest that he may not be able to replicate that kind of form for the Whites next term.

James failed to provide consistent quality at the top end of the pitch for Fulham and Leeds in those two campaigns, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to show a better version of himself in the top-flight this time around.

This is why the former Manchester United forward may not be a star for Leeds next season, despite his form this year, and that is why a fresh report on the club’s interest in a new winger is good news for Farke.

Leeds eyeing deal for Bundesliga forward

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach winger Franck Honorat in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that OGC Nice and Freiburg are also keen on the 28-year-old attacker, who moved to the Bundesliga from Stade Brest in the summer of 2023.

Transfer Focus

This means that there could be plenty of competition to land his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as Farke lines up a raid on his former club, having managed Gladbach between 2022 and 2023.

The German boss moved on from the club before Honorat arrived in the summer of 2023, though, so there will not be any advantage for Leeds from that perspective.

Foot Mercato does not reveal how much money it would take for Gladbach to consider selling the experienced forward, but the Whites should press ahead with a move for the star because he could be an even better option than Dan James in the Premier League next season.

Why Franck Honorat could be a better option than Dan James

As aforementioned, the current Leeds star has failed to prove that he has the quality to perform consistently in the top-flight of English football in his previous seasons at that level.

James is an undoubted talent in the Championship but his output in the Premier League in the past is a concern ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as he may not have what it takes to fire the Whites to safety with goals and assists on a regular basis.

Honorat, however, has already proven that he can deliver impressive performances in two of Europe’s top five leagues, as shown by his form for Stade Brest in Ligue 1 and for Gladbach in the Bundesliga.

During his time in France, the 28-year-old attacker produced 25 goals and 16 assists in 103 Ligue 1 matches for Stade Brest, with at least six goals and five assists in all three of his league seasons there.

His form in Ligue 1 led to a move to Gladbach on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023, and the French star has proven himself in the Bundesliga in the last two seasons.

Appearances

32

17

Goals

3

4

Big chances created

19

12

Key passes per game

2.8

2.5

Assists

9

7

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target has created a staggering 31 ‘big chances’ in 49 appearances in the Bundesliga for his current club, whilst James created eight ‘big chances’ in 58 games in his last two seasons in the Premier League.

Honorat, who was described as “fast” by Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus, has proven himself to be an exceptional creative force on the wing for both Gladbach and Stade Brest in Europe over the past five seasons, which suggests that he has the quality to make the step over to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old star has already proven that he has the ability to deliver consistent quality in the final third in France and Germany, whilst James is yet to prove himself in any major leagues, and that is why he could be even better than the Welsh forward for Farke next season.

Time to go: 49ers must axe Leeds ace who's played even less than Schmidt

The Leeds United man who played less than Isaac Schmidt should be let go this summer.

ByDan Emery May 8, 2025

Honorat could improve the club’s chances of avoiding instant relegation to the Championship because his statistics suggest that he is more likely to be a difference-maker who can win vital points for Leeds with goals and assists than Dan James is.

Chelsea are set to make contact and hold negotiations with an in-form forward, who Serie A heavyweights Juventus wish to sign more than anyone, with BlueCo seemingly looking to spoil the Old Lady’s transfer plans.

Chelsea targeting new forward as main summer priority

Enzo Maresca and the club will look to sign a new forward as one of three main transfer aims this summer, alongside the additions of a new centre-back and winger (Simon Phillips).

£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility

It would be a big decision.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Depending on their Champions League qualification and player sales, they could also go for a second centre-back, left-back, new goalkeeper and attacking midfielder (Simon Phillips), but supporters will be particularly keen to see a forward arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Nicolas Jackson scored his first Premier League goal of 2025 in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Everton over the weekend, with the Senegalese largely struggling to replicate his previous scoring form since the turn of the year.

Christopher Nkunku is also likely to leave Chelsea this summer, either on loan or permanently, according to reports, after the Frenchman agreed personal terms on a move to Bayern Munich in the January window.

Taking this into account, it is clear to see why we could definitely expect an overhaul up front. Sky Sports revealed earlier this month that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen are all targets for Maresca’s side.

Delap is said to be a key target for Chelsea and will now be available at around £30 million, due to the release clause in his contract tied with Ipswich’s relegation, but there is no guarantee they will complete a deal with the major competition for his services. This is where a potentially fruitful alternative comes in – Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

Chelsea set for Ademola Lookman talks in bad news for Juventus

The Nigerian’s 18-goal haul in all competitions has piqued interest from England’s elite, including Chelsea, who are now believed to be eyeing up a move.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who state that Chelsea are planning to open talks with Lookman ahead of the summer. This comes as bad news for Juve in particular, who are described as “prioritising” a move for the 27-year-old.

The versatile attacker, who can play as a second striker, centre-forward and on the left-flank, as he has done under Gian Piero Gasperini this term, could be a great option to reinforce multiple areas, with chairman Todd Boehly apparently pushing the need for versatile signings behind-closed-doors (Simon Phillips).

He would cost up to £55 million, as per CaughtOffside, and given Chelsea’s need to bring in players with more experience, Lookman may well be one to keep an eye on.

“He’s [Lookman] a top player,” said Gasperini about Lookman. “In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal.

“Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways, he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”

It’s no secret that a striker will be at the top of Arsenal’s transfer wishlist this summer.

However, with Liverpool having scored 17 goals more than them in the Premier League alone this season, a centre-forward won’t be enough; the Gunners will also need a new winger to complement Bukayo Saka.

Fortunately, there have been more than a few reports linking the club to a whole host of sensational wide talent in recent weeks, but perhaps the most consistent since last year has been to Nico Williams.

The Spanish superstar is an incredibly exciting player, but the North Londoners might be after a more sure bet, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who’s like a better version of the Athletic Bilbao star.

Arsenal's summer transfer window

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other stars Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing this year, with one of the leading names still being Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international has been in sensational form this term, scoring 44 goals and providing 11 assists in 45 appearances for Sporting CP, and, according to a recent report from Fabrizio Romano, remains a firm target for the Gunners.

Another attacker who seems to be on the North Londoners’ radar is Kingsley Coman, who looks set to leave Bayern Munich in the summer and could be available for around £39m.

However, given the Frenchman’s injury record and lack of involvement this term, he’s not a player that’s likely to excite the Emirates faithful, which couldn’t be said about Anthony Gordon.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal hold a ‘strong interest’ in the former Everton star.

However, there are a couple of problems, with the first being interest from Liverpool and the second being the fact that Newcastle United will not want to let one of their star players leave, and should they qualify for the Champions League, it’s unlikely that they’d have to.

Moreover, reports from last year claimed that he’d cost at least £100m, meaning it would require a near club-record offer from the Gunners.

However, while it would be an expensive and complicated transfer to get over the line, Gordon would be worth it, as he’s a better version of Williams.

How Gordon compares to Williams

So, before we get into their output, it’s worth examining where the comparisons between the two wingers come from, beyond their positional similarities, of course.

Well, in this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Spaniard is the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Englishman.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, expected assists, passing accuracy, progressive passes and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.47

0.35

Progressive Passes

3.73

3.14

Goals per Shot

0.10

0.10

Goals per Shot on Target

0.33

0.26

Passing Accuracy

72.1%

70.4%

Expected Assists

0.20

0.20

Key Passes

2.08

1.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.51

0.62

Successful Take-On %

37.6%

36.6%

However, while they do rank closely for many of those metrics, it’s important to note that the Newcastle United gem actually does slightly better in the majority.

This superiority over the Pamplona-born international extends into their output as well.

For example, in his 35 appearances this term, the “exceptional” Toon ace, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored nine goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.18 games.

In contrast, the 22-year-old has scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 41 games for Bilbao, which comes out to a slightly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games.

Finally, while both players would undoubtedly improve Arteta’s squad, it might take the La Roja ace some time to get used to the Premier League, whereas the Liverpool-born maestro has already proven himself in the league and could make a real difference from the word go.

Ultimately, while it would be an expensive and complicated transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gordon this summer, as he’d be an even better signing than Williams.

He's like Saka & Yamal: Arsenal in talks to sign "world-class" £39m star

The incredible winger would bring so much experience and quality to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 15, 2025

Arsenal are now willing to meet the £30m asking price for a “flamboyant” forward, and they hold an advantage over another Premier League club in the race for his signature, according to a report.

Gunners' striker search continues

After taking up the role of sporting director last week, Andrea Berta has wasted no time searching for a new striker, with a number of Europe’s most exciting forwards on the shortlist, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The groundwork has already been laid for Berta to sign the Slovenian, should the Italian wish to do so, with Sesko keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but he is not the only target the Gunners have in mind.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is also of interest to the north Londoners, and there is a feeling Berta could get a deal wrapped up early doors in the summer, with a move possible for a fee of around £70m.

Not only is Mikel Arteta keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager may also look to bolster his options out wide, given that he has lacked depth at times this season, with Bukayo Saka spending large parts of the season sidelined due to injury.

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now willing to meet the £30m asking price to sign Deportivo de La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez, having set their sights on the 22-year-old due to his performances in the Spanish second tier this season.

Fulham are also in the race for Hernandez, but the Gunners should have the advantage in the race for his signature, given the project on offer at the Emirates Stadium.

Brentford (h)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (a)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (h)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (h)

May 3rd

Liverpool (a)

May 11th

Arteta wants to reduce the burden on Saka next season, and the Spaniard could be the man to do so, with a move to the Premier League deemed to be an attractive proposition for the winger.

"Flamboyant" Hernandez impressing in Spain

Albeit in the second tier, the Deportivo star has been very impressive this season, picking up 11 goals and four assists in 30 La Liga 2 appearances, which is a solid tally, given that he is playing for a mid-table side.

The winger has most commonly been deployed on the left side, but he is also capable of playing on the right, potentially making him a solid back-up option for Saka, although his performances this term indicate he could also push for Gabriel Martinelli’s starting spot.

£60m speedster "keen" to join Arsenal with groundwork laid for Berta deal

He’s got one eye on a move to the Emirates.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 5, 2025

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the forward as “flamboyant”, while also praising his pace and dribbling ability, with his attacking numbers this season demonstrating he has a keen eye for goal too.

It may be viewed as a risk to shell out £30m on a player who’s unproven in a major league, but Hernandez’s performances indicate he could be capable of making the step up to a top club.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl should be relatively pleased with his start to life in the dugout at Ibrox, with four wins out of four in the Scottish Premiership so far.

The Light Blues beat Livingston 2-1 at Ibrox in a controversial clash in their first game back after the international break, as no penalty was awarded for handball against Emmanuel Fernandez, who also scored the opening goal in the match.

Rangers got the job done, though, and claimed all three points thanks to a second-half strike from Mohamed Diomande, who tapped into an empty net at the back post.

The Ivorian central midfielder had an open goal in front of him because Bojan Miovski made a brilliant run over the top and poked the ball to Diomande as the goalkeeper came out to meet him.

It was a moment of real quality from the Macedonia international to help clinch all three points for the Scottish giants on Saturday, after what has been a difficult start to the campaign.

The Light Blues bolstered their attacking ranks with the £8m signing of Youssef Chermiti and the £4.2m signing of Miovski in the summer, and supporters may need to be patient with both of them.

Why Rangers fans need to be patient with Miovski and Chermiti

Rangers splashed the cash to bring those two centre-forwards to Ibrox, particularly Chermiti, and you can understand why some supporters may not be happy with what they have produced so far this season.

Both strikers have only scored one goal so far in the Scottish Premiership under Russell Martin, Stevie Smith, and Danny Rohl combined, which shows that they have rarely provided much in the way of quality in the final third.

Appearances

9

7

Goals

1

1

Minutes per goal

551

231

Big chances created

1

0

Assists

1

1

Duel success rate

33%

39%

As you can see in the table above, Chermiti and Miovski have both failed to offer value for money in the league since their respective big-money moves from Everton and Girona in the summer.

Rangers and their supporters should still have some patience, though, because Miovski is a proven Premiership goalscorer who can offer quality if he hits his stride.

The left-footed attacker, as shown in the graphic below, was a prolific scorer during his time with Aberdeen, before his move to Spain last year, and this suggests that there is still hope that he can turn his Ibrox career around.

Chermiti does not have the same history of goalscoring, having failed to score a single first-team goal in two seasons with Everton, that Miovski behind him has to suggest that he will come good, but the Portuguese striker is only 21.

The former Toffees flop has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and signed a long-term contract at Ibrox, which is why there may need to be patience with him to allow him to flourish as a player. It is not his fault that former sporting director Kevin Thelwell spent £8m on him, and he should be given a chance to prove his worth in the years to come.

Whilst patience is needed with Miovski and Chermiti, who were both permanent additions signed to long contracts, there are some other summer signings who should not be awarded the same patience.

Chalkboard

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

Nasser Djiga was brought in on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster Russell Martin’s defence, but he has been an even bigger waste of time than the two strikers.

Why Djiga has been a worse Rangers signing than Miovski and Chermiti

The Burkina Faso international is only on loan from the Premier League side until the end of the season and the club do not have an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

That means, as it stands, the central defender should only be judged on his performances in the short-term because he is not a player who the Light Blues will benefit from if he develops and improves by the end of the campaign, as he will be off down south to England again.

Therefore, on current performance levels, Djiga looks to be an even bigger waste of time than Miovski and Chermiti, because he is not delivering quality on the pitch for Rangers in the present.

Livingston

90

Dundee

8

Roma

90

Celtic

102

Hibernian

90

Kilmarnock

0

Brann

76

Dundee United

0

Falkirk

90

Sturm Graz

0

The Wolves loanee, as shown by the table above, has been in and out of the side in recent weeks and months, which has been because of his inconsistent performances.

Injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius provided him with a chance to impress against Livingston, but his error for Tete Yengi’s equaliser was described as “appalling” defending by reporter Tom English, as the centre-back allowed the forward to run off the back of him to score from a long pass.

That mistake against Livingston on Saturday is far from the first one that he has made in a Rangers shirt. Four Lads Had A Dream claimed that he

“genuinely looks lost” during the 3-1 defeat to Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup earlier this month.

Djiga also got off to a poor start to life at Ibrox in August. He was sent off in a 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox before making a ‘disastrous’ error at the start of the club’s Champions League play-off qualifier against Club Brugge.

These examples show that the central defender has been an unreliable performer for the Light Blues throughout the season, for both Martin and Rohl, which is why he has been a dismal signing on current evidence.

That is also why he has been an even bigger waste of time than Miovski and Chermiti, because the two strikers were permanent signings on multi-year deals and have time to turn things around, whilst Djiga was a season-long loan signing who should be making an instant impact.

The new Ryan Kent: Rangers can unearth "electrifying" Gassama upgrade

Rangers have a possible upgrade on Djedi Gassama who could be their next Ryan Kent, but he has not played any minutes this season.

ByDan Emery Nov 23, 2025

Unless the Wolves loanee can drastically turn his form around and prove himself to be a reliable figure at the back for Rohl, he may go down as one of the worst signings of the Thelwell era, which lasted one summer.

The international break has provided Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank with a two-week break to prepare for the North London derby clash with Arsenal next weekend in the Premier League.

Spurs were held to a 2-2 draw with Manchester United last time out in the top-flight, thanks to a last-gasp Matthijs de Ligt goal, and they have only won one of their last four matches in all competitions.

This means that the Lilywhites will need to improve their performance if they want to come away with a result against their bitter rivals, and the Premier League’s current leaders.

Whilst the international break has provided the coaching staff with more time to prepare for the match, it has also thrown up a potentially disruptive injury to one of Frank’s key players.

Pape Matar Sarr had to go off in the second half of Senegal’s clash with Brazil, ironically, at The Emirates with an injury, and it remains to be seen how serious a blow that is.

The latest Spurs injury news ahead of the North London derby

It is fair to say that the Lilywhites have had their fair share of injury issues in the 2025/26 campaign, as they currently have 11 players who are either out or about to return from injury, not including Sarr.

James Maddison is the one player who will certainly not be returning to action any time soon, as the England international suffered an ACL injury in pre-season that will keep him out until next year.

James Maddison

Cruciate ligament tear

01/06/2026

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee injury

28/11/2025

Radu Dragusin

Cruciate ligament tear

21/11/2025

Kota Takai

Foot injury

21/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Knee injury

21/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle injury

21/11/2025

Ben Davies

Hamstring injury

21/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf injury

21/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Head injury

21/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Unknown

21/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Head injury

21/11/2025

As you can see in the table above, Tottenham have a host of players who Transfermarkt suggests could return for the North London derby, but that is their prediction and has yet to be confirmed by Frank or the club.

It has been reported, for example, that Randal Kolo Muani could be out for up to eight weeks with his jaw injury, which means that it would be surprising to see him return next weekend.

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw claimed that the injury was not a “big deal”, suggesting that there will be no long-term lay-off, but Spurs must prepare for the possibility that they will not have Sarr available, or at least ready to start, against the Gunners.

The Senegal international has started six of his ten appearances in the Premier League so far this season, per Sofascore, and his absence would leave a hole to fill in the middle of the park.

Lucas Bergvall would have been in contention to take Sarr’s place in midfield after returning to the Sweden squad for the international break, but he was excused from international duty after suffering a setback in his return from a concussion.

Chalkboard

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

This suggests that the 19-year-old central midfielder will either be unavailable for selection or lacking in match fitness, having not played since the clash with Chelsea on the first day of the month.

With this in mind, Spurs could ease the blow dealt by this potential injury to Sarr by unleashing experienced campaigner Rodrigo Bentancur alongside Joao Palhinha against Arsenal.

Why Spurs must unleash Rodrigo Bentancur against Arsenal

Playing the Uruguay international alongside the summer signing from Bayern Munich may not be the most popular suggestion, as there have been complaints from some supporters that it is a bit of a negative pairing.

Bentancur ranks within the bottom 38% of midfielders in the top five leagues and European competitions for progressive passes per 90 (4.13) over the past 365 days, whilst Palhinha ranks in the bottom 7% with 2.92 progressive passes per 90, per FBref.

This suggests that the perception that this midfield pairing lacks progression in possession is a fair one, but it is defensive quality that Spurs will need against Arsenal, who are top of the Premier League and have scored 20 goals in 11 matches.

Therefore, playing the £75k-per-week star next to Palhinha could be the way to go next weekend, particularly if Sarr and Bergvall are not 100% ready to start after their respective issues.

The former Juventus midfielder, described as a “mentality monster” by one analyst, came off the bench against Manchester United last time out, but started eight of his first nine appearances in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which shows how much Frank has relied on him.

Tackles

2.14

Top 43%

Interceptions

1.83

Top 2%

Tackles + interceptions

3.97

Top 14%

Blocks

1.52

Top 16%

Passes blocked

1.02

Top 27%

Clearances

2.64

Top 8%

Aerial duels won

1.92

Top 10%

As you can see in the table above, Bentancur ranks very highly among his positional peers in a host of key defensive metrics in the top five leagues in Europe and European competitions over the past year.

These statistics illustrate the defensive quality that he can provide in front of the back four alongside Palhinha, which is further evidenced by the club’s return of seven clean sheets in the 16 games that they have been on the pitch at the same time this season, per FBref.

This suggests that Spurs may have their best chance of keeping Arsenal at bay by playing Bentancur and Palhinha at the base of the midfield to protect Cristian Romero and Micky van De Ven next weekend.

Whilst they may not provide the youthful energy that Bergvall and Sarr bring to the team, the experienced midfield pairing could be a solid option to go with if the aforementioned duo are not available or fit enough to start.

Frank must sell £55k-per-week Spurs flop who was looking "like Dembele"

Tottenham Hotspur must now look to offload one player who has failed to deliver in North London.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 16, 2025

Chelsea are probing the market for potential reinforcements and may find themselves in luck as they plot to reinforce their full-back options.

Admittedly, Enzo Maresca and his men are still finding their feet in the Premier League this term, and it remains to be seen whether they can sustain their recent form. Still, being third in the top-flight while fans await the conclusion of the international break is not to be sniffed at.

Integrating young stars and mixing them with a blend of experienced players who have been over the course seems to be working at Stamford Bridge. Either way, they look to have already secured the next talent to join their conveyor belt of future first-team prospects.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an intriguing update despite the transfer window being closed, claiming that the Londoners have reached an agreement to sign Deinner Ordóñez from Independiente del Valle on a deal that will start in January 2028.

Maintaining an excellent relationship with Moises Caicedo’s former club, Chelsea’s method of locking down future stars on long-term contracts is something that is beginning to translate into consistency on the pitch, and there will be plenty more to come once the January window opens.

Making their presence known, the Club World Cup holders could hijack Lyon’s move for Real Madrid forward Endrick, and a loan deal with an option to buy could be an ideal solution for all parties.

Building for the challenges that lie ahead will be at the forefront of Maresca’s mind in the capital, and he may have stumbled across a transfer bargain that is simply too good to pass up.

Chelsea look to potential cut-price Daniel Munoz deal

According to Mark Brus in his Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, Chelsea have made contact with the intermediaries of Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz and could look to size up a cut-price deal worth in the region of £26.4 million.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping close attention to his situation in South London after an excellent run of form that has seen him produce two goals and two assists in 19 matches this season.

Five similar players to Daniel Munoz (FBRef)

Josha Vagnoman

Stuttgart

Denzel Dumfries

Inter Milan

Robin Gosens

Fiorentina

Mitchell Weiser

Werder Bremen

Nico O’Reilly

Manchester City

Awareness of Reece James’s injury record has prompted Stamford Bridge chiefs to consider a bid for Munoz, who has been labelled an “animal” by Michel Ribeiro, something that may come as soon as January as they look to build momentum ahead of a possible challenge for the Premier League title.

The Colombia international is currently Palace’s second-best performer in the top flight behind Marc Guehi, who’s also been linked with a return to Chelsea in 2026, with the Blues potentially on for a Selhurst Park raid next year.

Undoubtedly, the Blues’ rivals will use the mid-season window to tool up ahead of an exciting climax to the season, and Chelsea look to be following the same trend and may strike if circumstances align.

Chelsea are also pushing to sign a Real Madrid attacking force