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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

We’re pretty much a third of the way through the Championship season, and Leeds United are going well at the moment.

Indeed, the Whites currently sit third in the table, and they’re within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots.

However, it seems as if Leeds United haven’t addressed one of their key issues from the previous campaign, and that may be down to Marcelo Bielsa’s unwillingness to change one thing.

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Last season

Of course, we’re talking about injuries.

Leeds were massively hampered by fitness issues to key men in the latter part of the 2018/19 campaign, so much so that they had to lineup with four youth players on the bench for their playoff semi-final against Derby County alongside another man who played just two games all season as well as an unfit Pontus Jansson.

It wasn’t just in the post-season that Leeds were affected by these problems either as their full injury list from August to February shows just how common these issues were for a number of key players.

This may partly have been down to the intense training sessions put on by Marcelo Bielsa throughout the campaign, as Jansson’s description of ‘murderball’ sounds like a recipe for disaster as well as a recipe for injuries.

Making the same mistakes

You can understand Bielsa putting his players through their paces during his first season at the club as he needed them to get to grips with his system and the physical demands of playing under him.

But to continue with such intense schedules 15 months on from his appointment is borderline idiotic, especially when the squad is largely the same group of players that were in the team last year.

Mateusz Klich said recently: “It’s 11 v 11 with no stopping. Constantly running, sprinting & with the coaches on the pitch screaming all the time. Basically you can’t stop running.”

For a team that regularly picks up injuries, this seems incredibly foolish from Bielsa to be running his players into the ground.

There’s seemingly no need to be continuing with this incredibly tough way of operating at this stage, and with Leeds’ injury list once again building up you have to wonder if Bielsa will be changing his ways in the near future.

If not, it could come back to haunt the Whites.

Once upon a time every team had a cult hero, a player with inherent limitations or a character flaw that often meant he wasn’t necessarily the best around but who was still absolutely adored by his club’s fan-base. These days you’ll be lucky to identify five across the entire Premier League.

This is a great shame because the importance of having a cult hero at a club cannot be under-stated, offering as they do a deeper connection between eleven professional athletes and thousands of fans on a tiny fraction of their wages and maybe as meaningful as this is the fun element they bring. Chants are devoted to them, usually a bit off-kilter and humorous.

When they do something well it means more. When they mess up it prompts not criticism but a tut and a wry smile.

There appears to be only a handful of these dying breed left in the top flight, fighting the good fight; popular despite, not because, and undoubtedly one of them is Sheffield United’s Lys Mousset.

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Powerful, explosive, and fond of a dribble or three the 23-year-old former France under-21 striker arrived at Bramall Lane from Bournemouth this summer for £10m.

The fee – a club record for the newly promoted Blades – raised eyebrows from some quarters because Mousset was hardly prolific on the south coast, scoring just five goals in 71 appearances. Yet given these disappointing figures it says a great deal that his departure was greeted only with sadness by the Dean Court faithful.

It didn’t take long for United fans to find out why. Mousset fulfils the key aspect of any cult hero in that he is occasionally brilliant but often not.

For him it is not inconsistency that leads to such erraticism: rather he unfailingly opts against taking the safe choice, instead getting his head down and seeking to single-handedly destroy. He excites. He gets bums off seats.

This alone is enough to make any player a fan favourite but the Motivilliers-born forward’s recent habit of adding substance to the style has only seen his popularity rise further.

A winner against Arsenal last month was swiftly followed by another game-changing performance from the sub’s bench away to West Ham with a volleyed equaliser for good measure.

A week later Mousset grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick of first-half assists as Burnley became the latest big scalp of the Blades. Against Spurs he teased and tormented. Surpassing his Bournemouth scoring record before Christmas looks almost inevitable at this rate.

“He’s a popular boy with the other players and he’s a popular boy with the supporters as well. You can see why they’ve taken to him,” manager Chris Wilder said at the end of October, clearly pleased that his expensive summer gamble is paying off.

As for the player himself he is resolved to repaying the trust shown in him by the Yorkshire club: “I have been waiting for this chance since I came to England, to prove myself, and I want to show the fans what I’m about.”

He already has secured a place in their hearts for a long time to come.

Liverpool are believed to have “registered their interest” in signing a “fantastic” player who is enjoying a stunning season, according to a new transfer development.

Liverpool transfer news

The January transfer window isn’t a million miles away, and it is expected that the centre of Liverpool’s defence will be looked at when the winter shopping rolls around. Jarell Quansah is seemingly not favoured by Arne Slot, with Frenchman Loic Bade emerging as a rumoured target. The Sevilla defender is also reportedly wanted by Newcastle United and has been likened to France World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool is a major talking point, with a move to Real Madrid next summer not completely out of the question. Achraf Hakimi is seen as a potential replacement, with the Paris Saint-Germain ace considered one of Europe’s standout right-backs in recent years.

Young Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, with the Spaniard making his first La Liga start of the season last weekend, helping his side seal a famous 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Liverpool register interest in "fantastic" player

According to SportBILD [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have now officially “registered their interest” in Omar Marmoush, having initially wanted to sign him during the summer transfer window, deciding against it because of their current depth.

With Mohamed Salah’s future now unknown, the 25-year-old is viewed as a possible replacement for him, and he is valued at just over £33m by Frankfurt.

It does feel as though Marmoush is standing out as a primary target for Liverpool, should Salah move on to pastures new next summer, which is a scenario most supporters will be dreading.

The Frankfurt star is seven years the Liverpool legend’s junior, however, and he is having a remarkable 2024/25 season to date, registering 13 goal contributions (nine goals and four assists) in just eight Bundesliga appearances, leading to him winning the Player of the Month award for October.

His current manager, Dino Toppmoller, knows how invaluable he is: “Omar is a fantastic boy who always gives maximum effort in addition to his blistering pace. I’m very impressed with his development in the final third, as he’s now a lot more calmer on the ball, he’s really good at runs from behind as well. He’s really taken a huge step in his development, especially with the way he’s played in the past few games.”

Marmoush should be considered a priority target for Liverpool at this point, given his incredible end product and ability to shine in both a central and wide attacking role.

Newcastle now battling Liverpool to sign "complete" star likened to Varane

He’s be an alternative to Marc Guehi…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2024

At 25, there is so much more to come from him, too, and they should be looking to strike a deal for him regardless of what ends up happening with Salah in the coming months.

West Bromwich Albion fans will hope their team can get back on the horse when Championship football resumes this coming weekend, after stuttering as of late in the second tier despite a very bright start to the season.

The Baggies are now winless in their last three games in the challenging division, but will view an away trip up next at Oxford United as a feasible way to bounce back after the break.

Carlos Corberan will be crying out for more from his players in an attacking capacity, after he saw his goal-shy troops register back-to-back blanks versus Middlesbrough and Millwall recently, with Tom Fellows one performer who arguably needs to up his game for the trip to the U’s this Saturday.

Fellows' form this season

Fellows had started the season in scintillating form, but much like the rest of his teammates, has found his powers have started to wane.

The homegrown Baggies winger has a stunning five assists next to his name from nine Championship clashes to date, but struggled to unlock both Boro and Millwall in his team’s last two uneventful encounters, with just one of those assists coming in his side’s last four league matches.

It hasn’t been through a lack of trying however for Fellows in terms of his output somewhat drying up, with the 21-year-old registering three key passes against the Lions last time out, but to no avail as an unsatisfactory 0-0 draw was the final outcome.

Corberan’s rage about West Brom’s recent lack of clinical finishing could well result in the Baggies dipping their toes into the transfer market when it swings open this January, with a rumoured move on the agenda for this EFL sharp shooter already bubbling away.

West Brom battling to sign "insane" striker

According to football journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, West Brom will battle it out with a number of clubs for the services of Thomas Cannon this January, who is already making quite the impression out on loan at Stoke City away from parent employers Leicester City.

The Foxes reportedly have an option to cut Cannon’s loan stint at the Potters short, which will no doubt raise the eyebrows of many of his admirers, with Sheffield United also allegedly keen on snapping up the Stoke star if he becomes available again.

It could result in a frenzy over a loan-to-buy deal happening, with the Foxes valuing Cannon in and around the £10m ballpark, which is a hefty fee but a justifiable one based off his excellent displays for the Potters so far.

Cannon amazingly hammered home four strikes in just one Championship game at the start of this month for his loan employers, further reinforcing his tag as a top marksman for the division, with football journalist Pete Smith even labelling his four-goal display versus Portsmouth as “insane”.

He hasn’t managed to bag any more goals minus this whirlwind display in the league, but if Cannon was to enter in through the door this approaching window, Josh Maja would be nervous about his concrete starting spot under Corberan as the leading man up top all the same.

Maja does boast three more strikes this season in the league, but when you examine their overall records in the division away from this campaign in isolation, Cannon’s numbers better the ex-Sunderland man’s, from fewer games too.

Games

38

53

Goals

14

10

Assists

2

4

Minutes played

2490

2437

The Irishman’s numbers could soar to even loftier heights if he does end up donning a Baggies strip soon, with Fellows content at just regularly putting chances on a plate after bombing down the left wing for a deadly attacker to then latch onto and fire home.

Corberan will know that the full Championship season can be a gruelling affair, and with some January additions like Cannon potentially entering the building, a freshness could enter his ranks that will undoubtably help in their ongoing promotion push.

Left for £10m: West Brom struck gold selling star now worth millions less

West Bromwich Albion will be glad they sold this star on when they did.

1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 8, 2024

Manchester City are optimistic that they can agree a new contract with manager Pep Guardiola after news broke on Monday that the Blues have been successful in challenging the Premier League’s sponsorship rules. City go into this international break unbeaten in their opening seven league games, with a 3-2 win over Fulham on Saturday putting them within a point of leaders Liverpool.

Rodri replacement: Man City now eyeing move for brand new £60m midfielder

He has completed 92.2% of his passes this season.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 6, 2024 Man City win legal battle over sponsorship rules

Man City may look to be active in the transfer market in January, and they have been boosted off the pitch by the news that the top flight’s rules over associated party transactions (APT) have been deemed unlawful. This is seperate to the 115 alleged breaches for failing to provide accurate financial information, but could influence that case and will certainly take some pressure off City in the transfer market.

The Blues are obviously missing a key player in Rodri, and while players like Mateo Kovacic, who scored two goals on Saturday, and Rico Lewis are stepping up to the mark, City appear keen to land a long-term replacement for the Spaniard in the market. The latest player to be linked with City as a possible replacement for Rodri is Alan Varela, who currently plays for Porto. Scouts have been sent to watch the 23-year-old in person, and he’s got a release clause in his contract worth £60 million.

As well as looking at Varela, City are looking to open talks about signing Swansea City duo Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham. Manchester United are also interested in the pair, but City haven’t given up signing the youngsters and have meetings scheduled to secure a deal. As Man City have their eye on potential transfers that they can conclude in 2025, the Blues also have another important matter they want to address, and they are taking a different approach to doing so.

Man City chiefs readying unique offer to keep Guardiola at the Etihad

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City have optimism that they can persuade Pep Guardiola to sign a new deal at the Etihad. The Spaniard is in the final year of his contract with the Premier League side, and the Blues hope a new strategy can help them keep him beyond this campaign.

City’s board have made it clear to the 53-year-old that they are keen for him to stay at the club, and they are willing to play a different approach by offering him a unique rolling one-year deal, which will put the power in his hands for when he decides he wants to leave.

Games

483

Won

357

Drawn

60

Lost

66

Guardiola has been in charge of City since 2016, overseeing countless major trophies. City supporters revealed a banner for their game against Fulham, which said in his native Catalan: ‘We want you to stay’. Guardiola responded on Match of the Day by admitting that he feels the love from the supporters.

“From day one (I felt love from Manchester City’s fans), yeah. Definitely. The gratitude is immense; otherwise, I would not be nine years here; it’s impossible.

“Of course the results help. In modern football, when you don’t win, they sack you; we know that. They were happy to extend because we won. This is a business. It has to be like that.

“But apart from that, there are many, many details, many experiences that I lived in these many years, daily, during games, or not during games that made me feel part of this club deeply, deeply.”

Arsenal "may well look to strike a deal" for Manchester City's Joao Cancelo at a later stage in the transfer window, with the full-back "expected to leave" this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

It has been reported that Arsenal are keen to bring in two new right-backs this summer, having already brought in Jurrien Timber from Ajax in for an initial fee of £34.3m, with the defender being signed to play on the right of the back four.

Ivan Fresneda is another target for the Gunners in that area of the pitch, with the Real Valladolid defender's release clause dropping to €20m (£17m) after his side's relegation from La Liga last season.

Cancelo has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, and Jones has now dropped an update which indicates the Man City defender will be available.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the transfer insider said:“The full-back situation is interesting because Cancelo is still expected to leave and there has also been all the uncertainty around Kyle Walker.

Before later adding:"But what we also know is that Guardiola has moved away from the model that Cancelo used to thrive in and further than that, seems content with the idea he doesn’t stay.

“The big question is, where will he go? Barcelona are primed if it is cheap enough or on loan so if there is to be something soon, it’s probably that. Arsenal has been touted and that case has been very quiet for now – but it may not stay that way.

“My information is that if Cancelo is still there for the taking later in the window, Arsenal may well look to strike a deal. It’s not been totally forgotten about, it’s just not a main priority. More of a luxury.”

Is Joao Cancelo going to Arsenal?

At the moment, the Gunners do not consider the Portugal international a major target, but they have recently been handed a potential boost in the race for his signature, as it has now emerged that Barca have pulled out of the race.

There are not a great deal of other potential suitors linked with moves for the full-back, which means a move to Arsenal could be a real possibility, and he could be a fantastic addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.

Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the £250k-per-week defender is proven at Champions League level, having been ranked as the third-best performing player in the competition by WhoScored, up until April 25th during the 2021-22 season.

Given that Timber has mainly been utilised as a centre-back throughout his career so far, Arteta may be keen to add a new right-back who could be capable of offering Arsenal some more attacking flair.

Cancelo would certainly fit the bill in that regard, ranking in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and so it is exciting news that Arsenal still have him on their list of targets for this summer.

Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid have never been a good match. One is an exciting player, who can pull the strings in a frontline full of attacking talent. Meanwhile, the other is moulded by the tactics of Diego Simeone.

There’s nothing wrong with that, either. Simeone is one of the best managers in world football. But, there’s a reason that the likes of Diego Costa have thrived where Felix and others have failed. It takes a certain player, perhaps those rougher round the edges, more aggressive, to really suit the system built by the Argentine. And, well, that has never been Felix.

The former Benfica forward is a far tidier player, far more elegant than, say, Costa. He has never been a forward who can feed off scraps in a more conservative approach, hence why he perhaps should have steered clear of Atletico in the first place.

After an average loan spell at Chelsea, though, it looks like Felix and Simeone are set to finally part ways this summer.

How old is Joao Felix?

Still only 23 years old, Felix is reportedly ready for the next step in his career. Indeed, he wants to make a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Atletico willing to sell the forward, but only for an £85m fee after they initially splashed out £113m on him back in 2019, according to The Daily Mail.

A move to the French capital may have been identified as a potential option due to the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappe, who has just one year remaining on his current contract. According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have told the star forward that he needs to either sign a new contract or leave this summer, rather than depart for free in a year.

Given Lionel Messi’s departure, combined with added uncertainty over Neymar’s future, too, the Ligue 1 outfit could yet look towards the likes of Felix to add some much-needed firepower this summer.

After all, what better way to replace one of the most expensive players of all time, than with one of the most expensive players of all time?

Why was Joao Felix stripped of the number 7 shirt?

In the biggest hint yet that Felix could be on the move this summer, Atletico have stripped the Portugal international of his number seven shirt, handing it back to Antoine Griezmann – as seen in this latest video shared on their Twitter account.

According to Relevo, too, Simeone and Felix no longer want to work together, giving the La Liga side quite the situation to work out. Given their reported price tag of £85m, though, it remains to be seen whether or not a top club comes in for the want-away forward.

Speaking about the forward at the end of last season, Simeone said: “Bids for Joao Felix? We’ve to see if the proposal will be good financially for the club, that is crucial. Spanish clubs? Same.”

If this is to be the end of the forward’s time in Spain, he will not look back on it with the greatest fondness, having found the back of the net just 34 times, and recording just 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico Madrid.

Wherever he ends up next, Felix will hope to finally get his career back on track.

.

Liverpool are the favourites to sign Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Jacob Tanswell.

How many clubs want Lavia?

The 19-year-old is one of the Premier League's most impressive and talked-about players having stood out for the Saints last season amid their relegation struggles.

The interest in Lavia shows how he caught the eye throughout the campaign during his first year at St Mary's Stadium after leaving Manchester City last summer.

It looks almost certain that the £25,000-a-week Belgian will leave Southampton this summer, and some of the biggest clubs in the country have been linked with a move for him, such as Chelsea and Manchester United. Liverpool are also one of those in the running as they continue to look at midfield signings, with Alexis Mac Allister already signed and Dominik Szoboszlai expected to come in, too.

Are Liverpool favourites to sign Lavia?

Speaking to Empire of the Kop, Tanswell admitted that Liverpool are the team he sees as most likely to sign Lavia before the start of next season:

"Southampton want a high figure for him. Someone has got to pay around £45m-£50m for Lavia. Who can do that is dependent on all the other targets they get.”

"Liverpool or Chelsea. I probably think Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp and with the background [work] they’ve done on him, that probably looks the likely destination."

This is great news for Liverpool, with the suggestion that Lavia could become the third midfield signing at Anfield this summer in what could represent an outstanding piece of long-term business.

At just 19, he already plays with intelligence beyond his years – Pep Guardiola has described him as "incredible", which says so much about what he is capable of moving forward – and he could be looked at as Fabinho's replacement in the No 6 role, potentially even from the off.

Lavia is still hugely inexperienced, which could make someone like Khephren Thuram a better signing – he is three years his senior and an established top-flight player – but the early signs suggest that the Saints teenager could mature into one of Europe's best players in his position over time, so Liverpool could be wise to make a move for him now if the chance arises.

Last season, he averaged 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League, which was only bettered by Mohammed Salisu's tally of 2.3 within the Southampton squad, but he was also a strong presence in possession, completing a team-high 86.4% of his passes, demonstrating the multiple facets to his game.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and will undoubtedly hope to sign the Italy international this summer if an apt opportunity arises.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella?

According to The Times' Paul Joyce, Barella is indeed a player Klopp 'admires' and Liverpool will continue to monitor his situation attentively following claims of interest from Calciomercato earlier this month.

However, the 26-year-old is not believed to be desperate for a departure from Milano at present, and valued at a reported £69m and with three years remaining on his current deal, it won't be an easy deal to ease over the line.

But with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing Anfield this month, there are few maestros on the major stage more suited to a career under Klopp's wing than Barella.

What would Nicolo Barella bring to Liverpool?

The Athletic's ever-reliable David Ornstein recently confirmed that the Reds are "exploring a transfer deal" for Red Bull Leipzig playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai, though a move is complicated by the Hungarian's €70m (£61m) release clause, which ostensibly expires this week.

As Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League last season for the first time in seven seasons with a fifth-placed Premier League finish, with much criticism on the efficacy and robustness of the midfield, it seems that technical director Jorg Schmadtke is making the right moves to take the club back towards prominence.

And if an incredible, albeit unlikely midfield partnership in Szoboszlai and Barella could be crafted this summer, the Anfield side's verve and vigour would be back with an almighty bang.

Barella has been hailed as a "genius" by sport editor Mike Pielluci for his remarkable feats in the centre of the park, having scored nine goals and provided ten assists from 52 matches as I Nerazzurri clinched the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana this season, also falling to treble winner Manchester City in a close Champions League final.

As per FBref, the midfield general ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90.

That would meld well with Leipzig's creative force's skill set, with the £153k-per-week Barella complementing a dynamic No. 10 with his driving approach.

Comparatively, Szoboszlai ranks among the top 15% of attacking midfielders for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

With Barella's prowess in weaving through the thirds both as a ball-carrying vessel and a ball-playing master, Liverpool would unearth a diamond capable of catalysing the intensity and confidence of Klopp's team.

But with an all-encompassing force in Szoboszlai proving his worth as a creative gem while not negating his defensive duties – evidenced by his FBref metrics – it could be a devastating partnership rivalling any in world football.

Leeds United could have a vast rebuild on their hands this summer, but might be set to make one huge early stride forwards…

What's the latest on Emmanuel Dennis to Leeds United?

That's according to Nigerian outlet Mobile Punch (via NottinghamshireLive), who suggest that the 49ers will kickstart their new reign with a move for Nottingham Forest's Emmanuel Dennis.

Given the huge influx of players the Tricky Trees oversaw last campaign, some will simply have to be offloaded. With the 25-year-old having endured a stuttered season, he could seek to revitalise his career at Elland Road. Given he was signed for around £20m, the €12.3m (£11m) value that Football Transfers have attached to his name seems appropriate.

Complete Sports supplement the earlier report by suggesting that a bid is being prepared too.

His arrival would mark the perfect replacement for the expected exit of Rodrigo, replacing his goals with ease.

Would Emmanuel Dennis replace Rodrigo?

Although the Nigerian striker did not enjoy the most prolific term at the City Ground, his work with the relegation-threatened Watford should remain fresh enough in the memory to suggest he would still be an asset.

After all, just five goal contributions across all competitions came largely as a result of stuttered play time, to which he would surely be handed plenty more than just 715 league minutes at Elland Road.

It seems the speedster thrives when he is the focal point of an attacking unit, as the season prior he scored ten goals and assisted a further six whilst featuring all across the front three. Given this was his debut year in England too for a lacklustre Watford, it marked a successful start to life in a new country.

Journalist Josh Bunting sought to praise the new boy early on in that campaign, taking to Twitter: "Emmanuel Dennis has been one of the most underrated players outside of Watford fans this season, he’s been a very good addition. 4 goals and 5 assists in 11 Premier League games should be being spoken about much more. Today he was absolutely electric from the start to finish."

The Yorkshire outfit will be desperate to replace the goals of their Spanish scoring machine, as the 32-year-old found the net on 13 occasions last season in the Premier League. However, it could be argued that this was the only outstanding year he enjoyed since his club-record move in 2020, suggesting that Dennis would hardly have to set the world alight to replicate him.

With a vacancy in their dugout still, few managers would pass up the opportunity to build their team around Dennis, given his capability at a level far above the Championship.

He could join, spearhead their promotion charge, and still retain his usefulness once back in the top flight. Therefore, this deal should represent a no-brainer for the 49ers who would be without last year's top scorer.