Category Uncategorized

Arsenal are believed to be in talks over potentially selling an “extraordinary” player to Napoli in January, with Emirates Stadium officials making their winter transfer stance clear to Antonio Conte’s title-contenders.

Most likely players to leave Arsenal in 2025

Mikel Arteta has no room in his starting eleven on a regular-enough basis for a few big-name members of his squad, and it is believed some of them could depart the club once we reach 2025.

Arsenal hold initial talks for "sensational" £60m Premier League forward

The Gunners are after a new attacker, both out wide and through the middle.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

Kieran Tierney, who was recently re-introduced to the matchday squad after returning from a hamstring injury, is said to be a major contender for the exit door as Arteta decides that the Scotland international has no long-term future at N5.

Tierney has accepted he will be sold by Arsenal, and it could happen as early as January, despite the left-back featuring on Arteta’s bench for their wins over Sporting Lisbon, West Ham and Man United recently.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the futures of both Thomas Partey and Jorginho, with both midfielders out of contract next summer and may well leave Arsenal on a free deal – even if both men have contributed well when called upon so far this campaign.

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

There is also the possibility that Arsenal decide to offload Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, with well-connected former Premier League scout Mick Brown expecting the former Man City duo to be on Arteta’s chopping block.

“There are three players at the club they’d be looking to sell,” said Brown to Football Insider.

“And that’s Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney. They’re not in the manager’s plans.

“When it comes to sales, you have to look at who your assets are. We know there’s been interest in Saliba, for example, but I think he’s one of the last players they’d ever consider selling for any sort of money.

“If they feel they need to raise money, they’ve got these players who they’re far more likely to turn to. That’ll take a big chunk off of the wage bill and help them to reinvest in strengthening their squad.

“Sometimes the way it works is you’ve got to let some fringe players leave, raise a bit of money from them, and then refresh the squad with new backup options.”

Arsenal in talks over selling Jakub Kiwior to Napoli in January

Poland international Jakub Kiwior deputised for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes against United earlier this week, helping them to keep a clean sheet in their 2-0 win, but he’s been on the fringes of Arteta’s eleven overall – leading to reports the “extraordinary” defender could leave next month. Arsenal are not willing to let Kiwior leave on loan, though, and will only green-light a permanent exit.

This is echoed by Sky Sports Italia reporter Luca Marchetti, who told Radio Marte (via Area Napoli) that Arsenal are in negotiations with Napoli over selling Kiwior, with Arteta’s side making it “known” they are prepared to sell but not lend.

“Kiwior can arrive on loan, while Danilo can be bought on sale? We confirm that both negotiations are there, but they are not simple,” said Marchetti.

“Teams that have interesting players do not lend them to you at the start of the market, and those who buy focus on the needs of those who sell, going to look for those who are perhaps playing less at the moment.

“The club’s work is to make Kiwior understand that he could have more space at Arsenal, but they are not giving it to him. The Gunners, for their part, have made it known that they are willing to sell but not to lend.”

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are now leading Liverpool in the race to sign a £100m “magician” in the January transfer window.

Man City back to winning ways after 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest

The reigning Premier League champions got their first win since the end of October on Wednesday evening, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Etihad.

Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku brought an end to six defeats in seven, with Guardiola praising Jack Grealish after his first Premier League start since October 5.

Crystal Palace vs Man City

December 7

Premier League

Juventus vs Man City

December 11

Champions League

Man City vs Man Utd

December 15

Premier League

Aston Villa vs Man City

December 21

Premier League

Man City vs Everton

December 26

Premier League

“Really good. He played in the middle and was involved in many things. Hopefully in the next games, if I decide to play him in that position, he can be involved in the final third and decisive in goals and assists.

“Our football is always built from the midfield. The quality and they make our tempo and the way we have to play. We control the game, and Jack gave us that pace. When to accelerate and control, he did it really good. I’m so happy for him.

“I know his quality. He has attributes to play holding midfield, keep the ball, break the lines and composure. With the problems that we have in the middle with two holding midfielders injured, Gundo has played an important role for us. Everyone was good.”

Man City readying move to sign "ball-striking monster" to replace Alvarez

Manchester City are looking to bolster their forward line with an exciting addition in January.

Dec 4, 2024

Ahead of the January transfer window, Guardiola has reportedly demanded up to three Man City signings, with the club willing to be aggressive, and it looks as if that is the case following a brand new transfer update.

Man City leading race to sign Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

According to reports from Spain, Man City are now the new top suitor in the race to sign Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also credited with an interest, with previous reports claiming the Reds were in pole position to sign Kvaratskhelia.

However, Man City have now ‘initiated contact with the player’s entourage, positioning itself as one of the main candidates to secure his services in the upcoming transfer market’.

The Sky Blues were linked with Kvaratskhelia, dubbed a “magician”, last year, and it now looks as if he is a major target heading into 2025.

The Georgia international, who doesn’t have a weak foot, can play as a left-winger or second striker and is valued at around £100m, meaning City may have to pay a similar fee to the one that brought Grealish to the Etihad if they want Kvaratskhelia.

Aged 23, Kvaratskhelia has scored 30 goals and registered 29 assists in 104 appearances for Napoli since 2022, and by the looks of things, a move to England could be on the cards in the coming weeks.

After a pretty miserable month that may well have derailed their Premier League title hopes, Arsenal claimed their second victory in as many games last night.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated Sporting CP in Lisbon and, in the process, have massively increased their chances of making it into the next round of the Champions League without having to enter the playoffs.

It wasn’t just the win that was satisfying, though; it was the nature of it, as the North Londoners found themselves 3-0 by half-time and 5-1 up at full-time.

Sporting CP (A)

5-1 (W)

Nottingham Forest (H)

3-0 (W)

Chelsea (A)

1-1 (D)

Inter Milan (A)

1-0 (L)

Newcastle United (A)

1-0 (L)

However, while there were no poor performances on the pitch, the result might have just signalled the end of the line for one of the club’s highest-paid players.

Arsenal's star performers

Now, before we get onto the star whose time as an Arsenal player is likely up, let’s look at the positives from last night and some of the team’s best performers, starting with the best of the lot, Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender was awarded the Man of the Match award at full-time, and it was more than deserved as he was a constant threat throughout his 92 minutes of action, providing an assist in the first half and then scoring a goal himself in the second.

However, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber also played a significant role in making the right-hand side so dangerous, with the former pulling the strings just behind the Englishman.

At the same time, the latter helped out William Saliba in defence while also bombing forward with every opportunity he got.

On the opposite flank, Gabriel Martinelli found himself in the right place at the right time to open the scoring for the North Londoners, while Riccardo Calafiori once again showed the fans that he could be the answer to the club’s left-back problems.

Lastly, both Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz deserve plenty of praise as well, the former for his immense defensive work and brilliant header, and the latter for his goal and all-round build-up play, although him being so effective again is bad news for another of the club’s star attackers.

Arsenal's biggest loser after Sporting

It feels unfair to label any Arsenal player a loser after last night’s sensational result, but in a sense, Gabriel Jesus is just that.

The reason is that, after the last week, it seems incredibly unlikely that the Brazilian forward will ever be the team’s starting number nine again, and the chance of his starting out wide seems even smaller.

Now, that might sound harsh, but it’s probably true as Arteta gave the former Manchester City ace a chance to reassert himself in the role against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but despite the team’s brilliant performance that day, the £265k-per-week star flattered to deceive.

The £45m signing was awarded just a 6/10 match rating from the Standard’s Simon Collings at full-time, and considering the fact he failed to take a single shot on target in 95 minutes of action, despite his team winning 3-0, that’s quite a generous rating.

In contrast, the journalist awarded Havertz a 7/10 last night, which actually feels a bit harsh considering the former Chelsea ace scored a vital goal, produced an expected goals figure of 1.08 and was able to occupy defenders throughout the 92 minutes of action.

That said, it’s not just the last week of action that suggests the Sao Paulo-born dynamo’s time in North London could be coming to a close either, as he’s been quite disappointing all season.

For example, despite making 16 appearances, the “frustrating” striker, as dubbed by Micah Richards, has scored once and provided one assist, which works out to a goal involvement every eight games.

Appearances

33

36

16

Goals

11

8

1

Assists

7

8

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

0.44

0.12

Moreover, even when you account that those appearances have only amounted to 579 minutes, the 27-year-old still has a disappointing average of a goal involvement every 289.5 minutes.

Ultimately, while Jesus is an undeniably talented player, he’s no longer a significant part of this Arsenal team, and with wages as high as his, it feels more like a matter of when and not if the club decide to move him on.

Move over Saka: Arsenal's 9/10 star was "insane" vs Sporting

Arsenal sealed an incredible Champions League win over Sporting.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2024

Real Betis legend Denilson has revealed the reasons behind Antony's resurgence since leaving Manchester United in January.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Denilson hails Antony for revival of formExplains why Brazilian has regained his form at BetisAntony has five goal contributions in seven matches Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Antony has spectacularly silenced his critics since moving to Real Betis from Manchester United on a six-month loan deal in the January transfer window. The Brazilian, who was a massive flop at Old Trafford with just 17 goal contributions in 96 appearances since joining the club in the summer of 2022, has already scored three goals and provided two assists for the Red Devils in seven matches across all competitions.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ex-Betis star Denilson, who spent seven successful seasons at the club between 1998 and 2005, has revealed the reason why his compatriot Antony is enjoying his football again after the nightmare spell with the Red Devils.

WHAT DENILSON SAID

Speaking to , the World Cup-winning Brazilian winger described Antony's move to La Liga as he said: "It was a success. He needed affection and attention to show his immense potential and Betis is the best place for that. As a good Brazilian, he needs joy to be on the pitch and he has recovered that at Betis. He has started very well, with goals and great play. He will bring a lot of joy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

The United loanee will be back in action on Thursday as Real Betis take on Vitoria SC in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 fixture

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico do São Paulo, Rogério Ceni, foi só elogios aos torcedores que foram ao Morumbi acompanhar a vitória sobre o Santo André, por 1 a 0, o primeiro triunfo do Tricolor nessa temporada.

RelacionadasSão PauloRogério Ceni ganha fôlego e ‘acalma’ pressão no São PauloSão Paulo09/02/2022São PauloSão Paulo se reapresenta nesta quinta; veja a programaçãoSão Paulo10/02/2022São PauloSão Paulo é o time que mais realizou cruzamentos no Campeonato PaulistaSão Paulo09/02/2022

> TABELA: Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os próximos jogos
​
Pressionado no cargo, já que a equipe estava na zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Paulista, com nenhuma vitória em três jogos, Ceni recebeu o apoio da torcida desde o anúncio da escalação até o apito final.

-Eu fico feliz, tenho carinho por todo torcedor são-paulino, a Independente, a Dragões também. Fico feliz, porque alguém que defendeu o clube por tantos anos, está aqui para fazer seu melhor – disse Rogério Ceni, em entrevista coletiva.

Nesta semana, a Independente, principal torcida organizada do São Paulo, soltou uma nota na qual defendia o trabalho de Rogério e criticava os jogadores pelo desempenho ruim neste começo de ano.

-A dedicação de todos aqui não se discute. Fico feliz, alguém que tentou sempre fazer o melhor pelo clube, é sempre positivo quando você é aplaudido pela sua torcida. Agradeço de coração a manifestação do torcedor – finalizou Ceni, que agora prepara o time para encarar a Ponte Preta, no próximo domingo (13), às 18h30, em Campinas.

Manchester City have had plenty of success under Pep Guardiola, with the legendary manager winning numerous trophies at the Etihad, including six Premier League titles.

However, after almost 10 years in Manchester, those behind the scenes may need to start thinking quickly about who they can bring in to replace Guardiola as Man City manager.

Pep Guardiola honours as Man City manager
Premier League (6)	2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
League Cup (4)	2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
FA Cup (2)	2019, 2023
Champions League (1)	2023
Club World Cup (1)	2024
UEFA Super Cup (1)	2024
Community Shield (3)	2018, 2019, 2024

All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)

How much each Premier League gaffer earns.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 21, 2025

Guardiola’s Man City contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season as things stand, and he hasn’t hidden his desire to manage an international team in the future.

So who could Man City target to replace Guardiola? We’ve taken a look at 10 potential candidates.

Next Man City manager odds (Sky Bet – selected markets)
Manager	Current team	Odds
Michel	Girona	4/1 fav
Xabi Alonso	Bayer Leverkusen	4/1 fav
Ruben Amorim	Sporting CP	4/1 fav
Vincent Kompany	Bayern Munich	8/1
Roberto De Zerbi	Marseille	16/1
Marco Rose	RB Leipzig	18/1
Zinedine Zidane	n/a	18/1
Mikel Arteta	Arsenal	20/1
Mauricio Pochettino	USA	20/1
Luis Enrique	Paris Saint-Germain	20/1
Ange Postecoglou	Tottenham	20/1
Eddie Howe	Newcastle	20/1
Ernesto Valverde	Athletic Club	20/1
Sebastian Hoeness	VfB Stuttgart	20/1
Odds correct as of 22nd October 2024

1

Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has been catching the eye across Europe after the work he has done with the Bundesliga side.

Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023/24, becoming Germany’s first-ever ‘Invincible’ side. He has been linked with Man City to replace Guardiola, so it’s no surprise to see him backed as a strong candidate.

2

Ruben Amorim

Sporting CP

Another manager who has been heavily linked to replace Guardiola at Man City is Ruben Amorim, who is currently with Sporting CP.

The Portuguese boss has drawn praise from Guardiola in the past, who said last year that Amorim “is one of the best at the moment”.

However, close rivals Manchester United have also been linked with Amorim to succeed Erik ten Hag, so City may need to act relatively fast over the coming months if they feel Amorim is the right man.

Next Man Utd manager: Who could replace Erik ten Hag?

Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United – so who could take over the reins at Old Trafford?

2

By
Stephan Georgiou

Oct 28, 2024

3

Vincent Kompany

Bayern Munich

With a statue outside the Etihad, a return to Man City in the dugout for former captain Vincent Kompany would be a fairytale.

The Belgian has been making strides in management after winning the Championship title with Burnley. He was unable to keep the Clarets in the Premier League before leaving for Bayern Munich in the summer, and will now be learning what it is like to lead one of Europe’s best sides.

Should he impress in Munich, City chiefs may see him as a potential candidate to come in.

4

Michel

Girona

One of the favourites to replace Guardiola at Man City is Girona boss Michel, with the La Liga side a part of the City Football Group.

The relationship between City and Girona could therefore help in a potential deal, with Michel guiding his current side to Champions League qualification last season.

Champions League: 2024/25 league phase standings

Here are the final standings following the conclusion of the league phase in the new-look Champions League.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Jan 23, 2025

5

Luis Enrique

Paris Saint-Germain

If experience is what City are after following Guardiola’s eventual departure, Luis Enrique could be a standout candidate.

The former AS Roma, Barcelona and Spain manager is currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the treble in his first season with the French giants.

Enrique also won numerous honours with Barcelona including the Champions League, so he could be a safe pair of hands to come in.

6

Sebastian Hoeness

VfB Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness reportedly turned down Manchester United over the summer – something which would immediately make him liked on the blue side of the city.

The 42-year-old has been working his way up in management, taking charge of RB Leipzig’s and Bayern Munich’s youth teams before getting the Hoffenheim job in 2020.

Hoeness finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich in his first season with Stuttgart, so he could be someone on City’s radar.

7

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal

Arguably the most controversial appointment on the list would be Mikel Arteta, who was previously Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad before joining Arsenal.

In recent years, Arteta and Guardiola have gone head-to-head in the Premier League title race, with City coming out on top.

However, should Guardiola extend his stay in Manchester for a few more years and Arsenal fall away slightly, perhaps City could look at a dramatic move for Arteta.

8

Xavi

Free agent (last job: Barcelona)

Xavi Hernandez is currently out of work so could be a relatively straightforward appointment for City chiefs. His first taste of management came in Qatar with Al-Sadd before spending three years in charge of Barcelona.

He won La Liga in 2022/23 before leaving the Nou Camp in 2024 and is someone who Guardiola knows well during their time with the Catalan giants.

9

Simone Inzaghi

Inter

Man City and Guardiola got the better of Simone Inzaghi and Inter in their famous Champions League final triumph in 2023, but he too could be another potential replacement at the Etihad.

Inzaghi has gained plenty of experience in the dugout with Inter and Lazio, winning nine senior honours as a manager.

Guardiola couldn’t beat Inzaghi in the Champions League back in September, though, with Man City left frustrated in a 0-0 draw with the Nerazzurri.

10

Roberto De Zerbi

Marseille

Former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi was seen by some as the natural successor to Guardiola during his time in England.

However, the Italian surprisingly left the Seagulls earlier in 2024 and has since taken over at Marseille. Guardiola recently hailed De Zerbi as “one of the most influential managers in [the] last 20 years”, so if he has a say on who his successor is, perhaps De Zerbi’s name will come up in conversation.

Patrick Dorgu sent out a transfer message for Manchester United as he prepared to take the flight to England.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Dorgu sent a transfer message to Man Utd
• Prepares to take England-bound flight
• Man Utd to pay €35m (£29.3m/$36m) for the defender

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 20-year-old left-back is all set to complete his move to Manchester United from Lecce as he prepares to travel to England on Saturday. On his way to the Lecce airport, Dorgu was approached by Italian journalist Gianlu Vico. The player conveyed his greeting to the Lecce fans and shared a short message for Manchester United as he said: "Manchester a great opportunity."

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Red Devils are all set to shell out €35m (£29.3m/$36m) for the young full-back as they look to strengthen the left side of their backline. The left-back position has been a troublesome one for the club in recent years, due to the long-term injuries of Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. Ruben Amorim will now hope that the issues will be over with the signing of the Denmark international.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PATRICK DORGU?

  After reaching England, Dorgu will undergo a medical before formally putting pen to paper on United's contract.

Manchester United are back in contact with a potential Erik ten Hag successor as they look to plan for all eventualities, it has been claimed.

Erik ten Hag running out of time

It is no secret that Ten Hag is under massive pressure at Old Trafford, just months after signing a new deal with the Red Devils.

If the FA Cup win against Manchester City papered over cracks in his management, playstyle and results, then the opening part of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign has widened those cracks to chasms.

Man Utd ace who left for only £16m is now outperforming the whole club

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled at Manchester United this season.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 14, 2024

His return of eight points in seven games is the worst in Manchester United’s Premier League history, breaking a record he himself set 12 months ago, a clear demonstration that his side are going firmly in the wrong direction.

Currently 14th in the Premier League, Manchester United have won just twice and for his side’s most recent 0-0 draw with Aston Villa he dropped almost all of the signings he has made to date, with Lisandro Martinez, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Antony all among the substitutes.

Clearly, a decision has to be made soon as United’s early blip threatens to derail their season, and now it seems that the United hierarchy are sounding out replacements once more.

Man Utd back in contact with "exceptional" manager

Now, TBR report that Manchester United have reopened contacts with free agent manager Thomas Tuchel as INEOS are “drawing up contingency plans” should they decide to sack Ten Hag.

The former Chelsea man, dubbed “exceptional” by Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley on X, has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayern Munich at the end of last season and was strongly linked with the Manchester United job over the summer.

Now, it has been reported that talks are back on, and that “Tuchel’s people have had contact once again” from the Red Devils as Ten Hag remains under scrutiny.

Thomas Tuchel’s PL record vs Erik ten Hag

Thomas Tuchel

Erik ten Hag

Games

63

83

Wins

35

43

Win %

56%

52%

Points per game

1.94

1.72

Goals scored per game

1.73

1.45

Goals against per game

0.87

1.31

On paper, it would certainly be an upgrade; during his time in the Premier League, Tuchel’s Chelsea averaged more points per game, more goals scored, and fewer goals conceded than Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United has currently produced.

England role complicates Man Utd move for Tuchel

One thing that may have prompted a resurgence in talks between Manchester United and Tuchel is the potential vacancy to manage the England national team, with the German firmly in the frame for the job.

Current interim boss Lee Carsley has done little to suggest that he wants or deserves the role on a full-time basis, and German outlet Bild report that Tuchel is “in talks to become the next England manager”, which would prevent him taking up the post at Old Trafford.

The role has been vacant since Gareth Southgate’s departure after a second consecutive EURO final defeat, and the FA will be looking to fill it in the not too distant future, which could leave Tuchel with a choice to make on his future.

For his part, he is thought to be keen on the Manchester United role, but they may have to move quickly to ensure his head isn’t turned by the lure of the Three Lions.

Ipswich Town were given a humbling reminder of the task that remains in front of them this Premier League season at the weekend, with survival the main aim for the Tractor Boys when the campaign is over and done with.

Kieran McKenna’s men can’t afford to pick up many more defeats like the 4-1 loss they suffered at the hands of West Ham United last match if they are to keep their heads above water, as Jarrod Bowen and Co cruised to a straightforward victory to give the Suffolk outfit an almighty wake-up call.

The despondent Ipswich boss will just be glad he has Liam Delap at his disposal up top, who scored another top-flight goal against the Hammers for his new employers, after leaving Manchester City behind this summer.

Liam Delap's form this season

Delap is already on four goals from seven Premier League appearances for his new employers, with his recent brace against Aston Villa, in particular, standing out, as the electric 21-year-old terrorised Unai Emery’s men at the back just before their famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

There would have been a worry that Delap wouldn’t instantly hit the ground running when first making the switch, specifically when you glance at his previous mixed form in the EFL away from Pep Guardiola’s men on loan.

However, the 21-year-old looks to be every bit the prolific striker he was at youth level in Manchester in the senior game in Suffolk.

Delap’s goal record across his career

Club played for

Games

Goals

Ipswich

8

4

Hull City

32

8

Stoke City

23

3

Preston North End

15

1

Man City

6

1

Man City U21s

36

35

Man City U18s

17

11

Sourced by Transfermarkt

He would only need 20 touches of the ball last time at the London Stadium to fire home a strike, and that killer instinct could prove to be crucial for McKenna’s men, as they strive to pick up some huge results that could see them stay up in the Premier League.

That is a massive ask, with Ipswich well aware of how huge the gulf in quality between the Championship and the top flight is, but Delap will want to play a leading role in his side’s survival story if he can.

In an alternate reality, however, McKenna could have called upon a different face altogether to lead the line against Julen Lopetegui’s hosts, who Ipswich were incessantly linked with all transfer window.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Expand Collapse Who Ipswich nearly signed over Delap

Whilst the Ipswich number 19 has taken to his new surroundings in Suffolk like a duck to water, a certain Armando Broja hasn’t graced the pitch whatsoever for the Toffees to date, owing to an injury problem keeping him sidelined.

Although Ipswich’s interest in this player would go on right up until transfer deadline day, according to reports, Broja was a target regularly linked with a switch to Portman Road before this nail-biting occasion, even before Delap made his move official in July.

All the way back in May of this year, it was reported that that the Tractor Boys were keen on the Albanian’s services, but nothing would come of these rumours, despite talk in the window suggesting that a £30m deal was even done at one point.

This would have been a risky transfer to get over the line, not just when taking into account the excessive fee involved, but also when you consider Broja’s previous ineffectiveness in front of goal in the top flight, with just eight strikes in the division managed from 66 games.

Broja was hyped up by Mauricio Pochettino as a talent with “amazing potential” when he nurtured the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge, but the Tractor Boys will be relieved they didn’t win his signature in the end, as Everton eventually snapped him up.

Ipswich, instead, won ex-Man City starlet Delap for £20m, which is looking to be an excellent bit of business already, based on his ever-growing goal tally for his relegation-threatened side in the league.

Related McKenna must now drop 5/10 Ipswich star who lost possession 17 times

Kieran McKenna would have been very disappointed with Ipswich Town’s display at West Ham United.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Oct 6, 2024

Chris Gayle has thanked injured West Indies captain Kieron Pollard for a pre-match “pep talk” after he emerged from his lean run with a reminder of him at his best, scoring 67 off 38 balls to wrap up the series against Australia.Gayle came into the match having made 102 runs in nine innings since his recall earlier in the year against Sri Lanka and hadn’t struck a T20I half-century since 2016. That all changed in a display that brought seven sixes, including three in a row off Adam Zampa, and during the innings he went past 14000 T20 runs.Related

• Chris Gayle's onslaught gives West Indies series win

• Can Gayle break out of the funk and reach the end goal of a third world title?

“It’s a great journey,” he said at the presentation. “I’m so happy and so pleased to get a series win first of all. I just want to commend the stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran for winning a fantastic series against a great team. To Kieron Pollard, he played a big part as well even though he played in none of these games. You all knew I was struggling with the bat and to be able to get some runs today was very pleasing.”I want to dedicate this half-century and milestone to West Indies, my team-mates, especially Kieron Pollard. We had a team meeting before the game and…he let me know where I stand within this team and he wanted me to go and express myself. So I’m very grateful for that pep talk because sometimes it doesn’t matter how great you are, you need a bit of a talk sometimes.”I have to commend those senior guys, they played a fantastic part with what happened today. With this strength and unity, we’re playing some great all-round cricket and I’m really pleased to win this series.”Gayle then went into full Universe Boss mode and spoke of his desire to help West Indies defend their T20 World Cup title in the UAE in October.Chris Gayle – “Just respect the Universe Boss, let him play cricket and have some fun”•AFP/Getty Images

“My main focus is the World Cup,” he said. “Don’t mind the numbers, Chris Gayle not getting the runs, soon to be 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle on the field still, hopefully Chris will last as long as possible. Cherish those moments, commentators don’t put up no stats about Chris Gayle not scoring a half-century. Just respect the Universe Boss, let him play cricket and have some fun. Enjoy the moment with Chris Gayle, a strong West Indies team and some good youngsters.”After the second match, Dwayne Bravo said that Gayle’s presence was more than about just runs, citing the calmness and experience he brings to the dressing room. Gayle explained after this innings that he and Bravo will often split the batting and bowling advice while coach Phil Simmons lauded Gayle’s role in the team environment.

Watch cricket on ESPN+

West Indies v Australia is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match.

“We’ve seen what he’s been doing in practice, seen what he’s done in IPL in the UAE where the World Cup will be played and we thought this was a role he could fill for us,” Simmons told the host broadcaster. “He started badly as it was highlighted, but we know where his heart is and today he showed what we insisted he can do. Nice to see him back in a bit of nick. He was absolutely happy tonight, he’s always wanted to do well for West Indies and tonight he showed why we are backing him.”He’s unbelievable in the dressing room. He doesn’t shout and scream – well he does when he has too – but he offers advice quietly. We have him as a mentor added to him playing. He’s allowed to say what he as to say and when he speaks all of us listen because there’s no greater T20 player that’s passed through the world. That’s a huge part of having him there, not just the runs.”