Newcastle United are expected to make a big contract offer for a "special" Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Newcastle eyeing defensive signings

Eddie Howe's side have managed to turn their season around after a particularly poor period earlier in the campaign, but that's not to say that a lack of depth within the squad hasn't been exposed, highlighting the need for summer additions.

Centre-back arguably looks like the most pressing area of the pitch to improve on, not least because Newcastle will be without Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles well into next season, with the defensive duo both suffering ACL injuries.

Fulham ace Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a rumoured target for Howe, having put together a strong season that has seen him average four clearances and 2.9 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Similarly, Salernitana centre-back Lorenzo Pirola has also been linked with sealing a summer switch to St James' Park, with the 22-year-old standing out as an exciting long-term option. He has won 18 caps for Italy's Under-21s, and will surely expect to make the step up to the senior team at some point.

Then there's Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande, who is still basking in the glory of winning the Primeira Liga title last weekend. The youngster is also wanted by Newcastle, who view him as an exciting target who could mature into one of Europe's leading central defenders over time.

Newcastle planning offer for "special" player

According to MilanLive [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are planning to make a significant contract offer for Adarabioyo this summer, and they hold an advantage over AC Milan in the battle to sign him.

While the Serie A giants are thought to be "examining" a move for the £47,000-a-week Fulham centre-back, the Magpies can give him a "very superior contract" and are "very interested" in acquiring his services.

This is a real boost for Newcastle, suggesting that they are in pole position to sign Adarabioyo, completing the signing of an imposing footballer in the process. Now 26, he has been something of a late developer in some ways, gradually seeing his reputation rise since joining Fulham back in 2020, but he appears to be coming right into his prime years.

He has been a rock at the heart of the Cottagers' defence this season, helping them become even more of an established Premier League team, and manager Marco Silva is under no illusions as to how important he is to his side: "We missed him a lot in the first three months of the season. Issa [Diop] did really well, but Tosin is a special player for us – I can’t hide that situation. The way he can defend the box, and on the ball, he’s a special player. He can build the way I want to play."The fact that Adarabioyo knows the Premier League well could make him less of a risk than other targets from abroad, and his contract expires in the summer, meaning he would be available on a free transfer, allowing Newcastle to offer him a good contract while leaving funds for other big signings.

Recreational cricketers return to nets but professionals told to keep away

Matt Roller29-May-2020

Recreational cricketers in England are back in the nets, but furloughed county players have been advised to stay away•Getty Images

Furloughed county cricketers have been left frustrated by the specifics of the UK government’s job retention scheme, having been advised by their counties that they should not use net facilities at local clubs despite the fact recreational players are now allowed to.All but two of the 18 first-class counties – Lancashire and Surrey are the exceptions – have made use of the job retention scheme to furlough their players, whereby the government pays an employee’s wages when an employer’s business has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.The ECB issued guidelines two weeks ago permitting recreational cricketers to return to the nets providing they follow a series of health protocols including maintaining social distancing, but counties have warned their professionals that they should not follow suit while they remain furloughed.Under the terms of the scheme, employees are not allowed to do “any works that [either] makes money for your organisation… or provides services for your organisation,” but are permitted to “take part in training”. But it is understood that because the term “training” is considered to take on a different meaning within elite sport when compared with an office setting, counties have their hands tied.Gloucestershire players Ryan Higgins and Ian Cockbain both expressed their confusion about the situation via Twitter on Friday. “Why can’t we train only for the love of the sport? Baffles me,” Higgins said, while Cockbain suggested that players training should not be considered to be different from employees in other sectors furthering their skills through studying or taking exams.Higgins told ESPNcricinfo that he had asked the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) for clarification but had been left with the impression that the issue was a “grey area”. A PCA spokesperson said: “We totally understand the frustration this is causing players and we are speaking to the ECB around some clearer directives”.The reported this week that rugby union clubs had been told by HMRC on Thursday that they would be able to bring players back into a formalised training setting while they remained on the furlough scheme, but ESPNcricinfo understands that the ECB has not received any such guidance.As things stand, counties are planning to take their players off furlough around four weeks before the start of whatever season is possible, with the start date currently pencilled in as August 1, and the ability to bring players back into training without taking them off the scheme would provide a significant financial boost to the county game.The frustration for county players will be felt particularly keenly after England named a 55-man training squad on Friday, which will see those involved taken off furlough before they resume.An HMRC spokesperson said: “Our guidance is clear that furloughed employees can engage in training. But they must not do anything to provide services to, or make money for, their employer or a company linked or associated to their employer.”

استطاع الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، تسجيل الهدف الرابع بشباك نظيره ستاد أبيدجان، كما تمكن الأخير من تقليص الفارق، بالمباراة الجارية بينهما حالياً ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع ستاد أبيدجان، علي استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من عمر مباريات دور المجموعات من البطولة القارية.

وأحرز محمود كهربا الهدف الرابع للأهلي في الدقيقة 49، بعد عرضية من خالد عبد الفتاح لداخل منطقة الجزاء استقبلها كهربا بتسديدة مقصية رائعة سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وفي الدقيقة 55 سجل روجير أسالي الهدف الثاني لفريقه ستاد أبيدجان، بعد ركلة ركنية تم تنفيذها بعرضية لداخل منطقة الجزاء قابلها اللاعب بتسديدة أرضية سكنت الشباك. هدف الأهلي الرابع أمام ستاد أبيدجان في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

هدف ستاد أبيدجان الثاني أمام الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

 

With the club still without a replacement for Dan Ashworth, Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced talks to finally put an end to any speculation and seal their next sporting director.

Newcastle transfer news

Ashworth – on gardening leave since links with a move to Manchester United emerged – looks destined for Old Trafford. His departure is undoubtedly a large blow for Newcastle, who never really got the chance to see Ashworth in his true transfer element, having had so much success at Brighton & Hove Albion previously. One of the most highly-rated in his role, replacing Ashworth was never going to be an easy task.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, however, the Magpies have seemingly made their move to land a replacement once and for all. According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have held advanced talks to sign Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace. The sporting director has enjoyed an impressive spell on a budget at Selhurst Park, with his eye for talent clear.

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The frontrunner to now land the Newcastle role ahead of Johannes Spors, Freedman's first task will be to help those at St James' Park put an end to their squad depth troubles and take the side back into the Premier League's top four.

To sum up just how impressive Freedman has been at Palace, he was the man responsible for the arrivals of Eberechi Eze for £20m, Michael Olise for £8m and Marc Guehi for £18m. Worth a combined £46m when they first signed, Eze and Olise now reportedly have a price tag of £60m, whilst Guehi's sits at a reported £50m. From £46m, Freedman's signings could now be sold for a combined £170m.

It is the type of buisness that would see Newcastle avoid any issues with the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules, whilst building Eddie Howe a young and exciting team.

"Brilliant" Freedman can fill Ashworth void

Ashworth initially earned plaudits at Brighton for his work on a budget to produce such an impressive squad which has come on even further leaps and bounds ever since. Now, Freedman has created a similar reputation and his history of landing bargain deals would go a long way when it comes to avoiding the sale of top stars at St James' Park.

There's no doubt that Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish will be disappointed if Freedman, however, having handed him significant praise earlier this season. Parish said via Sportskeeda: "[He’s been] really important. He’s a brilliant guy. He was the second manager I had at the club.

"He was instrumental in us getting promoted. He’s been instrumental, he saved the club [as a player] when we were about to get relegated from the Championship with a last-minute goal at Stockport. He got us promoted while playing for Wolves."

Mariona Caldentey admitted she was blown away by Arsenal fans' new chant for her after starring in their Champions League win over Rosenborg.

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Arsenal beat Rosenborg 1-0Progress in Champions League qualifyingCaldentey blown away by new fan chantWHAT HAPPENED?

The forward made the move from Barcelona to Arsenal this summer and it seems she is already a fan favourite for the Gunners. After a player of the match display in their 1-0 win over Rosenborg in a Champions League qualifier, the 28-year-old was pitchside to hear Arsenal fans singing her name to the tune of The Beatles' 'Twist and Shout'.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT MARIONA CALDENTEY SAID ABOUT HER NEW SONG

She told Arsenal's website: "It was amazing. At the beginning, I didn’t even realise the song was for me! Then everyone was coming to me and I really appreciate that. I am so happy to be here, I feel really welcome, I feel valued by everyone. I love that new song – I think it’s the new favourite for everyone. So I hope we can celebrate a lot together."

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Frida Maanum's first-half goal ensured Arsenal, who thrashed Rangers 6-0 last time out, reached the second round of qualifying for the Champions League. The Gunners didn't make the competition proper last season and they will hope the likes of Caldentey and more help them go one better this term.

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to build upon their win in the Scottish Cup semi-final last week over Hearts as they face St Mirren in their first post-split Premiership match.

With five games left, the Light Blues need to win every single one while hoping Celtic drop points along the line.

It’s going to be a tough ask, but certainly not impossible. The key thing for Philippe Clement is to make sure there won't be any more dismal performances between now and the end of the season.

The Belgian will have to make a few changes to his starting XI, however, as a few players will miss out due to injury.

“Sima will be out, I hope to see him again this season he is very motivated for that,” said Clement during his pre match press conference.

“Matondo got a bad tackle against Hearts and is doubtful for the weekend. Ridvan and Jack I expect back in training next week.”

With this in mind, here's a look at the potential starting XI which could take to the pitch in Paisley for what is the first of five crucial league matches.

1

GK – Jack Butland

After conceding six goals in two games against Celtic and Ross County, Butland has kept two shutouts in a row and a third will surely put Rangers on their way to three points in the top flight for the first time since the end of March.

Across the whole campaign, the Englishman has kept 25 clean sheets in 52 matches, conceding 43 goals since the start of the season, emerging as arguably the best signing the Gers made last summer.

2

RB – James Tavernier

The captain failed to lead the Light Blues to maximum points against both Ross County and Dundee, derailing their title challenge in the process.

A solid, if unspectacular performance against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final did little to repair the damage, yet if he can add to his 24 goals against the Buddies on Sunday, the win could pile on the pressure for Celtic to get a result against Dundee.

Tavernier will be judged on the trophies he wins when he eventually leaves Rangers. At this moment in time, he hasn’t won nearly enough.

3

CB – John Souttar

The Scot had a relatively comfortable afternoon at Hampden against his former club last week, managing to keep a clean sheet as the Ibrox side secured another Scottish Cup final spot.

Souttar has started every single Premiership match this year, emerging as one of Clement’s first-choice centre-backs.

He will keep the same partner from last week too, as Leon Balogun will retain his place in the starting XI.

4

CB – Leon Balogun

Given Connor Goldson’s below-par performances in recent weeks, the veteran Nigerian defender was drafted in at Hampden in what was a big call by Clement.

It certainly paid off, as his experience allowed the club to keep a clean sheet and, aside from a few opportunities for Hearts, the defence was largely untroubled.

This suggests Balogun and Souttar will once again be unleashed on Sunday.

5

LB – Dujon Sterling

With Ridvan Yilmaz injured and Borna Barisic in poor form, Sterling will be the one to operate on the left side of the defence.

The former Chelsea gem has started at left-back in four of the previous five games the club have played and, at the current moment in time, he is the best option available to Clement.

6

CM – John Lundstram

Another member of the senior leadership team to come under some criticism, Lundstram hasn’t quite been at the races recently.

His contract expires in a few weeks and, according to reports from Turkey, he has reportedly reached an agreement to join Trabzonspor once he departs Rangers this summer.

7

CM – Mohamed Diomande

Having suffered a thumb injury against Celtic which ruled him out of the subsequent two games, the Ivorian returned to the heart of the midfield against Hearts last week.

Two goals in 13 appearances have showcased his forward-thinking abilities and this could be crucial as the Gers look to break down a stubborn St Mirren defence on Sunday.

8

RW – Ross McCausland

Following the news that Abdallah Sima is set to miss a few weeks, last week at Hampden could be the last time the Ibrox faithful see him play for the club.

This means McCausland will come back into the starting XI after being dropped to the bench for the previous five Premiership matches.

The youngster has scored twice and grabbed three assists during his time in the senior squad this term, showing glimpses of his vast potential.

While he isn’t the finished article just yet, if Clement continues to trust him, there is no doubt he could turn into a fine player for the club.

9

AM – Todd Cantwell

Against Hearts, Cantwell delivered a wonderful display. He registered two assists and generally dominated the game and the performance was well needed after a few underwhelming games.

At his best, Cantwell is central to everything good Rangers do on the pitch. With five must win games coming thick and fast, he will need to replicate his Hampden Heroics if he aims to lead the Gers to another league title.

10

LW – Fabio Silva

After four goals in his first ten matches for the Light Blues, Silva’s form has nosedived recently. Due to Matondo potentially missing out, however, he will come back into the starting XI.

Valued at €12.7m (£11m) by Football Transfers, Silva desperately needs a solid performance on Sunday against St Mirren to win back the trust of the supporters.

Ben Charlesworth’s half-century holds Gloucestershire together

ECB Reporters Network08-Aug-2020Oliver Hannon-Dalby led a tireless Warwickshire bowling performance in strength-sapping conditions on the opening day of the Bob Willis Trophy match with Gloucestershire at Bristol.The tall seamer toiled away with precision in relentless heat to claim 4 for 24 from 20 overs as the home side were restricted to 191 for 8 after being asked to bat first, Ben Charlesworth top-scoring with 51.Hannon-Dalby received excellent support from skipper Will Rhodes and the rest of the Warwickshire attack on a slow pitch that ensured hard work for batsmen and bowlers alike.Run-scoring was never easy and 19-year-old Charlesworth deserved plenty of credit for his 124-ball innings that featured six fours. He lost opening partner Chris Dent with the total on nine, as the Gloucestershire captain got a thin edge through to wicketkeeper Michael Burgess off Hannon-Dalby, having made only two.Hannon-Dalby went on to complete a probing six-over opening spell from the Ashley Down Road End, which cost him only six runs and included four maidens.Tim Bresnan was equally accurate at the Pavilion End. But Charlesworth and Graeme van Buuren batted sensibly and gradually increased the tempo in a stand of 67, ended when van Buuren, on 33, edged former Gloucestershire team-mate Craig Miles to Ian Bell at third slip. It was 83 for 2 at lunch, with left-hander Charlesworth unbeaten on 39. He and George Hankins took the total to 102 before Rhodes introduced himself at the Pavilion End as the sixth bowler used.In his first over he had Charlesworth well caught low down by Sam Hain in the slips to end a hugely promising knock from the England Under-19 player, including some swashbuckling back-foot shots through the off side.Rhodes’ breakthrough sparked a collapse as Hannon-Dalby quickly followed up with lbw verdicts against Hankins and Ryan Higgins.Suddenly the hosts were in serious trouble at 103 for 5. Gareth Roderick and Jack Taylor were forced into watchful defence to stop the rot, the normally aggressive Taylor taking 32 balls to get off the mark. The pair took the score to 127 for 5 at tea, but the afternoon session had produced only 44 runs from 28 overs.Taylor, on 14, became Rhodes’ second victim when lbw pushing forward with the score on 155, and the Warwickshire skipper struck again five runs later when Roderick was brilliantly stumped down the leg side by Burgess, having contributed a solid 39 off 108 balls.Hannon-Dalby claimed his fourth wicket when George Scott, making his Gloucestershire debut following his move from Middlesex last autumn, fell leg-before having confidently moved to 17.Bresnan, who conceded 39 from 15 overs, and Miles, who went for 41 from 19 helped contain the Gloucestershire batsmen, while Henry Brookes recovered from a relatively expensive first spell to bowl his 17 overs for 52.It was an impressive effort from the Warwickshire seam bowling unit under cloudless skies, justifying Rhodes’ decision to field first. Tom Smith was unbeaten on 15 at stumps, having battled away for 59 balls. He and Josh Shaw will resume in the morning with nine runs needed for a batting point.”After six or eight overs when we saw how slow the pitch was there were one or two groans about my decision to field” Rhodes admitted. “But in the end it was a very good day for us. The way the bowlers kept running in was really impressive in that heat.”We were slightly off in the first session, but in the next two we put their batsmen under a lot of pressure. There was a bit of magic from Michael Burgess with the stumping. I can’t say I planned it, but he has been working hard on his glovework and was very good all day.”

Glasgow Rangers ended their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign with a dramatic 3-3 draw with Hearts away from Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.

The Light Blues conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to the home side, who had also gone 1-0 up in the game, to end the season eight points adrift of their rivals at the top of the table.

Philippe Clement failed to secure the league title in his first year with the Scottish giants but will now hope to use the experience of this year to push on and win the division next term.

However, before their focus can turn to next season, the Gers have a SFA Cup final clash with Celtic at Hampden Park to think about before the summer transfer window begins.

The Light Blues have an opportunity to secure a domestic double of cups after they won the League Cup final against Aberdeen during the first half of the campaign.

This means that they have a chance to end the season with more trophies (two) than the Hoops (one) if they win on Saturday, albeit having missed out on the biggest prize.

They may, however, have to defend better than they did against Hearts, given that they let in three goals, and Clement could have more options to pick from when his side heads to Hampden, which would then allow him to brutally ditch Leon King from the starting XI.

Latest Rangers injury news

After the 3-3 draw with the Jam Tarts, the Belgian head coach spoke of the importance of Abdallah Sima and Ridvan Yilmaz both getting minutes under their belt off the bench, hailing it as "positive".

Sima's availability could be huge for Rangers from an attacking perspective, as the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee has the potential to be a big player in the final.

Appearances

25

Starts

17

Goals

11

Big chances missed

6

Assists

2

Big chances created

2

As you can see in the table above, the Senegal international carries a significant goal threat, with 11 goals in 17 league starts, and could cause problems for the Celtic defence.

Yilmaz, meanwhile, has created six 'big chances' in 16 starts in the Premiership from left-back, which suggests that the Turkish dynamo could offer attacking quality down the flank from a defensive position.

Clement also said that he is hoping that Leon Balogun will be fit enough to be available for selection, after he was one of three centre-backs – alongside Connor Goldson and John Souttar – absent from the matchday squad on Saturday.

The Gers boss must now ruthlessly ditch King from the lineup at Hampden if the Nigerian colossus is fit and available to play in the cup final.

Why Leon King must be dropped to the bench

The Rangers academy graduate should be dropped to the bench due to the defensive frailties on display in his last two starts for the Scottish giants.

Injuries to Balogun, Souttar, and Goldson have provided him with an opportunity to impress in the last two matches against Dundee and Hearts alongside Ben Davies at the heart of the defence.

The Light Blues, unfortunately, conceded a whopping five goals in those two outings and King's defensive work left a lot to be desired, particularly in his aerial contests.

Across the two games against Hearts and Dundee, the 20-year-old defender competed in 11 aerial duels against opposition forwards and only won two. He lost nine of those contests as his opponents found it far, far, too easy to get the better of him in the air.

After the match on Saturday, Football Insider's Sean Fisher awarded him a poor player rating of 4/10 and wrote that it was an 'underwhelming' performance from the youngster, who was given the runaround by Lawrence Shankland.

The Hearts striker won six of his eight aerial duels and scored for the away side, which shows that he dominated Rangers in the air and did enough to get himself on the scoresheet, as they failed to keep him quiet.

This is why Clement must now brutally drop King down to the bench as the inexperienced, with 36 first-team appearances for the club, centre-back has not stepped up to the plate in the past week and does not have the experience of playing in big games.

Whereas, Balogun, should Clement have him available, is almost the perfect player to bring in to replace him, given his quality on the pitch this season and history of playing in big matches.

Why Leon Balogun should be unleashed at Hampden

The veteran defender should be unleashed from the start at Hampden as he has been a better defensive option than King in the Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign.

He also has the edge over the youngster when it comes to experience as the 35-year-old colossus has played 83 games for the club in all competitions, and has won the Premiership, the League Cup, and the SFA Cup.

Balogun lined up at the heart of the defence alongside Goldson as the Gers kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Hampden in the League Cup final earlier this term, which speaks to his ability to step up on the big occasion.

The Nigerian titan, who was once hailed as a "tremendous" player by ex-Rangers man Alex Rae, has also been a star on the pitch when called upon in the top-flight this term.

Appearances

5

14

Sofascore rating

6.65

7.18

Tackles per game

0.4

1.4

Interceptions per game

0.0

1.2

Duel success rate

31%

68%

Aerial duel success rate

17%

64%

As you can see in the table above, the experienced giant has outperformed King in the Premiership with his fantastic defensive work for the Scottish giants.

Firstly, the ex-QPR star is able to win possession back for his side through tackles and interceptions significantly more frequently than the youngster, which suggests that he has a greater chance to cut out Celtic attacks in the final.

It is also night and day between the pair when it comes to their success in aerial duels and that is one of the biggest reasons why Balogun must start at Hampden, as he could be needed to deal with the threat of Adam Idah.

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ByDan Emery May 16, 2024

The 6 foot 3 Celtic striker won 64% of his aerial contests in the Premiership and could bully King in the air, which is why Balogun must be brought in to nullify the Norwich City loanee.

Aaron Ramsdale has opened up on his relationship with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after leaving the Gunners and joining Southampton.

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• Ramsdale lost his place at Arsenal under Arteta
• Has now moved on to Southampton
• Says he tried his best to change coach's mind

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ramsdale lost his place in the starting XI after Arsenal brought in David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan before signing the stopper permanently in the summer. The Gunners goalkeeper went on to win the Golden Glove last season, while Ramsdale ended up playing a bit-part role. The 26-year-old has now moved on to Southampton in a bid to reignite his career and enjoy regular football once more.

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  Despite enduring a difficult time with Arsenal, Ramsdale says he has no bitterness towards his former club and manager Arteta. The goalkeeper says he did his best to try and force his way back into the team but was unable to convince the Arsenal boss that he was the best man for the job and accepts his decision.

• WHAT RAMSDALE SAID

  He told : "I tried my best to change his mind and force my way back in. His mind was set and at the same time David had a great season. You can have all the upset or qualms about being taken out but when someone else is delivering, you’ve just got to take it on the chin. It was tough but I’ve found a new home and I’m looking forward to playing again. You move on, there’s no bad blood and you’ve got to restart your career again. It was a really difficult season but my character and personality, I started the game by enjoying it but when it gets taken away, it’s tough. That’s why unfortunately you have to move on but I’m happy about where I’m at now.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RAMSDALE

  Ramsdale made his first start for Southampton last time out against Brentford and is expected to be in between the sticks again on Saturday when the Saints host Manchester United in the Premier League.

The last five years have been a real rollercoaster for Tottenham Hotspur fans as they have watched Nuno Espírito Santo, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte all come in and fail to rediscover the magic that Mauricio Pochettino was able to create in the late 2010s.

However, the most recent man tasked with that job, Ange Postecoglou, might be on the right track, even if recent results have been less than ideal.

The Australian has instilled an attacking mentality into his squad that has finally seen them play some entertaining football, and with the proper backing, he could bring the club back to the promised land.

That said, several players still aren't at the level required, one of which has seen their value plummet since joining the club under Pochettino's reign.

Giovani Lo Celso's Spurs career

The player in question is Argentinian midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who joined the Lilywhites in the summer of 2019 on an initial loan deal from La Liga side Real Betis, which was made permanent in January 2020.

It was a move met with genuine excitement from fans and pundits alike at the time, with South American football expert Tim Vickery telling Sky Sports that he had a "wonderful left foot", was someone who could "split tight defences", and was practically a "Christian Eriksen replacement."

Unfortunately for all involved, the player Vickery waxed lyrical about in 2019 never emerged in N17. Instead, the club were left with a mediocre midfielder who was described as a "bigger flop" than Tanguy Ndombele in 2022 by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke – which really is a scathing assessment.

In the five years since his initial move to North London, the former Paris Saint-Germain dud has made just 106 appearances for the Lilywhites, scored ten goals, provided eight assists and spent one and a half seasons on loan in Spain with Villarreal.

Appearances

106

Goals

10

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.13

In all, it would be hard to describe the midfielder's time in England as anything other than a disaster, and his current transfer value is a great way of demonstrating that.

Lo Celso's valuation in 2024

Now, due to how the deal to sign Lo Celso was structured in 2019, with it being a loan first, there are some conflicting reports as to how much Spurs actually paid for the midfielder in full. According to The Athletic, the total cost of the transfer was around £42m, which, upon reflection, might be about £40m too much.

Unsurprisingly, due to the Argentine's consistently underwhelming performances in white and his loans away from the club, his valuation has seriously plummeted in the years following his arrival in England.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the midfielder Spurs writer Alasdair Gold, described as "mischievous" only last year, is now worth just €15m, which is around £13m, or around £29m less than the club paid for him five years ago.

However, perhaps the most damning takeaway from his new valuation is the fact that it is €5m – £4m – lower than Emerson Royal's, who is a player that fans and pundits have been heavily criticising in recent weeks for his dreadful performances.

Starting as a left-back against Liverpool last weekend, the defender rather looked like a fish out of water, with Gary Neville stating that "Emerson’s day just got a lot worse" after Cody Gakpo's goal.

Ultimately, while there are worse players at the club – Royal chief among them – Lo Celso is clearly one who doesn't have a long-term future under Postecoglou.

Therefore, even though he's lost 69% of his value since 2019, Daniel Levy and Co should still look to sell him in the summer before his £70k-per-week contract expires in 2025.

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The Pochettino-backed flop cost the Lilywhites an awful lot of money.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2024