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Canada star Tajon Buchanan faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after reportedly suffering a broken leg in training.

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• Taken to hospital after incident in training on Monday
• Featured in Canada's three group stage games at Copa America
• 25-year-old signed for Inter Milan in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Training came to a halt on Monday after Buchanan sustained a lower leg injury, which The Athletic are now reporting is a leg break.

  The winger was taken to hospital, where scans revealed the severity of the injury. TSN reported that Buchanan broke his tibia and will undergo surgery on Wednesday morning.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Buchanan had played a part in every game for Canada so far in their Copa America campaign, starting against Argentina and coming off the bench against Peru and Chile.

  Suddenly, Jesse Marsch loses a player who can stretch the field and attack with speed – in the most awful of circumstances, too.

• WHAT BUCHANAN'S TEAMMATE SAID

  Canada's Alistair Johnston described Buchanan's injury as a "freak accident" to TSN.

  "It's a really difficult one, all of our minds are focused on this next match," Johnston said. "The thing with sports is freak accidents can happen. It was a nothing play, just a weird collision. Unfortunately stuff like that can happen."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CANADA?

  Canada can't afford to let Buchanan's injury derail what has been a positive tournament for them. They recovered from a 2-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening group game to seal their place in the quarter-finals by beating Peru and drawing with Chile.

  Next up for Marsch's side is a meeting with Venezuela in Dallas on Friday.

While 2023 marked the beginning of what could be the 'Ange Postecoglou era' at Tottenham Hotspur, it also coincided with the end of Harry Kane's stellar spell in north London, with the academy graduate finally moving on after over a decade in the first team.

The 30-year-old is currently staring down the barrel of a trophyless first season at Bayern Munich, although with 24 Bundesliga goals to his name already in 2023/24, it is easy to recognise just how far he has come since arriving on the scene with the Lilywhites.

For all Tottenham's record scorer has gone on to achieve in the game, such individual success did not always look to be on the cards, however, particularly amid a difficult start to life in senior football amid a handful of loan spells across the English football pyramid.

It wasn't until the 2014/15 season that Kane – who scored 21 Premier League goals that year – truly announced himself to the wider world, with his Spurs debut having actually come a few years prior at home to Hearts in a Europa League Qualifying Play-offs round second leg tie.

That goalless draw with the Scottish Premiership side back in August 2011 was the striker's first taste of senior action as a mere teenager, as he lined up alongside an eclectic mix of names who have gone on to endure far less fruitful careers elsewhere…

1

GK – Carlo Cudicini

Lining up in the sticks on the night was former Chelsea man, Carlo Cudicini, with the Italian shot-stopper having arrived at the club two years earlier after almost a decade at Stamford Bridge.

After spending just three years with the Lilywhites, the veteran 'keeper swiftly retired in 2013 following a brief stint in the MLS, before joining the Republic of Ireland U21's coaching staff.

Since 2019, the 50-year-old has been working back with the Blues as one of their 'loan player technical coaches', having initially made his return as an assistant coach to Antonio Conte in west London.

2

RB – Ryan Fredericks

One of the few players on this list who is still plying his trade in the Premier League, Ryan Fredericks was also handed his debut for Spurs on the night alongside Kane, acquitting himself well as the home side kept a clean sheet.

Despite going on to make just two more appearances for the club prior to sealing a permanent exit in 2015, the 31-year-old has since enjoyed stints at the likes of Fulham, West Ham United and Bournemouth, albeit while having yet to feature for the latter side this season.

3

CB – Michael Dawson

Now part of Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday panel, Michael Dawson was one of the more senior members of the side against Hearts, leading the club as captain at the centre of defence.

After spending nine years at the club following his arrival in 2005, the former England international eventually ended his playing career with Nottingham Forest in 2021, having previously risen up through the youth ranks at the City Ground.

4

CB – Sebastien Bassong

Lining up alongside Dawson on the night for Harry Redknapp's side was the club's £8m signing, Sebastien Bassong, with the Cameroon international having joined from Newcastle United two years earlier.

Despite previously winning the Magpies' 'Player of the Year award, the Paris native was unable to replicate those feats during his three years in north London, making just 70 appearances in all competitions in that time.

After leaving White Hart Lane, the 37-year-old spent time at the likes of Norwich City and Peterborough United, before calling time on his playing career in 2019 following a brief stint at Greek side Volos.

5

LB – Vedran Corluka

While typically a centre-back, the Croatian ace lined up at left-back for the visit of the Jambos in what was one of just eight appearances he made that season, prior to joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan in January 2012.

A friend and international colleague of Luka Modric, the 6 foot 4 brute was "a very tenacious, uncompromising defender" – according to teammate Roman Pavlyuchenko – albeit having swiftly tumbled down the pecking order under Redknapp.

Having ended his career in 2021 after almost a decade at Lokomotiv Moscow, the 38-year-old is now assistant coach of the Croatian national team.

6

DM – Tom Huddlestone

The man with a cannon of a right foot, Tom Huddlestone enjoyed a respectable albeit unspectacular seven-year stint at White Hart Lane, racking up 47 goals and assists in 209 games in all competitions for the club, after signing from Derby County in 2005.

A second-half substitute during Spurs' last trophy win in the Carling Cup final back in 2008, the Englishman eventually moved on to Hull City in 2013 – prior to ending his career with the Tigers in 2022 after a stint back at Derby.

Now 37, the Nottingham native is currently on the books at Manchester United in a unique player-coach role for the U21s, having been brought in by the Red Devils to pass on his experience to the club's emerging talent.

7

CM – Tom Carroll

At one stage tipped to be the 'next Luka Modric, Kane's former academy colleague wasn't quite able to establish himself with the Lilywhites, eventually falling by the wayside amid the rise of the likes of Harry Winks under Mauricio Pochettino.

Having been sent out on a string of loans during his time at N17, it wasn't until 2017 that Carroll eventually left permanently for Swansea City, prior to featuring for the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Ipswich Town.

Now 31, the 5 foot 10 playmaker now plies his trade for League One side Exeter City, albeit having provided just one assist and no goals in 30 league games this season.

8

CM – Jake Livermore

Completing the midfield triumvirate was another promising English talent, Jake Livermore, with the academy graduate even scoring in the 5-0 first-leg thrashing of the Edinburgh-based side.

That was, however, the only goal that he would score in 58 games for Spurs in total, with much of his time at the club spent out on loan, prior to leaving permanently for Hull in 2014 – linking up with Huddlestone with the Tigers.

The 34-year-old is now on the books at Watford following a six-year spell with West Bromwich Albion, the seven-cap England international having scored three goals for the Hornets this season in the Championship.

9

RM – Roman Pavlyuchenko

With the likes of Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart afforded a rest on the night, Redknapp handed what proved to be a rare outing that season to Pavlyuchenko – the Russian striker scoring just four goals in 14 games in 2011/12.

In total, the towering forward recorded a respectable haul of 42 goals in 111 games following his arrival in 2008, albeit while only once reaching double figures for Premier League goals – scoring ten times in 2020/11.

That proved to be the marksman's only stint outside of his homeland, as he eventually hung up his boots in 2022 at the ripe old age of 40.

10

LM – Andros Townsend

Described as the 'star turn' against Hearts by BBC Sport's Sam Lyon, Andros Townsend looked destined to make the grade at Spurs, particularly after a fruitful loan spell at QPR in 2012/13 in which he netted a stunning volley at home to Aston Villa.

Alas, the breakthrough at his parent club never truly came as the Englishman moved on to Newcastle United in 2016, before subsequent stints with Crystal Palace and Everton.

Now on the books at Luton Town, the 32-year-old has enjoyed something of a renaissance with the Hatters alongside the likes of Ross Barkley, notably scoring against former club Newcastle back in December – that diet of chicken feet seems to be working out well for the part-time talkSPORT pundit…

Celtic are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday as they travel away from Glasgow to take on Hearts at Tynecastle.

The Hoops head into this match off the back of a staggering 7-1 win over Dundee at Parkhead on Wednesday night, which was their second win in succession.

Brendan Rodgers' side are competing for the top-flight title with their closest rivals and know that every single match is vitally important as any dropped points could cost them by the end of the season.

The Scottish giants now come up against Hearts, who recently lost 5-0 to Rangers, and will be hoping to make it three straight league wins.

Rodgers could make some changes to the starting XI that hammered Dundee in order to avoid fatigue amid the busy fixture list, and with internationals coming up.

With that in mind, here is FFC's predicted Celtic line-up to take on Hearts in the capital this weekend…

1

Joe Hart

Joe Hart, who is set to retire at the end of the season, should start in goal for the Hoops. He has started 27 of their 28 league matches so far this term, which shows that the 36-year-old veteran is the firm first-choice option between the sticks for Rodgers.

2

Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Alistair Johnston should line-up in the defence after an exceptiona performance against Dundee on Wednesday night, which led to FFC hailing him as one of the stars of the game.

The Canada international had 156 touches of the ball – more than any other player on the pitch – and assisted Adam Idah for the second time in as many matches.

Johnston bombed down the right flank and whipped a fantastic cross in for the Ireland international to head past Trevor Carson, which made it 2-0 at the time.

3

Stephen Welsh

On the right side of the defence, Rodgers could manage Cameron Carter-Vickers' fitness with three games in one week after his injury issues.

The USA international only played 59 minutes against Dundee but it remains to be seen whether or not he can start two games in quick succession yet, which is why Stephen Welsh could slot in – with Maik Nawrocki out injured.

As you can see in the table above, Celtic have struggled when Carter-Vickers has not had any involvement in a match – with more dropped points from fewer games without him – and that is why they must manage him carefully.

There is no need to rush him into regular action too soon, particularly with his hamstring injury earlier this term, and risk more time on the treatment table, which is why he could be used off the bench – as was the case against Motherwell recently – on Sunday.

4

Liam Scales

Alongside the former Tottenham Hotspur defender, Liam Scales could line up on the left side of the central defensive pairing for the Scottish giants.

The left-footed defender has started 26 league matches and won 64% of his duels, which shows that opposition attackers have found it difficult to get the better of him.

5

Greg Taylor

Greg Taylor is another player who should keep their position in the team after the Scotland international produced a phenomenal display on Wednesday.

The former Kilmarnock star showcased his attacking quality with two assists and a goal, which came after an assist against Motherwell in the previous match.

6

Callum McGregor

The captain – Callum McGregor – should line up again in the middle of the park as he has started all 28 of the club's Premiership matches this season, and scored against Dundee.

7

Paulo Bernardo

The second change to the starting XI could come in midfield. Tomoki Iwata could be dropped, for rotation reasons, to provide Paulo Bernardo with an opportunity to play.

Iwata was composed and controlled in possession, with a 94% pass accuracy, against Dundee but the Portuguese gem, who has scored two goals and provided two assists in nine league starts, could provide more attacking intent.

The "tenacious" – as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango – whiz could be motivated to showcase his qualities after watching on as the team hammered Dundee on Wednesday.

8

Matt O'Riley

The third and final midfield spot should go to Matt O'Riley after the Denmark international ran the show for Celtic alongside Johnston earlier this week.

He assisted Carter-Vickers' opening goal and Daizen Maeda's strike. The former Fulham prospect also got himself on the scoresheet with a diving header during the first half.

9

Hyun-jun Yang

Hyun-jun Yang could keep his place in the starting XI after two assists in his last two appearances for Celtic. He set up Luis Palma against Motherwell and Daniel Kelly against Dundee with crosses into the box.

The 21-year-old speedster may want to finally nail down a regular place in the starting XI as he has only started eight of his 20 league outings so far this term.

10

Adam Idah

Another player who should retain their position in the side is Ireland international Adam Idah, who has enjoyed a terrific start to life at Celtic.

The 23-year-old whiz has scored five goals and provided one assist in five Premiership appearances, including three starts, since his deadline day loan from Norwich City.

Alex Morgan has hit “out of office” mode after being snubbed for 2024 Olympic Games duty, with the USWNT star relaxing in the sun with a drink.

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• Left out of 18-player party for trip to France
• Will not form part of a gold medal bid
• Domestic action has also shut down in NWSL

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 35-year-old has seen her summer schedule cleared on the back of a surprising omission from Emma Hayes’ plans for a gold medal bid in Paris. Despite being a World Cup winner with 224 caps and 123 goals to her name, Morgan will be left at home when the United States head for France.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  She is making peace with that, as others ask questions of why her vast experience was not embraced in another bid for tangible success. Hayes is starting to build for the future, with only five players aged 30 or over named in her 18-player party for Paris.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Morgan will be among those watching on from afar, with the NWSL having shut down until August 18 in order for full focus to be locked on Olympic endeavours. That means the San Diego Wave will not be action again for over a month.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Morgan intends to make the most of a rare break in what has been a hectic career at the very highest level, with a window presenting itself in which to unwind with friends and family – with the USWNT legend already getting the ice-cold drinks flowing while soaking up some rays.

It's a fairly open secret that FSG want to facilitate Michael Edwards' Liverpool return in the coming months, with one final set of talks reportedly ongoing in the Reds' last attempt to lure their former sporting director back to Anfield. If Edwards does return, meanwhile, reports suggest that he could work alongside a current Premier League technical director.

Liverpool's next sporting director

Unlike his previous role, Edwards would reportedly have greater control at Liverpool this time around, taking up the responsibility of crafting the next Anfield era after Jurgen Klopp's departure. So far, however, he had rejected FSG's attempts to bring him back to Merseyside in frustrating negotiations for the American owners, who have been pushing to land his signature in the coming months.

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Meanwhile, the Reds' search for a new manager is also underway, with Xabi Alonso's place at the top of their list also a fairly open secret as things stand. According to previous reports, Liverpool have offered Alonso a three-year deal and now face the anxious wait for his answer amid interest from Bayern Munich as well as Anfield.

On the plus side, it appears the Reds are closing in on an agreement with both Edwards and Bournemouth's Richard Hughes, according to David Ornstein reporting on Friday evening.

Richard Hughes' most expensive Bournemouth signings

Reds fans already know all about Edwards, but what about Hughes? Well, at Bournemouth since 2014, he has overseen the Cherries' successful venture into the Premier League to become a household name in England's top flight.

Called a "strong candidate" by Fabrizio Romano, his best move could yet go down as appointing Andoni Iraola after parting ways with Gary O'Neil in a surprise decision at the time. Iraola has since enjoyed an impressive spell, and has the south coast side sitting comfortably in mid-table.

After a decade at the Vitality Stadium, Hughes looks ready for a big move with Liverpool emerging as an option. It would be a major step up, there's no doubt about that, but one that Hughes has proved he is ready for, particularly in the last year or so.

When the summer arrives, FSG will hope to have both Edwards and Hughes at the helm as they restructure the club in a new era at Anfield.

Spain and RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo has opened up about a possible transfer this summer amid links with a number of European giants.

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• Olmo starred for Spain at Euro 2024
• One of the six Golden Boot winners
• Linked with a move to Man City, Barca and Bayern

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Olmo had a memorable outing in the recently-concluded European Championship where he won a share of the Euro 2024 Golden Boot award and played an important role in La Roja winning their record fourth Euros title. He scored three goals in the tournament, including the winning goal against France in the semi-final, and provided two assists.

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  The attacking midfielder's performance at the continental competition has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. However, the player has yet to decide on whether to stay back in Germany this season or try his luck in England or Spain.

• WHAT DANI OLMO SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the 26-year-old said: "We'll see. Yesterday we celebrated all day and now I'm at the campus. The people who deal with that (transfer market) already know what I want to do. I don't know if I'll stay in Germany, we'll see. I want to be somewhere where I'm valued and loved and what I want to do is win. There are several options, we'll see what happens.

  "The truth is that between the Euro cup, the celebration and the campus I have seen little of that. What I want is an ambitious project and I want to win titles."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR OLMO?

  For now, the Spaniard is expected to take a short break before joining RB Leipzig for pre-season. The German side are set to travel abroad for pre-season for the first time in history as they will visit the US later this month.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign after they spent three years in the top-flight of English football.

The Whites failed to escape the drop one year after they sold star midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City for £45m and Brazil international Raphinha to Barcelona for £55m, with the latter being a club-record fee for the Yorkshire-based outfit.

Comparing those fees to sales from the past, however, does not provide the full context, as football fees have been affected by inflation over the years.

If you adjust for footballing inflation, using the Totally Money index, you could argue that the sale of Rio Ferdinand is the club's most-valuable departure, when they sold him to Manchester United in the summer of 2002.

How much Leeds paid to sign Rio Ferdinand

Per Totally Money, Leeds paid £23.4m to sign the central defender from West Ham United ahead of the 2000/01 campaign, which would be worth £59.7m in 2024 money.

It was a deal that made him the most expensive defender in world football and the most expensive British signing in history at that point – making him a record-breaking signing for the club.

They swooped to sign the Rolls-Royce of a centre-back after he came through the academy set-up with the Hammers to make 149 first-team appearances, and he had already been capped by England.

Ferdinand played 73 matches across two seasons with the Whites and excelled in his second campaign with the club, during the 2001/02 term.

The England international was named in the PFA Team of the Year, alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires, for his performances over 31 Premier League games for Leeds.

This shows that his peers viewed him as one of the two best central defenders, alongside Liverpool's Sammi Hyypia, in the English top-flight that term.

How much Leeds sold Rio Ferdinand for

The English colossus' displays in the division convinced Manchester United to swoop in for a fee at the time – per Totally Money – of £41.4m in the summer of 2002.

However, when inflation throughout the years is taken into account, that fee works out as a staggering £158.7m – rounded up to £159m – in 2024 money, which shows that Leeds hit the jackpot when they signed Ferdinand from West Ham two years prior.

They brought in a talented young defender, albeit for a significant fee at the time, and got a Team of the Year worthy season and a mammoth fee for his services from the Red Devils.

As you can see in the table above, Ferdinand is far and away the most expensive sale in Leeds history when you adjust for footballing inflation, per Totally Money's index.

This suggests that the Whites played a blinder with their decision to make him the most expensive defender in world football when they signed him from the Hammers, given that they then raked in a gigantic fee from their Premier League rivals just two years later.

Therefore, Leeds hit the jackpot with the England international, who went on to play 455 times for the Red Devils, and may hope to repeat that trick in the future if they return to the top-flight and have the chance to splash the cash again.

The futuristic stadium designs that feature in Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup have been revealed, with endorsement from Cristiano Ronaldo.

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• Bidders invited from Asia and Oceania
• Saudi the only runners in that race
• Ambitious plans for event drawn up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Middle Eastern nation is hoping to secure hosting rights for FIFA’s flagship event. It has been confirmed that only bidders from Asia and Oceania will be considered for that tournament. As things stand, Saudi Arabia are the only runners in the race.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sporting spectacles aplenty have already been taken to the region – including football, golf, boxing and Formula 1 – with the World Cup now in their sights. An executive summary of what to expect if the best players on the planet were to descend on the country in 2034 has been drawn up.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Within that are concept designs for 15 venues across five cities – some of which are already built, others under construction and some merely at the planning stage. One of the grounds in question would be a 92,760-capacity stadium in Riyadh that is due to be completed in 2029 and would be known as the Kind Salman International Stadium – which would become home to the Saudi national team.

  Another in Neom would have a pitch situated “more than 350 metres above the ground”. The proposal states that: “The stadium will be an experience like no other. Enwrapped by the city's infrastructure, the stadium is designed to stand out among the world's most iconic landmarks. After the tournament it will be home to NEOM's professional football club and the centrepiece of the city's sporting and active lifestyle program.”

It's been a gripping campaign once again under David Moyes' guidance at West Ham United, albeit a year characterised by ups and downs, bleakness and brilliance.

Last year's stuttering season was papered over by the triumphant conquest in the Europa Conference League, which admittedly sculpted a level of success few would have envisaged when Moyes returned to the relegation-threatened club in 2019.

And despite the £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, West Ham have waded deep into the Europa League, facing Xabi Alonso's indomitable Bayer Leverkusen in the last eight, also battling a host of rivals for a qualifying league spot in next season's European competition.

Long has Moyes' tactical set-up received criticism for a perceived pragmatic approach, though success speaks for itself and the Scottish gaffer has worked wonders in lifting the Irons to heights unseen in many years.

Defensive solidity and cohesion have been an intrinsic part of Moyes' style throughout his time in east London but West Ham have lost some of that grit this season, with their 54 top-flight conceded the highest tally of any side in the top 12.

Where has it gone wrong? One of the biggest issues that Moyes has had to wrestle with is the sharp fall of Nayef Aguerd, who came third in United's Player of the Season award for 2022/23, behind Rice and Said Benrahma.

Nayef Aguerd's season in numbers

West Ham signed Aguerd from French club Rennes in a £30m package back in 2022 after the Moroccan had made his name with some stellar showings, stemming from a "world-class youth academy", as was said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Injuries marred his 2022/23 campaign – Aguerd was sidelined at the start of the campaign with an ankle issue sustained in pre-season – but he impressed with his robust style nonetheless, averaging 4.3 clearances per game in the Premier League and winning 64% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

However, he's failed to build on that first-term promise since the summer and was criticised for his error-strewn efforts, with The Athletic's Roshane Thomas noting that "defensive errors are holding him back."

Clearly, this is something that Moyes has noted, with summer signing Konstantinos Mavropanos taking the 28-year-old's place of late, Aguerd starting just one of the past five top-flight matches, with his sole start coming in the calamitous defensive display against Burnley.

While his Premier League performances this season have been punctuated with mistakes and defensive lapses, Aguerd remains a quality defender and this is revealed through his seasonal metrics, completing 80% of his passes, averaging five ball recoveries and 3.9 clearances per game and winning 65% of his ground duels.

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One would assume that strengthening the backline would be a priority position for the Hammers heading into the summer transfer window, and given that Football Insider reported back in February that Aguerd is the most likely member of the rearguard to be shipped on, despite having three years remaining on his current deal.

While captain Kurt Zouma is more likely to retain a place in the West Ham squad, there's no denying that the Frenchman has not enjoyed his finest campaign at the club, with the bosses possibly wise to consider cashing in on the 29-year-old.

Kurt Zouma's season in numbers

Zouma was appointed West Ham captain at the start of the season after leading his teammates to a noteworthy start to the season but he has deteriorated as the term has dragged on, failing to produce the kind of energetic, commanding performances that are certainly within his skill set.

In fairness, when Zouma is fit and firing he is undisputably West Ham's best centre-back, described as a “colossus” by his manager in the past, but his efforts have left supporters wanting more, not least because of his promotion to the captaincy earlier in the campaign.

While the one-time Everton loanee ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 8% for clearances per 90, as per FBref, he also ranks among the bottom 18% for pass completion, the bottom 4% for passes attempted and the bottom 5% for progressive passes per 90.

Sure, Moyes' tactical set-up doesn't call for slick-passing defensive performances, but Zouma is certainly not indispensable given West Ham's current defensive level.

Kurt Zouma's market value in 2024

Zouma's declining displays have caused a depreciation, understandably, but it's alarming to see that his market price has actually halved since he joined the club from Chelsea in a £30m transfer back in 2021.

Indeed, according to CIES Football Observatory's player valuation model, Zouma is currently worth just £13m, which marks a 57% decrease in less than three campaigns of service at the London Stadium.

It also marks him at a lower valuation than Aguerd, who has lost his place and has been beset with a decline of his own, still valued at £17m.

Given, moreover, that Zouma is one of the highest-paid players at the club, perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing to cash in on the player and invest in a freshly-structured defence, with the lucrative outfits over in Saudi Arabia earmarking the titan for transfer earlier in the season.

The one-time Chelsea man was also far from at his best during the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, receiving a lowly 4/10 match rating from London World as the Hammers meekly wilted late on.

That showing saw Zouma make just a solitary tackle while also losing the ball on seven occasions, with his woes laid bare by the fact that he recorded a pass accuracy rate of just 76% – grim reading for a central defender.

Time will tell, but it is a bit of a concern that the skipper is not quite living up to the heights that he is capable of reaching. Approaching his 30th year, West Ham might be inclined to recoup funds and revamp their backline.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has “already decided” what his future holds amid intense links to teams in the Saudi Pro League.

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• Brazilian has spent seven years in England
• A six-time Premier League title winner
• Intends to chase down more major honours

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international has forged a reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers in world football during his seven years at the Etihad Stadium. Ederson is now a six-time Premier League title winner while also boasting Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup honours on a glittering CV.

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  Stefan Ortega has proved to be an able back-up for Pep Guardiola, with his presence contributing to exit talk in Manchester. Ederson, who is now 30 years of age, is said to have become a top target for big-spending sides in the Middle East.

• WHAT EDERSON SAID

  Ederson was, however, a penalty shootout hero for City in their 2024 Community Shield clash with Manchester United – as he saved and scored from the spot – and told after that contest of the speculation that he has been generating: “It’s over. I spoke with some players, the coach, director, everyone. I talked to my family and it was a joint decision. We’ll stay more years at City. The media says many things, sometimes inventing a little more. But I’ve already decided my future, especially after the conversation I had with Guardiola. This season, I’m totally focused at City with my team-mates in search of more titles.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Guardiola had said that he would “understand” if Ederson wanted to move on, with the South American admitting during a pre-season tour of the United States that his future was unclear. He is now looking to add to his medal collection in Manchester and tally of 333 appearances for City.