Friday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 29 Nov 2024, 11:12
BBC
Liverpool and Egypt winger Mohamed Salah, 32, is the Saudi Pro League's "dream" signing next season. (Mail - subscription required), external
Manchester United are lining up a £50m move to rival Chelsea for Benfica's Portugal central defender Tomas Araujo, 22, in January. (Sun), external
Crystal Palace's 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi is keen on re-joining Chelsea, while Newcastle are also still interested in the centre-back. (Teamtalk), external
Arsenal's pursuit of a new striker has taken a hit with Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 26, keen on following former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United. (Football.London), external
The Gunners have as many as six attackers on their list of transfer targets, including Newcastle United's Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25. (Caught Offside), external
Manchester City and Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to buy Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 26, and Italy midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, 23, by Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has denied Christopher Nkunku is up for sale, despite the 27-year-old France forward's limited playing time. (Times - subscription required), external
Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, 30, will be allowed to leave Newcastle in January. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester City are also tracking Borussia Monchengladbach's 22-year-old German midfielder Rocco Reitz over a potential move in January. (GiveMeSport), external
West Ham have approached Napoli over a January deal for 29-year-old Argentina forward Giovanni Simeone. The Hammers are also considering a move for Brighton and Republic of Ireland forward Evan Ferguson, 20. (FootballTransfers), external
Napoli have asked Arsenal about the availability of 24-year-old Poland defender Jakub Kiwior on loan in January. (Gianluca di Marzio, via Metro)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Mohamed Salah is a "dream" signing for Saudi Pro League clubs next summer and his transfer fee could eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo's if he joins, according to reports.
Fans from both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Everton will all put aside their rivalries and join forces this weekend to protest against rising ticket prices.
THE SUN
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho rolled back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico exhibition match.
Ruben Amorim is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence. The new United boss wants Benfica's rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50m deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.
DAILY MAIL
An astonishing bid by Wladimir Klitschko to come out of retirement to challenge Daniel Dubois for his world heavyweight title has been rebuffed.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
The senior leadership of the Rugby Football Union could face a vote of no confidence over the bonus payments controversy following a revolt by the governing body's council members and widespread anger from employees and players.
England have banned players from appearing in the Pakistan Super League and other franchise leagues that clash with the domestic summer, even while an exception continues to be made for the Indian Premier League.
The Marylebone Cricket Club has placed recently-appointed director of cricket and operations Rob Lynch in temporary charge of the club after a hold-up in its search for a new chief executive.
THE GUARDIAN
Farhad Moshiri has agreed to convert his £451m loan to Everton into shares if the club has not been sold by the time new Premier League regulations on shareholder loans come into force.
Reece James is not expected to play before the end of December after a scan revealed the extent of the Chelsea right-back's latest hamstring injury.
The recently sacked FIA race steward Tim Mayer has delivered a stinging rebuke to Formula 1's governing body and the management of its president Mohammed ben Sulayem, with the FIA once again left reeling in the face of very public criticism.
THE TIMES
Newcastle Falcons have been put up for sale. Semore Kurdi, the chairman since 2011, is looking to sell "majority or outright interest" in the club and the 30-acre Kingston Park stadium site.
THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United have been branded "offensive" for hiking ticket prices while the season is underway and using financial regulations as an excuse.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Scottish football bosses are set to pay tribute to Davie Cooper on the day the national team face Greece.
DAILY RECORD
Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces the sack at Besiktas after his nightmare season continued with a shock 3-1 to defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Athletic
West Ham hoping for Niclas Fullkrug return in ‘next two or three matches’
By Roshane Thomas
West Ham United forward Niclas Fullkrug is nearing a return to full fitness having been sidelined since September with an Achilles tendon injury.
The £27million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund sustained the injury while on international duty with Germany. The 31-year-old has only played 63 minutes in the Premier League. He last featured as a second-half substitute against Manchester City in August.
But head coach Julen Lopetegui is optimistic about his impending return.
“I hope he is in the last part of his recovery,” Lopetegui said in his press conference on Thursday afternoon. “Let’s see if he’ll be ready in the next two or three matches. I don’t know exactly but he feels better. Now he has to prove his fitness because he’s not easy being out for three months. We’re going to help him. I don’t want to give a timeframe but he’s closer.”
Michail Antonio has deputised in Fullkrug’s absence. The Jamaica international has registered one goal across 13 appearances. Lopetegui initially thought Fullkrug would be sidelined for two weeks, but the forward suffered a setback with his injury.
Fullkrug’s due diligence before joining from last season’s Champions League runners-up involved canvassing the opinions of former West Ham players Sebastien Haller, who was a team-mate at Dortmund last season, and Thilo Kehrer, a fellow German international.
Although Fullkrug is unavailable for Saturday’s home game against Arsenal, Lopetegui wants his players to replicate a similar performance to Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle.
“We did well but that is in the past,” he said. “Now, we look at Arsenal. We are looking to keep the good things, but always there are things to improve. We have to be ready for a big challenge against a top team with a good coach and players.”
The Athletic
West Ham Transfer DealSheet: What to expect in 2025
By Roshane Thomas
For 2025, West Ham United want to prioritise the summer window so they can be in a position to mount a serious challenge for European qualification next season.
The club are unlikely to achieve that target this season, given their underwhelming start to the campaign. Head coach Julen Lopetegui masterminded a much-needed 2-0 away win over Newcastle United on Monday. But West Ham have endured more losses (five) than wins (four) in the league.
In the summer there was renewed optimism about what could be achieved, following an expenditure of £130million ($164.6m) on nine players. But expectations have cooled — Guido Rodriguez and Luis Guilherme are still adjusting to the league, while Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since September with an Achilles tendon injury.
Internally, the club have conceded they are unlikely to spend in January. Potential arrivals are contingent on fringe players departing. But The Athletic can reveal the positions West Ham are keen to strengthen next year, potential targets and more.
What positions will they be looking at in 2025?
Despite the £27million summer arrival of Niclas Fullkrug, West Ham remain in the market for a forward. Fullkrug’s last appearance was the defeat to Manchester City in August. A return date for the 31-year-old remains unclear.
He is one of three forward options alongside Michail Antonio and Danny Ings. Their combined age is 97 — necessitating an addition.
Are there any players they are already looking at?
Tim Steidten, the technical director, has been scouting prospects in Ligue 1. Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki is among the targets viewed favourably. Cherki has been on West Ham’s radar since December 2023. The 21-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2026. This season he has scored three goals and registered three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.
It is not the first time Steidten has been keen to recruit talent from Ligue 1. Jean-Clair Todibo joined from Nice on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy in August. As mentioned previously, in the summer of 2023 Steidten favoured signing Youssouf Fofana from Monaco. The midfielder has since joined AC Milan, but the board backed former manager David Moyes’ push for James Ward-Prowse.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Ward-Prowse, Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma and Maxwel Cornet are available for sale. The quartet are on season-long loans at Nottingham Forest, Real Sociedad, Al-Orobah and Southampton respectively. Vladimir Coufal could depart in January if both parties fail to reach an agreement over a contract extension. The right-back is in the final year of his deal, which does not have a one-year option.
West Ham are adamant Lucas Paqueta is not for sale. The Brazil international remains under investigation by the Football Association having been charged with alleged betting breaches. Paqueta denies the charge. In the summer, boyhood club Flamengo had a bid rejected for the midfielder.
Star player Mohammed Kudus remains a sought-after talent. The attacker has an £85million release clause — applicable to other Premier League clubs — which expired on July 10 and will not be active again until the end of 2024-25. Kudus’s representatives received enquiries about his availability last summer, but no formal offers were made.
Steidten and Lopetegui convinced Andy Irving to stay, despite the midfielder having interest from Celtic, St Pauli and Sturm Graz in the week leading up to deadline day. But this season he has only played 36 minutes in the league. His future will be reviewed in the summer.
Which players’ contracts are expiring?
Ings, 32, Antonio, 34, Coufal, 32, Lukasz Fabianski, 39 and Aaron Cresswell, 34. A one-year option in Fabianski’s contract can be exercised, but Cresswell, Ings and Antonio are expected to leave.
Cresswell joined from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2014. The left-back has made more than 350 appearances in his 10-year spell at West Ham but is not expected to receive a testimonial. Ings joined for £12million in January 2023 from Aston Villa, but has struggled with regular game time.
In the summer, the club rejected a £500,000 from Brazilian side Gremio for Antonio. The Jamaica international is West Ham’s all-time Premier League goalscorer (68). European clubs have enquired about Coufal’s availability but West Ham hope to engage in contract talks in the coming weeks.
Who will make the key decisions over the two windows?
Mainly Steidten and majority shareholder David Sullivan. Lopetegui pushed for the signings of Maximilian Kilman, Rodriguez and Carlos Soler. But it was Steidten who identified and signed Fullkrug, Todibo and Luis Guilherme, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Crysencio Summerville were previously on West Ham’s radar.
The recruitment team primarily includes Steidten, his brother and head of international scouting Moritz, head of technical scouting and analysis Maximilian Hahn, sporting director Mark Noble, European scout Georges Santos, first team scout Adam Clarke and first team recruitment analyst Dylan Curnell.
Liverpool and Egypt winger Mohamed Salah, 32, is the Saudi Pro League's "dream" signing next season. (Mail - subscription required), external
Manchester United are lining up a £50m move to rival Chelsea for Benfica's Portugal central defender Tomas Araujo, 22, in January. (Sun), external
Crystal Palace's 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi is keen on re-joining Chelsea, while Newcastle are also still interested in the centre-back. (Teamtalk), external
Arsenal's pursuit of a new striker has taken a hit with Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 26, keen on following former Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United. (Football.London), external
The Gunners have as many as six attackers on their list of transfer targets, including Newcastle United's Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25. (Caught Offside), external
Manchester City and Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to buy Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 26, and Italy midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, 23, by Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has denied Christopher Nkunku is up for sale, despite the 27-year-old France forward's limited playing time. (Times - subscription required), external
Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, 30, will be allowed to leave Newcastle in January. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester City are also tracking Borussia Monchengladbach's 22-year-old German midfielder Rocco Reitz over a potential move in January. (GiveMeSport), external
West Ham have approached Napoli over a January deal for 29-year-old Argentina forward Giovanni Simeone. The Hammers are also considering a move for Brighton and Republic of Ireland forward Evan Ferguson, 20. (FootballTransfers), external
Napoli have asked Arsenal about the availability of 24-year-old Poland defender Jakub Kiwior on loan in January. (Gianluca di Marzio, via Metro)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Mohamed Salah is a "dream" signing for Saudi Pro League clubs next summer and his transfer fee could eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo's if he joins, according to reports.
Fans from both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Everton will all put aside their rivalries and join forces this weekend to protest against rising ticket prices.
THE SUN
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho rolled back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico exhibition match.
Ruben Amorim is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence. The new United boss wants Benfica's rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50m deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.
DAILY MAIL
An astonishing bid by Wladimir Klitschko to come out of retirement to challenge Daniel Dubois for his world heavyweight title has been rebuffed.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
The senior leadership of the Rugby Football Union could face a vote of no confidence over the bonus payments controversy following a revolt by the governing body's council members and widespread anger from employees and players.
England have banned players from appearing in the Pakistan Super League and other franchise leagues that clash with the domestic summer, even while an exception continues to be made for the Indian Premier League.
The Marylebone Cricket Club has placed recently-appointed director of cricket and operations Rob Lynch in temporary charge of the club after a hold-up in its search for a new chief executive.
THE GUARDIAN
Farhad Moshiri has agreed to convert his £451m loan to Everton into shares if the club has not been sold by the time new Premier League regulations on shareholder loans come into force.
Reece James is not expected to play before the end of December after a scan revealed the extent of the Chelsea right-back's latest hamstring injury.
The recently sacked FIA race steward Tim Mayer has delivered a stinging rebuke to Formula 1's governing body and the management of its president Mohammed ben Sulayem, with the FIA once again left reeling in the face of very public criticism.
THE TIMES
Newcastle Falcons have been put up for sale. Semore Kurdi, the chairman since 2011, is looking to sell "majority or outright interest" in the club and the 30-acre Kingston Park stadium site.
THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United have been branded "offensive" for hiking ticket prices while the season is underway and using financial regulations as an excuse.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Scottish football bosses are set to pay tribute to Davie Cooper on the day the national team face Greece.
DAILY RECORD
Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces the sack at Besiktas after his nightmare season continued with a shock 3-1 to defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Athletic
West Ham hoping for Niclas Fullkrug return in ‘next two or three matches’
By Roshane Thomas
West Ham United forward Niclas Fullkrug is nearing a return to full fitness having been sidelined since September with an Achilles tendon injury.
The £27million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund sustained the injury while on international duty with Germany. The 31-year-old has only played 63 minutes in the Premier League. He last featured as a second-half substitute against Manchester City in August.
But head coach Julen Lopetegui is optimistic about his impending return.
“I hope he is in the last part of his recovery,” Lopetegui said in his press conference on Thursday afternoon. “Let’s see if he’ll be ready in the next two or three matches. I don’t know exactly but he feels better. Now he has to prove his fitness because he’s not easy being out for three months. We’re going to help him. I don’t want to give a timeframe but he’s closer.”
Michail Antonio has deputised in Fullkrug’s absence. The Jamaica international has registered one goal across 13 appearances. Lopetegui initially thought Fullkrug would be sidelined for two weeks, but the forward suffered a setback with his injury.
Fullkrug’s due diligence before joining from last season’s Champions League runners-up involved canvassing the opinions of former West Ham players Sebastien Haller, who was a team-mate at Dortmund last season, and Thilo Kehrer, a fellow German international.
Although Fullkrug is unavailable for Saturday’s home game against Arsenal, Lopetegui wants his players to replicate a similar performance to Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle.
“We did well but that is in the past,” he said. “Now, we look at Arsenal. We are looking to keep the good things, but always there are things to improve. We have to be ready for a big challenge against a top team with a good coach and players.”
The Athletic
West Ham Transfer DealSheet: What to expect in 2025
By Roshane Thomas
For 2025, West Ham United want to prioritise the summer window so they can be in a position to mount a serious challenge for European qualification next season.
The club are unlikely to achieve that target this season, given their underwhelming start to the campaign. Head coach Julen Lopetegui masterminded a much-needed 2-0 away win over Newcastle United on Monday. But West Ham have endured more losses (five) than wins (four) in the league.
In the summer there was renewed optimism about what could be achieved, following an expenditure of £130million ($164.6m) on nine players. But expectations have cooled — Guido Rodriguez and Luis Guilherme are still adjusting to the league, while Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since September with an Achilles tendon injury.
Internally, the club have conceded they are unlikely to spend in January. Potential arrivals are contingent on fringe players departing. But The Athletic can reveal the positions West Ham are keen to strengthen next year, potential targets and more.
What positions will they be looking at in 2025?
Despite the £27million summer arrival of Niclas Fullkrug, West Ham remain in the market for a forward. Fullkrug’s last appearance was the defeat to Manchester City in August. A return date for the 31-year-old remains unclear.
He is one of three forward options alongside Michail Antonio and Danny Ings. Their combined age is 97 — necessitating an addition.
Are there any players they are already looking at?
Tim Steidten, the technical director, has been scouting prospects in Ligue 1. Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki is among the targets viewed favourably. Cherki has been on West Ham’s radar since December 2023. The 21-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2026. This season he has scored three goals and registered three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.
It is not the first time Steidten has been keen to recruit talent from Ligue 1. Jean-Clair Todibo joined from Nice on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy in August. As mentioned previously, in the summer of 2023 Steidten favoured signing Youssouf Fofana from Monaco. The midfielder has since joined AC Milan, but the board backed former manager David Moyes’ push for James Ward-Prowse.
Who will they be looking to sell?
Ward-Prowse, Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma and Maxwel Cornet are available for sale. The quartet are on season-long loans at Nottingham Forest, Real Sociedad, Al-Orobah and Southampton respectively. Vladimir Coufal could depart in January if both parties fail to reach an agreement over a contract extension. The right-back is in the final year of his deal, which does not have a one-year option.
West Ham are adamant Lucas Paqueta is not for sale. The Brazil international remains under investigation by the Football Association having been charged with alleged betting breaches. Paqueta denies the charge. In the summer, boyhood club Flamengo had a bid rejected for the midfielder.
Star player Mohammed Kudus remains a sought-after talent. The attacker has an £85million release clause — applicable to other Premier League clubs — which expired on July 10 and will not be active again until the end of 2024-25. Kudus’s representatives received enquiries about his availability last summer, but no formal offers were made.
Steidten and Lopetegui convinced Andy Irving to stay, despite the midfielder having interest from Celtic, St Pauli and Sturm Graz in the week leading up to deadline day. But this season he has only played 36 minutes in the league. His future will be reviewed in the summer.
Which players’ contracts are expiring?
Ings, 32, Antonio, 34, Coufal, 32, Lukasz Fabianski, 39 and Aaron Cresswell, 34. A one-year option in Fabianski’s contract can be exercised, but Cresswell, Ings and Antonio are expected to leave.
Cresswell joined from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2014. The left-back has made more than 350 appearances in his 10-year spell at West Ham but is not expected to receive a testimonial. Ings joined for £12million in January 2023 from Aston Villa, but has struggled with regular game time.
In the summer, the club rejected a £500,000 from Brazilian side Gremio for Antonio. The Jamaica international is West Ham’s all-time Premier League goalscorer (68). European clubs have enquired about Coufal’s availability but West Ham hope to engage in contract talks in the coming weeks.
Who will make the key decisions over the two windows?
Mainly Steidten and majority shareholder David Sullivan. Lopetegui pushed for the signings of Maximilian Kilman, Rodriguez and Carlos Soler. But it was Steidten who identified and signed Fullkrug, Todibo and Luis Guilherme, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Crysencio Summerville were previously on West Ham’s radar.
The recruitment team primarily includes Steidten, his brother and head of international scouting Moritz, head of technical scouting and analysis Maximilian Hahn, sporting director Mark Noble, European scout Georges Santos, first team scout Adam Clarke and first team recruitment analyst Dylan Curnell.