All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton are one of several clubs who are keeping tabs on the uncertain future of James McAtee.

What’s the latest on James McAtee to Southampton?

According to the Daily Mail, the Saints, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton, Celtic, and Sheffield United are all interested in signing the Manchester City youngster.

The reigning European Champions are said to be ‘reluctant’ to let McAtee leave, but it is clear that his pathway towards regular first-team football under Pep Guardiola.

Man City are now exploring a deal to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, so McAtee might be forced to depart his boyhood club, with Russell Martin waiting with open arms.

Would James McAtee be a good signing for Southampton?

The 5 foot 11 livewire has been at Man City since 2013 and has developed into one of the country’s most exciting and effervescent talents.

In 86 appearances for the club’s U18 and U21 sides, whilst operating either as a conventional central midfielder or just behind the striker, he has recorded 70 goal contributions – it is a phenomenal record for a player who is clearly demonstrated that he is superior to youth level.

During this time, McAtee has also managed to feature six times for the senior side but formally rose to prominence in the English game whilst on loan at Sheffield United last term.

In 21 Championship starts, the Englishman registered 12 goal involvements and was an integral member of the team that achieved promotion back to the Premier League.

During this spell, where he made 43 appearances, the playmaker admitted that it was a ‘great experience’ that has massively helped his career: “I feel like I found myself at United. I found the way I want to play and how I want to affect games. It’s been a great experience.”

Now with a taste of playing regular football and being heavily valued, it seems unlikely that McAtee will be contempt with sporadic substitute appearances in Manchester.

The joyous technician is a tremendously promising footballer, which has led to the nickname the ‘Salford Silva’, in which Gary Neville feels he is almost a clone of the majestic Spaniard.

Stunning close control, unrelenting creativity, and wondrous vision were all traits that became synonymous with Silva’s trophy-laden ten-year stint in England.

From a Saints perspective, if they can tempt McAtee to the south coast, they could finally source a long-term heir to the irrepressible Adam Lallana.

The former Liverpool maestro spent eight years at Southampton and was an indispensable component of the side that progressed from League One to the top flight.

In 265 appearances, he scored 60 goals and created 48 assists, effortlessly gliding across the pitch with magnificent technique, dribbling, and flair.

His unassailable intelligence to pick up positions behind the striker meant he was crucial in offensive sequences.

This was recognised by Jurgen Klopp, who lauded Lallana as ‘brilliant’, adding:

“He can play different positions, he's quick, he's mentally strong, he's a smart player.”

McAtee, who has previously been hailed as “special” by Guardiola, can be offered a fresh start at St Marys, which would give him the chance to replicate his Sheffield United performances and the heroics of Lallana.

Leeds United are looking for some last-minute reinforcements to bolster their squad ahead of their Championship return, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Brandon Williams?

According to The Independent's chief football writer Miguel Delaney, Leeds are now considering a move for Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams.

As per the report, the reliable journalist has revealed that Daniel Farke is keen to add more new additions to boost the chances of promotion back to the Premier League and is now interested in reuniting with Williams, having worked with him at Norwich City during the 2021/22 campaign.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are keen to bolster their transfer funds to complete further improvements to their team ahead of next season, and Williams is one of the players they are willing to offload on a permanent basis, preferring not to sanction loan moves.

How good is Brandon Williams?

There is no doubt that Leeds are in desperate need of new additions following the exit of many of their Premier League players over the summer so far.

In terms of their defensive presence, the West Yorkshire outfit has seen Robin Koch, Maximilian Wober, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca depart, with Junior Firpo's future also hanging in the balance at present.

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed in June that the 26-year-old left-back was attracting interest from "several European clubs" and more recently, it has been confirmed that Leeds are keen to part ways with the player following a difficult season.

As a result, the signing of Williams would be warmly welcomed at Elland Road this summer, as he could be an ideal replacement for Firpo, and potentially an improvement in the role if he could continue his promising development under the Leeds boss.

Farke is no stranger to the Carrington academy graduate after briefly working with him at Norwich, so will have a good understanding of the full-back's strengths, whilst Williams will have experience of the German coach's style of play and expectations of him on the pitch.

The £65k-per-week talent has found it difficult to earn regular first-team football at Old Trafford due to an injury and high-quality competitors occupying his preferred position, something that could make a move to Yorkshire an attractive prospect for the 22-year-old.

Over 26 Premier League appearances in the 2021/22 season for Norwich, Williams completed an 82% pass completion rate, won 56% of his ground and aerial duels combined, as well as successfully completing 51% of his dribbles too, according to SofaScore.

Despite falling completely out of favour for United and not featuring once under Erik ten Hag in the top-flight last season, Williams has been the recipient of high praise over his short career so far, with former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer branding him as "perfect" in the past.

With that being said, if Farke could secure a deal for Williams this summer it would add some great depth to the left full-back role and could give Williams the opportunity to finally earn regular first-team football, which could pay off massively if he plays with a point to prove his worth.

As such, his arrival could also help seal a departure for Marcelo Bielsa flop, Firpo, as it's clear that he is no longer wanted at Elland Road, given the aforementioned reports and the mooted interest in the Red Devils youngster.

Heart of Midlothian will play either Crusaders or Rosenborg in their Europa Conference League third-round qualifying tie as they eye a spot in the group stages for the second season in a row.

Steven Naismith will need to continue his recent activity in the transfer market if they aim to have a better season than 2022/23, where they finished fourth in the Premiership and failed to even reach a semifinal of either domestic cup competition.

The next couple of weeks will be crucial, and the manager will be hoping his squad will be a bit more padded out by the time they face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in seven days.

How many players have Hearts signed?

There have been three new arrivals at Tynecastle so far. Goalkeeper Michael McGovern, defender Frankie Kent and midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof have all been tasked with improving the club during 2023/24 and the latter two in particular could be key players for the Jambos.

There will surely be more signings before the end of August, with defender James Hill, who spent last season on loan at the Gorgie outfit from AFC Bournemouth, potentially looking for another stint in Edinburgh.

He said: “It would definitely be in consideration because everyone at Hearts has been amazing. They’ve made me feel at home. I’m not out of place here. I feel like a massive part of this squad. When you have that belief, the sky is the limit.

“The group at Hearts is incredible and the standard of this league is a surprise when other players step in because there is such quality.”

Could he be signing number four? It wouldn’t be a surprise if Naismith managed to make this happen in the coming weeks.

How good is James Hill?

Another centre-back could be extremely useful, especially with the talents that Hill possess, and he could slot in alongside new signing Kent with ease.

The former Peterborough defender became the latest player to sign for the club, having spent all of his career either in League One or League Two in England.

He impressed last term for The Posh, ranking first for clearances (3.7), fourth for interceptions (1.1) and second for accurate passes (45) per game, indicating that he not only exudes a solid defensive approach, but is suited to passing out comfortably from the back.

Hill also shone during his spell north of the border last term, ranking second for clearances (4.3) and first for interceptions (1.5) per game in the Premiership, and although he didn’t complete as many accurate passes per game (30.4) as Kent, he more than makes up for it with his tenacious nature, averaging 1.8 tackles per game.

Hailed as a “success story” by journalist Gregg Evans in 2022, the 6-foot youngster could form a dream defensive partnership with Kent next term which could allow Hearts to become a tougher side to score goals against.

With Kent being comfortable in his passing ability and Hill showing a dogged resilience to make sure no defender gets through him, the duo could be wonderful together as Naismith chases a third-place finish and potential group-stage football in Europe.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their pursuit of a deal to further bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

According to The Athletic's Jordan Campbell, the Light Blues are "edging closer" to an agreement with Feyenoord to sign Brazilian centre-forward Danilo during the transfer window.

The reporter has stated that the Gers have upped their offer from €3.5m (£3m) to €6m (£5.2m) including realistic add-ons as Michael Beale closes in on his eighth signing of the summer.

Sam Lammers, Leon Balogun, Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, and Jack Butland have all joined the club to date.

Campbell claims that the two clubs are not far apart in their valuations and that there is a belief on both sides of the deal that this transfer will go through eventually.

How many goals did Danilo score last season?

The 24-year-old marksman scored an eye-catching ten Eredivisie goals in 14 starts for Feyenoord throughout the 2022/23 campaign and has the potential to be an excellent partner for Dessers.

Campbell has claimed that the possible signing would be used as a "hybrid" forward alongside the former Cremonese number nine in attack next season for the Light Blues.

This suggests that Danilo could play in a role that would allow him to join Dessers in a front two to spearhead the attack whilst also being given the freedom to drop deeper and move out wide in order to link up play with the midfield and wingers, which would allow the Nigerian international to remain through the middle as the focal point for Beale.

The ex-Brazil U23 international has been a prolific scorer throughout his youth and senior career to date and could form a lethal partnership with the 28-year-old dynamo.

Danilo's impressive Eredivisie return last term came after he managed 15 goals in 26 matches for Ajax's first-team and reserves combined, which included six goals in three cup games. He also caught the eye during the 2020/21 campaign on loan at FC Twente with 17 strikes in 33 league outings.

The £5.2m-rated ace, who scored 31 goals in 51 U21 clashes for Ajax, has proven himself to be a reliable scorer, which could strike fear into opposition defenders if they see him lining up alongside Dessers, whose form for Feyenoord – prior to Danilo's move there – suggests that he can also be a monster in front of goal.

Throughout the 2021/22 season, the Nigerian goal machine plundered an outstanding 19 goals in 16 starts across the Europa Conference League and Eredivisie, which included nine goals in nine Dutch top-flight starts.

No Rangers striker found the back of the net more than 14 times in the Scottish Premiership for Beale last term. Both Dessers, who scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 36 games for NAC Breda in 2016/17, and Danilo have the potential to score 15 or more league goals in a season.

Therefore, the possible strike partnership for the Light Blues could be one that causes panic among opposition defences over the coming months as centre-backs could have two prolific and consistent number nines to deal with throughout matches, which could cause havoc in the box.

Liverpool officially kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign with a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the 13th of August and there could be a few new faces on show for the club.

Who have Liverpool signed this summer?

The Reds made their first addition of the summer transfer window last month as they signed Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, in a deal that could eventually rise to £55m.

Jurgen Klopp followed that up with a swoop for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at the start of July. The Merseyside giants have reportedly splashed out a fee of £60m to secure the Hungary international's services.

There could also be a departure in that area of the pitch for Liverpool as it has been reported that Brazilian enforcer Fabinho is closing in on a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, whilst Bayern Munich are also interested in signing him.

It has been claimed that the Reds could be in line to receive £40m for the former AS Monaco star, which could help towards funding a possible replacement before the end of the window.

Who could replace Fabinho at Liverpool?

Klopp could forget all about Fabinho by striking a deal to sign Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha ahead of next season, following his impressive debut season in England.

The Daily Mail reported in June that it could take as much as £90m to snap up the Portugal international and it was recently claimed that Liverpool have considered the Portugal international as an option to bolster their midfield, although it remains to be seen how much they would be willing to pay for him.

Signing the former Sporting titan could improve the German head coach's squad. Palhinha averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 35 Premier League starts last term, compared to the £40m-rated warrior's score of 6.87, and caught the eye with 5.5 tackles and interceptions per game.

His 4.2 tackles per match for the Cottagers was 1.8 more than any Liverpool player in any position managed throughout the campaign and 2.4 more than Fabinho's 1.8 per outing.

Palhinha, who was dubbed "Casemiro-esque" by journalist Zach Lowy, also won more duels per clash (8.0) than the Brazil international (3.5) and came out on top in a higher percentage of his duels (59% to 50%).

This suggests that the 28-year-old monster would be an upgrade in terms of his ability to win battles and regain possession for his side on a regular basis.

In fact, the Fulham colossus ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for tackles made per 90 (4.26) over the last 365 days – three percentiles higher than Manchester United's Casemiro – which shows that he has been one of the best ball-winning midfielders at the top level since his arrival in England.

His instant adaptation to Premier League football was impressive and his form suggests that he could come in as a significant upgrade on Fabinho, based on the monstrous enforcer's average performance level and defensive contributions each game in comparison to the current Liverpool man.

Therefore, Klopp could forget about the Brazilian midfielder and sanction the move to Al Ittihad with no concerns about the state of his squad by signing Palhinha to fill that role within the team.

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.

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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.