Everton Linked With Move For £50k-A-Week PL Defender

Everton are potentially interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

How much does Trevoh Chalobah earn?

The 24-year-old, who currently earns £50,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, has become a solid squad player for the Blues of late, albeit being part of a struggling team that unfathomably finished 12th in the Premier League last season.

Chalobah started 18 of his side's 38 league matches, averaging 2.2 clearances per game, but it remains to be seen what his current squad role is moving forward. In Levi Colwill, Chelsea have an exceptional young defensive talent who will surely push for regular playing time in 2023/24, while Axel Disasi has arrived from Monaco as well.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Englishman's current Blues deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2028, but it could be that Mauricio Pochettino doesn't see him as a key figure moving forward, meaning the club are willing to listen to offers for him before the current transfer window closes later this month.

That's where Everton come into play, as they continue to look at defensive reinforcements this summer, having lost Yerry Mina and also decided not to make Conor Coady's loan move from Wolves a permanent one.

Trevoh-Chalobah-Chelsea

Will Everton sign Trevoh Chalobah?

According to Football Insider, Everton are one of a host of clubs eyeing up a summer move for Chalobah, should he be allowed to leave Chelsea:

"Everton are among the sides plotting a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, sources have told Football Insider.

"It is believed the 24-year-old’s Stamford Bridge exit will now be accelerated after Levi Colwill was tied down to a new deal and the arrival of Monaco star Axel Disasi was announced.

"Everton are ready to pounce and secure a deal, while fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are also poised to join the race for Chalobah’s signature."

Chalobah could actually be a strong signing by Everton, at a time when a younger centre-back option could be ideal, considering James Tarkowski is now in his 30s. At 24, he should be heading towards his prime as a footballer, and the fact that he could become far more of a regular at Goodison Park than at Chelsea could entice him.

The three-time capped England Under-21 international has been praised by Graham Potter in the recent past, with the former Blues manager saying of him:

"He wasn’t in for the first couple of games, but acted perfectly: trained really well, very professional, very determined. He’s an impressive character, very focused on his football. He’s a bit of a soldier. He’s played in all the games, we’re having some problems in terms of availability for players, but he’s stood up, stood in and he’s performing at a really good level."

This further illustrated the many attributes Chalobah possesses as a footballer, and while he may not be the most sparkling of centre-backs around, he is someone who could immediately make Everton more of a force defensively, and act as a long-term signing who should only get better.

Tottenham Now Pushing To Sign "Magnificent" £41k-p/w Ace

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, however he has his sights set on a move to AS Monaco, with an agreement over a move to the French club now close, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Who are Tottenham signing this summer?

Tottenham are now close to completing a deal for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, with Fabrizio Romano reporting the Dutchman flew into London on Sunday, ahead of his medical tests, which are due to take place at some point today.

The deal is done and set to be announced early this week, but Ange Postecoglou remains in the market for another new centre-back, with Football Insider reporting a deal has been agreed for Blackburn Rovers' Ashley Phillips, although it is yet to be confirmed.

Spurs are also still in negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, but they are some way off the Bundesliga club's £40m valuation, and it appears as though he will not be brought in if the Van de Ven deal is confirmed.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Monaco are now very close to completing a move for Adarabioyo, who is being targeted as a replacement for Axel Disasi, but the Lilywhites are still in the running, and they are now pushing for his signature.

Fulham are said to have actually "instructed agents to take the defender to Tottenham", which indicates Spurs could still have a chance of overtaking Monaco in the race for the centre-back, but it does not appear likely.

The £41k-per-week defender has expressed his desire to move to Monaco, and both parties continue to be confident about completing a deal.

As such, it appears as though Tottenham may have to turn their attentions elsewhere, but they are blessed with alternative options, with Phillips and Van de Ven poised to move to north London.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

The Fulham ace ranks highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year, placing in the 76th percentile for aerials won per 90, when compared to his positional peers, and the 99th percentile for the number of clearances he has made.

In the Cottagers' 2022-23 Premier League campaign, the "magnificent" Manchester-born defender made 25 appearances, during which time he received an average Sofascore match rating of 6.89, the highest figure of any centre-back in the squad.

That said, the 25-year-old only has very limited experience in the top flight, considering his age, and it will not be too disappointing if Tottenham do miss out on his signature, as they have so many other defensive targets in mind.

Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo

With Van de Ven close to completing a move, Spurs are well-stocked at centre-back, as Postecoglou already has Cristian Romero at his disposal, while Phillips could be a fantastic back-up option, having been lauded as "amazing" by former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray.

Adarabioyo would no doubt provide the Lilywhites with depth at centre-back, but if he does complete a move to Monaco in the coming days, it is unlikely to phase Postecoglou.

Everton have real "interest" in signing 25-year-old star

Everton have already added some options in the final third this summer but the business may not be finished there. Journalist Paul Brown has spoken to GIVEMESPORT about the potential of landing a new attacking player from Serie A.

Could this signing make all the difference to Everton?

Everton to date have signed three attacking players to make up for the plight they endured in front of goal last season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been dealt with a rough run of injuries, including issues with his hamstring and knee in 2022/23, leaving the Toffees low on options for players to contribute going forward.

As a result, the trio of Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti have been brought in by Sean Dyche and co to steer Everton away from another relegation battle.

Harrison arrived on loan from Leeds United, Danjuma joined from Villarreal for the season after struggling to make an impact with Tottenham Hotspur last term and finally, 19-year-old Chermiti was bought from Sporting CP for just over £10 million.

The latest name being linked with Everton is Udinese forward Beto. In the last two league campaigns in Serie A he has hit double digits for goals, a feat he also achieved in his only full season with Portimonense.

At 6 foot 4 inches, Beto’s size could cause issues for a lot of Premier League defences and pose a similar threat to Calvert-Lewin, with the Englishman regularly sidelined with injuries.

Football Insider reported on the interest of Everton in the 25-year-old from Udinese and the fee to secure this deal would be in the region of £26 million, more than double what they have already spent on bringing Chermiti in.

What has Paul Brown had to say?

Journalist Paul Brown has given his opinion to GIVEMESPORT about the links between Everton and Udinese forward Beto.

"I haven't seen enough of Beto to know whether he's the right option for Everton, but I don't think talks are very advanced there.

"I know there's an interest but there's been an interest in several strikers around Europe, so how likely it is for this one to happen, I'm not sure yet. We will have to wait and see."

What else is going on at Everton?

As previously mentioned, the Toffees have been fairly busy this window already as they look to build a squad that can steer them away from any potential relegation battle.

Dyche may go back to Leeds for his transfer targets to follow up on the arrival of Harrison with a potential bid for the young Italian Wilfried Gnonto. He has been vocal about his desire to depart Elland Road following their relegation to the Championship and Jacque Talbot is reporting that a Goodison Park move is what he is pushing for.

Meanwhile, another goalkeeper could be brought to Merseyside in the form of Alex McCarthy. As per Jack Rosser, he may be allowed to leave Southampton on a free transfer due to his wages after they of course suffered relegation too.

Everton aren’t allow in their pursuit of the Saints shot-stopper though with Crystal Palace also monitoring the situation.

West Ham Step Up Interest In 20-Year-Old Attacker

West Ham have been linked with a move for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi in the summer transfer window and now a new update has emerged.

How good is Elye Wahi?

The 20-year-old is an exciting young prospect making a name for himself in France, having made the leap from Montpellier's B team back in 2020. He has scored 32 goals in just 92 appearances for his current club, which is an impressive return for someone who is still so young.

Wahi's performances haven't gone unnoticed across Europe and there is the possibility that he could look for a new challenge before the end of the current transfer window. His current Montpellier deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2025, and while that is still two years away, they will know that they could begin to earn less for him the closer the deal gets to running out.

West Ham are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer, and they have been linked with a move for Wahi recently, seeing him as a good option to come in and bolster the choices at David Moyes' disposal.

The Irons are thought to be closing in on the signature of Ajax superstar Mohammed Kudus, with personal terms reportedly agreed, and Wahi could be next up on the agenda going by this latest update.

West Ham boss David Moyes.

Will West Ham sign Elye Wahi?

According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg on Twitter X, West Ham are "stepping up" their interest in Wahi alongside Kudus, going into more detail in the report itself:

"Steidten is also driving the interest in Wahi, who scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season. The France Under-21 striker has interest from Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt and Paris Saint-Germain but West Ham are serious contenders for his signature. West Ham are set to hold initial talks with Montpellier, who are asking for £30m.

"Moyes wants a striker and West Ham had a £40m bid for Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke rejected last month. They retain an interest in Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun and Feyernoord’s Santiago Giménez is another on their list."

Wahi could be a great option for West Ham as a squad player this summer, coming in as someone who can gradually make more of an impression over time. At just 20 years of age, he is still raw as a footballer, but his aforementioned record for Montpellier shows that is capable of scoring goals regularly at a high level.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Granted, the step up to the Premier League is great, but football talent scout Jacek Kulig recently outlined how the French star is now the "5th most prolific U-21 in Ligue 1 history after Kylian Mbappe, Bernard Lacombe, Karim Benzema & Yannick Stopyra", also hailing the "truly incredible season" he had last time around.

That goes to show what a special talent Wahi is, and what a formidable footballer he could grow into over time, so West Ham snapping him up at this point in his career could prove to be a masterstroke. Whether they are able to beat others to his signature remains to be seen, but it certainly looks like they are pushing hard to get their man.

Celtic Set To Lose Unhappy Player Labelled "Brilliant" By Postecoglou

Celtic have an unhappy player on their hands who could be set to push for a departure before the end of the transfer window, according to reports.

What's the latest news concerning Celtic?

The Hoops are in the midst of an injury crisis at present and are said to be on the hunt for another defensive recruit after Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh were ruled out with various injury concerns for the next two months, as per The Daily Record.

Rodgers has confirmed his intention to add to his backline in his pre-match press conference before Celtic take on St Johnstone this weekend, stating: "We have to look at it, no doubt. It's an area we are light on and when you are losing three players for that length of time knowing the number of games we have and the importance of every game, it's something we have to look at. Especially at centre-back, it's a specialised position where the experience always helps."

Celtic have made six summer signings since Rodgers returned to Glasgow earlier this summer in the form of Marco Tilio, Odin Thaigo Holm, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yang Hyun-jun, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Nawrocki, as per Transfermarkt, though it seems as if they may look to add a few more bodies in the latter stages of the window.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has given an update on X detailing areas of the squad that Celtic may look to strengthen between now and the deadline, stating: "Celtic are likely to be busy before the end of the transfer window, with the club targeting a goalkeeper, left-back and left winger as priorities. They would also be keen to bolster their centre forward options."

According to The Daily Mail, Celtic have submitted a £3.5 million bid for Aris Thessaloniki winger Luis Palma as they continue to look for a replacement for now-departed Portuguese attacker Jota, who left the club to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad earlier this summer for £25 million.

Wage expenditure concerns have put the breaks on the Hoops' advances to try and acquire Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Daniel Podence and Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser, and they have now turned to Honduras international Palma, who has also been courted by arch-rivals Rangers.

Who could leave Celtic?

Palma's proposed arrival may lead several Celtic wingers to be pushed further down the pecking order at the Scottish champions, not least out-of-favour ace Sead Haksabanovic, who has flickered in and out of consistency at the club.

According to Football Insider, Haksabanovic is unhappy with his involvement at Celtic and is now pushing to quit the club before the transfer deadline next Friday.

Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic.

Several clubs around Europe are believed to be open to offering the Montenegro international an escape route from the Glasgow giants and he could quit in order to become a regular starter in a different environment.

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou labelled Haksabanovic as "brilliant" earlier this year, though he has struggled to make a lasting impact at Parkhead, registering five goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Finding himself down the pecking order under Rodgers, it may be time for both parties to shake hands and move on if a suitable destination is found for Haksabanovic.

Liverpool Reject £100m+ Deadline Day Bid For Key Player

Liverpool have rejected a "verbal bid worth more than £100m" from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah according to a report from David Ornstein.

What is the latest Mo Salah transfer news?

It's been an interesting summer for the Reds as they've had to deal with plenty of interest in their key players from the Saudi Pro League.

For instance, Fabinho was sold to Al-Ittihad for £40m earlier on in the window, while former club captain Jordan Henderson ended up reunited with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq after completing a transfer for around £12m.

Evidently not content with that, the powers in the Middle East have now gone after the jewel in Liverpool's crown. Indeed, earlier this month, Ben Jacobs reported on Twitter that Al-Ittihad want to hand Salah a three-year deal with the promise of making him "one of the best-paid players" in the world.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

In a further update on the station, Ornstein has now reported on his Twitter that a "verbal bid" has been launched on deadline day, although it was knocked back by the Reds.

In full, he said: "Liverpool reject verbal bid worth more than £100m + substantial add-ons from Saudi Pro League to sign Mohamed Salah for Al Ittihad. Proposal made on amicable call to Mike Gordon last night.

He added that Liverpool view the whole situation "as case closed", but the Saudi Pro League "do not".

In a report for The Athletic, he elaborated more on the offer, writing: "The proposal, worth in excess of £100million plus substantial add-ons worth up to £150m, was given no consideration and turned down immediately.

"It was an approach made on behalf of Al Ittihad during an amicable call to Liverpool director Mike Gordon on Thursday night.

"The Anfield club, however, reiterated the 31-year-old is not for sale and consider the case closed.

"That view is not shared by the Saudis, though, who are expected to maintain a strong interest."

What has Klopp said about Salah leaving?

Understandably, amid all the rumours, manager Jurgen Klopp was recently asked about what he felt about the idea of Salah leaving and it seems as though the club are pretty unified on where they all stand.

Indeed, he told the press: "If there is something coming up, well I don't think [there is], or I don't know, then I can think about that. But I said already, if there would be something [from Al-Ittihad] it would be a no."

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And then when asked if he felt Salah was still committed to Liverpool, Klopp insisted he was, saying: "100 per cent."

To be fair, the club have no great need to offload the player and are in a strong negotiating position as Salah signed a new contract in July 2022 that ties him to the club until 2025.

As per, The Guardian, he will make £350,000 a week while his pay packet also includes a number of performance-related clauses. With that in mind, the 31-year-old may be content to stick around at Anfield despite the promise of an even bigger contract awaiting him in Saudi.

Despite all this, though, it feels as though Al-Ittihad are more than willing to test Liverpool's resolve in the final hours of the summer market and it will certainly be interesting to see if anyone at Anfield cracks or if they hold firm.

Aston Villa: Emery has a Lenglet alternative in 18 y/o sensation

Aston Villa enjoyed a busy few months of business throughout the summer transfer window as they bolstered Unai Emery's playing squad with a number of new additions.

Who did Aston Villa sign this summer?

The headline signing for the Villans was the £51.9m capture of France international Moussa Diaby from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, which smashed the club's transfer record and showed the ambition of the side this season.

Emery also dipped back to his former club, Villarreal, to secure a £35m swoop to sign Spain international Pau Torres to improve his options at the heart of the defence.

Villa also bolstered their midfield with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City, who were relegated to the Championship, and Nicolo Zaniolo on a season-long loan from Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The Villans were then forced back into the market to sign another central defender as former captain Tyrone Mings suffered a horrible knee injury that is set to keep him out for a significant period of time.

Unai Emery

This led to Emery completing a deal to bring in French enforcer Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona as cover for the England international.

However, the Spanish boss could have saved the club millions in loan fees and wages for the ex-Spurs loanee by unleashing academy ace Josh Feeney as Mings' replacement.

Who is Josh Feeney?

The 18-year-old centre-back has been an impressive performer for the academy side in recent seasons and earned himself a call-up to the first-team squad for the recent Europa Conference League qualifiers against Hibernian, although he did not receive any minutes on the pitch in either leg.

Despite only turning 18 in May, the talented youngster has already racked up 43 U21 appearances for Villa as he made his breakthrough at the age of 16 during the 2021/22 campaign, in which he appeared in 16 Premier League 2 matches and scored twice.

Feeney almost bypassed U18 level entirely, with only seven outings in that age group, with this highlighting how highly rated he is within the club. Indeed, the youth coaches clearly believed that the 6 foot 3 titan was good enough to play with and against much older players on a regular basis.

The towering brute's performances have also been recognised by his country as the excellent prospect has been capped 13 times by England's U16, U17, and U18s combined.

He has also captained the U18 team on several occasions, which suggests that the Villa teen is able to offer the leadership qualities that Mings, who was the club's captain prior to John McGinn taking the armband, provided at the heart of the defence.

Feeney's former coach Phil Hulme once claimed that the central defender has the ability to "dominate" opposition players by winning the ball back off an attacker before driving forward to set his team up on the counter in possession, indicating that he is an aggressive player who wants to be on the front foot and would suit a forward-playing side.

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings.

His displays for the club in the EFL Trophy have further shown that he has the potential to be a superb first-team player.

The English prodigy made 3.5 tackles/interceptions and seven clearances per game across two appearances in the competition last season, whilst he also won 57% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

This came after Feeney averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 over two EFL Trophy matches during the 2021/22 campaign with five tackles/interceptions and 2.5 clearances per match alongside a duel success rate of 71%.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the teenager to be a solid operator for Emery if given the opportunity to shine in a senior environment, particularly when you compare them to Lenglet's at Tottenham.

How did Clement Lenglet perform last season?

The France international spent the season on loan with Spurs from Barcelona and struggled to deliver consistently impressive performances at the back.

He averaged a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.65 across 26 Premier League appearances and made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game for his side as a central defender.

That rating would have placed him 19th within the Villa squad last term and among their worst-performing players, illustrating how poorly he performed for then-Antonio Conte's side.

The 28-year-old, who won 54% of his ground duels, also allowed opposition players to go past him far too easily as he was dribbled past 0.7 times per match. To put that into context, Feeney was dribbled past just 0.5 times per outing across his two EFL Trophy seasons.

Therefore, the 18-year-old colossus could offer more to Emery than the Barcelona loanee if his academy form can be translated over to the first team. Indeed, his ability to consistently win possession back for his side and deliver a higher average performance level to go along with his superior strength in physical contests bodes extremely well.

Feeney's EFL Trophy form also stacks up well against Mings' Premier League displays last term.

The former Bournemouth star averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.91 and made 1.9 tackles and interceptions and 4.5 clearances per clash, whilst he also won 51% of his battles on the deck.

This suggests that the England U18 international, who has often been deployed as a left-sided centre-back in spite of being right-footed, could step up to be an excellent stand-in for his compatriot.

Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, and Pau Torres appear to be Emery's first choices for the central defensive positions as it stands, meaning that Mings' replacement is not needed as a regular first-team starter, so bringing an academy prospect up could have been an ideal solution.

Instead of spending money on Lenglet for a season, the head coach could have offered a chance to Feeney be around the senior group week-in-week-out, which could also have aided his development by learning from the likes of Torres and Carlos.

Therefore, the signing of the Barcelona flop could end up being a mistake by the club, particularly if he replicates the poor performances he showed during his time with Spurs.

Aston Villa transfer news: NSWE eyeing "incredible" £43m forward

Aston Villa are firmly in the running to sign a new attacking player in January, but they aren't the only club who are looking to bring him to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Aston Villa?

Over the summer, NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery brought five fresh faces to the club having completed the signings of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, Nicolo Zaniolo, Youri Tielemans and Clement Lenglet, but where there were incomings, there were also outgoings.

The Midlands side sanctioned the permanent sales of Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Marvelous Nakamba, Keinan Davis, Wesley and Ashley Young, whilst sending the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Morgan Sanson on loan, via Transfermarkt.

Even though the boss will be happy with his business, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is a player that he failed to get over the line after reigniting his interest despite the right-winger turning down the chance to join at the start of the year, as per the same outlet, though he’s not giving up his chase just yet.

The Spain international is someone who is highly-rated by members of the hierarchy, and with his contract expiring in less than a year, the next window will present his club with the perfect opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free.

Are Aston Villa signing Nico Williams?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are "in the picture" to secure the services of Williams in 2024, but they aren't alone in their pursuit with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Barcelona also named as interested parties.

Athletic Bilbao's attacker has a €50m (£43m) release clause included in his contract, and the fact that he's not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms has "encouraged" his potential suitors, who are all paying "close attention" to their target's situation.

Whilst Xavi's side have held talks with the player's agent, it's the top-flight trio that are showing "particular interest", so this could be one to watch in January.

Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.

How many goals has Nico Williams scored?

Since the start of his career, Williams has racked up 44 contributions (23 assists and 21 goals) in 116 appearances, and the “incredible” forward, as labelled by his brother Inaki Williams, has made a fantastic opening to the new season in La Liga, recording four assists in the same number of games, prior to today's game vs Cadiz.

The Pamplona native also ranks in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons, highlighting his desire to use his pace, dribble past his marker and create chances for his fellow teammates in the final third where he’s whipped 14 crosses into the box which is the second-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef, showing what a standout star he is.

Athletic’s 21-year-old is additionally a versatile operator with his ability to play out on the opposite right flank and even deeper in the midfield alongside his usual role, so should he be convinced to put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Emery and Aston Villa.

Player Profile: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling's early career is a story of determination, talent and rapid ascent.

Born on December 8, 1994, in Kingston, Jamaica, Sterling moved to London as a young boy and quickly caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional skills. He joined the youth academy of Queens Park Rangers before being signed by Liverpool's youth team in 2010 at the age of 15.

Sterling made his senior debut for Liverpool in March 2012, becoming the club's second-youngest player to appear in the Premier League. His speed, dribbling ability and versatility as a forward quickly earned him a prominent role in the team. In the 2013/2014 season, Sterling played a pivotal role as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. He scored 10 goals in the league and provided numerous assists, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.

In 2015, Sterling made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a then-British record transfer fee for a teenager. At City, he continued to thrive, winning numerous domestic titles. His performances earned him individual accolades, including the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 2019. He would then move to Chelsea in 2022.

During his early career, Raheem Sterling also made his mark on the international stage, representing England in various youth teams before becoming a key player for the senior national team. His early career set the stage for a remarkable journey in football, marked by records, milestones and a reputation as one of England's finest talents.

Raheem Sterling at Liverpool

Raheem Sterling's career at Liverpool was nothing short of remarkable, characterised by his explosive pace, technical prowess and exceptional versatility. The Jamaican-born winger, who moved to London as a young boy, joined Liverpool's youth academy in 2010 at the tender age of 15. It was the beginning of a journey that would see him rise through the ranks and become one of English football's brightest prospects.

Sterling's debut marked the start of a meteoric rise in his career. His electrifying performances on the field quickly caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. His pace and dribbling ability made him a constant threat to opposition defenders, and his football intelligence belied his age.

The 2013/2014 season was a breakthrough year for Sterling. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's exhilarating Premier League campaign under the management of Brendan Rodgers. The Reds came agonizingly close to winning the title, with Sterling playing an instrumental part. He contributed with 10 goals in all competitions, and his partnership with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, known as the "SAS," was particularly devastating for opposing teams.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's time at Liverpool came in April 2014 when he scored a crucial goal in a 3-2 victory over Manchester City, a game that had significant implications for the title race. His composure in front of goal belied his young age, and this goal remains etched in the memories of Liverpool fans.

Off the pitch, Sterling's maturity was equally impressive. He handled the pressures of playing for a top club and the scrutiny of the media with composure and professionalism. His commitment to his craft and continuous improvement endeared him to both the coaching staff and supporters.

In recognition of his stellar performances, Raheem Sterling was awarded the Golden Boy Award in 2014, which honours the best young player in Europe. This accolade further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game.

However, Sterling's time at Liverpool was not without its challenges. Contract negotiations with the club became a subject of intense speculation, and he eventually moved to Manchester City in a high-profile transfer in the summer of 2015. His departure left a void in the Liverpool squad, and his contributions were sorely missed by the Anfield faithful.

During his time at Liverpool, Sterling made a total of 129 appearances and scored 23 goals for the Reds. While the team fell just short of winning the Premier League title in 2013/2014, his impact on Liverpool's attacking play and his ability to create moments of magic on the pitch left an indelible mark on the club's recent history.

In hindsight, Sterling's time at Liverpool served as a stepping stone to greater success in his career. He continued to evolve as a player at Manchester City, winning numerous domestic titles and establishing himself as one of the top wingers in the world.

Raheem Sterling at Manchester City

Raheem Sterling's career at Manchester City was nothing short of extraordinary, characterised by his growth into one of the world's premier football talents. Sterling joined Manchester City in the summer of 2015 from Liverpool in a high-profile transfer worth around £44m, with £5m of add-ons, that signalled City's ambition and his own desire to compete at the highest level. Over the course of seven seasons, he became an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to their domestic successes.

Upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling quickly adapted to his new surroundings under the management of Manuel Pellegrini. His transition from Liverpool to Manchester City was remarkably smooth, as he showcased his versatility, blistering pace and dribbling skills. Sterling's ability to operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder made him a valuable asset for the team.

In his debut season with City, Sterling displayed his potential, scoring 11 goals in all competitions and contributing to the club's League Cup triumph. However, it was under the management of Pep Guardiola, who took charge in the 2016/2017 season, that Sterling truly blossomed.

Under Guardiola's guidance, Sterling's game evolved to new heights. He became more tactically astute, developing his off-the-ball movement and decision-making. This transformation resulted in a dramatic increase in his goal-scoring and assist statistics. The 2017/2018 season marked a turning point in Sterling's career, as he netted 23 goals in all competitions, making him City's top scorer that season.

His partnership with fellow attackers like Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne was a key factor in City's Premier League dominance. In the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, City secured back-to-back Premier League titles with Sterling playing a pivotal role. His combination of speed, skill and intelligence in the final third made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim

Sterling's contribution to Manchester City's historic 2018/2019 campaign cannot be overstated. The team secured an unprecedented domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. The winger played a central role, scoring crucial goals and providing vital assists throughout the season. He ended the season with 25 goals in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top talents.

In the 2019/2020 season, Sterling continued his impressive form, helping Manchester City secure another League Cup and finish second in the Premier League. He also played a key role in City's run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him an invaluable asset for the club. He ended that season with the best goal return of his career to date – 31 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions.

One of the standout moments of Sterling's career at Manchester City came during the 2019 FA Cup final against Watford. He scored a scintillating hat-trick, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in an FA Cup final since 1953, although one of his goals would be later attributed to Gabriel Jesus.

Off the pitch, Sterling's influence extended beyond football. He used his platform to address important social issues, such as racism and inequality in the sport, becoming an advocate for change. His courage in speaking out against discrimination earned him widespread respect and admiration.

After scoring 17 goals in the 2021/2022 season, it was decided by Manchester City that they would finally cash in on Sterling's talents, with Chelsea being his next destination. The winger ended his City career with 131 goals in 339 first-team appearances, putting him in the top ten highest scorers in Manchester City history.

Sterling's Honours at Manchester City

Title

Year(s)

Premier League (4)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

FA Cup (1)

2018/2019

EFL Cup (5)

2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

FA Community Shield (1)

2019

Raheem Sterling at Chelsea

In July 2022, it was confirmed that Sterling had completed a £50m move to Chelsea, signalling his return to London for the first time since leaving QPR's academy for Liverpool as a young teenager.

His debut season with the Blues, though, was largely disappointing. The winger only managed nine goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, and Chelsea ultimately finished 12th in the Premier League.

Raheem Sterling with England

Raheem Sterling's career with the England national team has been marked by his emergence as one of the squad's most influential and dynamic players. Since making his senior debut in 2012, Sterling has played an essential role in England's international campaigns, showcasing his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability on the grandest stages of football.

Sterling's journey with the England national team began when he earned his first senior cap at the age of 17 in a friendly match against Sweden in November 2012.

But one of the most significant milestones in Sterling's international career came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He became the youngest player to represent England in a World Cup when he featured in the tournament. His performances in Brazil were promising, and it was clear that he had a bright future on the international stage.

Sterling's consistent improvement and maturity as a player were evident as he became a regular starter for England under various managers. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple attacking positions, and his partnership with fellow forwards, such as Harry Kane, became a key component of England's attack.

The UEFA European Championship (Euros) has been a significant stage for Sterling. He played a crucial role in England's run to the final of Euro 2020, scoring several crucial goals during the tournament. His performance in the competition earned him widespread praise and established him as one of England's leaders on the pitch.

To date, he has earned over 80 caps and scored 20 goals for the England national team.

Raheem Sterling's Personal Accolades & Records

Raheem Sterling's illustrious career has been studded with numerous personal records and awards, underscoring his status as one of the most accomplished footballers of his generation. Some of his notable achievements include winning the Golden Boy Award in 2014, and recognising him as the best young player in Europe. Sterling's prolific goal-scoring ability, particularly for a winger, has been a standout feature of his career. He has consistently recorded double-digit goal tallies in domestic and international competitions, earning him recognition as one of the Premier League's top scorers.

During his time with Manchester City, Sterling clinched several Premier League Player of the Month awards, reflecting his consistent excellence in the league. His performances played a pivotal role in City's back-to-back Premier League title wins in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.

Internationally, Sterling's achievements include representing England in multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. His standout moments in these competitions have included crucial goals and assists, contributing significantly to England's success.

Sterling's Personal Honours

Award

Year(s)

Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2)

2013/2014, 2014/2015

Golden Boy (1)

2014

UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season (2)

2018/2019, 2019/2020

PFA Premier League Team of the Year (1)

2018/2019

PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year (1)

2018/2019

UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (1)

2020

Sky Sports share new Man United injury update on Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United are experiencing plenty of injury problems at the moment, and a new update has emerged regarding Lisandro Martinez.

Is Lisandro Martinez injured?

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last season, making it into the Champions League, as Erik ten Hag did an impressive job as manager. Much was expected going into the current campaign, especially with the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund all added to the squad, but things haven't gone to plan to date.

On Saturday afternoon, United suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace, meaning they have lost four of their opening seven matches in the league in 2023/24 to date – their worst start in the league for 34 years. With each passing week, more question marks are being raised against Ten Hag and the job he is doing, with improvements needed as soon as possible.

In fairness to the manager, however, the Reds have been unfortunate with injuries so far this season, with the likes of Martinez, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all out for chunks of action, among others. The former could be out for a significant period after suffering a foot injury, with a potential two or three-month absence mooted in recent reports. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the Argentine's fitness.

Lisandro Martinez

What's the latest on Lisandro Martinez's injury?

According to Sky Sports, Martinez could now need additional surgery after aggravating the issue, having already undergone it once this year, following an absence during the latter stages of last season:

"Lisandro Martinez may need further surgery to finally get over his debilitating foot injury The Manchester United and Argentina centre-back has aggravated a metatarsal problem, after needing surgery on the bone in April.

"The club said he played with the injury in the defeats against Brighton and Bayern Munich after the setback occurred in the loss at Arsenal on September 3. United medical staff are still assessing how best for him to recover and discussing whether a second operation might be the best course of action. It means Martinez could be out until December, in the latest injury setback for the club."

Martinez has been such an impressive signing by United since joining from Ajax last summer, becoming a real leader at the heart of the defence, and playing a key role in last season's aforementioned third-place finish, being called "outstanding" by Wes Brown.

That being said, the 25-year-old was still restricted to only 24 Premier League starts due to fitness issues, and his second year in a Reds shirt feels as though it could be even more hampered. Ten Hag will be ruing the loss of arguably his most reliable centre-back, especially considering Raphael Varane is an injury-prone player, and surgery could mean that Martinez doesn't feature again this year.

The likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are really going to have to stand tall, as will the re-signed Jonny Evans, or United could easily find themselves languishing even further behind some of their rivals in the top-four battle.

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