Growing chance Tottenham make January bid for starlet after Antonio Nusa

There is reportedly a "growing chance" that we could see Tottenham make a late January bid to sign another "exciting" player.

Spurs linked with Nusa amid busy January window

Earlier this week, widespread reports shared news of Spurs opening talks to sign Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa.

"Very exciting" player wants to leave Tottenham after Ivan Perisic

There’s been a plethora of outgoings at Spurs this month, and more could follow.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 20, 2024

The claim first broke from Belgium and HLN, before media sources closer to home started to back the potential transfer. Alasdair Gold is one of them, with the football.london correspondent relaying Tottenham want Nusa in a buy-to-loan-back deal.

The move would be similar to those of Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr, whom Spurs completed deals for and sent back to their clubs before joining later on.

Nusa is regarded by some as one of Europe's most exciting young talents, so this would be quite the coup for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and the recruitment team.

Tottenham have already sealed deals for Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin this month while shipping many unwanted players out the door on loan.

Another player who has been widely linked is Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, with journalist Dean Jones sharing what he's heard to GiveMeSport.

Growing chance Spurs make Gallagher bid

According to the reporter, there is a growing chance Spurs will bid for Gallagher before February 1, but he also has a message of caution.

“We’re now getting into the late stages of the transfer window, and this was the point at which Tottenham would always find out just how much intent there was for Chelsea to sell," said Jones.

Conor Gallagher for Chelsea

“Tottenham are surprised that this one has been able to linger on. They thought a contract would be signed by now, and he’d be out of reach. But it hasn't happened, and because of that, I think there is a growing chance that they will go and put a bid in for Gallagher. But we should understand that if that bid goes in, it means that there have been intermediaries testing it out to see whether he is gettable.”

The 23-year-old has starred under Mauricio Pochettino this season, starting the vast majority of games and proving hugely influential in the final third as well.

Gallagher is currently tied with Cole Palmer for league assists at Chelsea, and statistical website WhoScored details that he's their current best-performer per 90 by average match rating.

Cole Palmer

Postecoglou is believed to "really" appreciate the Englishman, according to Fabrizio Romano, so this move could well be one to watch as we approach the latter stages of this transfer window.

Gallagher has also been called "exciting" by members of the press (Karl Matchett).

Sky Sports: Liverpool keen on "special" 4-2-3-1 manager to replace Klopp

Liverpool are believed to be interested in bringing in a "special" and "unique" manager as Jurgen Klopp's replacement, according to a new update.

Liverpool manager latest

Reds supporters are still trying to process the news that Klopp will be departing at the end of the season, following his shock revelation on Friday. The 56-year-old seemingly feels as though he has come as far as he can, in terms of being at his best and providing the maximum amount of energy in the job, not wanting to stay on past his sell-by date.

It is arguably one of the biggest managerial stories in years, with many expecting him to remain as Liverpool boss until at least 2026, and FSG now have the huge task of finding a successor, which could be one of the hardest jobs any owner has had in some time.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as a front-runner to take charge at Anfield this summer, with the Spaniard working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen currently, guiding his side to the top of the Bundesliga table, albeit only by two points after Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Ange Postecoglou and Julian Nagelsmann have also been backed as contenders, too, and now another name has been thrown into the mix.

Liverpool want Roberto De Zerbi

According to a new update from Sky Sports Italia, Liverpool are keen on making Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi their next manager, with FSG monitoring him closely.

The 44-year-old has impressed greatly in his current role since replacing Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium, and he looks to be a strong contender to come in and fill the huge void that will be left by Klopp.

De Zerbi certainly stands out as a great option for Liverpool, not only because he has shone so much at Brighton to date, but due to his style of play having similarities to Klopp, in terms of relentless pressing and possession-based football. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a big admirer, too, recently saying of him:

"20 years is many years but the way I've seen I've never seen in 20 years. He's so special and unique. Using the keeper as a main process to move the opponents I've never seen for a long time. Young players with Ferguson, Enciso, Buonanotte, many experienced ones. How they commit, that helps create the space for the players to get the ball. It's so nice to watch."

This is high praise from Klopp's biggest managerial rival during his time at Liverpool, further showing why De Zerbi, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, could be the ideal choice to come in, and he is undefeated in four matches against the Reds, winning and drawing two games apiece.

Liverpool could replace Klopp with 50 y/o UCL winner

This high-profile manager is believed to hold a deep admiration for Liverpool.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 28, 2024

The general consensus does seem to be that Alonso is the standout option, however, knowing the club so well and understanding the city, not to mention looking like one of the most exciting young managers in European football currently.

‘Not even Lionel Messi was at this level’ – Barcelona & Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal ‘can’t be compared to anyone’ after shattering more records at 16 years of age

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal “can’t be compared to anyone”, says Fernando Llorente, as “not even Lionel Messi was at this level at that age”.

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  • Youngster rewriting the history books
  • Another La Masia academy graduate
  • Starring for club & country in his teens
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Yamal, who has followed Messi out of the famed La Masia academy system in Catalunya, continues to rewrite the history books at 16 years of age. Having already broken several records with Barca and Spain, he has now become the youngest player to start a European Championship game and provide an assist at that tournament.

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    Those marks were hit during a Euro 2024 opener against Croatia, with Yamal catching the eye in an impressive 3-0 victory for La Roja. The precociously-gifted forward will not turn 17 until July 13, with remarkable heights being hit by one so young.

  • WHAT LLORENTE SAID

    Former Spain international Llorente has told of Yamal’s rapid rise and why he could be considered to sit above all-time greats at this stage of his career: “Not even Messi was at this level at that age. Lamine Yamal does extraordinary things. He can’t be compared to anyone.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?

    Yamal made his senior debut for Barca at 15 and has already passed 50 competitive appearances for the Liga giants. He has eight caps and two goals for his country, with comparisons to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi seemingly never far away.

Douglas Luiz to Juventus is on! Medical booked in for Aston Villa & Brazil star as five-year contract agreed – with girlfriend Alisha Lehmann set to join him in Turin

Douglas Luiz is set to join Juventus on a five-year contract, with a medical already booked in for the Aston Villa and Brazil star.

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  • Luiz to leave Aston Villa
  • Signing for Juve on deal until 2029
  • Currently with Brazil at Copa America
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Luiz will undergo a medical on behalf of Juventus in the United States next week, before officially signing for the club through to 2029. The Aston Villa midfielder is currently in the U.S. with the Brazil national team squad for the Copa America.

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    Juve are paying €25m (£21m/$26m) for Luiz, who was one of Villa's standout players during their run to a fourth place Premier League finish last season. The report adds that Juventus duo Samuel Iling Junior and Enzo Barrenechea will be heading to Villa as part of a separate transaction worth €22m (£19m/$23m).

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    Luiz is set to be joined in Turin by his girlfriend and fellow Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann. A separate report from says that the Switzerland women's international is 'about to move' to Juve and is expected to undergo her own medical in Italy ahead of a permanent move away from the WSL.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR LUIZ?

    Luiz will currently be focused on Brazil's first group stage game at the Copa America, which will see them take on Costa Rica on Monday. It is possible that Luiz could be stationed in the U.S through to the end of July, with Brazil among the favourites to win the tournament, but he will link up with his new team-mates at Juventus for pre-season once his international duties are finished for the summer.

Newcastle could sign their Miguel Almiron replacement for £0

Newcastle haven't had the best of seasons throughout the 2023/24 campaign. Despite gaining qualification for the Champions League last year, Eddie Howe's men seem to have had a fall from grace.

Within the Magpies' squad, there have been little to no standout players within the team. Alexander Isak tops the list for most goals scored with 14, whilst Calum Wilson sits second with eight goals.

Although Isak's numbers are solid, his reliability often comes into question due to the amount of injuries he seems to suffer.

Since joining Newcastle in the summer of 2022 for a fee worth around £63m, he has missed a total of 24 games due to injury. Additionally, with previous clubs, the Sweden international also has a long line of games missed.

Another player who hasn't performed to the standard expected of him is Miguel Almiron. The Paraguay international has played a total of 33 games this season and only amassed one assist.

So, it should come as no surprise that the 29-year-old is being linked with a move away from Tyneside.

Newcastle looking to replace Almiron

Newcastle's moves in the transfer market have likely been much more restrained than they would've liked this season. This is largely due to FFP requirements needing to be met.

An array of talent within the Magpies' squad were linked with moves away over the January transfer window with the futures of Kieran Trippier and Wilson each being discussed.

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier.

One name which Fabrizio Romano has mentioned Newcastle could have on their radar is that of Arsenal youngster, Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Although Arsenal reportedly have 'talks ongoing' with the 18-year-old, this hasn't stopped some of Europe's elite circling around the winger.

Clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Ajax are all set out to battle Howe's side for the acquisition of Cozier-Duberry. To make the deal even sweeter for the Magpies, the Arsenal starlet's contract is set to expire in June 2024 and thus could be prised away on a free.

This makes a deal more viable for Newcastle as they would not have to spend any money on Cozier-Duberry, meaning they would still be in line with FFP.

Amario Cozier-Duberry's career in numbers

Although the winger is yet to make his debut for Mikel Arteta's senior side, the numbers he has put in with the youth side are nothing short of staggering.

This season alone, Cozier-Duberry has been involved in a total of nine goals across all competitions whilst only playing a total of 13 games.

Amario Cozier-Duberry for Arsenal.

His seasons prior to this also make for good reading, as, across both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, he has contributed to a total of 28 goals in just 56 games.

This averages out as a goal every other game, which, for a player of his age, is outstanding. He has even been hailed as 'unplayable' by former Arsenal man, Jack Wilshere.

"He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he's definitely exciting," Wilshere said.

"In some moments he's unplayable, you give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you've got individuals like that you've got a chance."

If Arsenal don't manage to agree new terms with the youngster, there is no doubt that he would be an incredible poach for Newcastle.

His versatility makes him the ideal replacement for Almiron as he has played on either wing and even in attacking midfield. With the talent he possesses, it wouldn't be surprising if we saw him within a first-team squad sooner rather than later.

Crystal Palace struck gold on 2021 signing who’s now worth more than Olise

Crystal Palace has been the home to many talented players with the club developing the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from their own academy.

In addition, they have even managed to poach talented prospects from other teams' academies, such as Malcolm Ebiowei and Luke Plange.

However, as in the cases of Zaha and Wan-Bissaka, players often think that the grass is greener elsewhere and wish to take on a new challenge as The Eagles are more often than not battling relegation.

Crystal Palace'sWilfriedZaha

In three of their last five Premier League seasons, Crystal Palace have finished in 14th place, which, for most of England's top-flight players, isn't good enough. Hence, why they seem to lose their most talented prospects each season.

However, one anomaly to this theme is their current player, Marc Guehi. The centre-back was bought by the Eagles in the summer of 2021 for a fee worth around £18m. Upon joining the club, the then 21-year-old was put straight into their starting XI and has never looked back.

Marc Guehi's season in numbers

The 2023/24 season has been yet another season of growth and development for the 23-year-old as he has managed to appear 26 times for his club, even getting an assist in the Premier League.

Guehi has appeared 22 times in the league this term and has missed just one game as he was left absent from the squad during their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on the 16th September.

marc-guehi-transfer-gossip-crystal-palace-arsenal-edu-arteta-sol-campbell

According to Sofascore, the defender has managed to contribute to four clean sheets in this year's edition of the Premier League which puts him ahead of players such as Casemiro, Ruben Dias and Kostas Tsimikas.

This outlines how important he has been to Roy Hodgson's side this season with this being further backed up by Sofascore who claim that, in England's top flight, Guehi has managed to make 1.2 tackles per game and recover 5.1 balls.

Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig has even branded the centre-back as a 'beast' following his performances against Manchester City in 2022.

Regarding his international appearances, although he hasn't yet appeared in a competitive fixture for England this term, the youngster has been in the squad on two occasions for friendlies against both Australia and Scotland.

Marc Guehi's market value in 2024

As with all players who perform to a high standard, there have been many rumours floating around about who Guehi could join at the end of the campaign.

One club who has been consistently linked with the England international is Tottenham. Spurs have had a stellar start to life under Ange Postecoglu as they currently sit in fifth in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

The London-based club are one of only two teams to have triumphed over Liverpool in the Premier League this season, which showcases the talent their squad possesses.

However, although a move seems very tempting for a player of Guehi's quality, his value may become something of a stumbling block if a transfer is arranged.

Inceed according to transfer expert, Dean Jones, The Eagles could demand a fee in the region of £100m for the youngster whose deal doesn't expire until 2026.

A fee valued in this region would make Guehi's value higher than that of his fellow Crystal Palace teammate, Michael Olise.

Olise was a major talking point across the world of football in over the winter. Teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal were each vying for his transfer and are still reportedly looking into the acquisition of the youngster.

The winger is currently rated at around £60m as this is the reported sum of his release clause which was negotiated into the new deal he signed with The Eagles midway through 2023.

That means, if Crystal Palace manage to generate anywhere near the reported amount that they want for Guehi, the £18m they paid in 2021 will be seen as a 'jackpot' of an investment.

Mason Greenwood's future tasks fresh twist as Man Utd forward holds ‘positive’ talks over move to Marseille to link up with Roberto De Zerbi

There has been a fresh twist in the Mason Greenwood transfer saga, with the Manchester United forward holding “positive” talks with Marseille.

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  • Starred on loan at Getafe last season
  • Linked with clubs across Europe
  • Move to France may be on the cards
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 22-year-old has been linked with clubs across Europe since starring on loan at Getafe in the 2023-24 campaign. He was named Player of the Year there after registering 10 goals, with the La Liga outfit understandably keen to put another deal in place.

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    They are considered to sit some way down the recruitment pecking order, with the likes of Juventus, Lazio, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid all being credited with interest. United are expected to sanction another move in the summer transfer window, with there no way back for Greenwood at Old Trafford.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    According to , Ligue 1 giants Marseille have joined the race for Greenwood’s signature. They are said to have “held positive dialogue” with the one-cap England international – who is now favouring a move to France after previously expressing a desire to return to Spain.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    A switch to Marseille could see Greenwood work with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, as he is lined up to take the reins at Stade Velodrome. United, though, are in no rush to sanction a sale and could welcome a product of their famed academy system back into Erik ten Hag's squad for the start of pre-season training before any deal is done – with there still the option to trigger a 12-month contract extension and put another loan agreement in place.

Chelsea eyeing "outstanding" new wonderkid if they can’t get Osimhen

Chelsea are on the hunt for a striker, and have lined up Victor Osimhen as their no.1 target this summer. Should they fail, however, they have another target in mind.

Blues still struggling under Pochettino

Despite more excessive spending over the summer, Chelsea are yet to truly click under Mauricio Pochettino. Marooned in midtable in the Premier League, they have begun to bridge the gap to the European football chasers and also reached the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Liverpool in February in a bid for their first silverware of Todd Boehly's regime.

But there are still plenty of issues, with a clinical striker seemingly top of the next Chelsea transfer wishlist. Only Cole Palmer has managed to hit double figures this season so far, while Nicolas Jackson has found the net nine times but has also been guilty of missing several times that many chances in front of goal.

Name

Goals this season (Domestic)

Cole Palmer

12

Nicolas Jackson

9

Raheem Sterling

7

Enzo Fernandez

7

Noni Madueke

4

As a result, there is a widespread expectation that they will add a new no.9 before the new season, casting doubt on the futures of Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana, both of whom are out on loan.

Osimhen the priority, but who is the alternative?

High among their potential targets is Nigeria and Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen, and the striker would not be against a move to Stamford Bridge if reports are to be believed, while a £113m release clause could make a deal easier.

However, Paris Saint Germain are also thought to be chasing the striker, a hunt that will only intensify following the recent news that Kylian Mbappe will be leaving the club in the summer. Reports suggest that PSG have made Osimhen their no.1 target to replace the World Cup winner, which could re-ignite the transfer war that has been taking place between PSG and the Blues since Boehly's arrival.

As a result, Chelsea are eyeing up alternatives and as per Nizaar Kinsella, they may turn back to Brighton to explore a move for Evan Ferguson.

The Brighton striker shot to prominence last season and is considered one of the hottest young talents available despite having had a difficult season for Roberto De Zerbi's side. Dubbed "outstanding" by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, he is valued in excess of £100m and penned a new contract at the AMEX stadium earlier in the season, with Brighton keen to fight off interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Of course, Chelsea and Brighton have history. The Blues have made a habit of targeting both players (Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez) and staff (Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay) in deals that have so far worked out better for the south coast side than the west Londoners.

Also among their targets is Ivan Toney, but they will likely face Arsenal competition for the Brentford striker should they solidify their transfer interest. Like so many teams in the top flight this summer though, the Blues are putting a goalscorer top of their transfer list.

'Tottenham vs Arsenal in New York?!' – Premier League matches in America scrutinised by ex-Spurs star who sounds police and player travel warning

Talk of Premier League games being taken to America continues to rage, with Darren Anderton speculating on Tottenham facing Arsenal in the States.

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  • Competitive fixtures in America being mooted
  • English game eager to expand global appeal
  • Several hurdles to clear before deal is possible
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    With many top sides in England eager to expand their global appeal, pre-season tours in far-flung destinations have become common. Many teams head to the U.S. – with there an ever-growing market to exploit there – with even Wrexham treading that path now that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are at the helm.

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    Birmingham have reportedly seen a request to take a League One clash with Wrexham across the Atlantic knocked back, but the Premier League is said to be exploring ways of playing a competitive fixture outside of the United Kingdom – with American sports such as the NFL, NBA and MLB having shown what can be achieved when spreading collective wings.

  • WHAT ANDERTON SAID

    There appears to be little chance of such a deal being sanctioned any time soon, with former Spurs and Birmingham winger Anderton – speaking in association with – telling GOAL when asked about Premier League games on foreign soil: “I don’t know how it will work. It obviously works for the NFL coming the other way, and they are always talking about ‘will there be a team in London?’. It may well happen. It would be a nice trip if it was in New York or something.”

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Ex-England international Anderton added on the issues that organising a game a long way from home would cause: “Maybe Tottenham vs Arsenal, people from London go over to New York for the weekend – I’m not sure the police would like it! People love watching the Premier League over there, so it is probably something that they would love. I’m not sure how managers, players, owners would see it. As players, you travel and stay in hotels anyway, but if you had to go seven/eight hours on a plane to play a game, it would feel very bizarre. But the game is changing, the money and everything about it. It could happen but I don’t see it happening for a very long time.”

The West Ham flop who was worse than Scamacca & cost £3.5m per goal

West Ham United have a weekend of preparation ahead as David Moyes' side host Brentford on Monday night in the Premier League, with anything other than victory an acute threat to the Scotsman's tenure.

It has not, it must be said, been an auspicious-feeling start to 2024, with a promising campaign – the lads emboldened off the back of triumph in the Europa Conference League last June – slipping into a more worrying arena of performance, last weekend's 2-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest the eighth fixture on the trot without victory.

That elusive winning feeling has allowed West Ham's divisional rivals for European qualification to close ground and climb up the table, with second-tier Bristol City also beating United in the FA Cup third round.

West Ham striker Danny Ings.

One big factor behind West Ham's recent issues – the crux, perhaps – has been the lack of goal threat up front, with Michail Antonio injured for large portions of the campaign and Danny Ings yet to find the back of the net.

Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are high-class attacking outlets but neither are natural centre-forwards, and Moyes will certainly be rueing the misfire on Gianluca Scamacca, who should be leading the line at London Stadium to this day.

The fee West Ham paid for Gianluca Scamacca

West Ham signed Scamacca from Serie A side Sassuolo for no small sum of £35.5m back in July 2022, having enjoyed season-on-season growth under Moyes' tutelage.

Scamacca, who was 23 at the time, was viewed as the long-term solution to a centre-forward spot that had seen varied levels of success across an interminable period, having posted 16 goals from 36 appearances in the Italian top-flight the season prior, just 25 of those from the outset.

Injury ruled the Italy international out for most of the latter half of the 2022/23 season but while he bagged eight goals from 27 matches in all competitions, starting just 16 times, Scamacca only struck three goals in the Premier League.

He was branded "miserable" by pundit Chris Sutton and, clearly homesick and unable to settle, it was hardly a surprise when Atalanta completed a £27m deal for his signature back in August, ending a wholly forgettable stint in England.

Reporter Carlo Garganese even remarked that the 25-year-old was "destroyed by Moyes", such was his incongruity within the oft-tagged 'pragmatic' style of play.

Admittedly, Moyes is a winner and was keen to make that known himself when recently questioned about his future, but Scamacca was not the answer in the end despite arriving with a weight of expectation and the insidious fallout of this has left the Hammers struggling at present.

It's a long list of misfires, Ings joined from Aston Villa for £15m in January 2023, but that hasn't worked either.

Gianluca Scamacca looks dejected for West Ham.

When will the club get it right? They have shown their astuteness in the market during this chapter but signing a reliable striker during the summer window is imperative for future fluency.

Scamacca might have been a poor addition in hindsight but he's certainly not the worst, with Sebastian Haller, now adored by the general football fan after his battles and silver-laden resurgence, unable to make his mark in east London despite arriving with a lofty transfer fee and a wave of excitement.

West Ham's signing of Sebastian Haller

Haller came before. Signed for a club-record £45m in July 2019, six months before Moyes' return to the club, the Ivorian star had scored 20 goals and supplied 12 assists during the 2018/19 season with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Marko Arnautovic and Chicharito had both left London Stadium that summer and a striker was a necessity.

Former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller.

It was a real statement of intent under Manuel Pellegrini after a tenth-place Premier League finish in 2018/19 denoted the squad's potential, but it didn't work out and Haller was at the epicentre of a landslide that resulted in the Chilean's sacking and Moyes' return.

Sebastian Haller's West Ham career

In total, Haller clinched 14 goals and three assists across 54 matches for West Ham but failed to live up to the impact made in the seasons before his transfer to England.

Described as a "handful" by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, Haller did have his qualities and was an aerial monster, but he only completed 66% of his passes and won 40% of his ground duels across his first campaign in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, and was unable to mesh it all together.

Former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller.

Admittedly, he might have cut an isolated figure in the box and that's not entirely his fault, with a lack of reliable service inhibiting his attacking fluidity.

But, alas, it didn't work out, and when Moyes took to the dugout once again he started to slump, scoring just three goals from 16 Premier League appearances during the first phase of the 2020/21 season, moving to Ajax that January for around £20m.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

His time at West Ham can only go down as a failure; a sizeable salary of £68k-per-week cost the club over £5m. Partner that with his £45m arrival fee, and he bled the Irons over £50m – or, in other words, around £3.5m per goal.

Haller's post-West Ham journey

Haller's sale was believed to be down to his discordance in Moyes' system while showing a lack of eagerness to adjust to the style.

Moving to Ajax, though, Haller restored his career in some style, plundering 47 goals and 16 assists across 66 matches – including 11 goals from just eight fixtures in the Champions League.

His exploits in the Netherlands led to a transfer to Borussia Dortmund, tasked with replacing Erling Haaland, but sadly, just weeks into his move, Haller had expressed discomfort and thought himself to be unwell, but within 24 hours a testicular cancer diagnosis had come back positive.

Sebastian Haller: Key Characteristics

Strengths

Weaknesses

Finishing

Defensive contribution

Passing

Ball retention

Source: WhoScored

The road to recovery began and the 29-year-old would miss much of the campaign but did return to score nine times in the Bundesliga before the close of the campaign.

At present, Haller is basking in the glory of scoring the winning goal as Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations final, making an illustrious comeback for the ages.

What a remarkable story. Ultimately, Haller's journey in east London didn't work out but no Irons supporter would begrudge him for his recent success, the AFCON-winning goal sure to have pulled the corner of a few mouths.

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